Disclaimer - The world of Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and various publishers. I make no claim to ownership.
A/N: Again, many thanks to my beta Vettesr.
Chapter 5: Hallowe'en
The next morning, Harry told Ron and Neville about his suspicions that the dog was guarding the mysterious package that Hagrid had taken from Gringotts. Hermione had already heard Harry's thoughts on this and put her mind to work on the problem. No one could guess what it might be, given that they only knew the dimensions of the small package, and that it had something to do with Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel.
"We don't have enough information." Hermione stated. "Let's look in the library to see who Nicholas Flamel is. Maybe we can pry more information from Hagrid."
"Good luck!" said Ron. Hagrid had clammed up and refused to discuss the matter.
"Ron, Neville" said Harry, "we need to talk to you two in private. Meet us after lunch in the library."
"What's it about Harry," asked Neville.
"Can't talk about it here, too many people could overhear." declared Harry.
After lunch, they made their way to the library, and found a quiet corner. There wasn't anyone in the library, so they could talk undisturbed.
"OK Harry," asked Ron. "What's this all about? You two have been acting a bit strange lately."
"Ron, Neville, I know this is hard to believe, but remember when we were on the train and something odd happened between myself and Hermione."
They both nodded, wondering where this was going.
"Well, apparently Hermione and I magically bonded," Harry stated. "We even heard snips of each others conversation in our heads. We can now talk to each other in our heads."
Ron and Neville's jaws dropped.
Hermione continued, "When I sat for sorting, the Sorting Hat, asked me where my other half was. I had no idea what it meant. It said I had bonded with someone, but when the hat sorted Harry, it told him that the two of us were bonded."
"The Headmaster called us to his office to explain what had happened. McGonagall was there, so we told them what had happened. Nobody knows how this happened." explained Harry. "Apparently this is very rare and has never happened to anyone this young. After the sorting, our shared senses increased. We can now feel each others emotions, see what the other sees, hear, taste and smell each other. In short, we are magically connected… Soul Bonded and it feels wonderful!"
Ron gulped. "It's like you're m…married. Harry! You're way too young to even date, let alone marry. Mum and Dad didn't get married until they left school, and even then, many thought they married young."
MARRIED, they thought! That can't be, can it? We really like each other, but…
Neville just sat there in shock. Eventually he said, "Wow, that's scary! What about your magical abilities?"
"Hermione and I seem to be much more powerful than anyone else our age. On the way to the library, we... we shattered all the glass in a classroom accidentally. You saw the results in McGonagall's class, and in Snape's class, Hermione supplied me with the answers in my head."
"So that's what happened," exclaimed Ron. "That's like cheating!"
"No, Ron, we can't help it, it just happens!" Hermione exclaimed, "And we don't want you to spread it around either! This is a very personal thing between Harry and me, and the only reason we've told you, is because we consider you two our very best friends."
Ron and Neville considered the implications, and finally agreed.
"It could get very nasty if the others found out, Ron agreed. "The twins are bound to suspect something though."
"We'll protect you, if the going gets rough," Neville said.
"Thanks guys," replied Harry. "We appreciate it. It's going to be hard enough to deal with this without you two as friends."
***
The chance to get back at Malfoy happened a week later. As the post owls flew into the Great Hall at breakfast, several large owls dropped long thin packages at both Harry and Hermione. Another owl dropped a letter for Harry and Hermione. Harry tore open the letter first and read.
Dear Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger,
Don't open the packages at the table, they contain a Nimbus Two Thousand for each of you, but I don't want the other students knowing, or they'll all want one. Oliver Wood will meet you on the Quiddich pitch at seven o'clock tonight to start your training.
Professor M. McGonagall.
Harry and Hermione smiled gleefully, and handed the note to Ron to read.
Ron moaned enviously, "I've never even touched a Nimbus Two Thousand."
They left the table with the packages and headed for the common room, anxious to open them. Halfway there, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle blocked their way.
Malfoy grabbed Harry's package. "That's a broomstick, Potter. You're in for it now, first years aren't allowed broomsticks.
Ron couldn't resist. "That's not just a broomstick Malfoy, it's a Nimbus Two Thousand, and Hermione's got one too!"
Malfoy's jaw dropped.
"Not arguing boys, are you?" Professor Flitwick cautioned, approaching.
"They've got new brooms Professor," complained Malfoy.
"Yes, yes, Professor McGonagall provided them due to special circumstances. What model are they?"
"Nimbus Two Thousands Professor!" exclaimed Ron. "Top of the line."
"And it's thanks to Malfoy here that we got them." Harry gleefully noted.
Malfoys face turned a bright red.
Harry, Hermione and Ron headed upstairs to their common room, laughing all the way.
"Did you see Malfoy's face? I thought he was going to have a fit!" Ron smirked.
"Ah, revenge is sweet." Harry and Hermione said together.
Upstairs in the common room, they quickly tore the wrappings off the brooms. Examining the smooth wood and the perfect twigs, they all Ooh'd at the quality. Each was numbered and gold stamped with their names.
"Their even personalized, how cool is that!" Hermione enthused.
"Can I have a go with it after?" Ron asked.
"Sure, after the training tonight." Harry answered.
The lessons dragged that afternoon, and after supper, they made their way to the Quiddich pitch. Neville came along, but didn't ask for a ride. After his fall, he was a bit leery about getting back on a broom.
Waiting for Wood, Harry and Hermione mounted their brooms and kicked off. They swooped in and out of the goal posts, dived and raced each other up and down the pitch. The feeling was incredible. They loved flying, and shared the experience with each other. Flying side by side, they held hands and finally landed.
Wood greeted them on the pitch with a wooden crate. Great flying, you two, you're naturals. "Ever watched a Quiddich match?"
"No," they both answered.
"Well, the rules are simple, even if the game isn't. There are seven players: three Chasers, two Beaters, a Keeper (that's me), and a Seeker (that's one of you two). The Chaser and Beater positions are taken, but we'll fit you both in somehow."
Opening the crate, they saw a large ball. "That's the Quaffle," Wood told them. The Chasers pass the ball between them and try to score goals." He released one of the other smaller balls, which shot straight up in the air. Wood passed Harry and Hermione a bat each. "Watch it now, here it comes back.
Hermione swung the bat at the ball before it could hit her. The ball took off and came back toward Harry, who also swung his bat at it, knocking it quite a distance away.
"Not bad guys, you'd make good beaters." The ball came back and Wood grabbed it and wrestled it back into the crate.
"What was that ball!" they exclaimed together.
"That was a Bludger; nasty little buggers. It's a Beater's job to keep them away from you and direct them at the opposition. Fred and George are the beaters and darn good ones too."
"But you are a Seeker, all you have to do is catch this," and he pulled a small golden ball with wings from the crate. "This is the Golden Snitch."
"I like that ball," said Harry.
"You like it now, but it's wicked fast and hard to spot. Catch this ball and the game ends. Catching this ball and the team is awarded one hundred and fifty points. The team that catches the Golden Snitch usually wins the game."
Wood told them to fly and joining them in the air, started throwing golf balls randomly. Harry and Hermione chased them and caught them all, ending in a tie. Wood was impressed. "This'll make it difficult to decide which of you to use. We'll have to decide this later. I have to get back now, but we'll have regular practices three times a week with the rest of the team."
Harry handed his broom to Ron, who took it with a look of reverence in his eyes. He zoomed off and did some loops around the pitch. Landing he moaned, "That's the best broom I've ever been on!"
Hermione walked over to Neville with her broom and managed to talk the shy boy into trying it. Carefully he mounted it and took off. Gaining a little courage, he sped down the pitch and carefully turned back and landed without difficulty.
"Wow, that broom handles like silk!" Neville enthused. "Nothing like the school brooms. You'll be unbeatable on those."
"You looked pretty good on my broom Neville. I think you've gained a little more confidence. A little more practice and you could try out for Quiddich as a reserve."
"I don't know Hermione, I'm still pretty nervous, but your broom does help."
***
Dumbledore looked at McGonagall in his office. "Do you think it's time to have another talk with Harry and Hermione?"
"They seem to have adjusted well, so far," replied Minerva. "Both are bright students, and both are excellent on brooms. They've included Neville in their group, and I haven't seen any problems so far with the four of them. So far they haven't tried to look in the restricted section of the library for the books on Soul Bonding. We'll have to talk to them when that happens."
"So we'll monitor the situation until then," replied the Headmaster.
***
Harry awoke early on September nineteenth, remembering it was Hermione's birthday. He wanted the day to be special for her. So with that in mind, he asked the twins if they could sneak a cake from the kitchens. "I'd like to surprise Hermione for her birthday."
Fred and George promised to supply the cake and not play practical jokes on her. "But you owe us one Harrikins," teased George.
For her present, Harry sent Hedwig to Diagon Alley for a special gift. Carefully wrapping the gift, he waited for her to awaken and come down to the common room. He didn't dare think of anything, in order to surprise her. This was easier said than done, since she knew everything he knew if he thought of it. Instead, he concentrated on homework, and when she came down, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek and presented the gift, saying "Happy Birthday Hermione."
Hermione squealed in delight, throwing her arms around him and hugged him soundly. However did you keep that a secret from me? she exclaimed. Opening the gift revealed a silver bracelet with an intricate design of hearts and a lion. Inscribed on the inside of the bracelet were the words, `To My Very Best Friend, Harry.
Hermione burst into tears and hugged him. It…it's beautiful Harry; I don't know what to say!
It expresses perfectly what I feel for you Hermione. Harry explained.
Later, the twins brought the cake and they all had a party. Ron and Neville were surprised that Harry remembered her birthday and was able to keep the secret from her.
***
The next month was busy for Harry and Hermione, what with lessons, homework and Quiddich practice three times a week.
Hermione asked Professor McGonagall if they could research Soul Bonding in the restricted section of the library.
McGonagall refused, saying the restricted section was restricted for a good reason. "You're much too young to be allowed in there, there are dangerous books in there."
Returning disappointed to their quarters, Hermione told Harry of McGonagall's decision.
We'll just have to try another way, said Harry.
The bond between the two was becoming stronger. They could feel it every time they hugged.
Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall called them in for a talk a few weeks later. "Harry, Hermione, We have to warn you not to let the bond develop too quickly. Kissing is Okay, but if you get carried away, it could be dangerous. As a wizard and witch, you will mature earlier than muggles and the bonding will perhaps speed that up even more," the Headmaster warned.
Harry was unsure what they meant by that, so they had been given `The Talk' by the professors. Harry and Hermione were deeply embarrassed, and promised that they wouldn't get carried away.
Harry, we weren't even thinking of that! Hermione exclaimed. I know we are boyfriend and girlfriend, but we're still too young. We're just entering puberty. What were they thinking?
Harry replied, I think they were concerned that if we got carried away, the magic would push us into the final stage of bonding before we were ready. We'd be effectively married, but our emotions wouldn't be able to handle it. Dumbledore mentioned `Wild Magic'. We don't know what effect that would have on us. I really like you Hermione, but we'll just have to be careful.
He turned to look at Hermione, who was gazing back with those gorgeous chocolate brown eyes that he adored so much.
I really like you too Harry. Marriage! I don't think we'll be prepared for that just yet, Hermione thought to him, but later...
The weeks went by and Halloween was soon upon them. The weather had turned cold and wet.
***
In Professor Flitwick's Charms class they were shown how to levitate a feather. "Mind the nice wrist movement, and remember to clearly say the incantation: `Wingardium Leviosa'," intoned the Professor.
Harry and Hermione were able to levitate their feathers, but Ron's just lay there.
"You're not saying the incantation right." said Hermione. "It's LeviOsa, not LevioSA.
Ron's humor did not improve with that bit of information, and he glared at Hermione.
Later, Ron confronted Harry on the grounds. "Honestly Harry, she's a know it all, I don't know how you can stand her!"
"RON, you do know she can hear you, don't you! How can you say such things! She's brilliant… a lot smarter than both of us."
Harry heard a sniffling in his head and felt Hermione holding back tears.
It's alright Hermione, don't pay any attention to Ron, he's just jealous.
Thanks for defending me Harry, Ron is a bit of an insensitive git.
Ron shrugged his shoulders, but wouldn't apologize.
***
The night of the Halloween feast, they trouped into the transformed Great Hall. Carved and animated scary pumpkins were placed everywhere. Live bats flew, swooping and diving on everyone. The tables were laden with all kinds of tasty treats. Candied apples, tarts, chocolate cake and puddings in various flavors were there to tempt them.
Suddenly in the midst of the feast, Professor Quirrell burst into the hall. "Troll in the dungeons, Troll in the dungeons!" he yelled. "Thought you aught to know," and he fainted dead away.
Panic ensued until the Headmaster loudly spoke. "Everyone will please not panic! Prefects, lead the students back to their dormitories! Professors, follow me."
"Gryffindors follow me," proclaimed Percy.
Harry, Ron and Neville made to follow, when Ron asked, "Where's Hermione?"
"She went to the girl's bathroom," said Harry. "We better get her, she didn't hear the announcement. I contacted her, but she seemed to be occupied."
Rushing to the girl's bathroom, they heard a scream.
"Hermione says the troll just entered the bathroom," Harry told them. "Quick, we'll have to help her."
Entering the bathroom, the boys were confronted with a twelve foot tall Mountain Troll. And it had already spotted Hermione! Harry tried to distract it, by throwing a loose piece of wood at it. It had already reduced most of the bathroom to kindling. The troll didn't even notice Harry and was advancing on Hermione, swinging a vicious looking club. Ron threw a bit of loose pipe at it and it finally noticed the boys. Shouting to Hermione to move out of the way, Harry grabbed the troll's club as it swung past. With Harry hanging on, the troll brought the club up to swing again. Harry slid down onto the troll's gigantic neck. His wand stuck in the troll's nose causing it to sneeze. The troll shook its head and dislodged Harry. As Harry fell to the floor, he yelled at Ron.
"Do something!"
"What?" Ron asked.
"Anything," Harry replied, panicking slightly.
Neville suggested the levitation spell on the club.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" shouted Ron and Neville together and swished and flicked their wands in unison.
The club slipped out of the trolls grasp, rose and dropped on its' head. The troll toppled to the ground unconscious. Harry retrieved his wand and wiped the troll bogeys on its' massive arm.
"That was close," said Harry shakily. "Are you alright Hermione?"
"Yes, thanks to you guys. That was brilliant. That was really quick thinking Neville and Ron.
Harry, you were so brave, tackling that troll by yourself, thought Hermione to Harry.
I was just afraid that the troll would kill you before we could think of anything to stop it. I just reacted to the first thing that came into my head!
Just then, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape and Quirrell burst into the bathroom.
"My goodness!" exclaimed McGonagall. "Explain yourselves."
"Well… we…" started Harry.
"It's my fault Professor, I thought I could handle the troll as I'd read all about them. I was wrong and if it wasn't for Harry, Ron and Neville, I'd probably be dead," confessed Hermione.
The boys were stunned. Since when did Hermione lie to teachers?
"I'm very disappointed in you Miss Granger! Ten points will be taken from Gryffindor. As for you boys, tackling a fully-grown Mountain Troll was a very foolish thing to do. Not many fully grown wizards would tackle one. Ten points each will be awarded to Gryffindor, for sheer dumb luck," said the professor.
Harry noticed Snape seemed to be limping, and had a torn robe.
I wonder what happened to Snape's leg he thought to Hermione.
You don't suppose he had a run in with the three-headed dog? thought Hermione.
After the troll, the four friends became closer together.
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