Sitting at his favorite spot next to the lake under the huge elm tree a few yards from the lake shore, Harry stared out into the horizon in wonder. He'd been at Hogwarts for almost four years and in all that time had yet to not be impressed by the stark beauty of the place. Meandering hills covered in luscious trees, a beautiful lake that boggled the mind at its crystal clear splendor, and of course, a castle that stood in majestic grandeur surrounded by this stunning land.
His thoughts this fine morning however had less to do with the magnificent view than it did with the fact that once again fate had intervened in his life in an effort to end it. He'd half expected it. How could he not given the way things usually went for him at Hogwarts? 'Magical contract, my ass' he thought to himself.
He stood and made his way down to the water, picking up stones along the way which he tossed into the glassy water. He'd been surprised, staggered even, at the look of absolute hatred that he'd gotten from his supposed best mate. The redheaded prat had actually called him a liar and a cheater before wishing him a painful death. 'Nice, even my supposed best mate wants me dead'.
At this point, regardless of magical contracts, Harry had had enough of the wizarding world and its ways. He hated the bigotry, the small-mindedness, the lack of compassion, the incessant bullying, and above all he hated the way this world that at one point he'd found so fascinating and captivating had treated him like so much rubbish.
He'd lost all faith and trust in the adults that surrounded him in the school. A Head of House that seemingly cared not one whit about the children in her care. A Potions instructor who had belittled him and his father since his first class, and even the Headmaster, who had pulled his strings like a marionette since he'd come to know the man and insisted on moving him about like a pawn on some grand chess board. The look of disdain he'd seen on the rest of the staff at school upset him painfully.
The first, McGonagall, he'd always given a chance to, always gave her the benefit of the doubt. But the look of skepticism on her face when she'd questioned him about entering his name in the Cup had hurt him. To be so mistrusted by someone he'd never given reason to mistrust him, saddened him more than he thought it would.
As for Snape, well, it was Snape. He'd hate Harry no matter what the situation. At least he was consistent, unlike the Headmaster. Albus freaking Dumbledore, Headmaster extraordinaire and bane of his existence; that he proclaimed Hogwarts the safest place in Britain really made Harry question the man's sanity. Forcing him back to his hated relatives' tender mercies every summer despite knowing full well the abuse and neglect he suffered when there seemed to make little difference to the man who seemed intent on ruling over Harry's life. Harry knew that the man was keeping things from him. Too many things didn't add up regarding his life. That he, the supposed boy-who-lived and savior of the wizarding world was placed in such a harsh environment never made sense to Harry. Dumbledore could have placed him with any number of wizarding families. At the very least, the man could have come to check up on him every once in a while to make sure he was alright and happy in his childhood. That he hadn't, ever, spoke volumes about what the Headmaster really thought of Harry. It was safe to say that Dumbledore had plans for him that for some reason included placing him in danger every single year.
The only happiness he found in this place anymore was in the company of his true best friend: the incomparable Hermione Granger. For years she'd been the anchor in his world, the one to whom he could entrust his life to without hesitation, the one who stood by him as no other had. The tears in her eyes last night during the Selection had let him know that she still believed in him. She'd been genuinely concerned about him and it showed in her every gesture.
It was wistfully that he thought back on the years that they'd know each other. Remembering the many adventures they'd been on together and how she'd always been there for him, always there by his side. He knew in his heart that he carried a deep and abiding love for her that he could never express to anyone, especially to her. The fear of losing her as a friend was just too much to contemplate, and so he ignored his feelings as best he could. It was difficult though, as even the sight of her entering a room always managed to brighten his day, place a big smile on his face and warm his heart.
It was only her that was holding him back from doing what he knew he must. He had to get away from Hogwarts. If he wanted to grow up, live life, he had to get away from this world and never return. But the thought of never seeing Hermione again was beginning to frighten him more than even death did.
OoOOooOOoo
With a worried look on her face, the bushy haired girl went in search of her best friend. It was a little later in the morning than she usually came down from her bedroom, but knowing him as she did, she knew he'd have found it exceedingly difficult to get any sleep and would have probably left Gryffindor Tower in search of someplace where he wouldn't have to face the looks of contempt and scorn that the vast majority of their Housemates wore. Checking the common room and not seeing him, she headed down to the great hall to check among the students who were gathering for breakfast.
"Anyone seen Harry?" she asked no one in general.
"That cheater? Who'd be looking for him? Glory hound that he is, he's probably somewhere looking for a reporter and a photographer because he needs to be in the headlines again." spouted off Ron to the agreement of his companions.
"Cheater? Ron, you really think that Harry wanted to be in this tournament?" she asked in amazement.
"Yeah, I mean, who wouldn't right? Eternal glory...yeah, that's something I think that Potter would be more than happy to do. He doesn't particularly need the money, but he'd still hold up the bag of gold if he won. We're all surprised he's not down here gloating about it, aren't we?" he asked those around him.
"C'mon Granger, everyone knows he goes out of his way to be in the spotlight, how could he not want to be in it knowing that the whole world will be watching?" asked one of the Gryff's sitting by Ron .
"He's not a Gryffindor, I tell you. He's a slimy Slytherin. Everything he does just proves that. If we could, we'd ask McGonagall to kick him out of the House. He doesn't deserve to wear the scarlet and gold." added Ron.
She looked around the table and saw the nods of agreement in a great percentage of the people sitting there. "Wow, you are all morons, and ungrateful morons at that."
"Defending him again, Granger? Not as if that's any surprise! You should join him, supporting him the way you do. Just go and shag him silly like you usually do, you mudblood slut!" raged Ron.
The great hall descended into total silence at the words of the redhead. Even Professor McGonagall had heard the vile statement and was racing toward her House table in an effort to reach Miss Granger before she could murder Weasley. She was oddly relieved when all she did was slap him across the face.
"You are a sick and twisted cockroach, Weasley. Don't ever speak to me again or I will make it my mission in life to end your existence. Do you understand me?" she said as her wand suddenly appeared in her hand and held it against his cheek.
"Miss Granger!" shouted McGonagall, "Put down your wand this instant!"
She stared into the Ron's eyes and saw the fear in them. Gathering up her courage she turned to face her fellow Gryffindors'. "You all make me sick; every single last one of you turns my stomach. How many times has Harry Potter almost killed himself trying to catch that stupid snitch for the glory of Gryffindor? Was it not enough for you that he got rid of your dark wizard problem as a baby? Was it not enough that he saved the school from a bloody basilisk or dozens of dementors? When will it be enough for you people? How many times must he save you before you see him for the brave and noble person that he is? He is, without a doubt, the best of us. He is kind, and goofy, and selfless, and brave, and funny, and would help anyone in need that he could. But that's not enough, is it? No, not for you parasites; it's never enough." she fumed.
"Miss Granger?" asked a stunned McGonagall.
"And you," she said spinning to face McGonagall, " our Head of House, the one we all are supposed to rely on to defend and help us can't even trouble herself to make sure that he is fine. Do you even know where he is? Did you even bother to check to see if he was alright after the disaster of last night? When will you stand up for him, huh, when will you ever stand up and defend him? Wasn't it you who told me that Harry's parents were two of your favorite students and closest friends? Did you care so little about them that you allowed that poor excuse for a Headmaster to place him in a home where he's been systematically abused for over a decade?"
"Enough, Miss Granger!" hissed McGonagall.
"Not nearly enough, Professor. The truth hurts, doesn't it? You are all, the entirety of this school, deplorable excuses for human beings!" she ranted. With a final look of disgust she turned on her heels and headed out of the great hall to once again continue her search for Harry.
"Here, take him this. I'm sure he'll be hungry." said Luna as she offered Hermione a sandwich and some fruit when the bushy haired witch passed her table. "And I think that if you gave it a little thought you can figure out where he is."
"Thank you, Luna, I'm quite sure he'll appreciate it." she said with a faint smile.
"Goodbye, Hermione. Goodbye, Harry." Luna whispered sadly as she watched one of her only friends leave the great hall.
OoOOooOOoo
Luna had been right; all it had taken was a few moments for her to figure out where Harry had gone. And, with food in hand, she made her way down to the lakeside in search of her wizard. 'My wizard, she thought in wonder, 'when had I started to think of him as such?'
It had been as a precocious first year student, on her first Express ride to the magical school, that she'd met the boy who had become the center of her life; a boy with hair as wild as her own and an easy and kind smile. A boy whose brilliant green eyes had her wanting to gaze into them forever. The redheaded prat who he seemed to have befriended him did everything in his power to keep her away from Harry, even going so far as insulting and bullying her at every opportunity.
Finding herself, alone again, staring at the twelve foot monstrosity that had entered the bathroom had her praying to all the deities whose named she could remember for a miracle. One of those deities must have heard her because next thing she knew she was being held tightly in the arms of her savior. She smiled at the memory, it had been the first time she'd ever had a boys arms around her. And it felt bloody wonderful! Warm and comforting; being held in Harry's arms always equated to safety to the brilliant mind of Hermione Granger.
She saw him walking back and forth at the edge of the lake and smiled. She stood there and stared at him for a few minutes, intrigued by his actions and movement. He'd occasionally pick up a stone and toss it into the lake before he began his pacing again. She knew him well enough by now to know that his actions indicated deep thought. So she just stood there and watched him. As ever, she was mesmerized by his movements, his grace in motion; he was as graceful on the ground as he was in the air.
Not wanting to disturb him, she went and sat at 'his' spot under the rather large tree. Once upon a time she would have cursed herself for not bringing a book with her to read while she waited for her Harry to come to grips with whatever was bugging him. But she was happy to just sit and watch him. And it was odd to her that she was happy, despite the events of the last couple of days. She was of course angered and frightened for Harry about the dangerous situation he once again found himself in, but was oddly invigorated by the fact that she would have him all to herself. No one at school would get between them for the foreseeable future.
Despite the chill in the air, she was warmed by the sight of Harry looking at her with a large smile on his face when he noticed her. She watched him with a mixture of desire and longing that was becoming all too commonplace for her. All she wanted to do at this moment was to launch herself into his arms and kiss him into insensibility. Make him forget the danger, if even for a moment.
Seeing her there under the tree filled him with joy. She'd come, for him. She'd come to see that he was alright, she'd come to see he was safe. With a shy smile, she extended her hands to give him the food Luna had given her for him. He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, Luna, she told me to give these to you as she knew you'd be hungry and that I'd be looking for you. Giving the great hall a miss this morning is a good idea, Harry." she told him.
"Luna," he said with a grin, "I'll have to thank her if I see her again."
The statement caught Hermione off guard. "Why wouldn't you see her again, Harry?"
Harry sighed deeply and sat down next to her. "I can't stay here, Hermione. I can't be here anymore. My parents sacrificed themselves so I could live. I cannot, will not, continue to place myself in danger any longer; this school is a death trap. Staying at Hogwarts will eventually result in my death."
"What are you going to do, Harry? You have to compete, don't you, or risk losing your magic?" she asked.
"At this point, I don't think I really care if I lose my magic. I just want to be able to live, you know? There are too many things that I want to do, too many things that I've not experienced. Not having magic won't make a difference to me. I had almost eleven years without it; I think I can manage without again. I'll miss it, of course, but I think I'd rather much be alive than be able to float a feather." he said with a mirthless chuckle.
"What are you going to do, Harry?" she asked him again.
"Leave. I'm going to go up to my room, pack my trunk, grab Hedwig and my broom, and get the hell out of this place." he said seriously.
"Oh, Harry..." she said with tears streaming down her face. She wrapped an arm around his waist and planted her face in his chest as she let the tears come. She held him tight as she let the pent up emotions come out. "Where will you go?"
"Don't rightly know yet. I thought I'd head over to Gringotts and loot my trust vault. After converting it to muggle currency, I thought I'd buy one of those eurail passes I've heard about and travel the continent for a bit. Go to all those places I've only ever read about or seen on the telly." he replied.
She nodded in understanding, wondering if she'd ever be fearless enough to be able to do something like that. And then she realized that she was indeed brave enough, she was a Gryffindor after all. She'd faced many harrowing situations with Harry, so she knew she had it in her to be bold. The question then became whether she was courageous enough to go with him now.
"Can I come with you?" she whispered.
"What? You'd come with me?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Harry, I would come with you. We've been together through some rough times and faced danger, together, like no one our age should ever have to. I feel the same way about Hogwarts as you do, this place is becoming too dangerous. And I would be a very poor best friend if I didn't go with you. Besides, you'd be helpless without me." she teased.
"I'd love it if you came with me, love." he said to her.
She knew that he hadn't realized that he'd called her that but she had, she most definitely had. She smiled into his chest as she tried to hide her blush. He held her tighter, and her heart soared.
"What about your parents, Hermione? Won't they be upset at you running away?" he asked.
"I haven't really told you about them, have I?" she asked and he shook his head. "We had a happy family life, for a little while anyways; at least that's how I like to remember it. That all changed around my eighth birthday. I had a bout of accidental magic, I got upset that the dress I was forced to wear was blue and not pink like I wanted it to be. So I changed the color, you know? From that day forward my home life has been...unpleasant. Oh, they didn't hit me or anything like that. I was just ignored, completely. Mom and Dad hired a nanny to take care of me. They wanted nothing at all to do with me. It got even worse when McGonagall showed up at the house and gave us her 'Welcome to Hogwarts' speech. They both looked at me like I was possessed by the devil, or evil incarnate, or something like that. If anything, the professor's visit made them even more distant. They were glad to see the back of me, I think, when I finally boarded the Express."
"But on the platform, they seemed like such a nice couple." he stuttered.
"I know, Oscar winning performances, don't you think? As soon as we got in to the car, the silent treatment began again in earnest. It's like they wore masks that they changed to suit the situation. Like you, I spent most of my holidays in my room, hidden away. They only paraded me around when family came to visit or when their friends would come over. Only my Nana ever showed me any affection. I think deep down she knew what I was and was actually happy for me. She and my father had some screaming matches that lasted for hours, all having to do with their treatment of me. I'm pretty sure that they'd be happy to never see me again. September 1st could never come soon enough for them."
Harry had a tear trickle down his cheek. "I'm so sorry, Hermione. I'm sorry I didn't know."
Pulling back from his chest and looking into his eyes, she was surprised to the see the sadness in them at her life story. With her thumb, she tenderly wiped the tear stain from his cheek. "There's no need to cry for me, Harry. I came to accept it a long time ago, sad as that sounds."
"Then I guess we both are done, aren't we? Getting away will, I think, do both of us some good; allow us to finally lead the lives we want. Don't you think, love?" he asked.
'He did it again!' she said to herself. She was pretty sure that he, yet again, hadn't realized what he'd said. "So, Harry, what's the plan?"
"We go tonight. Walk out of Hogwarts and never look back. I was just going to shrink my trunk and take off on my broom." He chuckled at the panicked look on Hermione's face. "But, since you're coming along, I think you may have to help me come up with a plan that doesn't involve my broom."
"No, the broom is a good plan." she grumbled. "I'll just shut my eyes and hold on tight. As long as you don't let me fall, I think I'll be alright. If worse comes to worst, I'll have you stupefy me and put a sticking charm on my bum."
"Midnight, you think?"
"Whenever, Harry, we can leave whenever you'd like. I think I should stop by the library and abscond with some of the books that I think we could find useful. My trunk is already mostly packed, I'll just add in what things I think we'll need for our journey." she said.
"Well, I'm already packed, have been since last night when this idea to leave started forming in my head. C'mon, let's head to the library, I'll give you a hand picking some books. We'll need to find something that takes tracking spells off of us." he said.
"You really think someone has put tracking spells on you?" she asked in astonishment.
"Yeah, I have no doubt about that actually. Have you seen those silver knickknacks that Dumbledore keeps in his office? I think those are devices that monitor me when I'm away from the castle and at the Dursley's. At least, they seem to react when I'm near them. And Hermione, I wouldn't put it past him to have placed some on you. Being my best friend, I'm sure he'd want you monitored as well in case something happened to me."
"Bastards!" she growled under her breath, agreeing with him. Harry stood and held a hand out to her. "Shall we?" he asked. With flushing cheeks, she reached for his hand and stood. She didn't bother to let go as she laced her fingers in his and held on tight as they made their way to the castle.
OoOOooOOoo
"And I suppose you are just going to allow this to continue?" ranted Minerva to her boss.
"Whatever do you mean, Minerva?" asked the Headmaster with twinkling eyes.
"This...this...treatment of Mr. Potter; are you really going to continue to allow the entire student body to treat him the way they've been treating him? Good Godric, Albus, it's only been a day since the selection and already they're treating him like a pariah. It's like the Heir of Slytherin all over again! And you did bloody nothing about that either." she continued.
"The segregation from the student body will do him some good, Minerva. Once they, his friends, realize they've made a mistake and apologize, he'll welcome them back with open arms."
She stared at him openmouthed in astonishment. "Are you seriously standing there telling me that it is a good thing that he's being ostracized? And do you honestly think he'd forgive any of them after their atrocious behavior?"
"Yes," he said condescendingly, "it'll help him mature into the great and powerful wizard that we both know he is. His destiny, his fate, requires him to be forged in the fires of hardship. He'll come out of it all the stronger for it."
"Forged? You do realize that he's a fourteen year old boy and not a claymore to be fashioned in a smithy in the middle of the Scottish Highlands?" she screeched at him. "You do realize that he's is close to breaking, Albus? Last night's calamity will only push him further down a road that you will never be able to bring him back from. He will simply pack his things and leave us. He, like his mother and father before him, is a powerful wizard. But unlike them, he's only had knowledge of magic for a few short years; I don't think it a great stretch to imagine that he'd be fine without it!"
"He'd not leave us, Minerva. He couldn't leave us, his nobility and strength of character would prevent him from doing so. He'll compete, and he'll do well. Once the first task of the tournament has been completed, the castle should return to normal as people come to accept him back into their hearts."
"You just don't understand, do you, you meddlesome old fool? He only needs one person in the entire world. If she decides to go with him or she convinces him to go with her, you'd be completely out of luck! With her intellect and his strength of will, they'd vanish into the muggle world and never be found." she retorted.
"I assume you mean Miss Granger? You needn't worry about her, Minerva. Her studies and this school are all too important to her. She'd never abandon a place like Hogwarts, a place where the mysteries of magic are there at her fingertips to discover." he said in a patronizing tone.
She rubbed her temples in frustration. Why couldn't she get the man to understand? "Albus, like Potter's for generations before him, Harry has found his lifemate at a young age. Miss Granger means more to him than your damn tournament! And don't think for a second that she doesn't reciprocate his affections. You saw how she defended him this morning at breakfast!"
"Mere teen-aged angst and puppy love, Minerva." he replied.
"You really think that the love they obviously have for each other is puppy love? Do you remember what James and Lily were like? Can you not recall how Charlus and Dorea were before them?"
It was at the mention of Harry's parents and grandparents that the Headmaster had the first bit of doubt creep into his consciousness. "They are lifemates?"
"Without a doubt, Albus, no question about it." she replied.
"I need to contact Sirius, Remus too, they can put a stop to whatever plans he may have to leave." he said worriedly. He was immensely surprised to hear his Deputy laughing.
"I can tell you exactly what Sirius will say to you when you tell him that you want to interfere in his godson's life even more than you have already. I believe 'go bugger yourself' will probably be the most tame. And as loyal as Remus is to you, Albus, he's more so to Harry."
Albus sank back into his chair in resignation. "What are you suggesting we do?"
"It would help if it is actually seen as you are doing something to get him out of this tournament instead of celebrating the fact that it appears someone wishes him harm. Put a stop to all the taunting and bullying that he's been a victim of because I can assure you that what we've seen so far is nothing compared to what will happen as time goes by. As for me, well, I have been a poor example of a Gryffindor Head of House for far too many years. It's time for me to actually be that which I am supposed to be."
"I'll have to ask Severus for his suggestions as well." he said.
"Oh no, no, no, no! You will not bring that evil snake anywhere near any of my cubs, especially Harry. His hatred of Harry is legendary and I will not have him antagonizing him anymore than he already does." she yelled.
"But I trust him..."
"And you are the only one in this entire school that feels that way, Albus. Were he to die in an explosion in his laboratory I believe the cheers of joy would be heard down in Hogsmeade! The most despised professor in Hogwarts will steer clear of this situation or so help me I'll transfigure both of you into flobberworms!"
Albus sighed deeply. "Will you bring Harry to me sometime after the evening meal, Minerva? Miss Granger as well, I suppose. If I can convince her it will make my task of getting Harry to remain at Hogwarts an easier one."
"Good luck with that." she whispered as she headed out. "I'll let them know, Headmaster."
OoOOooOOoo
"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, the Headmaster would like to have a word with you after dinner. If you'll head to his office, the password is 'cockroach clusters'." said the Transfigurations professor to the approaching couple. She raised an eyebrow at seeing them holding hands. Although it shouldn't have surprised her, it somehow did.
"Any idea what he wishes to discuss with us, Professor?" asked Hermione.
"I believe he wishes to discuss you participation in the tournament, Mr. Potter. Perhaps offer you some help in your tasks."
Hermione snorted at that.
"Miss Granger?" asked the now annoyed professor.
"When has my Harry ever been given help by the staff? In our short time at Hogwarts, Harry and I have been placed in perilous situations countless times. When has a member of the staff helped us? No, I believe the Headmaster has no intention of helping him in this farce of a tournament." she retorted. Minerva could only look at her in shame, embarrassed by the truth of her statements.
'My Harry?' wondered the green eyed boy who was staring at Hermione intently. She'd never talked back to an authority figure, ever. To see her doing so now, in his defense no less, brought up once more the fact that he loved this girl with all that he was.
"Come, Hermione, we'll go see what the man wants as soon as dinner is over. The sooner we get there the sooner it's over and the sooner we can get out of here." he whispered to her as he gently tugged on her hand. "Let the Headmaster know that we will be there after dinner, Professor."
Both of them more than a little annoyed at the confrontation they'd just had, walked sullenly towards Gryffindor Tower. "Don't let your temper get the better of you when we go in there, Harry. I think that if Dumbledore gets even a hint of what we're proposing to do he'll lock you, probably me too, in Gryffindor tower and only allow us out for classes and meals."
"You're right. Of course you're right. I don't know what I'd ever do if you weren't here by my side." he replied. "What say you we skip that particular meeting and just get the hell out of here now?"
"If you're sure, Harry; whenever and wherever you go I'm going too, I'm staying right by your side." she replied. "Give me ten minutes to change and shrink my things and I'll meet you down in the common room. What's your plan to get us out of here, it still being daylight and all?"
"We'll take one of the secret passages to Hogsmeade, head over to the Three Broomsticks and use their floo to get to Diagon."
"You've thought this through, I see."
"Ever since last night when my name came out of that blasted cup. Go, get your things. The sooner we're out of here the sooner I will feel some semblance of safety." He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and placed upon her knuckles the tenderest of kisses. It was enough to make her swoon. "Go." he whispered.
Feeling bold, she grabbed Harry's face and planted a peck on his cheek. With a gentle smile on her lips and a nod of her head, she turned and ran up to her room. Luckily, Lavender and Parvati weren't around to question her. It wouldn't do to have the gossip queens of Hogwarts interrogating her. She had rather little to actually pack as she'd always been frightened that someone would make off with her prized books which were already neatly stacked in the trunk. 'Dammit, we won't have time to hit the library' she thought dejectedly. Still, magical bookstores existed around the globe; surely they'd be able to find one in their travels? Her prized possession, a picture of Harry and her, was put on top of the clothes she gathered from her closet. With a wave of her wand she shrunk her trunk and put it in her pocket. She sat on the edge of her bed and looked around the room that she'd shared with Lavender and Parvati for almost four years. She wouldn't miss it. She did indeed love Hogwarts, but she knew that if Harry wasn't there beside her, Hogwarts meant less than nothing. She would miss the knowledge contained here, nothing more.
Her life had been dedicated to the acquisition of knowledge. Books were her safe haven from a life of loneliness and heartbreak. She could never understand what it was about her that made her parents turn their back on their daughter and treat her so coldly. Simply being magical didn't seem enough of a reason for the obvious contempt and disdain they held her in but maybe it was just that. Persecution and fear of those having magic was everywhere in history; the fear of the unknown always begat discrimination and worse. It saddened her to think that her parents might actually be scared of her.
It was her Nana that had given her the courage to attend Hogwarts, as if she'd known that her granddaughter was somehow different and special. Nana had paid, from her own pocket, the tuition for seven years at the magical school, silencing her parents who'd objected to the cost. On her Nana's death in Hermione's second year, she was surprised to learn that her will had bequeathed all she had to her granddaughter. That didn't please her parents at all. They'd done all in their power to have the will rejected as being written by a senile old woman. The judge had laughed in their faces and excoriated them for trying to take money from a child. Nana had left her a very tidy sum, one that would've allowed her to attend university when she left Hogwarts and buy herself a small flat. Her parents had, since that time, not said one word to her except for requests to come out and say hello to visitors to their home, just to keep up appearances. Even calling her down to dinner was something they'd not do. She'd spent countless nights crying herself to sleep.
She knew Harry had it worse; she'd always known that. And although she had it bad in her young life, Harry's life was exceedingly more painful. She'd read about physical abuse and their victims in a book, of course, and was doing all she could to help Harry get through the pain that that abuse had placed on his body and mind. He'd had such a hard life, what with the murder of his parents and being placed in the hellhole that was Privet Drive. But he'd be free of them, free of the abuse and torment that he suffered not only at home but at school. He'd be free and he'd be with her.
She double checked her living space and made sure she'd forgotten nothing. Using a pillow, she transfigured a trunk that looked vaguely like her own so that no one would suspect that she'd taken all her things and was no longer in Hogwarts and placed it at the foot of her bed. "Come on, Crookshanks; please get in your cage? I promise I won't keep you in there for long and since we're going to Diagon we can stop by the Menagerie and get you your favorite treats. Please?" The ginger cat looked annoyed but, with a roll of its eyes, it none too quickly got into the cage. Securely fastened and carrying all she needed, Hermione Granger left her dorm room for the last time.
OoOOooOOoo
"Hed, Hermione and I are headed to Gringotts; will you meet us there, please?" Harry asked of his regal owl. With a soft nip to his fingers and a rub of her head on his cheek, Hedwig hopped off her human's shoulder and flew out the open window.
Harry watched her leave, praying that she'd be safe. He walked back to his side of the large room and closed the trunk at the foot of his bed. Fourteen years he'd been on this earth and yet it always surprised him that his entire life could fit so easily in to this modestly sized trunk, with ample space for more things, too.
He was a bit amazed at the fact that he could still feel the kiss that Hermione had given him on his cheek. It left a lingering tingle that warmed him through. He smiled at the memory, hoping against hope that the feelings he had for her would in turn be reciprocated.
With all he had in this world tucked into his pocket, Harry headed down to the common room. He was pleased that the common room appeared empty. Hermione sat on one of the couches looking nervous. He watched her intently, taking in the beauty of her features and smiled. She caught his look and blushed, but gave him one of those brilliant smiles that melted his heart. "Ready?"
She nodded and took his hand, her eyes never leaving his as she stood. She grabbed Crookshanks and hand in hand they exited the common room.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Statue of the one-eyed witch; there's a hidden passage behind her that'll take us all the way to Honeydukes."
"And how is it, Mr. Potter, that you know of this secret passage?" He gave her his best lopsided smile.
"Oh, that's a secret. I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you, Miss Granger. Hogwarts can't hide her secrets from me."
"So Fred and George then?"
"Yeah, pretty much." he chuckled.
OoOOooOOoo
"That bastard!" yelled Harry. Hermione could see his magic starting to get away from him and was trying to calm him.
"Language, Harry, although I tend to agree with the sentiment." she said trying to get him to calm down.
"Forgive me, Mr. Potter, are you telling me you had no idea about the Potter estate that was willed to you?" asked the goblin curiously.
"I'm sorry about that outburst, Master Griphook. Your news has taken me completely by surprise. No, I had no idea that my family was wealthy. I was under the impression that the money in my trust vault was the entirety of my inheritance."
"I see...and the 'bastard' then would be...?" inquired Griphook.
"Albus Dumbledore."
"Ah, quite; I imagine then that you've not been receiving any of our correspondence, then?"
"What, mail and such? No, never have I received anything from Gringotts, sir."
"And the key to your vault?"
"Mrs. Weasley has it; she does my shopping for me for school and such."
"Your vault, Mr. Potter, gets topped off at the beginning of each fiscal year to hold one hundred thousand galleons. Since you haven't your key and your school fees are pulled automatically each September, I assume that it isn't you that has been taking money from the vault."
"Well, I knew about the money coming out for tuition, I also have Mrs. Weasley pull out two hundred galleons for me for spending money for the year...are you saying there's more missing than that." asked Harry angrily.
"Mrs. Weasley may have your key, but it seems that she and Albus Dumbledore have been pulling a significant amount of money from your vault each year since..." he Griphook said as he scanned a folder before him, "November of 1981. Withdrawals that seem to have been approved by yourself, Mr. Potter."
"He's done what?" screamed Hermione, jumping out of her seat.
"Easy there, sweetie." said Harry, it being his turn to now calm her down. It was him calling her that affectionate nickname that brought her out of her murderous rage. She sat again and took his hand in hers. How was he keeping himself from going after Dumbledore?
"You say he has my permission to withdraw money from my account since I was, what, almost two years old?"
"Indeed. The totals withdrawn come to around 750,000 galleons." replied the goblin.
"That's almost four million pounds!" bellowed a once again angered Hermione.
"I assume that there is a way for me to stop anyone from accessing my vault?"
"Of course, I'll take care of it right away. Might I suggest you also get a new key? It would only take a few minutes."
"Please, Griphook, and thank you. When may I have access to my family vault?"
"On your seventeenth birthday," he replied and saw the dejected look on his clients face, "unless..."
"Unless?" prompted Hermione.
"Well, unless we can get Mr. Potter here emancipated. In which case, he'd be considered an adult and would have full access to the Potter estate and all its holding." replied the goblin. "I just can't see any way of doing it, though."
"Master Griphook, do the old connubial laws apply to this? Can one be emancipated if the Old Ways are followed?" asked Hermione after processing the information for a few minutes.
"They do still apply, Miss Granger; Harry though would need permission from his guardian. Can he get that?"
"Yes, especially once I explain what my reasoning is. Might I request the use of a Gringotts owl, sir?" Griphook nodded and summoned his assistant.
"Would you take Miss Granger here down to our owlery and allow her to send a message with one of our swiftest owls? Miss Granger, if you'd follow Gwar, he'll take you to where you may send your missive."
"What are you doing, Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Do you trust me, Harry?"
"You know I do, with my life."
"Then let me sort this out for you, for us. If Sirius says no, we won't have to bring it up again. I don't think he'll say no, though." Hermione told him with confidence.
"What are you planning, love?"
'Good Godric, I'm going to jump him if he doesn't stop doing that.' "Let's wait on Sirius. Once he agrees, I will let you know what I'm thinking. Master Griphook, Harry, if you'll both excuse me I think I'll write Sirius a quick note."
"She's a fiery one, Mr. Potter." grinned Griphook as he watched the young witch follow his assistant out of the office.
"You've no idea." mumbled Harry. "Griphook...what does connubial mean?"
OoOOooOOoo
Hermione was waiting as patiently as she could at the steps of Gringotts bank awaiting the arrival of Sirius. She was rather surprised, although she shouldn't have been, to see his large grim form on a leash accompanied by Remus. "Snuffles?"
"Inside, Hermione, no need to draw attention to ourselves." said Remus in a whisper.
Hermione nodded in assent and led the two men into the bank. The three were led to a small conference room she'd requested, where Sirius immediately morphed into his human form. "Oh, thank Merlin you came!" Hermione said as she threw her arms around Sirius.
For his part, Sirius was a little taken aback by the fierce hug he was receiving, courtesy of the attractive young woman his godson fancied so much. "Hermione, what's going on? Where's Harry? Are both of you okay?"
"Sorry, Sirius, we didn't mean to make you worry. Things have changed at Hogwarts for Harry and me. After much thought, we've come to the conclusion that leaving that place is in both of our best interests."
"Well it's about bloody time if you ask me!" agreed Sirius.
"Don't I get a hug, Hermione?" Remus asked with a smirk.
"Sorry, Professor, of course you do." she said as she let go of Sirius and gave Remus a patented Granger hug.
"You know, I've wanted to get Harry out of that place ever since I got away on Buckbeak and more so as I found out more about his life. But as I'm still a wanted man..."
"I agree with Padfoot, Hermione. Harry is in constant danger, not something James or Lily would accept. Not something we accept either. Dumbledore has assured us that he's keeping Harry protected, but I've seen little to no evidence of that. Especially as he sends him back to those fucking muggles every holiday; I take it you asked Padfoot to come here because you and Harry have a plan."
"When Harry got selected for that blasted tournament I about fainted in the middle of the great hall. The next morning, earlier today I guess, we spoke and he let me know that he was going to run away. I told him in no uncertain terms that he'd not go anywhere without me."
"Finally figured it out, have you?" asked a grinning Sirius.
"What, that I love Harry with all that I am? Yes. And I didn't have to figure it out, by the way. I've known I've loved that boy since Halloween of our first year. I'm his witch, I always have been, just as he's my wizard." she answered with a deep blush.
"What of your parents, Hermione? Won't they have something to say about you basically running away?"
"I doubt it!" she snorted inelegantly. "Look, my family life is nowhere near as bad as Harry's, but it almost was. Instead of being beaten, yelled at, starved, or imprisoned, I'm totally ignored. Neither of my parents talks to me when I'm home. They pick me up from the King's Cross and drop me off there at the end of the holidays, which is the extent of their involvement in my life. Any affection I receive from them is merely an act to keep up appearances."
"Hermione, I'm so sorry. Why haven't you said anything to anyone about this?"
"Because it doesn't really matter that much to me anymore; as much as I could, I've made my peace with it. I do love them, but they don't love me. It hurts, but I'm not willing to let it hurt any longer. I've a new life to plan and a family to make."
"Hermione, you're not pregnant are you?" asked Sirius aghast.
"For heaven's sake Sirius, I am not pregnant!" she squealed.
"Putting that aside for the moment, what's the reason you needed Padfoot here? Surely owling each other could have taken care of all you needed without putting him at risk of capture?" Remus asked.
"Yes, it could have, but that would have taken time. Time that Harry and I do not have if we want to make good on our plans to run away and get out of Britain."
"So what exactly is this idea of yours then?" Sirius asked curiously.
"I want to marry Harry...today..." she said clearly. "...and he needs your permission to do it."
OoOOooOOoo
"Bloody hell Hermione, are you sure that's the way to go about it? I mean, I figured you guys would probably end up in front of Marriage Bonder eventually, but c'mon."
"Pads..." Remus cautioned.
"What Moony, what could she possibly say to make this out to be a good idea?" he asked his friend irritably. "We are after all talking about a bonding, a freaking bonding! That's for life! What happens a few months from now if they decide that they've made a mistake?"
"At least give the girls a chance to answer your question before you go off on her! She's not called the smartest witch of her generation for nothing. Hear her out, would ya?"
With a resigned look, he nodded his head. "I warn you though, next time we see Lily, I am completely blaming you for this. Harry married at fourteen? She's going to neuter the both of us!"
"Actually, I kind of think she'd be proud of the daughter-in-law she'd be gaining and that we're geniuses for allowing it." Remus responded.
"Really?" he asked sarcastically. "Okay, well then I suppose that for the moment you've got my conditional approval, approval which will be fully granted if I agree with your plan, okay?" Hermione's squeal of delight and ensuing rib cracking hug had a big smile on the face of the former prisoner of Azkaban.
"So, Hermione, care to enlighten two clueless old men on your plan to keep our boy safe?"
"Oi, who you calling old, asshole?" Sirius said with a glare at Remus.
Hermione shook her head and smiled at Harry's two paternal figures. That they loved Harry deeply was without question. They both would do all in their power, even giving their lives up to see Harry live a happy life. "Alright, the main reason I want to marry that sweet boy is because I love him. I love him truly and deeply. Just the thought of not having Harry in my life...well, I don't even want to contemplate my life without Harry in it. Harry has been everything to me since our first ride on the Express. That ride on the train, despite the presence of Weasley, is easily one of my most treasured memories. That affection only deepened as the years have gone by."
"So you love him, that part we already knew." Remus said.
"Yeah!" concurred Sirius.
"Next," continued Hermione, "if Harry marries according to the Old Ways, he becomes emancipated. An adult; an adult who will be able to claim his inheritance and all the monies and lands that come with it and neither the Ministry or the Headmaster could do anything about it."
"I hadn't thought of that..." Remus said quietly.
"Why would we have thought of it? Things like that only happen when Heirs and Heiresses turn seventeen. And even then it hardly happens at seventeen because most of the Heads are still around. I had never even considered making Harry an adult." said Sirius rubbing his chin. "With the wealth that Harry would have access to, he could go and do anything he wanted. And with Hermione here right next to him, he'd not do anything too stupid." Sirius was beginning to see what Hermione had planned. "It pisses me off to no end that Harry knew nothing about this or his family. You beat us to the punch though, Hermione. Moony and I were all set to sit the boy down and go over everything that he should have known years ago."
Remus chuckled, "Harry is not you, Padfoot. He'd not do anything stupid."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Are you kidding me?"
"Nope. Harry may seem to be reckless, but that's all it is, an impression of recklessness. The troll? He went there to save you if I'm not mistaken. The basilisk, to rescue the sister of his best friend; with the Dementors, he saved you and Sirius. Harry is not reckless...well, not much, but he would never allow anyone he cares for to be in danger. He will do everything in his power to protect them, despite insurmountable odds." Remus said sincerely.
"I've...wow, I've never really thought of it that way. I thought that it was that whole 'people saving' thing that he has that makes him go out of his way to court trouble." Hermione added.
"Never mind that now, guys! What else, Hermione?"
"Actually, that's all I've been able to come up with so far." she said with a frown. Catching the look of surprise on the two Marauders faces, she continued. "What? It's not like I had a lot of time to think about this. I only came up with this way out a short time ago!"
"I take it then that Harry has had enough of Hogwarts?" asked Remus seriously.
"That and...and he has had enough of the wizarding world in general. Hated one moment, praised the next. The flip-flopping nature of the people has gotten to be too much; to both of us. We can't even trust people that we consider friends because they're just as likely to abandon Harry at a time when he'd really need them. Ron, who I thought was as loyal to Harry as I was, point blank to his face called him a liar and a cheater for having put his name in the Cup, his jealousy in plain view for all to see. The rest of Gryffindor was no better. Hell, the whole school was like that. McGonagall looked at him with, I don't know, disdain...contempt...distrust, it was all so infuriating. Just a few months ago he literally saved Sirius and I from a horde of Dementors. Can you imagine what would have happened if he hadn't banished them? There'd be castle full of school children that had all been kissed! And yet he didn't get a single thank you from anyone." she ranted.
"And he wouldn't with Dumbledore making sure nobody finds out what a death trap Hogwarts has become." added Sirius.
"My thoughts have Harry and me getting married today and running away from everything and everyone in Britain. As wealthy as the Potter family is, I'm sure they have homes all over the place. We just pick someplace safe and away from magic Britain and live the lives that I'm sure Harry's parents wanted for him. All I want is to marry Harry and have the rest of our lives together, to learn together what happiness and love really mean. He and I really haven't led happy lives, you know? I have a bit of an advantage though in that I remember what a happy life looks and feels like. A few years from now we add in some kids and start making a family, something he's wanted since I've known him."
"Are you sure you're not pregnant?" asked Sirius with a grin. "Don't give me that look, Hermione; Lily was way scarier than you. You may be as intelligent as her but you're nowhere near as dangerous or scary."
"Try me!" Hermione said through clenched teeth.
"Ooooh, scary." Sirius mocked. "Okay, so, if I allow this to happen then what, what'll you two do?"
"We get married and we get the hell out of here. His idea was to buy a eurail pass and explore the continent. I happen to think that's a wonderful idea. He and I gallivanting across Europe as muggles would make it extremely difficult for that bastard Dumbledore to find us. And if Voldemort ever stages a comeback I doubt any of his buttmonkeys would have a clue as to how to find us." explained Hermione.
"Buttmonkeys?" asked a chuckling Remus. Sirius was laughing loudly at the hilarious images that came to mind.
"So the marriage then would be what, a sham? That's one thing I'm not comfortable with, Miss Granger. You know marriage is for life, especially if you do it according to the old laws" Sirius reiterated. "Also, I love my godson too much to allow someone to play with his affections."
"That is never going to happen, Padfoot." Hermione told the Marauder vehemently. "I happen to think that Harry and I will have a wonderful life together; a life filled with joy, love, and happiness. We both just have to admit to each other that there is more there, between us, than just deep feelings of friendship. I've come to realize it, but he hasn't yet. That will be my main job, getting Harry to not only accept his feelings towards me, but also to realize and accept that I feel the same way about him."
"Good! Harry has been through too much in his short life." said Sirius. He stared intently at Hermione, leveling a questioning and fierce glare on her as if he was trying to get answers to questions he'd not asked. Hermione, for her part, stood up to the glare and returned her own in kind. "Okay, Hermione, I give you permission to wed my boy."
The squeal that emanated from the room was heard throughout the bank, alarming and frightening many customers with what sounded like a banshee's wail.
"Unpaid loan." commented one of the goblins with an evil grimace to the cowering patron before him.
OoOOooOOoo
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" asked a wide-eyed Harry. "This is what you want to do?"
"Please sit, Harry?" Hermione pleaded. "Let's talk for a bit."
Griphook had been kind enough to provide them with a comfortable room in which to discuss things in private. After some discussion by Harry with Remus and his godfather, they'd both left Gringotts for the safety of Grimmauld.
"Marriage?" Harry whispered, a bit in shock.
Hermione took in a deep breath and began her pitch to win Harry. "You know, the first time I got on the Express, I didn't know what to expect. I suppose none of us first years did. I sat, alone, in a compartment for most of the trip. People would look in, see me, and keep walking by. It was close to the loneliest experience of my young life. When Neville asked for my help, I jumped at the chance, hoping to at least be able to talk to someone. When I'd made it to your compartment, there was this small voice inside my head practically yelling at me to go talk to you. And it was you I started talking to; I didn't even notice Ron until he started speaking. It was you I'd been drawn to."
"I thought I'd made a friend that day on the ride, but every time I tried to talk to you, Ron inevitably showed up and kept me away from you. I persisted for a little bit, but in the end I thought that Ron might have been following your orders to keep me away."
Harry made as if to say something and Hermione held up a hand to silence him. She needed to get this out while she had the courage.
"When that redheaded plonker hurt me with his callous insults on Halloween, well, you know what happened. Do you have any idea what the sight of seeing you stand up to that monster did to me? You risked your life to save mine, someone you barely knew. From that day on, I vowed to be always at your side. I felt safe with you. Protected. Cared for."
"Seeing you go alone to confront Quirrell nearly killed me with worry. I'd just gotten you, and I didn't want to lose you. But I knew that you'd go on no matter what I did to stop you. I knew you'd go on because that's just who you are. It broke my heart to see you in the infirmary after the confrontation."
"When the whole Heir of Slytherin started, it was all I could do to stop myself from hexing everyone who mocked you or made hateful comments. Helping you any way I could was one of the reasons I ended up in the infirmary. But you know what? I don't regret it for a second. Yes, I was petrified for a couple of weeks, but you were with me the whole time. I knew you were, I could feel you there, with me, and my affection for you only grew. Up until that point, the happiest event of my life was hugging you in the great hall. To see you standing there, safe, was...overwhelming."
"But you want to know when the happiest moment in my life was? It was the night that we saved Sirius, a night not so long ago... Climbing onto Buckbeak and holding on to you for dear life was, to me, the embodiment of the romantic. I had you held tightly in my arms. I had you, once again, protecting me and looking out for me as we made our way to save your godfather."
"And now we find ourselves here, in a bank of all places, where I'm trying to convince you to give yourself to me. To let me be your happiness; to allow me to stand by your side as more than your best friend. Are we too young to get married? Age wise, yeah, we probably are. But the problem with that is that you and I have never been children, our lives never allowed for being that carefree."
Her face softened, tear tracks on her cheeks, and a smile on her face. "What it comes down to though, is that I love you with all that I am. Marry me, Harry? Make me the happiest girl in the world?"
Hearing the words, listening to Hermione speak her heart, went a long way to bring peace to Harry's world. He knew that of all the people in the world, this beautiful and intelligent young woman would be the one who'd always hold his heart in her hands.
OoOOooOOoo