A/N: Thanks for the reviews all I'm hoping for a few more for this chapter, but while I have nothing to do except watch reruns, I'll write a bit more. FYI- if it's italicized, it's thoughts. It should be clear as to whose thoughts they are. Just a side note about my writing - I write based on the mood I am in. If I write a sad chapter, it's usually because I'm sad and channeling despondent emotions. Also, I LOVE feedback from my readers - that'd be you guys - so if you're reading my writings (and I know it's early, being the start of the 2nd chapter to this installment) and you have an idea for a plot twist or something, feel free to email me or leave me a review or something. I love hearing the creative juices from you guys. Also, if anyone is looking for a beta reader, I'm free . I'm really good with grammar and such, so if you need help on that part then feel free to let me know…. So, enough with my babbling, let the show continue!
All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place
While we still have time
Slamming the door on the shrieking winds, Hermione rushed to aid a staggering Harry. Coughing up blood and water, he was a pathetic sight to behold, doubled over on their entrance hall floor. She sank to his level, pulling off his sodden coat. He sat coughing and gasping for breath. A million questions flooded into her mind, swimming to get out, but she bit her tongue. He seemed to be in no state to talk, let alone answer questions.
"Let's get you up by the fire." She suggested, pulling him up and leaning him onto her. Together they staggered into the living room where Sirius' moved his hulking figure to make way for Harry. Hermione tossed several throw pillows onto the ground for herself, then slid the couch closer to the heat source as Harry stood on his own, head bowed, swaying. She helped peel off his still soaking shirt, leaving him only in a torn wife beater. She held in a gasp at the sight of the bruises on his torso and back and the lacerations.
What happened to him in there?
"Here, lay here. I'll get you something to drink. Tea?" she asked as she helped lower him tenderly onto her leather sofa.
"Water. Painkillers, if you've got them." Harry whispered, wincing as he shifted his position. His emerald eyes were closed, and Hermione's eyes flicked to the scar on his forehead, more pronounced than ever, along with scratches, dirt, dried blood, and bruises. Restraining herself from kissing each and every wound, she hurried to the kitchen to fetch him water. By the time she returned, Sirius had settled himself at the foot of the sofa, facing outward as to protect his master. Harry had his eyes closed and was breathing easily, almost as if he was asleep. Hermione gazed at him for a moment, wondering what to say and what to do, flooded with an irresistible desire to know what went on there.
"Here, Harry, drink. Take 2…no, 3." She said ever so softly, handing him 3 painkillers. He propped himself up with a great deal of difficulty and accepted the water and pills with a grateful look. He downed both in one gulp and settled himself back down. An awkward silence ensued as the winds raged outside. Kicking over a few of the throw pillows, Hermione sank down to the floor near Harry's waist and grabbed a hold of his hand. His eyes were closed and he was breathing softly again.
"I know you…want to know." He said with great difficulty.
Of course I do. She scanned the bruises on his ribs that peaked out from under his wife beater,
"When you want to tell me." She replied gently. His eyes remained closed. He shook his head but didn't say anything else. Hermione took this to mean that he didn't want to get into it now.
"Sleep, you look exhausted. Want to go to bed? Or stay here?" Hermione questioned. Cracking of the merry fire place in the background seemed to be slightly out of place. With his arrival, Harry brought in a new whirlwind of emotions. The comfort and content atmosphere that graced her before his arrival had dissipated. An air of foreboding was slowly settling on the couple as drool dripped stupidly from their dog's mouth.
"Bed." He whispered out, hoarse and ever so softly. Harry made to get up, winced and clutched his ribs, then fell back.
"I'll help you. Come on, it's more comfortable upstairs." Hermione said, easing his back off as he swung his legs over.
"It hurts all over."
"I know, Harry, I know."
"Can you make it stop?" he asked. She looked at him, his eyes were open. Aside from being red rimmed and bloodshot, the emerald green stood out so profoundly that for a moment she was taken aback. He pleaded with her silently, desperately hoping that she knew somehow to take away his soreness and aches.
"Yes. Come on, let's get you to bed." She said, helping him up the stairs. It was slow progress; each step caused a sharp pain to shoot up his legs and through his body to the tips of his fingers. Reaching the landing, Hermione gave him the chance to catch his breath.
"Sorry." He murmured, hanging his head humbly.
"Harry, hush. Come on. A few more feet."
These last few feet were painstaking but they finally managed to make it into the bedroom they had shared for the past 3 months. She led him to the bed and aided him to slide under the covers. Slinking out of her clothes, she slipped into her pajamas and eased herself into bed next to him. Starting at his scar, she kissed each and every wound she could see, moving down his body to the waste of his pants. There, she stopped. She worked her way back up again as sighs from Harry encouraged her. After repeating this a few times, she rolled over, resting her cheek on his shoulder ever so gently, and kissed his cheek.
"Goodnight Harry."
**
(The next morning…)
The next morning Hermione awoke to find the bed empty. All night she could feel him tossing and turning, wincing and moaning as he turned suddenly onto his bruises. Pulling on a bathrobe, she padded downstairs to the kitchen in search of Harry. She found him dozing at the kitchen table, head resting in hand, a cup of coffee sitting precariously near the edge of the table. For a moment she leaned against the door frame, a small smile sliding onto her countenance, as she absorbed the sight of Harry's messy hair, disheveled appearance, and peaceful expression as he slept at their kitchen table. He had been gone for a month, doing what, she didn't know. All she knew was that he was alive, and that he would return to her. That was the only thing she knew for 31 days. Alone, it was not enough to keep her from worrying. So, she dove into her work by day, and by night she sat and worried. He could have been anywhere, doing anything for anyone. for the Order, for himself, for the Ministry…
Hermione left him to sleep; knowing he probably needed it, and began busying herself with breakfast. She had just finished the toast when he finally began to stir.
"Whazzat? Huzzere?" he grumbled, sitting up and whipping his face. "Food?"
"Food, yes. You fell asleep. What time did you wake up?"
"I don't know. Late. Early. God, I'm so tired."
"Well here," Hermione stated, placing a steaming plate of eggs, sausage, and toast in front of him. "Eat."
"You're amazing." Harry managed to bleat out before he dove head on into his food. Hermione ate slowly, watching his grotesque manners silently. When he had finished, he leaned back in his chair slowly, still unsure of himself and what would hurt him. Hermione laid down her fork and sat back, looking at him. There was complete silence in the kitchen except for the buzzing of the fridge.
"No. I don't want to talk about it." Harry replied to his unstated question. He stood up, putting his plate in the sink and turned to face her.
"I didn't -"
"I know. Not now. But we have to go. I can't explain now, but we need to go."
"What? Go where? Why?" Hermoine wondered, standing up.
"Hermione, please. I need your help. I'll explain everything later. We just have to go, now. Please." He pleaded. For a moment she wanted to say no, to demand answers now. Something in his tone, something in his smile kept her from doing so.
"Okay."
A/N take 2: Starting slow, yeah? Leave reviews and I'll take it up a notch! This is about the average size of the posts - more or less may occur depending on the amount of time I have between school and work and other stuff. Reviews!!
Peace.
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