Chapter 7
Hermione could feel everyone's eyes on them as Harry walked her to class. The volume of the hallways reduced, and suddenly a path opened up for them, the sea of students parting like Harry was some sort of biblical figure. She didn't even see that response with Dumbledore walking through the halls.
Perhaps it always happened to Harry because he behaved as if he didn't even notice it — as if he expected it— of course, everyone would get out of his way. Hermione struggled to walk normally next to him as it felt like she'd forgotten how to operate all her extremities. Was it normal for her hand to swing that much and brush against his with every stride? Were her knees bending the correct amount, or was she marching like an idiot next to him?
Next to her, Harry didn't seem to be experiencing the same self-consciousness. He was in high spirits, smiling and joking with Theo and Draco on his other side. He had no trouble walking with her at his side, she thought grouchily. They passed Daphne Greengrass, who gave her a smirk Hermione couldn't quite read. Since their agreement, Harry had walked her to every class—sometimes by himself, sometimes with Draco and Theo.
Padma had told her there was no going back after that incident in transfiguration, and this just put paid to it. Hermione didn't think there ever had really been a time she could have turned back — as if her entire life had been leading her along until she was by his side.
Now, Hermione was indelibly intertwined with Harry in the minds of everyone at Hogwarts. And she did not regret that.
When they arrived at Magical History, Draco and Theo stopped at the door, but Harry strolled in next to her, holding her bag. Lyla Harper's head was bent forward, her hair hiding her face— she remained absolutely still as Harry passed her by. He didn't even seem to notice Lyla.
Harry glanced around the classroom, seeming to take note of everyone, most of whom avoided his eyes — especially the Hufflepuffs. It took him a long moment to put her bag down on the table.
"Harry?" She asked uncertainly, not sure what he was searching for.
He finished his survey before he turned back to her and gave her a charming smile. "See you after class?"
"Okay."
Harry nodded, walking backward a few steps before he turned and walked out of the classroom. Hermione couldn't help staring after him for a moment until Padma tapped her to get her attention.
Padma leaned forward, "I can't decide if I'm more worried about you or impressed."
The loud sound of pages ruffling and the low murmurs of conversation filled the classroom as Binn's dreary ghost began the lecture.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked.
"You've become pretty much untouchable as far as anyone is concerned but…" Padma trailed off a moment, considering her words. "I wonder what the trade-off is— it seems like you're letting Potter control too much, Hermione."
"He doesn't control me."
"He follows you like a protective detail now."
"He —" Hermione began in a frustrated tone before lowering her voice with a quick glance around the classroom. Binn's was still on diplomacy within the Giant social groups. "I'm not being protected — I don't need his protection, and I can defend myself. I've gotten much better at dueling."
Padma gave her an incredulous glance. "And who do you think is going to volunteer now to duel you? I could probably — or Harry or Draco — anyone else I'm sure would find themselves facing some angry Slytherins in some dark hallway."
Hermione looked around the classroom again — no one met her eyes. The two Hufflepuff girls from before, Chrissy and Elsie, kept their gazes rigidly fixed on the text, their backs stiff. A Ravenclaw boy accidentally met her gaze, then looked hurriedly away. Lyla Harper hadn't moved at all as far as she could tell.
Hermione swallowed. "Harry hasn't threatened them."
"He hasn't threatened them verbally. Not that he has to— his reputation precedes him." Padma responded softly.
Binn floated higher in the air, his gaze fixed dully ahead as he continued breaking down positions and rights within Giant's social groups. Hermione forced herself to jot down some notes dutifully.
What had Harry done that was all that bad to earn such a reputation, though? Nothing had been proven. Granted, Umbridge had disappeared after last being seen with him, but that was strictly circumstantial. Everything they said against him was circumstantial!
Hermione winced when she thought about him using Ron to train other Slytherins in unforgivables. But no one knew about that, though aside from the Slytherins…
She gave a soft groan.
She needed to stop trying to lie to herself about him. Undoubtedly, he'd done some very bad things —and she already knew he condoned unforgivables. Harry would hurt someone if he thought it necessary. She just had to make sure that when he retaliated against someone, they deserved whatever Harry did.
Her quill froze when she remembered Harry would be walking her to Charms next. She hoped Ron wouldn't say anything, because now that she knew how tricky Harry could be with promises, she was sure he'd find some way to get at Ron without breaking his promise to her.
When class was over, there was a minor stampede as all the Hufflepuffs rushed out of the room. Just in time, too, as when Hermione exited, she saw Harry walking down the hallway toward her. She felt the slight pressure as he brushed against her mind when their eyes met.
Padma, who was next to her, gave her a little bump and smiled at her when Hermione looked over, indicating she was going to walk ahead. Hermione nodded at her before turning her attention back to Harry.
"Charms?" He asked, reaching for her bag, which she let him take without a word.
"Charms." She confirmed, and when he smiled at her, she couldn't help but smile back at him despite her dark thoughts during class.
He did seem very happy to be next to her and walk her to class. She'd half been convinced he'd get tired of it after a few times, but he seemed to view it with pleasure. As he walked next to her, he took out his snitch, letting it go no more than a foot away from him before catching it again.
The walk mirrored their other walk — people parting before them. No one met her gaze as she looked around. It was strange to connect that type of reaction with the seemingly happy Harry next to her.
She gave a startled laugh when his hand snapped out right in front of her face, capturing the snitch just an inch from her nose.
He grinned at her, letting the snitch flutter in his hand. "You seem a little distracted."
Hermione's cheeks heated at his stare. "I was just thinking."
"Ah, dangerous."
"For you maybe," Hermione responded dryly.
Harry laughed under his breath, the sound low and warm. A shiver went down her spine. Pressure came and went on her mind, and she shot him a chiding glance.
"You could just ask."
"What were you thinking about?' He inquired politely as if he hadn't just tried to read her mind.
"I was just thinking about reputations."
"That sounds ominous," Harry said, lightly letting the snitch go and capturing it again quickly with a tight fist.
"Padma thinks you're putting me under your protection," Hermione said, trying not to feel silly saying it out loud.
Harry gave a noncommittal hum, letting the snitch flutter helplessly in his grasp.
When he didn't respond, Hermione continued a bit softer so only he would hear her. "I think some of the students may be frightened of you…"
"Good."
She looked at him and saw a cold, satisfied glint in his eyes.
Hermione frowned, touching his elbow. "Harry…"
He stopped in the middle of the hallway, not at all concerned with being quiet. Students flowed around them without a word as if they were in an invisible bubble. "I have no control over their reactions — what exactly are you asking me to do, Hermione? Is this your way of asking me to stop walking you to class?"
"No." She said at once, stepping closer to him and lowering her voice. Even if he didn't care about other people overhearing, she did. "I just … I don't want you intimidating people if they don't like me."
"As long as they keep their mouths shut, they don't have anything to worry about."
Hermione winced at his volume, looking around quickly. But everyone still avoided eye contact as they walked past them. "That's not exactly reassuring, Harry."
"It should be." He stepped to the side and gestured for her to begin walking again.
They walked side by side more slowly this time. Harry's snitch fluttered in the air for brief moments of time before he caught it again.
The charms classroom was just ahead, and Hermione's stomach tightened in anxiety. Harry's gaze darted to her, seeming to notice her change in mood instantly.
He leaned closer to her, his lips almost brushing against her ear as he said, almost soundlessly. "You should've let me kill him."
Hermione shivered at the sensation and his words. "You promised."
He sighed, staying close to her. "Fine, I'll let you kill him, but I get to watch."
Hermione elbowed him away from her, but she couldn't stop the smile from curving her lips. Harry walked in beside her, and luckily, Flitwick was distracted by another student and didn't notice.
Padma was already seated, and they walked toward her. Harry noticed Ron's fiery gaze, and his posture shifted, his back straightening as he returned the look coolly.
It pricked her conscience again, the fact that she knew Harry had been torturing Ron for who knows how long, until she put a stop to it. She wondered if Ron would try to confront her again. She knew she could handle herself, especially now with the extra tutoring she'd gotten from Harry.
But…
There was some comfort in knowing that whatever happened, she wouldn't face it by herself. Harry would stand behind her no matter what action she took — mercy or retribution — without hesitation and without judgment.
"After class?" Harry murmured low just for her.
Hermione nodded. "After class."
With one last warning glance at Ron, Harry turned confidently away, moving toward the door with unhurried grace.
As Flitwick's lesson started, Hermione kept glancing toward the door, thinking about Harry. She was always on a roller coaster of emotions next to him, but now one felt so consuming, making her lips tilt up as she thought of him.
She was so bloody proud to be next to him — to have him walking her to her classes.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
"So what are you going to do for Halloween?" Padma asked late at night as they all lay in their beds.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"I'm going to be Alice, and Draco will be my bunny," Luna answered readily.
Hermione frowned. "You know Alice in Wonderland, Luna?"
"Of course. It's about a witch, silly." Luna gave a tinkling laugh.
"Ugh." Padma groaned. "I have no idea what to go as."
"I hadn't even thought of it yet," Hermione admitted.
"It has to be a good one," Luna advised Hermione. "Everyone is probably going to be watching you guys."
Hermione didn't doubt it—every deliberate effort to look away was proof of just how intently people were watching them.
Padma sat up in bed. "Oooh, what about Hades and Persephone?"
Hermione laughed. "While I don't doubt Harry would get a kick out of being the lord of the underworld, I am not some kidnapped maiden he's going to hold captive."
"You could represent your houses — go as Rowena and Salazar. You know they were rumored to be having an affair." Luna offered.
Hermione rolled over to look toward Luna, intrigued. She always had the most interesting information. The problem was determining if it was a conspiracy theory or legitimate information. "Where did you read that?"
"It was in an unauthorized biography, Into the Forbidden by Francis Merriweather," Luna replied.
"I've never heard of this book." Hermione loved history and had read many on her own — that was a title she'd never come across.
"Oh, it caused quite a ruckus when it was printed — there are very few copies that haven't been destroyed. We have one in our personal library."
"Could I borrow it?"
"Of course! I'll get it when I go home for winter break." Luna promised.
"Thank you." Hemione smiled at her in the darkness. "But don't you think the Grey Lady would be upset if I did that?"
"Oh, you're right!" Luna sounded put out with herself that she hadn't thought of that. "Helena would definitely not like that." The Grey Lady, who lingered most often in the corridors near Ravenclaw Tower, was Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter, Helena, as they had discovered back in fourth year.
"Well, it's not like we really have to dress up," Hermione offered. "We didn't last year."
"But you know it's almost tradition for couples to go matching." Padma countered. "I still think Hades and Persephone would be great for you two. " Padma paused before saying teasingly. "The myth also says that Hades cared for Persephone so much that he was willing to do anything for her other than let her go."
Hermione remembered the fire in Harry's eyes the first time he'd told her she was his—and the way he'd said it again later, calmly, as if it were nothing more than an undeniable truth, like the sky being blue.
And then there was the promise he'd made to her not to hurt Ron.
"You're thinking about it, aren't you?" Padma asked knowingly.
"Maybe," Hermione admitted. "I'll ask Harry and see what he says."
"Harry's going to like whatever you like," Luna said authoritatively, and Padma laughed in agreement.
Hermione made a noncommittal sound. She thought that Padma and Luna overestimated her influence on Harry. He coveted her in some way — but wanting someone wasn't the same thing as caring for them.
Hermione had no doubt Harry wanted her. She shifted under her covers, thinking about his kiss and the way his body felt pressed against her. She hadn't told him it was her first kiss — and she didn't know if she should. Most girls had already kissed someone by eighteen.
Hermione had just been so focused on school and keeping her head down while the wider wizarding world became more and more bigoted towards students like her that she hadn't even really thought of being in a relationship.
She hadn't had time for those thoughts as she'd told Ron so many weeks ago.
The room fell quiet after that — everyone deep in their own thoughts and drifting off to sleep. Hermione imagined Harry dressed as the God of the Underworld, sitting up on a black throne. His black hair would still be unkempt, tousled strands obscuring his lightning scar. The shadows would cling to him, like the darkness that sometimes crawled across his expression.
It was so easy to picture Harry that way. The quiet authority he exuded, the way the world sometimes seemed to be afraid of just his presence.
And she would be next to him. She pictured herself beside that throne before she could stop herself. Not dragged or captured, but standing tall and proud next to him. A crown upon her head, different but no less powerful.
Hermione shifted again, frowning into her pillow.
For so much of her life, she'd been proving herself—proving that she belonged, that she was worthy, that she was smart. But she'd never had to prove herself to Harry.
He thought she was extraordinary. He'd never seen her as less, even when he'd beaten her in the duels. She'd always felt his equal. He said she was his — and yet he was hers too.
Hermione remembered the black frustration on his face when she'd made him promise not to hurt Ron, but he'd acquiesced despite not wanting to.
He'd stolen her first kiss, but as soon as she'd pushed against him, he'd backed off so fast he'd stumbled away from her. Hermione's cheeks warmed thinking about that kiss.
She'd talk to him tomorrow about their costumes. Sleep claimed her with the image of Harry as Hades still sharp in her mind.
In her dream, he watched her from an obsidian throne, a golden laurel crown gleaming on his head. He reached for her, his palm outstretched —and she didn't hesitate. She placed her hand in his, and he drew her effortlessly into the darkness of his arms.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
The Great Hall was louder than usual the next morning. Owls swooped over head, dropping off packages and letters while sleepy voices overlapped in only half-conscious conversations. Sunlight filtered down from the grey ceiling above, pale and cool, casting a silverish light across the Slytherin table.
Hermione felt slightly uncomfortable eating at the Slytherin table, even though she'd told Harry she wanted to — she was extremely grateful to have such good friends who came with her. Padma and Luna were on either side of her while Harry was across from her.
He had his elbow on the table and his black hair stuck up at odd angles like he'd just rolled out of bed without bothering with it. Draco lounged at Harry's right while Theo, on his left, looked entirely too chipper for how early it was.
Luckily, Padma had enough energy for Theo, and the two were furiously whispering something to one another, leaning so close together that Hermione didn't bother to try to hear.
Hermione nibbled on a bit of toast, wondering when she should bring up the costumes to Harry — now or perhaps later when they were alone. Was it unusual to suggest to someone they'd make a good god of the underworld?
Hermione took a slow sip of her tea, thinking about how to phrase it while her gaze flicked briefly to Harry, then away again. The dream from last night was still vivid in her mind.
Harry watched her casually, with his usual awareness that made her feel like he knew when she wanted something.
"What are you plotting?" He asked mildly.
"I'm not plotting." Hermione protested and then sighed when Padma snorted on her right. "I'm thinking."
Harry straightened, seemingly bracing himself, and Hermione shot him a disgruntled look. "We were talking last night about the Halloween dance."
Harry's eyebrow lifted, and he stiffened. "Were you?"
"Yes. About costumes." Hermione said, tentatively seeing his reaction.
Harry relaxed immediately, leaning forward slightly with forearms resting on the table. "And?"
Hermione glanced at Padma for a brief supportive glance before offering, "What do you think if we went as Persephone and Hades?"
Draco gave a muffled chuckle while Theo laughed out loud. "That fits," Draco said.
Harry ignored them, his gaze remaining fixed on her, searching. After a moment, the corner of his mouth lifted. "You would be a very strict queen of the underworld."
Luna nodded approvingly. "The underworld needs a good queen; it would get terribly out of sorts otherwise."
Hermione laughed under her breath, relief warming her as Harry looked intrigued rather than offended. Beneath the table, his foot brushed hers, and he reached for her hand. She slipped her fingers into his without hesitation, and his grin was slow and unmistakable as he lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
"My queen."
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
On Halloween, the room Hermione shared with Padma and Luna was in cheerful chaos, spell books open and various garments being temporarily transfigured as they got ready for the Halloween party in the Great Hall.
Padma was behind Hermione, making sure the folds of her white Greek chiton fell properly in the back and that the pin holding up the garment was doubly secure.
Hermione's hair was loose and flowing down her back. A few hair potions straightened out some of the tighter curls, leaving her with loose curls that reached her waist. Gold bands circled her upper arms on either side while a gold laurel crown encircled her head.
"Hold still," Padma murmured, tapping her dress with her wand and layering some protective anti-tripping charms due to the length.
"I am," Hermione murmured.
"There!" Padma said with satisfaction, stepping around Hermione as her hooded crimson cloak swept dramatically behind her. She and Theo had decided at the last minute to go as Red Riding Hood and the wolf—an arrangement Padma had dryly noted came with Theo's refusal to promise he wouldn't try to eat her later.
Padma stepped back another pace to get a better view of Hermione and stared admiringly. "You look like you could rule a kingdom."
Hermione smiled at her and joked. "I think I just want to rule one person."
"I think he'd like that," Luna said serenely from her bed where she was fastening the last button on her pale blue dress.
Luna's Alice costume was a beautiful icy blue that complemented her coloring. Her white blond hair was braided with whimsical little charms in the shapes of rabbits, teacups, and keys. She looked like she'd just stepped from the pages of the book.
"I think everyone's going to stare," Hermione murmured, staring at each of her friends.
Padma's crimson cloak flared against the black bodice beneath it, giving her the look of someone more than capable of handling Theo's wolf. She flipped her hair and shot Hermione a grin. "Good—let them look." Then she laughed, bright and eager. "This is going to be so much fun!"
Hermione smiled back at her, but the request from the Order still weighed heavily on her. Harry had asked her if she would keep his secrets, and she hadn't answered, partly because she didn't know what she would do. She just hoped nothing happened because she didn't want to acknowledge the reality that she'd probably already made that choice when she hadn't told them of what Harry had been doing to Ron.
Luna looked at the silver pocket watch she was carrying. "It's almost time! We should head down to meet them."
Hermione sucked in a deep breath, pressing her hand lightly to her stomach, and nodded. "Let's go!"
Luna gave her one last knowing glance before she walked out the door. "He's going to like it."
Hermione let out a breath. "I wasn't worried about that."
Luna just smiled.
They descended the spiral staircase together, the sounds of other students getting ready floating up to them from the common room. They exited the tower together to find three figures waiting for them in the hallway.
Hermione noticed Theo first, his eyes wide and fixed on Padma. He'd managed to somehow get himself wolf ears on his head that perked up and turned in Padma's direction.
"My what big eyes you have," Padma said as she walked up to Theo teasingly.
"A—all the better to appreciate you with, my dear," Theo said, partially stumbling over his words.
Draco stood next to him, smirking. He had bunny ears on his head and was dressed entirely in white. When his gaze landed on Luna, his expression softened. "You're late."
Luna frowned, waving her silver pocket watch. "I'm sure I kept the time."
Hermione didn't see Harry at first— he was slightly behind both Theo and Draco and was dressed entirely in black.
Matching gold armbands gleamed on his upper arms, and his head had a golden laurel crown. He held a scepter in his other hand, adorned at the top with a glittering emerald gem. At his hip was a medium-length double-edged sword that looked wickedly sharp.
Her Hades.
She met his gaze, and the rest of the world fell away. Hermione's pulse sped up when he stepped toward her.
"Persephone." He said softly.
Hermione smiled shyly. "You like it?"
A slow smile curved Harry's mouth as his gaze took her in from head to toe. He lifted her hand, pressing his lips to her knuckles. "My queen."
Heat rushed into her cheeks.
Theo cleared his throat loudly. "If Harry doesn't lop off my head, I'd like to get moving."
Harry threw him a laughing glance. "I'd just let Cerberus play with you for a bit in punishment." He slipped his hand around Hermione's waist. "Ready?"
Hermione gave him a warm smile of anticipation. This was going to be fun. "Yes."
Together they walked down to the Great Hall— into the music and candlelight. Hermione didn't flinch when everyone stared as they entered.
Her crowned head was held high.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
In place of the usual floating candles, jack-o'-lanterns hovered above the tables, their carved faces playful as black gauze streamed from the enchanted ceiling, drifting on a phantom wind like slow-moving shadows.
The six of them sat in the Slytherin area as they chatted and laughed. Harry was so close his side pressed against hers, and his hand was stretched along her shoulders. He was drawing slow circles with his thumb on her upper arm in an absentminded caress as he talked with Draco.
Padma looked at the contact, then met Hermione's gaze with a raised eyebrow.
Hermione just smiled back.
The music paused just for a second as the tune changed, the tempo slowing. It was a deep, string-heavy melody that rolled through the hall, making her chest resonate with the beat.
Harry leaned close to her to whisper in her ear. "Let's dance."
Hermione nodded in agreement and followed his lead. He leaned his scepter against the table but kept the sword at his hip. As usual, students parted for Harry — and it was even more noticeable tonight with him dressed as Hades in his pitch black robes with the laurel crown on his head.
He turned once they reached the center of the dance floor, drawing her into his arms with deliberate slowness. Her heartbeat matched the music's rhythm, her skin tingling where they touched. The Grecian cut left their arms bare, and she couldn't help admiring the strength of his muscular arms as he held her close.
His muscles flexed briefly as he led her, the subtle pressure of his body keeping her close. Too close for propriety, but she couldn't bring herself to care if any of the professors might say something.
Harry's lips were curved upward as he danced with her, his green eyes lighter than she'd ever seen them.
"You look happy." She murmured to him.
His smile widened. "You're dancing with me in front of all of them."
"I chose to," Hermione said clearly. This wasn't something Harry had bargained for, and she wanted to make sure he knew that.
Affection deepened the intensity of his brilliantly green eyes, and the world fell away. There was only Harry, and that look in his eyes. The beat of the music seemed to pulse with her heartbeat, each thud pushing her closer and closer to him.
"Harry." She didn't even have anything to say; she just wanted to say his name.
He spun her around, and a sharp blue gaze shattered the illusion that it was only them. Every professor at the high table was watching her. Or more accurately, they were watching them. Including Dumbledore, his blue gaze unwavering as he watched them spin around the dance floor. His face was unreadable, but McGonagall looked concerned while Snape stared at them with a strange look— almost like hatred.
She faltered slightly in the spin, but Harry's arms tightened instantly, steadying her.
"Don't be afraid—it doesn't matter what they think," he murmured, following her line of sight.
She lifted her eyes to his brilliant green gaze. "I know."
Something dark and pleased flickered in his eyes. Harry's head bowed enough to just brush his forehead near hers. Their matching golden crowns glittered in the candlelight.
"My Hermione."
Her fingers tightened on his shoulder. She didn't demur. It was true.
She was right where she belonged.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
Hours later, Hermione's cheeks hurt from laughing as they stood in the dark silver and green of the Slytherin dungeons.
"I don't know how he made the mistake — thinking a green little selkie was a merperson, but he was absolutely obsessed with proving it to us—" Theo continued laughing and ducking Draco's hand as he tried to smack him.
Draco's bunny ears were twitching in agitation as Theo recounted the tale from their second year when Draco had slept next to the giant window that looked into the dark depths of the black lake for a week straight.
"He said she reminded him of — " Theo continued.
"That's enough," Harry said, cutting him off.
Luna leaned against Draco, who was glaring at Theo. "Aquatic life is notoriously tricky to identify." She said serenely. "Why, Horace gets mistaken for an octopus all the time. It makes him very grumpy."
Hermione would imagine it was easy to see things that weren't there in the dark green and silver shadows that pooled beyond the glass.
Theo changed topics without pause, turning to Padma. "I'd never mistake my tasty Red Riding Hood."
Padma shook her head. "No biting."
"Licking?" He asked hopefully.
Padma laughed, leaning closer to whisper something into his human ear while the wolf ears on top of his head swiveled toward her.
Hermione felt a little envy for Padma's confidence. Unlike her, Padma had dated and was vastly more experienced with flirting.
"My eyes," Draco said mournfully, looking away from the spectacle of Padma and Theo.
"I am a paragon of propriety." Theo declared as his hand slid around Padma's waist. He smirked at Padma as he qualified. "Or at least admirably proper."
"A proper dog," Draco said, his hand playing with the tip of Luna's long braid.
"A dog?" Theo feigned outrage, looking over at Draco. "I am a vicious wolf, although I'm not as impressive as the lord of the underworld over there. Harry, are you really not going to stab someone with that sword, cause that would be the biggest letdown of the night."
Harry made a thoughtful noise, his hand resting on Hermione's hip, keeping her against his left side so the sword on his right wasn't between them. "Are you volunteering, Theo?"
Theo shot him a secretive smile. "I volunteer, Pike." He said, mentioning another Slytherin in their year— one Hermione had never interacted with.
"Is it sharp, Harry?" Luna asked curiously.
"Of course." He answered.
"I agree with Theo, you have to skewer someone with it or the night is not complete." Draco offered, not letting go of Luna.
Hermione frowned at their comments, wondering what Pike had done that both Theo and Draco were ready to watch him get stabbed. She looked up at Harry, asking, "Do you know how to use a sword?"
Draco laughed, looking away from Luna. "He does — we both got lessons after our parents found us mock sword fighting with real swords. My mother said we were a hazard to our own life expectancy."
Our parents. That was an interesting way to phrase it, Hermione thought. It probably meant Harry was closer to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy than she had thought. The same Lucius Malfoy who was the Minister of Magic and was trying to pass anti-Muggle legislation.
Padma looked intrigued. "Would you do a demonstration? I've never seen a real sword fight."
Everyone looked at Harry, who, in turn, looked down at Hermione and raised his eyebrow, leaving his decision up to her. She gave him a tentative smile. While a part of her was interested in watching Harry do a mock sword fight with Draco, she didn't want him to do anything he didn't want to do.
"If Draco agrees," Harry answered, reading Hermione's look.
Draco looked at Harry for a moment, and a wordless conversation passed between them that Hermione couldn't read. After a moment, he nodded. "Let me transfigure a sword."
Theo gave an excited whoop, darting off and yelling, "Swordfight! Clear out space! Harry and Draco are going to give us a show!"
Padma shook her head as she watched Theo, her lips pursed. "If he had a tail, it would be wagging quite hard right now."
Hermione laughed. Harry squeezed her hip, indicating he was going to go to the space Theo was clearing out, and she nodded.
While Draco transfigured a piece of wood into a steel sword, Harry set up a boundary ward with the watching crowd safely on the other side.
Draco dismissed the charm for his bunny ears and transfigured his white suit into a more form-fitting black outfit for the sword fight. Harry took off his crown, transfiguring his own clothes to match Draco's.
They both faced each other, placing their wands in holsters at their sides. Draco's sword was longer than Harry's and only sharp on one side. Hermione nibbled her lip, worried that reach might give Draco an advantage over Harry.
Harry spun his sword, the steel making a faint swoosh as it whipped through the air. "First blood."
Hermione sucked in a breath. "Harry!" She didn't want anyone hurt.
Neither looked at her, and Draco nodded in acquiescence.
"Harry don't—" Hermione began, but her voice was cut off by the first clang of steel on steel.
Draco and Harry made a beautiful picture as they dueled. Harry's tousled black hair and green eyes versus Draco's almost white blonde hair and grey eyes. The black matching dueling outfits they wore just further highlighted their contrasts as the pace of the fight quickened.
They didn't take it easy on each other. Harry parried Draco's sword thrust, stepping forward aggressively as he searched for weak spots in Draco's defense.
Theo and Padma stood together, clutching each other as they watched wide-eyed. The crowd around them crowed with each close call of steel coming within millimeters of flesh. Even Luna looked concerned as she watched them.
Draco danced back, his sword extended as he tried to keep Harry at bay. The strength in Harry's arms was apparent through the fitted black tunic he had transfigured for the fight.
Harry lunged forward again, making Draco back up defensively until he was cornered by the ward boundary line. Their blades clashed against each other as Harry said something to Draco too low for anyone else to hear.
Draco gritted his teeth and shoved Harry off, coming at Harry in a flurry of rapid strikes; the clang of their swords echoed loudly in the dungeon.
Hermione wondered what Harry had said that seemed to upset Draco. She paid attention to every move Harry made, the hairs on her arms standing on end when Draco's sword came close to him.
The way they moved together was almost a dance— advancing and retreating — the sharp clang of steel on steel punctuating their rapid movements. It was obvious they had done this many times and were familiar with each other's moves — their swordplay was both mesmerizing and terrifying.
Theo whooped as Draco's sword slashed in front of Harry's face, yelling at Draco, "Don't ruin his pretty face or Persephone is going to punish you!"
Hermione's hand clenched on her wand as she had to restrain herself from telling them to stop. They had shown off enough.
Harry lunged into Draco's strike, coming under his guard and clipping Draco's hand so that his sword dropped with a loud clang on the floor. Blood dripped from Draco's hand as he laughed. "Rematch?"
Harry's gaze darted to Hermione's white, worried face. "Maybe some other time." He sheathed his sword at his side and took out his wand, dismissing the ward. Hermione rushed to him while Luna went toward Draco, her wand out.
"Are you hurt?" Hermione asked breathlessly, scanning Harry closely. Her hands found his arms to reassure herself by touching him, that he was whole.
"I'm not," He said softly, a reassuring curl to his mouth as he caught her hands. "I promise."
Behind them, Luna took Draco's injured hand with gentle competence. "Episkey."
"You're still too impatient," Harry told Draco, watching as the cut healed under Luna's magic.
After the blood had vanished and his skin knit back together, Draco flexed his fingers experimentally, then turned to Harry. "When there's not an opportunity, you make one."
"If you'd waited, your hand wouldn't need healing." The way they stared at each other, the air between them getting heavier, it was obvious there was an underlying meaning to their words.
Draco's lips twisted, his eyes not wavering from Harry's. "Some sacrifices can't be avoided."
The tension of the moment was broken by Theo, who bounded over excitedly, stepping between the two. "You've got to teach me how to do that."
"No." Both Harry and Draco answered firmly, making him pout.
Harry's hand shifted, pressing into the small of her back as if bracing her. Hermione was acutely aware of him, her nerves still unsettled after watching the fight. Harry leaned, murmuring only to her, "I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't." She said, although they both knew that wasn't entirely true. "You were incredible… I just… I don't want you hurt."
"Let's go—" Harry began, but there was a ripple through the crowd as someone walked toward them. The reaction of the Slytherins almost reminded Hermione of how they reacted to Harry.
A dark-haired boy with cool dark eyes strode up to them as the Slytherins parted before him. "Potter."
"Carrow," Harry responded, stepping in front of Hermione, his sword still in his hand. Draco stepped up to stand beside him.
"Pike, can't you see you're ruining the mood? Why don't you crawl back into your hole?" Theo drawled his hand tight on Padma's.
"He's waiting for you." Pike Carrow said, his focus not wavering from Harry.
Hermione felt Harry stiffen. The Slytherin crowd, which had been laughing and having fun just a few moments ago as they all watched the fight, was dead silent now, waiting to see what Harry would do.
Unease drifted through them all as the silence continued and Hermione shifted uncomfortably. Nothing like this had happened during the other party in the dungeons. Nor had she taken note of this other boy during that party.
She wouldn't forget him again— there was something cold about him— and she'd heard of the exploits of the Carrow twins during the first war.
Harry nodded slightly, and a sigh of relief went through the crowd. After a moment, people started talking again, the noise level rising back to normal.
Harry turned to Hermione, and Draco moved back toward Luna. "It's about time to wrap up tonight, isn't it?" Harry asked her.
Hermione searched his eyes — she could have sworn before Pike had come that Harry was going to suggest they go back to partying.
"Are you tired?" She asked.
"It's late." He said, avoiding answering her question. "Let me escort you back to Ravenclaw Tower."
Hermione said nothing as he tugged her through the crowd, moving swiftly. When they reached the barren second-floor hallway, she pulled her hand away from him. "Are you leaving the castle, Harry?"
The Order's request that she note what Slytherin's left the school grounds weighed heavily on her.
"I'm escorting you to your tower." He said, avoiding the question.
Hermione's heart hurt as she stared up at him. She reached for him, clutching his arms. "Don't go, Harry. Stay with me."
"Hermione—"
This time, it was she who stood on her tiptoes pressing her lips against his desperately. She didn't know how to kiss, but it didn't matter because he moaned when her lips touched his and cradled her face to his, his tongue meeting hers.
Warmth spread through as he kissed her, her heart beating rapidly while her lungs were desperate for air.
Stay with me, please, please.
He pulled away slowly, resting his forehead against hers, breathing hard. "Hermione."
"Stay with me— let's go to the astronomy tower — it's always empty— it would just be us, Harry—" She said temptingly — pleadingly.
He pulled back to look at her, his eyes searching hers, before he looked away, closing his eyes tightly. "I can't. I have to go."
"But— " Hermione's eyes stung with unshed tears.
"I have to." He repeated, grasping her and turning her so that they started walking again.
Hermione's thoughts ran in separate directions, and her stomach churned. When they reached the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room, she jerked her arm away from him, turning to face him again. "Harry—"
"The last day of school." He said quickly, reminding her of his promise to tell her everything.
What would he do when he left? She needed to know if he was going to the revel Dumbledore had described. "I'll imagine the worst." She told him softly, struggling not to cry.
He cupped her cheeks with both hands, looking down at her. "Every dream I have has you in it. I've been watching you forever. I would never do anything to risk you leaving me. Trust me, Hermione. Choose me."
Wasn't that exactly what she had thought to herself? That she chose him? God, but it felt like her soul was shriveling.
He pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. "I'll be waiting to walk you to breakfast in the morning."
And he turned and walked away from her.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
Hermione tossed and turned all night— falling asleep briefly only to wake up to nightmares of Harry being injured. When the first light peeked through the window, she jumped out of bed as quietly as possible to not disturb Padma and Luna. She got dressed quickly, intending to go wait out in the hallway for Harry or perhaps even wait for him outside the dungeon.
It was way too early for him to be awake, but her anxiety wouldn't let her sleep anyway. Maybe there would even be some Slytherin who was up super early and could let her in so she could make sure Harry was alright. Or even if they could just tell her he was there in the dorms and safe.
But when she left the Ravenclaw common room, Harry was already there, leaning against the opposite wall, his snitch in hand, waiting for her.
"Harry." She breathed, dashing toward him before stopping abruptly to inspect him closely from head to toe. "Are you injured anywhere?"
He gave her a reassuring smile, closing the distance between them to hug her. "No, I'm fine."
Hermione hugged him back tightly, trying not to cry. She'd been so worried about him, a small tremor ran through her body as if she was physically expelling her fears.
"I really am alright," He murmured softly into her hair.
Hermione nodded against his chest but didn't loosen her grip right away. Her heart still felt too fragile to let him go— she'd spent hours imagining the worst possibilities throughout the long, dark night. Hearing his heart beating against her ear was immensely reassuring. Finally, she pulled back to look at him, her hands fisted in his school robes.
"I don't want to go through that again, Harry."
"I know." He said gently, his smile fading.
Hermione just clutched him tighter, knowing he wasn't making any promises. But he was alright now, she comforted herself; he was with her now. Her breathing hitched as she slowly calmed down, worry dissolving slowly into relief so intense it made her dizzy. Harry's hand slid around the back of her head, cradling her and urging her head back so he could look at her.
"You didn't sleep," He observed, brushing the thumb of his other hand lightly along the shadows under her eyes.
Hermione shook her head. "Did you?"
"No." He said quietly. "I took a pepper up, though. I've been here a while. I wanted to make sure I'd be here when you came out."
Warmth filled her chest. The hallway was empty except for them, and the silence warmed them in a cocoon as he held her. The early morning light barely penetrated the windows, giving everything a soft glow. For a moment, it seemed like they were the only two in the world; no one else existed.
"Why don't you try to sleep a bit more?" Harry said after a beat. "I'll bring something light to you for breakfast when I walk you to class."
That sounded incredibly tempting as her relief was rapidly turning to exhaustion. Still, it would only be perhaps an hour more of sleep. "I don't know…."
Harry pressed a brief kiss to her forehead. "Go sleep, I'll be here when you get up again with some pumpkin juice and a scone."
Hermione laced her fingers through this, squeezing once, and smiled up at him as she gave in to his urging. "Okay, just a little more sleep."
Harry smiled at her, watching until the door to Ravenclaw tower closed behind her.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
Hermione felt like she had just closed her eyes and snuggled her pillow to rest a bit more when she was shaken awake abruptly. "What?" She asked groggily; she thought she'd set her alarm.
"Hermione, wake up." Padma's tense whisper pulled her into full wakefulness.
"What? What's wrong? Is Harry—"
Padma cut her off, "I don't know, but Dumbledore is waiting for you downstairs."
Hermione couldn't make sense of her words at first. "Dumbledore is waiting downstairs for me?" She asked numbly.
Padma nodded urgently. "He says he needs to talk to you immediately."
Hermione felt a chill go over her entire body. He wanted to know about Harry leaving the school and who else she knew who had left. Her stomach turned, and she swallowed hard.
"Is everything okay, Hermione? What's going on? Is this about the Order?" Padma asked in a low whisper as if Dumbledore might hear them from downstairs.
"I don't know," Hermione answered, frazzled. "Probably." She threw off the covers, and Padma moved back while she frantically freshened up.
Before she left the room, Padma caught her elbow. "Should I go with you? Should I go tell Harry?"
Hermione hesitated, then shook her head. She needed to face this on her own. She was the one who joined, and she was the one who needed to handle it.
She walked down the stairs feeling as if she had lead feet — each step felt heavy, as if her body was resisting going to face Dumbledore. She felt him brush against her mind again and braced herself in case he pushed in.
Dumbledore stood with his hands behind his back, wearing brightly colored tangerine orange robes with crimson trim. His face was as serious as she'd ever seen, and he didn't so much as twitch when he was rebuffed by her mental walls again.
"Let's go to my office, Miss Granger." He said firmly in a warm voice that wasn't at all comforting.
When she was next to him, he put his hand on her elbow as if to make sure she wouldn't escape. The walk to Dumbledore's office was the longest she'd ever experienced as dread pooled in her stomach with each step.
She couldn't keep juggling the order and Harry like this — it wasn't right— and she'd already made her choice. It was just a matter of telling the Order she quit.
That would be all — she'd tell them and leave.
However, when the passage slid shut with finality behind them, and she faced the other professors there, her heart sank. There was an accusing look in their faces — especially Moody and Snape. McGonagall and Lupin just looked really sad. Dumbledore left her in the center of the circular room and went to stand behind his desk, his hands folded. Behind him, Fawkes was silent on his perch. The whole room seemed chilly and antagonistic.
"Hermione." Dumbledore began gently. "We asked you to watch what students left the Halloween party — can you tell us who left?"
"I—I—" She began stuttering under their gaze.
Snape sneered. "Feeling guilty?"
"What?" She asked, twisting her hands in front of her. "What are you talking about?"
"Dumbledore asked you a question, girl," Moody said sharply, his magical eye whirring as it focused on her.
"I quit," Hermione said firmly, lifting her chin.
Remus Lupin looked at her with an almost pitying expression. "Do you know what you've done?"
"I didn't—"
McGonagall looked a bit sick. "There were casualties last night. On our side."
Hermione drew in a sharp breath. "From the raid?"
Dumbledore nodded. "The raid did not go as cleanly as anticipated. In fact, it was almost like they anticipated us."
"What?" Hermione asked faintly, forgetting herself, and met Dumbledore's eyes. She heard the accusation in his voice.
"How convenient," Moody said as he stepped closer to her, dragging his peg leg slightly behind him. "That you find out about a raid and suddenly, after it occurs with losses on our side, you want to quit. Who did you tell, girl?"
"I didn't tell anyone," Hermione said, trying not to let her voice shake as her chest tightened.
"Anyone at all, Hermione?" Dumbledore studied her face closely. "Friends, classmates… boyfriends?"
"No!" Hermione repeated more forcefully. "I didn't tell anyone."
Moody took another step toward her, and it took all her willpower not to back away from him. Her hands fisted, and she wished she had her wand, but in the rush downstairs and her exhaustion, she'd left it in her room.
"This fight requires constant vigilance. Against the enemies out there…and the ones in here," Moody said gruffly, taking out a small crystal vial from his coat. The liquid inside shimmered, silvery and thick. She recognized it instantly. Veritaserum. "I don't trust ya, girlie."
"I'm not lying, and I'm not taking that." Her eyes burned, and her heart was in her throat.
"Be a good girl, and open your mouth." Moody came closer, his hand shooting out to grasp her throat harshly.
Beyond him, Dumbledore's wand lifted.
"No!" Dumbledore's nonverbal spell wrapped around her like invisible hands, forcing her jaw open despite her resistance. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the potion was poured into her mouth, making her gag and choke—her body still locked in place, gripped by Moody.
The veritaserum spread through her body like a rush of ice, freezing along her veins. The cold squeezed her lungs, making it hard to breathe. The only sound in the room was Hermione's choked breathing as they waited for the veritaserum to take effect. Finally, after what seemed an interminable wait, Dumbledore began to speak.
"Hermione Granger." Dumbledore began. "Did you, by any means, tell anyone about the Halloween raid?"
"No." The potion squeezed the answer out of her at once. "I didn't tell anyone!"
"Did you hint at it?" Moody asked. "Imply danger? Locations? Timing?"
"I—I — " Her chest burned as she admitted. "I asked Harry to stay with me last night."
McGonagall made a soft, sad sound.
"So you saw Harry Potter leave Hogwarts?"
"No. I didn't."
Moody frowned. "Why did you want him to stay with you then?"
The answer struggled past her lips as there had been several reasons why she hadn't wanted Harry to leave last night. "I wanted to spend time with him in the astronomy tower." She finally gasped.
Snape made a disgusted sound.
"Did you see anyone leave the castle?" Remus asked.
"No." She choked.
"Useless," Snape muttered, and McGonagall hushed him sharply.
Dumbledore waved his wand, and Moody released his hold at the same time, and she collapsed on the floor, tears streaming down her face. "You drugged me!"
Moody's expression was unforgiving as he stared down at her. "You'd better not go anywhere you'll be asked questions for the next twelve hours. The effects will linger, making you honest for at least a little longer."
The words were like blows, and she inhaled shakily and stumbled to her feet. Hermione wiped her face with the back of her hand as she met Dumbledore's unreadable gaze. "What, you're not going to try to read my mind again?"
"Miss Granger—" Dumbledore began in a conciliatory voice as if he were dealing with someone mental.
"No! I should never have agreed to your plan — I should have never joined the Order!" Hermione said, fury blazing.
Dumbledore had the gall to look sorrowful. "Hermione…"
Dumbledore trailed off and sighed sadly, as if she was the one who had disappointed him. The room fell silent as they all stared at her. Only McGonagall looked remorseful, but she hadn't spoken out to prevent it from happening, and she didn't speak out now to Hermione. Her silence cut like a knife as the rest of them watched her with suspicion.
"I refuse to be part of an organization that I don't believe in anymore. You think you're helping muggleborns but you're doing nothing! You have everybody walking on tiptoes, trying to use coded language for a 'quiet war' — when it's not! It's just a war, and you're losing because your strategy is bollocks!" Hermione said her voice rose until she ended on a high, shrill note.
"Miss Granger!" McGonagall snapped at her language.
Hermione could barely look at her.
"No," She said with quiet rage, her voice shaking, "I'm done."
As she turned and made for the door, her whole body trembled as though she might come apart at any moment. No one behind her spoke as she left the Headmaster's office. Hermione would have collapsed in the corridor outside if Padma hadn't been waiting for her.
"What happened?" Padma asked frantically as she grasped her, holding her up.
The veritaserum made Hermione spill the whole tale.
Padma's eyes glittered, and her face slowly turned crimson as she listened with growing fury. The first thing she did was cast a tongue-tying curse so Hermione couldn't speak and answer something she didn't want to because she had no choice.
"I'll get you to our room and tell everyone you're sick."
Hermione wondered what Harry would say to that, but couldn't tell Padma anything through the tongue tying curse.
Padma muscled her through the hallways quicker than Hermione would have thought possible, helping her to their room.
"Don't worry, it will wear off soon, I hope, depending on how strong the dosage was," Padma said, running a hand through her hair, mussing up the normally pristine black locks.
Hermione nodded, wiping away a stray tear as she went and sat on her bed.
Padma stood there for a moment before nodding and straightening her shoulders. "Those bastards." She muttered under her breath before saying louder. "We'll come by and check on you during lunch — we can do a quick check to see if it's worn off by then."
Hermione nodded sadly and watched her go. Hopefully, Harry wouldn't be too worried.
OOOoooOOOOoooOOOO
When Hermione lay down, she thought she'd never be able to sleep. Her entire body felt like it was falling off the edge of a cliff, all her nerves stretched taut by what they had done to her. But despite everything, she must have dozed almost immediately; the lack of sleep and trauma must have taken their toll as she was out not long after Padma left. The next thing she knew, she was being woken by hard knocks on the window of her room.
She sat up and looked around her bed's canopy to see the concerned face of Harry Potter floating outside her window - probably one hundred feet in the air.
With the tongue-tying curse still in effect, she could only squeak loudly as she ran to the window to let him in.
When the lock gave under her anxious fingers, she gave a sigh of relief, yanking the window open and practically dragging him inside by the lapel of his robe. Harry gave a small laugh as he came through the window confidently, like it was just a regular door. He brushed back his hair, mussed by the wind, and placed his broom against the wall next to the window before turning to look at her.
"Padma told me you were sick—" He cut off abruptly, his eyes widening as he took her appearance in.
Hermione self-consciously tried to straighten her clothes, which were wrinkled from sleeping in them. She couldn't do anything about her appearance — her pale face and reddened eyes from crying. Her normally bushy hair hung limply down her back. Harry took each detail in, stiffening.
He met her eyes, and she could see he knew something bad had happened to her.
The amiable expression slid off his face, and his jaw hardened. His eyes, which just a second ago had seemed happy, were cold and empty. A chill seemed to roll off him as he stared, the air sharp with ozone and his barely contained rage. Even though Hermione knew she had nothing to fear from him, she shivered at the menace he projected.
"Who—" He asked his voice razor sharp and almost soundless, the threat worse than if he had shouted. " —did this to you?"
She hesitated, then mumbled something, pointing to her mouth. His eyes darkened to almost black as he realized she was under the tongue-tying curse. Harry waved his wand, stepping close to her and holding her elbows with exquisite gentleness as if she would break apart at the wrong move from him.
"Who?"
The whole story was coming up like a big ball stuck in her throat that she tried to fight. "Harry—" she choked, and his grip tightened. She couldn't stop herself from telling him everything. Getting taken by Dumbledore — the Order forcing the veritaserum down her throat — confessing how she'd told them she'd tried to get Harry to stay with her last night.
Harry stared at her for several moments after she finished, then said, utterly calm. "I'm going to kill them. Dumbledore. Moody. Anyone who stood there and watched as that was done to you. I don't care what their stupid agenda is — I'm going to burn the Order down."
The window behind them rattled in its frame as his magic surged, a breeze blowing past them.
Hermione flinched but didn't back away, coming even closer and wrapping her arms around him. "Harry." He looked at her, but his gaze was unfocused as if he was already picturing what he was going to do to them. "Look at me, Harry."
Hermione struggled not to cry, knowing it would only cement his intentions. "I don't want you killing anyone, Harry. They're not worth it."
His hands spread out on her back, bracing her as if he sensed how close to tears she was. His jaw tightened as he shook his head. "They violated you. They hurt you—"
"I quit." Hermione cut in, her voice cracking. "You asked me to choose you— I did— I quit the order."
That seemed to shock him, and his eyes widened. "What?"
"I quit the Order." She repeated. "You told me last night to choose you, and I did, Harry. I do. You're the only one that has my loyalty."
He walked her backward until the backs of her knees bumped her bed, and she sat down with a hard bounce. He followed her down, sinking to his knees in front of her and folding forward, his forehead resting against her knees as a shaky breath left him. "You chose me."
Hermione slowly stroked her hand through his messy black locks. "Yes."
He stayed there unmoving, as if her words had taken the rage from him and left him spiraling. She knew it wasn't gone forever, but she was grateful it was gone for now.
'You chose me." He said again, quieter this time, as if he needed to verify it.
Hermione nodded even though he wasn't looking at her. "Yes." Her fingers were combing soothingly through his hair. A fine tremor ran through his body, just enough that she could feel it as she touched him.
His hands circled her briefly, squeezing tight before loosening again. He finally looked up at her, his green eyes stormy. There was something raw and frighteningly vulnerable in his gaze. He looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered in the world. "They had no right." He said hoarsely. "No one gets away with forcing you to do anything."
"I don't want more violence." She whispered. "Not from you. Not because of me."
He stiffened. "It's not violence. It's justice."
"It's wrong, Harry, and I don't want you hurting people in my name."
He stared at her, searching her face, his fists clenched on either side of her. "I can't let this go, Hermione—"
Hermione cupped his cheek. "Please."
Harry exhaled and shifted closer to her, resting his cheek against her knee instead of his forehead. "You should have called me." He murmured.
"I wanted to, but I wanted to handle it myself, too." She gave a self-deprecating laugh. "I was wrong."
His thumb brushed lightly over her knee. "Next time." He said, his voice low and firm. "You don't face them alone— ever."
Hermione nodded. "All right."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The wind whistled past the open window, and there was a faint scratching at the door that was probably Crookshanks asking to be let in. Their breathing steadied, catching each other's rhythm. Inhale and exhale.
Inhale and exhale together.
Harry straightened at last, still kneeling before her. "If I killed them anyway, would you leave me?"
Hermione blinked, her heart sinking a little bit. Maybe for someone else it would have been hyperbole, but with Harry, she knew he meant it. And she didn't want their deaths on her conscience. "Harry—"
"Fine." He said, immediately having read the answer in her face. "But then I want —"
"Harry.." Hermione said, cutting him off and stroking along his cheek. "You don't have to bargain for what you want with me. Just ask."
He stared at her and seemed to wrestle with his words, the tone still more of a demand than a request. "I want to stay with you until the veritaserum wears off, to make sure no one takes advantage."
Something in her chest melted.
Harry reached up, hesitated, then laid his hand over hers, keeping it pressed against his cheek as he waited for her answer.
"…Okay." She said, finally feeling safe after everything that had happened.