Disclaimer - The world of Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and various publishers. I make no claim to ownership.
A/N: Thanks to my beta Vettesr, and those kind enough to review.
Chapter 11: Caught
The Hogwarts Express sat softly steaming as the Granger family and Harry arrived. Time to return to Hogwarts after the holidays. Harry and Hermione had been inseparable over the Christmas season, and Emily wistfully wished someone would pay attention to her like Harry did to Hermione. Sighing, she stepped onto the train, after hugs and kisses from her parents. Finding an empty compartment, she mulled over the events so far this year. Making friends with Luna rated near the top of her wish list. She had been lonely last year, with Hermione away. The kids at grade school always teased her as a bookworm, just as her sister had been teased. Meeting Luna ended that loneliness. Luna, as her best friend had introduced her to Ginny, who also became her friend. Together the trio was inseparable. Ginny was the only one that didn't quite seem to fit in. Perhaps it was because she was in a different house, but Emily and Luna liked her anyway.
Finding the diary inserted in one of her books, she shared her discovery with the other girls. Together they explored the possibilities and wrote in the diary, for they found that the diary would answer them. Slowly they seemed to be drawn into another world. A little dark at first, but once they got used to it, it seemed natural, not noticing that it became increasingly dark as the months progressed.
Luna was the first to notice that something seemed wrong., arguing that whoever TMR was, seemed a bit off. Ginny scoffed and continued to write in the diary. Luna was more cautious and Emily followed Luna's lead.
As Ginny became more absorbed in the diary, Emily and Luna worried about the redhead. At times, Ginny seemed her normal vivacious self. More frequently, however she seemed to withdraw. Some days she would disappear for hours at a time, only to return looking withdrawn and sad.
Emily noticed that those times seemed to coincide with Ginny's writing in the diary. She was determined to do something about that when they returned to school.
Luna soon joined her and they settled down in their compartment. Emily decided to broach the subject of the diary and her suspicions about Ginny's behavior with Luna.
***
As the train steamed quickly north, the weather cleared from the gray dull overcast to a bright blue sky. The snow was definitely deeper and the air colder. Inside the train, Hermione snuggled closer to Harry for warmth. Neville had joined them and the trio sat quietly talking, exchanging memories of their Christmas with their families. Neville and his Gran had had his uncle Algie over as well as several aunts and other relatives. Hermione described Harry's and her family's Christmas. Harry told Neville that it was the best Christmas he'd ever had.
"Did you two have any new… you know… experiences?" Neville hesitantly asked.
"Um, yeah, both Harry and I can sort of apparate now," Hermione blushed.
"Y-you can apparate?" Neville's jaw dropped. "I know your magic is much stronger than mine, but I never heard of anyone apparating so young!"
"Well, I accidentally apparated when I was in muggle school a few years ago, and we both, uh… discovered we, er… didn't like to sleep alone anymore," Harry finished quickly. "Don't tell anyone though, only Emily knows about this, she caught Hermione sneaking back to her room one morning."
Neville gasped at this. "Harry, you'll never get away with this at school. The school wards will prevent it, never mind if you were caught sleeping together!"
I know, Neville. We don't seem to be able to prevent it though. It's as if our bodies do it without our knowing it now." Hermione explained. "The first time, I just sort of wished I was with Harry, and it happened while I was asleep. After that, there was no thought involved, it just happened. Harry started doing it as well after the third night or so. We don't do anything else, but we just sleep better."
"Whoa! Some people never learn to apparate, but you do it accidentally? That's awesome!"
"Um, we have to tell Dumbledore about this, maybe he can figure something out," Harry said.
"Are you going to tell Ron?" Neville asked.
"I'm not sure, Nev, we might have to. Emily might tell Luna, and probably Ginny, even though we asked her not to tell anyone," Hermione said worriedly. "Dumbledore will probably have to decide who we can tell. In any case, if the school wards prevent it, I wonder what will happen."
"Oh! I see you have new earrings, Hermione. Did Harry get them for you?"
"Yes Nev, aren't they gorgeous? He's so thoughtful!" Harry blushed at this.
"And Harry, is that a new ring? It's awesome, mate."
"Hermione gave it to me, Nev. I almost cried when I saw it. It's the first time I had a proper Christmas!"
***
Arriving at Hogsmeade station, Hagrid greeted them. Hagrid had been released before Christmas due to lack of evidence at the Headmistresses insistence. Fudge wasn't happy and Lucius tried to block it, but in the end, saner heads prevailed when the students wrote home and their parents pressured the ministry, remembering their own fond memories of the half giant.
"Welcome back Harry, Hermione. Had a good time at yer parents Hermione?"
"Thanks Hagrid, Harry and I had a wonderful Christmas."
The returning students were quickly transported to the school, joining all their friends that had stayed behind for the holidays. Ron and Ginny were the first to greet them.
"Hi Ron, Ginny," the trio chorused. "Did you have a happy Christmas? How was it?" Harry asked.
"it was great guys," Ron greeted them. "Mum sent us the usual Weasley Jumpers. She even sent presents for you two, Harry and Hermione. You too Emily, looks like they're probably Jumpers as well."
"Hi Ginny," Emily and Luna greeted. "We missed you, how was your Christmas?"
"Oh it was fine, except my gits of a brothers wouldn't leave me alone! Honestly! First it was Percy trying to get me to study, then the twins pranking everyone in sight. We played some great pranks over the hols. Then Ron got me plying Wizard Chess with him. Oh course he won every time, but I almost beat him once. `Course he was half asleep at the time!"
"We have to talk Gin," Luna said. "Later tomorrow when we have time, right now, we're exhausted."
"Me too, see you guys," Ginny waved and walked back to the Gryffindor common room.
Emily and Luna made their way to the Ravenclaw quarters, discussing Ginny on the way.
"She seemed okay Luna, what do you think? Has she been writing in the diary again?"
"I don't think so Emily, she seems much happier than when we left. I guess her brothers kept her busy. We have to work out what that diary is all about!"
Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione were also walking back to the Gryffindor dorm, when an idea popped into their minds simultaneously.
Do you think…, Harry started.
Indeed I do Harry. We can always use your trunk…
To sleep in if the wards prevent us from sleeping in the same bed! Harry smirked.
We don't even have to tell Dumbledore, but lets try it without the trunk first. Maybe the wards will allow it.
Um… we'll have to check the room first though, I don't remember if there's any furniture in there.
Of course there is Harry. That was one of the features of the sixth compartment.
Oh, look Harry, Hedwig has a letter for us. I wonder who it's from.
As Hedwig held out her foot for Harry, he undid the letter from her leg. Hooting softly and giving Harry and Hermione a gentle nip, she took off for the owlry.
What's it say, Harry, who's it from?
It's from Gringotts. It's a financial statement.
They gasped in surprise at the number.
Harry, this can't be right! There's too many numbers at the bottom line.
I-I can't believe it Hermione. It says we're multi millionaires! That's a ten figure number! And that's Galleons too! Translated into Pounds at about 500 to 1, we have well over several Thousand Million Pounds! That doesn't even count the art work and jewelry and rare books and other non-financial items!
Look Harry, it says we own seven private residences and ninety businesses! Wow! Your parents were really wealthy.
It's too much, love! Overwhelming really. If Uncle Vernon even suspected I had this… I think he'd have a heart attack!
We shouldn't tell anyone about this Harry. At least not how much.
I-I didn't even know. I'd trade it all to have my parents back, Harry thought sadly.
Let's go to bed, sweetie, we can think about this later.
***
Albus sat in his office wondering how his two favourite students were. The magical instruments in his office were whirring and emitting their usual puffs of steam, so nothing seemed amiss. Calling Professor McGonagall to his office, he asked if she had seen them at supper.
"No Albus, I think they were tired and went straight to bed. I think they must have eaten on the train. Ron and Neville were at dinner, but Emily, Luna and Ginny were not, as well.
"Can you check on Harry and Hermione, Minerva? I had hoped they would drop by before they turned in for the night."
"Certainly Albus, I'll let you know…"
A sudden soft surge of magic was felt throughout the room, causing them to jump.
"What was that, Albus?"
"I'm afraid our two students have done something, Minerva. See the change in my tracking instrument? I think Harry and Hermione have breached the dormitory wards."
One of the silver instruments was whirring madly and pointed to the Gryffindor tower. A piece of parchment was spit out of another silver instrument.
Picking up the parchment, Albus read what he had feared.
"It looks like Harry has managed to find a way to enter the second years girls dormitory."
"How could he do that Albus? Alarms and the wards should have prevented that!"
"Nevertheless, I imagine he's found a way, Minerva. Would you escort them to my office, please?"
***
Entering Gryffindor tower, Minerva found it strangely quiet: no alarms and no one in the common room. It appeared as if everyone was asleep. Making her way to the second year girls quarters, she peeked in on Hermione and found Harry spooning Hermione, both fast asleep. `Now how did he manage that?' she thought. Casting a silencing spell around them she gently called the pair. She watched as they slowly groaned and opened their eyes, only to jump, as they realized who had awoken them. The soft golden glow that protected them, flared briefly and faded.
"Uh… P-professor," Harry stuttered, "we can explain."
"I hope so, Harry. In any case, the Headmaster wishes to see you two, immediately."
Hermione, we are in so much trouble! I didn't even try to apparate to your bed.
Oh, Harry, I know. I probably would have gone to your bed if you hadn't come here. I felt so warm and safe. We should have gone to the Headmaster right away, but we were so tired.
"I'll wait for you two in the common room. Try to be quiet and not wake your other dorm mates."
"Yes ma'am," they both answered.
Harry apparated out of the room to his own bed.
`Strange,' Minerva thought, `the alarms still didn't go off. He seems to be able to circumvent them. He apparated without a sound, how does he do that?'
Quickly dressing, the pair met their professor and made their way to the Headmaster's office.
"Good evening Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," Albus said. There was no twinkle in his eyes, and a frown was visited on his face. "Please sit down and explain why you are sleeping together. I'd also like to know how you accomplished this, as the school wards should have prevented it."
"Albus," Minerva interrupted, "the alarms didn't go off, even when he left Hermione's room."
"I see. Curious. Well, Mr. Potter?"
"Sir, apparently we can apparate to each other…"
"Impossible," Minerva snorted. "You can't apparate within Hogwarts or the grounds. Even the Headmaster can't."
"Well, I didn't walk there," Harry persisted. "I don't even remember doing it, but we discovered we could do this over the holidays."
"That's right sir, One night I just appeared in Harry's bed at home, after wanting to be with him. We were both asleep at the time. It kept happening every night and finally, Harry did it too," Hermione explained. You won't tell my parents, will you? We haven't told them, I'm sure they wouldn't understand."
"Who else knows?" Albus pressed.
"Um… well Emily caught us, but we made her promise not to tell. And uh, Neville," Hermione said.
"Well, this is quickly getting out of hand!" We can't have you two sleeping together. If the other students get wind of this, I dead what will happen. Word will leak to their parents and then the school governors and then the Minister of Magic. It'll be a disaster."
"Perhaps I have a suggestion sir," Harry pleaded. "We are unable to control this, it just happens, and the school seems to allow it, but I have a special magical trunk that we can use…"
"And this trunk; just what does it provide? Perhaps an elegant solution, Harry?" The twinkle had returned to the Headmaster's eyes. "How secure is your trunk?"
"It's the best money can buy, sir. It's very secure, and one of the compartments contains a complete living accommodation."
"Indeed, Harry." The Headmaster raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Yes, we both have one sir."
"Well, the only other option is the separate dormitory I talked about. I'm still hesitant about assigning you that at least this year. We'll discuss this later. You two have been careful I hope."
"Yes Headmaster, Harry and I haven't… uh… that is…"
"That's okay Miss Granger, I understand. By the way, which trunk are you going to use to sleep in," Albus asked.
"I think we'll use mine sir," Harry replied. "Ron and Neville already know about us and can keep an eye out for when it's safe for us to leave in the mornings. I think we may even be able to apparate in and out of it. The wards on the trunk are very strong, but if we can apparate in the school, the trunks should be no problem."
"I'm not sure you are properly apparating Harry," Minerva interjected. There was no sound when you did it from Hermione's room. I noticed that you sort of faded out quickly, not the sharp pop and disappearance that is common for apparition. I've never seen this effect before. Did you feel like you were being squeezed through a rubber hose?"
"No, actually I didn't feel anything, I was in one place one minute and then I was in another. Actually, I didn't even have to concentrate, I just sort of did it without much thinking. I think it's more of a shift from place to place."
"So," McGonagall continued, "that's not a normal apparate. What you are doing is something completely new. It may have the same effect as what everyone else does, but it's silent and causes no discomfort. Interesting! I assume Hermione does the same thing?"
Hermione nodded her head. "Now that I think about it, that's true. I would have awoken if it was a normal apparition. Shifting is a good word for it."
"Well, in any case," the Headmaster continued, "for tonight at least, I think we'll have you stay in the Gryffindor Head's dorm. Since this year's head girl and head boy are not from Gryffindor, you can choose which room you wish to use. Just be sure no one sees you entering and leaving. Indeed, make sure the Gryffindor Prefects don't see you either. Professor McGonagall will show you the entrance and password. I'll want to see you again tomorrow, say after classes. Perhaps 7:30 PM?"
"Thank you Headmaster, that sounds fine," Hermione answered.
With McGonagall following behind, they made their way back to the seventh floor, only to be confronted with Peeves.
"Well, well, what do we have here, Potty and the Bookworm. Out of bed, are we? Oooh, you'll be in troub… Err, hello Professor, didn't see you there." Peeves finished greasily.
"Out of the way Peeves," McGonagall replied threateningly. "There'll be no funny business tonight!"
Zooming into an unused classroom, Peeves blew a raspberry at them.
Arriving at a spot just beside the Pink Lady's portrait, McGonagall pointed her wand at the wall and said "Ostendo sum occultus ianua"
The wall squirmed and a door appeared with a golden doorknob.
"Since there's nobody using this room at the moment, it will open without a password. You will need to choose a password." Opening the door, the professor led the way inside.
"Oh, this is NICE!" Hermione exclaimed. "Look, Harry, it's like a fancy Gryffindor flat. It even has bookshelves and desks, and look at those squashy chairs. Very comfy looking. Thank you Professor!"
"Yes, well, I'll leave you two to get settled. The boy's bedroom is to the left, the girls to the right. Good night Harry, Hermione." With that, the professor left.
Squealing with delight, Hermione grabbed Harry in a tight hug. "Let's see the bedrooms Harry," she said in a sultry voice.
Harry gulped and followed her to the boys bedroom. The room contained an elaborate oak four poster bed with silk sheets and a maroon comforter embroidered with the Gryffindor Lion. Beside the bed was a matching oak nightstand and armoire. A side room led to a private bathroom with shower. Large fluffy towels were laid out along with bath lotions, shampoos and soaps.
Oooh, I think I'll like this room, Harry! Let's look at the girls bedroom.
Moving to the girl's bedroom, they found it almost identical, with the addition of a large dresser and mirror.
Oh, this is definitely worth waiting for!
Hermione, it's late, we need sleep.
Oh poo! This is such a nice setup, I hate to go to bed. On the other hand… which bedroom, Harry? she asked demurely.
Um… you choose.
Good answer Harry. Lets use mine, maybe we'll get a chance to use yours tomorrow.
Donning their bedclothes, they slipped into bed with Hermione spooning Harry's back. Harry could feel her breasts pressing into his back and it quickly got a reaction and a moan. Hermione's arms enclosed him, pulling him closer. He could feel her nipples harden and his erection hardened in response. She nibbled at his neck but finally realized that the magic was driving them too far and relaxed. She whispered in his ear.
Harry, I'm sorry, it's too soon sweet. If we continue, we won't be able to stop. We promised Dumbledore…
Mmmm, love, you drive me mad. I can't take much more! I think I should go to my bed tonight, otherwise I won't be able to resist.
Alright Harry, she sighed. I'll try to sleep, but it'll be hard.
***
The next morning found Hermione once again spooned against Harry, but in his bed. This time her back was to him and both were sound asleep. Harry's arm was wrapped protectively over her and their legs were intertwined. She had evidently shifted in her sleep and Harry had automatically accepted her warmth.
Harry awoke slowly first to find his hand cupping a warm round… something. Not wanting to let go, he gave a gentle squeeze at the same time realizing that he was hard once more and was pressing firmly against a warm bum. Startled, he quickly removed his hand, only to find Hermione reach up to trap his hand and murmur. Mmmm, feels nice, don't move.
He relaxed until he realized his hand was under her pyjamas that had somehow hiked themselves up. Um… love, I think it's time to wake up. We have classes and we don't want to be late for breakfast.
Mm'kay, just a few more minutes. HARRY! I thought you went to your bed last night!
I did, love. You're in my bed, and um… I'm a bit… you know… wet down here. He could feel the hot blush as he realized the dream he had last night was a wet one.
Hermione sat up quickly and realized her knickers were damp as well. Blushing hard, she admitted, I'm afraid I'm a bit wet as well. It was a wonderful dream we had Harry. I guess it is time to get up.
Um… part of me is already up, Harry smirked.
Prat! We need to shower.
We could shower together, Harry suggested.
We could, couldn't we. The shower looks big enough for two.
***
After a slow shower where a great deal of touching and soaping each other was involved, they toweled each other dry and dressed for the day.
Checking that the coast was clear, they exited the room after setting the password `Soulbond'.
They were among the first ones in the Great Hall for breakfast, and carefully selected what they were going to eat: toast, jam and scrambled eggs with pumpkin juice and a rasher of bacon.
Leisurely eating, they watched as the Great Hall slowly filled. Ron, Neville and Ginny sat beside and opposite them, yawning widely.
"Didn't see you two this morning," Ron noted. "You must have got up really early."
"Yeah Ron, we were almost the first ones down here," Harry said.
"How did you two sleep?" Neville asked.
"Um… just fine, Nev," Hermione answered with a grin.
Neville was left wondering how they managed to sneak out without him seeing them, since he didn't sleep much last night. Come to think of it, he wasn't even sure Harry slept in his bed at all. He'd have to get them alone later and ask.
"What classes do we have today?" Ron enquired.
"Well, first class is Transfiguration, followed by Herbology. This afternoon we have Charms and double Potions. We also have an Astronomy class this evening. A pretty full day I expect," Hermione stated.
Ron groaned. "Double Potions! What a way to start off the New Year."
What time is the Astronomy class, Hermione? Remember, we have to see the Headmaster at seven-thirty.
It's okay Harry, it gets dark early this far north at this time of year. Astronomy is at six, right after supper. Plenty of time.
***
The day passed quickly and even Snape's Potion class was subdued. Malfoy was too occupied gossiping with Pansy Parkinson to pay attention to Harry and Hermione. Even Snape seemed subdued, and not his usual nasty self. They were left wondering if perhaps the holidays had not quite worn off yet.
Astronomy was just a recap of what they had already learned, with the reminder that they might have a snap quiz next lesson. The sky was a brilliant black with no moon. A perfect night for viewing the constellations. Professor Sinistra droned on and several couples took the opportunity to gossip. Neville approached Harry and Hermione and hesitantly asked if they slept together last night.
"Neville!" Hermione admonished, please don't ask, okay?"
"I'm just trying to look out for you is all," Neville blushed.
"Well, okay, but keep quiet about it. Yes, we managed to find an elegant solution, and if it works out, we'll let you know. Thanks for your concern."
"Oh, okay, I just don't want you to get caught."
"That's sweet of you Nev, we appreciate it."
***
The trip up to the Headmaster's office was filled with trepidation for the duo. What would the Headmaster say? Would they be able to persuade him to let them stay in the Head suite? Already, Harry could see the flaw in the trunk plan. Where would they place the trunk so they could both enter it unseen? What if shifting into it didn't work. The Head's room was really nice.
****
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