Chapter 2: Quidditch World Cup
Disclaimer: JK Rowling and those she has sold rights to own Harry Potter. I am doing this for fun and neitherexpectnor will accept profit.
Harry did something very un-Harry like. As soon as he got home, he sent an order to Flourish and Bott's. He realized he could do this after receiving the note from Sirius at the end of term about how he had ordered the broom. He ordered all his books for the year and paid extra to have them rushed. He wondered if he might be coming down with the something, but convinced himself he was probably doing it to impress Hermione. He knew she would want him to be more studious and he wanted her good opinion more than he wanted almost anything.
They had discussed course schedules before leaving. He had started divination with Ron, but realized he wasn't getting anything out of it. He mostly falsified his homework. She told him how arithmancy and runes formed a framework for some of the really advanced magic, such as wards. He remembered she'd said he shouldn't mathematically be able to cast a Patronus capable of driving away that many Dementors and he felt that if a course could teach that, he needed to learn. So he'd borrowed her notes and textbooks. He wrote to Professor McGonagall and asked to change his schedule to drop divination and care to add arithmancy and runes. It meant he'd have to take a test on the first day, but he was confident he could make up the work.
He noticed the time at the Dursleys passed much faster with something to focus on. He spent his time doing chores around the house, but every spare moment he was in his room. Before the new books arrived, he went back through his old texts, ensuring he could easily cast each spell from the first 3 years. He slowly began to realize something about himself. While Hermione was often the first to cast a spell in lessons, he was usually not too far behind and once he learned a spell, he rarely forgot it and rarely made a mistake. However, with a new drive to impress Hermione, he found himself being somewhat obsessive. On the train ride back, Hermione had handed him a schedule she was going to follow and told him if he wanted to, he could follow it too. They could send Hedwig back and forth to discuss their progress. She also mentioned a muggle book she had read called "Outliers" that said the key to success in any field was to spend time practicing and 10,000 hours of practice was the key to mastering a task. She was excited that now with the permission to practice at home, she would start the year with actual experience casting spells, not just a book knowledge. Harry had always been more practically inclined and now with the chance to impress Hermione and cater to his own attraction to the practical application of knowledge, he was hooked.
Almost every day, they would write to one another. He initially worried about Hedwig, but he soon realized he had nothing to worry about. He theorized that his connection to Hermione was only one example and he also had a connection to Hedwig. So his magic and happiness strengthened the owl. He certainly thought Hedwig looked happy despite the frequent flights. He remembered the first letter from Hermione with the information she had pulled from some of the books from the library.
"Dear Harry,
I did find some books about 'soul bonds' and I convinced Madame Pince to let me take the best of them home. There has been extensive conjecture about soul bonds, likely because of the romantic nature. Some of the probably appeals to those who would not normally write books and so there is a lot of poor scholarship. However, to one who can separate the wheat from the chaff, I have found a solid, but not expansive base of information.
First, some of the romantic type books suggested we might become sick if separated. I worried, to be honest, but further research has reassured me. You have heard some say, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'? Soul bonds can be the same. With reasonably short separations and some form of contact, I suspect the bond will not be harmed and neither will we.
Second, magically, I suspect our magic will mix and intermingle in some way. I don't know what effect that will have, I don't know whether there is any good information about that, but I get the sense that perhaps we'll grow more alike with time. My parents say that happens if you spend enough time together even without a soul bond, so I don't know how significant this affect will be.
Yes, I did tell my parents about us. I did tell me mother about the 'soul bond' and I suspect she told my father. I notice she has been reading some of the books I finished with, so we'll see what comes of that.
Finally, I have read that it's progressive. How progressive, I think we'll only discover with time, but there is apparently quite a range. Some bonded couples have only developed a tiny connection others have progressed to be almost fully integrated, able to share thoughts. Some of those with minimal connections have not even married, so it appears this is not going to force us into anything we don't want. We will always be at least best friends, but anything more than that is up to us, at our own pace.
As for 'us', I remain very happy that there is an 'us'. I think about you often and can't wait to see you at the world cup."
Affectionately,
Hermione"
Harry smiled, remembering the first letter. His reply back was not as long and not as well written, but he was getting better. He had never corresponded with anyone significantly before, but was finding he enjoyed it. Not as much as he would have enjoyed being with her, but more than he expected.
Besides being able to practice for the upcoming year, Dumbledore's letter had another positive outcome. He had showed it to the Dursleys and proceeded to levitate the couch, solely for practice, of course. When nothing negative happened to him, they realized he was indeed authorized to perform magic at home. That, combined with mention of his escaped murderer Godfather, was making this the best summer at the Dursleys ever.
Other than the strange dreams and scar pain, it was a very pleasant holiday. He thought about writing to Sirius about his scar, but decided to wait until he was at the Burrow, because he didn't want to take Hedwig away from her frequent Hermione-trips. He did tell Hermione and much as he'd expected, she was concerned. He suspected she would do additional research on dreams and curse-scars.
Very soon, the day arrived for his departure and the Weasley family arrived, in their typical fashion, floo-ing in to a boarded up fireplace. They departed after one small incident with a ten-ton-tongue-toffee.
Arriving at the Burrow, Harry found George and Fred, elated about their prank. Two young male Weasleys he didn't know, probably Bill and Charlie, were there. Ron was sitting at the table. He saw all of this in a snapshot, just before being hit by a bushy-haired missile. Suddenly he had an armful of Hermione. He felt the same crackling, snapping flow of energy he'd felt during their first kisses.
"Why are they glowing?" he heard someone say.
"Erm…" he and Hermione broke from their hug to look at the others. "Dumbledore said something about a bond. He knows about it and thinks it's a good thing. How is everyone?" Harry hoped that his nonchalant answer would satisfy everyone and they could move on.
"Dumbledore knows about it? Well, I guess I'll ask him when I have a chance." Mrs. Weasley said.
"You must be Harry! I'm Charlie." Said a stocky, muscular young man, obviously used to outdoor work, probably from his job as a Dragon handler.
"Hi, Harry! I'm Bill." Said a long redhaired man with a fang earring.
At that point, Mr. Weasley apparated in and the conversation quickly turned to the Twin's prank on Dudley.
Harry snuck out of the kitchen with Ron and Hermione. Ginny tagged along and they all headed up to Ron's room.
"Harry, what were you saying about a bond?" Ron asked.
Once securely in the room, with the door closed, Harry looked to Hermione, hoping she would explain.
"Ron, at the end of the year, Professor Dumbledore showed us our auras. Professor Pomfrey had noticed we had a connection and Professor Dumbledore said it was a 'soul bond'."
"A soul bond?" gasped Ginny, looking pale, almost sick. Harry wondered if she was scared due to her connection with the cursed diary a year earlier.
"Yes, a soul bond." Said Hermione firmly, "No matter what you've read about them, it's likely a bunch of drivel. It doesn't mean we're married at 14. It doesn't mean we can communicate telepathically. It just means we're close. Professor Dumbledore is quite confident this is a good thing and he has assured us we have nothing to worry about."
They went to Ron's mirror and Hermione pulled out her wand.
"Auramens". Ron and Ginny could see what Dumbledore had showed them at the end of the last term. Harry noticed the cord between them looked more substantial. There were more gold flecks in his green aura and more green sparks in her golden aura. Additionally, he thought her aura might be a touch brighter than it was before and his looked tighter, more controlled.
They began to talk about other things. They were all looking forward to the World Cup, although Harry suspected Hermione was looking forward to it more for time to spend with him and a way to see Wizarding culture more than for the game.
He and Hermione had already been corresponding in detail about their lessons. They had sent questions back and forth, suggestions for how to do certain spells, and even sent homework assignments for each other to review. Hermione had been impressed, telling Harry his work was coming along much better than in the past. However, there was nothing like being together to really see.
"So, Harry, let's see how that work has been coming along." Hermione grinned, "Show me some of the spells for this year!"
"Show me yours and I'll show you mine!" Harry said, cheekily.
"Ok." She said with a bit of a glare, but she couldn't keep the grin from peeking through. "Accio book."
And Ron's book flew to her.
"Blimey, Hermione! How did you do that?" Ron squeaked, "We haven't learned that yet!"
"We got permission to cast over the holiday, like you lot can do here with your parents. We've been practicing. Haven't you?"
"Why would I do homework over the summer?" Ron asked.
"So you can cast spells like the summoning charm?" Harry said, mildly exasperated, "It doesn't make sense to be amazed at how much she knows only to dismiss any thought of how you could have done exactly the same thing. Come on, we'll keep going and you can try them when you're ready."
"Depulso" Harry said, waving his wand in the prescribed fashion. Ron's pillow shot across the room.
"Nice one, Harry!" Hermione grinned, "Depulso!"
She sent another pillow shooting at Harry.
"Protego!" Harry called, putting up a shield and blocking the pillow.
Soon they were having a magical pillow fight, sending pillows back and forth.
That night, Harry wrote a letter to Sirius and sent it with Hedwig, telling him about the dreams over the summer.
H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr
At the Quidditch World Cup, Harry was in heaven. Everything he did with Hermione seemed better than it was before her. He felt like he was somehow growing up, gaining an appreciation for things he never seemed to see before. He noticed she felt the same way. He'd always had a suspicion she just came to Quidditch games to be with her friends, but she really seemed to be more appreciative of the actual game this time around. He caught her carrying on a well-informed conversation with Ron about the teams. Even Ron seemed surprised.
At the actual game, something else unusual happened. In the pre-game ceremony, the Bulgarian Veelas took the field. Harry appreciated the beautiful blonde women, but once the music started, he noticed Ron acting very strangely. He was shredding the hat he had just bought!
"Ron, you don't want to do that!" Harry said, pulling the hat away, "What's gotten into you?"
"You don't feel anything?" Mr. Weasley said with a surprised look on his face.
"Feel what?" Harry replied, puzzled.
He glanced over at Hermione and noticed a huge smile on her face.
"What?"
"Nothing." She said, still smiling.
They enjoyed the game. Harry figured out how to use his omnioculars with some minor errors early on leading him to miss a few plays, but he caught a lot of detail he might have missed earlier. He learned one play he thought he might be able to try himself, later, the Wronski feint. He thought that might be quite useful.
H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr
Later, in the tent, Hermione came to him. She had been very pleased with him all day, for some reason. He wasn't sure why, but he was happy that she was happy.
"Harry, I'm curious. I want to test something." She looked around, making sure they had a little privacy. While they weren't left alone, there were always Weasleys for chaperones, they weren't intrusive.
"Ok. What?"
"Well, you know how when we first kissed, we felt that spark? Then, when we hugged, we felt it again? I'm curious if we can do that on purpose."
"You want to try now?"
"Sure. Why don't we use the auramens spell so we can see each others auras and then try, so we can see what's happening?"
They sat down next to each other, holding hands after each casting the auramens spell. Hermione had a theory the closer they were touching the easier it was.
"Concentrate on the feeling, Harry. If you feel it, see if you can make it stronger."
Harry didn't feel as much of a spark feeling just holding her hand, but as they sat there quietly, he could feel it. He cracked an eye open and saw their auras mingling. He concentrated on the sparking feeling and based on what he had noticed the first time, tried to push his magic to Hermione.
"Oooh, I can feel that!" Hermione said, "It feels strange, like I've got too much magic and it's wanting to overflow."
"Maybe you have to send it back." Harry suggested, "That's what it felt like the first time, like magic flowing out and back. Is that what it feels like to you?"
"Yes, let me try that."
Harry felt the sparking definitely picking up. As he felt more magic flowing in, he was able to push more towards her. He felt like he was getting better at it and could keep his eyes open consistently. He noticed the cord between them glowing brighter the more they pushed through it. Their auras were really mixed, with lots of golden sparks and green fire flowing everywhere.
He started to feel unaccustomed warmth in the pit of his stomach. He felt himself breathing faster, his heart beating faster, and he noticed Hermione looking the same. Her face was flushed and she was biting her lower lip, whether in concentration or something else, he wasn't sure. He stepped up his efforts to push more magic through the bond and felt her responding with return magic. She surprised him by letting out a quiet moan and pulled her hands back.
"Harry, we need to stop. What was that?" she whispered
"Ummmm…" He replied, flustered, "I know what it felt like. Did it feel like that to you?"
"Like 'that', huh?" Hermione said, but then winked, "How do you know what that feels like?"
"The same way you do." Harry replied. He normally would have been really embarrassed to even be hinting about this to Hermione, but somehow he wasn't nearly as nervous as he thought he should be. Was it the bond? Was it that she was his best friend? Were those two ways of saying the same thing?
"Well, we'd better do some more research. "
Now that they had stopped, their auras had gone back to normal, hers mostly gold, his mostly green, but there was noticeably more sparks and the cord was noticeably more substantial. While he was pushing his magic, Harry had felt like he was casting a very powerful spell, but at the same time he was receiving influx of the same amount of magic, so now he felt a little fatigue from the stress of managing the magic, but none of the fatigue of having actually spent that much energy. He didn't think he even would have been able to understand these concepts before the night they'd saved Sirius. He felt like he was understanding magic so much more than he had.
H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr
They left the Quidditch world cup early, the night disturbed by a Deatheater attack. Nobody was seriously hurt, but Harry was drawn in, as usual. It seems a house elf named Winky had stolen his wand and been involved. She had been dismissed by one of the ministry officials, Mr. Crouch. Harry had been stunned by the look she had given him before she had broken down in tears. After the disruption, they had headed home, the event completely disrupted by the disturbing attack and the resurgence of the Dark Mark.
H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr H/Hr
A/N: I'm trying to denote what I feel are longer breaks with a series of letters. I tried lines, but didn't like how my word processing program formatted it.
There are a number of breaks, because I really liked the original books except for two main problems.
1. The central relationship, of course.
2. Harry was a colossal slacker and Dumbledore encouraged it. If you had one person fated to save the world, wouldn't you encourage them to live up to some small part of their potential, instead of being Ron, Jr.?
So, where I'm not correcting these problems to where I like how the story goes, the background story is progressing much the same as it did in the original and I assume you're familiar with that. If not, you should read it now!
Please read and review.