Here's the next part in my story, I hope everyone enjoys it. A thank you to everyone who read the last chapter and to all those who took the time to review it. Looney Warner Mouse. , Grumpy-Numero-Uno , Mike , Ladyedwardcullen , Anonymous , hbraveheartp , Pittielynn , cnorthfield2000, MionelovesHarry.
Harry snapped awake, Sirius shaking his shoulder. His throat was raw from screaming.
The last image of Hermione's hate-filled face burnt into his mind.
"Harry, what's wrong?"
"It was Voldemort, I've got to go." Harry began searching the room for clothes.
"Harry, where do you need to go? What's going on?"
"Voldemort. He threatened Hermione. I need to know she's safe now."
"Harry, you can't just run off like this …"
"I don't care about myself. Everyone thinks I need to be guarded and kept safe, but she is the only one that matters!"
"Harry, please, listen to me. I'd know if there was any trouble. The Order has had a guard on her since Hermione and her family left Kings Cross last summer."
"They have?"
"First thing Dumbledore did after arranging for your protection."
"I need to know she's okay." Harry slumped to the floor, his earlier manic energy gone. "I can't lose her Sirius. I just can't..." Harry trailed off, his mind refusing to finish its thought.
Sirius pulled Harry in to a hug. "It's okay, Harry. It'll be okay." He did his best to reassure Harry. But how do you convince someone it's all going to be alright, when death has followed them since almost the day they were born? "Harry, we will keep her safe. I promise."
"That's not a promise you can keep. The only way Hermione will be safe is when Voldemort is dead. So I'm going to kill him, I'm not going back to Hogwarts, Sirius. I'm going to hunt him down and kill him. I don't care who or what gets in my way, I want him dead!"
"And you think going off on your own is going to keep her safe. She knows you better than any one. Knows how you think. She would track you down and never let you out of her sight.
"Don't let your hate blind you, Harry; it could cost you everything. I don't want you to make the same mistake I did. I was so focused on killing Peter that I almost got you, and Hermione, killed. I should have gone to Dumbledore. "
The anger that had gripped Harry faded away, leaving behind the terror that was coursing through him since he had woken up. "You're right. But maybe I shouldn't go back, not so I can hunt Voldemort down, but make everyone else less of a target. If Hermione can't get to me maybe ... It won't matter, it's my feelings for her that are putting her at risk."
"I'm sorry, Harry, I wish I could make it better, I wish I could keep my promise." Sirius hadn't felt so down since he had left Azkaban. "Come on, get washed and dressed properly. Remus and Tonks will be here to take you to the station in a couple of hours. Then, you can see for yourself that Hermione is okay. I think you two need to talk as well."
Harry's look said it all. King's Cross couldn't come soon enough.
Harry paced outside the entrance of the train station, fear and anxiety washing off of him in waves so strong that people were slowing down to stare before entering the building. But Harry noticed none of it.
He knew that he was making Lupin and Tonks worried, but he had to make sure Hermione was safe as quickly as possible. As the minutes dragged by, the cold biting more fiercely, his mind kept running itself around in circles. What if she had already been hurt? What if they had gotten here earlier? used another entrance to the station and she was waiting on Platform 9¾ for him? Harry shook the more repellent images from his mind, determined not to think about how deeply she could be hurt simply from knowing him. The fog and light rain was making his vigil almost pointless, but he wouldn't lose a moment more with Hermione. Finally, a familiar blue car appeared from the gloom, lifting a weight from his shoulders.
Hermione got out of the car, a smile lighting up her face as she spotted Harry. "Hi, Harry, how have-" Harry pulled her into a close hug, unwilling to believe she was safe until he felt her in his arms. Worry spread through the watching adults and Hermione. It was clear Harry wasn't just missing his girlfriend, he was holding on for his very life. Harry's arms had begun to shake as the fear and relief overwhelmed him. "Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione asked as the pressure eased.
"Not now. When we get on the train."
"Okay. If that's the way you want it, Harry." Hermione frowned as she spoke unhappy at Harry's tone , but not wanting to start a fight when he was clearly upset.
They all made there way through the station, Harry refusing to let go of Hermione's hand.
Hermione had started worrying with the way Harry had hugged her, but the near panic she had seen in his eyes when she pulled away had worried her a lot more. She wanted to know what was happening and she wanted to know now, but Harry needed to take his own time telling her what had upset him so much in the few days since she had last seen him. They finally made it to the Platform, while it was just as crowded as at summer there seemed to be less chaos and noise.
Hermione quickly spotted Ron, pacing along the platform, obviously waiting for her and Harry. She waved to him and he quickly came over to them, the smile fading from his face as he noticed the look on Harry's face.
"What's wrong, mate?"
Harry simply shook his head and tightened his grip on Hermione's hand; he didn't trust his self to speak yet. Ron took the hint, not wanting to start anything on the platform.
"Come on, I sent the twins ahead to get us seats."
"Thanks, Ron." A smile touched Hermione's mouth. "Did Lavender write back to you?"
"Yeah she did." Ron's large smile from earlier reappeared on his face, making him look slightly dopey. Harry briefly wondered if he looked that way when thinking of Hermione.
"You should say goodbye to your parents," Harry said to Hermione, having finally pulled himself together. He let go of her hand and smiled at her. She left to hug her parents and have a quick talk with them. Harry stood and waited for her, unable to tear his eyes away, partly because he wanted to know she was safe, but mostly because he enjoyed looking at her.
"I hope you're not going to hide anything this time around?" Ron's voice was quiet and didn't carry far.
"I'll tell everyone once were on-board."
"Good." Ron let out a small sigh of relief he hadn't known he was holding.
"So you and Lavender, did you write to her?" Harry asked as a way to distract his friend as he pulled his mind together.
Ron smiled as he answered, "Yeah, I asked how her Christmas was and how homework was going."
"Did you ..."
"I didn't ask about Hogsmeade, Hermione would have strung me up. I'll ask her about it on the train. Assuming I don't chicken out."
"Try not to worry. It will be okay. Asking is the easy part; it's waiting for the answer that killed me with Hermione." A small grin slid across Harry's face. He knew it wasn't nice to tease his friend but he couldn't help himself.
"Thanks, Harry, that was really helpful." There was no hiding the sarcasm in Ron's voice.
"Come on let's go," Hermione said as she retuned from saying goodbye and boarded the train, Harry and Ron following her.
The banter came to an end as Hermione pulled open a carriage door. Ginny and the twins were already in it waiting on them.
"Ron, Lavender came looking for you. Said she would be two carriages down from the prefects' car." Ginny spoke when they walked in, a smirk playing across her face.
"Great, I'll go speak to her soon."
Harry sat down heavily. As he looked around the compartment, he briefly thought of asking Ginny and twins to leave, but they would know soon enough. "I owe you an explanation."
"You want us to go?"
"No, it's okay. I spoke to Voldemort last night and had a nightmare." He waited for the spikes of fear to pass the twins' and Ginny's faces, Ron gritted his teeth but kept his composure. Harry quickly outlined what had happened the night before. Hermione held his hand tight as he finished.
"You know I would never betray you, Harry."
"Yes, you would. By the time they'd finished with you."
"Is that how little you think of me?" Hermione's anger blazed in her eyes. Only seeing the unshed tears and pain in Harry's eyes made her stop.
"I know how powerful the Cruciatus Curse is, Hermione. With enough time, they could break anyone. He said he could do worse things to you than kill you and I believe it."
"Oh, Harry. No wonder you are in such a state."
"What're you going to do?" Ginny asked, avoiding the real question, "Are you going to put Hermione at more risk?"
"I don't know, but I need to speak to Cho, she deserves to know what happened before it's in the paper. Truth is, she deserved to know months ago."
"I'm going to go find Lavender, and I'll ask Cho to meet you after the Feast if I see her or get Padma to pass along the message," Ron said, sensing that his two friends needed some time alone.
"Yeah, I'll look at the other end of the train. I need to speak to Alicia." Ginny nearly ran out of the compartment.
The twins got up to follow their siblings out. "We got some deliveries to make, but we'll back you up no matter what."
Harry looked at Hermione now they were finally alone. "I don't know what to do, Hermione, I'm terrified of losing you, of letting people down. Voldemort wins no matter what I do. What do I do Hermione?" Harry pleaded. He was hopelessly lost and didn't know where to turn to.
"I don't know, Harry, but I do know that we will face it together just like always. Now get some rest, you're exhausted and won't be thinking clearly."
"Okay, Hermione. You're always looking out for me." He lay down on the seat and placed his head in her lap as if it was the most natural act in the world and quickly fell asleep.
~ ~ ~
Ron walked through the train to the carriage Ginny had told him about. He was getting increasingly nervous with each step he took. Images ran through his mind of Lavender mocking him, of it just being some type of game, and then worst of all, her complete rejection of him. He shook his head to clear his mind of the images and tried to calm down. If Harry could do it, then so could he. All too quickly, he reached the right compartment; the giggling leaking through the door gave it away. He knocked on the door, not wanting to just barge in.
"Come in"
Ron slid open the door and took half a step in, and the five witches turned to look at him. He could feel heat rising as his face turned red. "Hi, Lavender, could we talk outside?"
Lavender smiled at him and his fears began to melt away. "Sure."
They stood in the hallway, just staring at each other for a few seconds. "I hope you don't mind me writing to you."
"If I did, I wouldn't have written back to you."
"Would like to go to Hogsmeade next weekend? Just the two of us?"
"I'd like that; I hope we can spend some time together at evenings before then."
"That would be great; I really enjoyed it before Christmas."
"I'd better get back to them before they die of curiosity." She turned to go back into the compartment, but stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. "Would you like to sit with me at the feast?"
"Yeah, I'd like that a lot."
She spun around and kissed him on the cheek before hurrying back to her friends. Ron felt a huge grin spread across his face as he made his way back to Harry and Hermione. He was sure he must have looked like a fool, but he didn't mind. In his embarrassment and joy, he had forgotten to ask about Cho, but at least it gave him a reason to see Lavender when the train reached Hogsmeade, he thought to himself, smiling as he walked along. Ron quickened his pace wanting to tell Harry and Hermione the good news, hoping it might help lift the dark mood that had settled on them both.
Ron stopped in his tracks; he could see Harry and Hermione through the compartment window. Harry lay curled up on a seat with his head in Hermione lap. She was holding a book with one hand and gently stroking Harry's hair with the other. Ron couldn't force himself to disturb their peace, it felt like sacrilege to open that door. He felt jealous again, but this time it wasn't because he wanted to be like Harry. He wanted what Harry and Hermione shared. He wondered if he could have that with Lavender or any woman. Ron was going to back away-he had seen dean in the last carriage, he could speak with him and leave Harry and Hermione in peace-but Hermione chose that moment to look up and waved him in. He was shaking as he walked in, still feeling that he was desecrating something precious.
"How did it go?"
"She said yes." Ron couldn't fight the grin that spread across his face again, despite his discomfort.
"Where are you going to take her? Everywhere's likely to be busy on Valentine's Day."
"I hadn't thought of that, but I'll think of something. I'll speak with Fred and George. See if they've got any ideas."
"Hey, I ..." Ginny stopped with her hand still on the door, her words dying on her lips as she took in Harry and Hermione's positions. Ginny quickly looked around, her discomfort obvious to Ron.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, picking up on her friend's unease.
"Ah, yeah it's fine. I'm sure we wouldn't mind leaving if you wanted some time alone."
"Why would you need to do that? Harry's asleep and likely to stay that way. I've not had much chance to speak with you two over the holiday. It would be good to catch up."
Ginny stared a bit more; Hermione had been genuinely confused about her question. Hermione seemed completely at ease with people seeing such an intimate moment.
"Sure, sounds good, we've got loads of time before Hogsmeade," Ginny replied.
~ ~ ~
Harry stumbled from the train, \not fully awake yet, but feeling better from getting some uninterrupted sleep. His hair, as always, was all over the place. He was getting a few funny looks-half his face was covered in a red pattern from leaning on Hermione's skirt. He knew rumours would be flying all over the castle, but he didn't care.
His thoughts had been clearer since waking up. He knew it would be pointless to run, Voldemort would hunt him and if he did magic the ministry would be after him as well. He was still at a loss to what to do. If he showed weakness he was sure Voldemort, like any rabid animal, would attack. But he didn't want to put Hermione in any more danger. Sirius was right. He needed to talk with Hermione. The carriage ride to the castle lasted too long for Harry's taste. He just wanted the day to end so he could talk with Hermione alone, but he had to talk with Cho. Hermione held his hand as they entered the Great Hall, and he wanted to just run and hide with her, but he couldn't.
"It's going to be okay, Harry." Hermione gave him a smile.
He tried to enjoy the Feast, if only to put Hermione at ease. He could never lie to her, so he soon gave up trying looking happy. He ate some food, again for Hermione's sake rather than hunger. Fear coiled in his belly. He didn't know if it was because of how Cho would react or if it was his incessant fear for Hermione's safety.
He let the noise of the hall wash over him, trying to calm his mind by letting it drift away from his problems, but it never lasted. He felt lost as the Feast began to close, his talk with Cho was drawing near and he, the brave Gryffindor, wanted to run away. Hermione squeezed his hand, sensing his mood, and giving him strength.
Harry didn't notice the Feast ending, only Hermione tugging on his hand as everyone was leaving brought him back from his thoughts.
"Hermione, where are we going?"
"To meet Cho. You didn't notice people coming and going at all did you."
Harry shook his head. "No, sorry I was …"
"It's okay, Harry, you've had a lot on your mind. It's not as if you were day-dreaming about naked women. At least, you better not have been."
"I only think of you naked, Hermione."
"Harry," Hermione screeched, turning bright-red.
Harry smiled for real the first time that day. He couldn't have stopped himself if Voldemort had a wand to his skull.
Hermione was ready to be angry with Harry for that remark, but the sight of his small smile stopped her. A little embarrassment was worth him being happy, even if it was only a moment.
Harry's smile vanished as they reached Professor Flitwick's class room, the door slightly open. He knew this was the place. He wanted to run. He didn't want to have to see the pain the Cho's eyes as he told her about Cedric's death.
"Would you stay with me?" It was asked as a question, but Harry's eyes turned it in to a plea.
"Of course I will."
"Thank you." He gripped her hand tight as he went in to the room. Cho and Richard where already there. Harry quickly took the seat opposite Cho.
"Is it okay if Richard stays, Harry?"
"Of course it is. I owe both of you the truth. I should have told you long before now. I need to warn you both. The Prophet is going to do a story soon. I'm sorry that it's come to this, but I thought you should hear the truth before Voldemort's lies."
Cho and Richard both gasped in shock at the use of the Dark Lord's name, "It's true. You do use his name."
"He doesn't seem so bad when I do. I can tell you what happened that night, but it's your choice what to believe."
"To understand that night, you need to know what happened the night my parents where killed."
Hermione was shocked Harry rarely spoke about what happened to his parents.
"I only survived because my mum sacrificed herself for me. Her sacrifice left a protection in my blood. Now, in order for Voldemort to get his body back, he needed three things. The bones of his father, flesh of a servant, and blood of an enemy."
"He wanted yours so you wouldn't be protected any more," Cho said, grasping what Harry was saying.
"Yes, that's why he had Crouch Jr impersonate Moody and have him turn the Cup into a Portkey. He was trying to help me during the tournament so I'd be the one to touch it."
"We reached the centre together. We were attacked by a giant spider. I hurt my leg. He could have gotten the Cup, but said I should because I had helped him. We argued about it until finally we decided to take it together, make it Hogwarts' victory. I'm sorry Cho, it's my fault. If I hadn't told him to take the cup, he wouldn't have been taken to the graveyard and Voldemort wouldn't have killed him."
"No, it's not. You didn't kill him. You were both just trying to do what was right."
Harry didn't want to look at Cho. She was so sad. She didn't cry. Harry suspected she had shed all her tears. Harry forced himself to watch, it was his penance for getting Cedric killed.
A heavy silence entered the room. Nobody had any words in light of what they had heard until Cho finally spoke up. "Would it be okay if I spoke to Harry alone for a minute?"
The question was asked of the room in general, but Harry sensed it was mostly Hermione's permission she wanted.
Hermione squeezed his hand and looked at him. He gave her a quick nod and smile.
"I'll see you in the common room."
"Okay."
Hermione gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and a half-smile before walking from the room with Richard.
"You care for her a lot don't you?"
"Yeah, I do, she makes me happy."
"I noticed you only seem to truly smile when she's with you. There's something I needed to know. Did he suffer?"
"No, it was quick." Even if it wasn't true, it was a lie he would happily tell her and himself.
"Thank you for seeing me. I know it can't have been easy for you. Would you mind if I told Cedric's parents what you've told me?"
Guilt washed over Harry. He hadn't even thought about what Cedric's parents were going through.
"Of course not, I should have thought of that. I should send a letter tonight to warn them about the article."
"I was going to write to them tonight, I could do that for you."
"That would be good of you, thank you." Harry felt relieved that he had avoided that task. They sat together in silence for a few minutes, before Cho got up.
"Thank you, Harry, I needed to hear what happened from you." She left the classroom without looking back.
Harry left a few moments later, catching a glance of Cho and Richard walking along together. He was glad they had each other to rely on. He was missing Hermione's presence, but he needed to be alone, to organize his thoughts. He needed to speak with Hermione tonight and he knew exactly how she would react. The journey to the tower seemed to take twice as long as it should have. Either his mind or the castle was playing tricks on him. He finally reached the portrait hole, and climbing in he was surprised at how normal it felt; it made him feel at ease. He quickly found Hermione and Ron, they were sitting in a corner table doing some last minute homework that was due the next day , with Lavender, Parvati and Dean.
"I had Ron get your Charms work. I figured that's what you would what."
Harry almost laughed. In the past day, he had been asked to help his parents' murderer kill more people, seen the woman he cared for most scream for his death, and relived the worst moment of his life. And Hermione wanted him to do school work. So he did. He did it for her and the chance to feel like a normal kid for a few hours.
The fire was burning low, and only half a dozen of the older students were still awake. Ron was on a sofa playing Poker with Lavender. Harry hadn't done much work, he had spent most of the time holding Hermione's hand enjoying being close to her.
"I've decided what to do." Harry spoke softly, afraid of his voice carrying too far. "I care too much about you. I won't put you in any more danger than you're already in. I won't do anything once the story gets published."
"Harry, you need to do the right thing. You can't let his lies stand."
"I know it means letting him win. I know it means people will be in danger because they don't believe he's returned, but I don't care about anyone else. You're the only one that matters."
"Harry, that ..."
Harry stopped her with a kiss. He was desperate to feel a connection. The warmth of her body was the only thing in his world. He pulled her close his hand lightly scraped her back.
"I'm sorry I'm not the man you think I am."
Hermione watched him walk away, tears clearly showing in Harry's eyes as he disappeared up the stairs. "I won't allow him let him break you, even if you're going to allow him."