What Hermione Wants, What Harry Needs Chapter 25: A Thousand Cuts, a harry potter fanfic

Authors notes: Hey guys, so someone who's opinion I really respect on here posted at the start of one of their stories that Authors notes should really only be at the end in case the reader just wants to skip them. As such I Intend to hold as best I can to that going forward BUT for this one there is a couple things I think you really need to know to enjoy the chapter fully.

First a crucial scene in this one is heavily dependant on Parody of three specific songs form the late 90's/ early 00's, and one of them is from a group i'm not so sure you will all be familiar with so inorder they are:

S Club Party- by S Club ( this is the obscure one)

Girlfriend- by Avril Lavigne

Larger Then Life- by The Backstreet Boys

P.S. the response on chapter length was literally unanimous that longer is better so ... Here we go.

Chapter 25- A Thousand Cuts

After the blow out with Ron that afternoon, Harry, Neville, Dean, Seamus, Pavarti, and Padma, had all headed back up to the Gryffindor common room without incident. At least until they reached the entrance.

"What do you mean she can't come in?" Dean had protested with Fatilda, when she had denied entry to Padma.

"She is not a Lady of Gryffindor, and so has no business in our dormitories Fatilda had replied.

Oh here we go again Harry thought to himself.

Dean protested, "You didn't have any problem letting her enter last week for the party!"

"I most certainly did not let a member of another house within these walls." Fatilda asserted, before looking at Harry as if to say; quiet you, about the bend she had made for Luna.

"I'm sorry my lady but you did." Padma replied, "I didn't realize I had done anything wrong of course, but I did come in with the rest of the crowd after last week's Quidditch match."

"What, oh no, there was not a hint of blue upon any of the students that night, it was not but a sea of red and gold." Fatilda replied quite sternly while looking at the smart Patil.

Padma blushed embarrassed, "Well yes that is true, I was wearing my sister's tie, and carrying a Gryffindor banner."

"Ah disguised yourself to slip past me, shameful, I'd expect such from a Slytherin, but not a Ravenclaw such as yourself." Fatilda shot back extremely irritated. Padma was looking quite ashamed of herself, "I shall have to report this to your head of house!"

"Oh, No! Please don't I'm ever so sorry my lady…" Padma pleaded.

"Fatilda," Harry piped in "I don't think Padma really meant to sneak past you. Of course she was dressed to support Gryffindor, it's her sister's house, and it's not like we were playing Ravenclaw or something. We were up against Slytherin, every Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw in the stands was sporting the red and gold that night."

"Oh so then it is my fault for not recognizing she is not a member of our house, is that it?" Fatilda said indignantly more than a little flustered now.

Harry asked, "No, but it's not really surprising. Pavarti if I recall you weren't able to make it down to the match were you?"

"No unfortunately not." Pavarti replied "I really have been having trouble keeping up with all the homework Professor Snape has been piling on us since he took over Defense Against the Dark Arts, and he piled it on doubly thick to Gryffindor before the match against Slytherin. I'm ashamed to admit it but without the DA I'm afraid I may well flunk out of the NEWT Defense classes."

Harry felt both sorry, and somehow responsible for everything Pavarti had just said. Snape was being doubly hard on the Gryffindors, especially before Quidditch matches, and Harry was certain it was because Snape was determined to knock Harry out of the spot for top defense student in the school. Plus as Pavarti had said, with everything else going on, Harry hadn't found the time to continue the side tutoring lesson's he'd lead all his class mates through to get them past their O.W.L.S last year in spite of Umbridge's obstacles.

"See Fatilda, I'm sure it was simply an innocent mistake all around," Harry said "Padma didn't realize she was breaking any rules, and since she was wearing her twin's house colours, I can only assume you might have mistook her for Pavarti returning?"

"Umm well…" Fatilda said, Harry knew she would be desperate to save face, and so… "Yes, I believe you are correct Harry, a simple mistake nothing to go spreading about."

"Yes, there is a slight problem though Fatilda." Harry replied slyly his Slytherin side coming out to play.

"Oh?" Fatilda, Padma, and all the rest said together.

"Well yes, of course. See just about everyone in Gryffindor saw both Padma, and Pavarti at that party, heck they were both still sleeping in the common room when I got back the next morning, so…" Harry emphasized his point with silence.

"What is your point Harry?" Fatilda questioned him tersely.

"Well Fatilda, I'm only thinking of your reputation here, but I can't imagine you'd want it getting out that you'd made a mistake letting Padma into the tower." Harry replied faking concern in his voice… and apparently quite convincingly.

"Oh my, I had not thought of that Harry, if the other Portraits found out oh... oh dear me." Fatilda worried. "You must all of you swear to me not to speak of this." Fatilda instructed the group gathered at the common room entrance. Dean looked as though he was going to protest but Harry spoke first.

"Oh of course none of us would, would we?" Harry asked the group, "But there were dozens, if not more, people at that party, if even one of them were to let slip…"

"Oh dear!" Fatilda worried knowing that she was about to lose another argument to a Potter, and especially, this one.

"Well," Harry offered, "there is one solution I could think of."

"OH?" They all asked in unison again.

"Well yes, if it wasn't an accident, then there would be nothing to hide right? You could just give Padma special permission to come and go from the tower as she pleased," Harry suggested, the charade of concern in Harry's voice was obvious to everyone, everyone that is except Fatilda apparently. "That way it wouldn't have been an error but an exception you had permitted Fatilda. If any of your fellow portraits question you, you could simply say you felt it was wrong to deny Padma the ability to visit her twin sister. After all Twins are in ordinarily close right? It may even make you look superior to the other house guardians, a show of such compassion."

"Superior? Hmm well yes I am a Lady of refinement and compassion after all" Fatilda replied. "I think we shall proceed as you suggest Harry. You may enter so long as you have the password and are accompanied by a Gryffindor when you do. However I must warn you remain only within the common room, the staircase to your sisters quarters is calibrated to eject anyone whose bed is not is not within the girl's dormitory tower, and of that I have little control."

"Oh why thank you very kindly My Lady." Padma said graciously pleased that this would now be resolved.

"You are most welcome" Fatilda answered as she swung open and allowed them all to enter. When they were all inside and the entrance once again sealed both Patil twins added in unison "and thank you Harry, for coming to our rescue." Then they each gave him a peck on opposite cheeks.

Harry flushed red "Ah yeah, umm no problem." Harry replied extremely uncomfortable. Somehow the fact that it wasn't Hermione made the kisses feel… unnatural.

"Hey now girls, I doubt if Hermione would appreciate you kissing her boyfriend by the fire." Dean said as he flopped down onto the couch.

"OH… oh please don't, I…"Harry stammered.

"Oh relax Harry. Dean is just teasing you, aren't you Boo Bear?" Padma said giving him a warning look. "He should really be thanking you as well," Padma said as she fell on to Dean's lap "since you've just made it possible for him to spend more time with me like this." She said as she placed her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss.

"I didn't know you two were officially a thing…" Harry replied more than a little stunned.

"Ah yeah Dean and I really hit the Jackpot, when these two lovelies found themselves without dates at last week's party, and that the morning after found they could still stand the sight of us" Seamus said grabbing Pavarti around the waist and pulling her down on top of him on the other end of the couch.

"Really?" Harry said, remembering the state he had found these four in the morning after last Friday night's festivities.

"Yes," Pavarti replied "Don't you just love that accent Harry? Your just so much… fun my little fire whiskey," Pavarti said to Seamus.

"I'm happy for you all of you… I'm just a little surprised is all", Harry replied.

"Yes well I suppose it must seem a little odd, my sister and I have always been so tightly wound," Padma added, "but you boys" she said looking at Dean, "just seem to be able to get us to let loose and have a good time." Then she kissed him again.

"Mmm yeah I definitely owe you one Harry." Dean said when Padma finally broke their kiss.

"Nah you don't owe me anything," Harry replied" but there is something I would like to ask all of you… if it's alright."

Neville was the one to respond since everyone else had had someone else's lips covering theirs as Harry had dropped the question. "What's that Harry?"

Harry asked them all, "Ah well you are all going to the Party tonight right?"

"Aye of course we are, chance to take these lovelies to a Weird Sisters Concert," Seamus replied "wouldn't miss it."

"Yeah well things might get a bit crazy tonight guys," Harry said sharing a knowing glance with Neville, "If things go sideways, could you…well could you four just watch out for Hermione for me?"

"Sideways? You expecting trouble Harry?" Dean asked

"Nothing Dangerous," Harry assured them all, "well except for me maybe…"

"You're going to confront Ginny about the potion tonight aren't you?" Dean questioned him.

"How did you know…?" Harry asked, somehow he always found himself baffled that everyone seemed to know more about his private life then he did.

"Ah come on mate, we aren't Daft ya know, ya share the same bed room with us… Or at least ya did till ya let that Git Weasley chase you outta the room and down here for the past week." Seamus replied "Ya think we don't know what's been going on?"

"I… well I didn't want to drag." Harry said unsure of himself

"Ah don't be silly mate," Dean said "what can we do?"

"Yes Harry, the twins added in unison "How can we help?"

Harry was both amazed and deeply heartened at the foursomes display "Umm well thanks all of you, frankly I'm amazed you'd all be so willing to… it doesn't have to be you're…"

"Be their problem?" Neville finished for him " The four on the couch turned to look at him " Yeah that's the same thing he said to me when Luna and I offered to help, It's like Harry's been under the impression all these years that Weasley was the only friend he'd got… aside from Hermione of course." Neville said sardonically.

"Yeah well you can bloody well get that straight toot sweet" Seamus interjected. "Just tell us what you need us to do Harry and consider it done."

Harry was filled with gratitude at the unexpected show of support. "Ah thank you all of you, but really We've got a plan to deal with things just…"

"Actually Harry…" Neville interrupted "These four might be able to help out."

Harry was confused wasn't the plan all in place already, were Neville and Luna not ready for tonight? To be honest he never had had them explain exactly how they planned to expose Ginny. "Neville I thought everything was in place?"

"It is… but like you said Harry, just in case things go sideways it's always good to have a plan B." Neville replied " Look you four, we expect Ginny is going to try and hit Harry with a massive dose of Amortentia tonight, Now he's the bait, and Hermione is his anchor to keep him grounded, but that also means they are pretty much out of play for doing the actually exposing, and Luna is going to be busy signing the covers so she won't have a lot of opportunity either."

"So then what were you, or rather are you planning to do" Pavarti inquired.

"Well the Idea was for me to wait for an opening where everyone would be able to see it, and then summon the potion right out of Ginny's hand with the Accio charm." Neville replied nervously, as the eyes of everyone in the common room looked at him.

"WAIT! That was the whole plan?" Harry questioned "Neville can you even perform an Accio charm?"

Neville's face flushed a bit "Ah yeah… I've never summoned something from across the Great Hall before but I've been practicing since last Sunday."

Suddenly Harry felt the pit of his stomach filling with dread.

"I see where you are going Neville." Padma said, "Don't worry my sister and I are both excellent at summoning charms."

"Really?" Harry asked, suddenly relieved

"Oh yes," Pavarti said flicking her wand in the air. A goblet from across the room flew over and began hovering in front of Pavarti, followed closely by a Pitcher of Pumpkin Juice. The Pitcher carefully poured a full goblet without spilling a drop then flew back to its spot on the table across the room as the goblet floated gently down into Pavarti's hand.

"Well colour me impressed," Seamus said "I wouldn't say Dean I were as good as all that, but we can hit the mark as long as we know what we're looking for."

"Yeah well that's the problem though isn't it?" Neville said " In order to summon something you got to be able to picture it right, and we might know it's Amortentia, but we don't know what the bottle Ginny's going to have it in will look like, so until I was able to get a good look at it…"

"Which will be a lot easier with all five of us trying to get a shot." Dean finished for him.

"Well yeah that was my thinking." Neville replied, thankful for the others seemingly being in agreement.

"Right" Padma said, "As soon as Ginny makes her move against Harry, Pavarti you and Seamus try and get behind and to the right of Ginny and Harry, Dean and I will do the same on the left, with Neville up on stage at the front that'll give us a complete triangular coverage, one of us is sure to spot the bottle."

"Yeah well just don't go summoning it too early either," Neville said. The four on the couch looked stunned "Look the whole reason were doing this is so that everyone there will realize what Ginny's been doing to Harry, so that she won't be able to pull something like this again and have anyone believe it. She needs to have hit the room with enough of the Amortentia, so that when the bottle is revealed it will be obvious to everyone what she's done."

"Right well, how we will know." Pavarti inquired, contrary to what people assumed, she had a good mind. So, she didn't want to fail, just because she didn't have enough information.

"That's easy" Harry lamented "I'm sure you'll all have felt the effects of the splash damage form this thing long before but… If Ginny manages to get me away from Hermione… it won't matter just put a stop to it alright… before … before she makes me…?"

"Hey…," Neville said placing his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Don't worry we won't let that happen mate.

"None of us will" Padma added.

It was nearly 3:00pm by the time Padma left for her own dormitories to go get ready. Harry and the other Gryfindors headed up to their respective dorm rooms and got dressed for the Party, all accept Neville who had followed Padma out the portrait hole heading down to meet up with the rest of the band.

Harry had never found getting ready of a single event in his life to have been as stressful as trying to decide what to wear for tonight's show. He had thought this would be simple, he would simply wear his dress robes. It was a dance after all. However this had been before he had got himself maneuvered into singing tonight, after that he had sent Hedwig with an order for a half dozen outfit options down to the Muggle shop in Hogsmeade. Harry figured no one else would think of Muggle clothes which would let him really stand out, and hopefully make an impression on Hermione. Frankly from the way Hermione had been talking, he somehow doubted she was planning on going full on formal princess either.

"Ugh this would be so much easier if I just knew what colour she was wearing at least," Harry lamented "I'd hate to show up and find we are matched about as well as peanut butter and pickles." An image of himself in one of uncle Vernon's pale brown suits and Hermione in Aunt Petunia's pea green dresses flashed into Harry's mind with a shudder.

Finally he settled on a pair of black Chino pants, a pair of polished Oxford Brogues dress shoes, a classic black low cut v neck blazer trimmed along the Lapels and cuffs in satin, and a classic silk button down dress shirt. The only thing that was holding him up was whether to go with the Ruby red shirt, or the plain white one. The white would be the safer bet, pretty much going with whatever his date happened to be wearing. BUT more than anything else about tonight, Harry wanted desperately to impress Hermione, and he wasn't going to do that by playing it safe he told himself. So he settled on the red, got himself dressed, managed his untamable hair as best he could and, taking his surprise along with him, headed down to the common room to await Hermione.

It was 4:25 by the time Dean, Pavarti and Seamus, the last of the Gryffindors aside from Harry, and his missing Hermione, had left to head down to the party. "Where is she?" Harry asked himself, staring into the fireplace.

"Right here." Came a reply from the behind him. There standing in the arch way which lead up to the dorms was… well Harry could hardly believe it was, but it definitely was…

"Hermione you, you look…" But it was pointless, Harry was at a complete loss for words, the moment he had laid eyes on her, all the blood had rushed from his head, the only thought in his mind was that right now, he wanted her closer to him then his own skin.

"Do you like it Harry?" Hermione asked toying with him a bit and giving him a spin.

Hermione was wearing sleeveless lace Skater dress, which matched the Ruby red of Harry's shirt precisely. Though it technically covered all the way up to her neck, the semi see through nature of the interwoven lace, of the v shaped neckline gave the illusion of there being both something, and nothing between the base of her neck and the top of her bust, which Harry observed was either larger, or at least somehow much more pronounced thanks to this particular outfit, then he had ever really noticed before. The bottom was a flirty flared shirt that appeared to be simply multiple thin layers of the same interwoven material as the neckline. But what was most intriguing to Harry about it was the way the skirt seemed to end barely halfway to Hermione's knees. He'd always known she was beautiful but who knew she had such gorgeous legs, they looked so smooth, and seemed to be glistening by the light of the fireplace. Silver gladiator style shoes with a slight heel only served to enhance the leg line.

When his eyes reached her hair he found himself disappointed, if only for a moment, he love the bounce and body of her normally large do. Hermione however, had had her hair pushed up and straightened on the top. It was only after she had given him her spin and he had seen the long flowing cascade of curls she had left in a waterfall style pony tail down the back, and noticed the two single curls she had left hanging down from her bangs, one on either side of her face, that Harry realized her hair had never looked more beautiful.

"You don't think it's a bit much?" Hermione asked coyly, fully knowing that his gaze had not left her since the staircase.

"Not at all!" Harry replied, as Hermione gave him a second spin round, this time pulling her hair to one side to give him a good look at the back, which as with the neck line was a semi-see through series of interwoven lace, this time in a floral pattern though and V shape which ended just before the clef of her back.

Harry couldn't stand it anymore, he walked over to her, took Hermione in his arms and kissed her passionately. "Well I guess that answers my question doesn't it." Hermione said with a flirtatious smile on her face.

"Hermione, I have never seen anything more beautiful then you look right now." Harry replied, the kiss having allowed him to regain at least some cognitive function. In fact it was just enough so that when Hermione next asked "shall we head down to the party now then My Harry?" Harry didn't immediately just follow her out of the common room without remembering the surprise of his own he had for her.

"Not quite yet my love, first…" he said heading over to the couch and picking up the gift he had wrapped there for her, "I have something for you." He said handing her the box wrapped in metallic silver paper, and topped with a gold ribbon and bow.

"Oh Harry, what's this?" Hermione asked

"It's your Christmas present, I know its a few days early, but you leave to spend the holidays with your Parents tomorrow and well… I think when you open it you'll understand why I'd like to give it to you tonight." Harry said.

Hermione carefully undid the wrapping to reveal a black crush velvet jewelry box. "Oh Harry you shouldn't have." Hermione insisted still not use to receiving anything from Harry other than books, quills, and sugar quills for her birthday and Christmas.

"Yes I should, just… open it Hermione" Harry said a glow in his eyes.

Hermione opened the box to reveal a pure silver, pendant necklace with a silver stag emblazed on the platinum locket at its center. "Oh Harry, it's so beautiful, but it must have cost you a fortune. Harry I'm…"

"…worth every sickle Hermione, and much, much more." Harry insisted still a little nervous about sharing this with her.

"Oh but Harry…" Hermione protested not wanting him to think that she had been attracted to him for his Gringots vault.

"Don't believe me? Hermione do you know what that is?" Harry asked her. Hermione just looked back at him with confusion in those big brown eyes. "That is Patronal Pensive Pendant Hermione."

"A what?" Hermione asked for once not having the answer.

His emerald gaze focused on her, he asked, "Remember what I told all of you last year in the DA, when I was teaching about casting your Patronus? What I said the most important part was?"

"Yes, you said the strength of the Patronus was dependent on the strength of the happy memory we used to summon it." Hermione replied having memorized every word that Harry said in the DA meetings. He wouldn't know it, but, to her they were as worthy of memorizing as the Standard Book of Spells.

"Yes but more than that, do you remember how hard I said it could be to hold on to, and focus on that memory, when you really needed it, in the presence of a Dementor?" Harry asked her trying to lead her to understand the gifts significance.

"Well yes, I still don't understand what…" Hermione asked Harry, getting lost in her boyfriend's eyes for a moment.

"Hermione that pendant is in the shape of a stag because my Patronus is a stag, and right now it contains the memory that's been my source of strength, the one I've called on every time I've cast my Patronus since that night by the lake in our third year. Do you want to see?" Harry asked her nervously; part of him hoping that she'd say yes, the other wanting it to wait.

"Alright…" Hermione replied, a little timidly.

Harry said, "Open it" as he took Hermione's hand. She did and a brilliant bright light filled the room. "I still don't understand Harry."

"Touch it Hermione and you will." Harry replied as they prepared for going into the memories. Hermione reached out with a single finger and touched the memory inside. It was if she had been transported through time. A series of wondrously happy images flashing through the room encompassing her and Harry all around them. It took Hermione a moment before she realized they all had only one thing in common. They were all of her.

The embrace she had shared with Harry after he survived the first task of the Triwizard, The two of them laughing at Harry's wobbling boneless arm in the Hospital wing from their second year, the kiss they had shared under the Lamppost not a week ago, her holding him tightly as they flew through the air on Buckbeak's back. The two of them curled up together on the couch by the common room fire.

"Harry...me? I never realized…" Hermione said as she closed the pendant bringing them back to the room. "I always thought, that you thought of your parents to cast your Patronus."

"I did at first, but the memory of them, as much as it was filled with love, was also tainted by loss. That's why I was never able to do more with it then cast the shield patronus, but never a full one." Harry explained "No that night when you were lying there behind me by the lake and I saw the Dementor grab our past selves, I was desperate to stop them. I thought of Sirus, of wanting to save him, of what it would mean if they somehow managed to kill my past self, but still nothing, and then I looked at you, the past you lying there as a Dementor moved in to grab you… and suddenly it was there, I found the strength I need, because as much as I wanted to save Sirius and myself, it was you that I had to save, you that I couldn't lose Hermione."

"Oh Harry… My Harry. "Hermione said throwing her arms around him and kissing him repeatedly.

"Hermione I know you have had your doubts, about how much I really care for you, how much I could really love you, and I know what we are about to do tonight … there may be a moment where you doubt it again, but if there is, if there ever is, tonight, or any night to come. You need only touch that necklace to know the truth, to feel, to see how much you will always mean to me Hermione.

"This is the most precious gift anyone has ever given me Harry, I will treasure it, treasure you, always" Hermione said. "You were right, I did have doubts at first, lots of doubts, but not since last Sunday night, and I never will again. I will always love you Harry Potter, and I know…" Hermione said as she fastened the locket around her neck, "You will always love me too." As she did Hermione felt a warmth spread over her, a feeling of pure joy, the likes of which she had never experienced before, and which she never wanted to be without again.

Her words made Harry's heart wince, he knew that if they failed tonight, if Ginny succeeded, then he may be forced, for however brief a moment into loving someone else, and Harry never wanted to give Hermione a reason to doubt him again. "Hermione you know, I've been thinking." Harry said "We don't have to do this tonight. We could just go and enjoy being together, whatever Ginny does or doesn't do, I know you'll be able to pull me back, you'll always be able to pull me back… we could just let her go…"

"No Harry," Hermione replied "I'm sorry but Neville and Luna, they're right. I know it's not like me to say this but I… I can't let her get away with it! I can't let Ginny keep hurting My Harry. If we don't end this now, Ginny will never let us be happy. So as hard as tonight might be, for both of us… we are going to do this. Alright Harry?"

Harry nodded his agreement, offering Hermione his arm "Well then ready to head down to the party so I can stun the school by arriving with the most gorgeous girl in the world on my arm?"

"Oh they'll be stunned alright." Hermione replied "You're the epitome of tall dark and handsome on a normal day Harry, when you aren't trying, with that raven hair, and those emerald green eyes." Harry felt himself flush at her comments "But …mmm" Hermione moaned as she gave Harry a once over, "In that outfit…"

"You do like it then?" Harry asked pleased with himself "I was worried you might find it a bit…"

"Harry there is not a girl in this school that is going to be able to keep her eyes off you tonight, and I get to be the one to walk in with you on my arm." Hermione winked at him, then she took Harry's arm and the two of them headed down to the Great Hall together.

"There you are my boy" Slughorn had called to them as Harry and Hermione had rounded the corner down the final staircase leading to the Great Hall. Slughorn was standing at the head of a precession of all his golden ticket holders, True Slugs as he had taken to calling them, preparing to make their grand entrance to the party. There standing there in the middle of the line was…

"Hermione is that Colin Creevy? He's not a member of the Slug Club is he?" Harry whispered to her in a voice that conveyed his surprise.

"No, but his date is...look." Hermione replied disgust dripping from her tone. Harry wasn't sure how he could have missed it, standing right next to Colin who was making goo goo eyes at her, was Ginny and she was dressed in…

"Ugh, could she be any more obvious… or unoriginal?" Hermione had said with disdain and distaste. Ginny was dressed in a beat for beat perfect imitation of the periwinkle blue outfit Hermione had worn to the Yule ball. "So, she thinks she can steal you away by stealing my look does she?" Hermione said bitterly.

"Well imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" Harry quipped, "besides she's forgotten the most important part about that ensemble.

"What do you mean? She has completely ripped off my look?" Hermione said slightly irritated.

"Well yeah… but it's not the wrapping, it's the package inside that matters, and that dress isn't wrapped around you tonight is it My Love?" Harry replied with a playful grin before giving her a nice long kiss on the step that Ginny was certain to see.

"Ah ha, Harry, if you wouldn't mind? I would like for us to make our entrance now?" Slughorn interrupted the couple at the most in opportune time.

"Oh I do hope we haven't held everyone up?" Hermione asked slightly embarrassed at having caused a delay or worse a scene. Then again if tonight went according to plan it wouldn't just be a scene it would be a Broadway Musical.

"No, no, not at all, not at all," Slughorn assured her, after all the party is for my Ture Slugs, it starts when the True Slugs are ready for it to start, and the True Slugs are only ready when my favourite two members decide they are." Slughorn said beaming at them as he prepared to enter himself. "However it is already seven minutes past five, and I would prefer to get to our table before our food gets cold, so if you two wouldn't mind taking your places in the line…"

"Of course Professor," Harry replied taking Hermione's hand and heading to join the end of the line.

"Where do you two think you're going Harry?" Slughorn called after them, as they moved away from him.

"Joining the line of course" Harry replied.

"OH no, a place for everything and everything has its place and all that." Slughorn smiled at them. "And the place for my two favourite Slugs is right up here entering just behind myself." Harry and Hermione moved to the front of the line, all too aware of the looks the rest of the Slug Club members were giving them. "Well so much for teachers being impartial eh?" Harry whispered to Hermione, as they took their spots.

The doors of the Great Hall swung open revealing a room full of glitz and glamour. The house tables had been removed, replaced with dozens of circular tables, in two long rows along either wall of the Hall. They like the rest of the room, were dressed in Slughorn's own unique variation on the Slytherin house colours. The bright shining iridescent green table clothes, like the matching banners strung around the room were trimmed, rather than in the traditional Slytherin silver, with glimmer gold. All that was except the oversized circular table set in the center of the room whose colours were arranged in the exact opposite fashion, a brilliant golden table cloth trimmed in green.

The center of the central, and clearly intended to be head, table had the Hourglass from Professor Slughorns office floating just above it. Each of the other tables seemed to have one of the Hogwarts professors assigned to them as well, with the notable exceptions of Professor Snape, no surprise there really, and Professor McGonagall, whom Harry could only assume would find such an event rather ridiculous.

Dumbledore was present though sitting at a table on the left side with a great silver three floating over it. All the tables were marked this way with numbers increasing… or rather decreasing Harry thought, in value, as the higher the number above your head, the less likely it seemed the tables occupants would ever be chosen by Slughorn as True Slugs… not that being called such really sounded like the compliment Slughorn clearly intended it as.

As they approached the central table it became apparent that, just as his little speech in the hall way would suggest, Professor Slughorn had even gone to the trouble of ranking the individual members of the club. As S1, and S2, Harry and Hermione had been seated directly on Slughorn's left side. With the rest spread out around the table in order of the worth Slughorn placed on each of them. Unfortunately as it turned out, Ginny had been given a rank of S6, which resulted in her and Colin, being seated directly across from Harry and Hermione.

Once all the club members had taken their seats Slughorn stood behind his seat, which to Harry looked more like a green and gold throne then a dinner chair, and began to speak. "Welcome, welcome, so glad you all could attend, I must admit this is by far the largest gathering of our little club I have ever had the honour of hosting. As such you shall have to forgive me if I do not find time for each of you this evening. Though perhaps, if the night proves interesting enough, and…" He said pointing at the hourglass floating above their table "…the sands move slow enough, I shall find time for all with an interesting tale to tell." Slughorn said with a smile, "Now I implore you all enjoy yourselves and each other tonight" and with that and a wave of his hand, every plate in the Hall was filled with a different, delicious looking, and clearly hand selected, meal.

"Harry look," Hermione said directing Harry's gaze down to their plates "Shepard's Pie" they both said together and shared a good laugh. "Oh yes I do hope you enjoy them" Slughorn commented. "You know Harry you two never did get around to filling out your personalized meal requests for tonight."

"Oh yes, sorry Professor I've just been so…" Harry replied grasping for a response that struggled to come.

"Oh I am sure the brightest witch and most talented wizard of the age must have many distractions and demands on their time" Slughorn said smiling dismissively. "Still though it did leave me rather guessing right up till this afternoon when I was taking tea with the band. That lovely blonde haired friend of yours, Miss. Lovegood insisted that she knew exactly what you needed tonight."

"Oh I bet she did, that sounds just like our Luna doesn't it Hermione?" Harry said for once grateful for Luna's uncanny observation skills, and at times rather plain speech.

"Exactly!" Hermione agreed readily as she prepared to take a drink of her pumpkin juice.

Yes well Miss. Lovegood even offered to bake them herself. I must admit I was so intrigued I had my order changed to one of her pies myself, and it is wondrously tasteful wouldn't you agree Harry?" Slughorn questioned the young wizard who was seated to his left.

Harry did of course concur about Luna's cooking but somehow he suspected Slughorn's enjoyment had much more to do with sharing in the same dish of choice as his first and second True Slugs. "Oh yes Professor, Luna is a marvellous cook." Harry replied in great sincerity.

"Yes, and as I understand it she will be performing for us tonight as well, if she turns out to sing as well as she bakes, I may well have to recruit her for our new number 3, what do you think Miss. Granger?"

"I think Luna would make a wonderful addition to the club Professor… though she may well turn you down, unless you were to invite Neville as well." Hermione quipped as she slyly placed her hand on Harry's thigh giving it a squeeze.

"Mr. Longbottom… hmmm well I never really considered him Slug material, not like Harry here or yourself Miss. Granger." Slughorn replied as he seemingly began to reevaluate Neville in view of the opinions of his current favourites.

"Well…" Harry offered taking a swig of the pumpkin juice in front of him, "then I'd say you have made a grave oversight sir."

"Oh… really? How so Harry?" Slughorn seemed genuinely intrigued, as Harry suspected he would.

"Well you know Neville will be performing tonight as well Professor" Harry replied. "How did Myron put it Hermione? He must really have some chops to be swinging with the Sisters, wasn't it?"

"Yes I believe so," Hermione agreed, "and add to that, that Neville is by far the most talented Herboligist in our year, and well…"

"Hmm yes well, any one endorsed by not one by two club members… and my top two members at that, is certainly worthy of consideration." Slughorn relented.

The rest of the meal passed rather quickly, though not nearly quick enough for Harry's liking. He had spent the entire rest of dinner and the subsequent desert trying to avoid the suggestive looks Ginny was throwing at him from across the table. The only positive thing about the seemingly never ending dinner was that the longer it went on, the longer it would be before he would have to sing and dance in front of all these people. Hermione seemed to have noticed how nervous and uncomfortable Harry was, because she placed her hand on his leg under the table and said, "Hey relax, and you're going to be brilliant."

"Yeah I'm not so sure about that Hermione…" Harry replied. This was the thing that Hermione both loved and at times hated about Harry. His unrelenting, and so often, undeserved humility.

"Well that's alright, I can be sure for the both of us. Hey look if you get nervous out there, just close your eyes and pretend it's just me out there in the crowd." Hermione said as she placed a supportive kiss on Harry's cheek. The look she received from Ginny in return was sharp as daggers.

Hermione whispered in Harry's ear, "And as for the rest… don't worry about her, I won't let her make you do anything Harry. If it looks like she's really got you… I'll stop her, I promise." Hermione was the sixth person who and promised they'd protect him from Ginny today, but somehow, right now, she was the only one that mattered.

"Well," Slughorn said as he stood again at the head of the table, now that we have all finished enjoying our meals," he said waiving his hands as the plates and food disappeared from each table "If you would join me in welcoming our live entertainment for this evening, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, The Weird Sisters."

Everyone got to their feet and Cheered as the Sisters, accompanied by Luna and Neville entered from the back room of the Great Hall and came up on to the stage that had been setup where the head table normally sat. It was a good thing too as, as soon as the Sisters had entered the hall, the golden table at which Harry and Hermione had been seated, along with all of their chairs had vanished and the hourglass had raised about thirty feet into the air above what had become a wide open dance floor.

"'Hello Slug Club, How are you doing tonight?" Myron had asked the crowd, as everyone cheered loudly. "Come on you can do better than that, let me hear you make some noise, I said how are you doing tonight Slug Club?!" The cheer from the crowd was deafening, but the part that had made Harry chuckle was the WOOT that had come out of Hermione.

"Eh, we going to be playing the hits for you tonight for sure, but first joining us on stage for tonight's performance, Hogwarts, give it up for your very own Luna Lovegood, and Neville Longbottom!" Myron added introducing the two guest singers.

The crowd hesitated for a second but then erupted into the loudest cheer yet after Harry had started the call with a catcall whistle and yelled out, "let's go LUNA!" which Hermione had followed up with "Show them how to swing Neville!" By which point the whole crowd was shouting words of encouragement and cheers.

"Well, looks like they want to see what you got, take it away Looney" Myron said stepping back from the center of the stage and letting Luna take up the lead.

Luna's outfit was brilliant. She was wearing a Wicked Sisters vintage Concert shirt underneath a Black Studded Leather Jacket with a pair of matching skin tight leather mini skit and fishnet stockings, her boots were a pair of nearly knee high wide heels, that gave the same effect as if she were wearing pumps. Her hair had been pressed completely straight with the ends flared up into wing tips and cut so that, while it must actually be longer then this, the arch of the wings just barely graced her shoulders, there was a single blue streak along her left bang topping the whole thing off.

She was easily the second hottest girl in the room Harry thought, even if next to Hermione, it was a very distant second. "You know if Neville doesn't make a move tonight, then he really must be nutters." Harry said to Hermione in a stage whisper intended to send Neville a hint.

"Yes well that was the plan." Hermione replied sagely with a slightly devious grin.

"Plan?" Harry asked intrigued by the amount of cunning that this actually demonstrates.

Hermione got a sly grin on her face, "Well yes, you didn't think tonight was just about you… did you? If everything goes as planned by the end of tonight's show you and I really will be Luna's best mates."

"Will we now?" Harry said, delightedly surprised by this turn of events.

Hermione gave Harry a raised eyebrow, "Well yeah, because after all, like Myron said, Boyfriends don't count do they?"

"Oh I don't know about that…" Harry retorted slipping his hand around Hermione's waist and pulling her close "I'd say we make the best, best friends, wouldn't you agree?" he asked just before he kissed her.

"Oh definitely!" Hermione replied her voice now breathy from the need for air.

Luna took out her wand holding it straight upright in her right hand then raised her left above her head and snapped her fingers, the band started to play and Luna with Neville and the Sisters as back up started to sing.

(For the following song Italics is Luna, Bold is Neville and brackets is the band singing back up)

Slug Club
Get down tonight, c'mon, yeah, get down tonight uh huh
Everybody get down tonight, c'mon
Slug Club
(There ain't no party like a Slug Club party)
I'm Gonna show you how
Everybody get down tonight
Slug Club
(There ain't no party like a Slug Club party)
Gonna take you high
Shake your body from side to side

Hermione grabbed Harry and pulled him to the center of the dance floor. She wanted to see just what exactly he had learned in all those lessons with Neville, and he did not disappoint.

Finally Saturday night
Feelin' kinda good, looking alright
Gotta get moving can't be late
Gotta get grooving just can't wait
Hey, get the feeling, get the feeling
Push the ceiling, push the ceiling
Player haters player haters
Get ready everybody because here we go

Harry started out with a spin into a perfectly executed dab, Hermione responded by spinning around him while he held it, then stopping in front of him with her back to him and giving him a seductive look over her shoulder while she raised her hands above her head, swung her hips back and forth to the beat, Harry placing his hands on her waist and following suit so that they were moving in sync.

Slug Club
(There ain't no party like a Slug Club party)
I'm Gonna show you how
Everybody get down tonight
Slug Club
(There ain't no party like a Slug Club party)
Gonna take you high
Shake your body from side to side

Ooh ooh, wave your hands in the air
Ooh ooh, like you just don't care
Ooh ooh, there's a party over here
Ooh ooh, there's a party over there

Padma's doing her dance

Spot lights from the ceiling began highlighting each person Luna called out in the crowd.

Dean's looking for romance
Seamus' gettin' down on the floor
While Pavarti's screaming out for more
Want to see Harry swing
Want to see Hermione do her thing
Then we got Cho, she's got the flow
Get ready everybody, cause here we go

Harry nearly bust a gut laughing at what he saw next. "Hermione look" He said pointing over to Professor Slughorn. Apparently not wanting to miss out on partaking in the festivities with his Slugs, Slughorn was attempting a hilarious rendition of the floss dance. The laugh that escaped Hermione warmed Harry's heart in away that made all the nerves he had pent up about tonight melt away. After all there was no way he'd be remember as the funniest performance on the night now.

Ooh ooh, wave your hands in the air
Ooh ooh, like you just don't care
Ooh ooh, there's a party over here
Ooh ooh, there's a party over there

Luna turned to look at Neville

"Griffin boy make some noise"

Neville responded with flashed eyebrows

"Raven mama shake your nana"

Neville wrapped his arms around Luna as they finished the rest of the song singing more to each other than anyone else.

(Babab ba do do, daa daa daa, da do)

The band trailed off and the crowd Cheered. It didn't last long though, a flash of light clearly shot from someone's wand in the crowd hit the magical amplifiers and suddenly the instruments started playing on their own. All the lights seemed to go out or at least Harry couldn't see anything but the shadow of figures outside of the one bright light that engulfed himself and Hermione.

"Well… Here we go." Harry said looking Hermione in her eyes one last time before what he knew was coming next. Ginny was about to make her move. "This it, I know it", said Harry nervously.

Hermione placed her hand on Harry's cheek. "Hey… whatever happens next, I'm here Harry, and I won't let her hurt you." Hermione whispered back trying to sound reassuring.

"Unfortunately, Hermione… if the plan is going to work, you may have to" Harry replied, and for the first time since all this had begun more than a week ago, even Harry could hear the fear in his voice. "Hermione whatever you do, don't move alright? I'm going to need to know where you are"

Ginny entered the circle of light twirling her wand above her head, as she did, the dress she was wearing morphed; still the same periwinkle blue, but now a dead ringer for the outfit Hermione was currently wearing, rather than the one she had worn to the Yule ball. Then she dipped her wand into an opening on the outfits left side. When she pulled it back out with a flick towards Harry a white mist spread over him.

It's happening Harry realized. The haze he had felt all too often this year began to descend over him, it was different this time though, and its pull was far more powerful than he had ever felt before. Desperate to resist it for as long as he could, Harry locked his gaze upon Hermione's great golden-brown eyes, just as Ginny began to sing.

Hey, there Harry,
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, you say?, Well I think you need a new one
Hey, There Harry,
I could be your girlfriend

Don't look at her, just keep looking away Harry kept telling himself

Hey, there Harry,
I know that you like me
no way, you say?
Come on, it's not a secret
Hey, there Harry,
I want to be your girlfriend

Ginny threw another dose at him from somewhere to his left. Harry could feel every nerve, and muscle in his body at odds with what he was telling them to do and what they wanted to do. The simple task of not looking at Ginny was taking every ounce of strength Harry had, so when she placed her hands upon his shoulders and pulled him away from Hermione Harry could do little more then let her take him.

You're so fine
I want you mine
You're so delicious
I think about you all the time
You're so addictive
Don't you know what I can do
To make you feel all right?

Ginny started grinding against Harry. As difficult as she was making it for him though Harry was still managing to avoid Ginny's gaze.

Don't pretend
I think you know
I'm real precious
And, oh yeah
I'm Your little Weasley princess
I can tell you like me too
And you know I'm right

Ginny was determined to make the last part true, as she hit Harry for a third time with the mist. Neville, Luna, Pavarti, Padma, someone please… Harry thought desperately.

She's like so, whatever
You could do so much better
I think we should get together now
And that's what everyone's talkin' about

Finally the bottle seemed to fly out of wherever Ginny had it concealed, but she was too quick she'd summoned it back to her without missing a beat. Just before she could grab it though it flew off in another direction, again though Ginny was too fast and it flew back towards them again. This whizzing about their heads by the bottle continued at such a rate that the bottle itself was barely visible, and all the while Ginny was continuing her assault as though nothing were happening. The only good thing Harry realized was that as long as it kept flying about she wouldn't be able to use any more of it on him… Unfortunately, as it was, his hands were already shaking uncontrollably from the strain of his resisting. So when Ginny reached up and began kissing him while she fondled him, Harry could do nothing more than keep his eyes shut and think of Hermione.

I can see the way
I see the way you look at me
From now on, even when you look away
I you're gunna think of me
So come over here
And tell me what I wanna hear
Better yet, make Hermione there disappear
I don't wanna hear you say her name ever again,

The again echoed ominously throughout the hall.

Cause she's like so, whatever
You could do so much better
I think we should get together now

"Resist all you want Harry", Ginny whispered into his ear "because:"

In a second you'll be wrapped around my finger
Cause I can, 'cause I can do it better
There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in?
She's so stupid
What the hell were you thinkin'?

That was it, She was right, He couldn't fight any longer, giving in at last Harry opened his eyes… but it wasn't Ginny's eyes, Or even Hermione's his gaze had landed upon. The first thing Harry's eye landed upon when he opened them, was the pendant still hanging around Hermione's neck. Suddenly it was gone, the haze was gone, he was himself again, and he was incensed!

Ginny didn't seem to notice the change, at least not till the bottle flew back past them one more time, only this time just as it would have passed right over his head, Harry's hand shot up and grasped it out of the air, his star Seeker instincts on full display.

"Ha… Got ya Gin!" Harry whispered into her ear.

Ginny's music cut out, and as if on que the band began to play the modified muggle bands song Harry had given to Myron the previous afternoon.

"What? But How!" Ginny replied a shocked realization spreading onto her face

"You know Gin," Harry whispered, bitter spite thick in his voice, "I had actually considered just letting you off, letting it go… again, but you couldn't just make it about me could you? You had to attack Hermione too, so now you'll get what's coming to you…"

"No! It's not possible! How can you be resisting the Princes brew?" Ginny protested completely unable to believe that Harry had broken through the haze.

Harry flicked his wand upwards turning it to the same type of mic Luna had been using from hers.

Like I was going to run and hide
While you mess with my mind, yeah right
Let me tell you now Gin
There are prices to pay, tonight
All of this time you spent, to manipulate my love

Harry spun past her turning out to face the crowd of on lookers juggling the bottle of Amortentia as he sang on.

All you people can't you see, can't you see
How she's been affecting my reality?

Harry turned back to look Ginny in the eye.

Gin, every time I'm down
Only one girl makes it right

Starring over Ginny's shoulder at that girl, at his Hermione standing in the light behind her Harry sang:

And that makes her larger then life

With a quick spin around Ginny, and a backwards slide towards where Hermione was standing, Harry brushed away some invisible dust from his shoulders, as though shaking off the last burdens of whatever Ginny had done to him. Then turning back to her he sang.

What you think you can just pop out of the crowd
And make your body sway, c'mon
Then suddenly I would see you,
in a different way? c'mon
This is for all the betrayals, Manipulation, and Lies

Harry took Ginny's arm as though he were going to dance with her, instead spinning her round and out into the crowd, then with a side-stepping dab slipped his way over to Hermione,

All you people can't you see, can't you see
How she's been affecting our reality

Harry popped the cork on the bottle then threw it into the air above the crowd before with a flick of his wand and a silent reducto caused the bottle to explode releasing the mist of the Amortentia above the crowd, removing any doubt of what Ginny had done. Then Harry turned back to Hermione took her by the waist and without breaking eye contact with her again, lifted Hermione into the air and spun her around him.

Every time I'm down
Only You can make it right
And that makes you larger than life

"Hermione," Harry said to her as he set her back down during a break in the lyrics, and she laid her arms upon his shoulders, "All that you do for me, it's what makes life worth living, and that most certainly makes you larger than life my love."

"I knew you could resist her Harry" she replied as the band picked up the lyrics where Harry had dropped them.

All you people can't you see, can't you see
How Gin's been affecting their reality
Every time he's down
Only she can make it right
And that makes her larger

Harry spun Hermione around to his right side

That makes her larger

Harry dipped Hermione back supporting her in his arm and then, leaned down and kissed her.

That makes her Larger than life

The Crowd exploded with Cheers as the song came to a close, everyone was screaming for Harry to Kiss Hermione again… everyone but one broken red haired girl, who Hermione could see running out of the hall in tears… just as she herself had done from the common room little more than a week ago. As much as Hermione knew Ginny had deserved ever bit of what had just happened, she couldn't help but feel a certain sympathy for her.

"Harry…" Hermione said softly, as they swayed together in each other's arms, to whatever new song the Sisters had started. "… I think you should go talk to Ginny."

"WHAT!?" Harry exclaimed stunned, "After what just happened why should…"

"Harry, what we just did, it had to be done yes, but… having watched it now first hand, I can't help but feel it was also an exceedingly cruel way for all of this to end." Hermione said the nagging vestiges of guilt causing her to realize that this needed an explanation for Ginny to learn anything.

Harry couldn't disagree more, that was at least until he saw the look reflected in Hermione's eyes and at once he understood. " Hermione, there is a big difference between her bringing you to tears by forcing me to kiss her in the common room, and us bringing her to tears now, by my choosing to kiss you."

"Yes Harry, there is, but I also don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come after me that night," Hermione replied, "…and Ginny is even more hurt now than I was then."

"Hermione I…"Harry was flustered he didn't want to say no to Hermione but he definitely did not want to run after Ginny either.

"Harry, we're… you're better than that. Please Harry, for me; go be the better man I know you are." Hermione implored him.

Harry closed his eyes took a deep breath and let out a prolonged sigh " Alright Hermione... for you, ONLY for you…I'll go talk to her… but if I'm not back in five minutes…"

"Don't worry, I'll come rescue My Harry." Hermione said smiling at him.

With that Harry left her standing there in the middle of the dance floor and headed for the exit to the hall. He couldn't believe he was doing this, here he was finally free and clear of both the Weasley siblings and now he was heading right back to the one who had hurt him the most.

His heart did soften though as he cracked the door to the hall open. Harry's ears were immediately met with Ginny's desperate sobs coming from the foot of the staircase. Where she was curled up with her arms wrapped around her legs crying into her knees.

There is something poetic in that Harry thought to himself, but he headed over to her anyway sat down beside her, and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Huh… OH HARRY!" Ginny squealed, "I knew it, I knew you'd see sense and choose me."

"What? No Ginny," Harry said standing up in front of her, "I'm not here because I've suddenly chosen you. Ginny I… I just came to apologize for the way things went down in there, I didn't want to embarrass you in front of the whole school, but you really didn't leave me any choice. Look I don't know how I can make myself any clearer then I just did in there, then I have every time you've tried something like this over all these years. I don't love you Ginny, not the way you want me too, and I never will."

"But WHY?! Why won't you just love me Harry?" Ginny said leaping to her feet and grabbing him by the collar with both hands. "I'd give you anything, everything you wanted. You could do anything fulfill any desire."

"Ginny stop!" Harry said trying to remove her hands from him but as quickly as he'd pull one away the other would be back on him.

"It's her isn't it?" Ginny demanded "you'd be mine if it weren't for her!"

"What Ginny no! It's not just Hermione, you scare me Ginny. For years your Fan Girl pinning has made me uncomfortable around you, but I always just sort of thought you'd grow out of it. But you haven't you've let your obsession with me turn you into a crazed stalker instead of the wonderful girl you could be, you know you were so busy looking at me tonight, did you even notice the way Colin was looking at you?"

"So, who is he?" Ginny asked "He's not special like you, he's not the great hero I want, not my Chosen One."

"Oh for Merlin sake Ginny, you know I always suspected, but to actually hear you say it out loud. Do you not hear yourself? You don't love me Ginny and you never have." Harry demanded firmly and directly.

"Yes I do, and I love you more than Hermione ever could I have always loved you, I have loved you since I was eight years old Harry. You don't have to deny yourself Harry I'll do things for you she never will" Ginny said, grabbing Harry around the wrists so he couldn't push her away this time. "I can even be her if you want Harry?" Ginny whispered in his ear, "I Have some Polyjuice in bottom of my trunk, if that's what you want, I'll give it to you."

"Ginny STOP!" Harry demanded "That's enough, listen to what you're saying, you've loved me since you were eight years old? You only meet me, Harry, when you were ten, and then only for about two minutes till Ron, Fred, and George brought me to the burrow the following summer. You don't love me you love the Myth, and that's not who I am! You're offering to be someone you're not just to please me, what kind of love is that Ginny each person loving something the other is not?"

"I don't care! I want this, and I'm going to have it." Ginny said reaching up and forcefully pulling Harry down into a kiss, while he struggled madly to pull away.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Harry heard from the entrance to the Hall. Hermione was standing there; evidently it had been the five minutes because she had come see if Harry needed rescuing after all and found he most certainly did.

"YOU!" Ginny screamed, "This is all your fault, he'd be mine if it wasn't for you, and your stupid dirty brown curls!" Ginny exclaimed in a precise imitation of her mother's voice when she was on a tear.

"I've already told you Ginny, it wouldn't matter I WILL NEVER LOVE YOU!" Harry echoed his previous words.

"We'll see" She said with a twitch in her eye then whipped her wand out toward Hermione and shouted "SECTUMSEMPRA!" a violent green flash burst forth from Ginny's wand, "Protego Maxima!" Harry shouted managing to raise the protective charm in front of Hermione not but a hairs breath before the spell would have made contact reflecting it away.

"Ginny… How could…" Harry had tried to scold her but suddenly he found he couldn't catch his breath, it was like he was suddenly drowning. Harry looked down and immediately realized the reason why. He had managed the Protection Charm in time to save Hermione, but the curse had rebounded and struck him square in the chest. Harry placed his hand on the spot where the pain had come from and as he pulled it away found it was covered in blood.

"Mione…, Help…" Harry managed as he tried to stagger towards her, but only managed to collapse onto the floor.

"HARRY!" Hermione screamed as she ran to him and coddled his head in her lap, "HELP! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!"

Ginny was in shock "No, no, please not him, not Harry." She said as she reached out for him.

"DON"T YOU TOUCH HIM!" Hermione screamed at her, Ginny flinched backward and then ran off in which direction Harry couldn't tell.

"Harry, Oh Harry, I'm sorry, why did I make you come out here? I'm sorry, I… what do I do" She panicked as tears ran madly down her face.

"Not… Not your fault. Pluah" Harry managed as he coughed up a mouth full of blood onto the floor.

"Someone Help!" Hermione yelled again, but it was useless, the noise of the concert was drowning out her pleas… no one was coming.

"Hermione, I… I can't breathe… please… please, don't blame, don't blame your…." But that was it he could manage no more. The last thing Harry heard, before the whole world went black was a final desperate plea from Hermione "PLEASE, SOMEONE, ANYONE, PLEASE HELP ME!"