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 14: Attacked
The fallout from the visit to the Grangers continued to disturb Harry. Jean had endorsed the magical marriage, albeit with some misgivings. She wanted her daughter to have a proper church wedding, but settled for waiting a year. Dan saw the problem more clearly, and Harry was worried too. If Hermione was pregnant, Dan was prepared to remove Hermione from school. The problem was, Hermione would hear none of it. Harry supported Hermione, but privately worried how they would cope with a child, while in school.
Hermione, don't worry, we'll get through this. Madam Pomfrey hasn't said you are pregnant, and we did do the potions and charms.
I know Harry, she sniffed, I just didn't want to have to fight Daddy over this. If I'm pregnant, then I want to keep the baby. Ohh, this is hard to handle. I'm glad you support me, I don't know what I'd do otherwise.
When her Mum and Dad found out they had aged about four years in three days, they were astonished. That's when Dan capitulated and gave his blessing, having realised that some serious magic had taken place. When McGonagall related what had happened in the school, it really sank home just what they were up against. Dan quickly gave up the idea of withdrawing Hermione, realising that it would be dangerous to do so. Why couldn't he have a normal family, just like everyone else he knew, he thought. `Well, she is brilliant, so normal wouldn't have applied anyway.'
"Jean dear, do we have any other, uh… odd relatives? I can't think of any on my side. Well, there is Uncle Joseph, but he was brilliant but a bit off in the head."
"Now that you mention it dear, I had a cousin that nobody ever spoke of. Strange things seemed to happen to him all the time, but he disappeared about fifteen years ago. You don't suppose…?"
"You mean he might have been killed by this Voldemort chap?"
"It's possible Dan, I think I'll do a bit of research; Hermione and Emily must have picked up magic from somewhere in the family."
……
Emily was starting to worry. Ginny was missing again. Asking Luna if she'd seen her, Luna stated that she thought she's seen her down by Hagrid's hut. Relieved that she had been seen, Emily returned to her studies. Presently, she asked Luna if she had seen the diary.
"No, Emily, the last time I saw it, Ginny had it. But that was a few days ago. Odd, now that I think about it, she was going towards Hagrid's hut then as well."
"Did she seem okay? I mean, she's been very quiet lately," Emily asked.
"I saw her crying about a week ago, but she wouldn't talk to me, when I asked her what was wrong," Luna answered.
"Sometimes she seems to walk around in a daze, Luna. We should tell someone. Maybe Hermione and Harry know something."
"We'll talk to them at lunch, maybe they've heard something about Ronald as well," Luna suggested.
"You've been keeping Ron company in the hospital wing, haven't you," Emily stated. "I've seen you looking at him, do you fancy him?"
Luna blushed scarlet. "Well, um, yes, a bit. He is quite handsome you know. And we've known each other for years. I'm just not sure if he even sees me as anything other than a neighbour…"
"Oh, Luna, aren't you a bit young? I mean we're only eleven and he's twelve."
"Oh, I don't think that really matters," she said airily. "I've liked him for years now. One of these days…"
"Oh, look," Emily interrupted, "There's Neville. Maybe he's heard something. He's quite handsome too, you know." Emily turned a bit pink at this.
"Oh, so Ronald and I are too young, but Neville and you aren't?" Luna snickered.
"Never mind, let's go ask him. Neville! Wait a minute, we'd like to ask you something," Emily called.
"Hi girls," Neville answered. "What can I do for you?"
"Um, N-Neville, H-have you heard anything about how the Mandrake potion is coming?" Emily stuttered shyly.
"Professor Sprout says it should be ready in a few weeks. As soon as their acne clears up, they should be ready."
"Oh, I hope so, I miss Ronald… er… well, I just want everyone to be cured," Luna backpedaled, blushing furiously.
Emily giggled, and even Neville could tell that Luna had a crush on Ron.
……
Draco was furious. That mudblood and Potter were really getting on his nerves. He couldn't figure out how they had commanded the respect of the entire school. They weren't even Purebloods. A Halfblood and a Muggle born. Where was the justice in that? The detention had only made matters worse. He'd have to think of a way to get them without being seen. Crabbe and Goyle could help, and Pansy too, he thought. A plan worthy of Slytherin started to form in his head. He'd have to be careful though, Potter and Granger were dangerous. He'd informed his father about the soul bond, and though he didn't know anything about them, his father surely must. He was just waiting word from his father, and then…
……
Harry and Hermione were looking at the problem of the Basilisk again. They had been researching in the library for weeks. It seems like the only foe it had, was the crowing of a rooster, but Hagrid had complained that all his roosters had been killed by something. The Headmaster had been told of their suspicions, but wanted a bit more proof. In any case, he warned the two not to attempt anything foolish. They had no idea if or where the Basilisk had it's lair. The Chamber of Secrets had never been found.
Harry, what is the common thread about those petrifications? Where did they happen?
Well, they were all in a corridor.
And why was no one killed? To look at a Basilisk is certain death.
Um, let me think, Hermione. Well, maybe no one did look at it… Justin saw it through Nearly Headless Nick. He couldn't die, since he's already a ghost, and Ron saw it through a puddle of water, so just the reflection. And Colin saw it through the viewfinder of his camera. Mrs. Norris must have seen it in a reflection of water as well.
And the water was coming from a girls bathroom on the second floor! Hermione remembered.
That's Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
Who's Moaning Myrtle, Hermione?
She's a ghost that died years ago. Let's look at Hogwarts: A History again. Something sticks in my mind…
What do you figure…
"Yes, the library," they both said together, laughing.
Hand in hand, they scampered up to the library. Madam Pince had long gotten used to seeing the pair deeply engrossed in books, and looked up in annoyance when Hermione spoke aloud.
"Here it is Harry! I knew I'd seen it!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"Shh!" Madam Pince admonished. She was not used to the pair speaking. Usually they were completely silent.
"Sorry," Hermione apologised.
Harry, it says that fifty years ago, the Chamber of Secrets was opened and a student died. Do you suppose the student was Moaning Myrtle and she never left the bathroom?
It sounds possible. We should ask her how she died. Maybe there's a connection. Maybe the Basilisk killed her.
We'll go there tomorrow, it's almost dinner time.
……
After dinner, Harry suggested they take a walk outside. Since it was a bit cool, they wore their cloaks over their robes.
Where should we go Harry?
It should be quiet down by the lake. It's a nice evening and we're caught up in homework.
Sitting down by a willow tree, they settled down, Hermione in front of Harry, leaning back against his chest. Harry wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
Sighing, Hermione turned her head and nibbled gently on Harry's ear. Harry turned, capturing Hermione's lips in a gentle kiss. Seeking entry, his tongue briefly teased her lips until she granted him entry. Deepening the kiss, Hermione turned to face Harry, wrapping her arms around him. He leaned back on the grass, pulling her with him. As she settled on his chest, she ran her hands through his messy hair, the silky feel of it made her sigh. Every time she kissed him, she felt lost in his arms. Their thoughts as one, their needs met and their souls were full of love. Both trusted the other implicitly and they needed no words.
We should get back Harry, it's getting dark.
Helping her up, they started back. As they neared the castle, Harry noticed a movement deep in the shadows. Before he could react, four stunners hit Harry and Hermione. The duo fell, but before the attackers could resume the attack, the golden glow surrounded the pair. Although unconscious, the golden shield resisted further spells, reflecting them back. One nasty hex reflected back on one hooded figure, slicing into his arm. With a scream of pain, he quickly retreated. The other three managed to dodge their own curses, although another was thrown back as he attempted to kick the unconscious pair, landing painfully twenty meters away. The other two quickly decided not to tempt fate and gathering their wounded colleagues, hastily disappeared back into the shadows.
Harry groaned as the spell dispersed. Hermione quickly recovered as well, but had a blinding headache. Harry felt her pain and quickly soothed her forehead and the pain receded.
What happened Harry?
I saw a shadow move and that's all I remember. I think we were attacked. We'd best get back to the castle and see Madam Pomfrey.
Meanwhile, Draco, Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle returned to their common room. Draco was bleeding heavily and Goyle was limping badly.
"What happened to you two, Draco?" asked the Marcus Flint, the Slytherin prefect, noticing the blood on Draco's arm.
"Potter and the mudblood attacked us!" Draco lied. "We were outside for a breath of fresh air and they turned on us as soon as they saw us. We didn't have a chance. I'm writing my father about this. Those two are dangerous."
"I'll see Professor Snape about this. He'll have them expelled!" Marcus replied. "You two better see Madam Pomfrey right away. That cut looks serious."
Draco and Goyle hurried to the hospital wing, only to see Harry and Hermione just leaving. Slipping out of sight, Draco and Goyle watched as they passed. The rage flared in Draco again and he drew his wand. Casting a dark spell, he watched as it hit Hermione. She screamed in pain, falling to the floor. Harry screamed as well, but whipped around drawing his wand and literally blew Draco through the wall. Panting, he gathered Hermione into his arms and rushed back to the hospital wing.
Goyle was left with his jaw hanging open at the devastation Harry caused. He was afraid. More than he had ever been in his life. Draco lay slumped to the floor in the empty classroom where a moment before a solid wall had been. Fortunately, the wall was wood and not stone, else Draco would be surely dead by now.
"Now what do I do?" he wondered aloud. "Best notify Snape."
Professor Snape was just returning from the Headmaster's office when he saw Goyle. "What happened Mr. Goyle," Snape asked. He then spotted Draco and quickly conjured a stretcher under him and levitated Draco onto it.
"Potter attacked us Professor. Twice! We were outside enjoying a stroll, when Potter and Granger attacked us without provocation. When we were going to see Madam Pomfrey, he blew Draco through the classroom wall. He's out of control sir, the power as turned him dark!" Goyle knew it was a lie, but decided that was the safest thing to say. He knew the rest of them would back him up. Snape hated Potter anyway, so he even had a teacher on his side.
……
Entering the hospital wing, Harry was in pain from Hermione's injury. Grimacing, he proceeded to tell Madam Pomfrey what had happened. "You'll see Draco here presently, if I haven't killed him!" Harry said angrily. "I don't know what spell Draco hit her with; will she be okay?"
"It looks like a cutting spell, Mr. Potter, not too deep fortunately, and it's already starting to heal by itself. She should awaken shortly."
Mmmm, Harry? What happened?
Hermione! Are you alright love? Draco attacked you. I bet it was him that attacked us earlier!
I think so Harry, it hurts in my shoulder, but the pain is starting to fade. I think there were more than one involved.
"Poppy!" Snape called. "Draco and Goyle have been injured. Can you see to them? I have to notify the Headmaster."
Draco and Goyle are here? I'll kill them!
Harry, NO! Let the Headmaster deal with them!
But, but… They hurt you Hermione!
It's okay, our magic protected us. We'll just have to be careful until our magic is fully formed. We don't know what it's capable of. I think we'll have to train it.
When Goyle saw Harry and Hermione lying in bed, he shivered; fear coursing through his body. `I think Draco needs to think about who he attacks', he thought. `Potter just hurled him through that wall as if he were a feather!'
……
Meanwhile, in the Headmaster's office, Severus was angry. It seemed that Albus was not prepared to take his word about what had happened without a proper investigation.
"Albus, those kids are out of control!" he practically shouted. "Potter could have killed Draco! Lucius will certainly demand Potter and Granger be expelled. And if the ministry becomes involved, you know how much influence Lucius has…"
"Severus, stop. We both know that Draco hates Harry and Hermione. While it's true that they may have overreacted, I want to get their side of the story first. I just had a visit from Marcus Flint, who stated that Draco, Goyle, Crabbe and Pansy were attacked outside by Harry and Hermione. Somehow I have reason not to believe this. I'll be checking wands for Prior Incantato spells. We'll see who's telling the truth then."
"Very well Headmaster, I'll collect the Slytherin wands for you."
"No, I think I'll visit the Slytherin common room myself, Severus. I'd like to interview them before this gets out of hand. You'll accompany me first to the Hospital room and we'll see how Draco and Goyle are doing."
Entering the ward, Albus could see that Harry and Hermione were agitated. Magic seemed to roll off them in waves. The blue glow was back, surrounded by the golden aura. Severus shivered at the display of raw power the two were projecting.
Draco remained unconscious in a bed at the far end of the ward, with Goyle in the next bed. Albus approached Poppy and asked how Draco was.
"He's received a severe concussion with several broken bones and a severe gash on his wand arm, Headmaster. Mr. Goyle has a broken arm and some bruising, but will be fine. Do you know what caused this? I don't know how long Draco will remain unconscious, perhaps several days."
"I'll speak to Mr. Goyle first, then Harry and Hermione," Albus stated.
Approaching the two Slytherins, Albus asked Goyle for his wand and then picked up Draco's as well. "Mr. Goyle, would you care to tell us what happened?"
"Sir, we were just about to enter the hospital ward when Potter and Granger attacked us. Potter blasted Draco through a classroom wall." The lie got easier to tell each time he told it.
"I see," Albus said gravely. "And what about Mr. Malfoy's other injury to his arm? Did that happen at the same time?"
"No Headmaster, four of us were outside when Potter and Granger attacked us. I was thrown almost 20 meters and Draco was hit by a dark spell from Potter." The lie was even easier to tell, now that he had time to think. `Maybe if they're expelled, nobody will know what really happened,' he thought.
Albus had been using Legilimens on Goyle and could see the truth immediately, but said nothing.
"Very well, Mr. Goyle, we'll see what your wands tell us," the Headmaster replied.
A shiver of fear went through Goyle. `If he tests the wands, we're screwed.' He thought.
Walking over to Harry and Hermione, he asked for their wands to check. They handed them over and looked inquisitively at the Headmaster.
"Now, Harry, tell me what happened."
Harry related what they encountered, telling him about being stunned, recovering and heading to the Hospital wing.
"When we were leaving the ward, Draco sent a curse at Hermione. I felt the pain and turned and sent a strong Expelliarmus at Draco, blasting him through the wall. I should have killed the cowardly git!" Harry said heatedly.
"Now, Mr. Potter, I'm sure you didn't mean that," replied Dumbledore.
"The boy is obviously lying!" Snape ground out between clenched teeth.
"Now, Severus, I'll test all the wands, to see who is telling the truth. Let us proceed to the Slytherin common room."
Harry continued. "Hermione was hurt badly by Draco, it's only through our magic that she was able to survive! That was a dark curse. I felt something evil when it hit her."
"Indeed, Mr. Potter, I think you were just showing off for your girlfriend," Snape replied with a sneer.
"I do not `show off', professor, and she isn't my girlfriend, she's my wife! We are now considered magically married!"
A great silence fell over the room for a moment, before Albus, Severus and Poppy gaped at the pair. Albus was the first to recover.
"Of course! How silly of me to forget. When you soul bonded, the magic would have informed several people, the Ministry of Magic, the Goblins at Gringotts and my office. I simply missed the notification. When we get this current problem fully dealt with, I will expect you two in my office for a briefing of what this entails in your case."
"Severus, I think these two should properly be addressed as Lord and Lady Potter, although I think we might dispense with that formality and call them Mr. and Mrs. Potter. I suspect the records have already been adjusted."
Snape just stood there with his mouth open, unable to formulate a reply.
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