Chapter 48 – A Variety of Answers
It was the familiar twitter of some songs birds that Harry heard first as he regained consciousness. There was also a tune being hummed by Ginny. It was surprising to hear "We're Not Going to Take It" the first thing on awakening; Harry wondered if Mrs. Weasley knew she listened to Twisted Sister. He sent her and Hermione a quick 'Hello' and sat right up trying to surprise them. Instead he startled Professor Dumbledore who was sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
"Are you quite alright Harry?" the Headmaster asked.
"Sorry sir. It was just a random song running through my head as I was waking up. I'm quite surprised and happy to be able to talk to you." Harry's memories flooded back to him. "But what about Ginny? Hermione? Is she ok?"
"They are both quite fine although Miss Granger will have to take it easy for a few more days. Although they wish to see you most promptly, I implored them for the opportunity to see you first when you awoke. I would imagine that you have a number of various questions."
"I have so many questions I don't know where to begin. The Philosopher's Stone – Professor Quirrell and … didn't recover it?"
"No, Harry. You accomplished what you set out to do. The Philosopher's Stone is safe. I have however talked to the owner and he has agreed to have it destroyed."
"But that would mean Nicolas Flamel and his wife will … die?"
"That is the natural order of things. There is enough of the Elixir of Life for them both to have a few more years together while they get their affairs and family in order. After being alive for so long, I do believe that they are both looking forward to the next part that comes to them."
"I think I understand that but it is still a little sad they have to make a choice like this."
"I agree with you Harry but the Flamel's have recognized the existing danger of having the Stone intact."
"The danger? Does that mean that You–Know-Who isn't totally gone?"
"It's Voldemort Harry and it is still only a name. Don't fear the name. You at least have some experience in taking him on quite successfully."
"I was wondering how I got the rock sir. One second it was with my reflection in the mirror and the next it was in my pocket."
"I thought the best way to protect the treasure was to hide it where anyone could see it but only a person who didn't want to use it for evil could retrieve it. You qualified for that while Quirrell didn't."
"Sir, about Professor Quirrell – I never meant to…"
Dumbledore nodded in support of the young boy. "No one will fault you for defending yourself. I'm sorry that you have some reservations and guilt about the way Quirrell's life ended. But remember this; he had no misgivings about trying to end yours! You may want to consider this Harry; Quirrell was going to end up in a horrible manner due to his possession by Voldemort anyway. It might be seen as an act of compassion by you to save him from that endless agony."
That opinion would be something Harry would, thankfully, have a lot of time to think about. He looked around the medical ward. It seemed to be a quite sunny day outside. There was also a tray at the foot of Harry's bed that was filled with cards, candies and some other wrapped presents.
"I don't even know what day it is now. I must have slept a long time. And why are there…?" Harry pointed at the pile of presents.
"The first question is easily answered. It's Monday noontime and the seventh years are pressing on with their Newts. You've been sleeping for well over a day. As to the contributions, the news of what happened between you and Professor Quirrell in the dungeons has spread faster around the school than an infestation of Nargles. I do believe the Weasley twins were the first to greet their sister after she appeared here in the medical wing with Miss Granger. They made sure of her well-being first and then left the medical wing. It seemed a very short while until everyone had heard of your exploits. You have quite a number of fans Harry."
Harry blushed as he heard the praise in the wizard's voice. But there were still some questions he wanted to ask. "I'm not keeping you from anything important, am I sir?"
Dumbledore smiled and brushed Harry's unkempt locks in a friendly gesture. "Professor McGonagall is tending to the NEWT exams and I've passed on the arranging for the leaving feast to Madame Sprout. There is nothing more pressing on my agenda that making sure that you recover from the task you just finished. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Although I do believe Misses Granger and Weasley will probably do a lot more for that than I will."
Harry returned the smile that Dumbledore gave him. It seemed he approved of the arrangement the three of them had established. A sobering thought occurred to Harry then. "My touch, better than my spellwork, was what finally worked against Professor Quirrell."
"We've talked before Harry about the sacrifices your parents and especially your mother made in protecting you those many years before. It was love that left such a deep and abiding protection in your very skin. That special gift is something that neither Quirrell nor Voldemort can stand against. They have no understanding or capacity for love; your very touch was agony and death to them. Well, at least to Quirrell, Voldemort abandoned Quirrell when he realized that he had lost."
"He's not gone for good is he? Voldemort I mean."
"Alas you speak the truth, and I'm sorry to give you that confirmation. For someone as truly evil as Voldemort there may be other times and manners in which he may try to regain his form and his power. The best we can hope for is to remain watchful and do what we can to stop him from his goals."
Harry nodded in agreement to what Dumbledore said. There was still one puzzle Harry was working on. "Voldemort said that he killed my parents because they trying to protect me. Why would Voldemort want to kill me? I was barely one at the time."
The Headmaster's face fell at Harry's query. "That is one question I cannot answer for you. At least not today. I promise I will tell you before school starts in the fall. You deserve to know the truth of your place in the world, Harry Potter. It's been hidden too long from you."
Dumbledore hesitated for a second before he resumed talking. "Among the other things I discovered in going through Quirrell's desk while you were recovering was that thick letter you intended to give me. It had a personal letter to me which brought a number of surprises in itself and the Last Will and Testament from your parents Harry! You will have to make a trip to Gringotts soon to make your claim and I hope you will allow me to accompany you when you are ready. It would probably be a good thing to bring Miss Weasley and Miss Granger with you at that time."
Harry looked at the sincerity in the old wizards face and nodded. He could wait a bit; there had been quite enough in his life for the time being. It had been quite an adventure and Harry wanted to relish his survival for just a little while. Although his parents will and the letter would be great to see! He also knew the guilt about Quirrell and Hermione's injuries would take a while to get over. For Merlin's sake, he had to go back to the Dursley's tomorrow! That was a depressing thought.
Dumbledore saw the sad face of the boy lying before him and shook his head at Fate's chances. He put a smile on his face though before he began talking again.
"I hope you don't mind Harry if I put on my official hat on again for a few minutes. There are a few things the Headmaster must tell you that are strictly between you and him. You may have no choice in sharing this later with a certain pair of young ladies though."
Harry looked up at the twinkling eyes that he was really beginning to like and straightened up in bed. He sent a general apology out to the girls and put up his shields. "Yes sir, I'm ready."
Dumbledore pulled a number of things from various pockets in his robes. The first was a wand that he handed over. "This is yours Harry."
"Sir?"
"You've defeated a wizard in combat Harry. By all that's legal, you own Quirrell's wand."
Harry looked at the wand very cautiously. "Didn't Voldemort use this?" he asked with a little disgust.
"It was Quirrell's and I've checked it over Harry and removed any dark traces from it. The wand is only an instrument of the owners will after all. It is yours now. This does not have any ministry tracking spells for location or the underage use of magic. It should be perfect to practice magic within your room at the Dursleys! Remember – in your room!"
Harry smiled at the work around he had just received. Not only he, but Ginny and Hermione could also practice with it. Silencing and no-notice spells would have to be said first when they got to that stage.
The next presentation was a bag that clinked. Harry was really hoping for more marbles and was slightly disappointed that the bag held a good number of galleons. Harry looked up questioning the Headmaster.
"Mrs. Stephens up in our very small accounting liaison office instructed me to give this to you Harry. It is the remaining balance of Quirrell's salary. Samantha found no heirs listed to forward it to, so it again falls under the category of "to the victor…"
"Thank you, sir. I shall have to find a good use for these funds." A few ideas involving a number of Weasleys and Grangers came to mind immediately.
Harry looked up to see Dumbledore holding a small square box. "This is from me as a personal award and a measure of respect. It is a compensation, reward and acknowledgement that the Ministry of Magic will not give you. They will give no official credence or belief to the events that have happened in the last two days. Even to one Harry Potter."
Taking the box carefully, Harry opened it to reveal an ornate medal. His eyes were tearing up as he read the writing on the sash – 'Order of Merlin, 3rd Degree'!
"I received that a very long time ago for services rendered to the magical world. I can think of no one more deserving than you to have that today!"
Harry looked up at the smiling wizard. "Thank you very much sir. I can't begin to tell you what this means to me. I'll share it with Ginny and Hermione."
Dumbledore stood up with a smile. "I had better leave now Harry before a pair of first year ladies get very upset with me. I would have liked to have had a chocolate frog but it seems Mr. Weasley has taken them all."
"Take anything else there you like sir."
"Perhaps a few sugar quills to tide me over then. Thank you Harry."
"Thank you for answering my questions sir."
Harry settled back in the bed and watched Dumbledore walk toward the exit. He had only taken a few steps when he paused and turned around.
"One more thing Harry. I've pulled rank, as it were, and told Poppy that you and Miss Granger WILL be attending the leaving feast tonight. Follow whatever directions she gives you but please be there."
"Yes sir!" Harry smiled and watched as Dumbledore opened the door and walked out. His back was immediately replaced by the grinning faces of Ginny and Hermione!
Xxxx xxxx
Harry expected the girls to rush in as soon as Dumbledore left the room. He was disappointed and upset when Hermione entered on some crutches with Ginny walking beside her. Hermione's injuries must have been worse than he thought. And it was all his fault! Harry felt like he deserved whatever anger they held for him.
Ginny sat on one side of Harry's bed and Hermione carefully seated herself on the other side. Madame Pomfrey chose to make an appearance then holding a tray with two potions on it. She handed one to Hermione but paused before giving the other one to Harry. "I wish to congratulate you Mr. Potter. You did a splendid job as an emergency healer."
Harry looked at her blankly till Hermione coughed once. 'Oh Hermione's injury.' he thought. "I just did what I thought would work."
Madame Pomfrey smiled down at her young charge. "Ginny told me what you did and the spell you created for Miss Granger. I've forwarded it on to St. Mungo's and they think it is very promising for treating extreme trauma. I wish I had the capacity to give points but I hope you will feel better for knowing that you may have created something significant that could save a lot of lives!"
Harry blushed and hung his head but Hermione reached under the back of his knee to tickle him. Harry looked up suddenly to see that that Hermione was smiling at him. Taking the potion from Madame Pomfrey, Harry looked over the top of it and then reached out to clink it with the potion Hermione held.
Trying to sound as serious as he could, Harry proposed a toast. "To your continuing health, Miss Granger."
Hermione nodded her head and responded. "To the best of friends."
Madame Pomfrey made sure that both potions were totally gone before she addressed Harry again. "You had a very severe burn to your hand Mr. Potter. There were the usual cuts and scrapes and two cracked ribs. Most of the minor injuries have healed up. You'll go home with some ointment for your hand and please take it easy for a few days with those ribs."
The mediwitch turned and walked toward her office. She turned before she went in the door and addressed her trainee. "Harry may have some visitors today but this is still not a public meeting place. And Ginny?"
"Yes, Madame Pomfrey?"
"One specific medical order. Neither you nor Miss Granger are to hug the stuffing out of Mr. Potter for at least a week."
"Yes ma'am!"
Ginny's face went beet red and Hermione and Harry laughed at her embarrassment. Ginny hung her head for a few seconds until she regained some control. Harry looked anxiously at Hermione.
"I'm sorry Hermione."
Hermione had a puzzled look on her face for a second and then slid herself up the side of the bed so that she could reach Harry. "I'm not mad at you, silly."
"But I said I was going to protect you and I didn't!" Both girls could see how upset Harry was and leaned in to press their heads against his and encircle his neck with their arms.
'You had other things you were trying to do Harry.'
'But…'
'You punished that knight didn't you?'
'More like blew it to bits, Hermione!'
"Then you have nothing to have any regrets about. You saved my life Harry with that spell you made up. Ginny said so."
It was Harry's turn to blush then. "I wasn't paying attention at the time but it seems we have another round of life debts we owe to each other."
Hermione leaned in to give Harry a kiss very close to his lips. "Good then. I like to think my fiancées and I would look after each other."
Ginny and Harry turned a puzzled look back at Hermione. She huffed just a little bit but explained. "Harry, it's not just you and me or you and Ginny. I think the magic is having us ALL 'engaged' to each other; that is if Ginny doesn't mind."
Harry caught on immediately but it took Ginny a few seconds more for that implication. She blushed first but then turned and hugged Hermione like she wasn't ever going to let go. "This is unusual but if I had to be engaged to another girl, I'd choose you Hermione!"
Both girls turned away from their hug and looked at a very uncomfortable looking Harry. "What's the problem Harry?"
The 11 year old that had just gone through a series of trials to end up defeating the worst wizard in a couple of decades – squirmed.
"I've never… I want to ask… I always made the assumption but…"
"Just spit it out Harry" Ginny finally said. Hermione had a small idea of where Harry was headed but she wanted to hear the actual words.
"I just went through the most horrendous experience of my whole life and I ended up killing somebody. Not because I wanted to, but because he was a threat. To you two. I found the strength to fight back because I couldn't bear the thought of what might happen to you if I failed."
"Harry?" Ginny had seen Harry this serious when he threatened the chess set but she wasn't sure what was so important now.
"Ok", Harry took a deep breath. "I'm asking now because I realized how close I just came to not making it. Would, could you two – bemygirlfriends?"
Harry said the last bit in a rush and neither Hermione nor Ginny really understood him. "Again?"
"If you two can continue your 'understanding' with each other – I'm asking you now if you will both be my girlfriends?"
Harry shut his eyes because he didn't want to see them say no. He was completely engulfed in girls about two seconds later and knocked back flat on the bed. He grasped both girls in a hug and noticed that all three of them were crying.
He finally caught his breath and just whispered. "I take it that this is a yes?"
Both girls relaxed their hold on Harry and sat up. Both were smiling and wiping away tears. For once Harry didn't have to ask if they were happy tears or not.
"Yes" said Ginny.
"Of course", said Hermione. "How could you doubt us?"
Hermione reached into her pocket and gave something to Ginny. Harry looked on suspiciously. "You two bet on whether I'd ask you?" he said a little indignantly.
"It was just about the timing. Ginny's opinion was that you would ask us before we got on the train home. I thought WE would have to ask you on the Express before we got back to King's Cross. It was only a sickle anyway."
"So I'm worth that much to you? A whole sickle?" Harry couldn't stop it. He started laughing at the expressions on his girlfriend's faces! Soon they were all laughing and giving each other hugs!
When they all had recovered from the emotional release Harry studied Hermione a little longer. "So how bad is it?" he asked, indicating the crutches.
"Madame Pomfrey said I could just get by with a cane to walk with after today. It's just a little soreness left and I now understand now why you hate taking potions."
"Do you want us to…?" Harry interlinked his fingers and waggled them a little bit.
Hermione smiled. "No, you're supposed to be resting but thanks for the offer. We're both technically under Ginny's care until we reach London."
Harry turned to look at Ginny who was holding up a thumb and gauging them both with it. "That's a great way to make a diagnosis Ginny."
"That's Miss Weasley to you students!"
"Ok, nurse. Am I allowed to share my treats with you in exchange for letting you two tell me what I missed during my extended sleep?"
Ginny reached over to drag the tray of goodies within reach of everyone and put a large amount of candy on the bed to snack on. "Let's start where we parted. I guided Hermione back up the way to the plant room like you asked Harry and waited for Dumbledore. It seemed to take forever before he opened up the trap door and floated down to the room. I told him the story of what had happened to us so far. It seems he cancelled the rest of the magic in the rooms then and I sent you a mental message. He had Fawkes bring us directly to here. Madame Pomfrey worked on Hermione for a bit once we got here and did a great amount of healing on her."
"Dumbledore carried you in about a half hour later. He had no sooner placed you down on the bed when Gred and Forge showed up. They were very happy that I was ok but I was crying at that point because I didn't know either of your conditions. I think I may have told them exactly what we had been up to; they tried to get me to leave and go back to the Gryffindor tower."
"And you hexed them out of the medical wing" Harry said with a smile of understanding.
"Darn right about that", Ginny said, "I wasn't about to leave either of you. It's kind of too bad. I missed something good. Mum sent a howler to Ron that he opened over breakfast. Guess she really tore into him. It happened in our common room because of the NEWTS so Ron wasn't told off in front of the whole school. "
Hermione took up the narrative then. "I woke up about 9 because a number of people were trying to get into see how you were Harry. Madame Pomfrey finally told Ginny to take care of the crowd while she monitored you. She told a few people to come back later but to tell everyone else not to bother as we weren't up to visitors yet. Ginny let a few people come in after lunch just to look and visit with me. The pile of goodies started coming in just before supper last night. It included a note from Ron."
Harry looked through the various cards and envelopes until he came to one who's handwriting he recognized. He opened it and read it to Ginny and Hermione:
Harry,
I'm sorry I attacked you and said all those rotten things. I guess I still haven't learned about thinking first before I talk or act. I don't deserve any more of your time but if you, Ginny and Hermione could find it possible to forgive me - I would like that. I realized I've totally bollixed up our friendships and I miss that that already. Hope to see you around somewhere but would understand if you chose not to.
Ron
Harry put down the brief note and just sighed. He had no idea of what to do about Ron now. He looked at both girls for some input.
"Ron came in before breakfast this morning to talk to Hermione and me. He was very serious and felt bad that he hadn't trusted any one of us. I think he was also upset he missed the action but he was really happy we were all going to be ok. I believe we both told him that it was up to you as whether we would forgive him or not."
"Guess we'll cross that bridge when we see Ron again" Harry said.
Hermione reached out to hold Harry's hand. "We aren't going to press you Harry about what happened with Quirrell. You can tell us when you're ready but other people are going to be asking you. There's still some waiting out in the hallway."
"Well, I'm not going to be telling anybody but you two what really happened." Harry shuddered at his memories of the encounter. "Are you curious about what the headmaster said to me privately?"
"Of course Harry" Hermione said. "But if you don't want to tell us that's ok to."
Harry reached under the covers for the three things that Dumbledore gave him. The girls were very surprised at what Harry told them. Hermione understood at once what having an adult wand meant for their practicing and Ginny got a little excited about the amount of galleons in that purse. She asked Harry what he was going to do with that amount of money but didn't quite know what to make of Harry's answer. "Supplies."
Harry was a little embarrassed about the last box but quietly shoved it across the bed for the girls to open. The looks on their faces when they opened it to see the medal was a memory that Harry knew he would remember for a long, long time. Even more so when Harry told them that he was going to share it with both of them, even if it was an unofficial award. Harry was swarmed over again and had to laughingly remind them of Madame Pomfrey's order.
Sobering up from the contact, Harry reluctantly 'replayed' his memories of the last three rooms to the girls. Both girls held onto his hands as he went through the surprising encounter with Quirrell and the desperate struggle for control of the Stone. Hermione's face grew white as she saw Voldemort's possession of their DADA professor but Ginny laughed at the way that You-Know-Who was brought down by a muggle marble! Both girls felt the shock and pain of Harry's struggle and his despair at the killing of another person. Both were left breathless and scared as they saw the apparition of Voldemort disappear from the chamber. There was an extra-long comforting hug between the three of them until they recovered from Harry's experience.
Hermione finally laid down and rested on the bed next to Harry's in the infirmary. Ginny let a small number of people (mostly family and dorm mates) in to visit the both of them. A few questions were answered to everyone's satisfaction but the main concern from everyone was the health of the three friends.
The potions and rest did almost as much as the visitors in helping Harry and Hermione feel better. They all had a restful afternoon that got them prepared for the leaving feast that evening.
