Disclaimer: In Ch 6
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Dumbledore swept in, with Madame Pomfrey close behind.

"Please follow me, both of you." They exited the hospital wing, Harry and Hermione trailing a few steps behind. The trio stopped in front of a gargoyle now quite familiar to Harry.

"Ice mice." The gargoyle moved aside, and they climbed the winding staircase. When they entered Dumbledore's office, he turned around.

"Please sit down." Harry and Hermione seated themselves. Fawkes watched from his perch.

"Now, Miss Granger, please tell us what you remember."

Hermione took a deep breath, opened her mouth, and then closed it. Harry reached over and squeezed her hand to comfort her. Fawkes fluttered over. He leaned against Hermione, and uttered one long, pure note. Harry knew Hermione probably felt much better after hearing it. He had last year.

"I was hurrying, because I was late to breakfast. When I heard someone behind me, I simply thought it was someone else who was also late. But when the person called me a Mudblood, I knew it was Malfoy. He told me to look at him when he talked to me. The next thing I knew, I was facing him. He mumbled something, but I don't know what spell he used, though I could probably find out, with the proper research. Malfoy lifted his wand, and..."
Harry tightened his grip on Hermione's hand. She took a few deep breaths, and continued.

"The pain was...it was horrible. Every part of me felt like it was on fire. I thought I was going to die, but I didn't care. I just wanted it to end."

Hermione glanced at Harry. "I don't know when you got there, but I know it made Malfoy angry. I heard him tell someone to use your wand to kill me. He said he'd do it himself, but he wanted me to feel pain when I died. I don't know what happened after that."

Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Mr. Vincent Crabbe and Mr. Gregory Goyle were also present. They prevented Harry from interfering. It was Mr. Goyle whom Mr. Malfoy ordered to murder you, using Harry's wand. I arrived barely in time to prevent him."

Hermione accepted this information mutely. But from the way her nails were now digging into Harry's skin, he knew it had truly upset her.

"Well," Dumbledore sighed. I am here if you need me. I wish I could have prevented this, but you both know the law. Harry, you are free to tell Hermione-" Harry blinked in surprise. Dumbledore had never addressed Hermione by just her first name before. "-your part in this. I suggest you both go back to bed. I must alert the Ministry and the governors that you are now both fully recovered, and arrange for a trial date. I shall also find out if you may be released from Madame Pomfrey's care tomorrow. I believe that you are both tired of the hospital wing, am I not correct?" He smiled when they nodded. "Good night."

The two teenagers exited, still holding hands, under Dumbledore's gaze. He smiled faintly. Harry and Hermione reminded him of another pair who had once attended Hogwarts. They, too, had been good friends before becoming more, and eventually marrying. It appeared Harry and Hermione would follow in their footsteps.
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"Wake up, Mr. Potter." Harry yawned and opened his eyes. Madame Pomfrey moved to Hermione and shook her awake.

"The two of you need to get up and dress. Dobby the house-elf will be bringing breakfast soon."

Madame Pomfrey pulled the curtains around their beds and left.

Dobby was unnaturally quiet that morning. When Harry asked why, Dobby simply said, "Tis house-elf business, sir. We deals with it ourselves." Harry wondered briefly about it, but it soon left his mind when Dumbledore visited.

Sitting in a nearby chair, he began speaking once they finished breakfast. "Your parents will be arriving at five o'clock, Miss Granger. They have agreed to allow Harry and Mr. Weasley to speak on your behalf. Also, the trial concerning the attack will take place in three days."

Dumbledore smiled. "I am also pleased to inform you that the Ministry and the governors have agreed that you may be released from the hospital wing today."

He stood. "I shall see you at five o'clock." He left the room.