DISCLAIMER : I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT!!
Hello readers!
Here's a rather long update as well! I hope you all enjoy this chapter!!!
To my fellow reviewers.........
--- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS GUYS!!!
Now on with the story...
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Chapter Eighteen : Is War Approaching?
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"Hermione, Hermione! Are you ok?" she called out. Hermione groaned as she raised a hand to her head. Serenity laughed as she helped her friend up off of the grass and into a sitting position. "Hermione, I told you! It isn't good to push yourself so far! You'll only hurt yourself!" Hermione laughed as well as she held her palm to her now throbbing forehead. "Come on, let's get you home."
Hermione stood up and closed her eyes for a moment, allowing the circles in her head to cease.
"Sorry Serenity, I guess I just got a little carried away!" she said sheepishly. "I mean, I was so close!" she said. Serenity smiled.
"Yes I know! But Hermione, you can't get carried away like that!" said the Elven Princess. "Hermione, you have progressed more than any Wizard or Witch in this day and age could ever dream of progressing! You should be proud! But next time, when I say it is time to stop.. you STOP!" The two girls laughed and made their way back up to the Castle, both in need of a long rest.
xxx
The next morning, Hermione awoke to an empty bed. She frowned, wondering if Harry was getting back at her for leaving him early in the morning.
She sighed, as she realized that she hadn't seen Harry at all yesterday, except for the brief minutes before they both fell asleep. She missed him yesterday, and after she and Serenity had retired inside after her training, Hermione had been looking forward to seeing Harry at dinner. Unfortunately, he didn't make it to dinner, and hadn't returned from the Training Hall until well after midnight.
Hermione had stayed up, reading her book, as she waited his return. When he did finally return, he had been so sore and tired, he barely had energy to speak. Hermione felt bad for him, and tried her best to aid him in any way she could, which she knew Harry appreciated greatly.
She didn't tell Harry of her training, as Serenity instructed her not to. Serenity, as well as Hermione, decided that it would only add more worry atop of his already stressed out mind. Hermione didn't want him to continuously worry for her safety; he had enough to worry about!
Hermione sighed as she stood up and walked over to the open balcony. It was Christmas Eve today; four days after the attack on Gryffindor. It was still early morning, an hour or two after dawn, and the air was chilly as it nipped at her bare neck. A soft blanket of crisp snow now covered the lands, having just fallen two nights prior. She sighed as she winced at the dull pain that swam across her chest and arms. She really had tired herself out yesterday! What was she thinking?
As she turned from the balcony, she went to take a quick shower before meeting Serenity downstairs.
xxx
Harry sat within the Dining Hall, his breakfast before him, as he discussed more politics with lesser Lords before him. By now he was getting quite aggravated as he was denied a single moment of peace. Sighing, he turned his head up to look at one of the men addressing him.
"Lord Oric, I am in no mood to speak on this matter any longer." he said smoothly. Ron looked up at him with a quirked eyebrow as he watched Harry raise his hand, indicating that this conversation was over and it was their cue to leave. The Lords, who had been in the middle of property gain discussions, stood shocked as their Prince ordered their leave. Finally, a guard came from beside the door, and escorted the few men out of the Dining Hall.
"Wow, Harry!" exclaimed Ron. "You just totally dismissed half-" but he was interrupted by Harry as he suddenly stood up, pushing his chair back as he did so loudly.
Lily, who had decided to eat breakfast in the Hall this morning while her husband slept, looked up at her son with concern. He looked tired. He had been up training with the Aurors until well past midnight, and the strains of worry and pressure pulled at his youthful face. Lily hated seeing her son like this, and it hurt her to know of the burden that was laid upon him
Harry sighed as he bowed slightly in respect to his mother, before silently turning to leave. As he walked toward the entrance doors, he saw as Serenity entered, Li closely in tow. Li bowed respectively to the royals, as well as Serenity, and Harry could see the sadness that occupied her face. She was worried, and hurt to be kept in the dark of Li's secret. Harry didn't blame her, as he too felt the same way!
"Good Morning, Harry." she said softly. Harry stopped and smiled.
"Morning Serenity. Li." he said as he addressed the two. Li nodded. "When exactly are you leaving, Li?"
"In about a quarter of an hour, Your Highness." Harry nodded. He was hoping Li would stay and help finish the Aurors training, as he was skilled in that field, but unfortunately he couldn't.
"Well then, safe journey my friend!" he said, and the two shook hands. Harry felt a warmth emit from the palm of the elf, and suddenly felt a new surge of determination flow through him. Harry smiled once more. "I will be at the Entrance Court to bid you farewell!"
With that, Harry turned once again to the doors of the Hall. As he was about to exit, a brunette figure decided to round the corner and crash into him unknowingly.
"Ooff!"
"I'm sorry, excuse me Miss-" then Harry paused and smiled warmly. "Hermione." he said softly. Hermione smiled and looked up at her husband.
"Harry. Good morning, love." she said sweetly. His smile never left his face as he wrapped his arm around her, ensuring she didn't leave him.
"Watch where you're going next time, will ya?" he chided playfully. Hermione giggled as she shoved at his chest. He chuckled and then froze as she tipped up, seizing his lips with hers. Harry smiled into her as he leaned down further to deepen the kiss, and Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck as her one hand ventured into his messy locks. She held him to her as he kissed her passionately, expressing his love for her, and apologizing for not being with her last night.
Ron stood from his seat and chuckled at his best mate. He knew Harry had been edgy all day yesterday, after he awoke to find the bed empty, and his mood didn't improve any as he struggled to train the Aurors later that afternoon. Remus and Sirius were to be aiding in training this morning, which Ron was grateful for. He knew it eased his friend's mind slightly to receive aid from the higher Aurors, and heck, Ron was pleased as well... seeing as he was struggling in the training too. But he knew, with Hermione here, Harry's day was starting off in the right foot, and for that he was extra grateful.
Everyone in the room seemed to watch the couple for a moment, at their first public display of affection, before turning their attentions back to their previous tasks as to give the couple their privacy. The staff of the Castle already knew of the budding relationship between the two royals, seeing as news spread rather quickly. The culprit - the young, blushing servant boy who had accidentally walked in on the Prince and his Princess three days back.
Nobody really seemed shocked at the display of emotion from the two royals; well that is nobody with the exception of one. Queen Lily.
Of course, she did know of the blossoming relationship between the two, but she hadn't ever actually seen them express themselves before! Heck, she didn't really even know if they were physically intimate with each other. She had to admit, she hadn't been this happy in a long time, as she watched her son and his wonderful wife express their affections for each other.
Harry smiled as he lavished Hermione in his kiss. He gave her his all as he kissed her. He missed her, and after spending just a day away from her killed him. He had felt incomplete for some reason. He only wished he knew what she had been doing to leave so early in the morning.
Finally, as his lungs begged him for air, he broke from the brunette in his arms, and moved to kiss her cheeks and forehead instead. She giggled at his playfulness, and nuzzled under his jaw as she hugged him.
"I missed you." she stated simply. He smiled, hugging her close. "I wish you didn't have to train the Aurors today." Harry sighed. He wished he didn't have to too!
"I'm sorry Hermione! But this is my duty... I have to protect you, and protect this Kingdom, as well as your own." she sighed as he told her this. She knew it was for the best.
"Well, since it is Christmas Eve, do you think you could finish training early?" she asked, as she batted her eyelashes playfully. He laughed and sighed.
"I'll try Mione." he chuckled. Hermione raised her eyebrow at the name, but shrugged it off as he pulled her into the Dining Hall. He walked her over to the table where the Queen, Serenity, and Li were seated. Ron remained standing beside his chair as he twirled his wand in his hands. Harry pulled Hermione's chair out for her as she sat down, and Harry then turned to his own, now cold, plate. Immediately, a servant from the kitchens came and replaced his plate, and he smiled as his mother turned to them, amused.
"So," she started as she didn't know what to say exactly. She smiled widely as she examined her son and daughter-in-law. She watched as Harry dipped his left hand under the table, a smile on his face, and shook her head as Hermione quickly dropped her fork, gasping for a second then coughing lightly. She shot Harry a menacing look, one which he ignored as he continued to eat his breakfast. Lily smiled at the two, before a mischievous glint swam across her emerald eyes, one that was totally credited to the infamous Marauders! She turned to the two as she continued eating and casually asked, "So, when can I tell your father to expect his grandchildren?"
Immediately, Harry began choking on his food for the second time in a week since his first (technically second) kiss to Hermione four days ago in Ravenclaw. Hermione blushed as red as a tomato as she patted her husbands back, trying to ease his coughing fits. Finally, as Harry's coughing subsided, he turned to his red mother, red himself, as he stuttered.
"Wh..What?" he choked out. Lily only gave him an innocent look as she looked to her son sweetly. Harry quickly glanced up at Ron, who was smiling before he began wiggling his eyebrows. This only served to deepen the color on the Prince's red cheeks. He glanced over at his wife, who sported a similar blush, and threw her a silent question. She shook her head softly, as if indicating 'no', before turning to look down at her plate permanently.
"Oh, didn't you hear me, dear? I asked when I could tell your father to-"
"I heard what you said, mother!" he interrupted. He turned to Hermione, who was still staring down at her plate. To say a blush was upon her face was an understatement, as she turned redder than Harry had ever seen one turn. She refused to look up at him, as well as the rest of the Hall, as they all were engulfed in a long silence. For the Hall, it was an amused silence, but for the couple, every second seemed to drag like hours until finally...
"Your Majesties, sorry to interrupt, but we have readied the horse for the departure of Sir Li." came the voice of the Entrance Guard. Everyone turned to look at the tall man standing in the Hall's doorway. Queen Lily smiled and nodded, thanking the Guard before turning to Li and Serenity.
"I am afraid the time has come to say our Goodbyes." she said. Serenity nodded sadly as she and Li stood up from their seats at the Dining table. Harry and Hermione also stood up, though refused to look at the others until they reached the Entrance Hall.
Once the group had reached the Castle's large main doors, they saw Li off before a large, burly guard came to announce that the assembled Aurors were ready to begin their day's training. Harry sighed and nodded, before placing a soft kiss upon Hermione's cheek, saying his goodbyes, and yanking Ron out after him. Serenity then turned to Hermione.
"Well, shall we be off then?" she asked. Hermione turned to her friend beside her and smiled. "You ready?"
"Yep."
xxx
Hermione found herself back in the small clearing of the bordering forest. It was chilly as Serenity and Hermione put up a warming barrier to keep the chill out. The sunlight flooded the small patch of cleared land as the Castle loomed behind the trees. It truly was a calm and peaceful area, the only other sounds being the twittering of the birds and the rustle of the leaves.
As they reached the center of the clearing, Serenity motioned for Hermione to stand before her. Obeying, Hermione stood regally before the Elf. Serenity smiled and motioned for Hermione to take a deep breath, and then to sit. Again, Hermione obeyed.
"Now Hermione, remember, relax your body." Serenity started. Hermione did so as she inhaled long slow breaths through her nose, and exhaled slowly through her mouth. "Good. Clear your mind and focus solely on the point in which you wish your power to gather to." Hermione nodded once more, but frowned as this was the most difficult part of the training.
Closing her eyes, Hermione brought her palms up before her and began to channel her magical energy to form between her two palms. She could feel her energy surge through her, an exhilarating feeling that made her skin tingle, as she relaxed her body and mind. No thought entered her mind as she willed her magic to collect. It wasn't until five minutes later that she sighed loudly before dropping her palms and opening her exhausted eyes. Serenity looked at her with half amusement and half question.
"Why'd you stop?"
"Because! My energy won't collect!" replied Hermione, frustrated with her inability to perform. Serenity smiled softly as her friend continued. "I mean, what am I doing wrong? I am following your exact instructions - I am relaxing, breathing slowly, clearing my thoughts, and yet STILL no progress!"
"Hermione," came Serenity's voice, amusement laced delicately between her comforting words. "You are doing absolutely nothing wrong, but channeling your magic takes a lot of discipline! I will not happen in just a few hours of practicing!" she said with a smile. She sat there for a second in thought before looking back up to her friend. "Here, stand up."
Hermione raised her eyebrow before doing as she was told. Serenity stood from her spot and moved to stand directly before Hermione, only three feet separating the toes of their slippered feet from the other. Serenity exhaled softly before raising her palms up before her. With her fingers parallel to her chest and navel, she formed her palms to look as if she held a circular object between them, with one palm holding the top while the other supported the bottom. She closed her eyes, and once more, began to chant incoherently.
Instantly, the green woodlands before Hermione began to melt away as a darkness began to fall. A darkness it was, as if the two were encased in a black void. The only light around them was the light that shown from beneath Serenity and herself. Hermione gasped softly as Serenity's form slowly ascended a foot into the air as the shroud of black fully engulfed them.
Serenity's toes pointed below her, and Hermione gasped as she noticed how the elf's toes touched the tip of crystalline water below. The water began to ripple, and Hermione looked up to see Serenity's dress and hair begin to catch in the wind. Hermione too felt the cool air whip around her form as she stood on to watch.
Suddenly Serenity stopped chanting as the light breeze continued to whip around her. She smiled as she slowly opened her eyes to Hermione.
"Now, I am going to show you how I call my energy to me. Perhaps this will aid you in your training." and with that, Serenity closed her eyes once more. Hermione stood there as nothing happened, until suddenly small golden lights began to shine all around them. Like little bulbs of light or small glowing fireflies, the light grew softly before one by one began to get slowly closer. Hermione was surprised as she could actually feel exactly what it was Serenity was doing to call the lights to her. Hermione felt a certain pull, and watched as the lights slowly began to shoot toward the center of space between Serenity's palms.
Slowly the small ball of magic between the elf's palms began to grow, and Hermione could feel the heat radiating off of the mass of energy, as well as the intensity of it. It was truly amazing. She understood now.
Finally the bright light ceased in its growth as Serenity channeled the last of her energy. She opened her eyes again and smiled at Hermione, who smiled back.
"So, do you think you are ready to try again?" Hermione nodded. Serenity chuckled softly and then the glow of light grew once more, engulfing the two women in a soft warmth. Hermione then opened her eyes to find herself back in the sunny patch of the forest clearing. Serenity was before her, smiling before dropping herself softly back to the ground before looking up at the Princess. "Let's try this again, shall we?"
Hermione nodded and sat back down. She took a few deep breaths as she listened to Serenity coach her.
"Now don't push yourself!" she was saying. "You aren't expected to get this right away, training to control your magic can take a lifetime to learn, and an eternity to master.... right now all we want is for you to be able to successfully concentrate your energy into one pinpoint!" Hermione nodded.
Sighing, she did as she was told, and began to concentrate her powers to one specific pinpoint - between her two facing palms. As she did this, she began doing what it was that she felt Serenity do to call her energy to her. Almost immediately Hermione began to feel her power surging through her veins. Coursing through her, she could, once again, feel her skin tingling and her blood moving. She concentrated harder, willing it to travel toward her palms, and soon enough she began to feel a small warmth form between her two palms, and it slowly began to grow.
Serenity watched in amazement as she could feel Hermione grasp her energy. She could feel Hermione's will pushing her magic to the one place she was concentrating it on, and was progressing beautifully. In all truth, Serenity was surprised, and highly please as she watched as Hermione's energy began to form between her facing hands. 'She might be ready to learn Healing soon! She is progressing quite quickly, after achieving this just two days into the training! Perhaps it won't be as dangerous!' Serenity thought to herself.
Hermione continued to push her energy to her, internally exhilarated at the feel of control over her magic, but wouldn't show it for fear of loosing the hold she had. She centered her entire being around manipulating and forming her magic to do as she willed it to, and so far it was beginning to work.
It wasn't until Hermione had gathered almost all of her coursing energy, did she feel a straining pull on her body. She knew Serenity told her not to push herself, but she was so close! She could feel the sweat forming upon her brow, and her muscles in her arms were beginning to tremble.
"Ok Hermione, I think that is enough! Remember, don't push yourself!" danced Serenity's pleased voice! Hermione could hear the astonishment and excitement in the woman's voice, and that sent another course of determination and pride throughout her being. She knew that if she pushed herself, she might wear her body out for further training, so she decided that enough was enough.
Slowly, in a way that seemed almost instinctive, she felt herself magically grasping onto the small ball of energy between her palms as she ceased her mental push of energy. Once she was certain that her hold on her energy was firm, she slowly began to open her chocolate eyes, a large smile spreading its way across her fine features. Serenity was smiling as well, and nodded in an approved manner as Hermione glanced down at the ball of energy that floated between her hands; suspended by her mental hold of magic, and hovering almost weightlessly for her. She could feel the heat and strength in the magic just as she felt Serenity's. It was an amazing feeling of pride that swelled within her, and her stomach did soft flips at her excitement, but along with the excitement came exhaustion! Suddenly now, that her body was fully relaxed, did she feel the strain her body had been put under. Her eyes felt heavy and her upper arms felt like jelly.
Slowly Hermione relinquished her mental hold on the energy, and slowly she allowed her body to call back what was once apart of it. The ball of energy gradually began emitting the energy it was made of, and began its course back through the Princess's veins. Hermione loved the feel of how the magic was filling her again. It coursed through her entire being, and gave her an extra burst of energy as she allowed it to engulf her body in warmth.
Finally, when the last bit of energy had found its way back into her, Hermione released a breath she didn't know she was holding as she allowed her hands to fall into her lap. Her shoulders sagged as she smiled a tired, yet exhilarated, smile. She looked to Serenity, who sported a similar smile sans the tiredness, and excitement coursed through her.
"I did it!" she whispered softly. Serenity giggled and nodded happily.
"You did!! Wow... that was amazing Hermione!" came the elf's reply. She smiled at her friend, before turning her attention to a small velvety pouch that hung at her side. She extracted a polygon-shaped box from the pouch and tossed it to Hermione. Hermione caught it and smiled.
"A Chocolate Frog?" she asked in amusement. Serenity nodded and motioned her to eat the sweet.
"Yep! Remus used to always keep a bag of them with him as he would train us as kids. Harry and I never understood why Remus always had such an unyielding belief that Chocolate Frogs, and any other sort of chocolate, was such an energy booster but we never complained. Ron used to over-work himself on purpose just as an excuse to get his treat!" Serenity stopped and laughed at the memories before continuing. "Well that was until Fred and George switched the bag of Frogs with some new concoction they had just made .... cant remember the exact name... but Ron had retired to the lavatory the rest of the day and well into the night!" Serenity giggled once more, and Hermione joined in with her. "Poor Ron, never trusted Remus's bag of Frogs again!"
"He does seem to be the butt of all of the twins' pranks. Poor guy!" replied Hermione as she finished up her chocolate. Serenity giggled, though it never reached her eyes. Hermione could tell that her eyes were still clouded with concern for her beloved. Serenity had been putting on a mask all morning, as she had done yesterday, feigning that the wounds upon Li's arms weren't constantly occupying her mind, but Hermione saw right through it. She knew, for she was suffering the same plague of worries....
Thoughts of a wounded Harry never left her mind, and no matter how much she tried to convince herself that Harry would be alright, that nagging gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach never seemed to cease its torture upon her.
"Well Hermione," swam Serenity's voice, interrupting Hermione of her thoughts, "You ready to begin your training?"
"Begin?" asked Hermione. Serenity smiled and nodded, a glint in her eye that made Hermione swell with excitement and a little bit of.... apprehension?
"Yep... ready to begin Healing?"
xxx
The weeks flew by, and Serenity was thoroughly shocked at the progress Hermione had been making.
They had just entered the second week of January and by now, Hermione had improved so well that she was finally practicing simple acts of Healing. Not as advanced as healing an actual being, Serenity had Hermione training on simpler organisms, just as the training elves were subjected to - Plants.
Serenity would take Hermione out into the snow-covered forest, and would find blades of grass, baby shrubs, even damaged tree trunks, and would then instruct Hermione on how to concentrate her magic to repair the severed, torn, or damaged cells. Hermione doubted herself at first, but that quickly melted away when she had first performed an act of healing, by healing a crushed branch of a sapling.
Healing, Serenity found, came easy to Hermione. Though Hermione was oblivious to this herself, Serenity watched with wonder and amazement as Hermione could easily wield her power. She truly was a gifted witch.
But unfortunately, Harry was beginning to become suspicious. Always departing to train, Harry wondered constantly where it was that Hermione was heading to, and why she was returning tired and exhausted. He didn't like it, and Hermione and Serenity were beginning to notice his constant questioning.
"Serenity, what do I tell him?" Hermione asked as she and Serenity walked throughout the Castle gardens. She and Serenity had not ventured out into the forest in the last week, for Harry's constant suspicion and the growing power of the Dark Arts were enough to keep them within the walls. That didn't bother the two women any, seeing as the Castle gardens worked just as well.
"It's ok Hermione. Don't worry, we'll take care of this." she told her. "Perhaps it would be best to hold out on training for a while, you have already improved beyond my expectations immensely!! We'll take the week off, and you spend the week with Harry. That'll calm him down, and suppress his suspicions."
Hermione nodded and sighed. She didn't like keeping the training from him, but knew it wasn't the right time to tell him yet, he'd get too worried for her.
The two continued their walk throughout the snow-covered gardens as they discussed the probability of an approaching war and of their worries for the Kingdoms - both Elven and Wizarding.
Serenity was extremely concerned now. After Li's return to the Elven Lands, his promise came true and her Mother, along with a faction of Guardian Elves arrived later that evening. Letters and different forms of discrete messaging was being sent between the two, but Li refused to indulge her with any information concerning himself or why he hurried to return without her. Her mother was also curious as to what his intentions were, and wondered why it was preferred that she depart from her Kingdom.
Sirius had stayed back with Serenity, and was glad to have his wife back with him, but he too seemed to be retaining information. Serenity and her mother were getting restless, and Hermione could see it in her friend's eyes - all of the stress, worry, and fear were beginning to build, and she feared her friend might not be able to suppress it any longer.
But Hermione found that she couldn't concentrate on her friend's worries for too long, for she herself was being weighed down by her own worry and fear. For Harry.
Harry had been working diligently on training his band of Aurors, and constantly returned to their chambers in the wee hours of the morning, tired and in pain. If he wasn't out in the Training Hall, he was locked behind the doors of the Conference Hall, with delegates and other Royals, straining to prepare logical attack routes and preparing ways in which to keep the Kingdoms safe.
King James was still quite wounded, but now found the energy to attend the meetings and aid his son. Hermione knew that this also added to the worry atop her husband's head. His father's strength was diminishing, and his attendance to meetings and trainings were short. She feared that perhaps King James' legacy as The Great King of Gryffindor was slowly coming to an end, and she knew Harry suffered from these thoughts as well. It pained her to see Harry so depleted of energy and confidence, for she saw it, even if he hid it so well from the others - she saw it, and it physically pained her.
It was then she decided that she was going to do what ever she could to relieve him of his worries. It was her duty as a wife and lover, and she would adhere to it! She felt guilty that her training had pulled her away from him in his time of need, and she was going to do all she could to help!
xxx
Later on that night, Hermione and Serenity had retired to the warmth of the Castle for some tea and hot cocoa beside the fire, while awaiting the for the meeting in which Harry was in to end. Hermione sat there, curled into her plush armchair beside the fire, thumbing her mug of steaming chocolate, her eyes unfocused as she stared into the fire, lost in thought. She wanted to relieve Harry of all his stress, but didn't know exactly how. She was also worried, for the meeting that he was in right now, was called in emergency; Sir Lancey declaring that new valuable information about the whereabouts of the Death Eater's location being revealed.
Hermione had wanted to attend, but Harry advised against it. Why? She had no idea.... but respected her husband's decision, and now found herself staring into the dancing ember flames, as worry clouded her thoughts.
Serenity noticed this, but kept to herself. She knew the Princess had a lot on her mind, and decided that it was best to leave her to her own thoughts for a while. She held her cup of Jasmine tea in her delicate hands as she struggled to find a way in which her Elven people could and would aid the Wizarding kind. She so desperately wanted to help her father's race, but she knew of her people's thoughts on the Wizarding kind. She didn't understand them very well, but knew they were against the mingling of races.
As both Princesses stewed in their own thoughts, a loud burst through the door snapped them out of their stupors immediately - Ginny.
"Argh!! That.... why that.... Argh!! I hate MEN!" shouted the red head. Hermione and Serenity stared at her for a moment in shock, before replacing their looks of surprise for looks of amusement. Serenity smiled and quirked an eyebrow up at the flaming redhead as Hermione braved to ask her who and what she was talking about.
"Ginny... what happened?" she asked, though she failed miserably at masking the amusement in her voice. Ginny seemed to ignore her as she fumed to herself. She stomped up into the cozy Common room and threw herself onto the couch. She grabbed a cup of tea and tossed a few cubes of sugar into it before crossing her legs, her foot shaking up and down in irritation. Hermione and Serenity threw each other looks of interest as they both watched the girl.
Ginny's cheeks were beat red... adding to her look of fury, and she squinted her eyes with lips pursed. She truly looked like a younger Mrs.Weasley, Hermione mused.
"Ginny.." came Serenity's cautious voice. Ginny threw the two girls a look before sighing angrily.
"Please guys, I don't wanna talk about it." came her curt reply. "Just know that Seamus Finnigan is a real prat!" she said before slamming down her full cup of tea. "I need some air."
And with that, the fuming girl stood and exited the Common room, leaving behind two bewildered, yet amused, young ladies.
As Ginny stomped her way out of the Common room, she pushed past Harry, who greeted her in the nicest matter. Her huff of annoyance and flustered cheeks sent his eyebrow on a skyward mission, a small smirk upon his lips. He watched as she stomped her way down the corridor before turning to the two women within the room. His silent question and amused manner earned him a couple of shrugs. That was until Serenity decided to break the silence.
"Seamus Finnegan." was all she said. Harry looked to her and smiled.
"Ahh.... I see...." he said before chuckling softly. Hermione felt her heart soar at the lighthearted look on his face for a moment, and secretly thanked both Ginny and Seamus for the change in atmosphere. She then watched as Harry turned his attention onto her and sighs. Immediately, Hermione felt her heart drop into the pit of her stomach. "Hermione, care to take a walk with me?"
Hermione nodded, not showing her concern for a moment as she stood from her spot before the fire. Serenity shot her a look of concern for Harry, and Hermione sighed. She made her way over to Harry, and giggled as he wrapped his arm protectively around her, as she leaned against him, and escorting her out of the room and down the corridor, heading for the gardens.
Harry seemed lost in thought as they walked down the many corridors, but Hermione found that she didn't quite mind. She was simply enjoying being next to him as she wrapped her arm around his lower back, her other resting upon his chest.
As the two reached the gardens, Hermione prepared to take a left as she always did, but this time Harry pulled her right. Her look of surprise brought a smile to the Prince's face as he led her on through the unfamiliar garden side.
Through twists and turns through snow-covered hedges, under wooden beams laden in hibernating rose-vines, and past a large rounded fountain, Hermione reveled in the view this unfamiliar half of the gardens had to offer. Regardless of the lack of life and luster, due to winter's chill, Hermione still found it to be quite beautiful. The ground in which she stepped on was made of mosaic flagstone designs and roman columns and tall Cypress trees gave the gardens a more romantic feel.
Finally Harry stopped, pulling Hermione beside him before turning to his right and extending his hand. Hermione looked over to see the back of the tower in which their sleeping chambers were. She quirked an eyebrow as she wondered what Harry was about to do.
"Accio Firebolt!" he called, and Hermione's eyes widened as his Firebolt came whizzing of their balcony and finally into Harry's outstretched hand. He then smiled down at her before placing the softest of kisses upon her brow. "Come with me." he whispered. Hermione felt him tug at her hand and pull her up a small flight of stone stairs that led onto a platform another circular fountain placed gracefully within the center of the stone platform.
Hermione watched as Harry mounted his broom. 'I sure do hope he doesn't expect me to get on that thing!' her mind screamed. Obviously, Harry didn't hear her mental words as he turned to her expectantly, extending his hand to her.
"Come with me, Hermione." he said softly. Hermione hesitated as she stared at the slender wood that she was expected to sit upon. Harry noticed her apprehension and chuckled softly. He unmounted his broom as he gently laid it upon the ground. He then made his way over to his wife, smiling softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "It is ok, Hermione. I would never do anything that would put you in harms way." he said softly. Hermione believed him, but still felt weary about mounting that broom. Harry then pressed his forehead to hers before continuing. "Come on, I swear it'll be worth it."
Finally Hermione gave in to her husband and allowed him to guide her over to the Firebolt, and listened as he coached her on how to sit properly. Hermione had no idea how complicated sitting atop a broom could be!
She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist as he positioned himself before her. He smiled at her nervous form, and found it adorable how she would blush profusely, from both anxiety and embarrassment. Then he gently squeezed her hand upon his stomach before counting aloud, letting her prepare for their lift-off.
No matter what Harry did, nothing would have prepared her for what came next.
A whoosh of cool air.
A pressure from above.
Then.... weightlessness.
Hermione's 'eep' echoed throughout the chilly night air as Harry rose, and her arms instinctively squeezed at her husbands waist as she buried her head into his back. She refused to open her eyes as she felt the night's air whip past her as Harry ascended to the heavens.
Up. Up. Up they went, and the higher they went, the lighter she began to feel. Harry softly chuckled at his wife as she held on for dear life. He wanted her to relax, for the view was amazing and he didn't want her to miss this. Slowly Harry allowed the broom to slow, and he began to gently rub the back of Hermione's clenched palm. He chuckled once more as she whimpered. Grabbing her hand, he gently untangled her fingers from his tunic, before pressing it to his lips.
"It's ok Hermione." he whispered softly. "Its ok, open your eyes, love. Trust me, you want to see this." Harry smiled as he slowly felt her grip loosen, though not entirely. He felt as she slowly pulled her face from his back, pressing her chest against his back. Harry smile widened as he turned to look at her from over his shoulder as her eyes fluttered open. Suddenly a gasp filled the night air as Hermione found herself staring up at the full orange moon and twinkling stars. It was simply breath-taking. "You like it?"
Hermione had lost her voice for a moment. "It... it's beautiful!" she whispered. Harry smiled and rubbed the back of her palms once more as he tilted his head back to lean it against hers. Hermione was shocked for a moment, before smiling and leaning further into him. After a few moments Harry pulled forward a little and smiled back at her.
"Hold on tight now." he told her before he tilted the broom forward, zipping lower to the ground. Hermione screamed as she once again buried her face into his back.
Minutes past and Hermione was beginning to wonder just where it was they were going. Obviously they weren't landing, much to Hermione's disappointment, but were moving forward. It wasn't for another few moments did she feel the change in directions. Immediately she felt her stomach plummet into her gut as Harry took a southward dip. Hermione didn't know whether to scream or what as they descended. Finally, she felt the firm solid ground beneath her feet as Harry chuckled.
She slowly opened her eyes and sighed as she saw the ground beneath her. She quickly hopped off of the broom, followed by Harry after untangling her hands from his waist. Hermione then immediately slapped Harry's back.
"Harry James Potter! You do that again and I'll-"
"You'll what?" he interrupted. Hermione stopped, staring at Harry with shock as he moved to stand directly before her. Hermione felt her stomach flip with anticipation as she took in his form before her.
"I... I'll-" but she didn't get a chance to finish for Harry swallowed her words in a passionate kiss. Hermione moaned as he pressed his body to hers, and Harry in turn moaned as he felt her press her chest against his.
Harry pulled her close to him, as close as he possibly could as he poured his feelings into the woman he adored. He didn't know any other way of expressing his love for her, and felt that no other way but physical display could communicate just how much she meant to him.
Hermione sighed as she fisted a handful of Harry's ebony hair and cupped the back of his neck, pressing him firmly against herself. She loved the feel of his lips as he worked them against her own, and reveled in the emotion he was conveying to her. She truly knew of no other way she would want to spend her time with him... well, their was pretty much no other way!
But unfortunately for the couple, air was a necessity, and their lungs screamed for it. Harry sighed as he pulled away from her, resting his forehead against her won as he ran his thumbs against her sides.
"I love you." he whispered. Hermione smiled and pressed closer to him as she ran her fingers down his chest. He smiled back, content to just be with her.
"And I love you." she whispered just as softly. He smiled before leaning forward to kiss her lips softly in an innocent kiss. When he broke from the brief kiss, he took her hands in his and pulled her forward. Hermione quirked an eyebrow before gasping as Harry spun her and pressed her back against his chest. Before her was the open sea, the moon floating gracefully above it as a soft moonlit path was splayed against the water, lapping against the shore beneath them.
Hermione found that they were standing at the tip of a precipice, the trees of the forest looming behind them protectively as they enjoyed night. Harry wrapped his arms tightly around her form as he rested his chin atop her shoulder.
"Hermione," he called softly. Hermione smiled and tilted her head against his before replying.
"Hmmm?" Harry hesitated for a moment, which caught Hermione's curious attention as she turned slightly to get a better look at him. "Harry?"
He sighed once more before standing up fully, as he stared across the ocean before him.
"Hermione, as you have probably guessed, new information has surfaced, concerning the whereabouts of the Death Eaters." he started. Hermione listened intently. "Along with this information comes disturbing news as well. It appears that the Death Eaters have devised a way to fully regenerate Voldemort's former body, and if this happens, there is no telling what might happen." he said solemnly. Hermione couldn't she was prepared to hear that tonight, for that would be a lie, but for some reason it didn't bother her as much as she figured it would have.
"But, how can that be?" she found herself saying. Harry sighed, wishing he knew the answers himself, but unfortunately, that information was not provided.
"I don't know Hermione." Hermione stared at him for a moment, studying his face, his eyes. She knew there was more, she could see it in his eyes.
"That isn't all that you wanted to tell me, is it Harry." she asked. Harry looked down at her, a mixed look of amusement and sadness clouding his eyes.
"No that isn't all that I wanted to tell you, Hermione." he told her, "I just don't know how to word the rest of it."
"Just say it Harry. Tell me." Harry sighed audibly, clearly stressed at what he was about to say next.
"Well, you see, if Voldemort is able to regain even a fraction of his former power, the existence of the Four Kingdoms will be over!" he started. "We must prevent this from happening at all cost! "
"And how do you suppose you are going to do that?"
"By departing tomorrow to destroy the Death Eaters!" At this Hermione gasped!
"What?!?" she cried. Harry had expected this, and was fully prepared for any shrill screaming, but the one
thing he didn't prepare himself for, was the look in which would occupy her eyes. Total and utter sadness and
worry. "But... but .. you can't! You aren't ready! If you go now, it could mean-"
"It could mean that we could destroy Voldemort's strongest asset." he interjected. Hermione stared at him, and suddenly, as much as she wanted to argue this out, she suddenly found herself tired. She no longer had the energy to argue. No matter, Harry will hear it all later, but perhaps now it was best that she just stayed with him, for he obviously was struggling internally with this.
She then remembered her resolution to help ease the worry from her husband, no matter how short-lived it may be, and she decided now was better time than any to start. With that, Hermione turned in his arms and slid her arms around his neck. Harry raised his eyebrows at his wife before she tilted forward, pressing against him as she took his lips with hers. She bit and suckled his lower lip as she ran her hand down his chest once more. Harry groaned as she slid her warm hand beneath his tunic, grazing his taut muscles with her fingernails.
Finally she pulled away, but only to begin a trail of kisses along his jaw, to his ear, down his neck, and finally across collarbone, all the while muttering sweet words of support for her husband.
Harry could find no words to express what he felt at that moment. His senses were so laden with emotion, that he barely was able to pay attention to his wife's words of support and love. She truly was an angel! A blessing to him from Heaven to ease his soul and to guide his strength. He loved her, and he needed her, more than anything.
With that final thought, Harry bent forward and recaptured Hermione's mouth with his. He removed his cloak from his shoulders, not once breaking the kiss from his wife, and successfully managed to lay it across the soft grass behind them. Harry then pulled Hermione to him before slowly beginning to lower her onto his cloak behind. Hermione giggled into the kiss as Harry lavished and loved her.
It was going to be a night to remember, they both thought as they wrapped themselves up with the other.
XXX
Ooh, so he's off to war?! What's gonna happen now??? Lets see…
I hope you liked this chapter!
Thanks again all!
SM131