Chapter 19 * Tragedy Strikes *
"Happy Christmas!" Hermione cried, jumping up and down on the bed like a five-year-old.
"Just five more minutes," Harry grumbled, pulling his pillow over his head.
Hermione smirked at Harry's covered head; he was obviously not a morning person.
She scooted closer to him and swung a leg across his body, so she was sitting on his butt. She ran her hands up his back until she reached his neck. She then brought her lips close to his neck. "I bought you a present," she whispered, kissing his neck softly and laughed when she saw the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
"Well, you got me there. Now I have to wake up," was Harry's muffled reply. He turned around on his back so suddenly that if he hadn't reached out his hands to steady her, Hermione would have fallen off the bed.
"Finally!" she cried, repositioning herself on his lap so she was straddling him. "I thought I was going to have to throw Hagrid's rock cakes at you!" she added, smugly.
Harry didn't get a chance to answer, though, because Hermione's lips were pressed against his, one arm snaking around his neck and the other was holding the front of his shirt, pulling him closer to her.
After a few moments, Hermione pulled away slowly, biting Harry's bottom lip lightly, and enjoying the low groan that was coming from him. She sighed contentedly. "Now that I got that out of my system, let's open presents!" she said, jumping off the bed.
Harry laughed and did the same. "Do you want to go into the common room or stay here?" she asked, pulling out a dark purple bag from his trunk.
"In here where we can be alone," Hermione answered. Though almost everyone had gone home for the holidays (including Ron, Ginny, and Lavender), some first and second year Gryffindors still remained.
"I was hoping you would say that," Harry said with a smile, taking Hermione's hand, and leading her to their common room.
"I'm going to get your present," Hermione said, dashing into her unoccupied room.
Harry sat on the arm chair closest to the blazing fire, nervously fingering the ribbon on Hermione's present. He wasn't sure is she would like his gift even though Lavender and Ginny had assured him, countless times, that she would love it.
"Okay, here it is," Hermione said, as she came back out and sat on the floor by his feet. She handed Harry the neatly wrapped gift, her eyes shining brightly.
Harry carefully pulled the ends of the light green ribbon and pushed aside the layers of tissue paper. Scattered on top of a hardcover book was a selection of his favorite candy. He brushed those aside, his mouth watering, and pulled out the large leather book. His full name was stitched in green on the front cover. He ran a hand across it, loving it already. He turned the page and was surprised to see a picture of his parents holding him when he was just a newborn, one he had never seen before. Above that was his birth certificate. "How'd you ... " he was going to ask but Hermione cut him off.
"Keep going. I'll explain when you're done," she said, resting her arms on his lap.
On each page was a letter and picture of a different friend. Ron was first, followed by Hermione, then Neville. As he turned each page he realized that his friends were sorted in the order he had met them. Even Draco was in it, though Harry suspected that Ginny had made him. Sirius, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and the other teachers had written something in there. Harry smiled as he saw Dobby's page.
"Hermione, how did you do this?" he asked, amazed.
"Keep going," she answered softly, watching him intently.
Harry turned to the last page, puzzled. He became even more surprised than he already was. On the last page was a letter from his father, followed by a picture of him with Lily. "Should I read it out loud?" he asked her, swallowing the lump in his throat.
Hermione got up to sit next to him. "Only if you want to," she answered, placing her hand on his arm.
Harry cleared his throat, ready to read it.
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this right now then your mother and I didn't make it. We tried Harry, believe me, we did. We wanted to see you grow up to become one of the best people in the world. We knew you were powerful, that's why we tried to protect you.
I always wanted to become a father, I was living for the day I would become one, as unbelievable as it seems. When you came, I didn't think I could love someone so small as much as I did. But it was possible. I thought you were the best thing that happened me, next to your mother, of course. I dreamed of teaching you how to fly and showing you all the secret passages of Hogwarts. I wanted to guide you down the right path, be there for you when you would be having girl problems.
I'm sorry, Harry, please remember that I did everything I could to keep my family safe. At least I know that Sirius will be there to do all those things that I won't be able to do. Though your mother and I can't be there with you in person, we are always with you in spirit, looking out for you. Good luck in everything you do. Remember never to give up on things you believe in. Good will always conquer evil, even if you're losing hope. I love you, son.
Your Father, James
Harry's eyes glistened with tears and his voice shook on the last sentence. He looked up at Hermione, who was crying freely.
"There's more," she said, pulling a box out of the bag. She handed it to him and watched as his face expression became more confused.
He opened the box gingerly and was confused by the object inside. It was a small copper key. He saw a small note attached and pulled it out to read it.
Harry,
Don't be deceived by the way this key looks. It's a special sort of portkey that will take you and your loved ones to safety when you need it. There is a house in the Forbidden Forest that I have constructed and with help from Dumbledore, have placed safe charms all around. Please use it whenever you need it and remember me.
Your Father
"Do you like it?" Hermione asked finally.
Harry shook his head and pulled her onto his lap, hugging her tightly. "No, I love it. Thank you, baby girl," he said, truthfully. "How did you get all this?"
Hermione smiled at him, relief evident in her face. "Sirius gave it to me when I told him about my plan. He was glad to help."
"I wish he were here," Harry said, wistfully. Sirius had broken his promise that he would be back by Christmas. Harry had erased his name from the going home list at the last minute; Hermione glad to do the same. He wasn't angry just very worried.
"Me too," she said, rubbing her hand up and down his back to comfort him. "I'm sure he has a good reason."
Harry nodded but didn't answer. His face brightened suddenly and he pulled out his gift for her. "Here's yours," he said, handing her the bag.
Hermione smiled slyly at him. She removed the tissue paper and pulled out a large snow globe. She gasped. "Harry! This is beautiful!" The Hogwart's castle was inside, miniture students were enchanted to fly around on tiny brooms. The snow was also enchanted to float around gracefully. Hermione's eyes filled with happy tears again and she looked up at Harry to tell him she loved it, but he was holding out a long jewelry box.
"What's this?" she asked, surprised. She took it out of his hands and opened it. It was a gold charm bracelet, little trinkets were dangling around it, catching the light from the fire. "This is beautiful!" she exclaimed, touching it lovingly.
Harry pointed to each one, explaining their meaning. "Those," he said, pointing to two H's. "Stands for your name and mine. Ron gave you an R didn't he?"
"Yes, I was wondering what that was!" Hermione answered, laughing.
"That way all three of us are on it," Harry answered. "I picked the broom because you accomplished one of your biggest fears. The small stack of books with a worm on it is because you're a bookworm, " he said, his eyes twinkling. "You can add as many as you want."
"I absolutely love it! Thank you!" she said, kissing him softly. "Let me go get the R and I'll put it on," with that she ran back into her room, coming back a second later. Harry helped her put it on then they settled back on the couch.
"What else did you get?" Harry asked, lacing his fingers through hers, playing with her engagement ring.
"Well, Ron got me the charm and the collectors edition of Hogwarts: A History. Lavender and Ginny bought me a heart locket. They put my picture on one side and yours on the other. And my parents bought me a set of books I've been asking them for. They wanted me to come home for Christmas but I told them I wanted to stay with you."
Harry smiled. He was lucky to have someone like Hermione. He hugged her closer as she snuggled deeper into his chest. "Happy Christmas, love," he whispered, his eyes closing.
"Happy Christmas to you too, Harry," Hermione answered, her eyes also beginning to droop.
Soon they were both asleep, a smile on both their faces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry hurried down the long hallway towards Dumbledore's office. The headmaster had asked to see him after lunch. Harry had wanted Hermione to come with him but McGonagall had asked her to tutor a first year who was having trouble. Harry had protested that it was Christmas but Hermione was too kind hearted not to help the young girl.
"Come in Mr. Potter," came Dumbledore's silvery voice.
Harry walked into his comfortable office and sat down across from the headmaster. "You wanted to see me, Professor?" he asked.
The twinkle had left Dumbledore's eyes and he looked at Harry seriously. "I have bad news, Harry," He said, causing Harry's heart to pound with fear.
"What is it? Hermione's okay, I just saw her. Ron is with his family ... " Harry began to ramble.
Albus raised his hand to stop the young boy and looked at him kindly. "They are both perfectly fine," he motioned for someone to come closer and Harry saw Hagrid in the room for the first time.
"Hagrid!" Harry cried, jumping up to hug his old friend. He frowned as he saw the giant's appearance. He looked tired and hungry. His clothes were torn and his face was scratched and bloody. "What happened? And where's Sirius?" Harry asked, his stomach tightening painfully.
Hagrid took Harry by the arm and they both sat down. "I'm sorry, 'Arry. I tried to save 'im but He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was too strong ..."
"Voldemort, Hagrid. You must not be afraid to say his name," Dumbledore corrected him, gently. "I'm very sorry, Harry, but Sirius died a couple of hours ago."
Harry jumped out of his seat. "No! You're lying! He promised he would be back for Christmas! Sirius wouldn't lie to me!" Harry couldn't help himself. He felt as if he were falling and there wouldn't be anything at the bottom to break his fall. He wished that Hermione were with him.
Dumbledore stood up and placed his hand on Harry's arm, trying to calm him. "I'm so very sorry. Hagrid wanted to tell you himself what happened. Do you want to hear it?"
Harry nodded numbly and sat back down. A lump in his throat was hurting him and he tried to swallow. The tears burned his eyes and all he wanted to do was feel Hermione's warm arms around him.
Hagrid cleared his throat and began the story that would once again change Harry's life forever.
A.N: Hey everyone, me again! Wow, that was a long chapter and I was going to make it longer but it didn't seem right to continue. I hope you liked it and I hope the length makes up for my lack of quick updates.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you guys make my day and I love each review I get! THANK YOU!!
BabyJ5: McGonagall was mad in the last chapter because if a student wants to go outside they have to have a teacher present and Mcgonagall was watching Harry and Hermione and they were taking too long. Wow, talk about a run on sentence :) Hope that was an efficient explanation. Thanks for reviewing!
Dumbledore: Thanks so much for telling me when the 5th book comes out (JUNE 21ST for those of you who don't know)! And thanks for your review! I'm glad you like the story so much!
LadyKOfTheCastle: Kawa! Hi! Yeah, you reviewed! I'm so glad I inspire you! *Sniffles*. Yes, everybody we have two girls at our school who remind us of Hermione and Ginny. Pretty funny, huh? Kawa, you're gonna let me read the poems right??? : ) Luv Ya.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! And to those who haven't: REVIEW!
Sweetie
"Happy Christmas!" Hermione cried, jumping up and down on the bed like a five-year-old.
"Just five more minutes," Harry grumbled, pulling his pillow over his head.
Hermione smirked at Harry's covered head; he was obviously not a morning person.
She scooted closer to him and swung a leg across his body, so she was sitting on his butt. She ran her hands up his back until she reached his neck. She then brought her lips close to his neck. "I bought you a present," she whispered, kissing his neck softly and laughed when she saw the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
"Well, you got me there. Now I have to wake up," was Harry's muffled reply. He turned around on his back so suddenly that if he hadn't reached out his hands to steady her, Hermione would have fallen off the bed.
"Finally!" she cried, repositioning herself on his lap so she was straddling him. "I thought I was going to have to throw Hagrid's rock cakes at you!" she added, smugly.
Harry didn't get a chance to answer, though, because Hermione's lips were pressed against his, one arm snaking around his neck and the other was holding the front of his shirt, pulling him closer to her.
After a few moments, Hermione pulled away slowly, biting Harry's bottom lip lightly, and enjoying the low groan that was coming from him. She sighed contentedly. "Now that I got that out of my system, let's open presents!" she said, jumping off the bed.
Harry laughed and did the same. "Do you want to go into the common room or stay here?" she asked, pulling out a dark purple bag from his trunk.
"In here where we can be alone," Hermione answered. Though almost everyone had gone home for the holidays (including Ron, Ginny, and Lavender), some first and second year Gryffindors still remained.
"I was hoping you would say that," Harry said with a smile, taking Hermione's hand, and leading her to their common room.
"I'm going to get your present," Hermione said, dashing into her unoccupied room.
Harry sat on the arm chair closest to the blazing fire, nervously fingering the ribbon on Hermione's present. He wasn't sure is she would like his gift even though Lavender and Ginny had assured him, countless times, that she would love it.
"Okay, here it is," Hermione said, as she came back out and sat on the floor by his feet. She handed Harry the neatly wrapped gift, her eyes shining brightly.
Harry carefully pulled the ends of the light green ribbon and pushed aside the layers of tissue paper. Scattered on top of a hardcover book was a selection of his favorite candy. He brushed those aside, his mouth watering, and pulled out the large leather book. His full name was stitched in green on the front cover. He ran a hand across it, loving it already. He turned the page and was surprised to see a picture of his parents holding him when he was just a newborn, one he had never seen before. Above that was his birth certificate. "How'd you ... " he was going to ask but Hermione cut him off.
"Keep going. I'll explain when you're done," she said, resting her arms on his lap.
On each page was a letter and picture of a different friend. Ron was first, followed by Hermione, then Neville. As he turned each page he realized that his friends were sorted in the order he had met them. Even Draco was in it, though Harry suspected that Ginny had made him. Sirius, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and the other teachers had written something in there. Harry smiled as he saw Dobby's page.
"Hermione, how did you do this?" he asked, amazed.
"Keep going," she answered softly, watching him intently.
Harry turned to the last page, puzzled. He became even more surprised than he already was. On the last page was a letter from his father, followed by a picture of him with Lily. "Should I read it out loud?" he asked her, swallowing the lump in his throat.
Hermione got up to sit next to him. "Only if you want to," she answered, placing her hand on his arm.
Harry cleared his throat, ready to read it.
Dear Harry,
If you're reading this right now then your mother and I didn't make it. We tried Harry, believe me, we did. We wanted to see you grow up to become one of the best people in the world. We knew you were powerful, that's why we tried to protect you.
I always wanted to become a father, I was living for the day I would become one, as unbelievable as it seems. When you came, I didn't think I could love someone so small as much as I did. But it was possible. I thought you were the best thing that happened me, next to your mother, of course. I dreamed of teaching you how to fly and showing you all the secret passages of Hogwarts. I wanted to guide you down the right path, be there for you when you would be having girl problems.
I'm sorry, Harry, please remember that I did everything I could to keep my family safe. At least I know that Sirius will be there to do all those things that I won't be able to do. Though your mother and I can't be there with you in person, we are always with you in spirit, looking out for you. Good luck in everything you do. Remember never to give up on things you believe in. Good will always conquer evil, even if you're losing hope. I love you, son.
Your Father, James
Harry's eyes glistened with tears and his voice shook on the last sentence. He looked up at Hermione, who was crying freely.
"There's more," she said, pulling a box out of the bag. She handed it to him and watched as his face expression became more confused.
He opened the box gingerly and was confused by the object inside. It was a small copper key. He saw a small note attached and pulled it out to read it.
Harry,
Don't be deceived by the way this key looks. It's a special sort of portkey that will take you and your loved ones to safety when you need it. There is a house in the Forbidden Forest that I have constructed and with help from Dumbledore, have placed safe charms all around. Please use it whenever you need it and remember me.
Your Father
"Do you like it?" Hermione asked finally.
Harry shook his head and pulled her onto his lap, hugging her tightly. "No, I love it. Thank you, baby girl," he said, truthfully. "How did you get all this?"
Hermione smiled at him, relief evident in her face. "Sirius gave it to me when I told him about my plan. He was glad to help."
"I wish he were here," Harry said, wistfully. Sirius had broken his promise that he would be back by Christmas. Harry had erased his name from the going home list at the last minute; Hermione glad to do the same. He wasn't angry just very worried.
"Me too," she said, rubbing her hand up and down his back to comfort him. "I'm sure he has a good reason."
Harry nodded but didn't answer. His face brightened suddenly and he pulled out his gift for her. "Here's yours," he said, handing her the bag.
Hermione smiled slyly at him. She removed the tissue paper and pulled out a large snow globe. She gasped. "Harry! This is beautiful!" The Hogwart's castle was inside, miniture students were enchanted to fly around on tiny brooms. The snow was also enchanted to float around gracefully. Hermione's eyes filled with happy tears again and she looked up at Harry to tell him she loved it, but he was holding out a long jewelry box.
"What's this?" she asked, surprised. She took it out of his hands and opened it. It was a gold charm bracelet, little trinkets were dangling around it, catching the light from the fire. "This is beautiful!" she exclaimed, touching it lovingly.
Harry pointed to each one, explaining their meaning. "Those," he said, pointing to two H's. "Stands for your name and mine. Ron gave you an R didn't he?"
"Yes, I was wondering what that was!" Hermione answered, laughing.
"That way all three of us are on it," Harry answered. "I picked the broom because you accomplished one of your biggest fears. The small stack of books with a worm on it is because you're a bookworm, " he said, his eyes twinkling. "You can add as many as you want."
"I absolutely love it! Thank you!" she said, kissing him softly. "Let me go get the R and I'll put it on," with that she ran back into her room, coming back a second later. Harry helped her put it on then they settled back on the couch.
"What else did you get?" Harry asked, lacing his fingers through hers, playing with her engagement ring.
"Well, Ron got me the charm and the collectors edition of Hogwarts: A History. Lavender and Ginny bought me a heart locket. They put my picture on one side and yours on the other. And my parents bought me a set of books I've been asking them for. They wanted me to come home for Christmas but I told them I wanted to stay with you."
Harry smiled. He was lucky to have someone like Hermione. He hugged her closer as she snuggled deeper into his chest. "Happy Christmas, love," he whispered, his eyes closing.
"Happy Christmas to you too, Harry," Hermione answered, her eyes also beginning to droop.
Soon they were both asleep, a smile on both their faces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry hurried down the long hallway towards Dumbledore's office. The headmaster had asked to see him after lunch. Harry had wanted Hermione to come with him but McGonagall had asked her to tutor a first year who was having trouble. Harry had protested that it was Christmas but Hermione was too kind hearted not to help the young girl.
"Come in Mr. Potter," came Dumbledore's silvery voice.
Harry walked into his comfortable office and sat down across from the headmaster. "You wanted to see me, Professor?" he asked.
The twinkle had left Dumbledore's eyes and he looked at Harry seriously. "I have bad news, Harry," He said, causing Harry's heart to pound with fear.
"What is it? Hermione's okay, I just saw her. Ron is with his family ... " Harry began to ramble.
Albus raised his hand to stop the young boy and looked at him kindly. "They are both perfectly fine," he motioned for someone to come closer and Harry saw Hagrid in the room for the first time.
"Hagrid!" Harry cried, jumping up to hug his old friend. He frowned as he saw the giant's appearance. He looked tired and hungry. His clothes were torn and his face was scratched and bloody. "What happened? And where's Sirius?" Harry asked, his stomach tightening painfully.
Hagrid took Harry by the arm and they both sat down. "I'm sorry, 'Arry. I tried to save 'im but He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was too strong ..."
"Voldemort, Hagrid. You must not be afraid to say his name," Dumbledore corrected him, gently. "I'm very sorry, Harry, but Sirius died a couple of hours ago."
Harry jumped out of his seat. "No! You're lying! He promised he would be back for Christmas! Sirius wouldn't lie to me!" Harry couldn't help himself. He felt as if he were falling and there wouldn't be anything at the bottom to break his fall. He wished that Hermione were with him.
Dumbledore stood up and placed his hand on Harry's arm, trying to calm him. "I'm so very sorry. Hagrid wanted to tell you himself what happened. Do you want to hear it?"
Harry nodded numbly and sat back down. A lump in his throat was hurting him and he tried to swallow. The tears burned his eyes and all he wanted to do was feel Hermione's warm arms around him.
Hagrid cleared his throat and began the story that would once again change Harry's life forever.
A.N: Hey everyone, me again! Wow, that was a long chapter and I was going to make it longer but it didn't seem right to continue. I hope you liked it and I hope the length makes up for my lack of quick updates.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you guys make my day and I love each review I get! THANK YOU!!
BabyJ5: McGonagall was mad in the last chapter because if a student wants to go outside they have to have a teacher present and Mcgonagall was watching Harry and Hermione and they were taking too long. Wow, talk about a run on sentence :) Hope that was an efficient explanation. Thanks for reviewing!
Dumbledore: Thanks so much for telling me when the 5th book comes out (JUNE 21ST for those of you who don't know)! And thanks for your review! I'm glad you like the story so much!
LadyKOfTheCastle: Kawa! Hi! Yeah, you reviewed! I'm so glad I inspire you! *Sniffles*. Yes, everybody we have two girls at our school who remind us of Hermione and Ginny. Pretty funny, huh? Kawa, you're gonna let me read the poems right??? : ) Luv Ya.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! And to those who haven't: REVIEW!
Sweetie