DISCLAIMER : I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT!!
Oh my gosh, thank you all for enjoying my last chapter!! I hope you all enjoy this... let us see what happens to Gryffindor...
To my fellow reviewers:
--- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS GUYS!!!
Harry, Hermione, Ron and Serenity are all 19, two years fresh out of Hogwarts. Li is 25.
Harry is older than Hermione by a month and a half {July 31 and September 19}, his birthday is now before hers. I know that in the books Hermione is older, but I'm changing it. Everyone else is the same age as they would normally be.
Harry and Hermione were married on September 28.
Now on with the story...
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Chapter Fourteen : Gryffindor's been attacked!!!
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(December 20)
The voices sounded urgent and filled with worry. Harry strained his ears to catch their conversation when they suddenly rounded the corner. King Richard.
Not only was it the King, but also Queen Charlotte, Queen Lily, Remus, Mr. Weasley and three other Aurors. Harry quickly turned to his mother, who seemed in tears.
"Mother?" he asked, as the others looked between Harry and Hermione. Every expression was heavy, and the Queen herself was being comforted by Charlotte. Fear quickly began to build in the pit of his stomach as he looked to Hermione then back to the others. "What's happened?"
Queen Lily sniffed as King Richard placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He turned to Harry and sighed, his eyes pained.
"Harry, son," he started, his voice sorrowful but urgent. "I'm afraid I bring you bad news," he paused, "but Gryffindor has been attacked!"
Harry stood there, shocked. 'WHAT?' his mind yelled! His breathing stopped as his heart clenched. 'No! No way! This cant be right!'
"What?" he finally exclaimed. "What do you mean?"
"Attacked?" whispered Hermione. "How? What part of Gryffindor?" At this, Queen Lily broke out in another round of tears, as she poured into her hankerchief. Harry wanted to run to his mother and comfort her, but felt his legs glued to the spot. He was still in shock... for he knew the answer.
"I'm afraid," started King Richard, "that the Palace itself was attacked." The color drained out of Harry's face as he pictured what his beloved home might look like now. 'No! There must be a mistake!' He looked from the King to his mother and back, as he began to feel out of breath. His breathing was labored as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. He clenched his fists as his muscles tensed. Then he felt a soft hand touch his arm and he looked down to see Hermione's pained eyes. Her eyes were filled with shock and worry, worry for both his Kingdom, and himself.
Suddenly Harry turned his eyes back to his mother, before taking off at a run. He pushed past the group of Aurors as he heard Hermione and Remus call his name.
"Listen, I have to get to Gryffindor!" he called as he headed for the Apparition Chamber. He didn't care now. All that was on his mind was reaching his home; reaching his father. His feet pounded the floors below, sending an echo throughout the hall. Another pair of feet joined his, followed by a few others.
"Harry!" he heard Hermione call. "Harry! Stop!" He couldn't stop. He had to get to his father. "Please." Upon hearing her last call, he slowed to a stopped. His eyes remained glued to the marble below his feet as he heard the others catching up to him. Slowly, the soft padding of slippered feet made its way to Harry's ears, as he knew Hermione had gotten there first. She stayed a step behind him as she reached for his hand. She clasped it gently between her own as she stepped closer to him. "Harry."
Harry's tense muscles relaxed as he spared her a glance. Her eyes were red and puffy as tears welled in her eyes. Harry could feel his emotions build in his chest as a knot formed in his throat. His breathing remained ragged as he looked down at Hermione.
Hermione looked up at him, and her heart broke. She hated seeing him like this, and she couldn't imagine the pain he was suffering from... the fear he was battling. She looked at him, before throwing herself into the warmth of his chest. She held his waist tightly as she clung to him, her tears beginning fall.
Harry stood there, shocked, as he held the Princess in his arms. He wrapped his arms around her as he suddenly felt a sense of ease pass through him. The feeling wasn't enough to quell the fear within him, but it helped ease his heart. He held her, tight, as if holding for dear life as he lost his control. Tears poured from his emerald eyes as he quietly sobbed against her.
"Hermione, I have to go. I have to see if my father is ok." he whispered softly. Hermione took a breath to calm herself, before nodding against his chest. She pulled away as the others ran up to the couple. Hermione stepped back a bit, her eyes determined.
"Ok Harry, but I am coming with you." she told him. Immediately Harry began to protest.
"No!" he exclaimed. "No, Hermione! It's too dangerous. I don't want you getting hurt, and who knows what dangers may still be around!" Harry didn't want her anywhere near the Castle. He looked down at her with all seriousness. Hermione stared back, just as serious, and she didn't care.
"I don't care! Im not gonna let you go alone!" she countered. Harry froze for a moment. What could he do to keep her here?
"Hermione, please," he pleaded, " I need you to stay here, for me. I need to know you are safe.... please." he said quietly. Hermione's eyes widened as he said this. Her heart flipped as well as her stomach as she heard his words. 'He wanted her to stay safe... for him.'
"Harry," she started. "Please don't ask me to stay. Gryffindor is my home now, and I want to make sure she is ok!" Harry was shocked at her words. He allowed a soft smile to grace his features at her words. "And besides," she said with a blush. She took a step closer and embraced him again. "I will be safe, because ill be with you."
Harry stood there, frozen to his place. She had no idea what her words had done to him. I will be safe, because ill be with you. It sent warm protective feelings coursing through his body. He felt like he couldn't do anything if not protecting her first. He held her protectively again, and nodded against her hair. He wanted her there with him, for he knew her presence alone could ease his pain.
"Ok Hermione." was all he said. Remus then decided to step forward. He cleared his throat, and the two royals turned to him.
"Please Harry, if you are planning on apparating to Gryffindor, we best be going. There isn't much time. We must hurry." he said urgently. Harry nodded and separated from his wife. She looked up at him comfortingly before turning to Remus. Harry smiled and turned to his uncle-like figure.
"Alright," he nodded. "Let's go."
xxx
When the group of royals and Aurors reached the Apparation Chamber, Harry quickly grabbed for his wand. He motioned for Hermione to do the same and turned to her parents. They looked nervous, and had tried to convince Hermione to stay, but she refused stubbornly. Harry sighed and placed a hand upon his father-in-law's shoulder.
"I swear, I'll protect her... with my life." he told them. "She will be safe." The Ravenclaw's smiled and Hermione blushed. Remus called to Harry to hurry as he readied the others to apparate. Harry smiled to his in-laws once more.
"We know you'll take care of her," said the King. "But take care of yourselves, our prayers are with you..... and with James." At this Queen Lily sniffled as a stony look covered Harry's features for a moment.
"Harry, we must go." Harry turned and nodded. He quickly ran next to his mother and wife as the others apparated one by one. Harry and Hermione were the last to leave. Harry grasped Hermione's hand before she tired to apparate and she stopped for a moment, and smiled. She squeezed her fingers around his reassuringly. Before they disappeared, Harry pulled her close, to where her chest was pressed gently against his. She gasped and blushed when he wrapped his arm around her waist, and as Harry nodded, the two disappeared together.
xxx
When they arrived at their destination, Hermione gasped at the state of the Apparation Chamber. Half of the chamber's walls were crumbled to the floor. The weak rays of moonlight filtered in, showing the amount of dust particles in the air. She grasped Harry's hand tighter as she looked around. Quickly, Harry ran over to the large window and froze as he peered outside. Half of the Castle's Eastern wing was reduced to rubble.
"Merlin, what happened?" he asked. Remus walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Harry, come. We must find James." Harry nodded numbly and turned to Hermione and his mother. Lily looked in shock, but there was also a glint in her eye, a glint Harry couldn't quite understand, her right hand gripping her wand tightly.
"Mother," said Harry as he tried to comfort her. Suddenly, as he reached out to touch her, he recoiled, sensing an enormous burst of energy emanate from her. Her hair whipped gently in a low breeze as her eyes flashed.
"Come, we're leaving." was all she said as she turned and left. Harry looked shocked and bewildered. Remus looked to him, but followed Lily quickly. Harry followed his mother's lead, and grabbed Hermione's hand before following quickly.
They ran swiftly, as they turned down ruined corridors and ran down crumbled halls. Hermione was in total shock at the state of the Castle. 'What did they do?' She could sense the fear in Harry as the pounded along. He pulled her close, and she knew she brought him a little comfort from his pain.
As they continued to run, Queen Lily suddenly stopped. She looked frantically to her right, as her breathe was labored and her cheeks raw from tears.
"This way." she said as she ran in the direction of the rubble. Harry ran after her, but was troubled.
"Mother! Mother, wait!" he called. She continued on, ignoring him. "Mother! He cant be there! No one could have survived in that." he called. Lily continued to ignore him as she ran on.
"Harry! He's here, I can sense him." she called back. "He's here." she added softly to herself, her tears prickling the corner of her eyes again. 'Please be alright! Please James.... don't leave me!'
Hermione was shocked at the Queen's words. 'She could sense him.' That took a great deal of love and power to feel that. Hermione watched her mother-in -law as she ran on. She admired the woman greatly! She loved her husband so dearly, she could sense his presence. Hermione then looked down at her own hand, the one that was still clasped tight within her own husbands palm. She allowed her gaze to travel up to his fearful face. She wondered what kind of strength her in-laws love had held, since they were able to sense each other; what kind of power their love could withstand.
They ran on through the rubble and debris. Finally, the group entered what had been the larger part of the library. Half of the hall was torn to the ground, with fallen columns, broken glass, and books littered everywhere. Hermione gasped as well as the others. Harry halted unexpectedly, surprising Hermione. His breath caught in his throat, his eyes wide.
"Mother, are you sure he's in here? He cant be in here..... it is completely destroyed." Hermione knew what he meant. If the King had been in here, he would surely be ... dead. Hermione gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. Harry turned to her and squeezed her hand, half trying to calm himself as well as her.
"No, he's in here." said the Queen softly. "I can feel his aura. He's in here." Then the Queen ran straight ahead towards the spot a large stained glass window had been. She looked around frantically, searching for her husband. The group noticed a large fallen bookshelf that had hit the wall. The wall it had hit had fallen part way, and the stone from the Castle wall was everywhere. Lily called out her husband's name as she dropped to her knees and began pushing rocks away with her own strength. Remus quickly ran to her to help.
"Lily, be careful, we don't want you getting hurt too." he told her softly. Tears were running down her face as she ignored him. At the moment, all that mattered was James' safety. Lily cried out his name as she pushed more rocks away, cutting her soft hands at times due to the many small shards of glass that was littered everywhere. Harry began searching around the area his mother insisted his father had been, and Hermione too searched around.
Finally a weak groan was heard as Lily pushed a large rock away from the book case. Harry, Hermione, Remus and the Aurors froze at this.
"James? James!" cried Lily as she began to work faster. Harry and the others ran over to Lily and began to help. Finally, the others could see James' pale face. He was pinned under the book case and a pile of small boulders. Lily only gasped and cried harder as she tired to get to her husband. Hermione, then stopped, and stood up, as she yelled at the others to get back. Harry looked at her, puzzled, as he watched her raise her wand to the bookshelf.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" she called out. The bookshelf began to glow a soft yellow as it tilted away from the pinned King. Harry leapt up, at seeing the struggle his wife was facing, and aimed his wand at the shelf as well, aiding her in moving the shelf. The two had successfully gotten the shelf to tip in the other direction, and let it drop to the floor with a loud bang. Lily quickly ran to her husband as the others did as well. He was still heavily covered in boulders and debris. Lily and the others began removing the rubble off of the King.
"Lily," he croaked weakly. When the rocks were removed from his body, he struggled to push himself up into a sitting position. Lily aided him to lean against the wall, as she fought to keep her tears at bay. She didn't want James to see her this way, but she couldn't help it. She looked at him sadly, before loosing control of her emotions. She cried as she threw herself into his chest. King James smiled and reached a weak arm around her. "Im sorry Lily."
"For what?" she asked questionably. He sighed and winced. He held her tighter as he turned his attention to his dusty ripped robes.
"For frightening you." he said simply.
"Oh James!" she exclaimed as she collapsed into him. "I was so afraid! I thought I... I was so afraid I had lost you!" He winced but smiled as he held her close. Harry, who knelt beside him, looked up at Hermione as a wave of deja vu hit him. He and Hermione had gone through similar, and felt a strange connection to the three members of his family. He smiled as he was relieved to see his father breathing and alive, but he could see the pain he suffered from. His robes above his chest, much like Harry's before, were blood-soaked and torn. His father winced and hissed in pain as he tried to move.
"Father, you shouldn't move. Your wounds seem serious." Harry spoke. Indeed he was right. His face was pale, and he was sweating. His wound, though sheathed by his robes, looked bad. He had been almost crushed while under the bookshelf and rocks. His arms were purple and bloody, and the light in his eyes was dull.
"Ah, Harry. Don't you worry about me. I'll be fine." said the King as he reached for his son, trying to smile one of his charming smiles. But Harry as well as Hermione, Lily, and Remus could see right through his facade.
"James," started Remus. "What happened? Who did this to you, to Gryffindor?" James looked over to his friend and the little color left in his face drained. "It is near impossible to break through the protective shields around the Kingdom, only an insider could have let the intruders in!" James nodded, his face solemn. Harry then was shocked as a flash of anger shot through his father's hazel eyes.
"Yes, they were let in." said the King in a low and cold voice. His angered face was replaced by a look of pain as he arched his back, hissing in pain. He coughed hard and a dribble of blood trailed from his lips. Lily gasped and held her husband close. His breath was sharp, and his face paled. Remus and the others looked aghast. The went to aid the King, but James put his hands up. "No, you need to know this. You need to know who let them in." he struggled to say. Their faces asked who, and showed their shock.
xxx
Serenity ran through the crumbled halls, racing to where she sensed her extended family. Her father, Sirius, was but two feet behind her, and Li was right beside him. She burst through the ruined doors that hung on their hinges, and ran harder as she could see them before her. She could see King James laying against the wall, his family and Aurors surrounding him. She heard her father's shocked gasp.
"Uncle James!" she called as she ran to them.
"Serenity! Sirius!" called Harry as he heard her. He quickly stood up and she ran to him. She ran and held his chest, as she tried to catch her breath. She gripped his tunic as she looked down at her father's best friend. Sirius ran to James and skidded to a stop. He knelt down at his side, his face worried.
"Hey Padfoot." croaked James, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "Long time no see!" Sirius couldn't help chuckle as he heard his friend.
"Hi James. Whatcha been up to lately?" The two smiled, but Sirius's smile quickly faded as he saw the condition of his best mate! "Who did this to you?"
Everyone looked around at one another as Sirius and Serenity awaited the answer. Remus exchanged a look with James before sighing a heavy sigh. Serenity could feel her fear bubble up in her chest as she knew the news was going to hurt her father. She just knew it!
"Um... Padfoot," Remus started as he rubbed his neck. James hissed again, causing Serenity to drop to her knees beside her uncle-like figure. His eyes were beginning to get heavy and his head was swaying. The faces before him were getting blurry and blue spots were beginning to appear. He could hear the voices of the others calling out to him, but the felt so far away. So distant, so surreal. The pain in his chest was peaking and it wouldn't stop. It refused to stop. It seemed as if the pain was literally coursing through his veins as his body ached everywhere!
Lily began to panic as she watched her husband. His eyes were closing and he held his head low, as it wobbled from side to side. Serenity called his name as all attention was turned to the King.
"James! James! Talk to me!" cried Lily as James' eyes rolled into his head, before collapsing onto his shoulder. But before he blacked out, one word made it's way between his lips.
"Lily."
Lily cried as she shook James in panic. Harry's heart dropped into his stomach as tears streamed down Hermione's face. Sirius and Remus knelt up onto their knees; they didn't know what to do. They panicked and called his name, as she shook him. Serenity quickly looked at him in fear. She shot her gaze down to his broken chest and immediately ripped the bloody robes off of his chest. Lily gasped as she saw the torn muscle and blood-caked wound.
Hermione gasped as well and turned her face away as it reminded her too much of Harry's own wound. Harry noticed this and he knelt down to her and held her close. She clutched at his chest shakily as tears escaped her. It was too much. She knew what Queen Lily was going through, because she went through the same thing. Fear of his life, pain of possible loss, and disbelief at life's chosen road.
Serenity quickly assessed the wound as she removed her thin sweater that covered her bare shoulders. She balled up the material and tossed it behind her. She shot her father a knowing look before urgently turning to Li, who stood beside her kneeling father.
"Li, I need you to go to the hospital wing." she said in haste. Everyone looked to her curiously but she just ignored them as she looked to Li, who nodded. "I need you to bring me the leaves of autumn mint, asphorlas, and scarlet clover." she told him. Li nodded and quickly left the hall. Serenity then turned to the three Aurors who were standing close by. "Hey, you. Could you please get a basin of cold water? And a washcloth?" The Auror looked at her, then nodded eagerly, glad to be of use. He ran off, in search of anyone who could help him get what was asked of him.
Serenity then turned back to the King as she sighed. With the help of Remus and her father, she carefully lifted the Kings body, so that it hovered above the ground. A short bed was conjured beneath him, as the group was too afraid to move him to the hospital wing, his wounds being too serious. When he was gently placed down onto the bed, Serenity knelt before him. She closed her eyes and held her left hand about an inch and a half above the King's wounds, and starting from his collarbone, she slowly moved her hand over his chest - though not once touching him. When she reached his lower abdomen, she slowly opened her eyes.
Just then a light purple aura engulfed their bodies and a wave of energy coursed through the hall.
Harry was surprised to see the expression upon her face. She didn't look the same. Her eyes were dark and solemn, but they also held a spark of wisdom to them. A spark of power lit up her eyes, and her hair began to billow softly in the non-existant wind. Harry had never seen her like this before, but knew exactly what she was doing. An ancient magic she was taught since she was a child, by the High Elves in her court - the art of Healing.
He continued to watch her, half in fear and half in hope, knowing he could put his complete trust in the woman before him. He heard his mother sniffle beside him. She was feeling the same as he was, he knew it! He could see it in her eyes and in her body. Sirius knelt beside his daughter and watched her, a worried expression plastered upon his face. Everyone had the same look upon their face - a look of astonishment and hope, but fear as well.
Serenity closed her eyes upon the King as she began to chant incoherent words. She placed both palms together as she knelt in a prayer-like stance, her elbows extended out. Her hair continued to billow around her, as her aura grew in strength. Both she and King James began to glow with a soft amethyst glow, as Serenity continued to chant.
Everybody watched in awe and wonder. 'What was she doing?' thought Hermione. 'She's a Healer?' Hermione was completely impressed in her friend's skill. She could feel the spike in power as Serenity's aura began to intensify. Hermione watched the King's wound glowed as little sparkles hovered above the wound.
Suddenly, to everyone's amazement and horror, Serenity's eyes shot open as simultaneously glass shards that had been embedded in his wound rose. Queen Lily gasped and the others were shocked. They watched as the shards slowly moved to the side of the King and slowly dropped to the floor. Serenity's eyes then closed again as her chanting continued. They watched as the blood, that had begun to flow rapidly, slowed down.
Serenity then separated her hands and held her palms above the King's wound again. Her slender hands began to glow softly with an inner light as the edges of the wound also began to glow. Just then, Li came rushing back into the library, followed closely by the Auror with the wash basin and clothe. Li didn't say a word as he ran beside the Elven Princess. He reacted to Serenity as if nothing were out of the ordinary. He hardly regarded her as he did his own part in aiding her in healing. He knelt beside her and conjured a small bowl and mallet. He proceeded in crushing the leaves of the herbs he had brought in his palm, before adding them to the bowl. After adding a little bit of water, he reached into his cloak and pulled out a small velvety pouch. He opened it quickly and took a pinch of the shimmery dust within it, and added it quickly to the bowl of herbs. He stuffed the pouch back into his cloak and proceeded to mash the ingredients together.
Hermione watched as the green mush formed a creamy paste. The shimmering dust had changed the color and consistency of the herbs, and it gave off a sweet aroma. When he was through, Li took the paste in his hands and gently began to place it atop the wound. King James let out a cry of pain as Li did this, and Lily begged for them to stop. Li remained quiet as he proceeded, not once looking to the crying Queen.
"Mother, it is ok. He's helping him!" Harry reassured her. She continued to cry as the Auror brought the full basin up to the King.
"Put the clothe upon his head. It'll keep his fever down." said Li. Queen Lily looked to him for a second before nodding and reaching for the basin. She did as she was told, and wiped the sweat from his brow before plunging the clothe into the ice cold water.
James' rapid breathing began to slow down as Serenity kept with her incantation. Sweat began to bead upon her brow, but she continued regardless. She kept her eyes closed as she went on, but Harry could see the struggle she was facing. Her breathing was ragged, but her lips kept moving; regardless of how exhausting healing was, she wasn't going to stop; not when she was so close!
Sirius began to worry as he watched his daughter. 'If she doesn't stop.... she might over work herself!' He didn't know what to do. It was forbidden to interrupt a Healer while they were in this state. If one did, it could mean death to the Healer. But Serenity hadn't completed her Healing Training, and if she didn't stop, it would mean death!
Suddenly, everybody gasped as a bright light began to glow from the King. The paste that Li had placed upon the wound had begun to glow and the onlookers stared wide-eyed as the wounded flesh began to close itself. Slowly the flesh mended itself as the bruises began to disappear. The color of his skin began to return, as pale turned to a creamy tan.
Harry could see his father's broken ribs repair themselves as well. Hermione gasped in wonder. 'How is that possible?' she thought. His deadly wound was completely reversed!
Lily and the others watched as the soft purple aura began to fade from around the King and Princess's bodies. Serenity's hair slowly made its way back to rest upon her back, and the soft glow in her hands and upon King James' chest, too, began to fade. Finally, all glow had died within the room but from the many torches that hung upon the walls and the large candle chandelier that hung not too far away. Serenity slowly lowered her hands upon the bed beside the King, but her chanting continued.
Then, all of a sudden, a groan was heard, and all eyes were turned upon the King. His eyes slowly cracked open as he turned his head in Lily's direction. He groaned again.
"What.... what happened?" he croaked out. Lily only smiled, her emotions overwhelming her as she desperately hugged her husbands shoulders. James smiled weakly as he turned to Serenity. Her chanting died down as she reached the end of her incantation, and slowly her eyes opened. "Serenity, I heard your voice... in the dark, you brought me back." She smiled weakly.
"Your ok." was all she said before her eyes fluttered closed and she collapsed! Li caught her in his arms as she fell against him. Her own skin was now pale and her soaked bangs were filled with sweat. Her lips trembled as she breathed and her skin was cold.
"Serenity!" yelled Sirius and Harry. Li looked worried as he touched her cheek. He quickly stood up, carrying her with an arm around her back and under her knees, as the others ran to her. Sirius called her name, but received no response.
"I knew I shouldn't have let her do it! I knew she would do this to herself!" he accused himself. Li clutched her to his chest as he thought of what to do. "She hasn't completed her Healing Training yet! She wasn't ready, physically!"
"There was nothing you could have done!" said Li. Everybody looked at him as he stared into Serenity's face. His breathing was ragged with worry. It was his duty to protect her, and he failed. 'I should have stopped her! But no matter what I would have done... she wouldn't have listened.' He knew this, because he knew her. "She wouldn't have listened. No matter what you said, she would have healed him." he said. He held her close to him. If she didn't regain some energy soon, she could loose her own life!
Then suddenly, as if brought by a miracle, Lady Sapphire, mother to Serenity and wife to Sirius, entered the library. She was followed by Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley, Ron, Bill and Charlie. She gasped as she saw the King, but her heart stopped as she saw the body of her daughter.
"What.. what happened?" she asked in shock. Sirius told her of Serenity healing James and she gasped. "But, she could have been killed! She isn't ready to heal serious wounds like that yet!" She then turned, and quickly assessed her daughter, but sighed as she thanked God for sparing her daughter. "She'll be fine, but she needs an energy transfer."
"I'll do it." said Li in a determined voice. Lady Sapphire smiled warmly.
"We both will." Li nodded and held her to him tightly. Dumbledore went over to where the King was laying, and smiled upon him.
"It appears you were healed by an angel. This has to be the cleanest healing I've seen in a long time." James smiled as he winced. The pain, however, did not leave. "Come, Your Majesty. You need to be taken to the Hospital Wing. Your wounds may be healed, but you are still in bad shape." Dumbledore looked up to Lily and smiled as he made the small bed hover in the air. The headmaster guided the weakened King to the Hospital Wing, as the others followed.
Li, Sirius, and Lady Sapphire trailing close behind with Serenity.
xxx
Hermione stood from her seat beside the King's bed in the Hospital Wing. They were going to move him back into his room in a few minutes, to allow him to recover in comfort. She smiled and touched Harry's shoulder as he spoke to his father. His voice was low and kind, and he apologized to his father for his recent behavior towards him. Lily, who hadn't left his side since she had found him in the library, held her husbands hand in her own as she stroked his hair lovingly. Her tears had dried and the rock in her stomach had finally lifted. Her husband was safe and living. Thanks to Serenity.
Hermione turned and looked over to where Serenity was laying. Li and Lady Sapphire sat on either side of her bed as each transfered energy from their bodies into the young Princess's before them. Hermione slowly walked over to where Sirius stood near the end of the bed. She stopped beside him and watched the three before her.
"So, what exactly are they doing?" she asked. Sirius smiled down upon her.
"Well, they are transferring energy from themselves into Serenity." he told her. Hermione nodded but didn't quite understand. Sirius sensed this and elaborated. "You see, Elves are different from us Wizards and Witches. Their main life-force comes from their magic, similar to blood in our bodies. If a Wizard, Witch or Muggle were to loose a large amount of blood, that could be fatal. Similar to Elves, but instead of blood, it is magic." he told her. "Part of the healing process is using your magic to heal the physical wounds in another. James was wounded to near death, so Serenity was forced to push her body to save him. And in doing so, drained herself of all energy and magic. That is why she collapsed."
Hermione nodded and stared in awe as Lady Sapphire and Li chanted.
"But she will be ok, right?" she asked. Sirius smiled and turned to look at his best friend. He took another look at his daughter and nodded.
"Yes, she will be fine. Li and Sapphire are taking care of her. She'll be fine." he said with a softness in his voice. Hermione continued to watch as the auras around Li and Lady Sapphire died down. When they were finished, they both opened their eyes and looked to Serenity. It took a few minutes, but finally, her eyes fluttered open, and she gave a groan of exhaustion. She turned to look at the two beside her. Sirius walked up next to his wife and smiled down upon his daughter.
"Daddy." she said softly. Sirius smiled down at her and touched her hand.
"I'm very proud of you Serenity. You were amazing." Serenity smiled and squeezed his hand. Her mother bent down and hugged her daughter. Serenity smiled and sighed weakly. She then turned her head and she saw Li's solemn face. She couldn't help but smile as she reached her hand to touch his face.
"Why the long face? You aren't getting soft on me, are ya?" she smiled as Li touched her hand. Then without warning, he bent down and kissed her. She smiled against his lips, as if she knew by the look in his eyes what he was about to do. She kissed him back softly, too drained of energy to kiss him properly.
Sirius stood there, shocked to say the least, but he smiled nonetheless. He touched his wife's shoulder and she smiled up at him, getting the hint. She stood and they turned to leave, allowing their daughter and her guardian their privacy. Hermione smiled and turned as well, wanting now to return to her husband. Serenity was well, and Harry would be pleased. But she had to remember to talk to Serenity later!
After King James was moved into his own private bed chambers, along with Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius, Lady Sapphire and Lily, who stayed behind to speak to James. Lily sent Harry, Hermione, and Ron up to stay with Serenity in her own chambers as she spoke to her husband.
Mr. Weasley had taken his sons to go and scout the Castle, assessing the damages and the extent of the attack to the cities. A band of Aurors went with them at Remus's command. The servants and maids of the Castle were instructed to stay within they're chambers as a search was done of the Castle. Magical architects were called to rebuild the ruined half of the Castle, and they were currently evaluating the damages.
Harry stood beside Serenity's bed as she ate her dinner. She was still weak, but she would be fine after a good sleep and nourishment. Li sat beside her and held her close, his protective persona never wavering. He was so close to loosing her...
Hermione stood beside Harry, whose arm was wrapped gently around her waist. Ron noticed this, as well as Serenity, who smiled to herself as she sipped her tea.
"So," she started conversationally, "how have the two of you been? It really has been awhile, since Halloween I presume." Harry and Hermione blushed at this. Serenity smiled as she watched Harry's arm drop, and Hermione take one step to the side. She then laughed out loud as Harry began to stutter in response. Harry glared at her, as Hermione blushed a deep scarlet.
"Yea mate, that reminds me," Ron started with a smirk. "Where did ya disappear to earlier this evening?" Hermione almost 'eep'ed as she tried to hide her blush. Harry looked uncomfortable as he stuttered some more. Serenity fought the urge to laugh once more as she sipped at her tea again, as Li sat beside her, smirking as well.
xxx
"James, listen, we don't have that much time," spoke Remus as he sat at James large desk, a large map of the Kingdoms before him. Gadgets and trinkets filled the table and a small mountain of scrolls was piled into a pyramid upon the corner. "The attackers disappeared moments after the attack, which means they could be anywhere by now. Merlin knows the amount of information they received after the attack on us. We are vulnerable now... what are we going to do?" James just sat there, pressed into a bunch of pillows against his headboard, as he tried to devise a plan.
"It doesn't matter anyhow," he started. Lily and the others stared at him in disbelief. They were about to respond when Sirius' voice was heard first.
"Wait! What happened in the first place? How did they get through the barrier?" yelled Sirius. James looked to Remus, and then turned his gaze to Sirius once more. James' face was somber as he sighed heavily.
"Sirius, Gryffindor was betrayed." he started. "The attackers, Slytherin scum, entered by permission and were led secretly through one of the discreet passages from the edge of the Forest of Shadows. They entered the Castle on the East Wing, and were bent on havoc alone, almost as if the attack were a tease... a joke, to show their intelligence!" King James stopped and rested against the headboard as visions of the attack flooded his mind. His head began to throb and his chest began to burn.
"They were led through? But how? That's impossible! Nobody knows of that passage other than..." Sirius froze, his face white with shock and disbelief. James' expression hardened like stone, and Remus' eyes flashed with anger as they watched Sirius come to a conclusion. "That means......Peter Pettigrew!" he growled.
xxx
"So, Ron," Harry's voice finally called, as his embarrassment passed. His best mate turned to him from his plate of snacks as his name was called. "Where are the twins and Ginny?" Ron smirked as he recalled earlier events.
"Ahh, mum refused to let Ginny come with us, and the twins.....hehe.... lets just say, they were a little distracted to have noticed anything out of the ordinary tonight!" said Ron with a snicker. "That was, until mum found and beat them over the skull for snogging the brains out of two Ravenclaws in one of the halls. Fred even had his girl pressed so tightly to the wall that-" but Ron was interuppted by a choking sound and turned surprised to see Harry hitting the back of his neck as he tried to dislodge the damn thing from his throat. Hermione just stood beside him, blushing like a strawberry, as she stared into her cup of tea shyly.
Serenity smiled and nudged Li softly. Harry saw this and blushed. He turned to a nearby window and stared across the shaken city. Suddenly the conversation from earlier that night flooded his mind. 'So, it was Peter Pettigrew that betrayed Gryffindor? He betrayed my father!' he thought in anger. 'Because of him I almost lost my father! I'll make him pay!' he swore!
Hermione chanced a glance at Harry and noticed his boxed shoulders and his piercing gaze. She had a pretty good idea what was going through his mind at the moment. She turned to Serenity, who also noticed Harry's body language, and motioned for Hermione to talk to him. At first, Hermione was shocked.
"Why me?" she whispered. "You know him better, and you are better at talking to him than I." Serenity smiled and shook her head.
"No Hermione, you have to. You are his wife, and you need to build that kind of relationship with him." retorted Serenity with a serious smile. "And besides, I think he enjoys it when you go to him." Hermione blushed, but knew she had lost the battle. She slowly walked up to Harry as Serenity started a conversation with Ron, trying to give Harry and Hermione the privacy they needed. "Oh, before I forget, I got you something Ron..."
"Harry." said Hermione in a soft voice. She placed a hand upon his shoulder and smiled as he raised a hand to hers. But when he turned his head, Hermione's heart flipped. He had tears welling up in his eyes, but with those tears was also a flash of anger and determination. Hermione didn't know what to say as she looked up at him. He only smiled and turned his attention back to the quiet night.
"I was so afraid." he started. Hermione was shocked but happy, and welcomed his open-ness. She wrapped an arm around him as she leaned her head against his chest. He rubbed her lower back as his eyes never left the night sky. "I was so afraid I had lost him." He paused for a long time after that and Hermione was content to just be with him, hoping that she was helping to comfort him. "We had a fight, and I had never quite forgiven him since... until now that is." Harry then looked down upon Hermione with a glint in his eyes that she didn't quite understand.
"Why did you fight?" she asked breathlessly. His gaze was piercing.
"Because I didn't want to get married." he said sadly. Hermione let out a small 'Oh' and Harry could feel her tense up. He smiled and pulled her closer to him. He rubbed her back soothingly as he leaned his head upon hers. "But, like I said, I've forgiven him." he said as he looked down upon her. She looked up and blushed at the intense look that clouded his eyes.... a look she didn't quite understand. 'Could it be... Love? ... No... Stop it Hermione! Stop! You are only making things worse when you think like this-'
But her thoughts were interrupted when a calloused thumb ran over the corner of her lips. She gasped. She looked up at him and her insides melted under his gaze. His eyes were warm and loving...but what she saw next both made her stomach flip, and her palms sweat....Lust.
She softly pushed away from him and smiled, despite her embarrassment. She turned to Serenity, who was deep in conversation with Li, and Ron who was currently checking out the new marble Wizard Chess set Serenity had made especially for him by her Elven-Smiths. The pieces were actually of people they knew!
Hermione smiled at Ron's excitement, and turned to Serenity; ignoring Harry's bewildered look.
"Serenity, I hope you don't mind, but I think I am going to head to bed." she said softly. Serenity turned and smiled.
"Of course not, Hermione! Good night!" Hermione smiled as she headed for the door.
"I'm glad you are feeling better, see you tomorrow! Good Night!" she called. She was about to exit, when Harry called behind her to wait. He too said his goodbye's and exited the room with her. 'Great! Oh great.'
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked as he reached her side. She smiled but said nothing. They continued to walk down the empty corridor in silence, when Hermione suddenly broke the silence.
"Oh, and Harry, just so you know, nothing ever happened under the mistletoe." Harry turned to her for a moment in shock. At first he thought she was talking about earlier that night when they were under the mistletoe.
"Wh-what?!" he stuttered, slightly hurt. She didn't feel anything? Impossible! She had to feel ... something!
"You asked me earlier if I had ever been caught under the mistletoe, and I told you 'yes', well," she started. Suddenly she felt embarrassed as heat traveled to her face. She didn't notice the sigh of relief that came from Harry as she said this. "I was caught under the mistletoe, but not with Terry, actually, it was with Victor Krum." Harry stopped walking as he looked at her in surprise.
"Viktor Krum? The Viktor Krum! The Seeker Viktor-"
"Yes Harry! The Viktor Krum." Hermione told him. She could see the flicker of jealousy and hurt in his eyes and her stomach flipped at the possibility that it was not her imagination. "We had been hosting them at our Palace one Christmas, and he and I had gotten caught under one of Maddie's blasted, nymph-infested, mistletoe bunches. I was stuck, and I wanted so dearly to escape, that I pleaded with the nearby Maddie to release me, before I hexed her to next Christmas. Unfortunately, Viktor had other plans as he tried to get me to give in to the spell. Well, thankfully, Maddie realized just who it was that I was stuck with... her beloved crush, Viktor Krum... and she released me in seconds! Needless to say, I never traveled down that hall with a member of the opposite sex again."
"Until you married me!" came Harry's heavy voice. Hermione blushed as her stomach did flips again as she looked up at him. He had a look in his eyes that made her knees weak, as corny as it sounds. Her heart thumped in her chest as he took a few steps closer to her. They were but three steps from their bedroom doors when Harry stopped her. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. "Don't look up, but I believe we are both standing directly beneath another tuft of mistletoe." he said huskily.
Hermione shivered at the sound of his voice as she felt his hot breath upon her lips. Her mind was running a mile a minute as she recalled the last kiss beneath the mistletoe. She didn't know if she wanted it, but knew her body did. She was afraid, her heart would be wounded too horribly if her love wasn't requited. But she blushed at her body as it cried for him - cried for his touch, for his caresses.
"Hermione," came his voice, though it sounded strangled. She opened her eyes to see his eyes closed before her. Their bodies were pressed practically flush against each other, as Harry's brow rested heavily upon her own. His eyes were closed and his breath came out in ragged puffs. His right hand caressed her neck while his thumb caressed her jaw. His other hand was intertwined with her own. "I think I might kiss you." he whispered almost in a dream-like state.
Hermione was shocked to say the least. Her insides melted at his sweet confession. He seemed so innocent, and scared - almost. Then suddenly it hit her, she wanted him to, her mind yearned for him just as her body did. Like the kiss before, she yearned for him. The aching she felt during their first (or technically second) kiss fired up again. 'Could this mean... ?'
She wanted to tell him 'it was ok', but her voice just wouldn't work. Her senses were on overdrive yet again, and she couldn't think. Finally, she swallowed the lump in her throat, and mumbled breathlessly,
"Then what are you waiting for?" Harry didn't need telling twice. At that, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. This time, his lips were urgent, and Hermione's knees gave out at the intensity of his kiss. She was breathless, and dazzled. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself against him. Their tongues battled each other as they intertwined, exploring the other's mouth with a new found interest. His mouth was warm and his kisses were like fire. Hermione moaned against him as he delved into her, but cried in annoyance when he pulled away.
Even thought they had to, due to diminishing air supply, Hermione was still disappointed, that was until Harry's mouth found a new surface to lavish... her neck. He kissed under her jaw, below her ear and all the way down to the crook of her neck. The entire time he showered kisses upon her, he apologized for different behavior of his.
"Sorry I was such a jerk today." he whispered. He kissed her neck again as he continued. "And I'm sorry about the way I treated you in the beginning. I swear it will never... ever.... happen again." He continued to do this as he wrapped both arms around her waist and, once again, pushed her back against the corridor wall. Hermione moaned softly as Harry found her pulse. Her heart went crazy at his attention and her stomach wouldn't cease in its countless flips. Hermione cracked an eye open as Harry ran his hands up her sides. He teased her as his fingertips just barely missed the underside of her breast.
Hermione gasped, and Harry smirked, happy at her reaction. Hermione then looked up, to where Harry had claimed to have seen mistletoe, and gasped at the empty ceiling. She smirked, as Harry kissed his way back up her neck. He grazed her sides again, in attempts to tickle her slightly, it worked. She giggled as he began to nibble her earlobe.
"H-Harry," she spoke as she panted, "I...I thought... you.... you said that there ..was mistletoe above us. I don't see it." Harry didn't seem to be in the least bit phased at this. He smirked against her skin as he continued to spoil her.
"Really," he said huskily. "Now I... I could have....sworn....I saw it there...." he said between kisses down her jaw. Hermione giggled as she pushed him back. He smirked at her as his hands rested along her waist. She but smiled sweetly before seizing his lips as her. She began to shuffle her way to the right as Harry tired to push her deeper into the wall. Finally Hermione reached the knob to their bedroom door and grasped it tightly. Harry hadn't noticed much as he continued to reign kisses upon her. It wasn't until Hermione pushed the door behind her open and dragged him in via his collar, though not once breaking the kiss, did he notice anything out of the ordinary.
When they were finally in the room, Hermione pushed Harry against the back of the second door, and slammed the opened door closed. She reached for his hand as she began too turn the tables on her dear husband. She began to torture him, as he did her, when her lips found his neck. He groaned in delight as she took hold of his hand. She guided it to her back, where she placed his palm against the straps that tied her dress up. Harry let out a gasp in surprise, but froze as she pressed herself against him, hard. He didn't know what had gotten into her, but didn't complain. He held her close as he found her lips again. His heart swelled as he kissed her and his stomach tickled and flipped. 'Why?'
'Because you love her, you idiot!' said a voice in the back of his head.
'I love her....I do. That is why I have been so happy around her. I love her.. but what about Cho-'
"What about her?'
'.............'
'Do you love Hermione or not? It really isn't that difficult to see.'
Harry was shocked for a moment as he realized the truth just before Hermione suddenly pulled away. He gasped for air, as is lungs ached from the lack of it. His eyes were glossy, and his skin burned, not to mention another rather difficult area to ignore....
He stared at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. She had the same expression as he, but with a much sadder appearance. He wanted to reach out and hold her, but she stepped away.
"No, this is wrong." she muttered to herself. She then reached up and placed her fingers upon her swollen lips. "I shouldn't be doing this."
Harry stared at her in shock. Just moments ago, she asked him to proceed, but ... what was going on?
"Hermione..." he started. She looked up at him and his heart fell. Her eyes looked so sad.
"I'm sorry Harry, but I cant do this."
"What? Why not? Did I do something wrong?" Hermione giggled sadly at him and shook her head.
"No, but" she paused. It hurt to think, let alone say. She turned around so that Harry didn't see her face. "You are still in love with Cho, Harry. And as long as you love Cho..." she hiccuped as she felt tears well in her eyes. But what she didn't expect, was a pair of hands to wrap around her waist lovingly. She tensed in surprised, but quickly melted into him, regardless of her intuition.
"Now Hermione," he said huskily as he kissed her neck softly, "don't go assuming things right off of the bat!" Hermione shivered at his touch, but froze at his words. She spun in his arms and stared at him wide-eyed.
"What?"
"Hermione, I may have loved Cho once," he spoke, but the next part is what had even caught him off guard before she pushed him away, "but I love you now!" She gasped audibly and stepped back, her knees backing up against the bed.
"You...you don't really mean that." she said. But he did. It had hit him, like a sack of rocks.............he loved Hermione. He loved every bit of her, from her slightly bushy hair, to her beautiful figure. He loved it all. He loved the way she bit the tip of her quill when deep in thought, and the way she would laugh when he cracked a funny joke. He loved her smart intuition, and the way her eyes would shine when she got worried; especially about him.
Then the memories began to flow back as she nursed him to health, and he thought of how she took absolute care of him. He watched her shed tears for his safety, he watched her sacrifice simple things she enjoyed to make sure he was happy and satisfied. He never felt a love like this before, where the warmth gathered in your chest and spread throughout your entire body. He never felt drawn to a being before. Not even Cho had made him feel this way. He felt he could do anything, as long as Hermione was there to smile and cheer him on. He wanted to make her happy, and he wanted to be the man to do it. He wanted to hold her if she needed comfort or warmth, he wanted to just be by her side, so he could hear her voice, listen to her laugh, and smell her scent. And at the moment, couldn't get enough of her. He smiled and stepped closer to her. She leaned back, but couldn't move.
"How about you let me show you?" and with that, he kissed her, with all he had. Hermione swooned girlishly as Harry lavished her lips. Her heart stopped when Harry's hand made it's way up to her back, as he slowly lowered her to the bed behind her. He moaned into the kiss, and she giggled against him. He loved her....although it was quite sudden......he loved her!
He then stopped, causing Hermione to groan. She opened her eyes to see Harry above her. She suddenly got really shy as she noticed their position.
"What... what is it, Harry?" she asked him.
"Hermione, are you sure? I mean, if you aren't ready, if you need more time...then..." but Hermione stopped him. She placed her fingers upon his lips to quiet him as she smiled softly.
"Harry, shut up." Her statement caught him off guard, but he quickly smirked as he pulled her into him again. His hands roamed her body freely as hers found their way up his tunic. He continued to massage her body with his hands as he monopolized her mouth. After what seemed like forever, Harry broke apart from her. Hermione pouted, and he laughed. She asked him why he had stopped and he only smirked.
"What, you miss me already?" he played. She reddened as she arched her back, her chest against his chest, indicating that she wanted more. He smirked as he licked her lips. "As you wish." he whispered barely. She couldn't stop her blush, and she couldn't stop her body either. It worked on its own, though she wasn't objecting. Harry then touched her side and she whimpered when he kissed just above the spot where her pulse resided. "Hermione....." He waited for her reply, but all he received were soft pants. "Hermione....."
"Yes...?" she gasped. He smirked as he began to kiss his way down her chest, above the fabric of her dress. He lifted his head back to her ear and whispered,
"I love you."
With that said, he reached his hand behind her back, and pulled gently on the soft satin ribbon that strapped her dress. And he was now about to show her exactly how much he loved her.
XXX
Ok, ok. Get your minds out of the gutter! Lol, omig you have no clue how weird it was for me to write this, not only is it SUUPPPEEERRR long, but I felt it was kinda similar to the last chapter....... but I needed to get them to this, b/c the war is gonna pick up soon! and I wanted their feelings out in the open when it did start.
Now I know Harry's feelings seemed a bit sudden, but keep in mind, he has been showing hints of liking her since
Halloween, and now is when he actually realizes them. Ok, and for Cho.... well, now that he realizes his growing
feelings for Hermione, he's gonna start feeling less drawn to Cho and realize that his attraction to her was just
that......... an attraction, not love!!
Anyhoozle, hope you liked it!
urs truly
Silver-Magick131