Title: Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies (16/16)

Author: Atlantis Potter

E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com

Category: Romance, Mystery

Keywords: Year 5, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Petunia

Rating: R

Spoilers: All Four Books.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A/N: Please R/R! If you like it, let me know. If you hate it, let me know! Thank yous are at the bottom of each chapter.

Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies

Chapter Sixteen- Closure


"The end is never as satisfying as the journey. To have achieved everything but to have done so without integrity and excitement is to have achieved nothing."-Unknown

Harry got shakily to his feet. He had not awakened in a bed in the hospital wing or even in his own bed. Looking around he found himself in a clearing and was disoriented by the vast number of trees that surrounded it. His eyes went to the ground and he saw Hermione curled up, not far from where he had been. He sunk to his knees and gathered her limp form into his arms, holding her across his knees. "Mione? Mione, wake up," he whispered, touching her face and her hands, looking for any movement. "Hermione. Please. Wake up," he said a little louder. Beginning to panic, he shook her gently. No response came. "Hermione! Wake up!" he shook her again. Suddenly, her eyelids began to flutter and slowly open. She gazed up at him, taking a moment to register his face. "Harry?" At the sound of her voice, his heart cried out and he realised that he had begun to cry. "Oh, Hermione, thank god." He pulled her closer and hugged her. After a moment she curled tighter against him, grasping his hand. "I thought I'd lost you," he whispered into her hair. She shook her head against his chest before pulling back to meet his eyes. "Where are we?" "I-I'm not sure. This place doesn't seem familiar." "Are we still in your dreams?" "I don't know," he replied, shaking his head. She took a deep breath and tried to pull herself up. She couldn't gather the strength and resigned herself to sitting on the hard forest floor. "Do you suppose we could apparate home?" "We could try. Or at least try apparating to Hogsmeade." She nodded and he stood up, offering her a hand. She grasped it and allowed him to pull her up. Her balance wavered and she grabbed at his arm for support. He moved closer to her and in a wave of emotion, pulled her into a tight embrace. He felt her sigh against him, wrapping her own arms around his waist. He kissed the top of her head. "I thought I'd lost you." She didn't respond, her only action being to squeeze him tighter. After a few moments, she pulled back and looked up at him. They looked at each other for a few moments. Harry felt himself falling, falling into her eyes and the uninhibited emotion they held. "We ought to…" she trailed off, a glaze coming over her coffee coloured eyes and took a deep breath. She tilted her chin up, bringing their lips within just a few inches of each other. His pulse began to race and he ached with longing, doubled because of her slow movements. When their lips collided, Harry felt every agonizing moment of the last six months fuelling their kisses. He was so absorbed in kissing her, touching her, and being with her, yet he couldn't escape the one thought that kept plaguing him. He had almost lost her. She had rescued him, saved his life. She had fought for him. And she had almost died. Because of him. He pulled away from her and looked into those brown orbs. His favourite thing about her eyes had also been that every emotion was found in those eyes. Her face was usually unreadable, but her eyes were another story. The mixture of fear, happiness, confusion and even a little bit of lust brought Harry down from his high. "Hermione…" "Don't say it Harry. I wanted to come. I had to." He kissed her again, more tenderly this time. The passion was still there, lying underneath a calm and comfort that Harry had never felt when he'd kissed Ginny. He knew right then that kissing Hermione would never be like kissing anyone else. Hermione invaded every sense. She was beautiful and glowed with a radiance that did not come from her external beauty. Of course, she was beautiful on the outside, but not in a Grecian goddess sort of way. She was beautiful because of what Harry knew was on the inside. A sense of humour peppered with a slight sarcasm, an intelligence unmatched by few he had ever known, if any at all, and a power so great, yet so tempered, that he knew she was a force to be reckoned with. She exuded a quiet confidence, while at the same time, stayed grounded because of her insecurities. The small gasps, sighs and moans that she emitted stimulated his feelings for her. Every little sound made Harry want for nothing more than to just kiss her and hold her. She smelled so good. It was milk, honey and fresh flowers. It was a clean smell, not too overpowering or fruity or fake. It was natural and fresh and it was in her hair and on her face and every part of her. The skin on her face and hands was the softest Harry had ever known. Though his experiences were limited, he knew there was something special about her. Her touch caused a spark, no, a tingle that made the rest of the world drop into oblivion. It had the power to calm him or drive him. The taste of Hermione was what truly enveloped Harry. It was sweet and gentle and lingered on his lips after they'd pulled apart. The memories of her kisses, of the soft, gentle lips and the caressing of her mouth was wrapped up in that single taste that left him wanting more. She was the world, his world. And he was terrified. It was about the time that Harry realised that he'd never been so scared, not even standing face to face with Voldemort himself, that he also noticed a saltiness mixed in with the usual sweetness of Hermione's kisses. Again he pulled back. "Why are you crying?" And so she was, in great, silent tears that slid slowly down her cheeks, having leaked from the corners of her eyes. She made no attempt to wipe them away, merely looked at him with her eyes shining and her lips slightly swollen as her hands trembled. "I'm so scared." Nothing could have kept him from pulling her into a large embrace. She immediately curled into his arms, putting her head against his chest and sobbing into his shirt. He rested his chin on her head, hushing her and rocking her back and forth softly. "What are you scared of?" "Nothing. Everything. You, us, what just happened in the graveyard, where we are…" she murmured, looking as if she was ticking things off in her mind. "What about us?" "I don't know. I've been fighting everything I think I feel since November. I don't know what I want Harry. And you kissing me like that doesn't help." His laugh was hollow. "How do you feel?" "About you or about all this?" she whispered, waving her hand out, gesturing at the overwhelming situation that had presented itself to them. "Me. This. Both. What is this?" "This is us." "Is there an us, Hermione?" "I don't know." She shook her head again and stepped back from him, drawing a deep breath. "We need to get home." He looked at her, worry sketched on his features. "Do you still want to try Apparating?" "It's our best bet really. I'll try for Hogsmeade, just in case." He nodded and waited for her to Apparate. She knit her brows in concentration and he could tell almost immediately that something was wrong. It was like watching Apparition in slow motion. Hermione looked like some sort of strange image. She wavered and blinked out. Within the blink of an eye, she had returned to normal, with the exception that her face now bore a horrified look. Harry's mouth dropped in shock at the strange ocurrence. "What happened?" "I-I have no idea," she stuttered. She looked perplexed as she stared at the ground. Suddenly, her head snapped up. "Harry, you apparate to Hogsmeade." "But-I can't! It doesn't work, you just tried it!" "Trust me, try it. Wait, give me your hand." He took her hand, and concentrated on Apparating to Hogsmeade. He opened his eyes and was shocked to find himself standing in front of the Three Broomsticks. Hermione was standing next time, her eyes bright. "We're still in your dreams." "Then where were we before? I've never been in a forest like that in my life!" "I'm not sure. And it's the last of our worries right now. We need to figure out how to get out of here." "You mean you don't know?" "Well, the spell that Ginny cast on me wears off when the person whose dream I'm in wakes up. But I don't know what spell Connolly cast on you, so I'm not even sure if you wake up." "What do you mean if?" "Well, he could have put a variety of different spells on you. I'm hoping its just a simple sleep charm that will wear off soon."
***
The terrified screams and shouts from the amassed audience wrenched him from the deep sleep. He heard lots of footsteps and various thumping noises as he slowly pulled himself into a sitting position. A quick look around brought into focus a great many sights. Draco was lying closest to him, still out cold and bleeding from a severe cut on his temple. Barty Crouch, still completely disguised as Bernard Connolly was slumped against the podium, though Harry had no idea what was holding him up. Dumbledore was standing at the edge of the stage, holding his wand and attempting to calm the audience without raising his voice. Hermione was in the main aisle, sprawled on the floor, looking as if she too was just awakening. Ginny was standing over her, holding a wand over the collapsed girl. Ron was sitting in his seat, watching the chaos. He was the first to notice Harry. "Harry!" he called out, jumping to his feet. Others heard him shout and stopped to look at Ron, who was clambering over others in an attempt to reach the stage. Dumbledore noticed Harry as well and attempted to silence the people in the room. His attempts were unsuccessful and Harry caught a glimpse of the wizard that he knew Voldemort considered to be his single threat. "Silence!" Dumbledore shouted, reminding Harry of the pandemonium that ensued when Professor Quirrell announced the troll attack in first year. The entire room froze, with the exception of those still unconscious, and stared at him. "Harry, what happened? Connolly hit you-" Ron started, stopping when Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder. "I think Mr. Weasley, that this conversation would best be continued in private." Dumbledore summoned Professor McGonagall from the side of the stage and directed her to handle the maddening crowd. He took Ron aside, as he conjured stretchers for the injured. Other teachers appeared to assist him. Harry was being lifted onto one of the stretchers when he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye, turning he saw Bernard Connolly pushing himself off the stretcher. His eyes met Harry's and he raised his wand. "Stupefy!" Harry turned and too his surprise, saw Ron standing behind him, holding his wand poised for attack. "Alright, Harry?" he asked quietly. Harry nodded and turned to the stretcher next to him to meet Hermione's gaze. She was still not fully conscious, as was obvious by her eyes. Harry lay his head back, black bursts already beginning to cloud his vision.
***
"Please, can I stay until it's time for dinner?" "Ms. Granger, you have not left this room in twenty four hours. If he awakens, you'll be notified, but you need your rest as well," Madam Pomfrey was instructing Hermione as Harry's eyes began to open. He blinked, trying to focus his vision and Hermione noticed almost instantly. "Harry!" she gasped, rushing back to the side of his bed. Madam Pomfrey was right behind her, motioning her away so that she could check over Harry. Almost as if he'd been watching, Dumbledore walked into the room and quickly made his way to Harry's bed. "Poppy, if you please, I'd like some time with Harry and Hermione. We need to discuss what happened." Madam Pomfrey shook her head, walking away and muttering about special treatment. "Harry, I've waited to hear the story from both you and Hermione. Mr. Malfoy is still unconscious and Poppy does not expect him to wake for another day. Minister Connolly is currently still stupefied. Whatever charm Mr. Weasley used, it was a touch more powerful than the normal stupefying spell. He'll have to be the one to remove it, which he doesn't seem to be willing to do just yet. Now, I believe Ms. Granger, it's best if you start, as you saw the spell hit Harry." She nodded. "Well, at the presentation, I had this-" "Go ahead," Harry whispered, knowing why she paused. "Well, we have this map, and you can see everything on it." "The Maurauder's Map," he said simply. Hermione blushed slightly before continuing. "Well, anyways, I was watching the map, because I had noticed that you can see my parents and Ami on it, and I was wondering if they were going to the presentations. I-well, I saw something very strange when Harry got up on stage. As Minister Connolly was asked up, I saw the little dot walking up to the stage. Only the name wasn't Minister Connolly. It was Bartemis Crouch." Dumbledore sniffed at this. "Then, I saw him throw that curse at Harry. Harry fell and I had Ginny cast a charm on me that we'd studied for our Divination block. We had been practicing it, just in case something ever happened with Harry," she blushed as she said this. Dumbledore nodded and turned to face Harry. "Well, I don't even know what happened. I basically remember Hermione shouting at me, and then I fell. When I, well, I guess you could say, woke up, I was in Terre de la Magie and Tristram was there." Harry continued with his story, with Hermione occasionally adding in bits and pieces, specifically what she had encountered and seen. Dumbledore listened intently throughout the story, his hands clasping his knee as he sat next to Harry's bed. "He used some sort of charm, it was in Mage, and it got inside of me and pulled out a charm…. It was called the Veneficus Quies. It's some sort of mind control. I tried to fight it, but the charm he used was designed to pull Veneficus out of me, and I couldn't hold onto it." He looked down at his hands. Dumbledore was nodding and patted Harry on the shoulder. "Sometimes, Harry it is important to remember that the battles we fight are just as important as the outcomes of those battles." Harry nodded. "He's got this charm now. It's some sort of Key-" His head snapped up. "Hermione! The journal! He had the journal! It had everything in it. The Keys and the Prophecy!" Her eyes grew wide. "It was a Key?" "That's what he said!" They both turned to look at Dumbledore, who seemed to be puzzling out something in his mind. "He has two then?" Hermione's mouth dropped. "You knew about the Keys?" "I know very little about them. There's an ancient myth, a legend if you will, involving Four Keys. There's something special about them, I'm not sure what they unlock, or lock for that matter. I do know that they're damn near impossible to find, physically, or even in written record." Harry and Hermione both nodded. "What happened after he took the Key from you, Harry?" "They had me tied up and Voldemort instructed Lucius Malfoy to take me down, and when he was about to-" "I called out," Hermione said softly. She slowly explained her part in the cemetery. Dumbledore listened in earnest, nodding occasionally. "How did they not see you?" "I had Harry's Invisibility Cloak." "Did you have it with you?" She shook her head. "I understood it was a dream-like state and that I could basically gather anything I needed from his memory, as long as I knew the proper charm." She shifted uncomfortably as she said this. Dumbledore nodded his head once, urging her story onwards. "Harry saved me. Voldemort had put Cruciatus on me and Harry, well, I don't even know what he did. But Voldemort collapsed, and I ran to Harry." "I saw Voldemort standing up and as he threw Cruciatus at us again, I pushed Hermione out of the way. I'm not sure what happened though, and the next thing I knew, we were in some strange forest." "Draco. Draco cast us from the dream." Harry turned his gaze from Dumbledore to look at Hermione, who was crying. "All those awful things I said to him, Harry! He saved us, and now he's hurt." "Hermione, we do not yet know where Draco stands in this war. That is why I allowed him to study in IMS. It is my understanding that even under the best conditions, you never got along, but Draco leads a very different life. He has been initiated as a Death Eater, though I did not learn of it until recently." "You let him stay here, even as a Death Eater?" Hermione gasped. "Draco will be staying here this summer as well. We have offered him sanctuary and he needs to be protected until he figures out his role in the world." It was obvious that Hermione was becoming very angry. "What if he does decide to stay a Death Eater? You can't very well have him roaming about the school!" "Ms. Granger, that is a matter between Mr. Malfoy and myself." Hermione settled back into her chair. They all sat in silence for a few moments. "What did you mean 'as well'?" Harry asked suddenly. "You and Hermione will both be staying here this summer," Dumbledore answered simply. "I thought we would be going to the Burrow this summer?" "There is something the two of you must understand. Last year, we had a parting of ways. Minister Fudge would not fight the inevitable and he lost his life because of it. This year, the danger has increased a thousand fold. Last year, I was certain that while Fudge was not on my side, most of the Ministry members were. I cannot be certain of that now. Voldemort has the power to create guises that fool even myself. He has a very faithful servant in the Minister of Magic's office and with Arthur Weasley not being at the Ministry, I feel our side has been severely handicapped." More nods of understanding. As they resumed the pensive silence again, a loud commotion erupted outside. "My best friends are in there!" "Ronald Weasley, please! Now is not the time!" came Professor McGonagall's stern voice. "Please, Professor McGonagall, just a few minutes?" Ginny's pleading voice entered the infirmary and a short minute later, the door was opening and Ron came charging in, with Professor McGonagall shouting after him. Madam Pomfrey stepped from her office just as Ron flew by. She gave Dumbledore an angry glare before huffing back into her office and slamming the door. "Harry! Hermione! Are you alright?" Ron asked, finally reaching Harry's bed. "I'm fine. I feel pretty weak, but other than that, I'm alive." Hermione smiled meakly at Harry, catching his gaze. "I have some things I must attend to. I'll leave you both in the capable hands of Mr. and Ms. Weasley." Dumbledore nodded at them both before heading out into the hallway. "Blimey, Harry, you had me really terrified there. The spell that Herm did was wicked though. Where did you learn it?" Hermione shrugged. "I read about it." "I'm sure you did." Ron grinned at them both. The next hour passed in amicable chatter. The four students were talking and laughing as if there were no Dark, evil power casting a shadow on their very existence. Harry was happy. Hermione didn't seem eager to leave his side, and the glances she would occasionally pass him assured him that what had happened between them would not be brushed off as another 'in the moment' situation. As Ron was describing the finer points of his OWL examination with Professor Trelawney, the entrance to the infirmary opened once more and Dumbledore entered, looking very grave and being followed closely by Professor McGonagall. "Ginny, Ron. We need to speak with you. If you would follow Professor McGonagall into Poppy's office, I'll be right in." Ginny gave him a strange look before pulling herself out of her chair. She followed Ron into the office, throwing Harry a glance over her shoulder. "I wonder what's going on," Hermione said softly. "I have no idea. I'm sure everything is fine though." Hermione nodded and shifted her chair closer, pulling his hand towards her. He smiled at her and leaned to give her a kiss. She responded, giving him a soft kiss in return before pulling away and smiling at him. "You all right, Mione?" "I will be. I just need time to think everything through is all." Harry nodded and returned her smile. "I'll always be here for you if you need me." "I know," she whispered softly. "So, those tests we took. What about everyone else?" he asked. "What do you mean?" she said, looking startled at the sudden change of topic. "You know, Ginny, she's only a fourth year. Cho is a sixth year…" "Right, I think they grouped us the way they did for a reason. All of the fifth years were together so that we would have the same basic evaluation. I think that the others had some sort of similar exam, either to pass their regular end of the year exams, or the NEWTs." Hermione fixed him with a strange look. "Are you sure you're all right, Harry?" Harry nodded. A click sounded from the other end of the room and Harry looked over to see Ginny and Ron walking out of Madam Pomfrey's office. He noticed, much to his dismay that Ginny was crying and Ron was wearing a very stony façade. "Ginny?" Hermione asked, standing to meet her friend. Ginny wiped a hand across her cheek and looked at her friend. With a great sob, she flung her arms around Hermione's shoulders and began sobbing wildly onto Hermione's shoulder. Hermione looked startled, but held her friend closely, looking directly at Ron, who was staring at Harry. "What is it?" Harry asked cautiously, pushing himself off of his bed and walking slowly towards the group. Ron swallowed and cleared his throat. "He-he's gone," he answered slowly and without emotion, staring at Harry stoically.
***
Harry shifted under his duvet, trying to get a more comfortable position. Madam Pomfrey had let him go back to his room shortly after Dumbledore had delivered the news of Arthur Weasley's death. Ginny had fled from the room shortly after Ron had told he and Hermione. Hermione looked torn between going after her friend and staying to help Harry. "Go after her. She needs someone," Harry had said. Hermione had apparated after Ginny, leaving a very controlled Ron and a very upset Harry. Ron had helped Harry back to his room and get settled in. "Ron?" "No, Harry," Ron had responded before asking one last time if Harry needed anything. Upon receiving a negative response, he had left without saying more than a simple goodbye. Harry leaned back against the pillows, trying to halt the emotion coursing through him. He had nearly succeeded when Hermione came into his room. She walked to the bed and crawled in next to him. One look at her overflowing eyes and the floodgates inside of him opened. The pain came in great, heaving gasps that tore from his lungs. He had never experienced such raw feelings of loss, anger, and sadness. Arthur Weasley had been the closest thing to a father that Harry had had, even after he'd met Sirius. Sirius couldn't be there for him all the time, but Arthur had done his best to help Harry out or to keep him informed. Hermione sobbed with him, holding onto him as if she was afraid to let go. The overwhelming emotions from the past forty eight hours smashed Harry all at once and he cried freely, mentally welcoming the release.
***
"Arthur Weasley was a man who was given the most difficult choice a man could be offered. He was given the option of an immediate death or life, but under the rule of a dark and sinister hand. He fought against the life of slavery on the day that the Ministry was attacked and he fought against that life everyday he worked at the Ministry, trying to improve it from within, and trying to keep the Dark forces out." "His choice to fight ultimately cost him his life, but it was not a life that will easily be forgotten. The life of Arthur Weasley lives on in his wife Molly, and his seven children. In the memories of friends, and in the daily lives of co-workers, Arthur Weasley lives on." "We stand now where two roads diverge. But unlike the roads in Robert Frost's familiar poem, they are not equally fair. The road we have long been traveling is deceptively easy, a smooth superhighway on which we progress with great speed, but at its end lies disaster. The other fork of the road -- the one less traveled by -- offers our last, our only chance to reach a destination that assures the preservation of the earth." "Arthur Weasley would stand here and tell us to take the road less travelled by, regardless of the difficulties we may encounter. In the near future, we will experience a world the likes of which we have never seen. We will all have to make choices, many of them very difficult, but that does not make then any less necessary. In memory of Arthur, and in memory of those who have gone before him, we must make the right choice. It is always the right choice or death, for in the eyes of the good, there is no other choice." Dumbledore stood on the edge of the lake at Hogwarts, facing a large crowd that had gathered for this day. Harry found it hard to believe that they had only learned of Arthur's death two days prior. It seemed both like an eternity and as only a moment before. He wiped at his eyes, feeling the tears begin to gather again. It was a brilliantly sunny day, with a cool breeze gently drifting through the crowd. Harry had never been to a wizard's funeral before, but he found that it did not differ greatly from a muggle funeral. The only main difference being that wizard tradition called for the cremation of the body. Arthur's ashes were being spread into the lake at Hogwarts, as was always his wish. He watched on silently as the Weasley clan moved next to Dumbledore. Charlie was practically holding his mother upright, while Bill had his arm looped protectively around Ginny. Ron and Percy stood together, both wearing stoic looks void of emotion. It was Fred and George, however, that was most unnerving. The two boys, usually happy-go-lucky and carefree wore matching solemn expressions that would haunt Harry for many months. Dumbledore handed the urn to Bill, and as the family moved towards the edge of the lake, the crowd began to disperse, giving them privacy. Harry and Hermione made their way back to the dorm in complete silence. In the living room, they separated and each headed to their respective bedrooms. Harry walked into his room, not seeing his bed or any of his things. He was void of emotion or thought, and automatically, he dropped to the bed, unclasping his dress robes as he sat. After several moments, the sounds of someone rummaging around met his ears and he rose, following the noises. He was led to Hermione's door, which was open. He leaned against the frame as he looked in. Hermione was moving quickly about, dashing to and fro, throwing things into her open trunk. She picked up some things by hand, while simultaneously waving her wand at other objects. He watched her for a moment, his eyebrow cocked, before he cleared his throat. She noticed him for the first time and looked up, barely registering his prescense before returning to her packing. He waved his hand and held her in place, causing a bunch of robes to fall into a heap on the floor. She looked at him, eyes blazing. "What are you doing?" he asked calmly. "What does it look like I'm doing?" she said, a touch of acid in her voice. He raised his eyebrows at her, slightly taken aback. "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry. Can you let me go now, please?" He waved his hand so that she could resume her crazed packing, but he did not move from the door. "So, Hermione, what are you doing?" "I'm packing." "I see that. For what? We're staying here this summer." "I'm not. I'm going to the Burrow." "You're what?" "I'm going to the Burrow, Harry. I can help out Molly. And besides Ginny needs me. Ron needs me." "Ron needs you?" "Yes, Harry. What ever happened between us isn't important right now. When worse comes to worst, he's still one of my best friends." "But, Hermione, I need you. Dumbledore says I need to spend this summer regaining my strength." "Oh, Harry, you don't need me for that." "But what about us Hermione?" "What about us, Harry? There is no us." He felt as if Hermione had just torn his heart from his body and stomped on it, right in front of him. He gaped at her, the hurt written all over his face. She gasped suddenly and dropped a stack of textbooks she was holding. "Oh, Harry… I didn't mean it like that." "How did you mean it then?" She dropped onto her own bed and cradled her head in her arms. He stood staring at her, the gaze on his face unchanging and unmoving. Finally she looked up at him. "Damnit, Harry. His dad died. He needs me there, to be his friend. It's nothing more than that. Harry, if you want this to work, whatever this is between us, you have to trust me." "Hermione, its not that I don't trust you. I guess I just don't understand. It's like sometimes, you want me, and other times, you don't. I don't know what to think anymore." He sighed and moved to sink next to her on the bed. She leaned against him. "Do you understand why I have to go?" "Honestly?" "Yes, of course." "No, I don't. Hermione, does Ron even want you there? Won't it be awkward? And I don't understand why you can't stay here to be with me, I need you too." "Harry. Don't try to change my mind, I'm going." He stood up, his anger boiling up inside of them. "Fine," he hissed, storming out of her room and slamming the door.
***
He was brooding in his room when someone rapped sharply on the door. "Who is it?" "It's me. Please, can I come in?" Hermione asked quietly from the opposite side of the door. He walked towards the door and unlocked it, tugging it open and walking back to his bed, all without meeting Hermione's eyes. "What is it?" "I just wanted to say goodbye." "Bye." "Harry," she said softly, walking towards the bed. "What is it Hermione?" "Please don't be like this. I have to go. Please, Harry," she pleaded, her eyes never wavering from his. Her eyes told him that nothing had changed between them, that she still wanted him, even when she was leaving to go to Ron's. He sighed, melting into her gaze. Resigned, he pulled her to him in a tight hug. "Will you write me?" he asked. "Everyday. It'll be ok, Harry. It'll go fast. You'll be able to regain your lost strength and my the time I come back, your magic will be fully recovered." His laugh was hollow. "It'll be boring without you, you know." "No, it won't. I have a surprise for you." She grinned devilishly at him and stood up, walking back towards the living room. His curiousity got the best of him and he followed her out. The small bark caused an immediate smile. Hermione was bending over a small carrier, undoing the lock. As soon as she opened the door, Daryl bounded out and towards Harry. He bent to pick up his dog, admittedly having missed her terribly. She jumped all over him, licking his face. He laughed and wasn't surprised by a small shout emitting from a box. "Harry Potter!" came a very familiar voice as the lid of the box toppled off. Chief Pip jumped from the box, looking exactly the same. "Harry Potter sir, good to see you. Miss, where's the cat?" Hermione laughed and pointed to Crookshank's basket. "How did you get them here Hermione?" She shrugged. "Mysterious girl powers," she grinned at him. "Must be," he smiled at her before quickly closing the gap in between them. Pulling her close, their noses touching, he whispered, "I'm going to miss you terribly." "I'm going to miss you too." She kissed him, passionately, yearning and with a deep sense of urgency. He groaned against her lips as her hands roamed his back and his arms and as they wove through his hair. "I'll miss you, Harry, I really will." He hugged her tightly and she stepped back, gathering her things close to her. With a wave of her wand, nearly everything disappeared. And in a flash, it was all gone.

***


Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the story. Also, thanks to Elliott my beta reader and to Neil and Mae, who kept pushing me and helping me out with parts I was stuck at. The quote Dumbledore uses is from Rachel Carlson. Look for Harry Potter and the Wand of Ariel, coming soon. Please review! For updates, art, and ficlets visit The Power of Three! at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/powerthree .

UPDATE 20 Aug 2002: Harry Potter and the Wand of Ariel has been uploaded to Fanfiction.net. To read, please visit:

http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=761486

Enjoy!!