Unofficial Portkey Archive

Anything for Harry: Chapter 8

The three of them began climbing the nearest stairs towards the seventh floor. Harry reached over and took Hermione's left hand, their fingers intertwined. He felt hungry again though it had only been two hours since dinner.

They finally reached the hallway and Hermione said, "Let me summon it to start with. I have been thinking about what we need a bit." Harry gave her hand a brief squeeze which she returned before slipping her hand free.

Harry and Luna stepped next to the tapestry of Barnabus the Barmy while Hermione began pacing. A moment later the door appeared and she went and opened it. She walked inside; Harry went through on her heels. The room was relatively small with four doors leading from it. Hermione was ignoring everything else to stride across the room to a bookshelf with about thirty books on it. This room looked like a comfortable meeting or study room. There were several tables with comfortable looking chairs and two sofa's along the walls. A small fireplace burned welcomingly in the corner near the books. The other rooms would be bedrooms and he really wasn't sure what else actually.

He was jerked from his thoughts by Luna speaking softly to him. "You are mad at me for some reason Harry."

Damn he had forgotten her again. "Sorry Luna. No I am not mad at you. I- um- let's go sit and talk over there." He pointed at a small sofa away from where Hermione was looking through the books.

She didn't say anything but went with him to the sofa.

Tell the truth Hermione had said. So he let it come out. "I don't want. No, skip that. I don't believe it is necessary, for us to have sex together. It could hurt my relationship with Hermione. I'm not willing to risk hurting her. I love her too much to ever do that." She didn't even blink when he said that so he continued. "I am not mad at you nor did you do anything I have been offended by. I think Dumbledore was wrong to push you into this situation. I think you can help and am comfortable with you here."

She finally blinked and looked down at her hands. It took a minute but when she looked back to his eyes, unshed tears threatened to fall down her cheeks. "She is a very lucky witch you know." She rubbed her eyes clear, "I have no idea what my place is with the two of you. I want to help. I can help with some things we know. And I will work as hard as I can to help you find a way to win."

His heart went out to her again; she seemed like a slightly younger Hermione: smart, loving, and loyal. He gently and affectionately pulled her into a hug; she gave him a painfully hard hug in reply. As he held her, he felt her crying on his shoulder. He looked at Hermione; she had stood and started towards them. Harry shook his head once and Hermione made a detour to see what was behind the four doors in the room.

When she had quieted he said, "Look, Luna. I honestly like you quite a lot. I respect you and feel you will be an important addition to our team. This is as far as I want to take our relationship, though. Hugging and crying are perfectly acceptable."

She nodded, her face buried in his shirt. A little later she sniffed and pulled back from him. "If I had not been hiding behind Loony; do you think it would have been different for us?"

"Maybe, though I doubt it. Hermione feels like a part of me. Now that I know that feeling is, love, I realize it's been there for a long time. I just didn't understand what it was."

She sat back and dropped her arms to her lap, "Thanks for being honest with me. I'm not trying to come between you guys, but I am serious about Hermione's oath."

"I think I have sussed that out and I have no intention of ever letting anything happen to her to cause you to fulfill your side of it."

She smiled at him, "I would expect nothing less from you. I will also do everything I can to make sure we all survive this and as soon as I understand the whole picture I'll work on possibilities that you and Hermione would not come up with. I will not allow you to send me away. When Voldemort is gone we can go our separate ways or not, as we then choose."

"Ok Luna, I can accept that."

Hermione came from the fourth door, nearest them and joined them. "Have we reached a stable group dynamic yet?"

Harry looked at her, confused.

Luna laughed, "Nearing stability though not quite there yet. Which of these is my room?"

Hermione pointed at the one she had just looked inside then moved sequentially around the room. "Yours with in suite facilities, common facilities for guests, exercise room, our bedroom also with in suite facilities."

Luna stood, "I'm going to unpack in my room and take a quick shower. I'll be back out shortly."

After she had left Harry said, "I am thinking we need to go check out of the hotel. We may be here until my birthday."

Hermione said, "Quite possible. We have them for several more days and need to check out of Luna's room tomorrow."

"We should go do that tomorrow. I'm going to go expand the trunks in our room. You want to settle down and write that letter to your parents? Remember Dobby said it might take him a while to find them."

"Yes, I'll do that now, thanks for reminding me."

"Anytime love, anytime."

She went and sat at one of the smaller tables that had quills, ink, and parchment standing ready.

He went into the room on the far left of the door back to the seventh floor corridor. It wasn't a large room; the bed was a four poster slightly larger than the one in his dorm. He grinned; they wouldn't have room to sprawl on that. There was an open spot to either side of the bed, just big enough for an open trunk so he put one on either side and expanded them. He pulled the Occlumency tome from Hermione's trunk and went back into the main room. Hermione was writing furiously away so he sat on the couch near the fireplace and found his page in the tome.

He finished chapter four and had just started chapter five when he heard Hermione stop writing. She called for Dobby a moment later. Harry looked up.

Dobby appeared next to Hermione. "You called, Mistress?"

"Yes Dobby, sorry it took me so long but I finally found time to write that letter to my parents. Can you take this to them please? I know you said it would take you a while to find them but it is very important."

Dobby nodded vigorously and several of his hats fell off. He scooped them up and said, "Dobby knows where they are Mistress, he went and found them lastnight for you."

Hermione gave the excited elf a quick hug. "You just earned a bonus. Thank you for putting in extra work for me."

Dobby blushed furiously but Harry noticed he didn't complain about getting paid more.

Hermione continued, "Here is the letter, you need to stay out of sight of anyone but them please and wait for their reply please."

"Yes Mistress." He took the folded letter in both hands and vanished.

Someone knocked on the door; Harry put the tome on the nearest table and went to open it. Luna rushed out of her room, she had dressed in a long thick peach nightgown. Her feet were bare and her hair was still wet but, she had her wand in hand and a serious expression on her face. Hermione stood and also drew her wand. He waited for her nod before he opened the door. Standing at the threshold were the professors, Minerva McGonagall and Filius Flitwick. The biggest surprise was that Minerva was carrying the sorting hat and its stool. Behind Flitwick hovered a large trunk, just like Harry imagined pirates would use.

The hat said, "We need to talk Potter, all of us."

Minerva asked, "May we come inside?"

Harry stepped back and motioned them in.

McGonagall placed the hat's stool next to the largest table then placed the hat upon it. She then sat beside it in a chair. Professor Flitwick gestured with his wand as he walked inside and the trunk flew open its contents spewing out. Godric's sword, Dumbledore's pensive, Tom Riddle's plaque of special service rendered to the school, a large brooch, and a wooden rack containing a bunch of stopped glass vials with swirling smoke inside. Harry held his breath as all of the precious objects, several very fragile, came to rest in an orderly fashion on the table. He let out his breath finally. Hermione had moved to sit opposite the sorting hat. Professor Flitwick sat in the chair beside McGonagall and a flick of his wand brought the chair up so he sat at the correct height to the table. Luna sat opposite her head of house, she began running her wand through her hair and it rapidly dried. Harry closed the door and walked around the table to sit between Hermione and Luna, opposite McGonagall.

The Sorting hat said, "I've been waiting for you Potters to arrive, good thing you brought Lovegood as well."

Professor McGonagall looked sharply at the hat and asked, "Potters?"

Professor Flitwick let out a surprised squeak.

The hat continued, "Come, come. I'm a thinking cap which can read thoughts in your noggins. They are wed in all but the material trappings. Hmm - Lovegood, an interesting addition, your brain is a little foggy from here but I can see it's stuffed with lots of fluff. You have done well with your choice of Ravenclaw."

McGonagall said, "But-"

She was cut off by the Sorting hat again, "But you're not used to me spouting my thoughts so freely. Now is not the time for secrets. As I have said for the last two years in my song, we must work together. No Mrs. Potter, I am not a Horcrux of Godric. I am as close as could be managed though. Godric would never have committed the cold blooded murder required to create one. Not that he wouldn't kill, he killed many, all were in battle though, with his or anothers' life on the line. I hold many secrets and a good few more objects. Sorry Mr. Potter for dropping the sword on your noggin down in the chamber but you asked for help and it seemed the appropriate thing to do. Yes Miss. Lovegood, I am like the portraits now in abundance around the school I hold all of Godric's memories and his personality, along with the added ability to reach into minds. Since you all seem to be getting a bit upset by my answering your questions before they are asked I shall be quiet until addressed."

Hermione leaned forward and asked, "Do you know-"

"No Mrs. Potter, I do not know how to destroy a Horcrux. Such was never in Godric's head and I have not since read it from the surface thoughts of anyone within my range."

Hermione sat back in her chair and glanced longingly at the bookshelf behind her.

Harry put his hands on the table and sat forward, "Professor Flitwick, What do you know of all this so far?"

Flitwick had been studying the hat with a very curious expression on his face. He jerked his attention back to Harry. "That you are trying to destroy Voldemort for good this time and I assume these Horcruxes belong to him. I would like to assist in the conflict ahead."

Harry asked, "Were you really a dueling champion as Lockhart said?"

Flitwick nodded, "Yes, when I was younger. I held the International Grand Champions wand for twenty years before I retired and came to teach here."

Luna added, "Undefeated in 265 professional duels. 6 defeats, 93 wins, and 1 draw in his amateur years."

Flitwick blushed at the praise but confirmed, "Yes, I believe those are the correct statistics."

Harry looked at the diminutive professor with new respect, "That sounds like information and training we all could benefit from. I have to reach Voldemort to fight him and those with me I want to keep alive."

Flitwick looked back at him sadly, "I can no longer move as I once did while younger. I can instruct you, and those you choose to include, in the techniques involved."

Harry and Hermione said as one, "Thanks professor."

Minerva said, "So you must destroy these and then reach Tom Riddle to finish him off."

Hermione nodded, "Correct. Once we also figure out how Harry is going to actually kill him. Dumbledore seemed to be convinced that it was somehow related to his ability to love." She paused for a breath. "I am now the focus of that love and I can tell you it is an almost physical thing. When he thinks about me, I feel my heart swell in reply." She grew silent as Harry met her eyes. They were locked together, oblivious to those around them. Finally she looked away and said, "Sorry, my point is that there may be some magical force there that, if we learn how to, can be directed to do that."

Luna was the first to recover after that statement, "Like a killing thought?"

Hermione shrugged, "I hadn't gotten that far in my speculation really."

Harry tapped his scar and said, "I do have this, a link to him. Maybe I could use it to attack him. He has used it to send me visions and when he gets excited I sometimes see through his eyes. Like when I saw Arthur attacked by Nagini."

Professor Flitwick stood in his chair. "Would you like to see a demonstration of my dueling technique?"

Harry nodded vigorously but caught an alarmed look from Hermione. That made him think for a moment before replying. Why had the professor suddenly changed the topic? "Certainly, Hermione said one of these doors was an exercise room, we could do it in there."

He was not the only one who caught the disappointment when Hermione said, "Left middle, the right one is the loo." He saw Luna look at Flitwick with some anger though she remained silent.

They all stood and walked into the exercise room. It was a large room, about the same size as the great hall. A large padded area was in front of them, off to the left was a long rectangular swimming pool, to the right was a collection of free weights and across the back of the room were many exercise machines. Harry stepped to the side, pulling Hermione with him. "Wow, I think this will do just fine dear."

She giggled. When had Hermione learned to giggle? Merlin he liked it though.

She said, "You won't be telling me that after our first two days of exercise."

Just then Flitwick walked in, "Oh my, an excellent room." He started walking out into the center of the large mat. "Harry, Hermione and Luna come out here. Minerva has seen me duel before."

Harry looked at Luna; he was her head of house. But if she knew anything she wasn't giving away any hints.

He shrugged and walked after the small man. They stopped in a loose line about three paces away from him. "When I dueled professionally, from '43 - '63, There were very few formal rules; the main one being not to kill or permanently maim your opponent. Otherwise everything was on the table. This is what I am about to demonstrate. Wands out!"

Harry whipped his wand free and pointed it at him, Hermione and Luna did the same, all three went into a crouched position. Flitwick grinned and vanished, Harry threw a stunner at the place he had been in case he had gone invisible. Then he heard a very light pop behind them, Luna had begun to spin to look behind them but she suddenly stiffened and fell to the floor. Harry dove to the ground and twisted around but he could only see McGonagall standing by the door with the Sorting hat on its stool beside her. He sat up and spun. He saw Flitwick apparate behind Hermione and immediately cast another stunner towards him, it was wide of its mark though. He saw Flitwick grin and felt his glasses fly from his face. He heard Hermione cast Petrificus Totalus and then felt her fall to the floor, stunned or petrified. He dropped his wand and put his hand on her. "I yield; I'm useless without my glasses."

He felt his glasses land gently in his hand and quickly put them on. To his great relief Hermione and Luna were stirring from where they lay on the matt. He retrieved his wand and helped the girls stand. Flitwick was standing several feet away, "I retired because they enacted reforms, as they called them, to make the duels more challenging. Stunners only and you had to verbalize your casting, oh and no apparition allowed."

Hermione looked very confused, "But you can't apparate in Hogwarts."

Flitwick looked at her as though he knew a secret she did not, "We are not within Hogwarts currently though are we? The Room of Requirement is not subject to the restrictions on the rest of the school. Only if the room was summoned with that restriction specified in place would it apply. Now mind you we cannot apparate from here to Hogsmeade but within the room certainly." The professor began pacing and spoke passionately, "First rule of a duel is: Know your environment and the restrictions it places upon you. Second, never verbalize your casting and cast spells as rapidly as possible. Third, keep moving, either through apparition or dodging. You did well there Mr. Potter until I handicapped you. Now Harry, tell me why did you not Accio your glasses back to you? They were hovering a few meters above your head and I was distracted by Hermione's well timed Petrificus Totalus. You had nearly thirty seconds to retrieve your glasses while I reflected the spell back upon her to act."

He shrugged, "I didn't think of it. I had never thought that they were a weakness that could be exploited in a duel."

"You must know all of your own weaknesses so that you will not present them as opportunities to your opponents. You must either have another pair of glasses on your person or use a sticking charm to prevent them from coming off of your head. They should also be protected from being broken or covered with darkness; a simple Impervious would do the trick. I will give you something to practice which will help with your speed of casting spells. It's a little rhyme I learned ages ago. She sells seashells by the seashore. What you need to do is speak it in your head as fast and as clearly as possible. When you can do it flawlessly, you will have greatly improved your casting speed. Again it's she sells seashells by the seashore. Once you have that down try Winguardium Leviosa and levitating a row of six objects as quickly as you can, silently of course. When you can do them all in fewer than six seconds, I will duel you again."

Minerva said, "We will expect you all down for breakfast at the staff table in the morning." She picked up the sorting hat and its stool. Professor Flitwick saluted them with his wand before walking towards the door.

Dobby appeared in front of Hermione and handed her a letter. The professors stopped and turned around. Hermione said, "Thank you Dobby." Then she opened the letter, something fell out. She snatched it from the ground and held it up. It was a diamond ring.

Harry said, "Um, Hermione what's that?"

She looked at him, "My mother's ring." She slipped it onto the ring finger of her left hand and stood. "We're official now Harry, kiss me."

He grinned and did as he was told. The kiss was searing in its intensity. He felt himself losing his ability to think of anything but how much he wanted to do this forever with the incredible woman in his arms. She responded in kind and had they been alone their clothes would quickly have vanished. As it was they both remained vaguely aware of others within the room and they pulled back at the brink.

They pulled back, forehead to forehead, breathing heavily, arms about one another's necks. She was having as hard a time as he was. Gods he wanted to tear her clothes off but others were in the room.

Among her desperate gasps for air she moaned a single word, "bed."

He nodded, his forehead still resting against hers and gave her a kiss full of promises. He became aware of the total silence in the room. Had the others left? How long had they been lost in their passion? He moved his arms down to her waist, she echoed his motion and they were hugging with that same intensity. She patted his back; he heard the rustling of the letter from her parents still clutched in her hand. He pulled away enough for them to slip side by side, facing the door.

Luna had her back turned to them, her head bowed.

Professor Flitwick was sitting on the floor near the door with his jaw hanging open.

Headmistress McGonagall had taken a dozen steps closer to them, but seemed frozen, she held the Sorting Hat from its peak.

The silence was finally broken by the hat, "Godric's ghost! I could feel that and I have no soul!"

Luna strode from the room, they heard another door closing. He, no they would have to talk about this later.

Flitwick leapt to his feet, "I'll go talk to her."

McGonagall's jaw worked silently for a moment, "Whom is the letter from and what does it say?"

Hermione said, "I wrote my parents earlier, this is their reply. I told them Harry and I wanted to get married." She held up the ring for the Headmistress to see. "This was their reply. It was my great grandmothers and has been handed down now four generations."

He gave her waist a gentle squeeze and she replied by dropping her right hand from around his waist and slipping it into the rear pocket of his jeans. He didn't think he could manage such a maneuver so kept his hand where it was.

Harry decided he had waited long enough, "Excuse us; we'll see you at breakfast." She nodded slowly and he started walking, Hermione in step with him towards the door. They made no pretense, nor tried to hide their intent and strode straight into their bedroom. As soon as the door was closed, they began taking their own clothes off as fast as they could. Harry had no illusions about his ability to remove her clothes. Yes he knew how to unclasp a bra now but didn't want to put that to the test just yet.

He stumbled as he tried to pull his pants off while his shoes were still on his feet. He caught himself on one of the posts of the bed and got the damned shoe off. Hermione was nearly naked; she was removing her bra with expert hands. His erection was trying to tear a hole in his shorts to get loose. Hermione had her back to him but he saw the crotch of her knickers were wet as she pulled them down. Damn he had stopped to watch her and now she was turning around, naked. He still had his shorts on and pants twisted around his ankles.

She scolded him with that wicked smile on her face, "Slow Harry, slow. Hurry up I want an hour of us."

He had been doubly stunned seeing her naked. In a hotel room in muggle London was one thing, in Hogwarts it brought a whole new set of emotions into play. This was what he was fighting for: Playful, naked, horny Hermione…

Oh yes! Tom who?

He managed to tear his eyes from Hermione as she stood there, shoulder and hips cocked at an odd but very appealing angle. Ah, he had forgotten the other shoe; that was the problem. He knelt and got rid of the offending garment. His pants and shorts quickly followed. Hermione was standing inches from him when he looked up from taking them off. His head came up between her perky gorgeous breasts, his nose brushed against the time turner. Her hands were already on his shoulders and she shoved him backwards onto the bed. He fell onto it and scrambled the rest of the way up as she crawled over him. His eyes kept flickering between her dangling breasts and her mouth, she was doing interesting things with her lips and he wanted them sealed to his. The time turner dragged along his thigh and made him shiver.

She paused and dipped her chest and slowly moved it from side to side; brushing her breasts against his erection. He couldn't believe her. Damn he loved this woman's brain… the things she thought of doing!

She grinned that wicked grin and finally crawled close enough so he could get his mouth onto hers. She pressed him down until his head was on the bed. Their tongues dueled for supremacy, equally matched in their desire. She was still moving and he felt her exquisite, warm wetness against the tip of his erection. She wriggled around, trying to get him inside her without using her hands. He started to reach down between them to help with the aiming, but she grabbed his hands and intertwined their fingers before pressing his hands back against the blankets. She was holding herself up by holding him down. Their mouths unsealed for a moment as she lifted herself up further, so that she could place the tip of his organ at her entrance. She paused briefly and then slowly slid down onto him.

He lay back and felt her body envelope that most sensitive part of him. She was learning as he was, just how to match their bodies together. She noticed him watching her and dropped to place a nipple into his mouth. He started flicking and sucking her as he had done with her tongue. It seemed to be ok because she moaned and finally impaled herself on him; burying his organ all the way inside of her.

*

Luna had just made it into her room when there was a knock on the door and she heard Filius ask, "May I come in, Miss Lovegood?"

She opened the door and he walked inside, she closed it behind him to cutoff anything they might be doing out there.

"Sorry sir, I'm not good company just now."

He gestured vaguely with his hand, "Pish, posh. You will someday find one you feel just as strongly for. Do not begrudge them happiness. You know much of what they have gone through to find one another. Allow them their time together."

She sighed and sat on her bed. "I just wish it was me." She would have to tell him what had happened. "I told them I had the vision as you said. Hermione made me swear." She stopped herself, "Are you sure Trelawney used those words?"

The professor nodded, "I heard it from Albus myself. He whom was marked as the Dark Lords equal will fall if he stands alone. The brightest witch of the age and the child of the moon must be with him or he shall fall." His small shoulders lifted and fell. "I do not see any other interpretation. She is certainly the brightest witch I have ever met. Your name alone indicates you are the second person described. Albus said we couldn't tell them it was Trelawney. Now what did you have to swear?"

Reluctantly she began, "First of all child of the moon could be a werewolf, Hermione pointed that out immediately. I believe this prophecy is false. Regardless I am committed to helping them but if she is killed in this I have to give Harry a reason to live and continue."

The little professor sat down hard on the chair nearest the bed. "Oh, my, my. We didn't think of this, dear. I was sure that if you made your offer they would turn you down graciously and you could help them in other ways we discussed then you would be free to pursue Ronald as you wished."

"Harry was very nice about it. He wasn't comfortable with the idea though. Hermione though, she looked at the offer as, well as insurance I would have to say. She put the odds of them both surviving at only 56% with herself having a lower chance of surviving than he did."

Flitwick nodded, "She is probably correct. I would not wager against her Arithmancy."

So I have taken an oath on my life to never lie to Hermione and while under that I agreed with her conditions. Should Hermione die I must take her place as his mate so he will have a reason to live and defeat Tom Riddle. She made me, even as she sees herself, a sacrifice to the good of the world."

He was quiet for several minutes before he asked, "What did she say would happen if you did not?"

She wiped the tears from her cheeks. He hadn't mentioned anything about her getting out of the oath. There was no way out unless Hermione let her out her life was bound to theirs until this was over. "That he would tear the world apart if his heart died with her. He wouldn't care anymore if Tom Riddle died."

Again was quiet, analyzing and thinking, eventually he nodded, "She certainly knows him better than any. Now I can see her thoughts in this. I wish we had thought of this before. Not that I see anything we could have done differently, dear."

He didn't understand yet, "I have seen how they work now, much closer than I did at the DoM. She is his anchor to the side of light; the one person whom he trusts with his soul. He will not let anyone or anything come between them. And she, oh professor, she is so incredibly brave, loyal, and smart. She was willing to share him to insure he would keep going if she died. I do not believe my chances are good at this point; they should improve over time as we get more comfortable together."

"Then we shall have to think even harder to keep her alive as well. Your oath will make you reveal the entire truth to them. I suggest you do it soon. I will tell them that Albus and I put you into this situation as well." He apparated onto the bed and patted her on the shoulder. "You have helped immensely, Luna. Do not dismiss your own courage, loyalty, or intelligence. What you are doing is commendable. I hope my demonstration and the lessons to follow will help with their survival. We will try to ensure that she lives to release you from that oath, my dear.

"I have already told them the truth in all things. Hermione knows that you and the Headmaster sent me to Harry and why. She will have told him." She shrugged, "with the oath I took she can trust me. If there is any question as to where my loyalties lie, I am on their side."

Flitwick paused to look at her before saying, "She will bind you to a secrecy oath next. Don't fight it we have nothing left to hide now that Albus is gone."

"Yes, I will offer to take that oath before she requires it. I wish I had listened to my conscience and done what I thought was right from the start. Instead, Dumbledore has forced me into this." She shrugged.

He pulled a watch from a pocket of his robe, "Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you or them. Sorry Luna, I was trusting Albus knew best but it looks like he didn't know half of it."

She gave him a lopsided grin, "Nope, not half."

Flitwick apparated from atop her bed to the door and walked silently outside.

When he was gone she looked up at the ceiling and said, "Mum, I've really messed this one up. Help me be strong and do what is right; not what is easy."

*

Bill knocked on the bathroom door, "Hurry up Ron. I need to talk to Gin before dinner."

He heard Ron mutter something then, "… be right out."

He walked to the living room of his flat. Fleur was waiting anxiously by the fireplace. She wouldn't look anxious to others but he knew her expressions quite well. She gave him that smile that made him feel braver as he walked to her. He pulled her into his arms, careful not to muss her dress or hair, much. "Sorry love, I have to do this alone, just me and Gin. She doesn't trust you yet."

She made a sound, kind of half a laugh and half sob, "She ates me."

He made no pretense to dispute his bride. Instead he offered what hope he could. "Hopefully I am right and she should be much better tonight, if she lets me do it."

The bathroom door opened. Finally, Ron took more time in there than he did!

Ron's attitude seemed to be changing though. He had a responsibility now, learning curse breaking was not easy and he only had a week to give him the basics. Ron came into the living room and said, "You're going to tell Ginny about Harry and Hermione aren't you?"

Bill shrugged, "If littlest big brother can't do it then biggest big brother has to." He had made it a point to say it jokingly but Ron took it like he had hoped, seriously. He dropped his smile and hit Ron with the real truth. "I think she still has a remnant of Voldemort in her Ron. If she lets me, I can help her get rid of it. Maybe that's why she is so obsessed with Harry."

Clearly Ron hadn't thought of that. He was stunned; maybe shocked was the better word. He didn't have the experience with Horcruxes that Bill did so that was to be expected. "C'mon bro, let's go. I know what to do to help her."

Ron shook himself back to them and nodded, "I'll run interference for you then, keep anyone else away while you talk to her."

Bill squeezed Fleur's waist, "Don't let mum and Fleur alone together. Stay with one of them bro. Mum still wants to argue about the wedding and I'm sick of it."

Ron joked, "Yea next we're going to be telling her Harry and Hermione are getting married."

Fleur said, "Do not fink it iz funny Ronald. Zis could appen."

That gave Ron a puzzled look. Bill said, "Go first, then Fleur, I'll come last."

Ron nodded and grabbed some floo powder, stepping into the fireplace he threw down the powder and said, "The Burrow."

When he was gone Fleur was twisting to give him a solid kiss on the mouth before she flooed away. He always worried at her accent on the floo. It seemed to know what she meant though as she hadn't gone astray yet.

Contemplating casting the dread soul splitting spell on his little sister it was with great trepidation that Bill took that step into the grate.

He landed with practiced ease on the hearth of the familiar home. He hadn't lived here for over seven years but it was still home in his head. Fleur was standing off to the side; she had just finished removing the soot from herself. Ginny was hugging Ron; mum was in the kitchen and called out greetings from there. Merlin Ginny was getting tall. He hugged his not so little sister and told her simply, "Get your broom, we need to talk."

She looked up at him curiously but said, "ok," and took off up the stairs.

When she was gone Bill told Fleur and Ron, "Wait," and strode into the kitchen, "Hi mum. How long till dinner?"

She laughed, "Hungry already? Well I don't suppose-"

He cut her off sharply, "You don't want to finish that statement mother. Fleur feeds me plenty. You must stop this. It won't change my mind, we're getting married mum. I'm 26 years old. Let me have a life!"

She looked shocked then stuttered a bit and turned her back on him. He saw her wiping her face then she said, "I just want my baby to be happy."

He put his hands on her shoulders, she flinched. "Fleur makes me happy. I make her happy. Trust us."

She slowly nodded and lowered her head. Bill slipped in front of her and gave her a comforting hug and received one of his mothers famous hugs in reply. "Can we be civil now mum?"

She nodded and stepped over to the stove.

He took a calming breath, "So how long till dinner is ready?"

"Bout an hour dear, go find something to do."

"Ok, Ron and Fleur will help set the table, I need to talk to Gin for a while." He didn't wait for a reply and strode back into the living room. Fleur stood just outside the kitchen; he wrapped his arm around her slim waist, she gave him a smile that warmed his soul as they walked silently to the front door. Ron was talking to Ginny on the front porch, each of them held a broom.

Fleur kissed his cheek, "good luck."

Thanks love." He walked out onto the porch, Fleur right behind him. "Let's go fly Gin."

Ron handed Bill his broom, Bill nodded and took off into the sky. He didn't look back until he was nearly to the forest. Gin was hot on his heels. She smiled back at him but he could read her confusion. He didn't meander around; he went straight to the spot by the stream he had taken her so many years ago. She had trusted him then, did she still?

He landed; they were a mile from home now, deep in the woods, closer to the Lovegood place than their own now. She came down near him and put her broom against the tree with his.

She crossed her arms on her chest, which emphasized that his baby sister was turning into a stunning woman. Fleur was only four years older than her. She said, "Ok, we're alone. What do you want?"

He sat casually on the fallen tree and patted the spot beside himself. She met his eyes, and silently came to sit as they had long ago. He wrapped his arm over her shoulder. After they had settled he said, "I know what happened in the Chamber of Secrets."

She recoiled and almost pulled away but he held her tightly. Finally she settled and said bitterly, "So? I was an idiot, listening to something I didn't know where its brain was."

He relaxed his hold a little on her but kept her pressed close, "Do you still hear him in your head?"

She shrugged, "Sometimes."

Damn he was right. He had stiffened at her answer so she knew he was shocked.

Tentatively she asked, "What does that mean Bill?"

He sighed, "It means dearest sister that you are not yet free of his soul." She gasped and shuddered; he hugged her a little harder; "There is a remnant within you still. It's had four years to grow inside you, influence you, and become a part of you."

She said in a very defeated tone, "So he's going to win."

He shook his head, "No. I can help you get rid of him, for good. It won't be fun. Actually it will hurt like hell. I know what to do though, if you'll let me."

She turned back to him, "Bill?"

He looked into her eyes; she had unshed tears threatening to fall, "Yes Gin?"

"Am I…. Am I going to die?"

"I won't lie to you. It's going to feel like it. We, that is you with my help, will have to tear it free from you. You will have to be adamant with it, it will fight you, it will offer you things, it will finally beg you. Then you'll win." He wiped her tears from her cheeks then gave her a strong hug, her arms went around him and she hugged him very hard. "If, you lose and the remnant wins." He choked and couldn't finish it.

She nodded into his chest. She let go and pulled away. He let her stand beside him. She pulled her wand out and handed it to him then surprisingly pulled a knife from a sheath strapped to her ankle and also handed it to him. She looked him straight in the eyes. "If I lose you'll have to kill me."

He pulled her into another hug. "If it comes to that it will be painless."

She stepped away. He stood and pocketed her wand and the thin sharp knife. "I hope she makes you happy."

"She does."

She gave him a wan smile and asked, "What do I do?"

"I'll make a bed for you to lie on then bind you so you can't run away or hurt yourself after this starts. Most of it will be in your head. When I cast the spell he's going to be damned mad. Tell him to leave, get out of your body. Then you and he will argue. When he comes out I'll destroy him and we can go have dinner. No matter what don't give in to any of his arguments, they are all lies. You must not believe him, trust me, I love you and will do everything I can to help you."

He pulled his wand out and transfigured some stray branches and leaves into a small bed with a wrought iron frame. She lay down and reached up to grasp two of the bars of the headboard and spread her feet apart. He gestured with his wand and tight leather straps wrapped about her wrists and ankles, securing them to the bars. He held another, thick piece of leather with a strap extending from either side.

She looked at him, total trust in her eyes. "Getting kinky bro."

He chuckled in spite of the dread in his gut. "This is to keep you from biting your tongue. Comfortable?"

She nodded, "ok let's do it."

He sat beside her on the bed and fit the gag in her mouth then tied it behind her head. "Kick his butt, sis."

She nodded, unable to speak now. He looked into her eyes and cast the spell he had never thought he would need to on her, "Spiritus Sicindo."

She went rigid and twisted in her bonds, struggling to move. He tucked his wand into his lap and put his hands on her shoulders, "Send him out Gin, get rid of him!"

The struggle lasted almost five minutes before Ginny started screaming into her gag. This was going to be close; it had had four years to learn everything about her. All of her fears and desires it could use to convince her to allow it to stay. "He's wrong Gin. He's lying to you. Don't let him win." And at last, "Don't make me kill you, Gin!" Finally she stopped twisting and sighed, this was it, she had won or lost. He leapt back wand at the ready. The green mist floated up from the entire length of her body, it gathered a bit and rushed towards him. He cast, "Exsequor Spiritus." The mist collected into a tight ball then ceased to exist.

He flicked his wands and the leather straps and gag holding his dear sister vanished, she didn't move though. He felt her neck for a pulse, yes she was alive! He cast a quick enervate on her and she gasped. Twisting away from him onto her side she threw up. He transfigured a rock into a large cup and filled it with water from his wand. When she had emptied her stomach he held it in front of her. She drank a bit then spit it out. Finally she sat up and drained the glass.

She dropped the cup and threw herself onto him in a hug that made his bones creak, "Thank you, oh thank you."

He hugged her back, "Feel better, Sis?"

"Merlin, I feel like a new person. No more arguments with myself; no more Harry bloody Potter on the brain constantly."

He chuckled and she grinned back at him. "Good, then you won't try to kill Hermione will you?"

She looked at him astonished then said, "She finally told him?"

Bill nodded, "They're dating now. He looked very happy when I saw him yesterday."

She smiled brightly, "Good, he needs her."

He pulled her wand and knife from his pocket and handed them to her, "Ready to fly home?"

She nodded and stood up. Her legs seemed a bit shaky for a moment but she found her balance. She would sleep about twelve hours tonight he guessed. He transfigured the bed back into the branches and leaves then took his broom from her. "Bill?"

"Yes Gin?"

"I'm not mad at Fleur anymore either. I just wanted you to know I'm happy for you both."

He gave her a quick hug, "Thanks sis, if mum was as easy."

"Easy! You try what I just went through some time?"

He grew serious, "It was my first year in Egypt. Michael, my partner, knew what to do and it was right after the spirit possessed me. It was faster than what you just went through, but yes, I know some of what you had to do."

"Oh, I'll talk to mum. Ok?"

He said, "Thanks. Fleur and Ron know what I suspected. I need to tell Harry but I won't tell anyone else." He kicked off lazily into the evening sky.

She joined him and asked, "So I should be a bit grumpy for a few days so it doesn't seem like you cured me of possession from a Dark Lord?" He nodded and she thought for a while as they meandered through the woods. When they reached open grassland and the Burrow was in sight she asked, "Do you think mum will mind if Neville comes for dinner?"

He shrugged, "I don't care. Invite him, we'll set another place."

She smiled as she used to when they hung out, so many years ago, "Thanks Bill."

He answered her with a grin on his face, "It's what biggest brothers are for sis."

*

Luna sat in the small couch, facing their door. They would be coming out soon; it was nearly time for breakfast. She was having trouble concentrating on the horcrux book she had found on the shelf. Her sleep had been troubled last night, her dreams full of strange imagery that she could not interpret. What did a Snorkack with the face of Albus Dumbledore mean? The door opened, they came out, nearly side by side. When they saw her sitting there they stopped.

She put her book to the side. "I wish to swear an unbreakable vow to Harry. I think it will help you trust me." She slid from the table and knelt before Harry. "Hermione will you be the bonder?"

They shared a long look which she could not really interpret. Finally Hermione asked, "What do you wish to vow? I am satisfied with your current oath."

"I will never speak a word I know is false to either of you. I will never speak of your secrets to others. I will put your mission above all else."

Harry looked her in the eyes, he didn't know Legilimency yet, but she hid nothing. Finally he said, "It sounds a bit extreme really. Besides, I require no oath from my friends."

Hermione held her hand down to Luna, she took it and Hermione pulled her to her feet. She said, "Let's go have breakfast, Harry's starving."

Oh! She felt so much better Harry wasn't mad at her. Maybe this could work out after all? They started walking out and down seven flights of stairs. She got lost in her thoughts on the way. Well, it could only work if Hermione survived. She had no illusions that she could step into her shoes and fill all of his needs. Hermione was the complete package, the one woman who could meet him on equal footing at every level.

Luna fell far short on many levels. She knew she was smart, loyal and it would be easy for her give into the love she already felt for him. Again, Harry had shown just how lovable he was with his acceptance of her without a vow or oath. She was good at her spells and knew quite a few beyond her year. She could not out argue Harry or stop him when he was in a rage. Could she cast N.E.W.T. level charms? No, she still could not do the Protean charm as Hermione had in her fifth year.

They arrived at the Great Hall, the room was nearly empty. At the head table sat the three professors with three more spots set across from them. Luna switched places with Hermione as they walked the length of the hall so she was opposite Flitwick and Hermione was opposite Professor Vector. Harry was between them and would be opposite the Headmistress.

When they climbed the step to where the head table was Professor Vector said, "I hear congratulations are in order for my best student?"

Hermione sat and held her be-ringed hand across the table towards the Arithmancy Professor, "Yes. Harry and I are getting married on his birthday."

Luna took her own seat and returned Flitwick's smile. Then put her attention back on Vector, she was by far the youngest professor at the school but Luna did not know her actual age, under forty though, certainly. Damn she had missed Vector's reply but caught McGonagall's.

McGonagall spoke in a very friendly tone; apparently she had recovered from her shock of an hour earlier. "Why so soon? I'm not chiding you, it isn't my place. Hermione is not only of age but has her parent's consent. Harry will be of age and - Well I have seen how you two have grown together over the last six years."

Harry sat finally and said, "The war is the main reason why we are doing it so soon. Who knows if we'll survive?" Luna knew there was also a baby involved but that was one of their secrets and she would keep all of them until told she could speak of them. He tapped his scar, "I've had a madman after me since I was born."

Flitwick said, "I would like to meet with you three, twice daily for dueling training. One session will be discussion and spellwork and the other would be application. I know you have a lot to do while you are here but I thought it would be a good use of our time."

Harry said, "I would like that very much sir. I doubt I need to help these two read. I'll probably end up in the exercise room a lot of the time."

Hermione said, "I am going to train right along with you. We'll start by swimming laps, that's excellent overall conditioning."

"I don't know much about swimming. I mean I swam in the lake for the second task but that's the only time I've ever swum."

She patted his arm, "I'll teach you."

In the silence that followed, a small feast appeared on the table before them and they all started filling their plates. Luna took a large helping of scrambled eggs and three kippers. It sounded like she was going to need all the energy she could get to keep up with these two. For their parts, Harry and Hermione were also eating hearty breakfasts. Harry's looked to be Ronald's usual heaping plate.

The rest of breakfast passed uneventfully, and before long they were climbing the stairs back to the Room of Requirement. The door remained, interesting, maybe it knew they were still in need? "Would you two like your first Occlumency lesson?"

Harry had been deep in thought apparently as he looked up sharply at her statement. "Yes. That sounds like a good idea."

"Ok. Let's try on the exercise mat in the next room. It helps a lot if you can just relax at first." She headed through the study room and sat Indian style facing them. She waited for them to sit similarly opposite her. "You have both read the first exercise in the book so we'll start there. Find your happy place, think of how it makes you feel. Start to lose yourself in that feeling." She watched them, Hermione looked very stiff but Harry had a ragdoll look he was so relaxed. "Relax Hermione, don't worry about what's going to happen, you'll master this soon enough and feel comfortable." Hermione didn't open her eyes but took a deep breath and slowly let it out. She relaxed her spine as she did. "Good now stay in your happy place. Harry look at me."

He opened his eyes and she cast, Legilimens, this was as gentle an intrusion as she could manage, looking for his happy place. Suddenly she was there, by the lake. He and Hermione were sitting under a tree, his arms were wrapped around her and they were gazing across the lake at sunset. She closed her eyes and pulled out. She took a deep breath and looked back at Harry, "Excellent start Harry. Close your eyes again and keep your happy place all around you."

His eyes closed, he had a playful smile on his lips.

"Hermione, look at me." Her eyes fluttered and then opened.

Legilimens, again she tried to be as gentle as she could, just seeking Hermione's happy place. Luna smelled books and then she was standing in a library. She looked around and found Hermione sitting with Harry pressed close against her, his arm draped over her shoulders. They were reading a book together and laughing. Before they noticed her Luna closed her eyes and pulled out.

"Excellent Hermione, hold onto that place, make it a constant feeling."

She cleared her own mind and sought her happy place, in her mother's arms didn't seem to offer the same level of comfort she was used to though. She began seeking a new happy place. She found herself in Hermione's library wandering around through the stacks. The smell alone seemed to provide solace. Something was missing though.

She was interrupted when Harry asked, "How do I defend myself against an attack?"

She woke herself quickly, "That's, um chapter seventeen I think?"

Hermione still had her eyes closed but said, "Eighteen," Then opened her eyes to pay attention to Luna's answer.

"You have several choices, direct the attack into a specific memory and try to keep them there or block the intrusion completely. Blocking takes a lot more force and the one attacking you will know you are aware of them. Sidetracking them can be done very subtly, keeping your awareness of their attack a secret. That takes a lot more skill than power." He had a puzzled expression on his face, "Say I wanted to know what you had for breakfast this morning. You instead show me what you ate for lunch or dinner or even what you had for breakfast yesterday. If done smoothly enough I could be fooled that I had the memory I was seeking and be none the wiser."

His expression cleared. "How do I practice that?"

"The easiest thing to do initially is to show them your happy place. If you practice reaching it fast, then you can shove that thought in the way of the attacker thus distracting them. Once you have mastered that then you can try shifting the attack to another memory. The hardest part is knowing you are under an attack. A skilled Legilimens can make the thoughts feel like they came naturally to you."

They both nodded their understanding.

Luna stood, "Well, I think I will get my suit on and swim some laps."

Hermione asked, "Can you start Harry on his lessons? I need to go talk to McGonagall for a little while. I won't take long."

Luna's heart skipped a beat but she answered automatically, "Sure." She walked towards her room to change.

*

Hermione was almost to the Headmistresses office when she realized she didn't know what the password would be. She rounded the corner and eyed the gargoyle. It leapt out of the way and the stairs started up. She hurried past the gargoyle and onto the stairs. She reached the top and heard McGonagall call out, "Enter."

She opened the door she was about to knock on and went inside. Dozens of portraits of former heads of the school looked on in interest as she walked into the room. Albus Dumbledore however was still snoozing.

McGonagall was sitting behind the desk with several stacks of parchment before her. She had a quill in hand and was writing on the top sheet of one of them. She didn't look up but said, "Have a seat. I suspected you may come to see me, so I gave the guardian instructions to let you pass." She finished what she was writing and put away the quill then looked up.

Hermione was too anxious to sit. She was pacing, twisting her engagement ring. "I need to share some information with you." She stopped and looked around at all of the portraits.

McGonagall took her meaning and stood, "Would you care to join me on a brief stroll to check on Hagrid's hut? He isn't back yet and I like to check it at least once a day. He tends to sneak in and not let us know he is back."

Hermione said, "Yes, thank you."

They walked out of the office and towards the front doors of the castle. She took a detour though into Firenze's classroom. Hermione closed the door behind her.

Headmistress McGonagall asked, "What would you like to tell me in strictest confidence?"

"Several things: First; I am with child. This-"

McGonagall said, "So that's why?"

Hermione shook her head sharply, "No. I haven't told Harry yet, only Luna knows."

"But-"

"Listen for a moment please?" After Minerva nodded she continued. "I have a time turner. Just after the wedding we are going to go back in time 18 months and live with my parents. When the baby is born, we should have ten months with him before we catch up with the present. Once we are back to the present he will go with my parents into hiding. Currently they are abroad on a world tour. There are several reasons I chose to get pregnant. Do you know the one thing Harry has wanted more than anything his whole life? I'll tell you because I'm the only one that knows the answer; he wanted a family. Something he could belong to, to feel a part of. I will give him that. I want his children; I want to be his wife; I want to be 120 years old with him looking at our great-great-great-grandchildren as they go off to Hogwarts."

She started pacing, "Here is where it gets philosophical. If I die in this war Harry will not have any reason to continue fighting Voldemort. True he may kill him in revenge but there will be nothing to keep him from turning dark in his grief. Should his heart die with me he will become a destroyer; a baby will give him one reason to go on with his life. I have also exacted an oath from Luna to pick him up and make him move on with his life."

McGonagall asked tenderly, "You expect to die?"

Hermione shrugged, "I cannot take any chances. Harry grew up abused and neglected in his muggle life. His life in the wizarding world has not been any better really. Do you know I am the only one he knows in his heart loves him? He doesn't remember being hugged or cared for at any point as he grew up. Physical contact meant he was being hurt. It took him five years to open his heart to me and trust me. I will do anything to keep that trust!"

McGonagall was silent, Hermione took several calming breaths before continuing, "I also see where the danger lies in this. I am likely at the top of Voldemort's hit list. Both Draco and Snape know how much he depends on me." McGonagall nodded, Hermione continued. "So I am setting up assurances that should I die that will not be the end of the war."

"But a blood oath?"

"She came to us and said she had to have sex with Harry or he would fall to Voldemort!"

"She did what?"

"Listen! I am not about to let anyone play with his emotions like that. So I took her to another room and made her swear to support him as strongly as I do and if I die she will become his mate. With that in place, I know she will not abandon us, she can't. Harry decided he did not want to go that far with her and told her she could help in other ways. He suspects what I made her swear. He only says he will do everything to prevent her from having to fulfill her oath."

McGonagall was silent again for a full minute as she absorbed all of this new information. Finally she asked, "What do you need me to do? I see no reason for you to actually tell me all of this. Obviously, you have it all thought out. How can my authority assist you Hermione?"

"I want to have the wedding here, on his birthday. A portkey made to bring my parents here for it, and return them wherever they are, Dobby can take it to them. I have no idea what is necessary to perform a wedding in the wizarding world. Sorry, I never read about that. Can you arrange all the details? And keep it simple? We will have less than a hundred people we wish to have in attendance. It needs to be announced publicly on the day of the event. It must be a secret until then, I don't want Death Eaters storming the school before the wedding; after should be ok."

McGonagall merely raised her eyebrow, "I can indeed orchestrate all of this. My price will be your, and Harry's, support in keeping this school open next year."

Hermione paced a moment before giving McGonagall the answer she wanted, "We agree, so long as most of my recommendations in curriculum improvements are made."

She nodded, "The Governors are willing to take almost any steps to insure the opening of the school. Provide me the list of your guests. I will have Madame Malkin make simple yet appropriate attire. Septima will be glad to help with the details, colors, flowers, etcetera, would she be acceptable?"

Hermione smiled, "Yes. We'll pay for the cost of the security and wedding of course. The money means nothing to us; we just need one another; Oh, and a dead Dark Lord; to make us happy."

"So, I am to assume this is also a trap for Voldemort?"

She nodded again, "Yes. If we have all of the Horcruxes accounted for we should be ready. We have also been wondering if Albus is truly dead. I sussed out that if he wanted to draw Voldemort out into the open faking his own death would be a good way to do that."

McGonagall looked puzzled for a while, "His portrait is still sleeping and the wards have not yet fallen. How do you account for him surviving a killing curse though?"

"We don't think Snape really hated him, and you must hate to kill with the killing curse. Harry said when Dumbledore was hit with it he also flew back over the side of the tower, yet when Harry saw Cedric killed he just crumpled to the ground. Our suspicion is that Snape also cast a silent spell to shove him from the tower and someone, maybe us, was waiting to catch him from the next window down, with a false body to let land on the ground of course."

"Well I don't see any holes in your logic Hermione. Yet, I have received no word from him. He could be recuperating from the poison, maybe with Aberforth. I have let you say your peace and I will not speak a word to anyone about this. I have moral issues with several of the things you have just told me. I will not lift a finger to stop you. Hermione, you are the greatest student to come through this school in I don't know how long, maybe since its founding. If this is what it takes to keep the school open, make you and Harry happy, and maybe destroy Voldemort, I will support you to the death."

"Thanks."

McGonagall did something she had never done with one of her students, she hugged her.

Hermione returned the hug; aware her favorite teacher was very old, she was gentle in returning the hug.

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