Chapter 11
Hermione found the days that followed Pettigrew's death strange. Being the focus of Harry's attention was warm and pleasurable— yet at the same time, everything else was unsettling. They visited the Malfoys several times and would have completely normal conversations about the holidays that would somehow segue to political machinations and death.
The constant snowfall since that fateful day just amplified the strange dichotomy. The flurries were unrelenting, burying them in mounds of white and muffling the outside world until it felt like they were in their own pocket universe, cut loose from the wider world.
Hermione found herself sleeping much more than her usual habit. Normally, she only needed a few hours of sleep to recharge and woke up bright and early. But all her energy was sucked away by late nights in Harry's arms, interspersed with dueling and plotting.
Now that they'd taken the step of having sex, there was always a banked heat in Harry's gaze when he looked at her— and she knew with the slightest signal he'd eagerly lead her back to bed.
When she woke up after these sensual interludes, Harry was always there next to her — no matter how late she woke or how long her nap.
He would either be sleeping curled around her possessively, his face relaxed and happy, or he'd be awake already watching her. His eyes were so intense in those moments that it was difficult to meet his gaze. There was something unsettling about the way he looked at her — not just the love and possessiveness which she'd become accustomed to — but there was also an almost reverence for her in his expression.
Despite herself, it drew her— and her heart craved the depth of his regard.
They spent mornings and afternoons arguing over strategy and training. Their days ended in nights tangled in bed together and trying everything Harry or Hermione could think of — and they could think of quite a lot.
It disconcerted Hermione how easy it all was— casually moving on from murder to stepping into the role of co-conspirator with Harry.
Her understanding of Harry grew both in bed and out of it. He'd always seemed quite direct in his predilection for torture and murder, almost reckless in his disregard for rules. However, his plot to overthrow Voldemort was careful and methodical— not reckless at all. Harry had been scheming for years, slowly sowing discord amongst Voldemort's followers — turning loyalties and waiting patiently like a snake in the grass until he had enough power and information to make victory a surety.
Luna's assessment, so many months ago, of Harry being an ambush predator who waited for the right moment had been right on target.
Hermione was the one who had derailed their careful planning by killing Pettigrew. Pettigrew's death was an escalation Harry hadn't counted on — and the dark lord likely would not leave the country, taking away an opportunity Harry had planned to exploit to obtain a Horcrux he suspected to be in an ancestral home related to Voldemort.
Now, they would have to retrieve one of the Horcruxes right under Voldemort's nose. The current plan was to wait until Easter break to let some of the suspicions die down before making their next move.
Harry and Hermione had debated with the Malfoys about the logic of returning to Hogwarts. The consensus had been that, as incongruous as it might seem, Hogwarts really was the safest and best place for them to be while they waited for the time to strike.
Harry had been the last holdout to agree to that plan, and Hermione knew it was because he'd rather have her stashed in the safe house than at Hogwarts.
"Fine." Harry had stated grudgingly after several hours of arguing. "We will return to Hogwarts after the holiday — Voldemort does fear Dumbledore and would look at us with less suspicion if we returned when the term resumed like normal."
Lucius nodded. "The longer we can delay coming into the open against the dark lord, the better our position once we do."
Draco, who had been slashing a sword at a practice dummy he had set up in the background, called out. "Dumbledore is not a fool, though. He'll have heard of Pettigrew's death and will be watching us like a hawk."
They all glanced at Hermione, and she struggled not to cringe under their regard. She felt like the potential weak link under Dumbledore's thumb.
She straightened her shoulders. "I think… at this point in time, Dumbledore's priority is getting me back into the fold — he doesn't realize that's pointless, and until he does, he won't take any action against me that he thinks might scare me off."
Lucius regarded her with sharp, assessing eyes. "Dumbledore's greatest weakness has always been his bizarre belief in his own infallibility. I doubt he'd be even able to conceive of you working with us, which is a blind spot we can take advantage of if needed."
Hermione worked hard on keeping her face tranquil at Lucius's statement. Working with Harry was one thing — but Lucius Malfoy was another. Even though it was true.
Harry's jaw tightened. "I still don't like it. I'm not with you all the time — if Dumbledore tries something— "
"I'll take care not to be found alone," Hermione assured him.
Draco slashed his sword across the dummy's sternum. "It's only a few more months — and now we have Carrow in our pocket— one less thing to worry about."
Lucius straightened, hearing that, and turned to Harry. "You gained Pike Carrow?"
Hermione perked up— Harry had never told her what had happened with Pike Carrow after she left that day in the dark forest.
Harry gave a slow, cold smile. "It didn't require much— I just gave him some clarity on his future."
Hermione frowned. "Clarity?"
"About who would lead if something should happen to Voldemort," Harry said.
Draco and Lucius laughed. Lucius tapped the table in a sharp rhythm. "He mistook your subservience to the dark lord for weakness."
Harry's mouth curved. "Yes. It was fun educating him. In the end, he pledged his loyalty to me."
"You made him take the unbreakable vow?" Draco asked.
"I took all their vows— they are ours now."
Hermione studied Harry's expression, and a faint chill went down her spine at his coldness.
Lucius nodded. "Impressive. Then all of Slytherin is now under your control?"
"Yes."
Lucius continued tapping on the table, thinking. "We just have to be careful with our leverage — no one will throw away their family line — even for the dark lord."
Silence settled over the room. Harry's hand found Hermione's, giving her a reassuring squeeze, but his gaze was focused on Lucius. "Yes — even with our timetable sped up a little— we are in a good position to start bringing about the end of Voldemort."
"Good riddance," Draco uttered viciously, and swiping his sword across the neck of his practice dummy. The head rolled across the sitting room.
Christmas Day dawned with perfect weather — small flurries drifting down, making the outside world look idyllic. Hermione found the idyll disorienting, given that her Christmas vacation had been murder with a side of plotting to overthrow the dark lord.
Harry had woken her up by making love to her — kissing her all over until she felt there wasn't an inch of skin left untouched by his lips.
Afterward, Hermione lay cuddled up to him, her eyes closed tightly while she tried to ignore the reality outside their safe house.
Harry nuzzled her, his hands roaming her body possessively. "Don't you want to get up and open your presents?"
Hermione opened one eye to stare at him. "Presents?"
He pressed a kiss to her nose. "Presents." He confirmed.
Hermione sat up, opening both eyes. "Oh — got you presents too. They're still in my bag." She muttered, blushing. They were probably squished by now.
Harry's eyes sparkled as he grinned at her, and he jumped off the bed before bending over to lift her into his arms.
"Harry!" Hermione yelped, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"We can get my presents later. Let's go open yours."
And despite her protests, he carried her downstairs to the main sitting room, where a large Christmas tree had been set up with presents nestled beneath it.
He sat down at the base of the tree, sitting her in front of him, his legs on either side of her. He reached for a rectangular present first. "Open this one."
Hermione hesitated, looking back at him before turning around with a smile when he just grinned at her. His excitement was contagious, and she felt her reservations washing away.
The wrapping paper fell away to reveal a leather-bound book with her initials etched in intricate gold lettering on the front.
"I've seen these!" She said excitedly, caressing the book's cover. It was a diary enchanted so that only it could be read by the owner — you could write anything in it, knowing it would always be safe from anyone else's gaze.
Harry rested his chin on her shoulder. "You like it?"
"I love it," Hermione replied, hugging it to herself.
Harry smiled happily, tugging the diary away from her and pulling forward another present. Hermione unwrapped it, revealing a dark green cashmere jumper. Harry hugged her from behind, "You look beautiful in green."
"Slytherin green?" Hermione asked wryly, patting the soft fabric.
"All kinds of green, but especially Slytherin green." Harry left it on her lap and reached for a smaller square box. "Now this one."
"Harry— you've given me so much already—"
Harry shook his head. "Not nearly enough." He teased. "Open it."
Hermione bit her lip and lifted the lid of the little box. Inside was a delicate silver chain with a pendant shaped like a bolt of lightning, just like his scar. She lifted it up carefully, her fingers brushing the cool metal, and looked back at him. "It's —
"A portkey."
"A portkey?" Her fingers traced the smooth curves of the pendant, the lightning bolt catching the morning light.
"Yes, you just have to say the activation phrase." Harry tightened his hold on her, his hand covering hers on the lightning bolt. "Ready?"
Hermione gave a soft laugh as he squeezed her. "Ready."
He leaned down closer to her and whispered in her ear. "Virgo."
Hermione yelped as reality twisted around them, and it felt like something hooked into her belly, pulling her forward. The room spun, and suddenly they were falling together — Harry's arms tight around her as they fell into his bed upstairs.
"Oh god." She groaned as Harry laughed behind her. "That is so much worse than apparating."
Harry rolled her to her back, pulling the necklace from her hands and fixing it around her neck. "Now you'll always be safe — even if I'm not there." He whispered as he clasped it shut.
"I don't like the idea of planning for you not being there," Hermione murmured, staring up at him.
Harry's thumb brushed the hollow of her throat where the chain rested. "I don't intend for that to happen." He paused. "But fortune favors the prepared. Promise me if you're ever in trouble, you'll use it, no hesitation."
Hermione nodded, swallowing. "I promise."
He nodded, satisfied before leaning down to press a slow kiss to her mouth. He pulled back with a familiar heat in his eyes. "Merry Christmas, love."
"Merry Christmas," She echoed, slipping her arms around his shoulders. She leaned forward and kissed his chin. "I still need my turn to give you my gifts."
"Mmm," Harry murmured, following her lips. "Maybe afterward."
"Afterward?"
Harry shifted, settling between her thighs. "You look beautiful wearing that necklace." He kissed her collarbone. "But then you always look beautiful to me."
"Harry." Hermione squirmed under him.
He pinned her easily, his hips pressing down and his cock sliding against her. "Wrap your legs around me." When she did, he rolled in the bed, turning so he was on the bottom, and she was straddling him. "Let's try it this way." He tilted his hips up, rocking her on him, and her eyes widened at the sensation. "Yes?"
Hermione bit her lip at the feeling of being on top, the idea of setting the pace making her nipples tighten. Harry had always been on top before… "Yes," she agreed huskily, reaching for the bottom of her shirt and pulling it off, leaving the silver necklace gleaming between her bare breasts.
Harry growled at the sight, his hands squeezing her hips, urging her upwards so he could kick off his trousers, then wiggle out of his own shirt. Hermione laughed as she was bounced lightly on top of him from his movements.
There was a brief moment when both of them fumbled to get into position — eagerness making them clumsy. Then she was on her knees with his cock pointing up at her— slowly lowering herself on him.
"Bloody fucking hell," Harry murmured, his eyes fixed on watching his cock disappear inside her.
The angle made him feel so different inside her— looking down at him — watching the sex drunk expression on his face — it made her feel so powerful. The lightning bolt was cool against her hot skin—a reminder of his possessiveness and his promise to keep her safe.
His fingers dug into her hips, urging her to move. "Hermione, please, move for me." His voice was ragged, his dark green eyes fixed on where their bodies joined.
She was clumsy at first, experimenting with different movements. Grinding down on him and rolling her hips, trying to find that rhythm that would let them chase that little death.
She gasped when his cock stroked her inside perfectly with a fast and shallow bounce. Her breasts swayed with the movement of her hips.
"Like that," Harry encouraged, his hands urging her to mimic the movement again, harder on the downward motion so his cock went even deeper.
The bed creaked in time with their movements, and her necklace swung between her breasts like a pendulum, marking the rhythm of their lovemaking.
Their pace quickened, and Hermione braced her hands on Harry's chest as he began to thrust upward to meet her thrusts, making her grunt as she was bounced on top of him.
Hermione gritted her teeth, throwing back her head, her curls streaming down her back as she chased her pleasure, feeling Harry's hard muscles against her hands and his cock moving roughly inside her.
"Harry." She said breathlessly as it slammed into her unexpectedly, and she stiffened on top of him, her body jerking. His hold was the only thing that kept her from sliding off as stars burst behind her eyelids.
Her pussy squeezed him as she came, and he gave a hoarse shout— drawn into an orgasm. He thrust upward again, his muscles trembling as he emptied himself into her.
For a long time, the only sound in the room was their ragged breathing as Hermione collapsed on top of him. Deciding she earned it, this time she licked his chest. She could feel his heart hammering under her tongue.
It was fabulous.
Harry's chest jerked at the contact, and he groaned, shifting so they were lying side by side. His eyes were warm as they met hers. "This is the best Christmas I've ever had."
Hermione laughed and leaned forward to press a light kiss to his lips. "And think you haven't even opened your presents."
Harry smiled, his hands curving possessively around her. "I already have the best one."
The night before they were set to return to Hogwarts, Hermione hid from Harry in the bathroom, pacing back and forth in front of the toilet.
The idea of telling Padma and Luna she'd killed someone turned her stomach, and yet the thought of hiding it from them made her feel even worse. What would they think of the choices she had made?
They both knew she intended to spend time with Harry over Christmas break and sleep with him — they'd expect details.
Well, Padma. Luna. I stayed with my parents until they gave me an ultimatum to either play along with their matchmaking or leave. I left and…. Harry came for me. We never made it to the boat — we went to his house instead, where we slept together, and he used the imperious curse to make sure I didn't experience any pain for my first time. Oh, then I killed someone who was torturing him a few days later. Now I'm plotting with Harry and the Malfoys to overthrow he who must not be named! How were your holidays?
Hermione fisted her hands in her curls. "I can't do it!"
"Do what?" Came from the other side of the door.
Hermione stopped, her mouth dropping open. "Are you listening to me in the bathroom?"
"I could hear you stomping back and forth from the bedroom. I was concerned."
Hermione stared at the door for a moment, not knowing what to say.
"Do you want to let me in?"
Hermione swallowed, then sighed, her shoulders sagging. She crossed the unreasonably large bathroom floor to unlock the door.
Harry opened it swiftly, his eyes inspecting her from head to toe. "You know we don't have to go back to Hogwarts — if you're worried about Dumbledore—"
"No— no, that's not what I'm worried about." Hermione cut him off, running a stressed hand through her curls.
"Then what's wrong?"
Hermione looked at him, tears filling her eyes. "I don't know how I'm going to face Luna and Padma. What if they look at me differently knowing I killed someone?"
"You don't owe them anything — you don't have to tell them—"
"Yes, I do." Hermione countered immediately. "I don't want to lie to them; they're my best friends."
"If they are truly your best friends, then they will understand—"
"What if they're afraid of me?" Hermione asked, her lip quivering.
"Love." Harry came closer to her, pulling her into his arms. "You're the last person who would be cruel— you killed to protect me, because you couldn't stand to see me hurt— and they know that about you. Luna especially knows your protective streak."
"But what if—"
"Hermione." Harry gave her a gentle shake. "You don't need to answer anything, and you don't need to lie. You can just say your holiday was complicated — that you're not ready to talk about it. There doesn't have to be this dramatic showdown you're envisioning tomorrow."
Hermione searched his face— Harry seemed as confident as always. Taking the dramatic change in their relationship — in his plans — in stride. A few seconds passed as they stared at each other, and her tension eased just a fraction.
Eventually, Harry leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "Come to bed, Hermione. I promise everything will be fine with Luna and Padma."
"You can't promise that." She whispered to him.
"I can. And I did." Harry said quietly, firmly.
Hermione exhaled, the knot in her chest loosening. Harry couldn't really promise Luna and Padma would be okay with who she was now or the path she'd taken.
But his promise was still soothing. Because she knew no matter what she did — no matter what happened, Harry would be beside her.
Hermione kept a tight hold on Harry's hand for moral support when they boarded the train back to Hogwarts. They were among the last to arrive, so the train was already full when they boarded and began looking for a compartment.
They were going down the narrow aisle looking for their friends when Padma leaned out of one compartment and spotted them. "Hermione! Over here!"
Hermione's breath caught, and her hand tightened even further on Harry.
He tensed behind her. "You don't have to—"
"I do," Hermione said quietly. She wasn't going to lie to her friends about who she was — or what she was going to do. She turned to him, trying to put on a brave face because she knew he wouldn't leave her otherwise. "I need to talk to them alone."
Harry studied her face for a long, fraught moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'll be close."
Hermione squeezed his hand before letting go and making her way to Padma. Padma looked from her to Harry, who had remained still, watching them further down the aisle. "Harry's not coming? There's enough room."
Hermione shook her head, "I asked him to give us some time alone."
Padma's eyes widened. "Oh." She said as she moved back, flopping into the chair with a small puff of air.
Luna put down a copy of the Quibbler and looked at Hermione inquisitively. "Is everything okay, Hermione?"
Padma leaned forward and wiggled her eyebrows. "How was the boat?"
Hermione sat down across from them and clasped her hands so they wouldn't tremble. Luna's quick blue eyes noted the action. Her stomach somersaulted. "Well…" She gave a shaky laugh. "We never made it to the boat."
Padma's cheerful expression slowly morphed into something sharper and angrier. "What happened? Did Harry do something to you?"
Hermione's head jerked toward her. "No! I mean— well — Harry didn't do anything I didn't want him to do." She finished with burning cheeks.
Luna frowned. "Why do you seem so sad and scared? You can tell us what happened, Hermione. We can help you."
Hermione swallowed hard, her eyes smarting at Luna's reassurance. "I don't know how to say this — I can barely believe it myself, I just—" She trailed off, and both her friends watched her tensely.
"I slept with— made love to Harry." She said abruptly, looking away from her friends. "It was —wonderful— so wonderful." Tears glittered on her lashes. "But then — it happened so fast, you see—"
She choked and cleared her throat, still trying to avoid looking at Luna and Padma, and fixed her gaze on the window and the scenery rolling by so swiftly. "I'm explaining this so poorly." She could feel herself unraveling and gave a watery laugh. She'd known this confession would be hard, but she hadn't anticipated being so completely unable to keep her composure. Her hands clenched into fists. "After everything, we decided to go to Diagon Alley and window shop. It was — it was fun, but then we were cutting through a narrow path between two shops when this man came out — Peter Pettigrew—"
Luna sucked in a sharp breath, fisting the Quibbler in her hands. Hermione looked at her and saw the knowledge in her blue eyes. Luna knew Pettigrew had been murdered.
Hermione finished her confession on a quick breath. "He attacked Harry, and I killed him. I didn't even — I don't know, I just wanted him to stop hurting Harry and —" She broke off with a soft sob.
Padma stared at her, her mouth slightly open. "Are you telling me you murdered someone?"
Hermione's control shattered at the question, and tears streamed down her cheeks. With Harry, everything was different— the world was different — her perception of herself changed. But now with Luna and Padma, she was who she had always been — an overachiever with a passion for rules and helping others. Not someone who in a million years would use the death curse. Hermione pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to muffle her sobs as her shoulders shook.
"I didn't— mean to— k—kill him." She said, crying harder, her body swaying slightly as the train rocked beneath them, the passing of tracks punctuating her sobs.
Both Padma and Luna jumped up and cuddled in on either side of her, wrapping their arms around her.
"Oh Merlin," Padma murmured fiercely. "Oh, Hermione."
"I'm s-so scared you'll hate me now," Hermione said, each word interrupted by a harsh sob.
"I read about Pettigrew — about what they suspect he's done with you know who," Luna said softly. "If he was torturing someone I loved, I would have done anything to stop him, too, Hermione."
Padma tightened her arms around Hermione. "I'd never hate you. I'm just so worried about you, Hermione. What does this mean for you now?"
Luna pulled back, studying Hermione's crying face. "What did Harry say?"
Hermione clutched onto Padma. "Harry thinks that rules don't apply to certain people— and I'm one of those people."
Luna tilted her head, considering that. "It may not be a moral view, but it's a realistic one. Powerful people have always been able to escape the consequences of their actions. But you don't believe that, do you?"
Hermione shook her head. "Sometimes when I'm with him …. I think I do… I killed someone, and nothing has happened to me. No Aurors dragging me off." Hermione winced at her own statement. "Sometimes I don't even know who I am anymore."
Padma squeezed her. "I don't approve of killing. It seems wrong to me."
Hermione jerked in her arms, but Padma held tight.
"But I know you. You're Hermione Granger. My best friend. Luna's best friend. Brilliant. Stubborn. And willing to protect the people you love." Padma shrugged against her. "I could never think less of you or hate you."
Hermione let out a long shuddering breath, her forehead dropping against Padma's shoulder. "I really, really love you guys. I don't think I could bear to lose either of you."
"What kind of friends would we be to turn you away because you protected Harry and killed a bad person?" Padma asked passionately. "I wanted to kill the Order myself for what they did to you."
Luna ran a soft hand through Hermione's curls. "You're changing—growing— and sometimes that's frightening. But it doesn't mean it's bad, Hermione, or that you're bad."
Hermione pulled back from Padma with a long sigh, finally wiping away the tears on her cheeks. "What does it mean then, Luna?"
Luna was quiet long enough that both Padma and Hermione looked at her inquiringly. Finally, she gave a gentle smile. "That no one should hurt the people you love."
Harry didn't get any time alone with Hermione after the train. He could tell her conversation with Luna and Padma had probably gone well. She'd given him a sincere, reassuring smile after the train, but he caught the trace of redness in her eyes that told him she'd probably cried.
But Harry wanted more than a rushed, silent, reassuring exchange as they settled back into Hogwarts. He wanted all the details of the conversation; he wanted time alone with Hermione, like he'd grown accustomed to already during the Christmas break.
So he waited until after curfew and snuck out of the Slytherin rooms under his invisibility cloak with his broomstick in hand.
He told himself if her window was locked, he'd leave it until the next day — but if it was open, he'd sneak and talk to her tonight. Luck was with him, though, as he hovered over a hundred feet in the air and slowly eased open the window of the dorm room Hermione shared with Padma and Luna.
As silent as a whisper, he hopped in, partially invisible as he pushed his cloak back from his head. He propped his broom quietly against the open window for a quick getaway later. Hermione's bed was furthest from the window, and her blue curtains were pulled shut.
Harry only made it halfway across the room when a loud purr made him wince. Crookshanks weaved through his feet. He leaned down and petted the half-kneazle softly. "I'm just going to visit with her a little bit, Crookshanks."
As if the cat understood, it flicked its tail at him before walking away towards a desk near Hermione's bed, then jumped up and tucked into a loaf, watching him.
Harry smiled at the cat and then walked the rest of the way to Hermione's bed. He pulled back her curtain soundlessly. Hermione was lying on her side, and moonlight filtered in, making her dark brown hair appear paler where it caught the moonlight. She was wearing silky blue pajamas that were soft to the touch.
Harry sat carefully on the edge of her bed. "Hermione." He whispered, touching her shoulder.
Her eyes opened instantly. She stiffened for a brief moment, then the shock melted into something softer and warmer. "Harry."
She scooted backward in her bed, making room for him, and he kicked off his shoes before joining her, casting notice me nots and silencing charms before pulling her bed curtains closed.
Then he turned to her, leaning forward to press his lips against hers. Softly at first, telling her wordlessly he missed having her to himself, before he deepened the kiss and slid his tongue into her mouth.
Hermione made a little moan when he licked the inside of her mouth. He was starving for her. It took him a minute to pull back from her, taking all his willpower to stop from trying to seduce her here in her dorm room with Luna and Padma just feet away. He knew she wouldn't like that. So Harry broke the kiss slowly, reluctantly, and they both were breathing hard as he rested his forehead against hers.
"You shouldn't be here, Harry." She said quietly.
"I know." He said equally quietly. "But I didn't get the chance to make sure everything was okay after you talked to Luna and Padma."
Hermione cuddled close to him. "You know it was."
"Still." He said. "I wanted to hear it from you." He adjusted their position so that her head rested on his shoulder as they lay together. "What did they say when you told them?"
Hermione made a soft sound of agreement. "They weren't mad or afraid of me at all. They understood everything."
"I'm glad."
Hermione smiled at him, and the silence settled for a moment. Harry gave a soft exhale, enjoying her softness against him. He'd already grown accustomed to having her next to him at night, and the next few months at Hogwarts were going to be tough staying away from her.
He could feel her breasts pressed against him through her pajamas, and to get his mind off taking things further with her, he told her, " I read the Daily Prophet today."
Hermione stiffened slightly against him. "They mentioned Pettigrew?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. The article was interesting. I've known for years that Pettirew was responsible for my parents' murders. What I didn't know was that someone else actually went to Azkaban for it. A wizard named Sirius Black."
"Harry…" Hermione trailed off, hugging him tighter.
"Black is Narcissa's cousin— she rarely talks about her family— not that I've ever blamed her after knowing Bellatrix."
"Do you think Black had something to do with your parents' murders, too?"
"No." Harry was sure on this point. "If he had been helping the dark lord, he wouldn't have been sent to Azkaban."
"What are you thinking?"
Harry shrugged. "Maybe all this is over, I should look him up— see where he fits into my past."
"After it's over," Hermione repeated quietly.
The words sounded almost unreal to him, even saying them. After so many years, the end was finally in sight. And he wouldn't even be alone — he'd be with Hermione. For a moment, he let himself imagine that future. The future where they feared no one. Where power was held firmly in their grasp.
A future where Harry could propose to her— where it wouldn't just be his necklace on her — it would be his ring on her finger. He hadn't talked to her about it yet — but she loved him — he knew she'd say yes— he just had to make it through the final battle.
Hermione shifted when he stayed quiet. "What?" She whispered.
"I was just thinking it's so close— the end of this war." He paused. "I was thinking about what comes after." He let out a quiet breath and leaned down to kiss her again, deeper and hungrier than the first kiss.
"Harry…" Hermione said uncertainly, her eyes darting to the side when he broke the kiss. "We can't do anything— "
"I put a silencing charm on your bed." He teased her.
Even in the darkness, Hermione's blush was obvious. "I'm not going to make love to you with my friends just a few feet away—"
They were interrupted abruptly by a voice amplified by a sonorous charm that cut through her words. "Ravenclaws! Wake up, Ravenclaws!" Harry recognized Flitwick's voice as he continued. "All Ravenclaws are to dress immediately and proceed to the Great Hall. Prefects, please begin escorting students at once to the Great Hall."
Harry frowned, and Hermione's eyes widened. "Harry, you need to leave now." She said, anxiously sitting up and looking around.
"I'll come around to the front and meet you in the corridors," Harry told her, wondering why Flitwick was asking Ravenclaws to go to the Great Hall. With that promise, Harry jumped up, hiding under his cloak just as Luna and Padma started stirring in the beds. He grabbed his broom and jumped out of the window, leaving the same way he'd gotten in.
Hermione made it out of the Ravenclaw common room fifteen minutes later with Luna and Padma. They emerged into a chaotic scene in the corridors. Students emerged in various stages of dress while the Prefects tried to direct them to the Great Hall. Teachers were stationed on different floors while the castle ghosts patrolled above their heads.
Hermione had barely made it down the first corridor when Harry grabbed her hand tightly. She jumped at his quick appearance. "Harry, do you know—"
His face was grim as he looked at her, pulling her to the side to talk to her quietly. "It was Bellatrix. She broke in and tried to get to the dungeons."
Hermione flinched. "But why—"
"I don't know. She probably has her own suspicions about Pettigrew — the real question is if she's acting on her own or if at Voldemort's direction."
By the time they reached the main floor, Aurors had arrived at Hogwarts. They drew their wands as they began searching the grounds. McGonagall stood at the base of the stairs directing traffic with a terse voice. "Students, please proceed to the Great Hall!"
They slipped past her onto the Great Hall. Dumbledore was at the front of the hall, and Harry froze as he observed him as if spotting something unusual.
"Harry?" Hermione questioned.
"I'll tell you later," Harry muttered, shaking his head and moving them forward.
Dumbledore raised his hands to get the students' attention. "The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle. I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will need to spend the night here in the Great Hall. Prefects will stand guard at the entrances, and I am leaving McGonagall in charge. Any disturbances will be reported to me immediately." He turned to McGonagall. "Send the word with one of the ghosts if necessary."
With that, Dumbledore waved his wand, clearing the long tables from the hall, and with another wave of his wand, the floor was covered with hundreds of squishy purple sleeping bags.
"Sleep well," said Professor Dumbledore, closing the door behind him.
Immediately, a low buzz of excited conversation filled the hall. Draco approached them first, his face a little chalky. "We need to talk."
The group, including Padma, Luna, and Theo, all grabbed sleeping bags and dragged them into a corner.
Luna, as if she sensed Draco's unease, was very close to him, their bags almost overlapping. "Do you think Bellatrix is still in the castle?" Draco asked Harry softly.
Harry shook his head. "She's too arrogant to be quiet, which is why she was discovered almost right away." He looked toward Hermione. "She ran into Moody on her way to the dungeons."
Hermione stiffened at the name. "He chased her off?"
Harry shook his head slowly, a dark glee in his eyes at the thought. "They found what was left of him after she finished with him. He's dead."
Hermione exhaled sharply like she'd been punched in the stomach. Dead. She met Harry's eyes, understanding now the gleam of satisfaction there. And she couldn't help but feel the same echo of that sense of satisfaction. Hermione swallowed, trying to control her churning emotions. "Are you sure …. He's dead?"
Harry reached out grabbing her hand, and laced their fingers together. "I'm sure."
Theo shifted uncomfortably and said in a leery tone. "So she wanted one of us if she was heading to the dungeons."
Hermione saw Draco and Harry exchanged a glance. Apparently, most of Slytherin feared Bellatrix Lestrange. Draco reached out and squeezed Theo's arm. "We're pretty sure she was after Harry, mate."
Harry nodded at Theo. "Still, it would make sense to have all of our house on alert— no going anywhere alone for the next few weeks. And no more training sessions in the dark forest until this issue is resolved."
Theo nodded.
Draco nudged Luna. "That means you, too."
Luna gave a huff, her fingers brushing Draco's sleeve. "Fine."
They all lay down together, couples a little closer. Hermione stayed awake a long time listening to the sounds echoing in the Great Hall. There was some snoring, but she could also hear the Auror voices echoing faintly through the stone.
She thought of Alastor Moody, and she felt the hate she'd had for him since that day drain away. She wouldn't pretend to be sad he was gone — and she was happy she'd never have to face him again, but she still didn't rejoice in his death.
She took a slow breath, and Harry's arm reached for her, pulling her even closer and anchoring her to him with his tight hold. Remember his reaction to Dumbledore earlier, she asked him," What did you see — with Dumbledore, I mean?"
Harry looked around at the sleeping faces of everyone and curled so close to her that his lips brushed her ear. "Dumbledore has two wands."
"Two?"
Harry nodded slowly. "He has a very special wand that the dark lord has been looking for a long time. It's … information that may help us if I can figure out how to use it to our advantage."
Hermione didn't ask anything further, sensing Harry felt uneasy talking about it in the open. Hermione studied him in the dim starlight that streamed down from the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. He was already rearranging their plans in his mind.
Hermione tried to close her eyes and sleep, but it took her a long time to relax, even in Harry's embrace. There were so many moving pieces to what was happening now.
They thought they would be safer at Hogwarts, but Bellatrix Lestrange had torn that assumption to shreds.
They weren't safe anywhere.
A week had passed since Bellatrix had attempted to get into Slytherin, and Harry was on edge, waiting for her next attempt. Harry knew he would kill her. The only question was when.
Narcissa was positive Bellatrix had a Horcrux in her bank vault. As long as Bellatrix lived, it was unreachable. The only thing holding Harry back was that killing Bellatrix was one of the last steps he wanted to take before taking on Voldemort — once she was dead, Voldemort was sure to go into a mania at losing one of his most trusted followers and would be watching everyone like a hawk.
There was a thin layer of snow that crunched under Harry's feet as he walked towards Hogsmeade to talk with Narcissa and Lucius. Draco walked next to him quietly, his head down. Harry knew he was just as worried about the change in their plans.
Hogwarts loomed behind them, seeming quieter and darker in the aftermath of Bellatrix's intrusion. The vigil for Alastor Moody had been held two nights ago. Neither Harry nor Hermione had attended, nor had any of their friends.
Harry hadn't seen the elder wand since the night of Bellatrix's break-in — but he knew Dumbledore kept it on his person. It was an excellent bit of information he wasn't quite sure how to use it yet. Making it widely known would open Dumbledore up to attacks, but that didn't necessarily benefit Harry other than providing amusement.
The path ahead of them curved when Harry felt a chill go down his spine. There hadn't been a sound, but his magic was screaming at him that Bellatrix was near.
Draco must have felt the same thing because he froze on the path. "Harry—"
A crack split the wintry air, and Bellatrix Lestrange materialized in the path just a few paces ahead of them. Her black hair was wild about her face, and her black cloak was ragged as if she dragged herself through bramble bushes. She smiled at them with jagged teeth, blackened and broken.
"Well," She purred. "If it isn't my two favorite boys."
Harry stared at her with a blank expression. Draco made an abortive movement for his wand, and Harry grabbed his arm warningly while Bellatrix laughed.
"My dear nephew!" She came closer, her wand waving lazily at them. "That didn't seem nice at all, did it?" She drew her wand slowly down Draco's face. "After all I've done for you, too."
"Bellatrix," Harry said, trying to draw her attention away from Draco, who had gone rigid. He stepped closer to her, trying to get her to move backward away from Draco, but she kept her ground, and their faces were only inches apart. "Bold of you to come so close to Hogwarts, Bella … does the Dark lord know what you are doing?"
Her dark eyes glittered. "What exactly are you implying, Harry dear?" She shoved Draco aside, and her wand came to tap on Harry's chin. "You've always been a clever little boy. Just like the dark lord." She cooed at him. "Why don't you come with me to talk, Harry? I find myself in need of conversation…"
Harry felt ice-cold as he watched her. She suspected something — she wouldn't be risking so much to get at him if she didn't. She'd just keep coming at them now. Better to get rid of her. But it would be on his terms. "Now?"
"Yes, now." Her wand traced a little circle on his chin. "Or do you need a lesson in obedience?" She smiled in anticipation. "You haven't needed one in ages, have you?"
Harry forced his breathing to stay steady. Every nerve ending screamed at him to get away from her. Harry felt Draco shift behind him and lifted his hand slightly behind his back: wait.
He met Bellatrix's gaze with clear eyes. "I could come with you now… or you could meet me later in the dark forest."
Bellatrix frowned impatiently. "Why would I do that?"
"Because then I could bring you the evidence I've found to implicate Dolohov in Pettigrew's death."
"Oh." Bellatrix breathed, her eyes darting. "And how exactly did you come upon this evidence?"
"Lucius."
Behind Harry, Draco jerked as if shocked, and he prayed he trusted him enough to keep his mouth shut.
Bellatrix's eyes widened, and she laughed almost girlishly. "Oh, oh, oh, that's so delicious." She whispered too close to his face. "I could bring the master proof of both of them failing." She squeezed her eyes shut, seeming to quiver in ecstasy.
"Yes, I was going to get it to him, but since you're here…. I can just give it to you." Harry said sincerely, letting warmth enter his tone.
Her eyes flickered, and he made his tone chillier, realizing he'd overplayed his hand. Bellatrix was mental, not stupid. He spoke quickly to distract her. "Meet me later at midnight in the dark forest— I'll bring you the evidence then."
Bellatrix was still looking at him suspiciously. "You expect me to believe you'll simply show up?"
Harry shrugged. "I am part of the dark lord, Bella. I want them punished for failing me."
"Yes." She giggled again, reaching out to ruffle Harry's hair almost affectionately. "You are so favored, you know." She leaned into him, her cold cheek sliding along his. "What I wouldn't give to be part of the dark lord like you are."
Harry forced his breath to stay even as she rubbed against him, every cell in his body trying to recoil from her. "Tonight, Bella."
She drew back abruptly, her gaze manic again. "Midnight. The clearing in the dark forest. I'll find you." She paused, looking toward Draco, who had been doing his best to remain invisible. "If you fail to appear, I'll look for this one instead. And he'll pay for your absence."
"I'll be there." Harry didn't look away from her.
Bellatrix smiled ghoulishly. "I can't wait."
Then, with an ear-splitting crack, she disapparated.
Draco faced him grimly. "So we're killing her."
Harry thought he would feel excitement about finally ending her, but all he felt was the inevitability of it. There had been years when he was younger when the only thing he'd dreamed about was killing Bellatrix Lestrange.
"Yes."
After the Hogsmeade confrontation, Draco went on to meet his parents and tell them of another change in their plans, while Harry went back to Hogwarts to talk to Hermione.
She'd stayed behind to study, and he went directly to the library to find her. He found her sitting with Luna and Padma, parchment spread out all around them, an ink pot near her elbow at risk of falling off the table.
She looked up when she heard his footsteps, and the smile that started to spread across her face vanished when she took him in.
"What happened?" She asked tensely.
Padma and Luna also stopped what they were doing and looked up inquisitively. Harry gave them a small reassuring smile before telling Hermione. "Let's go to the tutoring classroom."
She stood up immediately and began to back away from her homework. Telling Padma and Luna that she would see them later, before stepping next to Harry as they made their way out of the library and down the corridor in silence.
Her steps sped up when they neared the classroom and she practically dashed inside as Harry closed the door behind them and cast silencing spells and locked the door.
She whirled around, wrapping her arms around herself. "What did Lucius and Narcissa say? I didn't expect you back so quickly."
"I didn't make it to Hogsmeade."
"Why?"
"Bellatrix came to us on the trail."
The blood drained from Hermione's face. "You killed her?"
"Not yet— it would have been too messy — Bellatrix is skilled, and I don't want anyone else witnessing that who might have come along the trail."
"So how did you get rid of her?"
"I lied and said I had information that implicated Dolohov in Pettigrew's death. I told her I'd bring it to her at midnight in the Dark forest."
"You what?" Her composure cracked, and she took several steps toward him.
"I'm meeting Bellatrix in the dark forest at midnight tonight," Harry repeated evenly. "I was hoping to hold off on killing her, but she's not going to leave us alone— better to take care of her now."
Hermione stared at him while silence pooled between them. Then she sucked in a deep breath, straightening her shoulders and dropping her arms. "Then I'm coming with you."
"What? No." Harry looked shocked by the suggestion.
"Harry." She said firmly.
"No." His voice hardened. "You're not."
"I wasn't asking your permission. I'm telling you I'm coming with you."
"You don't need my permission because you're not coming with me."
Hermione sucked in a sharp breath. "You think I'm going to just sit here twiddling my thumbs while you walk into the dark forest alone to duel Bellatrix Lestrange?"
"Draco is coming with me."
"Great, then it will be a trio of us."
"Hermione—"
"You told me we were a team — what would you say if I was telling you I was going face her alone?"
"That's different."
"How?"
Harry moved forward, grasping her arms. "You still struggled with killing someone who deserved death — Bellatrix won't hesitate to hurt you and I won't risk you."
"You don't get to make decisions without my input — this goes against what you promised me Harry—"
"I promised to keep you safe!"
"You promised to treat me like an equal!" The glass on the windows cracked in sync, magic filling the air between them. "Don't treat me like I'm fragile — this is a war— and I'm not letting you face her without me."
Harry's eyes gleamed, and darkness crawled across his face. "I'd rather put you under the imperius than let her get her hands on you."
Hermione jerked back, the words hitting her like a slap. "You would what?"
Harry's wand was between them, but she refused to raise hers in response. The silence between them scraped along her nerves like a knife. He didn't repeat himself, his eyes hard and gleaming in the darkness.
"If you do that, then you never loved me. Never respected me. Never wanted me to be your equal." She reached out her palm up. "Was it all just pretty lies?"
Harry opened his mouth before closing it, shaking his head. "I've never, never lied to you."
"You have if you think to control me to keep me safe. Then I'm not someone beside you, I'm not your queen, I'm beneath you — the captured prize you've stuck in a cage."
Harry flinched. Then turned away swiftly and drove his fist into the wall. The blackboard cracked. Blood streaked down his knuckles. "I just want to keep you safe!" He said hoarsely. "I just want you fucking safe. Is that so wrong?"
"It is when you try to take away my autonomy." She shot back, not flinching.
They stood there breathing hard. Harry's shoulders were tense as he faced the wall.
Hermione came up behind him and laid her hand softly against his back. "You think I can't read between the lines and guess what she must have done to you?"
Harry tensed further, his head dropping.
"That's exactly why I'm going to be there for you."
He shook his head, still refusing, still not looking at her.
"She tortured you when you were a child, Harry. You will not face her alone. That is a line in the sand for me. Either I am beside you now — or —" Hermione's voice wobbled at the end, trailing off.
Harry squeezed his eyes shut. "You're asking me to risk you when you're the only thing that matters."
"Didn't you tell me we win together? Our path is together?"
Harry's fist ground into the wall, and Hermione saw a thin trail of blood drip downward. Then exhaled slowly. "Fine."
Her breath caught.
"You say hidden." He looked up, his green eyes were so dark they looked black. "You stay back, okay? Let me face her."
A fierce expression crossed Hermione's face. "As long as you're safe, I'll stay back."
Harry turned toward her, pulling her in his arms, and she could feel the faint tremor in his muscles. She hugged him tight, trying to comfort him.
She hated Bellatrix Lestrange for the depth of the fear she could feel inside him.
"I'll come to get you at eleven thirty." He murmured into her hair.
"Okay." She agreed.
That night, it seemed like even the moon was hiding behind heavy dark clouds. The world was dark and grey as they tried to step quietly through the snow and ice deeper into the dark forest.
Hermione was on Harry's left while Draco walked on his right. No one spoke, and their breaths fogged in front of them.
"She's going to have people with her," Draco said to Harry.
"Yes." Harry agreed, his eyes sharp as he kept a lookout around them.
Slowly, the trees became fewer, and they hit the edge of a clearing. Bellatrix Lestrange stood in the middle, waiting for them. As Draco had said, she wasn't alone.
Two larger wizards flanked her, their heavy shoulders hunched and their wands already in hand.
Bellatrix smiled as she saw them emerge from the forest. "Well, Harry." She crooned. "You came." Her gaze took them all in, lingering on Hermione. "And you brought friendssss." She hissed the s at the end.
Harry continued more slowly into the clearing. "You did too."
Bellatrix giggled. "Oh, I told you to come alone, dearie. I never said I would." She stepped forward, the grass crunching under her feet eerily loud in the silent meadow. "Now the proof." She demanded extending her hand. "Show me what little Lulu gave you."
Harry didn't move, and Bellatrix's head tilted, darkness flashing in her black eyes. "Crucio!" Her attack was sudden, but Harry was already moving.
The spell slammed into the ground where Harry had just been standing, and the clearing exploded in chaos.
"Expulso!" Draco shouted, the spell arrowing toward Goyle.
Goyle barely managed to dodge it, and the tree behind him exploded instead.
Hermione cast a Protego, her shield saving her from a streak of red magic. Crabbe advanced on her with savage intensity, firing curse after curse.
Harry and Bellatrix fought in the center of the clearing. Bellatrix moved like a viper, fast, fluid, and vicious.
"I can't wait until you start screaming. When you were younger, they were the best," Bellatrix taunted Harry loudly. "The dark lord's little toy—"
For a moment, Hermione felt blinded by that taunt— she could picture a younger Harry, smaller and afraid. Being hurt by that mental bitch.
Urgency burst in her stomach like a fiery comet as Hermione faced Crabbe. She needed to go help Harry — she needed to hurt that woman. The history between Bellatrix and Harry was terrible, and though that she might use it to somehow undermine Harry made Hermione's skin crawl with revulsion.
"Diffindo!" Bellatrix screamed, and Hermione tripped when she turned, trying to look at Harry's fight instead of giving all her attention to Crabbe.
Harry twisted aside. "Confringo!"
The ground between Harry and Bellatrix detonated. Snow and dirt flew into the air.
Crabbe was knocked to the side and lost his balance, falling heavily on his knees while Bellatrix laughed wildly.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Hermione shot at Crabbe before he could recover, and his body locked half standing for a fraught moment before toppling headfirst into the ground with a heavy thud.
Hermione didn't hesitate. She whirled on where Bellatrix and Harry still fought.
"Remember your first time in the dungeons of Lestrange Manor, Harry — so small and sweet—"
"Crucio!" The spell came from two directions— Bellatrix dodged Harry's but missed Hermione's. For just a moment, fear and shock crossed her face before she fell screaming to the ground.
The unforgivable ate through her magic like an infection. Spreading and darkening, pulling Hermione down to the worst version of herself. And still Hermione didn't waver as she held the cruciatus on Bellatrix.
Her mind ran wild with images of Harry at five years old being at the mercy of Bellatrix — and — she — could— not— abide — it.
Across the clearing, Draco and Goyle still duelled, but it was obvious Draco was a better dueler, as Bellatrix screamed. Draco whirled in the air, avoiding Goyle's heavy-handed spells. "Incarcerous!"
Ropes shot forward, binding Goyles arms to his sides. He crashed to his knees, struggling and snarling.
In the center of the meadow, Bellatrix still screamed — half bitten invectives leaving her lips as she writhed on the ground. Hermione found it was quite easy to torture someone when you knew they'd hurt the one you loved terribly.
The infection consumed Hermione as she held her wand on Bellatrix, shoving every ounce of hate inside her into the power of the cruciatus.
Harry walked up slowly to where Bellatrix writhed on the ground. "I'm not a little boy anymore, Bella. And you chose the wrong dark lord." He pointed his wand at her. "Avada Kedavra."
The screams stopped, and she was still.
Hermione looked at Harry's face as he stared down at Bellatrix. His face was blank— as if he was looking at nothing. No triumph. No relief. Just a cold blankness.
Then he looked at her, and warmth spread into his expression. He covered the ground in several strides until he came to her and hugged her tightly. "Thank you."
She didn't really understand why he was thanking her, but it didn't matter. She hugged him back. "I love you."
He squeezed her again before turning away and facing Crabbe and Goyle, still captured. He waved his wand, and both bodies moved into the air, floating toward him before dropping back to the ground. Goyle grunted, but Crabbe still made no movement.
Harry dispelled the jinxes, keeping them captured. "You have a choice. Serve me or die."
They both looked at Bellatrix's body. Shock, fear, and calculation passed swiftly over their faces.
"You're friends with my son, Potter," Goyle muttered. "Would you really kill his father?"
Hermione thought of Greg. She'd only seen him a few times, but she knew Harry was close with him and frequently tutored him to help him in his classes.
"Yes," Harry answered without pause.
Crabbe swallowed. "The dark lord will—"
"Kill you for failing Bellatrix. Perhaps he will punish me — but you'll be dead anyway."
It was a curious sensation to stand a few meters from a body your boyfriend killed while he ruthlessly threatened two other people. Hermione thought she should feel some kind of way about what was happening, but she felt strangely empty after the cruciatus. Liked it had sucked something out of her.
Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other, then Crabbe asked. "So you will bind and then what?"
"Then you at least have the chance to live."
Silence fell as they both looked at each other, then fell to their knees. "My lord."
"You will make an unbreakable vow—" Harry began.
Goyle swallowed hard. Crabbe closed his eyes briefly.
"To serve my interests, keep my secrets, and kill Nagini."
They froze at the last addition, their mouths dropping open. Fear crawled across their expressions. But they knew they had no choice.
One of the things they'd argued about was when to take care of Nagini. Their plan had been for the snake to be one of the last Horcruxes they eliminated. If this worked, Harry would be able to cross out another Horcrux.
Both wizards nodded, and Draco stepped forward to perform the binding with his wand raised. Harry held out both his hands — each wizard grasped one.
"Do you swear to serve Harry Potter's interests, keep his secrets, and kill Nagini as quickly as you can without regard for your own life?"
Both wizards jerked at the addition, before croaking out in unison. "I swear."
Gold magic wrapped around their arms, binding them to their vow. The air pulsed once, and then it disappeared.
"Get your wands and go," Harry commanded.
Hermione watched Crabbe and Goyle leave, not moving. She had no pity for their situation when they'd just been fighting on Bellatrix's side. When they disapparated Harry walked towards Bellatrix's body, still lying on the ground.
Harry stopped right before he touched any part of her cloak. Still and hollow looking as he looked down at her as if all his emotions had left him. "I told you we'd kill her, Draco." He said flatly, not looking away from Bellatrix.
"You did." Draco agreed.
"I won," Harry told Bellatrix's body, lifting his wand. "Evanesco."
Harry stared down at the empty ground for a long moment. Hermione walked over to him and laced her fingers with his, tugging him back toward Hogwarts. The three of them trudged back in silence.
When they reached the corridor where they would have to separate—her to go up to Ravenclaw Tower and Harry to the dungeons —he tightened his grip on her hand. Draco stood off to the side, staring pointedly away from them.
"Stay with me." He whispered to her.
Hermione stared into his eyes, knowing she should object, but she nodded and followed him to his dorm.
He promised he'd wake her before they got caught, then he wrapped himself around her tightly, as if afraid she'd disappear on him.
It was a long time before they fell asleep.