A/N- Thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far. I hope that you are all enjoying this story as much as I enjoy writing it! In this chapter, we get to see a little bit of Harry's point of view. We won't see much, but just enough to get a feel for what he is thinking! Anyway, sorry this is not that long, but I wanted to get this out, and I really wanted to end it like this. Hopefully the next chapter will be out soon, and I promise it will be much longer! Things are just starting to heat up!
Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potterish! That belongs to J.K. Rowling, so don't sue!!!
Trying Times
Chapter Four
Hermione trudged down the hall, making her way to the Great Hall. She had a lot on her mind these days, with Gregory and everything. What does he want, does he really like me? Yes, he kissed you remember! Oh, the kiss, it was, well I guess it was ok, seeing as how I never really kissed before. Even with Viktor it was just mostly pecks, but Gregory, he made me feel good. The kiss wasn't how I always imagined it, with fireworks and immediate sparks, but maybe that was just fantasy; a fairy tale. Maybe that sort of thing doesn't happen in real life. Is there even really true love? Maybe one day I will find out, but who knows.
As Hermione walked along, she passed by the infirmary and the door was slightly ajar.
Curiosity got the best of her, and she slowly pushed it open. At first she saw nothing, then at the end of the room, were curtains placed around the beds.
She walked in, looking for any sign of Madam Pomfrey, she was no where to be found. She made her way to the back and slowly pulled back the curtains of the first bed.
There she saw a sight that made her gasp. Viktor was lying on the bed; restraints were being used to hold him down. Sweat was pouring off of his head and landing in the puddle that already filled the cot. His arms were grabbing onto the sheets with such force that he was ripping them into shreds. His head was jerking from side to side. He eyes closed tightly shut.
Hermione walked a little closer to him, trying to get an idea about what was wrong with him.
When she reached the side of the bed, Viktor continued to toss and turn. His mouth slightly opened and he was saying something very quietly, not loud enough for Hermione to hear.
She pulled her head closer, trying to hear the faint sounds that were coming out of his mouth.
Suddenly she felt an arm grab her wrist, she looked down and saw Viktor's eyes wide open; staring at her in horror.
Such sadness and pain. What is wrong with you Viktor? Why are you like this? These questions filled Hermione's thoughts as she gazed into the ice filled eyes. They made her shiver with fear by merely glazing over. Neither spoke for a minute or two when suddenly Viktor's raspy voice filled the night air.
"Hermione, Hermione, they are coming, you have to leave! You have to leave now. They will be here soon!" His eyes never lost contact with Hermione's; neither were blinking.
"Viktor, what's wrong? What is happening to you?" Hermione asked in such a quiet tone she could barely hear herself.
His grasp tightened on her wrist and he pulled himself up as far as the restraints would allow. His face was a mere inch from Hermione's. She could feel the hot breath on her eyes and cheeks.
She wanted to turn away, run and never come back, but for some reason her legs were glued to the ground. She couldn't move, couldn't stir. She had to hear him out, had to find out what was wrong.
"Hermione leave now and never return! They are all coming for everyone, no one will survive!" Viktor said in a harsh, low tone that made goosebumps appear on her entire body.
She didn't say a word, and then Viktor began to shake violently. His eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he fell onto the cot with a loud thump.
Hermione shook his grip from her wrist and ran down the hall trying to find Madam Pomfrey.
She had no idea where she could be, and she then she remembered dinner was going on.
But she wouldn't leave her patients like that, especially when they are so ill.
She tore down the hall, running as fast as her legs permitted. She reached the great hall and flung open the doors.
Immediately all heads turned in her direction from the sudden entrance.
Ignoring the stares she flew down the middle to the head table. There sitting beside Professor Dumbledore was Madam Pomfrey.
"Madam Pomfrey, you have to come quick. Something is happening to Viktor!" she shouted as she came upon the head table.
Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey both shot out of their seats and came around to the front.
"What happened Miss Granger?" asked Dumbledore.
"I came in the infirmary and walked to Viktor. He started to talk to me and then he started to shake!" Hermione stated as she walked with them down the great hall. Everyone's eyes were on them. Hermione didn't even bother to look for Ron and Harry; she knew they were sitting at the table probably wondering what was going on.
"What, that is impossible; I gave him a sedative potion that numbed his body. He shouldn't even be able to move, let alone talk!" Madam Pomfrey declared as she began to walk faster out of the great hall.
Just before Hermione and Madam Pomfrey left the hall, she heard Professor Dumbledore say, "Students, everything is all right. Go back to your dinners and calm down!" He then turned and left the great hall behind Hermione and Madam Pomfrey.
As they reached the infirmary, Viktor was still shaking violently. Madam Pomfrey looked confused; Hermione took this as a bad sign.
"Leave dear, let me work!" she shouted as she pulled the curtains around her and Viktor, blocking Hermione's view.
Just then Professor Dumbledore came through the doors. He saw that the curtains were pulled back and turned his attention to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, please tell me exactly what happened," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Well, I saw that the door was open, and I wanted to come in here and see Viktor and Colin. I wanted to know how they were doing. I saw the curtains pulled back, so I went to the first bed and saw Viktor. He was tossing and turning, trying to get free from his restraints," Hermione began saying as she shifted her feet from side to side, from nervousness and uneasiness retelling the events were. "He started to say something, and I…I uh…couldn't hear him, so I leaned in closer. He grabbed my wrist..." Hermione stated as she unconsciously rubbed her wrist where Viktor's cold fingers held just a few short minutes ago. She tore her gaze from the floor and stared at Dumbledore. His face full of concentration and eagerness for her to continue. "He said that they are coming and that no one will survive. He told me to leave and then suddenly she started to shake and that's when I ran to find Madam Pomfrey!"
Dumbledore stood staring at Hermione. She could tell he was trying to work things out. "I see. Hermione, I was told the other day by Viktor's coach for his professional Quidditch team, that Viktor was missing for a day before there final game last week. No one took notice of it, and then when he resurfaced, he started to act strange," Dumbledore said.
"Strange?" Hermione asked confused.
"Yes, he started to say he was seeing things and that people were after him. And then, he disappeared and that is when he showed up here, a couple weeks ago," Dumbledore concluded.
"Professor, what does he mean by they are coming?" Hermione was starting to become scared now, nothing seemed right.
"I have my theories, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said rubbing his chin in deep thought. Hermione could tell he was trying to figure things out.
"Do you think it has anything to do with Voldemort?" Hermione asked. Ever since fifth year, she has been able to actually say his name, and now the thought of saying his name didn't scare her anymore. She was now able to say it like any other word, even though when she did people around her would start to shiver.
"Yes, Miss Granger, I do," Dumbledore answered honestly.
"Well, what is wrong with Viktor? And how do we cure it?" Hermione asked.
Professor Dumbledore then said something to Hermione she never thought would come out of his mouth, "Miss Granger, I just do not know, I just don't know."
Hermione thought that this was hopeless. She couldn't believe that Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts and probably the greatest sorcerer in the world, didn't have an answer to this question.
She made her way back to the common room, and as she stepped through the hole, she was bombarded with questions.
"What happened with the sick people?"
"Why did you barge into the great hall like that?"
"What is going on?"
She simply ignored them and made her way to her bedroom. She needed some time to think things through.
She stepped through and didn't even bother turning on any lights. She liked the darkness, it helped her to think.
What is all this about? I guess the only thing I can do is go to the library and try to find as much information as I can. That just seems hopeless, if Madam Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore didn't know what it was, it was probably something that couldn't be found in any books. I just don't want to have to deal with this. Why do I have so much on my mind these days! Stupid mind! Just leave me alone for awhile and let me rest!!
Suddenly she heard a quiet knock on her door. "Go away!" Hermione said before throwing herself on her bed. She just didn't feel like dealing with anyone today.
"Hermione, it's me," Harry said through the door.
Hermione couldn't turn him away, she needed someone to talk to, and maybe he could help.
"Come in," Hermione said just loud enough for Harry to hear.
He opened the door and he walked into the dimly lit room. He made his way over to her bed and sat down beside her.
She couldn't help but stare at him. She was amazed at how handsome he could be. There he sat with the most untidy black hair and emerald eyes that could melt anyone that looked at them directly. His face had aged, but still showed his youth from within. He was much taller now and had broadened muscles formed on his body, but he rarely showed them. She knew he was quite the shy type, and she admired him for that. With all the fame and attention he gets, it's hard to see how he keeps such a level head, unlike Ron if he were to have this fame it would definitely go to his head. This made her think, where was Ron?
"Where is Ron?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, he is with Lavender. They have become pretty close these days," Harry answered with a smirk on his face.
"Oh!" Hermione said as she giggled. She didn't want to ask this next question, but for some reason she couldn't refrain from it, "Shouldn't you be with Susan? I'm sure she wants to be around you!"
"No, I don't know if I really like her like that, I mean, sure she is pretty and stuff, but I just don't feel anything there, and I am not the type to lead people on," Harry answered. His face had gotten a little blush to the cheeks, but he kept a straight face.
"Oh, well someday you will find the right person Harry," Hermione answered. She didn't know why, but it made her insides leap with the realization that Harry had no feelings for Susan.
"Well, I could ask you the same thing about Gregory," Harry said as he shifted so he was facing her just a little more.
Hermione couldn't help but feel the redness in her cheeks. "Well, things are just starting to progress with us. I mean, we haven't even been on a date yet,"
"Well it has to progress some because you have already kissed him," Harry said. Immediately he regretted his words, she didn't know he saw her that day.
"Huh? How did you know that? Were you spying on me?" Hermione said, she couldn't help but get a little angry, but inside she was excited with the thought that Harry had been watching her. She thought she deserved a little attention these days.
"No…I….uh….see, I just figured because of the way you have been smiling lately and uh…you just confirmed it for me, I didn't really actually know," Harry stuttered hoping Hermione would believe his lie.
Hermione could tell something was up, but she didn't want to push it. She took his lie and obliged him by trying to show that she believed him. "Oh, ok,"
They sat in silence for a moment, just staring at one another. Finally Harry decided to speak, "Hermione, what happened today?"
She sighed a little, not really in the mood to retell the events for a second time, but she obliged. Harry had a right to know. She told him everything that went on and even with her talk with Dumbledore. Harry sat quietly awaiting the end of the story.
When Hermione was done, she couldn't help but have a few tears in her eyes. Everything just seemed like so much. She had so much to bear and she didn't know if she could hold it all up. Her terrible loneliness was getting to her, this new thing with Gregory, and now Viktor and Colin, both sick shouting that someone is coming, who none other can be Voldemort, and Dumbledore didn't know what to do. She was just so confused.
"Hermione," Harry said in a soft and gentle tone. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her body. She loved the feel of being in his arms. She cried a little more, and then Harry pulled them apart and lifted her chin so that he could meet her gaze once again.
Those eyes, such caring and concern within them. She thought she would drown in them right now. Why am I thinking this? Harry has no intimate feelings for me what-so-ever. I am setting myself up for a big downfall.
"Hermione, listen to me. Nothing is going to happen. I am going to protect you and everyone else for that matter. We are going to figure this out and Voldemort is not going to succeed, it just won't happen. He will be defeated. He can throw whatever he wants at us, but we are going to retaliate and beat him at his own game. I promise you that!" He said it with such confidence, yet also gentleness so that Hermione could see that he truly believed his words.
She nodded her head and pulled him close once again. She rested her head on his shoulders. She believed that Harry would do what he could to protect them, but what if it just wasn't enough? Stop thinking this Hermione, you are a strong person. You are going to help fight and protect those around you and evil never wins. Good always conquers. She didn't feel like talking anymore and she hoped Harry was fine with the silence. She closed her eyes trying to banish the evil thoughts from her mind and soon she was fast asleep.
******(Harry's Point of View Now)****************
Harry stared down at the beautiful angel fast asleep in his arms. He cared for her so much, but he just didn't know how to show it. How was he going to be able to show something that he was never shown before?
He caressed her face and pushed a few pieces of hair behind her ears. He didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to go.
Hermione, if you only knew what I felt for you. If I only could just tell you, everything would be ok. But I can't, because I am scared that I will lose you. I can't lose you, you are my heart, my soul. I want to be with you, but I feel that it is best if I left you alone.
He laid her down, and pulled the covers over her. He watched the moonlight dance off her wonderful features and he couldn't help but smile.
He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on top of her forehead, and turned to leave. He stopped at the door and faced Hermione once more. "I love you Hermione Granger, I just don't know if I will ever be able to tell you that," and with that he left the room.
He decided that he needed to take a walk to clear his head. It was passed curfew so he ran up and grabbed his cloak. He went out the portrait hole and walked down the corridor. He made his way to the lake and sat down. He was about to pull off the cloak, when he heard a strange noise in the distance.
Harry got up slowly and followed the sound. It sounded like it came from the forbidden forest. He walked carefully, making sure now to step on anything that would draw attention.
He eased closer until he heard the sound of two voices talking. He couldn't make out what they were saying so he got closer.
"Listen here, you have to do what I tell you or my father will make you pay!" came a voice Harry recognized, but couldn't quite place. He saw the two figures standing beside a tree, their faces hidden by the immense darkness the forbidden forest gave off.
"You will not tell me what to do! I know the plan, and I am certainly more capable of doing it then you. Why do you think your father and Dark Lord asked me to do it rather than you?" the second voice answered with such a dreary coldness, Harry couldn't help but feel the evil.
"It was not my decision; I could have done it just fine!" the first voice called.
"Well, it is my plan, so you stay out of it and leave me alone. I have the girl right where I want her. Soon, the plan will be in full effect and that fool of a man, Dumbledore, has no idea!" the second man said in a hateful tone. He gave off a little laughter.
Harry moved to the side, to try and get a look at whom the two men were, when he stepped on a piece of wood and fell backwards. A loud rattle filled the air. Luckily the cloak still covered him and he saw the man's head turn in his direction. Harry couldn't stay there, they were sure to investigate.
He slid back carefully, trying not to make a sound. When he got behind the cover of a large tree, Harry noticed that only one figure remained. The man stood rooted to his spot, looking around for what made the noise. Suddenly a squirrel ran across the field and Harry heard the man curse, "Damn squirrel!"
Feeling relive feel his body, he got up from the ground to go back to Hogwarts before his luck ran out and he was definitely spotted.
Suddenly the man turned to walk back to Hogwarts and the moon shined down on his faces just enough for Harry to finally recognize who he was. Reality set in as he watched the man enter Hogwarts.
He couldn't believe it; he didn't know what to think. It can't be! It just can't be. The man was none other than, Gregory Silverton!
Hope everyone liked this chapter! And you know the drill: READ/REVIEW