AN: Alrighty, ladies and gentlemen! A lot of you have been asking about when those dirty Slytherins will get their just deserts-and trust me, this dessert won't be sweet at all! This chapter is fairly long and I hope you guys all enjoy it! It's pretty intense and I had a lot of fun writing it so I hope you have fun reading it as well! As always, your reviews are very much appreciated and I want to extend "thanks" to all of you that do review. It's inspiring to know that my writing is appreciated! With that said, enjoy this update! Cheers!
Spoiler Alert: Again, as the trend throughout this story, there should be no spoilers in this chapter. But if you're up to looking for really discreet things, then let me know if you find anything!
Disclaimer: I still do not own the rather incredible universe of Harry Potter. I do have a rather enjoyable time twisting it to my own preferences though!
VII
"Harry Potter has caught the Snitch! Slytherin loses to Gryffindor 32 to 38! Gryffindor w-whoa, is Harry alright!?" Harry Potter had crashed into the ground, rolling off of his broom roughly. He stood up slowly and held up the feebly twitching Snitch-but it wasn't even another 4 seconds before he had passed out.
~<>~
Harry woke up in the hospital wing… again. His head was throbbing dully, but otherwise he felt fine, just drained. He reached to the small desk beside the bed and found his glasses waiting for him faithfully. Slowly, he sat up to be greeted by the relieved, chocolate-brown eyes of Hermione Granger.
"Hermione! What are you doing here?" Harry stammered.
"Just making sure that you were okay, Harry. Oh, Harry!" she flung her arms around him awkwardly, "I was so worried about you, what happened?"
"He was playing a strenuous game for the better of 6 hours, Grang-er… Hermione." A voice answered nearby.
"Ron, glad to see you, mate! How'd the score turn out?"
Hermione rolled her eyes but sat back down in her chair next to the bed. "It was a close game, mate." Ron answered seriously, "But with your catch, we won three hundred and eighty to three hundred twenty. Don't worry about the score though, how are you feeling now?"
"I'm not bad, just tired really, and a minor headache." Harry answered truthfully.
"Madam Pomfrey expected that and left this for you," Hermione said matter-of-factly from his bedside and handed him a glass filled with a glowing orange liquid. Harry looked distastefully at it, "It's for your headache and to help you regain your energy." Hermione said.
Harry nodded and drank the entire glass, but not without choking halfway through.
"Nothing like a good Extra Strength Pepper Up Potion, eh, mate? Anyways, I'll go tell the guys that you're up, we'll definitely be celebrating tonight-" Ron's excited rant was cut off by Hermione.
"It's a school night, Ronald, I would be saving the partying for a later time, maybe when Harry is feeling better and we don't have class tomorrow morning."
Ron frowned, "Luckily I'm not you then…" he trailed off before standing up, "I'll just be going now then, Harry." He winked suggestively at his best friend before bouncing out of the room.
Harry and Hermione glanced nervously at each other. "So," Hermione started unsurely, "Are you sure that you're feeling alright?"
"I'm feeling much better now that I've taken that potion." Harry answered, "Why'd you stick around waiting for me to wake up anyways?"
"Oh, I was just terribly worried about you. Even in the wizarding world, I don't expect that passing out is a good thing."
Harry chuckled, "You're right there. Anyways, thanks for staying. Erm… want to walk with me back to the tower?"
"Sure!" Hermione answered brightly.
Harry clambered out of bed, and found to his pleasure that he was already changed into more comfortable clothes. Madam Pomfrey obviously knew him very well. Harry checked up on John who was still asleep and left with Hermione into the expanse of hallways. "I'm really really sorry about what Nicholas did." Hermione blurted out.
"Hey, hey," Harry said reassuringly, "It's not your fault that it happened." He sighed heavily, "Now I wish that you hadn't seen that though. Quidditch can be a pretty brutal game sometimes."
"It was horrible." Hermione confessed, "I was so worried that you'd be next. I'm glad you're not hurt too badly though. Just… think a little more about what you're doing before you do it. You really scared me, Harry."
"Sorry, Mione." Harry mumbled.
"It's alright…" Hermione was distracted by the bulletin board as the two passed by. "What's this?" she approached it to get a closer look. Harry hung back, looking around sheepishly. "I don't remember putting posters up about our next meeting yet… Wait a second…" she turned around and looked at Harry expectantly. Harry could see the hope shining in her eyes. "You?"
Harry answered the question with a careless shrug. The smile tugging at Hermione's lips burst out and she flung her arms around a surprised Harry Potter. And it is safe to say, with all that had happened in his life, that Harry Potter was not often surprised. "Oh, Harry! You put up the posters already?"
"Yeah, Mione, not a big deal…"
"Of course it's a big deal!" Hermione gushed, "This is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me! How much did it cost? I'll pay you back as soon as I can."
"Hermione!" Harry said sternly, "You don't owe me anything. Money least of all."
"Oh, Harry, honestly, how many did you put up anyways?" When Harry didn't answer, Hermione pulled back from the comfortable embrace and looked at him with a questioning expression.
"Um… really, it's not a big deal Hermione. I'm just doing my part to contribute to S.P.E.W. I just have maybe one or two on every bulletin board I could find." Harry said the last sentence in a rush.
"Harry! That must have cost a fortune!"
Harry looked away, "I have plenty of those. But I would give every single bit of it away if I could just…" Harry trailed off and he thought briefly of small WWAT that he had received from the Weasley twins.
"What's the matter, Harry?"
Harry shook his head quickly, "I don't want to talk about it right now. But the point is, I have a ton of money. What use is it if I can't use it to bring some good to the world?"
"Oh, thank you, thank you, Harry! You're the best!" Hermione pulled him into a hug again. Harry recovered quickly this time and rested his chin on Hermione's head. He could definitely become accustomed to this position. The feel of this girl in his arms was one of the most incredible things Harry had ever experienced. It was so wonderful that Harry feared for what might happen if he let go.
Suddenly, Hermione pulled back and slapped Harry playfully on the chest, "So you're the one that stole my flyer last time! That's the only way you could've gotten my design since I never went over it with you before!"
"How do you know that I didn't just memorize the design on your old flyer?" Harry asked quickly. Hermione gave him a knowing look and Harry laughed good-naturedly "It was for a good cause wasn't it? With all of this advertising, I'm sure we'll get a better attendance than last time."
"I rather enjoyed last time though." Hermione said coyly.
Harry laughed, "I did too, Mione. Why don't we get back to the tower though? Everyone must be wondering where I am, and knowing Ron, he probably has a party waiting for me even though you told him not to have one."
"You're not going to that party are you, Harry?"
"I might stick around for a little, it is a party for the team anyways, and I need to support our team. Will you stay for just a little? Just for me?" Harry pouted cutely.
"Fine, fine, Harry, I'll stay… only for twenty minutes though."
Hermione stayed for longer than twenty minutes.
~<>~
Some 26 or so minutes later, Hermione tore her gaze from a relaxing Harry and suddenly realized the time. She had planned a follow-up date with Nicholas for this evening and she was going to be late! The pretty brunette didn't know if she wanted to speak to him just yet, but knew that she had already made the commitment. She approached Harry and tapped him on the shoulder.
"I'm going to go now."
"Where? Are you tired of the party already?"
"No, no, the party is great, but, you see, I planned another date with Nicholas tonight, and I really need to get going."
"On a school night?" Harry asked accusingly.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Honestly Harry, it shouldn't be too long this time. I mean, what could we do in the castle anyways? I'm sure it couldn't hurt"
"Oh, I see." Hermione didn't notice his downcast eyes.
"I'll talk to you later, Harry."
"Right, I'll talk to you later." Harry forced a smile onto his face and bid a fond farewell to Hermione Granger.
"Where's she going?" Ron asked, Ginny was close behind him.
"She has a date with Clark." Harry said suspiciously.
"Harry, it's already late, I'm not seeing an… 'innocent' reason to be having a date at this time of the evening. I think you should go after her." Ginny said.
"Are you sure?" Ginny nodded. "I'll go get my cloak and the map."
"I'll cover for you." Ron said.
"Thanks, guys." Harry rushed up the stairs and grabbed the Marauders' Map and his Invisibility Cloak from their designated spots inside his trunk. He draped the cloak around himself and sped out the door, through the Common Room and silently out the Portrait Hole. Harry distinctively heard Ron announcing something about him and a lady friend, but decided to pummel his best friend later.
Harry hastily unfolded a seemingly blank piece of parchment. He tapped his wand to the parchment and chanted "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Thin, spider web-like lines started weave across the paper, and soon, a brilliant real-time map of Hogwarts was before Harry's eyes. He scanned it quickly and found Hermione well on her way. He looked again and found Nicholas in the Room of Requirement." Harry's heart sank and he dashed off down the hallway. He had an idea of what Clark might be planning and, it wasn't good.
After about 4 other shortcuts, Harry had caught up to Hermione. He slowed down and quietly followed. He couldn't let Hermione know that she was being followed. Hermione finally arrived at an innocent-looking door. She glanced around quickly before entering the room. Harry slipped in closely behind her. He swiftly moved to an unoccupied corner before looking up again at the room. It was lit romantically and the walls were a soft white that seemed to emit its own limited light. There was a cozy couch in front of the fireplace and a comfortable bed near-wait, a bed!? Why the heck would he need a bed unless he was… Harry's face paled and he watched the scene unfold with interest. If Hermione did not protest, then he could do nothing, and since the door was closed, and it would be suspicious if he were to open it. If Hermione did not protest, then he would be forced to watch as well.
Hermione seemed to have noticed the decor of the room as well and looked to Nicholas, who was sitting comfortably on the couch, with a raised eyebrow. "I thought we should just have a comfortable evening together, Hermione."
"What's the bed for?"
"I'm not really sure; it just appeared when I wished for this room." He replied smoothly. Harry could tell that he was lying because he knew that the room gave you exactly what you wanted.
"That's odd." Hermione said uncertainly before making her way over to the couch and sitting next to Nicholas. She snuggled into him before asking, "So what was today about?"
"Wait, you actually came to my game?"
"Actually, I went for Ha-well… yeah, I went to the game."
"Oh, that's great! Sorry about you seeing that though. I guess that I just sometimes get into the game a little too much."
"So much into the game that you curse the ball to hurt someone?" Hermione questioned.
Nicholas was silent for a moment before his light expression darkened quickly and he turned his head to Hermione. "Okay, Hermione, we both know what's going to happen now, and if you don't resist, it may even be nice for you."
Hermione looked confused, "Nick? What's going to happen?"
"Wait, so you honestly don't understand what's going on?"
"Enlighten me." Hermione didn't look very pleased now. Harry figured that she had an idea of what he might be up to, but wasn't ready to admit it to herself.
"Why don't I just show you?" Then suddenly, Nicholas planted his lips on Hermione's.
Hermione pulled away abruptly. "Nick, what are you doing!?"
"I'm going to get what I want tonight, Hermione. I'm just far too impatient to wait for it." Nicholas smirked before trying to kiss Hermione again.
Harry could only watch in disgust, waiting for Hermione to say the word. "Nicholas! Stop it. I don't want this right now." Harry jumped into action.
"Shut up." Nicholas kissed her again and his hands moved forward this time.
Suddenly with a great thump, Nicholas Clark landed on the ground. Harry Potter stood above him, his fists clenched tightly, magic temporarily forgotten. He had revealed himself from under the cloak and glared hatefully at Nicholas. "She said that she didn't want to be kissing you yet, Clark."
Nicholas imperceptibly moved his hand into his cloak. "Oh, sorry, Potter. Where are my manners?" he whipped his wand out and waved it through the air, "Petrificus Totalus!"
Harry was suddenly immobilized. He struggled angrily against the invisible bonds but it didn't seem to be helping.
"Come, love." Nicholas said quickly. He grabbed Hermione roughly and dragged her out of the room.
"Harry!" Hermione screamed.
And they were gone. Harry fumed as he struggled some more. Finally, he came to his senses when for the third time, he failed to break free. He forced himself to calm down and focus. Gathering his magical energies, Harry compressed it all in a tight ball before unleashing it in a quick burst. He poured his frustration and anger, but most importantly, love into the magic. Quickly, the magic binding him dissipated and he had control over his body once again. He scanned the map again to find that Clark had taken Hermione out to the Quidditch pitch. Harry knew that Hermione was very scared of heights so her being in the Quidditch pitch with a malicious Slytherin couldn't be good. He raced out the door, his wand clutched tightly in his hand.
He couldn't seem to make himself get down to the pitch any faster. He arrived out of breath only to see that Nicholas had already taken Hermione into the air. Hermione was frozen in place and couldn't seem to move. Harry cursed under his breath before shouting loudly, "Let her down, Clark. What has she done to you?"
"Nothing. But she won't give me what I want, and I don't like that in a girl."
Harry scowled darkly, "Don't make me come up there."
"Why don't you try to catch me?" Nicholas taunted.
Harry cursed and quickly summoned his broom. He rose up level to Nicholas and drew his wand. Harry wouldn't be able to use that many spells because he couldn't risk hurting Hermione. "Just take her back to the ground, Clark." He repeated again.
"I don't think I want to just yet." With that, Nicholas flew off while firing off a lustrous purple spell. Harry dodged it carefully and chased after them.
"Impedimenta!" Harry muttered. The spell hit Nicholas's broom which stopped abruptly. Nicholas and Hermione's momentum carried them on forward though. Harry swore again darkly before diving forward in an attempt to catch Hermione.
"Harry!" Hermione let out a piercing scream.
Harry leaned forward, but suddenly a blue spell came out of nowhere and knocked him off of his broom. He tumbled to the ground in a heap, but sprang up. Harry watched in horror as Hermione crumbled to the ground. He ran forward but Nicholas appeared in front of him. Harry glared angrily and struggled to keep his temper in check.
"I am one of the best duelists in the school, Potter." Nicholas drawled.
"I don't care, Clark. Let me by, I have to make sure that Hermione is alright!"
"Why do you care so much about that filthy mudblood?"
"What did you just call her?"
"You heard me, Potter. She's just a dirty mudblood. What is it you see in her? Instead you should change your alliances to ours. You know deep in heart that only purebloods are fit to live in this magical world. We could easily dominate and own everything. Imagine it, Potter, we could create an untainted world where everyone could live in peace."
"You're wrong there, Clark." Harry said coldly, "Right now, I can't imagine a world without people like Hermione. A world where everyone is the same is the exact same thing that Voldemort offered to me when we were fighting. I still don't accept. Hermione is far stronger and better than you anyways."
Nicholas glared at Harry, "I gave you a chance, Potter. Now I can't let you go off to tell people about what happened here. For all anyone should know, Hermione suffered from a miserable accident and I will mourn tearfully for my girlfriend!"
"I'm not going to let you do that, Clark." Harry spat. He raised his wand again.
"And what can you do to stop me?"
"Just watch."
"Impedimenta!" Harry shouted again. He missed though as Nicholas dove out of the way and raised his own wand level to Harry.
"We'll see now who the better duelist is." He flicked his wand through the air quickly. "Sectumsempra"
"Protego!" Harry shouted automatically. Even though the curse didn't seem to have a beam or ray, Harry felt the drain on his magical reserves as it slashed menacingly at his shield charm.
After the assault subsided, Harry lashed out again with an "Expelliarmus!" but the attack was diverted by another well placed shield charm.
"Furnunculus" Harry followed up just as the shield charm was fading. The hex nailed Nicholas in the head and he was thrown back a couple feet. Suddenly he was breaking out in boils.
"Vigoratus." Nicholas mumbled and the painful affliction suddenly stopped. He stood up completely this time before staring Harry down again.
Nicholas fired off sparkling green spells in quick succession. Harry ducked to the ground to avoid these and rolled to the side just in time to dodge a fireball. "What are you running from, Harry? Is it the truth that you really aren't all everyone makes you out to be?"
"That is the truth, Nicholas." Harry answered coolly, "and I've since accepted it, I'm just waiting for everyone else to realize it. That truth doesn't change that I'm going to take you down though!" Harry charged forward and cast a quick tripping jinx at Nicholas's feet. The target was caught unaware by the ferocious charge and found itself on the ground. "Redimio" Harry said and thick ropes shout out of his wand to tie Nicholas to the ground tightly. He quickly ran past him towards Hermione but a bright light shot right past his shoulder, singing his cloak. He turned around slowly to find Nicholas getting up and brushing charred ropes off of his robes.
Back to square one. "Inflego tergum" Nicholas quickly roared. The familiar wall of energy hit Harry again but he was ready for it. Even though he was blown back several feet, Harry managed to maintain his balance to land lightly.
"Congelomotus" Harry waved his wand through air in a complicated fashion.
"Pondero!" Suddenly, Harry found his spell rebounding on him unexpectedly. His body immediately stopped responding to his commands for motion. This spell was obviously a much more powerful version of Petrificus Totalus as Harry's surprised expression was still frozen on his face. He landed with a thud on the ground but could make no motion to right himself.
Nicholas walked slowly over to Harry no with a disdainful look on his face. "What now, Potter?" he spat, "You cannot move because of your own spell. I think I win. Now, what do with you… oh, I have the perfect thing!" He moved his wand in a circle around Harry and muttered, "Flagrate!" A ring a fire suddenly burst around the Boy-Who-Lived. Nicholas than motioned to create a dome of fire that encased him. "Burn!"
Harry could no longer see anything other than fire and sweat beaded on his forehead from not only the heat, but the frustration at himself for not anticipating a redirection spell. He quickly summoned his magic again and wordlessly cast "Finite" on himself to free himself from his bonds. The concentration it took to cast wordlessly was far higher than with an incantation and Harry had to try several times before he succeeded. Now was the opportune moment to catch Nicholas had risen again. Harry cast a quick tracing spell and located Nicholas immediately. With this location in mind, Harry cast a quick fire-repelling charm on himself and leapt through the thick flames. The broad pillars of smoke blinded him momentarily but he shrugged it off. Escaping his fiery cell, Harry saw Nicholas in the distance. Thinking back to the battle with Voldemort, Harry raised his wand and said loudly. "It's time to fight fire with fire!" Nicholas spun around in surprise to see Harry's wand pointing at him. "Incendio! Impervius!" A stream of fire erupted from Harry's wand and caught onto Nicholas's robes. The Impervius charm kept him from putting the fire out with water-based spells. While Nicholas was distracted by his burning shroud, Harry waved his wand again and a ray of red light burst out of his wand when he said, "Expelliarmus!" Nicholas's wand flew out of his hand and Harry quickly summoned it to his own hand.
"It's over, Clark." Harry said. "Totus terminus" the flames disappeared. Nicholas scrambled to his feet and tried to run but Harry swiftly cast the Congelomotus spell on him to stop him in his tracks. Seeing that Nicholas would no longer be a threat, Harry threw the extra wand to the ground and turned to the boiling dome of fire. A quick Aguamenti extinguished the hungry flames. Seeing that all of the major damage from the fight was taken care of, Harry ran frantically over to Hermione's side.
She still had not stirred from her fall. Harry blinked away his unbidden tears and tried to check her for a pulse, but he could not tell if there was a beat or if it was from the trembling of his hands. Harry pointed his wand quickly at Hermione and mumbled, "Ennervate" but after a few seconds, she still had not stirred.
"No, Hermione." Harry cried, "You can't be dead!" Tears started to trickle out of his eyes now. A lone tear dropped off of his face and landed softly on Hermione's robes. Harry brushed strands of stray hair off of her pale face as his entire body quivered. Harry fumbled to put his wand back into his pocket and he suddenly felt a light object in his pocket. He pulled it out slowly and found the WWAT still in its original wrapping.
"DON'T TRY TO BRING BACK THE DEAD"
The warning suddenly flashed through his mind but he was beyond caring. Harry would give anything to bring Hermione back now. He knew what his wish would be now. If Hermione was alive, even by the very smallest sliver, Harry would bring her back, if she was already gone… Harry didn't see any reason to be living then. The consequences of death and his soul being ripped to pieces didn't seem nearly as foreboding as the very thought of living in a world without Hermione. Harry carefully unwrapped the cloth from around little ball. A small, perfect orb landed in his hands. As soon as it made contact with Harry's skin, misty words floated into sight.
"What is your wish, oh wish maker?"
"Whatever you bid,"
"No matter your desire,"
"Regardless of the cost,"
"Devoid of worldly obstacles,"
"Your wish is my command."
A moment later:
"Results are not guaranteed until further testing may guarantee it"
"WWW will not be held responsible for any unfortunate circumstances that result of your wish"
Harry smiled slightly at the Weasley wit but wiped it off of his face in preparation for the task ahead. He took a deep breath before saying clearly, "I wish that Hermione could be okay." No matter how the language of his wish might be twisted, the intent of Harry's wish could not be mistaken.
The mist in the tiny sphere blurred, but then cleared again, "Do you agree to the WWW Terms of Service?"
Harry looked at the little thing confusedly, "Yes?"
"Are you sure you want to continue?"
"Yes."
"Please wait while proper components are extracted… This may take a few minutes…"
The globe then went completely dark. Harry stared at it in utter confusion. After a moment, the bubble exploded. The shards seemed to disappear instantly, though, as Harry didn't feel anything. For another minute, Harry just kneeled in the same position in shock. Comprehension for what was happening was still far above him. Then, without warning, Harry felt a tug. It wasn't a physical sensation, rather, it came from within him; where within him, Harry wasn't sure. And then, all of a sudden, Harry's energy seemed to vanish completely. Depleted completely, Harry fell forward limply. The last things he saw were Hermione's blinking eyes…
Hermione opened her eyes slowly. Her vision was still muddled so she was forced to blink multiple times before it cleared to her liking. She seemed to be lacking a lot of her strength and her mind was foggy, but all of that energy she once had was rushing back to her. Her mind quickly registered her last memory.
'Harry!'
Harry, the fall, Nicholas, fighting, flying. It all came back to her in a rush and Hermione suddenly realized that she was on the ground. Everything, the memory and her energy returned to her in that instant and she sprang up. Hermione saw Harry lying in a prone position on the ground nearby. She let out a high squeak of surprise and jumped to his side. Obviously, the immobilization charm that Nicholas had put on her had worn off. She turned him over. Hermione pulled her wand out of her pocket and tried to reawaken him. "Ennervate" she said firmly. Harry stirred slightly but made no other motions. Hermione accessed that he'd obviously lost a lot of strength and energy. "Navi transfera" she mumbled. Her own body shined a peaceful white and the mystical light made its way into Harry's chest were it melted into his body. Harry coughed violently and his eyes fluttered open weakly. Hermione channeled some more of her own energy into him before she cut the spell off. She helped Harry sit up before she enveloped him in a fierce hug. "Harry!" After realizing that he was still alive and that Hermione was in his arms, Harry returned the hug with just as much energy. He was alive. Hermione was also alive. After a minute or maybe more, they released each other and Hermione stood up. She offered a hand to Harry who took it gratefully and shakily stood up. "I don't know what happened," Hermione started, "but let's worry about that later. We need to get you to the hospital wing."
Harry only nodded weakly. He had only taken a single step forward before he fell. Hermione came to his aid and let him lean most of his weight on her. "You're not strong enough to walk on your own yet, Harry. Honestly, what did you do to yourself?"
Harry smiled, "Why don't we get somewhere where I can stop for a while and I'll tell you."
"Oh, right, hospital wing. This way, Harry."
The two walked through the halls of Hogwarts in mostly silence. One, they were both too tired to speak, and neither of them knew exactly what to say either. Harry was focused on not passing out again while Hermione was distracted by her feelings that were going out of control. Footsteps rang in the dark halls. Harry and Hermione froze instantly, each unconsciously holding their breath. The echoing footfalls got closer and closer until Professor McGonagall emerged into the moonlight. She looked very surprised to see Harry and Hermione in the halls after hours. "Mr. Potter? Ms. Granger? What are you two doing out in the halls at this hour?" Harry and Hermione both could find nothing to say. "Mr. Potter, are you injured? What happened? Tell me this instant!"
"I-" Harry could find nothing to say. There was no way that he could admit that he was dueling with another student.
"Well, Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagall arched her eyebrows expectantly.
Harry looked down as his shoes which suddenly became more interesting than his house leader's stern face. Hermione took a deep breath and stepped forward. "It is my fault, professor."
Professor McGonagall looked taken aback. "Whatever do you mean, Ms. Granger?"
"What's I'm trying to say, professor, is that for some reason or another, I was really upset with Harry. And, I guess when he tried to see what was wrong, I just exploded. I really didn't mean to, professor, but it just all came out."
"Are you telling me that you attacked Mr. Potter with magic?" Professor McGonagall looked stricken.
"Yes" Hermione mumbled and looked down as well. Harry was surprised completely by Hermione's false confession.
"Hermione!" Harry started.
"No, Harry. I'm sorry…" Hermione said and looked at him seriously.
Harry nodded almost imperceptibly, "It's alright, Hermione, I probably should've given you more time to cool off."
"Well, Ms. Granger, this is most surprising, but you should know better. There should never be an occasion to use offensive magic against a fellow student. I'm going to take fifty points from Gryffindor and you will serve two detentions with me."
Hermione looked ready to burst into tears so Harry quickly interceded, "Professor, please, she doesn't deserve a detention. It was an accident, and it was partly my fault too! If you're going to put her in detention, then I deserve it as well."
The stern professor studied them carefully before she spoke again, "Very well, Potter, I alleviate Granger of her detentions. But make certain that this does not happen again, I won't be this lenient again. Now, Ms. Granger, please take Mr. Potter to the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey can have him fixed up in no time. Then I expect for both of you to go to your rooms and get some sleep. We have class tomorrow. Good night."
With that, the two knew that they were dismissed and hurriedly (as fast as Harry could go, that is) rushed on to the hospital wing. As they made their way, it seemed that the dark tension between them was lifted.
Harry started, "Hermione?"
"Hmm?"
"Why did you lie for me?"
"Oh, it's nothing, Harry, I mean, you saved my life-I can't have you expelled for it! What is surprising is that you stood up for me to Professor McGonagall of all people! Weren't you afraid that she would give you a detention?"
Harry laughed, "Hermione, I've been in detention so many times, it would hardly make a difference."
Hermione gave a small smile, "Yeah, you're right. I guess, sometimes there are more important things that detentions and grades."
"I know what you mean." Harry said softly, "When you were laying there on the ground… I thought you were dead. I-I didn't even know what to do with myself." He looked into her eyes, "At that moment, I would've given anything to keep you alive."
Hermione finally tore her eyes away. Being assaulted by a barrage of unknown feelings, she mumbled quietly, "We're here, Harry."
The two walked into the hospital wing and Madam Pomfrey came bustling out, "Who in the name of Merlin could get hurt at this time of nig-Mr. Potter? What happened to you?"
Harry opened his mouth but he was cut off promptly by the experienced healer, "You know, forget I asked. I don't even want to know right now." She gave Harry another once over before running into her office, "I'll give you some potions to help you restore your strength-again. And also another for the soreness that you're definitely going to feel in the morning." The kindly witch returned with two vials, "Well, Potter, you know how these work. If you are experiencing any more problems, come to me immediately."
"Thanks Madam Pomfrey." Harry said.
"Don't mention it. Now, off to bed with the two of you."
The two were pushed out of the hospital wing and the door closed firmly behind them. Harry was carefully cradling the small potions in one hand while the other returned to around Hermione's shoulder as he leaned against her slightly. They walked in relative silence. Finally, Hermione tore her gaze from the ground and looked towards the tired hero. "H-Harry?"
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Can you tell me exactly what happened now?"
Harry looked at her carefully. The snippets of what he remembered flashed through his mind, all of the pain, frustration, anger, and most importantly, love came rushing back to the forefront of his consciousness. Harry nodded and launched into the tale as the two continued the long walk to the Gryffindor tower.
~<>~
"I thought you were dead Hermione. I really did, and I didn't know what to do. Especially when Ennerveate didn't seem to have any effect at all. But that's when I remembered the WWAT."
"What?"
"Yeah, the WWAT. It's a product by Fred and George Weasley, Ron's twin brothers. Basically it would grant me exactly one wish. And, by now, I'm sure you know what I wished for."
Hermione looked thoughtful, "Wishes are complicated, Harry. What if you had died in bringing me back to life?!"
Harry shrugged noncommittally, "At least you would've been alive."
"Harry!" Hermione scolded quietly, "Don't you even dare think about it." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, "You have no idea how much you mean to me."
Harry looked into Hermione's sparkling eyes. He stared unashamedly and barely registered mumbling the password to the Fat Lady (338 Ways to Make A Good Password). The two stood silently in the Common Room just watching each other for the longest time. Harry found that even though Hermione's hair was wild from the events of the evening, and her face was tearstained and confused from the jumble of emotions that she was feeling, he had never seen anyone more beautiful in his entire life.
Harry reached his hand out slowly and tenderly brushed another stray hair back to its rightful place. His hand lingered by her still head and he could hear her breathing rate increasing rapidly. "H-Mione?" Harry said softly.
"Yes, Harry?" Hermione whispered.
Harry paused, "I've never had a girlfriend before," he said, "And I know that now probably isn't the best time. But I just really have to know." He looked meaningfully into her eyes.
Hermione's heart rate was skyrocketing to even greater heights now as the room suddenly became several degrees warmer. The only person that existed in the universe was the young man before her. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Time froze for Hermione Granger. Harry didn't drag out his speech. He didn't elaborate on any of the finer details. Hermione could barely even make out what he was saying, but regardless, the message was clear. Leaning in slowly, she mumbled almost incoherently, "Yes."
Harry smiled happily. Both were caught in a euphoric daze. Harry leaned forward slowly. Inch by inch, his face came closer and closer to Hermione's. She could feel his warm breath on her face, his lips, mere centimeters away from her own. There would be no turning back now.
"Harry! There you are! Where the bloody-Holy! I'll come back later, sorry!" Ron swiftly turned back to the boys dormitory in rush, his ears a glowing red.
At Ron's exclamation, Harry and Hermione had broken apart abruptly. Both were blushing copiously but they were each smiling shyly at each other. "So…" Harry ventured to start a conversation again, "How does the next Hogsmeade visit with me sound?"
"Lovely" Hermione smiled widely.
"Well, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow morning then."
"Sounds good."
"Then… Good night, Mione."
"G'night, Harry." And for the second time that day, she leaned up and kissed Harry sweetly on the cheek. Harry smiled goofily and watched ascend the stairs quickly to the girls side of the tower. Harry then made his way up to his own dorm.
"Care to explain what in the name of Merlin's bleeding socks is going on?" Ron said with his arms crossed.
Harry rolled his eyes, "Nothing, Ron."
"That didn't look like just, nothing, mate. In fact, it looked very much like a something." When Harry didn't bother answering, Ron continued, "You two are going out then?"
Harry nodded slowly and turned to face Ron, bracing himself for whatever Ron might throw. The redhead looked thoughtful for a moment before breaking out into a genuine smile, "Good for you, mate."
"What?"
"You definitely deserve someone that can make you happy. Just remember…"
"Remember what?"
"Don't do anything I would do!"
Harry laughed happily, glad that his friend had accepted his newfound relationship, "Prat!"
AN2: Well, that's it! I hope you enjoyed that. Reading it again was really fun! I tossed in a bit of humor (or I tried to) so tell me if you any of you noticed it. As a random fact, I was listening to the Jurassic Park theme while revising the end and it really seemed to fit together. If you guys aren't familiar with the tune, I highly recommend checking it out! It is excellent! As always, comments and suggestions are appreciated. I'll see about getting my next chapter up soon. But it will be difficult for me to get it up this week because I'm so busy. I'll try to have at the very least, one more update between this one and the weekend. Thanks for reading! Cheers!