Hey minna -
Here's Chapter 4 for y'all. :P Sorry it's kind of long compared to some of the other chapters, but there's a major plot turn in this one. I won't be able to update again until sometime next weekend because I'm going to Washington, DC! Eee, yay me! ^ . ^ Anyhow, I'll be writing on the way there and back, of course, and like always, R/R, please! ^^ It keeps me motivated!
This chapter's rated PG-13 for mature situations and a huge make-out scene. o.O; Had to fit one of those in this chapter somehow! Tell me what you guys think!
Props go to JK Rowling, of course, for writing one of the biggest book series in the world! ^^
Adonise Atwater
---
The weeks went by, each day ultimately building toward a resignation for Harry's attempts. His incident on the Quidditch field did not exactly win back Hermione's attention - as a matter of fact, she seemed to be drawing away from him more and more. He missed her presence beside him at lunch, and she even began to stop coming to his practices. Harry could not help but act in a selfish manner towards his new rival. Everytime he glimpsed Hermione and Ignacio together, a sharp, electric twinge of jealousy ran through his body, worse than the first time he'd felt that way.
At lunch one day, Ron noticed Harry's behaviour. He saw his green eyes diverted in a direction behind he and his friend and the messy-haired head in his hands. In a mad attempt to cheer Harry up, Ron screwed up his face, rolling his eyes back in his head, spreading his mouth wide open, and flaring his nostrils.
"Look, I'm a demonic pig," he had said through short staccato snorts. Seeing that this had no effect on Harry's mood, Ron sighed. "Okay. There's a school dance in a week or so. Why don't you ask Hermione? It's not like she's going out with Ignacio, or -- "
Harry jolted out of his dazed stupor, assuming a helpless, wide-eyed expression.
"Y-you really think there's a possibility that they're actually going out?!"
He threw his head into his folded arms. Ron promptly rolled his eyes with exasperation. He had never seen Harry act this way before, but nonetheless could relate to his situation and how he felt.
"So. You're in LOVE with her, seems to me."
"I AM NOT! I just ... she shouldn't be with a guy like ... like ... like THAT! He's a ... "
"Listen. Hermione knows what's good for her!" Ron hoped. "You know her, I know her. I mean, how many times has she gotten US out of trouble? If worse comes to worse, she'll know how to defend herself, even if it's just through spitting out random facts!"
Ron, however, wasn't exactly too sure of his own words; his confident manner wore off too quickly. Running a hand through his red hair, he let out a moan of agony for Hermione. They both weren't too secure on the suggestion that she'd be able to handle Ignacio trying something on her.
---
A cold, bone-chilling voice spoke - no, snarled - from the depths of a dark cellar beneath the school known as Hogwarts. A rotten, moldy stench filled every crevice of the room, long forgotten. Something shadowy moved in the corner of the space, hovering in front of a tall dressing mirror.
"Boy," it hissed. "Have you done my bidding?"
A figure emerged in the mirror, hidden beneath coils of smoke. It was a boy, wih eyes so extremely blue and hair shining a dark color that matched along with it. His mouth seemed to falter on words like a child's first skate on frozen ice as he searched for a response.
"Voldemort," he whispered quietly, for that was the shadowy creature's name. "I ... I hadn't enough time, you see ... I can't ... " His voice was apologetic and thick with uneasiness.
"SILENCE! I brought you back from the dead twice, and this is how you repay your Saviour?!"
"NO! I -- "
"I want the newborn child first. Then kill the Potter boy; bring me his body. If I don't have these things done within a week, I'll have you put to death for good. I promised you that if you were successful, I'd grant you power beyond belief and equal to mine, but I'm starting to have my doubts ... boy."
He was aghast and shaking. Swallowing hard, he fought for a reply like before. "O ... of course. Within a week."
"Good. That's all." The dark lord waved a hand over the smooth cold surface of the looking glass, turning away from it immediately. When the smoke had cleared and the mirror was back to its normal appearance, red eyes flashed, being the only truly visible feature on him. "Idiot."
---
Ignacio was racing down the hall alone. Alone, and without Hermione. His mind was pumping almost as fast as his legs, but not as confused and twisted. Full of mixed feelings, he continued down the Slytherin corridor.
His brain started thinking back to the time about a year ago when it had happened. It. That *it* being an incident that would have killed any normal human ... but no. He didn't like to think about it. He couldn't think about it.
Ignacio's brain was going between decisions like a pendulum, but a pendulum on the edge of insanity. It was swinging so fast and with such momentum that he didn't hear the snicker of three boys as he neared the steps leading down towards the Slytherin main room. One of the group - a blonde that seemed to be the leader - had discreetly thrust his foot out, causing Ignacio to fly forward.
Down the stairs he went, tumbling, tumbling. The pendulum still swinging, swinging even harder. He didn't even realize what was happening until his head hit the bottom step.
It stopped swinging, and everything was black after that.
---
Defense Against The Dark Arts was a fairly easy class that day. Harry and Ron, sitting next to each other and towards the back of the room as usual, eyed an empty seat that was occupied by Hermione at one time.
"I don't get it," Harry muttered quietly and out of the side of his mouth. "It's like she's not even at this school anymore."
Ron nodded listlessly in agreement. "Yeah. Trying to just go up and talk to her is no use ... she waves us off like she doesn't even know us."
The two boys breathed in a sigh, letting it out simultaneously. Their gaze went from the vacant desk to Hermione, who placed herself in the front. She seemed to be drained of all life ... mainly because Ignacio wasn't there with her.
Harry and Ron both noticed this at the same time, and looked at each other in confusion.
"Crikey. Where the bloody 'ell is he?" Ron said, narrowing his eyes. Harry did so as well, attempting to divine Hermione's emotions from the expression on her face. This was faintly impossible, for her long chestnut hair covered her eyes from the side and her nose was buried in a book.
He stared, long and intently, and for the first time actually noticed how beautiful Hermione was. Harry's expression softened as his green eyes widened in amazement from behind black-rimmed glasses. Why hadn't he seen it before? Maybe he deserved this treatment - he had been paying more attention to Cho than his best friend for two years, and he hadn't really realized how much Hermione cared for him, even when she told him so. Harry was hit with this hard, and was struck with the loss of something that could have been.
"Ron." Harry whispered. "I think I'm going to try and talk to her after class or later on tonight. About Ignacio. It's no use trying to pretend we don't notice it. Besides, I'm feeling a little suspicious about ... things."
The red head blinked. "You sure, Harry?" he said. "She's got a temper, y'know. And she just might flare up at you if you question her about this. Hermione might be touchy about the subject, or ... " Looking around to make sure no one was watching them, Ron leaned in closer. " ... it might be ... you know ... that time of the month."
Harry grinned. Ron figured it was the first time he'd done so in awhile.
"I'm sure. If she does get mad at me, well ... I suppose it's better than her COMPLETELY ignoring us." Harry'd obviously forgotten about Hermione's wrath - specifically the Silent Treatment.
"A'right. Good luck."
Ron and Harry didn't realize that someone actually had been listening in from a seat to their far left. Draco, who was particularly interested in Harry's suspicion, smirked with a pleased attitude.
"What do you know," he said cooly. "Maybe they do have some sense in those little moron heads of theirs."
The blonde made a mental note to keep tabs on their actions.
---
Hermione was glad that the class was finally dismissed. No - - beyond glad. Throughout the whole period, she could not get her mind off of Ignacio, her new companion. As she sighed and swept her books off her desk, making her way through the crowd of students and out the room, she remembered what he'd told her earlier.
"Hermione, listen. I'm going to have to skip the next class." Ignacio had said. Hermione recalled the urgency in his voice that sounded almost as if something would forever change.
"That's fine," she said, smiling. "But why do you have to tell me this?"
"Because," Ignacio's voice was breathless. " ... because it's something very important, and dangerous, and ... "
"Then you shouldn't go ... I mean, it can't be ... "
The dark-haired boy quickly put a finger to Hermione's mouth gently to silence her.
"Shh. I have to. You can't let anyone know."
Hermione had agreed, but regretted doing so as she continued down the Hogwarts corridor leading to her next. God, she felt so empty without ... him ... by her side. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Harry, but was too distracted to voluntarily approach him and strike a conversation. She was already subconsciously forgetting their own bond.
Suddenly, she was reminded of her dream she'd had about a month and a half ago ... when they'd first come back from the short school holiday at the beach. She remembered the being she recognized as Harry ... the canyon, and ...
Did they have any connection with the nightmares she'd been having recently? They were almost as, if not more, disturbing than that one. Last night, she had dreamed something having to do with Ignacio ... and a child, born by her. This startled Hermione, but what was even more startling was the fact that Ignacio had shot an arrow into the baby's heart, killing it.
Hermione realized that the most distinguishable thing was the bow and arrow he used to put the baby to death. She recalled its smooth, blue surface that rippled at the touch, yet somehow stayed solid. It was comforting to remember its texture, but not what it had been used for.
Heading to the bathrooms and setting her schoolbooks down on the floor in front of a sink, Hermione began rubbing her tired eyes. She wished she could find out the source of these nightmares -- and rid herself of them, but ultimately that Ignacio was with her. She needed his presence, and could go as far to say she was obsessed with the boy.
Still, she could not explain her desire. It was maddeningly consuming her, bit by bit.
Hermione started to Madam Pomfrey's office when she heard the call for all 6th year girls.
---
Madam Pomfrey stood in front of a girl, wand in hand, closely examining her with narrowed eyes. She pursed her lips and stared intently into her face.
"Hmm. Turn around. Show me your back," the older woman said. The fifth-year immediately did so, a little frightened. She was definitely not used to checkups at the nurse's, and whimpered quietly as Madam Pomfrey nodded, and drew a little blood using a small spell. This was quickly collected into a vial, labled, and stored on a shelf among with many others. "Okay, sweetie, you're done. Next."
As the girl left, a tall, bearded, older man walked into the nurse's office, much to her amusement.
"Ah, ready for your checkups, Albus?" Madam Pomfrey said, laughing.
"I think I'll pass." Dumbledore grinned, showing white teeth that matched his long facial hair. "Actually, I was just dropping in to see how things are going -- what kind of things you're checking for."
"Fortunately, I think all I've got left are the sixth year girls -- and what I'm looking for is mainly diabeties, mono, chickenpox, smallpox, oxpox ... "
"Even Muggle diseases, hmm? Anything else?" Dumbledore questioned skeptically, raising a bushy white eyebrow.
"Pregnancy." Madam Pomfrey began looking at one of the blood filled vials closely, whispering "magnificius". Immediately, the view of the vial became askew, but was enlarged so that she could observe it more carefully.
"Pregnancy. That's a new one. I wouldn't think --"
"Neither would I, but you have to be certain, you know," Madam Pomfrey shrugged. "NEXT, please."
As Dumbledore slipped out the entrance of the nurse's office, Hermione brushed past him uneasily, glancing about the room. It wasn't that she hadn't been here before; it was just the fact that she was being examined this time. Madam Pomfrey seemed to notice this.
"Relax, sweetie." she murmured, sitting Hermione down on a chair. "Now, open your mouth ... " She did so. " ... stick out your tongue ... good. Now spread your arms out ... and ... " Madam Pomfrey ran her wand down Hermione's stomach. "Virgo verum ..."
Hermione gasped as she felt what seemed a hand that plunged into her stomach, parting through her skin and the membrane of her insides, pushing aside her bones. She bit her lip to keep from crying out loud in pain, trying to keep back tears. Blood was tasted on her lip and felt in her palms where she had pressed her nails deep into the flesh.
The hand seemed to be searching for something, and stopped abruptly for an obscure reason. Hermione shook violently, her consciousness threatening to give way until finally the feeling withdrew.
"What the ... " she gasped breathlessly. "What the heck was that?!" Hermione looked at Madam Pomfrey with wild eyes. She, however, had her mind on something else - and had an almost sad expression on her face as she shook hear head slowly.
"There must be some kind of mistake ... " she said, talking to herself. "Virgo verum."
Hermione took a step back at these words. "NO! You just ... UGH ... " This time, she froze with the pain, which was much harsher than before. She could feel it searing through her and dissolving her inside out. The searching didn't seem it would ever stop -- it was continuous, until Hermione thought she'd die of it.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, releasing the spell. She slumped slightly, and returned to her desk, writing something on parchment and slipping it into a folder that was labled "Granger, Hermione". Hermione quickly approached the nurse, still wincing with slight pain.
"If you don't mind telling me," she hissed with building anger, "why you had to DO that, WHAT it's for and WHY you look so ... "
The older woman looked up at Hermione with disappointment filling her eyes. "Dear, you must promise to remain calm."
"Of course, anything ... just what is it?"
"Virgo verum," Madam Pomfrey said slowly. "is a spell used to determine if a girl is ... with child. And ... "
" ... yes?" Hermione began to feel wary, not wanting to think ...
"I performed it twice on you, just to make sure, but ... Hermione, you're pregnant."
She was stunned, her mouth open and eyes round as saucers. Pregnant! But from whom? She hadn't done anything with anyone. Hermione shook her head, swallowing.
"No, no. You see, I have a reputation to keep, and I haven't done anything with anyone."
"I'm afraid you must have, dear. It's the only way."
"It can't be true! Do it again, please! It'll prove you wrong."
Madam Pomfrey sighed. "You'll go into shock from pain. I've already done it twice."
"I AM NOT PREGNANT! PLEASE! You HAVE to listen to me! There's NO WAY!"
"Take this folder to Dumbledore. You'll be leaving Hogwarts immediately." She sounded distant and regretful.
"L ... leaving ... " Hermione's eyes began to fill with tears. How in the world could this happen? She couldn't remember anything that would have caused her to be pregnant. As a matter of fact, she'd never even been kissed!
The brunette swept her books off the ground, a determined look coming over her face. Hermione would prove the school nurse wrong -- that she would. All the way to Dumbledore's office she stormed, fuming that someone could make a mistake such as Madam Pomfrey's.
---
Harry and Ron walked side by side, heading to the Gryffindor house. School was over with, and it was almost time for dinner.
"Okay, so ... er, what should I say to Hermione?" Harry asked. He still had his mind on those matters.
"Ask her what she sees in that big, stone-headed git, and then wrap her in your arms, kissing her passionately." Ron grinned. Harry merely glared at this.
"I told you," he said angrily and between his teeth. "I am NOT in love with Hermione."
"Did I say you were?" The red head snickered, shoving both hand into the pockets of his robes. His amused expression quickly left his face when he passed a group of girls in a small circle who were gossiping about something that evidently intersted them. "Say, Harry ... listen. What are they talking about?"
"That Granger girl and that new kid ... "
" ... they did WHAT?!"
" ... pregnant, now, as a matter of fact ... "
" ... someone as smart as she?!"
Harry stopped dead in his tracks. What the hell were they talking about?
"That ... those ... " Harry murmured. " ... can't be true ... " He stared straight ahead.
"Of course not." Ron said in an obvious attempt to appease his friend and get him to hurry. He didn't mean to cause him to slow down their progress. "Come on, Harry. We'll be late for dinner, and you need to talk to her, anyway, before we go. You can bring it up to her then, I guess."
Harry swallowed. "You're right, you're right. It's probably just rumours ... "
His mind was jumping back from possibility to possibility, and even more possibilities when he saw Hermione suddenly tear through the crowd, books clutched in her arms, eyes and face wet with tears. The whole of the crowd in the hall went silent as she made her way ahead of them all, alone in front of a body of students who had probably already heard about ...
When she turned around to face everyone, Hermione let out a dry, choked sob as she slumped to the ground, her knees giving way. She looked up with eyes of despair underneath chestnut tendrils from her place on the cold ground.
"What ... ?" she finally managed to say with a strangled voice. "I guess ... you've all heard about ... me." Hermione shuddered, trying her utmost to keep her feelings inside, but failing miserably. "I'm sorry I've let you all down ... I'm leaving Hogwarts forever."
Gasps echoed through the hall. Hermione Granger ... the smartest girl, with the most promising future ... was leaving?
"I'm so sorry ... for what's happened ... " A short, whimper escaped from her throat as she quickly got herself up, stumbling momentarilly. She neglected taking her books along with her.
Harry and Ron watched this scene in complete shock. So it was true. They turned to each other with wide eyes, and hurried after Hermione, not forgetting to get her books to take back to her. The two were lucky that the rest of the crowd was currently either too stunned or talking even more about Hermione's problems that they didn't bother following her with inquiries.
---
By the time Harry arrived at the Gryffindor Common Room with Ron, Hermione was sitting in a cherrywood chair placed directly beside a blazing fire. Her head was buried in her hands, and she was shaking violently with despair. The two approached the saddened girl cautiously.
"Hermione ... ?" Harry whispered softly, attempting to get her attention. It wasn't that he didn't want to console her, it was just that he wasn't used to seeing her like this. It made him uneasy.
Hermione drew in a long breath, shuddering upon its exhale. She looked up at her two friends, her face pale and tired. The firelight flickered on her face, lighting it up slightly and making her eyes appear extremely bright. "Yes ... ?" Her voice sounded as if she were wrestling with her own feelings.
Harry gulped. It's either now or never, he thought to himself, and knew it was going to be now. With growing confidence, he sat on the table in front of Hermione's chair, nodding to Ron. The redhead took this action seriously and left, heading out the door they had just entered.
He took a deep breath. "Hermione, this past month ... I don't know what's happened to you. You've been ignoring me and Ron, and ..."
Hermione's mouth dropped. "Ignoring?! I have not ... "
"You have, and you can't deny it. And to tell the truth it has been ... " Making me jealous? Causing me to fall at ends with envy? " ... nerve-wracking. We've been best friends for four years now."
"Tell me how I have been ignoring you."
"To begin with, whenever we so much as attempt to talk to you, you sound distant, and wave us off."
Hermione thought, and hesitated. "Okay, I-I guess I'll grant you that. I'm sorry. I've had so much on my mind, and I've been so tired, and you have no - "
"It's fine, it's fine. Your seat beside us in classes and at lunch has been empty ... "
"But that's because -- !"
"Hermione, calm down." Harry laughed a bit at her behaviour. It put them both slightly more at ease. "It's okay. Another thing ... you've been with that new Slytherin ... Ignacio Atwater ... every hour of every day."
The brunette looked down at the ground, a pained look coming over her face. She suddenly went paler than she was already from her mourning, and choked.
"Hermione?" Harry said. He decided against reaching out to the girl.
" ... yes?" Hermione's response was weak and high pitched with the voice quality of a little girl.
"What is he doing to you? What ... " What do you see in him? Why do you like him better than me? " ... compells you to be with him so much?"
Hermione looked up at Harry. She was crying again, and appeared so vulnerable. "What ... what if I couldn't tell you ... ?"
Harry was startled, and shocked. Never before had she told him that "she couldn't tell" him something. Instead of confiding in the boy, she sunk down off the chair and to the ground in front of the table where he sat, her head resting on his knee. He couldn't help running a hand through her chestnut hair, patting her head -- his touch calmed her violent shaking and sobs. Hesitating slightly, Harry lifted her chin with his other hand and peered into her clear grey eyes. They were so honest, so truthful -- whatever it was she couldn't tell him, it wasn't that she straight out wouldn't -- it was that she really was not able to. They both gazed intently into each other's faces, Hermione's still streaked with tears.
"Harry," she whispered sadly. "I'm so sorry ... so sorry ... "
"I-It's my fault ... honestly. I didn't trust you."
Silence.
" ... how?"
Harry bit his lip, and turned his head away slightly. "Oh God, jealousy."
Hermione managed a weak smile. Did this mean that all these years weren't wasted? She wrapped her small arms around Harry's waist, resting her head once again on his knee, closing her eyes and breathing in his smell. His scent reminded her of pine. Harry uneasily watched the girl, growing slightly red. Suddenly, he felt a tugging at his mind --
The darker haired boy then did something he'd never done before. Placing both hands under Hermione's arms, he lifted her up slightly, and neared her until slowly, their lips met. The two both tensed for a moment, but eventually eased into the kiss. Hermione was leaning into it so much, using Harry as her stability in the moment that stood still in time.
She let her hands grasp at the cloth of his robe, pulling him even more into her arms. Her fists closed on his sleeves, tensing and then untensing as she trembled with feeling. Hermione knew that all she wanted right now was here -- and that as long as she was with this being before her, she didn't have to worry about a thing. All thoughts of Ignacio somehow left her mind, and she was bewildered that when she was near Harry, she didn't feel the same need to be with the Slytherin student. She was a traveler on uncharted territory, and was greatly intrigued by this new continent.
Harry felt an exploring tongue on his lips, making him flush even redder. He responded with his own, wondering how he knew exactly what to do as they both intertwined. Allowing Hermione to wrap her hands around his neck, pressing him harder and harder into the kiss until he thought they must be indistinguishable, he didn't hear the creaking of the door as Ron slowly peeked in.
"Um ... you two." a familiar voice spoke. "They're coming back from dinner in ten minutes. Just thought you'd like to know, so maybe ... "
Hermione and Harry quickly stood up, clearing their throats. The former was still crying from the shock of Madam Pomfrey's information and the pure bliss of Harry's action.
"Right," Harry said, embarassed. "Thanks." He noticed that Ron was failing to make eye contact with either of them.
As the redhead started out the room again, he said faintly, "Hope you two had fun."
Harry sighed, biting his lip. "Hermione, I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have - "
"For what?" Hermione was incredulous. "If you're sorry for that kiss, then - "
"It was too bold. Besides - " He was looking down at the ground in contemplation and with a hint of resentment.
"Harry Potter." The brunette ceized his chin with her right hand, jerking it towards her so that she could stare into his eyes. Her own were tired, and still watery. "Don't you see? It's you I love. I have for the past five years!" She swallowed, releasing him and diverting her gaze to the floor. Her face glowed from the firelight. "Please don't forget that. I don't know if I can survive ... this ... whatever it is -- "
"Wh ... what?"
" ... I'm not quite sure it's even human." Harry stared, but continued listening. "Dumbledore sent an owl to my parents, letting them know that I am to be picked up from school tonight after dinner. That's in ten minutes." Hermione's voice was trembling still, and as she reached the end of her sentence, sounded as if she was about to go into a nervous breakdown. "Don't believe the rumors. It wasn't Ignacio ... I don't know what it is. But you have to find out. It's evil. I can feel it in me, consuming me."
"H-how do I find ... out?
"Harry, you can do this! Every year since we first came here, you've faced evil in some form! Listen to me. You HAVE to stop this before I have the child ... the thing. That's all I can tell you ... please."
Harry said nothing, and nodded. Her "calm hysterics" were enough to convince him that she knew what she was talking about.
They parted when a student came into the Gryffindor common room, informing Hermione that her parents had arrived. Harry watched her leave, a scared expression on his face.
By the tone in Hermione's voice, he wasn't sure he'd be able to survive this, either.
Here's Chapter 4 for y'all. :P Sorry it's kind of long compared to some of the other chapters, but there's a major plot turn in this one. I won't be able to update again until sometime next weekend because I'm going to Washington, DC! Eee, yay me! ^ . ^ Anyhow, I'll be writing on the way there and back, of course, and like always, R/R, please! ^^ It keeps me motivated!
This chapter's rated PG-13 for mature situations and a huge make-out scene. o.O; Had to fit one of those in this chapter somehow! Tell me what you guys think!
Props go to JK Rowling, of course, for writing one of the biggest book series in the world! ^^
Adonise Atwater
---
The weeks went by, each day ultimately building toward a resignation for Harry's attempts. His incident on the Quidditch field did not exactly win back Hermione's attention - as a matter of fact, she seemed to be drawing away from him more and more. He missed her presence beside him at lunch, and she even began to stop coming to his practices. Harry could not help but act in a selfish manner towards his new rival. Everytime he glimpsed Hermione and Ignacio together, a sharp, electric twinge of jealousy ran through his body, worse than the first time he'd felt that way.
At lunch one day, Ron noticed Harry's behaviour. He saw his green eyes diverted in a direction behind he and his friend and the messy-haired head in his hands. In a mad attempt to cheer Harry up, Ron screwed up his face, rolling his eyes back in his head, spreading his mouth wide open, and flaring his nostrils.
"Look, I'm a demonic pig," he had said through short staccato snorts. Seeing that this had no effect on Harry's mood, Ron sighed. "Okay. There's a school dance in a week or so. Why don't you ask Hermione? It's not like she's going out with Ignacio, or -- "
Harry jolted out of his dazed stupor, assuming a helpless, wide-eyed expression.
"Y-you really think there's a possibility that they're actually going out?!"
He threw his head into his folded arms. Ron promptly rolled his eyes with exasperation. He had never seen Harry act this way before, but nonetheless could relate to his situation and how he felt.
"So. You're in LOVE with her, seems to me."
"I AM NOT! I just ... she shouldn't be with a guy like ... like ... like THAT! He's a ... "
"Listen. Hermione knows what's good for her!" Ron hoped. "You know her, I know her. I mean, how many times has she gotten US out of trouble? If worse comes to worse, she'll know how to defend herself, even if it's just through spitting out random facts!"
Ron, however, wasn't exactly too sure of his own words; his confident manner wore off too quickly. Running a hand through his red hair, he let out a moan of agony for Hermione. They both weren't too secure on the suggestion that she'd be able to handle Ignacio trying something on her.
---
A cold, bone-chilling voice spoke - no, snarled - from the depths of a dark cellar beneath the school known as Hogwarts. A rotten, moldy stench filled every crevice of the room, long forgotten. Something shadowy moved in the corner of the space, hovering in front of a tall dressing mirror.
"Boy," it hissed. "Have you done my bidding?"
A figure emerged in the mirror, hidden beneath coils of smoke. It was a boy, wih eyes so extremely blue and hair shining a dark color that matched along with it. His mouth seemed to falter on words like a child's first skate on frozen ice as he searched for a response.
"Voldemort," he whispered quietly, for that was the shadowy creature's name. "I ... I hadn't enough time, you see ... I can't ... " His voice was apologetic and thick with uneasiness.
"SILENCE! I brought you back from the dead twice, and this is how you repay your Saviour?!"
"NO! I -- "
"I want the newborn child first. Then kill the Potter boy; bring me his body. If I don't have these things done within a week, I'll have you put to death for good. I promised you that if you were successful, I'd grant you power beyond belief and equal to mine, but I'm starting to have my doubts ... boy."
He was aghast and shaking. Swallowing hard, he fought for a reply like before. "O ... of course. Within a week."
"Good. That's all." The dark lord waved a hand over the smooth cold surface of the looking glass, turning away from it immediately. When the smoke had cleared and the mirror was back to its normal appearance, red eyes flashed, being the only truly visible feature on him. "Idiot."
---
Ignacio was racing down the hall alone. Alone, and without Hermione. His mind was pumping almost as fast as his legs, but not as confused and twisted. Full of mixed feelings, he continued down the Slytherin corridor.
His brain started thinking back to the time about a year ago when it had happened. It. That *it* being an incident that would have killed any normal human ... but no. He didn't like to think about it. He couldn't think about it.
Ignacio's brain was going between decisions like a pendulum, but a pendulum on the edge of insanity. It was swinging so fast and with such momentum that he didn't hear the snicker of three boys as he neared the steps leading down towards the Slytherin main room. One of the group - a blonde that seemed to be the leader - had discreetly thrust his foot out, causing Ignacio to fly forward.
Down the stairs he went, tumbling, tumbling. The pendulum still swinging, swinging even harder. He didn't even realize what was happening until his head hit the bottom step.
It stopped swinging, and everything was black after that.
---
Defense Against The Dark Arts was a fairly easy class that day. Harry and Ron, sitting next to each other and towards the back of the room as usual, eyed an empty seat that was occupied by Hermione at one time.
"I don't get it," Harry muttered quietly and out of the side of his mouth. "It's like she's not even at this school anymore."
Ron nodded listlessly in agreement. "Yeah. Trying to just go up and talk to her is no use ... she waves us off like she doesn't even know us."
The two boys breathed in a sigh, letting it out simultaneously. Their gaze went from the vacant desk to Hermione, who placed herself in the front. She seemed to be drained of all life ... mainly because Ignacio wasn't there with her.
Harry and Ron both noticed this at the same time, and looked at each other in confusion.
"Crikey. Where the bloody 'ell is he?" Ron said, narrowing his eyes. Harry did so as well, attempting to divine Hermione's emotions from the expression on her face. This was faintly impossible, for her long chestnut hair covered her eyes from the side and her nose was buried in a book.
He stared, long and intently, and for the first time actually noticed how beautiful Hermione was. Harry's expression softened as his green eyes widened in amazement from behind black-rimmed glasses. Why hadn't he seen it before? Maybe he deserved this treatment - he had been paying more attention to Cho than his best friend for two years, and he hadn't really realized how much Hermione cared for him, even when she told him so. Harry was hit with this hard, and was struck with the loss of something that could have been.
"Ron." Harry whispered. "I think I'm going to try and talk to her after class or later on tonight. About Ignacio. It's no use trying to pretend we don't notice it. Besides, I'm feeling a little suspicious about ... things."
The red head blinked. "You sure, Harry?" he said. "She's got a temper, y'know. And she just might flare up at you if you question her about this. Hermione might be touchy about the subject, or ... " Looking around to make sure no one was watching them, Ron leaned in closer. " ... it might be ... you know ... that time of the month."
Harry grinned. Ron figured it was the first time he'd done so in awhile.
"I'm sure. If she does get mad at me, well ... I suppose it's better than her COMPLETELY ignoring us." Harry'd obviously forgotten about Hermione's wrath - specifically the Silent Treatment.
"A'right. Good luck."
Ron and Harry didn't realize that someone actually had been listening in from a seat to their far left. Draco, who was particularly interested in Harry's suspicion, smirked with a pleased attitude.
"What do you know," he said cooly. "Maybe they do have some sense in those little moron heads of theirs."
The blonde made a mental note to keep tabs on their actions.
---
Hermione was glad that the class was finally dismissed. No - - beyond glad. Throughout the whole period, she could not get her mind off of Ignacio, her new companion. As she sighed and swept her books off her desk, making her way through the crowd of students and out the room, she remembered what he'd told her earlier.
"Hermione, listen. I'm going to have to skip the next class." Ignacio had said. Hermione recalled the urgency in his voice that sounded almost as if something would forever change.
"That's fine," she said, smiling. "But why do you have to tell me this?"
"Because," Ignacio's voice was breathless. " ... because it's something very important, and dangerous, and ... "
"Then you shouldn't go ... I mean, it can't be ... "
The dark-haired boy quickly put a finger to Hermione's mouth gently to silence her.
"Shh. I have to. You can't let anyone know."
Hermione had agreed, but regretted doing so as she continued down the Hogwarts corridor leading to her next. God, she felt so empty without ... him ... by her side. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Harry, but was too distracted to voluntarily approach him and strike a conversation. She was already subconsciously forgetting their own bond.
Suddenly, she was reminded of her dream she'd had about a month and a half ago ... when they'd first come back from the short school holiday at the beach. She remembered the being she recognized as Harry ... the canyon, and ...
Did they have any connection with the nightmares she'd been having recently? They were almost as, if not more, disturbing than that one. Last night, she had dreamed something having to do with Ignacio ... and a child, born by her. This startled Hermione, but what was even more startling was the fact that Ignacio had shot an arrow into the baby's heart, killing it.
Hermione realized that the most distinguishable thing was the bow and arrow he used to put the baby to death. She recalled its smooth, blue surface that rippled at the touch, yet somehow stayed solid. It was comforting to remember its texture, but not what it had been used for.
Heading to the bathrooms and setting her schoolbooks down on the floor in front of a sink, Hermione began rubbing her tired eyes. She wished she could find out the source of these nightmares -- and rid herself of them, but ultimately that Ignacio was with her. She needed his presence, and could go as far to say she was obsessed with the boy.
Still, she could not explain her desire. It was maddeningly consuming her, bit by bit.
Hermione started to Madam Pomfrey's office when she heard the call for all 6th year girls.
---
Madam Pomfrey stood in front of a girl, wand in hand, closely examining her with narrowed eyes. She pursed her lips and stared intently into her face.
"Hmm. Turn around. Show me your back," the older woman said. The fifth-year immediately did so, a little frightened. She was definitely not used to checkups at the nurse's, and whimpered quietly as Madam Pomfrey nodded, and drew a little blood using a small spell. This was quickly collected into a vial, labled, and stored on a shelf among with many others. "Okay, sweetie, you're done. Next."
As the girl left, a tall, bearded, older man walked into the nurse's office, much to her amusement.
"Ah, ready for your checkups, Albus?" Madam Pomfrey said, laughing.
"I think I'll pass." Dumbledore grinned, showing white teeth that matched his long facial hair. "Actually, I was just dropping in to see how things are going -- what kind of things you're checking for."
"Fortunately, I think all I've got left are the sixth year girls -- and what I'm looking for is mainly diabeties, mono, chickenpox, smallpox, oxpox ... "
"Even Muggle diseases, hmm? Anything else?" Dumbledore questioned skeptically, raising a bushy white eyebrow.
"Pregnancy." Madam Pomfrey began looking at one of the blood filled vials closely, whispering "magnificius". Immediately, the view of the vial became askew, but was enlarged so that she could observe it more carefully.
"Pregnancy. That's a new one. I wouldn't think --"
"Neither would I, but you have to be certain, you know," Madam Pomfrey shrugged. "NEXT, please."
As Dumbledore slipped out the entrance of the nurse's office, Hermione brushed past him uneasily, glancing about the room. It wasn't that she hadn't been here before; it was just the fact that she was being examined this time. Madam Pomfrey seemed to notice this.
"Relax, sweetie." she murmured, sitting Hermione down on a chair. "Now, open your mouth ... " She did so. " ... stick out your tongue ... good. Now spread your arms out ... and ... " Madam Pomfrey ran her wand down Hermione's stomach. "Virgo verum ..."
Hermione gasped as she felt what seemed a hand that plunged into her stomach, parting through her skin and the membrane of her insides, pushing aside her bones. She bit her lip to keep from crying out loud in pain, trying to keep back tears. Blood was tasted on her lip and felt in her palms where she had pressed her nails deep into the flesh.
The hand seemed to be searching for something, and stopped abruptly for an obscure reason. Hermione shook violently, her consciousness threatening to give way until finally the feeling withdrew.
"What the ... " she gasped breathlessly. "What the heck was that?!" Hermione looked at Madam Pomfrey with wild eyes. She, however, had her mind on something else - and had an almost sad expression on her face as she shook hear head slowly.
"There must be some kind of mistake ... " she said, talking to herself. "Virgo verum."
Hermione took a step back at these words. "NO! You just ... UGH ... " This time, she froze with the pain, which was much harsher than before. She could feel it searing through her and dissolving her inside out. The searching didn't seem it would ever stop -- it was continuous, until Hermione thought she'd die of it.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, releasing the spell. She slumped slightly, and returned to her desk, writing something on parchment and slipping it into a folder that was labled "Granger, Hermione". Hermione quickly approached the nurse, still wincing with slight pain.
"If you don't mind telling me," she hissed with building anger, "why you had to DO that, WHAT it's for and WHY you look so ... "
The older woman looked up at Hermione with disappointment filling her eyes. "Dear, you must promise to remain calm."
"Of course, anything ... just what is it?"
"Virgo verum," Madam Pomfrey said slowly. "is a spell used to determine if a girl is ... with child. And ... "
" ... yes?" Hermione began to feel wary, not wanting to think ...
"I performed it twice on you, just to make sure, but ... Hermione, you're pregnant."
She was stunned, her mouth open and eyes round as saucers. Pregnant! But from whom? She hadn't done anything with anyone. Hermione shook her head, swallowing.
"No, no. You see, I have a reputation to keep, and I haven't done anything with anyone."
"I'm afraid you must have, dear. It's the only way."
"It can't be true! Do it again, please! It'll prove you wrong."
Madam Pomfrey sighed. "You'll go into shock from pain. I've already done it twice."
"I AM NOT PREGNANT! PLEASE! You HAVE to listen to me! There's NO WAY!"
"Take this folder to Dumbledore. You'll be leaving Hogwarts immediately." She sounded distant and regretful.
"L ... leaving ... " Hermione's eyes began to fill with tears. How in the world could this happen? She couldn't remember anything that would have caused her to be pregnant. As a matter of fact, she'd never even been kissed!
The brunette swept her books off the ground, a determined look coming over her face. Hermione would prove the school nurse wrong -- that she would. All the way to Dumbledore's office she stormed, fuming that someone could make a mistake such as Madam Pomfrey's.
---
Harry and Ron walked side by side, heading to the Gryffindor house. School was over with, and it was almost time for dinner.
"Okay, so ... er, what should I say to Hermione?" Harry asked. He still had his mind on those matters.
"Ask her what she sees in that big, stone-headed git, and then wrap her in your arms, kissing her passionately." Ron grinned. Harry merely glared at this.
"I told you," he said angrily and between his teeth. "I am NOT in love with Hermione."
"Did I say you were?" The red head snickered, shoving both hand into the pockets of his robes. His amused expression quickly left his face when he passed a group of girls in a small circle who were gossiping about something that evidently intersted them. "Say, Harry ... listen. What are they talking about?"
"That Granger girl and that new kid ... "
" ... they did WHAT?!"
" ... pregnant, now, as a matter of fact ... "
" ... someone as smart as she?!"
Harry stopped dead in his tracks. What the hell were they talking about?
"That ... those ... " Harry murmured. " ... can't be true ... " He stared straight ahead.
"Of course not." Ron said in an obvious attempt to appease his friend and get him to hurry. He didn't mean to cause him to slow down their progress. "Come on, Harry. We'll be late for dinner, and you need to talk to her, anyway, before we go. You can bring it up to her then, I guess."
Harry swallowed. "You're right, you're right. It's probably just rumours ... "
His mind was jumping back from possibility to possibility, and even more possibilities when he saw Hermione suddenly tear through the crowd, books clutched in her arms, eyes and face wet with tears. The whole of the crowd in the hall went silent as she made her way ahead of them all, alone in front of a body of students who had probably already heard about ...
When she turned around to face everyone, Hermione let out a dry, choked sob as she slumped to the ground, her knees giving way. She looked up with eyes of despair underneath chestnut tendrils from her place on the cold ground.
"What ... ?" she finally managed to say with a strangled voice. "I guess ... you've all heard about ... me." Hermione shuddered, trying her utmost to keep her feelings inside, but failing miserably. "I'm sorry I've let you all down ... I'm leaving Hogwarts forever."
Gasps echoed through the hall. Hermione Granger ... the smartest girl, with the most promising future ... was leaving?
"I'm so sorry ... for what's happened ... " A short, whimper escaped from her throat as she quickly got herself up, stumbling momentarilly. She neglected taking her books along with her.
Harry and Ron watched this scene in complete shock. So it was true. They turned to each other with wide eyes, and hurried after Hermione, not forgetting to get her books to take back to her. The two were lucky that the rest of the crowd was currently either too stunned or talking even more about Hermione's problems that they didn't bother following her with inquiries.
---
By the time Harry arrived at the Gryffindor Common Room with Ron, Hermione was sitting in a cherrywood chair placed directly beside a blazing fire. Her head was buried in her hands, and she was shaking violently with despair. The two approached the saddened girl cautiously.
"Hermione ... ?" Harry whispered softly, attempting to get her attention. It wasn't that he didn't want to console her, it was just that he wasn't used to seeing her like this. It made him uneasy.
Hermione drew in a long breath, shuddering upon its exhale. She looked up at her two friends, her face pale and tired. The firelight flickered on her face, lighting it up slightly and making her eyes appear extremely bright. "Yes ... ?" Her voice sounded as if she were wrestling with her own feelings.
Harry gulped. It's either now or never, he thought to himself, and knew it was going to be now. With growing confidence, he sat on the table in front of Hermione's chair, nodding to Ron. The redhead took this action seriously and left, heading out the door they had just entered.
He took a deep breath. "Hermione, this past month ... I don't know what's happened to you. You've been ignoring me and Ron, and ..."
Hermione's mouth dropped. "Ignoring?! I have not ... "
"You have, and you can't deny it. And to tell the truth it has been ... " Making me jealous? Causing me to fall at ends with envy? " ... nerve-wracking. We've been best friends for four years now."
"Tell me how I have been ignoring you."
"To begin with, whenever we so much as attempt to talk to you, you sound distant, and wave us off."
Hermione thought, and hesitated. "Okay, I-I guess I'll grant you that. I'm sorry. I've had so much on my mind, and I've been so tired, and you have no - "
"It's fine, it's fine. Your seat beside us in classes and at lunch has been empty ... "
"But that's because -- !"
"Hermione, calm down." Harry laughed a bit at her behaviour. It put them both slightly more at ease. "It's okay. Another thing ... you've been with that new Slytherin ... Ignacio Atwater ... every hour of every day."
The brunette looked down at the ground, a pained look coming over her face. She suddenly went paler than she was already from her mourning, and choked.
"Hermione?" Harry said. He decided against reaching out to the girl.
" ... yes?" Hermione's response was weak and high pitched with the voice quality of a little girl.
"What is he doing to you? What ... " What do you see in him? Why do you like him better than me? " ... compells you to be with him so much?"
Hermione looked up at Harry. She was crying again, and appeared so vulnerable. "What ... what if I couldn't tell you ... ?"
Harry was startled, and shocked. Never before had she told him that "she couldn't tell" him something. Instead of confiding in the boy, she sunk down off the chair and to the ground in front of the table where he sat, her head resting on his knee. He couldn't help running a hand through her chestnut hair, patting her head -- his touch calmed her violent shaking and sobs. Hesitating slightly, Harry lifted her chin with his other hand and peered into her clear grey eyes. They were so honest, so truthful -- whatever it was she couldn't tell him, it wasn't that she straight out wouldn't -- it was that she really was not able to. They both gazed intently into each other's faces, Hermione's still streaked with tears.
"Harry," she whispered sadly. "I'm so sorry ... so sorry ... "
"I-It's my fault ... honestly. I didn't trust you."
Silence.
" ... how?"
Harry bit his lip, and turned his head away slightly. "Oh God, jealousy."
Hermione managed a weak smile. Did this mean that all these years weren't wasted? She wrapped her small arms around Harry's waist, resting her head once again on his knee, closing her eyes and breathing in his smell. His scent reminded her of pine. Harry uneasily watched the girl, growing slightly red. Suddenly, he felt a tugging at his mind --
The darker haired boy then did something he'd never done before. Placing both hands under Hermione's arms, he lifted her up slightly, and neared her until slowly, their lips met. The two both tensed for a moment, but eventually eased into the kiss. Hermione was leaning into it so much, using Harry as her stability in the moment that stood still in time.
She let her hands grasp at the cloth of his robe, pulling him even more into her arms. Her fists closed on his sleeves, tensing and then untensing as she trembled with feeling. Hermione knew that all she wanted right now was here -- and that as long as she was with this being before her, she didn't have to worry about a thing. All thoughts of Ignacio somehow left her mind, and she was bewildered that when she was near Harry, she didn't feel the same need to be with the Slytherin student. She was a traveler on uncharted territory, and was greatly intrigued by this new continent.
Harry felt an exploring tongue on his lips, making him flush even redder. He responded with his own, wondering how he knew exactly what to do as they both intertwined. Allowing Hermione to wrap her hands around his neck, pressing him harder and harder into the kiss until he thought they must be indistinguishable, he didn't hear the creaking of the door as Ron slowly peeked in.
"Um ... you two." a familiar voice spoke. "They're coming back from dinner in ten minutes. Just thought you'd like to know, so maybe ... "
Hermione and Harry quickly stood up, clearing their throats. The former was still crying from the shock of Madam Pomfrey's information and the pure bliss of Harry's action.
"Right," Harry said, embarassed. "Thanks." He noticed that Ron was failing to make eye contact with either of them.
As the redhead started out the room again, he said faintly, "Hope you two had fun."
Harry sighed, biting his lip. "Hermione, I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have - "
"For what?" Hermione was incredulous. "If you're sorry for that kiss, then - "
"It was too bold. Besides - " He was looking down at the ground in contemplation and with a hint of resentment.
"Harry Potter." The brunette ceized his chin with her right hand, jerking it towards her so that she could stare into his eyes. Her own were tired, and still watery. "Don't you see? It's you I love. I have for the past five years!" She swallowed, releasing him and diverting her gaze to the floor. Her face glowed from the firelight. "Please don't forget that. I don't know if I can survive ... this ... whatever it is -- "
"Wh ... what?"
" ... I'm not quite sure it's even human." Harry stared, but continued listening. "Dumbledore sent an owl to my parents, letting them know that I am to be picked up from school tonight after dinner. That's in ten minutes." Hermione's voice was trembling still, and as she reached the end of her sentence, sounded as if she was about to go into a nervous breakdown. "Don't believe the rumors. It wasn't Ignacio ... I don't know what it is. But you have to find out. It's evil. I can feel it in me, consuming me."
"H-how do I find ... out?
"Harry, you can do this! Every year since we first came here, you've faced evil in some form! Listen to me. You HAVE to stop this before I have the child ... the thing. That's all I can tell you ... please."
Harry said nothing, and nodded. Her "calm hysterics" were enough to convince him that she knew what she was talking about.
They parted when a student came into the Gryffindor common room, informing Hermione that her parents had arrived. Harry watched her leave, a scared expression on his face.
By the tone in Hermione's voice, he wasn't sure he'd be able to survive this, either.
