JKR owns.
Protecting You
Chapter One
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[AN] I know I've been gone for a while, but I'm back with a new story. I promise all of my old stuff will be finished and I will be getting back to regular updating.
This one (like I say every time I start something new) is different from my others. That, meaning that there will be a definite sequel, and that this is my first fic with significant amounts of D/G, and time focused on the development of R/L.
First stab at a bit of mystery, too.
As always, enjoy!
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The room at the top floor of Harry Potter's home was silent, disregarding Hermione's heavy breathing and the light cringing the bed was making as a result of her shaking.
Harry looked longingly at her from his position perched on the end of his bed. Hermione sat about a foot away from him on the bed, dark circles under her tear blotched eyes. He wanted to reach out an hold her, convince he that he would make everything okay. Alas, he couldn't. Not now at least.
"Do we really have to go?" Hermione's trembling voice broke the silence. "Can't they do this without me?"
Harry was going to speak, seeing the opportunity to try and calm her. However, Ron, the one who was sitting in the spot Harry so desperately wanted to sit in, beat him to it. "Come on Hermione. I'm sure you want to see the bastard's face when he's sentenced."
"We'll be right there with you, Hermione," Harry said more gently.
Hermione turned to stare at him. If only he knew how much that meant coming from him… But of course she couldn't say so. So instead she looked away and asked, "Is Ginny coming?"
"She said she was but I haven't heard from her all day," Ron said, continuing to rub her back, "I'm sure she wouldn't skip out on this."
Harry perked up, "Maybe you should go check if your parents have seen her…"
A look flashed across Ron's face and for a second it looked like he was going to respond with an impertinent no. But then he looked back to Hermione and composed himself.
"Uh, okay. Be right back."
Ron tried to send one more comforting look at Hermione before getting up and heading towards the door. As soon as he was gone, Harry stood up and closed the door.
Quietly, he came back and sat next to Hermione. He didn't worry about distancing himself from her as he sat.
"I can't believe they're really gone…"
"Hermione," Harry muttered sympathetically. He didn't hesitate to gently grab her hand and lace his fingers through hers, "I can't tell you how sorry I am."
Hermione only shook her head, her tears now falling harder than ever, "It's all my fault…"
"Baby, no it's not."
"I should have been there too. I could have at least tried to protect them."
Harry was silent as she finished her teary confession. Her guilt weighed down heavily on him as well. He knew that if he hadn't insisted on her staying over at his flat that night, that she very well would have been at home with her parents. But then again, he didn't regret keeping her from the terror. The death eaters probably would have murdered her as well. Harry didn't even want to think of the possibility of that.
With that thought in mind, Harry slowly leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her mouth.
"They probably would've killed you too. I can't live without you…"
"Harry, I-I," Hermione had started to shake her head profusely. He could tell that her guilty conscious was starting to kick in, so Harry immediately tried to comfort her.
"Look, I know we said that we'd tell Ron by now, but I think we can both agree that it's not exactly the right time-"
Hermione sniffed, "I can't stand the thought of someone else getting hurt because of me…"
"Hermione, I don't want to hurt Ron either, but I love you. I can be patient but I can't sit back and watch you be with someone when we could have that, and so much more." Harry didn't want to put any more pressure on her shoulders, but he also knew he couldn't just lie and say that everything was okay. Their secret romance had been going on for quite a while now; he was sick of only having her when no one was looking. For Merlin's sake, they had already made love to each other! It only seemed natural to him that if they were ready for that step, then they were ready for the actual relationship.
Harry knew that Hermione was so hesitant because of hurting Ron, but he was holding on to the hope that their best friend would understand eventually.
Hermione let a small whimper escape through her lips before she turned back to Harry with trembling lips, "I love you too."
Harry's heart skipped, like it always did when she said those words, and he leaned forward to brush the tears away, "I hate to see you cry."
As he continued to gently caress her face, she gazed at him with a longing look in her eyes.
When Harry noticed, he stopped his motions and stared back at her for a moment. He knew what those eyes were asking for, and he hated to deny her what she wanted. Again, he leaned in to her lips, but pressed his mouth more vigorously to hers. Hermione instantly felt calmed at his intimate touch, and kissed him back with equal force.
Just as his tongue began to slide over her lips, begging for entrance, loud footsteps could be heard coming up the stairs of Grimmauld Place. Reluctantly, the two pulled apart, knowing who was on their way up to them.
Harry and Hermione quickly fixed their appearances right as Ron opened the door and came through.
The red head gave Hermione an apologetic look, "I'm sorry Hermy. Mum and Dad haven't seen her all morning. No one's been able to track her down."
"Oh," Hermione muttered, turning to stare down at the floor for a different reason.
"Don't worry about her. Mum, Dad, Fred, George, and Bill are all going to be there for you. Plus me and Harry."
"You guys really don't have to waste your day-"
"We want to be there for you," Harry cut her off automatically. Ron nodded in agreement.
"Thanks guys," she whispered, saving off another tear. To Harry's displeasure, Ron leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Afterwards, Hermione avoided Harry's eyes at all costs. She always froze up like this when the three of them were together…
"Um, so it's almost noon," Harry noticed, looking down to his watch, "If we're supposed to get to the ministry an hour early, then we should probably get going."
Ron nodded his head in agreement, "Yeah. Dad wants us to apparate over to the burrow so that we can all go together through the Muggle Artifact's office. Should be less media that way…"
Harry was about to open his mouth to tell them to go, when Hermione suddenly spoke, "Can we floo instead?"
Both Ron and Harry shot her confused looks.
"Um, it's just that I don't have a clear enough head for apparating. I'd feel better if we just flooed."
Ron didn't question her on her excuse, but Harry couldn't help but be a little skeptical to believe her answer.
But of course, he didn't want to make her feel any worse today, so he nodded, "Sure. Let's go."
…
"It's sick how they're all piling up out there," Harry muttered angrily, staring through the glass of the small office, out at the horde of reporters waiting outside the courtroom. All had their photographers standing at their flank, and were gripping on to their quills and parchment like their lives depended on it.
"I know mate," Bill agreed from next to him, "It's horrible how they're making money off Hermione's grief."
"Someone should make them leave," Harry returned, making it sound like he was ready to march out there himself and demand their departures.
"Easy Harry," Bill replied in a wise tone, "Unfortunately they're allowed to be here just as much as we are. I don't think Hermione would like it if her best mate got kicked out of her parent's murder trial just for causing a commotion with the media."
Harry wanted to argue back, but he knew that the oldest Weasley son was right. He couldn't risk not being here for Hermione just to go scream at selfish reporters. It'd only be giving them more of what they wanted. A dramatic story to boost their sells…
With a frustrated sigh, Harry managed to nod his head.
Bill patted his back, "It'll all be over soon, mate."
"I hope so," he mumbled. With a sigh, he turned back to look at Hermione, who was sitting in the corner of the office, being briefed by two older men. One was an Auror, telling her what would happen to the case if their suspect was convicted; and the other was the prosecutor, Tyberius Young. He, in particular, had spent the last few minutes with Hermione, going over his argument and strategy.
Harry couldn't help but stiffen at the look on Hermione's face. She looked a million miles away, and Harry didn't blame her for it. To be honest, Harry wouldn't want to sit through his parent's murder trial either. Of course, his situation was a bit different, but that didn't change the fact that looking into the eyes of the person who took away your family did strange and horrible things to you. Harry really couldn't say how Hermione would act once she saw the accused. It was at least a relief that she wouldn't have to testify against him. Knowing that it would only kill her more, Harry offered to speak on her behalf. It was the least he could do to ease her suffering…
There was a sudden knock on the door. Both Harry and Bill turned to see a familiar head of red hair. Quickly, Harry went to let her in.
"Where have you been?" Harry asked, trying to keep from sounding too angry.
Ginny didn't narrow her eyes at him like she normally would have. Instead, she gave him a tense look, "I-I uh… I just had some errands to run earlier. No big deal."
"It is a big deal. You were almost too late."
Ginny just nodded absently, making Harry realize that she wasn't really listening. He snapped his finger in front of her face, "Gin-"
"Come on Harry," Bill interjected again, this time in defense of his sister, "Today's been rough on everyone. I'm sure Ginny was just a little apprehensive to come to her first murder trial."
"Yeah," Ginny muttered, still obviously distracted.
Harry wasn't so easy to believer her, but he let it slide for the time being. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Hermione standing up with the Auror and her prosecutor. Without wasting another glance on Ginny, he started walking towards her and joined the ranks of Ron, Fred, and George who were talking quietly by one of the office cubicles close to Hermione.
"You agree, right Harry?" Ron asked noticing his presence.
"Huh?"
"There's no way the rat bastard could possibly get off, right?"
Harry's expression instantly darkened, "I don't see how it's even possible. There's too much evidence."
"Don't worry Ron," spoke George, "It'll only be a matter of hours before the little Death Eater is suffering a fate worse than death."
Ron shook his head spitefully, "Merlin knows he deserves it for everything he's done. Especially to us."
Harry frowned at him. This was about Hermione- not about them. Since Ron was technically still Hermione's boyfriend, he should be focusing more on her- not himself.
Harry sighed, telling himself that maybe he was being a little too critical of everyone's behavior. His thoughts instantly reverted back to Hermione though, as she approached the boys.
"I-I guess we have to go in now…" she trailed off quietly, folding her arms tightly in front of her.
To Harry's displeasure, Ron stepped forward and kissed her on the cheek, "Don't worry Hermione, we're all here to make sure you're protected."
"Uh, thanks."
Harry coughed suddenly. Ron, Hermione, and the twins all sent him strange looks, "Uh… Ginny's here," he muttered, not knowing what else to say.
"She is?" Hermione asked in a tone of relief.
"She is?" Ron reiterated, his tone much harder.
Harry only nodded and stepped to the side so that the Weasley boys and Hermione could catch a glimpse of Ginny in the corner of the room, sulking around quietly by Bill and Fleur's side.
"Did she say were she had been?" Ron asked in an irritated manner.
"Errands," Harry shrugged.
Hermione shook her head, a sign for the boys to settle down, "It doesn't matter. I'm just thankful that she's here now. I'm thankful that all of you are here…"
"No worries Hermione," Fred said, putting an arm around her shoulder.
George walked up and did the same on her other side, "Yeah. To be perfectly honest, we're only here for our own selfish purpose. We've been dreaming to see him get kissed for quite a while now."
"Too long," Fred mused with his twin.
Hermione attempted a smile, "It doesn't surprise me that you two have been dreaming about a bloke."
"What are you trying to imply exactly?" George asked, pretending to be affronted.
"There was no implication at all… but if you two ever need to talk to someone about your feelings, I'm here for you." As she finished, the twins, along with Ron, burst out into laughter. Harry had to crack a grin as well; he found it amazing that instead of just wallowing away in her pain, Hermione was already trying to joke around. To him, it was a sign of hope.
Another door opened from across the room, and the group turned to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Kingsley, and Mad-Eye Moody walking out. They walked straight up to Hermione with solemn, but determined, faces.
"Are you ready Hermione?" Mr. Weasley asked first.
Hermione took a deep breath before nodding, "As ready as I'll ever be."
The older gentleman smiled at her strong front before turning back to the rest of the occupants in the room, "Alright everyone- Ginny!"
The room paused as Arthur addressed his daughter in surprise, "When did you get here?"
"Um," Harry immediately frowned suspiciously at the girl. He'd never before seen her fidget like that, "I got here a few minutes ago… Hi Hermione."
Hermione attempted another smile, "Hey."
"Better late than never, I suppose," Mr. Weasley shrugged, even though Ron and Mrs. Weasley continued to give their youngest family member heated glares.
"Anyway," Mr. Weasley continued, "Our hearing room is the second on the left. As I'm sure you've noticed, media has already swarmed the hall. I think our best interest right now is to stick Hermione in the middle and try to move into the courtroom as quickly as possible."
As the group nodded, Harry glanced over to Hermione. He knew she hated being treated like a fragile doll…
"Everyone who's testifying has already gone over what they're going to say with Young?" Kingsley asked, glancing around to make sure everyone was nodding in approval. Harry also nodded- he had been the first to talk to Young, and he was the last one to really need any coaching.
"Alright then, I think we're all set." As soon as Mr. Weasley had finished, Moody and Kingsley pushed the twins away, and took up their positions on either side of Hermione. Ron seemed a little disgruntled that he didn't get to be next to her, and Harry felt annoyed as well. But, now was not the time to focus on his silly feelings. He needed to stay strong and focused for Hermione.
So instead, Harry took a spot more at the side of the group, in between Ron and Kingsley. As they all started heading for the door leading out into the already crowded hall, no one seemed to notice that Ginny seemed to be the most nervous out of anyone.
…
It took about ten minutes to walk the hundred feet from the office, into the courtroom. Once they were inside, Young led Hermione down to the trial floor, where she would have to sit with them during the proceedings.
Harry felt a twinge of remorse as she was separated from their group. Down there, he knew she would be feeling more alone than ever, especially with the prisoner's cage looming right next to her.
Luckily though, the defense's bleachers were just behind their desk, so Harry didn't have to be too far from her. Ron and Harry took the first bench, closest to Hermione, while Mr. Weasley, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley piled onto the row behind them. The twins, Bill, and Fleur sat after them, while Moody and Kingsley sat pensively at the top.
The fifty members of the Wizengamot were all sitting proud in their blood red robes, staring down at Rufus Scrimgeour, who was in turn whispering to man standing beneath his podium. The man was dressed all in black and was wearing a utility belt full of magical weapons, including his wand. It was obvious that this man was security…
Harry sighed impatiently. He hated the dungeon courtrooms, but more importantly he hated the fact that he couldn't be closer to Hermione. Out of curiosity, he glanced over to the accused's side of the stands. With a feeling of pleasure, he noticed it was completely empty.
Harry was beginning to lose himself to his thoughts. He nearly jumped out of his seat when Scrimgeour pounded his gravel.
"Will the high court please come to order," he started, in his raspy voice, "We are here today to determine the case of Granger vs. Malfoy. Officer Huland, will you please bring out the accused."
Harry narrowed his eyes in anticipation as the man dressed in black nodded, and walked to a door hidden in the corner of the room. He tapped his wand to the handle, and it simultaneously cracked open. Harry was glaring, on the edge of his seat, as the prisoner's shackles started to clink together, signifying his movement out into the dungeon.
If looks could kill, Draco Malfoy would be a dead man walking.
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