Madam Pomfrey had gotten Harry's attention briefly when she explained that he had been infected with a nullification potion but after drinking down the antidote Harry immediately went back to staring at Hermione.
"Harry stop," Madam Pomfrey said gently when she deduced what he was going to attempt, "even I can see the extent of the damage. No legimency can restore her now, she's already gone."
"You don't know the situation, leave us," Harry said shortly as he stared into Hermione's eyes with intensity.
"Harry this is dangerous I won't let you risk your life for nothing," Madam Pomfrey insisted, now with her wand out.
"Back off," a voice came from across the room. Ronald Weasley might be lying unconscious in his bed but Luna knew what she had to do. She might not know what was going on exactly but she knew that after today's revelations no one would interfere with Harry or Hermione if she had anything to say about it.
"Miss Lovegood!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed with shock. "You can't be serious."
"Listen to her Poppy," Dumbledore's voice intoned from the doorway.
"Headmaster?" Madam Pomfrey said, now utterly confused. "What he's trying to do can't be done. He'll kill himself."
"Not if there is a soul bond in play here," Dumbledore said. It all made sense to him now. Hermione knowing where to find Harry, the extent of their relationship, Harry's dogged determination to save Hermione's physical form. Hermione's mind must have retreated into Harry's body across their bond when threatened with annihilation.
"A soul bond? But how?" Madam Pomfrey replied.
"I knew they were strong," McGonagall said from the doorway. The other professors had finally caught up. "I had no idea that they were that strong."
"Or that in love," Snape added dryly. McGonagall sent a surprised glance in Snape's direction that he would have so much information on the rare soul bond.
"I get the sudden feeling that Mr. Potter and Miss Granger have far more fingers in the stew, so to speak, than any of us yet realize," Dumbledore said cryptically. No one bothered to ask what he meant.
As if to bolster Dumbledore's speculation Dobby, Ginny, and Neville appeared in the doorway. Ginny and Neville whispered urgently with Luna for several moments before all three of them left. Dobby approached the collection of adults with a determined nervous look on his face.
"All of you must be leaving now," Dobby said strongly, "Harry Potter says he must be alone and quiet, he tells Dobby to make you all leave him alone."
"We need to monitor him," Madam Pomfrey replied soothingly.
"Dobby must insist," Dobby replied hotly.
"Yes of course Dobby, we will wait outside, but Poppy needs to stay to care for Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore said in an attempt to compromise. Dumbledore led the other three professors out of the hospital wing. "Minerva would you please contact Mr. and Mrs. Granger. They need to be informed at the very least and if they desire to come here, as I suspect they will, then they must be brought here as soon as possible. The Weasleys should also be notified if they haven't already."
Nearby inside the room Harry sent a gentle tendril of his own consciousness into the burnt out core of Hermione's mind. The damage was extensive, large portions of her memories were gone and the regions of her mind that normally housed her essence was completely destroyed.
"I remember your mind, but it is a rough template at best. I need your help Hermione if I am to fill in the gaps," Harry said.
"I don't know how much I can do right now," Hermione's weak reply echoed, "I feel like I've been torn into a dozen tiny pieces and then slapped back together randomly.'
"Just watch as closely as you can and tell me if I do something wrong," Harry said. With great care Harry began channeling his own reserves of magical energy into Hermione's mind. The process was tedious and exhausting but Harry persevered with a calm determination. He knew that if he were to go to fast he could do more damage and he would risk physical collapse before he could finish the healing.
First Harry tried to remove the dark cancer like elements that Voldemort had left behind during his intrusion. Then once an area was sufficiently purified he used the template of Hermione's mind, along with her guidance, to recreate the elements of her mind that were gone. It was a bit like rebuilding a house exactly as it was before after it had been burned down.
Erwin and Sarah Granger hurried along the hallways of the massive castle behind the surprisingly quick Professor McGonagall. They clutched their borrowed cloaks over their muggle clothing and avoided the stares of the students they met along the way. In any other circumstances they would have undoubtedly been amazed at the wondrous sights that Hogwarts had to offer and would have taken the time to enjoy their trip. Unfortunately such pleasures were utterly foreign to their minds ever since they had been informed that their only daughter had been critically injured during a battle and that it was still an open question as to if she would even survive.
When they reached the hospital wing they encountered a small knot of people standing about including Dumbledore. The old wizard looked more worn and forlorn than they remembered the last time they had seen him when he had placed magical defenses on their home. In addition to a couple of other adults, one of which appeared to be the school's nurse, there was also a blonde haired girl and a strange little creature that looked like what Hermione had once described to be a house elf. They also recognized Mrs. Weasley from their encounters in Diagon Alley.
"Where is Hermione? Is she going to be ok?" Mrs. Granger demanded shakily as soon as they were within hearing.
"She is currently behind those doors. We know nothing about her condition beyond what Minerva has already informed you." Dumbledore said in a pacifying voice.
"We want to see her," Mr. Granger said. Clearly neither distraught parent was pacified in the least.
"No one is disturbing Harry Potter or Miss," the little creature interrupted. "Harry Potter told Dobby he must not be disturbed and Dobby is not allowing it."
"Harry is with her?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"Yes, Harry is doing everything he can to heal your daughter, though it remains to be seen how much success he will have. I won't deceive you. Hermione is beyond anything that we can do for her. I believe that Harry may have a chance though." Dumbledore explained.
"What can another student possibly do?" Mr. Granger asked harshly.
"Harry Potter is a great and powerful wizard sir," Dobby said indignantly. "He defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, he freed Dobby, if it can be done then he will be doing it."
"Why can't we see her?" Mrs. Granger broke in again, nearly sobbing. "We just want to be with her."
"I believe that Harry told Dobby that he would be taking a break every twenty three hours," Dumbledore said diplomatically, "Perhaps it would be possible for us to all visit then."
"Harry Potter isn't saying this is unacceptable," Dobby said uncertainly. "You is still have to be waiting three more hours though."
"Please, we just want to be with our little girl," Mrs. Granger said thankfully.
The little elf eyed them suspiciously and went over to the blonde haired girl. They whispered together for a few moments before she took her leave. Dumbledore and McGonagall were also whispering together, casting glances toward the elf every so often. Whatever Dumbledore was saying apparently didn't agree with McGonagall because the elderly witch was shaking her head roughly every little bit. A few minutes later the Grangers noticed a new, yet somewhat familiar girl with flaming red hair showed up and started whispering with the elf.
After what seemed an eternity the little elf allowed them all to enter into the hospital wing. The Grangers had no idea what to expect but they were still surprised by what they saw. They knew what a hospital was like and hard some vague idea that Hermione would be resting comfortably in bed while various treatments were being administered. Instead Hermione and Harry were sitting in two plush chairs situated across from each other. Both teens were slumped as if they had collapsed out of sheer exhaustion and not at all resting comfortably. Hermione looked especially worn out and listless. There was something very wrong with her that they couldn't quite describe but that anyone could see just by looking.
"Harry, have you made progress?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry didn't respond for a moment. Everyone stood there looking confused and worried. Mrs. Weasley seemed torn between going to the less injured Ron or staying close to Harry and Hermione. Slowly his head turned and his mouth moved like he was trying to figure out how to form words again.
"Harry is too tired," Harry said. The Grangers just goggled at him in confusion but Dumbledore looked like he grasped what was happening. "This is Hermione."
The Grangers looked around wildly in alarm, Mrs. Weasley in shock. Dumbledore broke in to explain. "Minerva told you that a soul bond has formed between your daughter and Harry. When Voldemort attacked her she fled across their link into Harry's mind. Harry is, for lack of a better term, asleep, and this has allowed Hermione to take control."
"Not…quite," Hermione breathed raggedly through Harry's mouth. "My essence was damaged…disembodied like this it is difficult to remain…myself. Harry has subordinated himself to preserve me."
Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked bewildered about what their proper response to this situation should be. They didn't get long to decide though before Hermione spoke again.
"You've got to make Harry stop," she wheezed. "He is risking his own death…tell him to stop being selfish. He has…to…let me…go."
Mrs. Granger's eyes widened in horror. "I will not tell him to let you die…"
Hermione broke into her mother's tirade before it got started. "He must or I'll die anyway, along with everyone else. Only Harry can defeat Voldemort and if he continues he will fulfill enough of the prophecy to allow him to die."
"I can explain," Dumbledore interjected once again. Hermione was having trouble breathing, let alone talking. "There is a prophecy that stipulates that Harry or Voldemort must die by the other's hand. Hermione clearly fears that if Harry tries to save her from something Voldemort has done it will be enough to fulfill the prophecy and allow Harry to die at Voldemort's hand, even if indirectly."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Mrs. Granger asked pleadingly.
"Couldn't risk it," Hermione gasped, "Voldemort could have captured you…taken the knowledge from your minds."
"Then why tell us now?" Mr. Granger asked.
"I'm afraid that would be my fault," Dumbledore said sadly. "I made a pact with the Ministry in part by informing the Minister of Magic about the prophecy. I took steps to make sure that he could never reveal the prophecy to another person but apparently he found a way around it. Voldemort now knows the prophecy due to that leak so there's no point in hiding it anymore."
"I cannot stay any longer," Hermione groaned, "My strength is gone, even with Harry suppressing himself."
The group watched as Harry's head sagged briefly before coming back up again with a more robust demeanor.
"Don't worry," Harry said in a stronger voice, "Together we will restore Hermione to the way she was before."
"What about the prophecy?" Dumbledore asked.
"Hermione and I have argued about it or hours now. What I am doing cannot fulfill the prophecy. It says that one must die by the other's hand, in other words by an intentional action of the other. Voldemort did not intend to do anything beyond kill Hermione so this situation does not qualify. So you see, I'm not being entirely selfish and I didn't break my promise." Harry added the last part as if talking to someone else, presumably Hermione, since it made no sense to any one else there.
"What if you're wrong though?" Dumbledore pressed. Prophecies had a way of being unclear until after they were fulfilled.
"I'm not wrong," Harry said sharply. "Dobby, food, liquid only."
"Yes Harry Potter sir, just as you asked," Dobby said. He made several bottles filled with a pink looking substance appear from no where. Harry drank them greedily before dismissing them all so he could continue.
"Please, we want to be with her," Mrs. Granger begged.
"Very well, you can stay, but if you make a sound you're risking her life. I have to have total concentration. No matter what you see you cannot interfere," Harry warned.
The Grangers and Dumbledore stayed for a while but they soon left of their own accord. It was too unsettling to watch them stare into each others eyes, bodies limp, as if that intangible connection were the only thing keeping them upright in their seats. Every once in a while one of them would twitch or thrash about slightly like they were struggling against some shadowy force.
They noticed that there was always at least one student near the hospital wing and of course the elf never strayed an inch from his appointed post. Mrs. Weasley had Ron removed from the hospital wing so she could be with him more easily without disturbing Harry.
Ron had been slowly waking up from months of unending haze, like a dream or a mental fog, which had been the result of an extended exposure to the controlling curse. He had been forced to watch helpless as he slowly distanced himself from his friends to ensure that when the ultimate betrayal occurred everyone would believe he had done it willingly. Killed by his friends for treason. A fitting end for a blood traitor or so Tram had told him on several occasions.
On the third day Ron showed up alone, apparently having recovered from his own trauma, although the details were still confusing to the Grangers. Added to that frustration was the fact that no one would give them any specifics at all about the circumstances surrounding the battle in which Hermione was injured.
They had managed to gather a few things though. The professors had found a first year Gryffindor student thrashing about in the hallway and after searching his room they discovered the modified dreamless sleeping potion that had been used on Harry's bed. The fact that a first year had so quickly begun to resist the Imperius Curse had apparently made Ron even more depressed. The boy sat dejectedly in front of the doors for hours waiting for the next opening so he could go in and see his two best friends. However, once the doors were open he was reluctant to go in after all, instead he just paced about anxiously for a few moments.
"Harry Potter asks for Wheezy," Dobby said tentatively. Ron hesitated a moment still before finally going into the room. Mr. and Mrs. Granger followed but kept back a distance, unsure what was going to happen.
When Ron saw Harry and Hermione sitting there he reacted as if he had taken a physical blow. He went over and sat down in the floor where he could look up into Harry's face. After so many hours without sleep Harry had developed dark rings under his eyes; his face was gaunt and pale looking.
"I'm so sorry Harry," Ron whispered desperately, "this is all my fault."
"Ron," Harry whispered back, "It isn't you fault that a Death Eater controlled you. I know you would never willingly hurt us."
"If only I had studied Occlumency like you and Hermione asked me to I could have resisted, I could have…" Ron insisted.
"If only Harry had studied Occlumency then Sirius would still be alive," Harry whispered. Mr. and Mrs. Granger then realized that it was Hermione speaking but Ron seemed to miss that detail or perhaps hadn't even been informed of their situation. "How many times have you pointed out the fallacy of that kind of thinking?"
"This is different," Ron began, but Hermione interrupted him again.
"No different," she wheezed through Harry's mouth, "We cannot see other possible futures. Even your complete mastery of Occlumency might have preventing nothing. They could as easy have used someone else. It's pointless to second-guess yourself now when all you can do is move forward and do your best."
Ron looking like he might completely fall apart. "I am also sorry," Hermione spoke again, "For having so little faith in you that I nearly killed you."
Ron looked taken aback so Hermione explained. "When you used the portkey on Harry and said all those awful things I tried to cast the killing curse on you but Dumbledore stopped me at the last instant."
The Grangers absorbed this new information with shock. Hermione had tried to kill someone? It was too much for them to believe that their sweet little girl could be capable of such a thing.
"Hermione?" Ron asked, bewildered.
"Yes," Harry's body breathed heavily, "I fled into Harry's body when my mind was destroyed."
"Then where is Harry, can he hear?" Ron asked.
"Harry knows everything I know and I know everything he knows. Our minds were partially merged even before this," Hermione explained.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ron said, but it wasn't really a question, more of a plea to allow him to undo the damage he perceived himself as having caused.
"Fantail and Greywing have fallen, perhaps forever," Hermione said unhappily. "Harry insists he will survive but I am still unsure. Regardless, Gleamtooth must take over the Light Bearers immediately. They are too young to survive without strong leadership. Inform your brothers about what has happened and help them continue to build up a suitable infrastructure. If we do not survive then take everyone to the United States. It is the only wizarding community large enough to hide in and strong enough to shelter so many from Voldemort."
Ron blanched at this and the Grangers found themselves more confused than ever because suddenly they could no longer hear Hermione. With great effort she had managed to cast a silencing charm to prevent details of the Light Bearers from getting to them.
"The American's won't take us," Ron spat out vehemently.
"They don't need to know, go with stealth," Hermione instructed.
"I will do the best I can," Ron said. He stood and clapped a fist over his heart in an ancient wizard version of a salute.
"That is all any of us can do," Hermione said.
Ron made a swift retreat back out of the hospital wing eager to begin making self-imposed amends. Hermione hoped that he would accept that what happened wasn't his fault as time went by. She could feel that Harry didn't blame him either.
"You two can quit hiding now," Hermione said, wiggling a finger slightly. The Grangers approached somewhat abashed for listening in like they did.
"What just happened?" Mrs. Granger asked. Hermione didn't reply, instead pretending to not have heard anything.
Mr. Granger changed track suddenly, "Hasn't it been over an hour already?"
"My mind has been restored," Hermione said, "all that is left to do is transfer my essence back into it. For that I need to be strong and coherent so Harry is letting me control his body for a longer period. Even if I mange to get back I still may die and the exertion could kill Harry too."
"I see," Mr. Granger said. He really didn't see, but he doubted any additional explanation would be helpful and he didn't want to tax Hermione with the effort.
"I will be glad to be able to move again," Hermione said wistfully.
"Can't you move now?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"No, Harry's body is too foreign to me. It is heavy and awkward, I can't imagine how he manages to play quiddich so well." Hermione smirked.
Harry's head nodded for a second as Harry re-emerged. "It is time," he said.
"Should we leave," Mrs. Granger asked concernedly.
"There is no need, what this requires is not concentration but power. Power that unfortunately has nearly been exhausted, but there is no helping it. Hermione's body cannot survive without her consciousness much longer," Harry replied.
The Grangers watched as Harry and Hermione locked gazes again. Harry's breathing increased rapidly and his eyes burned brightly as he tapped into his last reserve of magical power. Dobby appeared for a moment, looked shocked, then disappeared again, but the Grangers barely noticed his intrusion. Hermione was breathing deeper now and her eyes were moving again. Abruptly Harry collapsed and Hermione shook her head as if trying to orient herself.
"It worked," she said, looking down at her hands, "Oh Harry!"
Hermione jumped up to try and get her wand from the nearby nightstand but collapsed to the floor. The Grangers hurried to the aid of their daughter but she drove them back.
"My wand, get my wand," she wailed, "hurry."
Once she had her wand she began casting healing charms on Harry, but they seemed to have little effect. She flipped the wand around and summoned her hat. She pulled three bottles out of it and tried to move again but failed.
"Lift me up," she told her parents. The complied quickly, unsure of what she was trying to do.
Hermione forced the contents of one bottle after another into Harry until his eyes fluttered open again. He grinned at her.
"I told you it would work," he said.
Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him urgently, much to her parent's shock. "Don't ever scare me like that again. I thought I'd lost you."
Dobby had arrived soon thereafter with Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. Between the pair of them the got Harry and Hermione into bed and asleep. Madam Pomfrey pronounced that Hermione was by far the stronger of the two.
"She didn't expend any of her energy," she explained after casting the information charms, "Hermione's damage was mainly mental and Harry repaired that. Her physical and magical energies are really in quite good shape all things being considered. Harry on the other hand completely exhausted his magical power down to the level of a squib, or maybe even a muggle, and his body was severely strained from days without sleep or movement."
"Will he recover?" Dumbledore asked with concern.
"I really don't know," Madam Pomfrey replied. "There is no precedent for this, I could speculate, but not reliably."
The school was continually in an uproar soon thereafter and even locked away in the hospital wing all the time the Grangers were still able to pick up the gist of what was happening. Someone named Fudge had withdrawn the magical equivalent of policemen from protecting the general population. Some people were trying to seek refuge at Hogwarts and other prominent wizard strongholds but were being turned away since it was impractical.
Hermione was up and about, but still very weak. It was decided that she would return home with her parents immediately. Harry would also soon be returning to the protective wards at the Dursley home since it was hoped that they would help heal him. Hermione had promised Harry that she would come to him as soon as possible before he was whisked away by portkey along with Dumbledore.
The Grangers were not at all consoled by the happy outcome though. News of the prophecy had swept the wizarding world and already the swiftly widening conflict had taken on a new ominous name: The Prophecy War.