Chapter 47
Dying to be Closer
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It wasn't till the second day back before Harry finally got around to putting his things away. Now a couple of days later he was settling down into a routine. He'd get up in the morning wash and get dressed, then made his way down to breakfast and talk to Sirius for a while before he left on business. It was during one of those talks that Harry found out what one of the things keeping Sirius so busy was. It turns out, the Potters owned two homes, and both were badly in need of repair. One was a moderate to large size home or small manor depending on who you talked to, a little north of Oxford. But the real surprise was finding out his parents also owned a small cottage in France. Knowing Grimmauld Place would never be a good place for Harry to live, Sirius had been getting the Potter properties back in shape for him. He had promised that as soon as things settled down between him and the Grangers and everyone was healthy again, he'd take them all to see the homes proper like. Sirius had wanted it to be a surprise but with Harry feeling so down, he gave in and told him, hoping to cheer him up a little. He and Sirius had talked briefly about why his parents hadn't stayed there during the war. Sirius had explained, it would have been the first place Voldemort would have looked.
As Sirius was getting up to leave, this time for a couple of days, Harry smirked and asked, "Padfoot, are you ever going to tell me what is going on with the Malfoys?"
Sirius paused for a second, "I'm not sure you'd believe me, Pup."
Harry raised a brow and then chuckled, "Oh, I don't know, I've heard some pretty weird things lately… try me."
Sirius sat back down and gave Harry a very serious look, which was kind of weird all by itself coming from him. "Harry, what I'm going to tell you has to be kept a tight secret as their lives depend on. Do I have your word you'll discuss this with no one, not even Hermione, at least until you can do it in person?"
Harry smirk fell as he nodded, "Okay, you have my word."
"Draco has decided, he doesn't want to follow in his father's footprints. Narcissa has asked me for help." Sirius watched Harry for a moment looking for a response. Not seeing anything negative, he when on, "It's one of the other reasons I'm gone a lot and why you can't reach me sometime… I'm trying to help them, but it has to be done slowly and very carefully or it could end badly, if you know what I mean."
Harry nodded, "Yeah." He sat there for a minute thinking back to some of the strange behavior he'd seen from Draco. Now some of it made a little more sense."
"I know you guys didn't get along Harry, are you alright with this?"
Harry cocked his head in thought for a second, "Yeah, I guess I'm okay with it, as long as you don't get hurt by doing whatever it is you're doing. I mean, one less bad guy to deal with later right?" Harry laughed, "And it's not like I have to room with him…" Harry stopped and gave Sirius a hard look, "Do I, Sirius…?"
Sirius smiled, "No, I'm pretty sure that won't happen but even if it did, I don't think he'd give you a hard time."
"Well, he better not or I'll sick Hermione on him."
Sirius cringed, "No need to get mean, Pup." Then with a laugh, Sirius got back up, "Got to go, I'm running late, see you for dinner day after next."
Harry waved goodbye and started for the stairs. As he left the kitchen he glanced back at Dobby who was already starting to pick up. Once he had offered to help, but Dobby just shooed him away, making it clear he didn't need any help, at least not until he was better anyway. Back in his room, Harry returned to his routine. He would try and study by reading ahead and working on his summer assignments, but never get too far. Harry wasn't sure why, but it was getting harder and harder to concentrate and he also found himself dozing off during the middle of the day, something he'd never done before. 'There's no doubt about it,' he thought, he was getting weaker every day. It that didn't change in the next day or two, he'd have Sirius ask Pomfrey to stop by. Also, the only dreams he was having lately were about Hermione, not that he minded. And even though it didn't explain everything completely, he knew she was at least one of the reasons for his inability to think clearly. He wanted to talk to her so badly but knew for the time being that it was still out of the question. He had sent a letter with no response and figured her father was keeping her from writing back. He had been tempted to send Dobby with another letter, but then thought better of it, fearing he might only make her father angrier. If Hermione wanted to see him, she'd would let Pomfrey know, or even send Winky. When she was ready, she'd find a way to let him know, he was sure of it. Harry sighed as he thought of her, his fears were starting to get to him and Hermione was the only one who could reassure him. Harry tried not to think about it because he knew it was ridiculous, but sometimes he couldn't help it and it scared him. A small part of him worried that maybe her father might have been right. That maybe she really was better off without him in her life.
~oOoOo~
While Harry felt weak and was having trouble getting a good night's sleep, even though he felt sleepy, it was Hermione who was now in bad shape. Her condition had quickly deteriorated after the second day. She was now getting to a point where she couldn't even get out of bed without help to use the loo. Standing up and walking, or any minor exertion at all resulted in her fainting. She wasn't getting any rest even though she was in bed almost continually. When she did manage to fall asleep, she would toss and turn until she woke herself up in a cold sweat.
At some point after his talk with Remus and Tonks, Dan had decided his wife had been right all along, he was being overprotective. He had been trying to protect his daughter from the dangers of a world he was practically powerless in. Dan had seen her daughter practice with Harry and had been impressed with how well they worked together. While he hated the idea of her fighting, he had to admit, they were a good team, as good as any combat team he'd seen. Dan couldn't help but wonder, that if they'd been together that night at the Ministry, working together, that maybe she wouldn't have gotten hurt so badly. Once again, her words from last summer echoed in his mind, 'We're stronger together.'
His daughter was getting sick again and he had only made it worse. He wanted to… no, needed to close the rift in his relationship with Hermione. He wanted back in her life. Realizing how wrong he had been, Dan opened up to Hermione and told her of his fears, and then apologized for not trusting her and telling her all that in the first place. He had also finally allowed her to write back to Harry, but it was too little too late. Hermione's unfinished letter sat on her desk next to Harry's, she has been too weak to finish it.
Emma rushed to meet Madam Pomfrey as she left Hermione's room, "Poppy, what's wrong with her, she's getting worse? I'm getting scared."
Pomfrey could see the fear in Emma's eyes and at the moment, she couldn't blame her for being worried. Shaking her head slowly, she replied sadly, "I don't know… to be perfectly honest I've never seen or even heard of anything like this before." Seeing the tears well up in Emma's eyes, she took hold of her hands, "Now don't give up yet, I sure haven't. I'm going to talk with some other healers and anybody else I can think of… we'll figure this out."
Emma, seeing the sincerity on her face nodded and said, "Thank you." Then, after glancing back at her daughter's room for a second, she asked, "Do you think it has something to do with Harry… you know, like back in the infirmary?"
Pomfrey nodded, "Perhaps, at this point I wouldn't rule anything out. However, her scans are completely different this time, plus, Albus has Dobby watching Harry and he hasn't reported anything, except that he thinks Harry is lonely. Never the less, I'll find the time to go and check on him as well."
~oOoOo~
Emma hadn't been to work in three days and since Hermione had forgiven her father, her husband had been taking up the slack back at the office. Right now though, she wished he was home as she could use a little reassurance. Back in Hermione's room, Emma sat in the chair next to her daughter's bed and keep vigil. She had wanted to take her to a muggle hospital, but had been talked out of it by both Hermione and the school healer, 'They won't know anything about this, it's not an illness they can treat,' she'd been told. Now as she watched her daughter wrestle with some inner demon while she tried to sleep, she prayed she had made the right choice.
Emma was partly relieved when Madam Pomfrey finally returned later that morning. She had brought Albus, Minerva, and a strange little man she had never seen before with her. "Hello, Emma, how are you holding up?"
"I have been better."
"Yes, of that I'm sure," gesturing to the others, Pomfrey quickly introduced them, "You know our headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, and of course Minerva, and this is Professor Flitwick's brother, Mr. Finian Flitwick. He is a Healer from St Mungo's Hospital. After discussing Hermione's symptoms with him, I thought he might be able to help.
"Thank you, thank you all."
Dumbledore and McGonagall were just about to leave for their visit with Harry, when Pomfrey told them about Hermione's rapidly deteriorating condition. Both felt it better to check on Miss Granger first. They stood off to the side while waiting for the healers to examine the young girl.
Madam Pomfrey and Healer Flitwick quickly got to work checking Hermione. Various diagnostic spells and a couple of potions later and Emma could see that they still didn't look as though they had any idea yet as to what was wrong.
"You were right Poppy, this is very unusual," after a long pause Finian went on, "I wonder if her aura might help us?" Turning to Professor Dumbledore, "Sir, if I give you the incantation would you be so kind as to cast it?"
Emma was confused, "Why don't you cast it yourself, wouldn't that be safer?"
Finian turned to Emma, "My dear, there is no danger in this charm, I only asked Professor Dumbledore because he is a very powerful wizard, much more than me I'm afraid. You see, the more power in the charm, the brighter and more detailed the aura will be.
Emma just nodded slowly, she really didn't care about the reason, she just wanted some results… and hopefully some good news.
After a few minutes to explain the charm and the incantation to Dumbledore they were ready. Soon after Dumbledore started, a light glow started to surround Hermione. A short while later after he had finished, the glow or aura was easily visible to everyone. It seemed to pulse slightly alternating between pale blue and pale pink. Inside the aura was what looked like a faint mist that formed short vapor trails, grayish-white in color.
"Oh my, that's a surprise," Finian said to Poppy while pointing to the mist.
"I agree, I'm quite sure it's her magic, but I've never seen magic behave that way before."
Then while everyone was watching, a small tendril of mist, like a finger rose up and away from Hermione, finally breaking off and dissipating. Both Pomfrey and Healer Flitwick gasped in shock.
"Dear, God," Pomfrey whispered. Turning quickly to Emma she asked urgently, "How long has she been asleep, when was the last time you talked to her?"
Emma didn't fail to notice the urgency in her voice, "Yesterday evening, she's been asleep since then… why, what's wrong, what did you find?"
Poppy held up her hand pleading for her to wait one moment while she talked in hushed tones with Finian. As soon as the medical discussion was over, Poppy gestured for her, and Dumbledore to follow her out into the hall. Once there, she looked into a pair of very concerned faces.
"Tell us, Poppy, what's happening?" Dumbledore asked softly.
Hermione's magic is slowly draining away, it's being siphoned off somehow."
"Why is that affecting her health so much?"
"Normally, Albus, it wouldn't, but in her case, her magic is drawing energy from her body, her very life force."
"I did not know that was possible."
"It's very rare, but it is possible under extreme conditions," Poppy started, "Because of recent events, her magic and her body were directly connected for quite some time. Apparently, since she never fully recovered, they still are."
Dumbledore nodded in understanding, "We have to find the cause, Poppy," then after glancing at a pale Mrs. Granger, asked, "how much time do we have?"
Poppy looked back towards the door, "At this rate, I'm afraid, not long… Emma, you better call Dan."
Emma nodded and then asked as a thought occurred to her, "What about Harry, he should be here."
Dumbledore smiled sadly, "Yes of course. I will see if I can get Remus to go and bring him here."
By that afternoon Professor Flitwick had joined the healers, along with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and both the Grangers in Hermione's room. Dumbledore had only just recently gotten a hold of Remus, but so far he still hadn't heard back from him. However, at the moment was more worried about Hermione. Throughout the day Hermione had tossed and turned, alternating between chills and the sweats. They had tried several remedies all to no avail. Currently, the group sat in silence, some deep in concentration while others in silent prayer.
Suddenly, as they watched, Hermione got very agitated as her hands grabbed the bed sheets turning her knuckles white. She tossed her head back and forth from side to side, sweat pouring off of her and she started mumbling, "no… no, please."
Pomfrey was at her side checking everything she could think of while Hermione thrashed harder and got louder, "No! Please… I need…" and then just as suddenly as she started, Hermione features relaxed and she was still again. Minerva couldn't help but wonder if Hermione wasn't dreaming of her ordeal with Dumbledore.
Emma turned to Pomfrey, "Needs… needs what?"
"I don't know."
"What if," Professor Flitwick said as if thinking out loud, "instead of something taking her magic… she's sending it out… searching, or looking for something?"
"Or someone," McGonagall noted.
Dumbledore's eye grew wide, "Dobby did say that besides being lonely, that Harry looked tired…" Turning away he called out, "Dobby!"
Dobby appeared an instant later looking slightly distressed. After looking around at all the people as he asked, "You calls for Dobby, Sir?"
"Yes, Dobby, when did you last look in on Harry, is he still tired?"
Dobby be checking on Harry Potter sirs only this morning, Sir."
"Was he okay?"
"Dobby thinks so yes, but Harry Potter sirs not be sleeping well even when he sleeps too much, Sir."
"Dobby, I want you to bring Harry here, can you do that now please?"
"Yes Sir, Dobby bring Harry Potter sir here right away." There was a pop and he was gone, but before anyone could start talking, Dobby returned.
"Where's Harry?" Emma asked.
"Dobby is sorry, Mrs. Emma." Then turning quickly to Dumbledore added, "Dobby now thinks Harry Potter sir is sick, too sick to bring. Yous is to be needing to come see, please Sir." Dobby was distraught for not only being unable to follow an order, but apparently also because of Harry's condition.
"Dobby, tell me what you saw," Poppy asked, "why couldn't you Apparate him here?"
"Dobby could not wake Harry Potter and his magic is very weak. Dobby not wants to hurt him."
Apparating an unconscious person wasn't normally a problem, but if their magic was also weak or unstable it could be dangerous. Apparently, Dobby knew this instinctually Pomfrey reasoned. "It's okay, Dobby, you did the right thing." Poppy then turned to face Dumbledore, "I'll need a Portkey to move him here."
At that moment, a bloodcurdling scream brought everyone's attention back to Hermione's bedside. She was sitting up, eyes wide open and unfocused staring straight ahead while breathing heavily. Slowly her eyes closed as she fell back talking softly, almost in a whisper, "Harry… I need you."
Pomfrey nodded to herself as all the pieces fell into place… she still didn't know why, but Emma had been right all along.
Healer Flitwick cast a quick diagnostic spell to check her aura. It was very faint, no longer pink and blue but a dull green and her magic seemed more patchy now, "Hurry, Poppy," was all he said.
A couple of minutes later Pomfrey returned, again with no Harry.
"Poppy?" Asked a concerned Dumbledore.
"He wasn't there, the house was empty. I couldn't find him anywhere."
"Oh dear Merlin," McGonagall whispered.
"Now what, we need him, don't we?" Emma cried, nearly hysterical.
Dumbledore touched her arm, "I will get as many people looking for him as possible, we will find him," he said as he started to leave.
Dan was the first to put it all together and spoke for the first time since arriving home, "He'll come here."
"What?" Dumbledore asked as he paused at the door.
"I said, he'll come here… to her," Dan said again as he ticked his head towards his daughter.
"Perhaps he will try, but how…" Dumbledore never got to finish his sentence, as right at that moment, Harry Apparated in, right next to Hermione's bed.
Harry reached out to her, "Hermione…" his voice was raspy. He took hold of her hand and a second later he started to collapsed beside her.
Dan seemed to be the only one who wasn't surprised by Harry's sudden appearance and so was the first to reach him. Carefully, he picked the boy up and did what he thought he would never do in a million years… he placed Harry down on the bed next to his daughter. Turning to the healers he told them, "He's burning up."
Both Madam Pomfrey and Healer Flitwick sprang into action, one on each side of the bed as they began their diagnostics anew. Harry and Hermione looked to be in pretty much the same shape, but at least both were calm now. However, both looked terribly exhausted and deathly pale.
Poppy sighed and after a nod to Emma said, "Well, it would appear you were right, they needed to be together just as before, but this time for some other reason. They appear stable for now but they're still struggling."
Healer Flitwick levitated Harry up about 6 inches above the bed, "There, now pull the covers back." After Pomfrey had moved the duvet down, Finian lowered Harry back onto the bed and slid him over right next to Hermione, then after a nod to Pomfrey, she pulled the covers back up. "Now let's see," he said, and a moment later added, "better… but."
He never finished as just then Pomfrey pulled her wand out and gave it a swish. After a quick disrobing charm, both Harry's clothes and Hermione's pajamas appeared on the armchair next to the bed. "Check them again, Finian," she said.
At the same time, Dan and Emma shared a look before Dan leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Do you think there… you know… starkers under the covers?"
Emma turned to her husband with a raised eyebrow, "Maybe… if not completely then damn close." Then she walked over to the chair to examine its contents.
Minerva couldn't help but notice the exchange and moved over to stand next to her. After seeing all of Hermione's pajamas, excluding her knickers on the chair, she looked at Minerva and in a low voice asked, "Is this really necessary," while gesturing to the chair.
Minerva looked over to the children then glanced at the healers and back, "Sometimes in order for magic to work, there has to be a close connection, sometimes very close. Skin to skin contact would certainly help," after a short pause she went on, "I'm sure Madam Pomfrey felt this was necessary. And don't forget they are both currently unconscious."
"Still… she just in her knickers."
"I'm sure Madam Pomfrey was just in a hurry, it would have taken a fair bit more time to change her pajamas into something else that would work, than to just remove them."
Emma seemed to think for a moment before she nodded, "I'm sure you're right of course, thank you."
Minerva gave a slight smile and squeezed her hand, then both turned back to watch the healers continue their work.
"Do you see it Finian," Poppy said in a stunned whisper.
"Yes… amazing… I've never seen anything…"
"What, never seen what?" A frustrated Mr. Granger snapped.
Looking initially at Finian, Poppy said, "Show him."
"Why don't you show us all," came Professor Flitwick's voice from across the room.
Finian glanced at Poppy and then around the room stopping on Dumbledore who gave a slight nod, "Very well," he said.
This time Finian and Poppy together, cast the complicated charms necessary to reveal both the auras and the flow of magic around the teens.
Now instead of two distinct auras around each of them, there was only one. It enveloped both Harry and Hermione in a soft pale blue glow and every so often, the undulating light would pulse with a light pink color. On the side away from Harry, Hermione still had a little greenish color but as they watched, it was evident that it was quickly fading away.
The most fascinating part though was their magic. Which looked like thin ribbons of light that arced out from soft pools of color that seemed to lie just under their skin. Long thin tendrils of magic reaching out to each other, almost seemingly, to embrace each other. The ribbons would move and twist around changing color subtly as they caressed each other, dancing in a silent slow-motion light show.
Smiling, Emma looked over to her husband who for the first time in quite a while was wearing a genuine smile as well. They weren't sure exactly what was going on yet, but they knew the color of auras was a good sign.
Only Professor Flitwick and the two healers knew exactly what was happening.
Finally, it was Professor McGonagall who asked what everyone else wanted to know, "What precisely does all this mean, Poppy?"
Healer Flitwick slipped away and stood next to his brother, effectively giving the floor to Madam Pomfrey so she could explain.
"Well, to begin with, they both appear to be improving, in fact, they are improving very quickly." A collective sigh of relief was heard around the room as everyone released the breath they'd been holding. "The fact that their auras are the same indicates that their magical cores are perfectly in tune with each other. Why there is only one around the both of them, I'm not positive about yet, but I believe it might be because a bond is trying to form. Also as you can see, their magic itself is also moving or... transferring, back and forth. At any rate, both of these events are quite rare."
Professor Dumbledore spoke up for the first time in a while, "Poppy, are you suggesting that some sort of magical bond between them is trying to form all on its own, I didn't think that was possible."
Madam Pomfrey could only shrug her shoulders, "I didn't either, but as I said, I'm not completely sure… yet." Then while looking at Harry, she added, "I don't think it's any less possible than Mr. Potter Apparating here by himself without any training, and in his condition."
Remembering that surprise, Dumbledore conceded, "Umm, I suppose you are right."
It was an excited Professor Flitwick who jumped into the conversation, "Actually, Albus, I'm not surprised you don't know of it. This is extremely rare and at their age… well, it's unheard of." Flitwick paused as he looked around to make sure everyone was listening, "We all know there are many kinds of common bonds that can, and do form all on their own. The bond that forms between a wizard and his familiar is a good example. Stronger, more personal bonds, like between a wizard and a witch normally have to be initiated by one, or usually both involved." Gesturing to the children as he smiled and went on, "However, while rare, it is possible under the right conditions for a bond to form all on its own and with any help."
McGonagall noted, "That would explain their need to be close."
Flitwick nodded, "And why they are healing so fast."
Dan stepped forward, "I'm afraid I'm going to need a little better explanation…"
He was about to go on, but Flitwick interrupted, "If I may suggest, let us," referring to himself and the two healers, "make sure of this while they are still asleep. Then, after they wake we can better explain it to all of you. I'm sure Mr. Potter and Miss Granger will want to know as well."
Dan would have preferred to have known now but was willing to wait as long as his daughter was getting better, "Okay, I'll…" then after glancing at his wife, corrected himself, "we'll wait," then looking over to Pomfrey asked, "how long do you think they'll sleep this time?"
Pomfrey rubbed her chin as she mentally calculated the time needed, "This is all rather unique, so I'm not completely sure, but I'd wager at least eighteen hours, maybe longer, I'll have to keep checking every few hours or so. When it gets close, I'll let you know."
Dan nodded, "Thanks. Ah, one more thing. If Dobby couldn't Apparate Harry in his condition, how was he able to do it himself?"
Dumbledore only had to think about it for a moment. Nodding, he smiled, "I believe I can answer that," he began. "Harry was still unconscious when Dobby arrived and in his state, Dobby acted correctly. Then, a moment later we all heard Miss Granger's last desperate call to him. I believe that since Harry was still unconscious, it allowed his magic to answer." Dumbledore smiled, "It probably woke him and he started on his way here, hence no Mr. Potter when Poppy arrived moments later. Shortly after leaving, he must have realized how long it would take him to get here, and with his overwhelming desire to reach her, his magic brought him the rest of the way. Not unlike a certain bout of uncontrolled magic he had performed before… long ago."
Emma smiled, "It would seem, nothing can keep them apart for long."
~oOoOo~
A day and a half later and Emma was getting antsy. She had been told by Madam Pomfrey late the previous night, that Harry would probably wake up sometime this morning. So now, she found herself sitting in a chair next to the bed patiently waiting. Emma found herself smiling as she remembered her husband's tearful confession as to how he had treated the children. And although he was still conflicted in regards to their relationship, he had promised to try and keep an open mind about it. Returning to the present, Emma turned and stared at the two young teens, she couldn't wait for things to get back to normal and after a chuckle, thought, 'Whatever normal is for them.' Finally, some movement caught her eye.
As Harry slowly stirred towards consciousness, the very first thing he became aware of was something kind of heavy laying on him…' No not something, someone,' his sleepy mind told him.
At some point during the night, Hermione had rolled over on her side and had again ended up laying half on top of Harry. Just as before, she had one leg draped over his and an arm across his waist while her head rested on his chest.
Harry managed to open his drowsy eyes to find a blurry head of brown hair in his face. Even without his glasses on, he knew it was her. He really wasn't all that surprised, he had half-expected Hermione to be there. Somehow he had just sensed her.
The next thing to register was how wrapped up in each other's arms they were. That certainly brought a smile to Harry's face. It didn't take long for him to also notice how warm she was either as she lay there on top of him. Harry slowly slid his hand down from around her shoulder to the small of her back and then suddenly stopped… he didn't dare go any further. The third thing he quickly realized, was that he was fairly certain Hermione's bottom half was nearly as naked as the top half. After a little wiggle, he knew he was too. Of course, the only way to be sure was to take a peek under the covers, but he quickly thought better of it.
"Ah, Harry, finally you're awake."
Hearing Mrs. Granger's voice, Harry was thankful he hadn't tried to look. She handed him his glasses which he quickly slid on and had a hasty look around, before asking nervously, "Where's Mr. Granger?"
Emma chuckled, she knew why Harry was asking. "Don't worry, he knows all this is necessary," she said, gesturing to him and Hermione in bed together.
Harry paled even more as part of him had hoped maybe no one knew the state of their dress, "Ahh…well ah…that is… what is the reason I'm… or ah, we're like…this?" By the time Harry had finished trying to ask that not-so-simple question, he was beet red.
Emma couldn't help herself and laughed as quietly as she could, Harry was just so cute when he was embarrassed. "Madam Pomfrey said something about skin to skin contact and magic. She'll be by later to explain everything after Hermione wakes up."
"Okaaay…" Harry said while trying to control the amount of blood rushing to his head. Then as gently as he could, he started to try and untangle himself from Hermione.
"Whoa, you stay right where you are, just like before. Just lay still… okay?" Came Emma's quiet but stern voice.
Harry froze.
"You're to stay put, Poppy's orders… she will let you know when you can get up. I'll not have any more of you two getting sick, is that clear?"
Harry knew Mrs. Granger wasn't mad, just concerned, "Yes, ma'am." As Harry settled back down, he had to ask, "But don't you think Hermione will be… uncomfortable with this?"
No sooner had Harry finish asking, than Hermione rolled right back into him wrapping her arms around him and snuggling back into his chest.
Mrs. Granger smirked as she raised an eyebrow, "Oh yeah, she looks really uncomfortable. She'll be quite put out I'd say." She was certainly having fun at Harry's expense for now, but Emma also made a mental note to have a long talk with her daughter sometime in the near future.
~oOoOo~
Several hours later and it was Hermione's turn to wake. Harry had fallen back asleep a while ago and Emma had been relieved by her husband, so it was the complete opposite of before. Hermione felt great, she was comfy and warm and had no desire to wake up yet, it had been her best night's sleep in a long time. But when she became aware that her pillow seemed to be moving, she thought, 'that's odd.' Suddenly not sure of her situation, she slowly opened her eyes just a crack. Realization came fast, she was laying on someone and they had their arm around her. As carefully as she could, she chanced a glance up…' Harry,' she thought, 'he came to me.' Smiling, she shifted a little, sliding up to get a better look, but in doing so she instantly became aware of how little she was wearing. A startled, "Epp," escaped her and woke Harry. Sleepy green eyes stared into surprised brown ones and for a moment nothing else mattered.
Harry, who had previously adjusted to their situation spoke first, "Hey… how do you feel?" He whispered. Although Harry never said anything to Mrs. Granger, he had admitted to himself that he rather liked sleeping with Hermione and that he really liked how she felt in his arms… not to mention, that the naked part was definitely brilliant.
"I'm ah… fine, I'm fine," starting to blush now, Hermione continued quickly as she was suddenly full of questions, "Harry, when did you get here? How long have I been out?" And with a raised brow added, "And… what happened to my pajamas?"
Now it was Harry who felt the heat rising up his face as he tried to answer, "Well, I got here sometime after you passed out, about two days ago according to your mum. As for your pajamas… your mum said Pomfrey would explain."
"Oh…" Hermione took a minute to let all that sink in, "Merlin, Harry, are you…ah I mean are you… also?"
Harry just nodded yes with a sheepish grin.
"Who do you think undressed us?"
Harry cringed, "I don't know, and I don't think I want too."
Hermione just nodded feeling pretty much the same as she continued to stare at Harry. She was afraid to take her eyes off of Harry's face for fear she might see something, or worse he might see something. Both were really turning red as they became completely aware of just what parts were touching where.
"Harry… did you see…"
"What… NO! Of course not," I woke up a few hours ago just as surprised as you."
Relieved, but still quite pink in the face, Hermione nodded and said softly, "Oh, of course… well, I'm just going to move over here to the side a little. God, can you imagine if my father saw us?"
At the mention of her father, Harry instinctively turned his head to look for Mr. Granger and suddenly stiffened as he locked eyes with the man in question from a mere six feet.
Hermione stopped moving when she sensed Harry's panic and it took every bit of her Gryffindor courage to slowly turn her head. There, sitting in a chair and grinning like a Cheshire cat was her father… "Hi, Daddy," was all she could choke out.
"Hello, Pumpkin."
Hermione had eased over and was now laying on her back with the covers pulled up to her neck. A quick glance at Harry told her, that he missed the warmth already as much as she did, but she wasn't about to mention that now. "So… when will Madam Pomfrey get here?" She asked trying to change the direction of everybody's thoughts.
Dan laughed, "Soon, but what's the rush?" He asked with a smirk.
Hermione raised a brow, "I'm still a little mad at you, you know. And why are you laughing, this isn't…"
Turning serious, Dan raised a hand causing his daughter to stop. "First of all, Pumpkin… actually, both of you, I sorry. You're right, this isn't funny, all things considered." Dan turned his gaze on the boy next to her, "Harry, as I told Hermione before, I saw her hurt and I… well, I panicked and I dumped all the blame on you. Harry, I'll be honest, I don't like the danger my daughter seems to find herself in when she's around you, but I know you don't either. And for the record, I know it not your fault. I lied to both of you and caused you both a lot of pain. I can't begin to tell you how ashamed I am of that, lying is something I despise. I hope that you both can find it in your heart to forgive me, and I promise that in the future any problem I have with your relationship, we'll sit down and discuss it proper like." Dan sighed, "I acted like an idiot, something more than one person has recently pointed out to me. Harry, with all that I now know, I can't tell you how hard it is for me not to just pack up the family and run for the hills." Seeing Harry worried face, Dan smiled and said softly, "Don't worry, Harry, nothing like that is going to happen. It's also hard to believe just how good you are for my little girl, but it's now plainly obvious you are." Turning back to Hermione, he finished, "You were right back then and you still are… You two are stronger together."
With tears in her eyes, Hermione nodded and reached out to take her father's hand. Behind her, Harry nodded too and mouthed the words, 'Thank you.'
~oOoOo~
Eating dinner took at least twice as long as normal even though it was a small light meal. Basically, they had to eat while only half-sitting up to keep the covers from sliding down, and even then they needed to keep one hand on the blanket to keep it from falling. Of course, this was more of a problem for Hermione than for Harry, but he helped anyway.
Madam Pomfrey waited patiently for them both to finish and then gave them a quick checkup. "Well, I'm happy to say you're both doing fine. I still want you to stay together for now, but I see no problem with both of you wearing pajamas again. So as soon as you dress, so to speak, I will explain to you and your parents what has happened to you.
Harry and Hermione were relieved, but neither was about to get up and get dressed in front of everybody, yet alone each other. Sharing a look, they both knew they were thinking the same thing and blushed so badly Madam Pomfrey laughed. Later, both would agree that while they had enjoyed the closeness and had found it exciting, neither were quite ready for that level of intimacy… yet.
"Don't worry dear's, just give us a minute," she said before nodded to Professor Flitwick, who quickly conjured a privacy curtain that not only ran all the way around the bed, but also ran right down the middle. As soon as he was done, a pair of, "Thanks," was heard from inside the curtain causing Professor Flitwick to turn around and gave a questioning look to Pomfrey, who just smiled. Apparently, Filius couldn't understand why they'd be embarrassed after sleeping together like that for so long.
As they were getting dressed, Hermione whispered through the curtain, "Harry, thank you for coming and for being such a gentleman."
Harry smiled and whispered back, "I'll always come, Hermione, so, no worries."
Finally dressed, they pulled the center divider down and stared at each other. It wasn't completely over yet and they both knew it. They still had a lot to talk about, but for now, they were good with things the way they were. Their relationship was getting back on track and that was the most important thing to both of them. After sharing a smile and a brief kiss, they pulled the rest of the curtains down and climbed back up on the bed.
With the teens suitably dressed, the others gathered around the bed. Emma and her husband were sitting in a pair of chairs near the head while Poppy and Filius sat next to each other at the foot of the bed facing them. Sirius, who had just arrived, stood behind them. Harry and Hermione sat up in bed together side-by-side and waited for the explanation.
Poppy started the conversation off, "Again, as I said earlier you both are doing fine now that you're together. It's only when you are part that you start to get sick, actually sick is not the right word... more like weak." Seeing their blank stares she turned to Filius for help, "Actually, this is more Professor Flitwick's specialty than mine."
What the little Professor lacked in size, he made up for in enthusiasm. Hopping up on his chair, he stood up using it as a platform. "Actually, it's all very interesting."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and smiled, it was rare to see one of their Professors so excited.
"I'm convinced," he continued, "that the catalyst for all this was when Mr. Potter's and Miss Granger's souls shared the same space, or in other words… touched."
"Catalyst to what?" Mr. Granger asked, still not sure just what was going on.
"After doing a bit of research, I'm now convinced that a bond is trying to form between Mr. Potter and Miss Granger."
Harry and Hermione slowly turned and looked at each other as comprehension slowly dawned on them. A shock… yes, but it made sense, in fact, it explained a lot. Harry was a little more surprised than Hermione but pleased nonetheless. Hermione although a little surprised, was mostly just in awe.
"So that's why they have to be together?" Dan asked.
"Yes, precisely."
Dan nodded, trying to understand. "You said, trying… is their more to it than just the soul-touching thing?"
"Oh yes… that's only part of it. It's really a combination of three things coming together at the right time and in the right way that initiating the start of the bond."
Emma spoke next, "You said three things, what are the other two?"
"Yes, well. One, their souls touching. Two, the fact that their magic is perfectly in tune with each other's. And finally, the fact that they are what some might call, soulmates.
"Soulmates?" Dan questioned in disbelief, "Are you telling us there's such a thing?"
"Perhaps, perhaps not, I guess it depends on your definition of soulmate, and who you want to believe in that regard, but we can still use the phrase to describe what those two share," Filius said while gesturing to Harry and Hermione. "Meaning," he continued, "both are very committed to each other. Both, not only want to support each other but feel a strong need to protect each other as well. And their magic is trying to help as well. They're at their best when they are together. In other words, they love each other not just on the conscious level, but also on a deeper subconscious level as well." Filius smiled, "True love… Soulmates? Call it what you want, whether real or not, what they have is very special and the magic causing this is very real."
"Soulmates…" Hermione whispered in awe. "Really?" she asked, happy that she shared this with Harry.
Filius smiled and gave her a nod.
"Not everyone finds a good mate to spend the rest of their life with. Fewer still find the perfect one, or as we're defining it here, their soulmate. In fact, only a small percentage of soulmates find each other in the course of a lifetime. For the two of you to find each other so soon at such a young age and to have a bond try to form as well…" Flitwick paused to find the right words while gesturing to Harry and Hermione, "Well, it's truly remarkable."
Everyone sat in silence for a moment letting it all sink in. Hermione was the first to speak again, "So, will Harry and I have to stay like this from now on?" She regretted her choice of words almost as soon as she said them. Turning to Harry and noticing a slight look of hurt on his face, she quickly amended, "What I mean is, will the bond change us, will we'll be able to go to school… what exactly will happen next or is this it?"
Harry took her hand and gave it a small squeeze telling her he understood. Hermione smiled back glad that he did.
Professor Flitwick laughed, "Oh dear girl, this is just the beginning."
"Oh!"
"The bond is only just starting to form. Once it's complete you will probably miss each other more deeply than others when you're apart, but you'll still be able to do all the normal things you did before… including sleeping alone if you wish." Harry and Hermione both turned red at being reminded of the current sleeping arrangements.
"So do you think this bond will be complete in time for them to return to school?" Emma asked, already trying to plan ahead.
"Well, left on its own, no. It'll take several months to complete." Seeing the alarmed looks on everyone's face, Filius quickly continued on, "But, with a fairly simple ritual, which is similar to a regular bonding, they can complete the bond in a matter of minutes."
Everyone smiled until Mr. Granger, who after a second, asked, "If you can complete the bond with a ritual, can you break it as well?"
"Daddy!"
"I'm just asking, Pumpkin." Dan liked Harry and had recently come to grips with him being with Hermione again, but he didn't want his daughter forced into anything.
"He has a right to know Hermione… and so do the both of you," Sirius said calmly.
"Quite all right Mr. Granger, it's actually a very good question, and the answer is yes."
All the smiles were gone now, replaced with solemn looks of concern. Dan merely nodded, while Sirius stared at the two teens with a neutral expression.
Harry eyed his godfather for a second before asking, "Sirius, do you have a problem with this?"
Sirius simply shook his head no, "I love you both and would be both happy and supportive of any decision you both make. I'm just want you to know all the facts first." Sirius knew what their decision should be and that the wrong one would destroy them, but for now, he'd wait until asked before giving his opinion. He was confident that once they knew the basics and had time to think about it, they choose wisely.
Hermione shared a brief look of concern with Harry before asking, "Professor, I was wondering if…" Professor Flitwick quickly held up a book and Hermione stopped, eyebrows raised, "how'd you know?"
Harry cracked up laughing while Emma and Dan shared knowing smiles. Professor Flitwick just smirked, "Call it… a wild guess."
Hermione huffed, "Oh honestly," but after a moment she gave in and laughed as well, "thank you."
"Why don't you both read that very carefully. If you have questions, and I think you might, let me know when you're done and I'll come back and we'll go from there."
~oOoOo~
Professor Dumbledore was sitting at his desk sorting a stack of parchments into several smaller piles; he really did hate paperwork. He had only just come back from dinner and was planning on finishing up the last of some paperwork before retiring for the evening. However, before he'd gotten very far, the floo came to life.
"Professor Dumbledore, are you there?" Came Dan's unsettled voice. He was still trying to get used to putting his head in a fire to communicate. 'Whoever came up with this must have been insane,'he thought briefly before Dumbledore answered.
"Ah, Mister Granger, how may I be of service tonight?" Considering all that was happening with Harry and the Grangers, Dumbledore had decided to connect the Grangers to the flu network. Now he could only hope that Mr. Granger didn't make late-night calls a habit.
"Good evening, Headmaster, sorry to bother you so late but I was wondering if I might have a word with you?"
"About the children?"
"Yes, you see, Professor Flitwick just left. He explained a lot, but I…"
"You still have questions," It seemed Mr. Granger had wanted more information than Professor Flitwick could, or was willing to provide at this point. "I understand, Sir, and I can come over now of course, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help."
Dan sighed and shook his head in frustration.
"How about you let me talk to Filius and do some checking on my own, then I'll come by… say after lunch tomorrow. That way I should be able to address most of your concerns."
Dan agreed knowing he shouldn't have expected Dumbledore to know much off the top off his head, "Thank you, Sir, I'll see you tomorrow then." Dan found himself chuckling as he thought about the irony in the relationship he now had with the Headmaster. Before, Dumbledore had lied and kept his secrets, all in the name of protecting Harry Potter while he had demanded the truth. More recently it seemed their roles had reversed, and he had become the liar and keeper of secrets, although to a far lesser degree. Fortunately, now both had seen the light and were doing their best to keep the other honest. They both still wanted to protect their charge, but had promised to do so without the lies and secrets.
Heading up to bed with his wife he asked, "Did you get any more information from our daughter?"
"No, but she's only just started reading that book, she promised to talk with me about it in the morning after she's done."
"What about from Sirius?"
"He said because of his family, the only bonds he was familiar with were of the darker variety but promised to do some checking."
Dan only nodded, it was going to be hard getting any sleep tonight… he hated not knowing.
~oOoOo~
Harry nudged Hermione, "You all right?" Hermione looked troubled and he was a little worried it was about this bond thing.
"Humm, oh yeah, I'm fine." Hermione chewed her lower lip for a moment, then turned to Harry rather suddenly. "Oh Harry, I'm so sorry about everything that happened to you this last term… especially my part in it. What I did to you…" She trailed off, unable to continue.
Harry reached over and took her hand, "You have nothing to be sorry about Hermione, you did what you thought you had to do. You were only trying to protect me and I know it was harder on you." Harry sighed, "I'm the one who acted like an idiot," he whispered back, then added even more softly, "Your father is right, I am dangerous."
"No, he isn't! He wasn't before, and he's not now."
"Hermione, I almost got you killed."
"It wasn't your fault. If it was anybody's, it was mine, I lost my focus and made a mistake."
"Still…"
"Harry, it's over. I shouldn't have brought it up. We both made mistakes, but we're together again now, that's all that matters… right? Later, when we have time, we'll talk about what happened some more… okay?"
"Yeah, okay"
Hermione laid her head on Harry's shoulder, "Good, because right now I just want to enjoy being close to you."
Harry took her hand and intertwined their fingers, "Me too." After a few quiet moments, Harry asked, "What about the book?"
Hermione sat back up and looked over to the nightstand and sighed, "I guess I should finish reading it."
Hermione was getting into study mode, Harry knew it well. Smiling, he said, "Tell you what, I'll try and sleep now while you read and then we'll switch in the morning."
With her mind already on the book, it took Hermione a second to process, "Umm, okay that sounds like a plan."
Harry snuggled down and closed his eyes and a moment later felt a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Goodnight, Harry."
Happy that Hermione felt better, Harry didn't open his eyes, he just smiled again, "Good night, Hermione."
~oOoOo~
Harry woke early the next morning and after a quick shower and some breakfast was back in Hermione's room sitting in a chair next to her bed. He picked up the book about bonds that Hermione had been reading the night before but before sitting down to read, he sat there for just a moment and watched her sleep. She looked so beautiful he had to smile, Harry thought the way her hair laid spaded out all over her pillow framing her face was the cutest thing.
"I could get used to seeing that every morning," he said to himself softly. And almost as if she had heard him, Hermione smiled in her sleep. Harry smiled too as he watched her sleep for a few more minutes before decided to get to work reading.
The material that Professor Flitwick had bookmarked only took a couple of hours to read and Hermione was just waking up as Harry was finishing. "Hey, morning," Harry said as he set the book down.
"Morning, Harry," came her sleepy reply after leisurely yawn.
"You hungry? I don't know if there's any breakfast left… seeing it's almost noon," Harry joked, "but maybe some lunch?"
Hermione smiled, "Yeah a little… but I'll eat later. So, what do you think?" Hermione asked with a raised brow while nodding to the book.
Harry noticed a slight look of concern on her face and actually felt kind of the same. "Intense… I mean, there's so much more to it than I thought."
"Yes, that's what I thought as well. Plus, it's quite a commitment," Hermione added the last part a little more softly.
Hermione had sat up in bed and now they were just staring at each other. Both were trying to figure out what the other's thoughts were on this strange new twist to their relationship.
Finally, Harry broke the silence, "You know, last night I actually had a dream about us being bonded."
"Really?"
"Yeah… we performed the ritual the day before school started and then at school we got to share a private room," Harry looked away a little embarrassed at admitting something so personal and didn't notice the look of surprise on Hermione's face. That was exactly what she had been dreaming about only moments before.
"Well, that would be nice," Hermione offered a little shyly, "I do have a few questions though."
Harry turned back quickly and caught her bashful smile. Deciding to get back on track before it got any warmer in the room, Harry replied, "Yeah, me too, we should ask Professor Flitwick to come by later."
Hermione nodded once, "Definitely… now, let me get dressed and we'll go eat."
~oOoOo~
Harry, Hermione, and her parents had just finished lunch and were sitting around in the living room talking. They had answered each other's questions the best they could but there were still some, that no one had an answer for. Hermione had told them that they still hadn't made any decisions yet, and until she got all her questions answered, they wouldn't be able to make one.
"I've asked your headmaster to come over, maybe he can help," Dan told them.
Hermione who had been sitting next to Harry felt him take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. "Yeah, maybe," she somewhat reluctantly agreed.
Emma had just gotten up to get some more tea when the fireplace flames turn green and Professor Dumbledore stepped out. He was quickly followed by Professor McGonagall and to the pleasant surprise of both Harry and Hermione, out came Neville and Luna as well.
"Good afternoon everyone. I do hope you don't mind, but these two here have been hounding me for quite some time now for a visit before they leave on holiday." Dumbledore said with a soft smile before motioning to Neville and Luna to come forward, "Perhaps you could go with Mr. Potter and Miss Granger while Professor McGonagall and I have a talk with the Grangers."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at the headmaster. She certainly didn't mind visiting with Neville and Luna, but she sure didn't like being dismissed in her own home. Harry wasn't happy about it either and both Neville and Luna noticed.
Neville gave an apologetic smile while Luna took in her surroundings as if oblivious to the building battle of wills.
Emma knew her daughter well enough to know she'd better do something. Getting up, she walked over and whispered in her ear loud enough for both her and Harry to hear, "This is for your father dear. I promise I'll tell you everything later." Emma stood up straight and waited to see if it was enough.
Harry nodded at Mrs. Granger, understanding what she was trying to do and then grabbed Hermione's hand and with a glance to Luna and Neville said, "Come on, we can have our own little talk."
As the teens headed upstairs, Professor Dumbledore began, "Now, I understand you would like to know all of the options available to you." Seeing both the Grangers nod yes he continued, "Very well. Basically, you have three options. One, do nothing, in which case the bond will form on its own slowly. That will take several months and they will need to stay together the entire time. Second, complete the bond with a ritual that takes less than an hour. After which, they will need to be together for a short time but the need will quickly fade. Lastly, break the bond… here I must warn you, this is much more difficult and there might even be some danger. Also, after the bond is broken they will no longer be able to be close friends, in fact, they probably will not be friends at all. It will ruin their relationship as it is now."
Emma thought to herself, 'That's what Sirius was worried about.'
Mr. Granger sat there thinking for a bit, wondering about the difference before finally just asking, "Why is it different, why is it dangerous to break the bond but not to complete it?"
Professor McGonagall spoke up, "Mr. Granger, you must try to understand, what the bond is trying to do is… well natural. That is to say, the bond is only trying to do what it feels they want or need. Their magic, even themselves on some inner level want this and the bond knows it, so trying to break it goes against the flow, or in a way... what nature wants"
~oOoOo~
Neville and the girls were up in Hermione's room waiting for Harry who had stopped by the kitchen to get some refreshments.
"Hermione," Neville started a little uneasily, "I have a letter for you from Harry." As she looked at him with raised eyebrows, he pulled a battered envelope from his pocket. "It was with mine the day we went after him to the Ministry… I'm really sorry, I kind of forgot all about it with all that has happened."
Hermione could see Neville was nervous and worried she might be mad when really she totally understood, "Don't worry… it's been pretty crazy here too."
Neville looked up and seeing her smiling, he smiled back, "Yeah, I bet."
A moment later as Harry walked in with a tray of glasses and some lemonade, Hermione slid the letter into her pocket to be read later.
The four brought each other up to speed on what they knew to be happening. Neville was extremely curious about them being soulmates and what they thought that term meant. While Luna accepted it as if she had known it all along. They also talked about the various types of bonds they knew of and speculated on which type might be trying to form and Luna made them promise to keep her informed. No one brought up events prior to the Ministry battle and everyone seemed fine to leave that topic alone for the time being. Eventually, they decided they stay in touch with letters and maybe try to visit every so often. It was getting late and before they knew it, Dumbledore was calling them down to leave. After telling Harry and the Grangers, that Professor Flitwick would be by later tonight, they all said a tense goodbye. Then one by one, the group stepped into the floo and were gone.
~oOoOo~
After leaving the Granger's house, Professor Dumbledore flooed with Neville and Luna to Longbottom manor. Neville had asked Luna if she would mind meeting with his grandmother to discuss possibly delaying their summer plans for a week or so. She, of course, had said she would be delighted too. Dumbledore had only stayed long enough to say hello and ensure it was okay for Luna to stay the night, and then was off to Hogwarts.
Augusta had noticed a lot of changes in Neville since last summer. He stood straighter, spoke with more confidence, and now here he was standing in front of her holding hands with a girl as if it was the most natural thing to do. She had wanted to talk more about the battle, but at this point decided to let him come to her when he was ready.
Luna let go of Neville's hand and stepped forward, "It's a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Longbottom. I'm very excited about this summer, I do hope I can be of some help."
Augusta reached out and took Luna's hand and gave it a quick squeeze, "And it's a pleasure to see you, my dear. And I'm sure you'll be of great help." Augusta smiled, "Now then, how about some pudding and a spot of tea?"
Luna's face lit up, "Yes, ma'am, that would be wonderful."
"Good, I'll put some tea on and then we will talk," as she turned towards the kitchen she added, "Neville dear, why don't you show your guest to her room. I'll call you when tea is ready."
~oOoOo~
Shortly after dinner, Harry and Hermione sat in the living room, anxiously waiting for their charms Professor. Both were deep in thought when Professor Flitwick stepped out of the fireplace.
"I see I have two concerned students with a few questions," he said with a mischievous smile.
Hermione took that as a signal to start, "Yes, Sir, we do," and after a quick glance at Harry, she continued, "I, err we… think we just want to make sure we know exactly all of our options and what exactly will happen in each case. Also, how we go about actually doing them?"
The Professor laughed, "Oh, is that all…" then turning to Harry, "Harry anything else?"
Harry smiled, as usual Hermione had a much better grasp of what they needed to know, but he did a question, "Just one thing, Sir, otherwise, Hermione pretty much covered it." Harry smiled at Hermione before asking, "Sir, I was wondering, if a bond has already started to form, what kind is it. And if we decide to complete the bond, shouldn't we just complete to one that's already started?"
"An excellent question Harry. First, magically, all bonds start the same way, so at this point, it doesn't matter what you decide you want for a final bond type. That will not be important until you both start the actual ceremony."
"Okay, that makes sense," and after another glance at Hermione to make sure she didn't have any more questions, said, "well then, I guess we just need to go over the different bonds, like Hermione said."
"Very well then, come closer and sit and I'll go over everything, stop me if you have a question."
Three hours later, it was a quiet pair of teens sitting with the Professor. "So, I think you both need to figure the rest out on your own now." Filius was sure once they talked about their feelings and not about the bonding, they would be all right. "Call me when you're ready."
Hermione's voice was soft as she said goodbye, "Thank you, Professor."
"Yeah, thanks, Professor," Harry said as he stood while reaching out to shake his hand goodbye.
~oOoOo~
It was a concerned Emma Granger who watched her fifteen-year-old daughter and a young boy that she was very attached to, head silently up to bed. She knew what was going through their minds, bonding would be for life… a huge commitment especially at their young age. But the alternative would be effectively like walking away from each other and never looking back. The only thing Emma was sure of, was that she didn't think she could make a decision of that magnitude even at her age. In addition to all that, Harry had the prophecy and Voldemort hanging over his head. And of course, felt responsible for getting Hermione mixed up in it. And Hermione still felt terribly guilty as well. She felt, had she been smarter and had trusted her instincts more, she wouldn't have hurt Harry. She should've been at his side helping him, not making thing that much more difficult. When taken all together, it was a wonder that either of them could still function, let alone make the truly difficult decisions that lay before them.
The only real bright spot had been when Sirius had brought Remus and Tonks by for a visit and to see how the kids were doing. Talk was fairly lively with a fair amount of jokes thrown in to keep everyone smiling. Neither Harry nor Hermione thought they'd ever hear the end of the teasing about the look on their faces after waking up together nude in the same bed. However, as light-hearted as the conversation was, whenever there was a lull in it, everyone could feel the deep underlying tension that filled the room. After they had left that night, and for the next day and a half, it was a whole different group of people who lived in the Granger household. They were a group of strangers. Conversation was at a minimum as everyone was afraid to talk for worried how the other would interpret what they had said.
Mr. Granger didn't want his baby girl tied to Harry for life, at least not yet. If he was honest with himself, maybe in a few years but certainly not at now.
Mrs. Granger, on the other hand, could care less about that, she was worried about their happiness, mainly Hermione's. But being honest with herself she would admit that she cared about Harry's happiness as well. She feared what would happen if they made the wrong choice. Unfortunately, she herself didn't have a clue as to the right one.
Harry wasn't naïve, he was well aware of the fact that people changed as they grew older. It was that very thought that gave him pause for concern in the first place. But now, the more he thought about both Hermione and himself, the more he came to dismiss that worry. 'Are we really different than other couples… yeah, we are,' Harry thought. He then continued to reason out why, 'We're magical and both brighter and more mature than most kids our age. We both care more for the other than for ourselves… I just don't see that ever changing.' But most of all, Harry thought that it just felt right, he didn't know why but by the end of the second day he was sure it was the right thing to do. His only concern now was if he was worthy of her. Just remembering her demise at the Ministry and how he had led her there and then failed to protect her was all it took.
They really did think and feel the same way about a lot of things. Hermione was feeling almost exactly like Harry in regards to the prospect of bonding. She'd come to the same conclusions as him even though they hadn't talked about it at all. Hermione's last and only concern was similar to Harry's… was she worthy? Also, would he really be able to forgive her after all she had put him through last term? She might be able to prove her virtue, but would he believe her intentions were virtuous as well. She got her answer late on the second night.
Harry had just fallen asleep and she was about to do the same when she remembered the letter. Quietly slipping out of bed, she pulled out Harry's letter and sat at her desk. Hermione just stared at the envelope fearing what the letter it contained might say, considering when it had been written. After a moment's hesitation, she realized Harry would never say anything to hurt her, 'at least not on purpose.' She gave a little sigh and opened the envelope, pulling out the letter she began to read.
.
My dearest Hermione,
You really are a pretty good liar when you put your mind to it, you even fooled me for a while… but remember, I know you, maybe even better than you know yourself. It was just not in you to act the way you did, to be the kind of person you'd have me believe you were. I know you Hermione and you could never be like that. So that's why I know it's all a lie. I know you never slept with Seamus, just as I know you really didn't mean all those things you said back then. I know you never did any of those things with Ron.
I can see it in your eyes, Hermione, every time I look at you. Fear, sadness, and some great untold secret. But most of all, I see pain, so much pain. We used to be able to tell each other anything. What, or who is stopping you from talking to me now, I don't know. What is going on? Again I don't know, but it seems quite obvious that somehow I'm involved. Is this really about you, for you… or is it for me?
I can't stand to see you hurting Hermione and I know that somehow it's my fault. I'll find out what's happening sooner or later and why things are the way they are. You once told me that you wanted a family… with me and that you'd never leave me. I believed you then and I believe it's still true today. Like I said, I know you, the real you. I know you must have your reasons. So, until I find out who, or what is making you act this way… trust me when I say… I believe in you Hermione, I always have, and I always will.
Because… I believe in us.
For now, until the truth comes out, I want you to know just how much you mean to me. I want you to know how very much I appreciate all that you have done and given to me. Your help, your trust, and your faith in me throughout the years has never wavered, not once. Even when everybody else gave up on me, you took my hand and stood by my side, right or wrong and I don't think you know just how much that has meant to me. You never gave up on me. I don't know if I'll ever be able to thank you enough, even if I manage to live a hundred years.
How could I have been so lucky, so fortunate to have you in my life… only Merlin knows. Please believe me when I say, that you are everything I could ever want and so much more. My God, Hermione, you are my life, my soul… my very reason for living.
I will never give up, never forget. I will never stop believing. I will never stop loving you.
And now the hard part.
By now you might already know that I'm gone, but I hope you'll understand why I had to go to the Ministry. Even though I still don't know him as well as I'd like, he is all the family I have left. I have to be certain. I have to try. I couldn't ask you to come, because if it were a trap and you got hurt or worse, well, I don't think I would be able to live after that. I have a plan and yes I'll be careful, but no matter what, I'll do all that is within my power to return, to come back to you. But Hermione, if that's not meant to be, please forgive me and please don't cry for me. Find a way to go on… forget me if you have to, it's alright, I'll remember for the both of us.
I know what I'm asking is not fair, you'll just have to yell at me later.
Thank you, Hermione… thank you for everything.
Love, Always and Forever.
Harry
.
By the time Hermione had finished reading, tears were running freely down her face. She turned and looked at the boy laying in her bed. She didn't have to prove anything; she didn't need to worry whether he truly believed her. He had never doubted her. And if he would, 'never give up, never stop believing,' then neither would she. With trembling hands, Hermione brought the letter up and held it to her heart. Tomorrow she would tell the boy that she loved more than life itself, just how much she wanted to spend the rest of her life by his side.