Chapter Thirteen: In Which Minds Are Controlled
"But - but you said it's illegal, Professor," said Hermione uncertainly as Moddy cleared away the desks with a sweep of his wand, leaving a large clear space in the middle of the room. "You said - to use it against another human was to was -"
"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like," said Moody, his magical eye swiveling onto Hermione and fixing her with an eerie, unblinking stare. "If you'd rather learn the hard way - when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely - fine by me. Off you go."
He pointed one gnarled finger toward the door.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Harry groaned.
Everyone turned to look at him.
"Do you have something you want to say, Potter?" Moody asked.
"Yes. You're using peer pressure and your authority as a teacher to force her into something that she does not want. Don't. Do. That. Putting an illegal curse on us, that's not something Dumbledore would condone. Even if he did, it's not up to him to decide; we're underage students and therefore incapable of making an informed choice and giving our consent."
Silence greeted this speech.
"I'm leaving. Want to come with, Hermione?"
She nodded.
They both left the classroom.
"Thank you for standing up for me, Harry."
"Believe me, it was my pleasure."
He looked into her eyes, managing to convey every single bit of love he felt for her.
He leaned in closer, and they kissed.
Hermione sighed into his lips, it felt right, being with him.
It was more meaningful than just the meeting of lips - it was the beautiful union of minds and bodies.
They did not stop for a long time.
AN: Forcing students to endure the Imperius? No thank you, mister. My mother taught me not to accept illegal curses from strangers.