Chapter 14
Unbridled Power
Peeves was never this nice, no matter what they went through, "What is it Peeves?" asked Harry apprehensively. "Well Peeves just wants to say hi to Potter and Granger," said Peeves with a bigger smile. Harry could see something he couldn't explain, what Peeves was doing. "Peeves, I wouldn't suggest it," Harry said seriously. "Suggest what?" asked Peeves trying to look innocent. The cabinet started to fall; Harry stopped it and threw it with his mind. "Peeves, that was a mistake," said Harry in a low quiet dangerous voice. Peeves started laughing and tried to zoom through the hospital wing doors, Harry stopped him. "What?" Peeves asked himself. The walls burst into flames; Harry stood and almost seemed to float towards him. Peeves felt an infinite jolt of, what ghosts considered, pain. He flew across the room, Harry let him go. But it was painful for Peeves to pass through flames of eternal fire…
"Harry?" asked Hermione looking at what he had done, "How did you do that?" "Do what?" Harry asked settling down next to her and everything disappeared. "You actually trapped Peeves," she replied. "Oh that, just something I learned," Harry almost whispered. Hermione didn't push it because of the look on Harry's face; it wasn't anger, it was sadness. She held his hand for a moment without speaking. 'Maybe one day?' she asked. Harry nodded, "Yes, one day," he replied. "You know, we still have lots of schoolwork, would you like to get started on it?" she asked. Harry sighed, "With you? How could I refuse such a beau…" he started to reply when Mr. and Mrs. Granger entered with Amanda. Hermione started to get up, "Hey Hermione, take it easy, don't run, okay?" said Harry, "I made that mistake… in a way." Hermione walked gingerly, noticing Harry was right, she felt a little dizzy. Mr. and Mrs. Granger hugged their daughter, "We thought we lost you," Mrs. Granger cried. Harry watched for a second and then realizing this was a family moment started to leave the hospital, he had plenty to do, he pulled up his cloak hood. "Harry," called Mrs. Granger, "Thank you. Visit us for Christmas." Harry quietly answered, "Perhaps," and vanished.
Harry locked his door, he was exhausted, but he already missed Hermione, tears involuntarily ran down his cheeks. He wouldn't barge in on Hermione's thoughts when she was with her family; he kept it distant, enough to give them privacy. Hermione would be able to call him… when she was finished. Harry tried to fall asleep as he lay down. But he couldn't; he knew why, but he still couldn't… A few minutes later, he felt his bed sag a little and then he started to fall asleep.
When he woke up; Hermione had her arms around him. She was softly sleeping, he didn't want to wake her, but could not sleep for fear it was a dream. Her breath on his neck made him feel so calm… so serene… her hold on him felt so relaxing and peaceful, she seemed so tranquil to Harry, everything just seemed right… she stirred quietly, "Harry, are you awake?" she asked. "I hope so Herm, are you?" replied Harry. "You hope so?" she asked, "Why's that?" "Because I almost fear this is a dream," Harry said as he turned around and stroked her hair. Hermione smiled at him, "Well I assure you its not; unless, we're both dreaming the same thing," she replied enjoying his attention, "Well if it is; let's both stay awake, please; I don't want this to end." Harry agreed, "Me neither." For a few hours they remained undisturbed, both falling in and out of sleep, until there was a knock at the door, Hermione's mind made some very… interesting connotations that Harry heard. He started to laugh gently in her ear, she went a little red, "Who is it?" called Harry. "Harry, I'm sorry to disturb you, but you have a class to teach in an hour," said Dumbledore's voice. Harry groaned at the same time as Hermione, "Professor," started Harry. "Harry," interrupted Dumbledore, "Many of your students can't wait for your first Defense against the Dark Arts lesson. Hermione also has a class in a few hours, I was just about to go tell her." Dumbledore had a little bit of a twinkle in his voice. "Don't bother Professor; I'll do it," said Harry quickly. "I figured so," replied Dumbledore as he left with a twinkle in his voice. Harry and Hermione got up slowly, "You first," said Harry. "Nope, your class is first," replied Hermione.
Harry was out in a few minutes and then Hermione took her turn. Hermione went to her room and sat in front of the mirror, starting to brush her hair. Harry came in, "Hey Harry, would you like to…" Hermione started. "brush your hair? How could I refuse?" replied Harry. Hermione gave Harry a few pointers on brushing her hair, while they talked about the past events, when their thoughts turned to the future Harry stopped suddenly. "What is it?" asked Hermione. "Let's let the future happen," Harry said. "We will…" she replied, "But that doesn't mean we can't discuss it." Harry turned a shade of red, "Well Herm, umm… I've… already seen part of the future… you'd be surprised what you see when you die," Harry almost whispered, "It is constantly changing." Hermione turned around to face him, "If it is I hope we pick one where we…" Hermione paused, "and then I hope we don't change it," she said in almost a whisper. "Herm, some of it will be wonderful, some not so, but if we stick together, the future will allow good things to outnumber the bad things," Harry replied. Hermione smiled at him, "You know you are late for class," she said as the bell rung. "So are you," Harry joked, "I think I'll dock a few points…" Hermione decided to go along, "How about kisses instead?" she asked. Harry couldn't help letting a smile crack, "Sounds good to me," he replied as she kissed him on his cheek. They laughed as they ran to class.
Ron, mocking Hermione's usual reaction to him being late, scolded at them as they entered, Harry had Hermione go in first so it looked like she wasn't that late. Harry began his lesson on defenses against Death Eaters, most of the lesson consisted of practicing. During one of their practice sessions after Harry had instructed them on a particular spell, Harry had been improving Hermione's spell work, while he watched she tried again, but because he was whispering to her, (Not about spell work either) she messed it up. All of the other students watching whistled as she messed up. That was an unusual sight! One even commented they should add it to 'Hogwarts, A History' in honor of the occasion, Hermione blushed at the comment, turning around and scolded Harry for making her mess up.
After Defense against the Dark Arts, Harry attended Hermione's class on Potions, she was a much better teacher than Snape, by a long shot; much easier on the eyes too. Now that Hermione was teaching it, a lot of Gryffindors attended the N.E.W.T. Potions classes. Even Neville was doing well. Time was going too fast for Harry and Hermione, between; teaching classes, holding D.A. meetings and schoolwork their time was wiped out, but they always found time to slip away for a walk around the lake near the new school. Most of the time by themselves, sometimes Ron caught them and went along, but when Ron went it was different, they didn't do many things… like; share their most private secrets with each other, hold hands, hug or kiss. Harry had been insistent on that. Hermione wondered why, they may have a telepathic connection, but Hermione still didn't understand the masculine mind…
After Potions Harry had a Defense against the Dark Arts class with the first years, "Hey guys, want to attend my first year class?" asked Harry. Ron looked at him in disbelief, "No, I got enough to do without attending extra classes," he said. Hermione on the other hand looked thrilled, "Sure, I would love to!" she said excitedly. Ron frowned, but Harry smiled at her and they proceeded to his class with Ron scowling behind them.
Harry and Hermione sat talking until his class arrived, "Hello Professor Potter and Professor Granger," said some of the first years entering the room. Hermione smiled suggestingly at Harry, she thought they were cute, she wanted some… Harry smiled back at her with a small wink as he hit a suitcase on his desk, it rattled. "Who can tell me what this is?" asked Harry. Hermione smiled, she remembered they didn't have boggarts until their third year with Professor Lupin. "A boggart?" asked one tentatively. "Good! 5 points to Hufflepuff," said Harry, "Why don't you come forward?" The small boy looked both excited and scared as he approached Harry. Hermione smiled slightly, she knew that the little boy was really excited because Harry was the Boy Who Lived; a lot of the girls were looking slightly put out. Hermione smiled at this, she knew probably all of them had a crush on Harry. The thought almost made her giggle, she loved him for different reasons; his ability to comfort her, his love for her, all the times he protected her… She paused in her thoughts as Harry kneeled, "Do you know how to defeat a boggart?" he asked with a small smile. "Ridikulous?" asked the boy. "Good try, that is how you force a boggart into a different form, but you defeat him with laughter," replied Harry. Hermione smiled, Harry was so good with the little kids; he would make a good father for her children. She blushed a little at the thought, but she still almost found it natural. Harry glanced at her smiling; Hermione smiled back thinking how good a husband he would be for her as well. After the class ended; Hermione was more convinced then ever that Harry would be a good father and husband.
While in the common room that night, Ron saw Hermione writing a letter, "Who's that for?" asked Ron curiously. Hermione rolled it up, "Viktor," she replied while hiding it down her shirt. Ron looked curious, "Can I read it?" he asked. Hermione looked indignant, "No, nosy!" she said irritably. "Come on Hermione," said Ron reaching over. Harry watched carefully, his protective feeling towards Hermione, coupled with her apprehension and fear was about to make him snap.
Ron was about to stick his hand down Hermione's shirt while she was fighting him off. Harry finally snapped, he threw Ron across the room with the rising of his hand and kept him pinned against the wall. His hand was still up as he stood menacingly, 'Thanks Harry,' thought Hermione feeling calmer. But she still looked a little disturbed, Harry's anger, however, wasn't soothed, "Ron, watch it," Harry nearly snarled. "Back off Harry, she's my girlfriend," Ron snapped still suspended against the wall. "I don't care what she is to you, you will maintain a respectful demeanor," Harry snapped back. "Stop it Harry, it's none of your business," Ron nearly shouted. As Harry advanced towards him menacingly the light from the fire danced dangerously across his face as it faded with the lights, "If it involves a… friend, it is my business," Harry said in a quiet voice that was somehow more threatening than cursing and shouting. "If I want to read a letter she's sending to Krum…" Ron started. "Then you can ask, but never… ever… do that again," said Harry in the same quiet tone, "That was very disrespectful attitude towards Hermione, you never reach down anyone's shirt, let alone a girl's." "Get off it Harry, that's between us, just because you're jealous…" Ron started again. "If I was jealous; I would have done more than throw you across the room," said Harry as he slid his hand in his cloak. He pulled out his sword quickly and before anyone could see what he was doing, drove it two feet deep into the wall just under Ron's arm, "I would have gutted you," said Harry in an almost evil, growling, matter-of-fact voice. Hermione didn't want this to turn ugly, "Please Harry, stop it!" she said quickly before this turned into a huge fight, then looked at Ron angrily, "Ron, Harry's right, don't ever do that ever again and no fighting." Harry glanced at her, "As you wish," he said calmly pulling his sword out and releasing Ron from his position against the wall. Harry started climbing the stairs as he slid his sword back into his cloak. "I'll take care of you later," Ron snapped, "I only stopped because my honey asked me too." Harry stopped for a moment and turned to Ron, "It didn't stop you from reaching down her shirt Ron, don't let it stop you now." Harry disappeared around the corner. Ron glanced towards Hermione; she got up quickly looking scared and ran up the girls' staircase. Ron sighed in frustration, he remembered from last time he couldn't get into the girls' dormitories, 'If only Harry hadn't gotten involved, it's none of his business,' he thought snappishly to himself.
Harry watched quietly as Ron went to bed, from his unseen position, Harry walked up the girls' staircase and the alarm didn't go off. "Harry?" asked Hermione in surprise, "How did you get up here?" Harry laughed, "Oh, that, well… I don't know how to tell you, only that I've got some interesting tricks up my sleeve," he replied, "Sorry about that downstairs." Hermione sat down on a bed, "It's not your fault, thank you actually, for defending me," she said quietly, "I really do appreciate it." She looked at the floor, Harry lifted her chin, "Hey, you know, you shouldn't get so upset, it's not something you did," he said watching her. Hermione sighed, "I should have said no when he asked me out," she said. "Maybe, but dwelling on the past doesn't help the future," replied Harry. "Is it safe for me to return to my room?" asked Hermione. Harry looked past her for a moment, "Yes, it is," he said. "Or," she said slyly, "Maybe yours…" Harry laughed, "I don't know about that Hermione, you're Ron's girlfriend… remember?" he asked. Hermione growled at him, "You mention that again…" she started. "Sorry Herm, forgive me?" asked Harry quickly before she got really angry. "Yeah," she said pacified, then gave him a deviously sly look, "For now." Harry walked with Hermione up to their bedrooms, "Yours or mine?" asked Hermione. Harry decided to play with her, "Yours or mine what?" he asked. Hermione punched him a little harder than she had to on his shoulder. "Okay, okay," he said wincing as he rubbed the spot that hurt, "Your pick." Hermione smiled, "Yours, or else Ron might disturb us at two in the morning," she said making a face. Harry laughed, "Probably," he said. Hermione pushed him into his room, "I'll be just a moment…" she said as she entered her own room. Harry watched her close the door, he listened to the castle walls as they told him of trouble yet to come while he pulled on his pajamas…
Hermione came back undressed, she jumped onto his bed, "Good night Harry," she said yawning. As she lay down, Harry snuggled up against her, she smiled quietly, she heard Harry mutter and the door seal. "No disruptions tonight Herm," said Harry quietly kissing her neck, Hermione turned around and faced him, "Harry…?" she said trailing off. Harry smiled at her and kissed her lips, gently and compassionately. She smiled softly, "That's what I wanted," she said satisfied, she turned around and felt Harry's arms encircle her, she felt so good; safe and warm, not a worry or concern. Harry fell asleep before her, she tried to stay awake and enjoy his warmth, but she too fell asleep, but before she did, Harry put his head on hers. Hermione sighed in contentment.
Harry woke her the next morning, "Herm, Ron is knocking at your door," said Harry sleepily. Hermione grunted in acknowledgement, "What in Merlin's name does that have to do with getting me up?" she asked in an irritated voice. "I figured you'd want a chance to get in your room before he breaks down your door," replied Harry. Hermione answered angrily, "I really don't give a…" she started. Harry interrupted, "That's not very lady-like," he said. "No, but it sure makes me feel better," muttered a tired Hermione. "Tell him to go away." "Somehow I don't think it will work that way this time," said Harry. "Just ask him to shove it up his…" Hermione started. Harry interrupted again, "Shh, Herm, please, calm down, I'll try," he said getting up, he released the spell on the door then opened his door a crack, "Ron, either quit knocking or I'll come out and give you a knock," Harry snapped, "Other people are trying to sleep." Ron gave him an angry look, "Shut up Harry," he said. "Either behave or I'll report you Ron, you're turning into a little snob," snapped Harry he slammed his door and muttered in Parsaltongue. It glowed red and turned back to normal. As Harry lay behind her Hermione curled up with him, Harry smiled, "I love you Herm," he said quietly into her ear. Hermione turned around, "Then kiss me," she said. Harry and Hermione were so close, KNOCK, KNOCK. Hermione groaned, "Tell them to go away, or else I might do something rash," she said. "What?" snapped Harry. "Harry, do you know where Hermione is?" came Ron's voice. Harry smiled at Hermione slyly, "Well Ron, I haven't gone anywhere, so obviously, unless she's in here; I wouldn't have a clue," said Harry loudly. Hermione giggled, "Good job!" she complimented Harry quietly. "I just thought maybe she told you," he said. "Nope, she didn't tell me where she was going," said Harry, "I don't ask, even if she tells me she's leaving and she hasn't said that," Harry winked at Hermione and whispered, "yet." Then he and yawned, "So, I'm going back to bed okay?" he said sleepily. He heard Ron grumble and leave, "Hey Harry," said Hermione. "Yes, my dear sweet Herm?" answered Harry. "Would you take me flying?" she asked, "I've never been really good at it." Harry kissed her neck, "Yes," said Harry, "I would love to."
Harry opened the portrait hole for her, when they reached the outdoors Harry summoned his Firebolt, it came immediately and Harry helped Hermione on. Then jumping in front took off quickly, Hermione screamed and held on to him tightly, she started laughing, "This is great!" she yelled to him. "You want to fly it?" Harry yelled back. "Umm, no!" she replied. "Why not?!" asked Harry. "Harry, I don't trust myself flying as much as I trust you!" she yelled. Harry urged his Firebolt faster, Hermione was holding him tight and their affectionate thoughts flowed between them. Harry landed on the other side of the lake, "Why'd you stop?" Hermione asked. "Because," Harry said as a tablecloth and picnic basket appeared, "I wanted to have a private picnic." "How sweet!" commented Hermione. Harry smiled quietly, he loved to surprise her. They enjoyed the view and company; they skipped lunch in the hall the teachers had set up. When it became dark, Harry and Hermione were sitting together, Hermione leaning back on Harry's chest, watching the stars, pointing out constellations to each other.
Finally, it was with great remorse, they turned in for the night, as they entered the castle, Dumbledore stopped them, "Harry, Hermione," he called after them, Harry stopped, "Yes Professor?" he asked. "We are going to move back to the Hogwarts castle tomorrow, be sure to inform those in your House," Dumbledore replied. Harry and Hermione nodded, as Dumbledore left.
After moving to Hogwarts again, Quidditch started, Harry decided to play at least one match, provided Hermione agreed. He asked her after breakfast the first day, "Herm," he said quietly so the rest wouldn't over hear him. "Yes Harry," she replied, "and don't call me Herm in public…" "Okay," he smiled at her, "I would like…" Hermione interrupted him, "To play Quidditch?" she asked, "Sure, I'd love to watch you." Harry looked like Christmas was coming three times this year, "Thanks," he said.
"Albus," said Madam Pomfery, "I have something I want to discuss with you." "What is it Poppy?" Dumbledore asked. "Potter, when he saved Miss. Granger's life, he did something I didn't think possible, without a wand he threw me into my office and sealed the door, and I couldn't break it with a wand," she replied. Dumbledore sighed, "I know, it took some doing, I don't know, something has happened to Harry, I believe that he also rebuilt the castle and ripped out the portrait hole."
Harry put on his Quidditch robes for the first time this year. With Hogwarts rebuilt, everything was going back to normal. He flew around the field feeling the exhilaration of flight, Hermione was watching below, she could feel his joy, and he, hers. He dived quickly heading as fast as possible toward Hermione, she tried to duck but Harry caught her as he went by, Hermione squealed with fright, "HARRY JAMES POTTER! PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!" she screamed at him. Harry ignored her, "Herm, come on have some fun," he replied. He put her in front of him, "Come on, take control," smiled Harry. "Harry! I don't know how to fly as well as you," said Hermione still a little agitated. But she relented and tried flying, Harry whispering pointers, among other things, in her ear as he held her. She was starting to get really good; Harry let her fly as long as she wanted.
"Now how do I land?" asked Hermione. "Good question, I never think about it," replied Harry. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs. "Okay, okay, I just like it up here… with you…" Harry said slowly, quietly into Hermione's ear. Hermione turned crimson; although, she still couldn't help but smile, then Harry sighed, "You head toward the ground and pull up at the last moment," he said. Hermione's landing was very good for the first time. "Good job Herm," said Harry. "Harry," said Angelina, "Hurry up, Quidditch is about to start." Hermione rounded on Harry, "Harry," she said quietly. "Yes, my loving Herm," he answered. "Good luck," she said with a kiss on his cheek. He sighed, "With true sorrow doth we part," he said. "Where'd you pick that up?" Hermione asked giggling, "I like it." Harry smiled, "Shakespeare," he replied.
Then Angelina came out looking angry at Harry, "Save it, they're calling us out Harry." "Okay, fine," said Harry with a last look at Hermione. Ron watched from the door, he became immensely angry. He walked out. She smiled at him and thought, 'Harry, you're not leaving me forever you know, I'll watch from the stands.' Harry felt something was off, he turned around to have Ron punch him, "Stay away from my girlfriend," Ron snapped.
The sky grew black, Ron looked up and there were no clouds. "Cool it Ron," said Hermione now fearing Harry would beat Ron into a pulp. Harry got up and felt his lip, when he looked at it, it was covered in blood. Harry considered Ron a moment, "You want to fight?" he asked. "Yes," said Ron, "No magic." Harry smiled coldly, "Sounds good to me," he snapped. Hermione gave him a look. 'Yes,' asked Harry not taking his eyes off Ron. 'Please don't hurt him too badly,' said Hermione, 'remember you were friends.' 'I won't, I have no wish to fight him at all,' replied Harry. 'Then back off a little,' she said. 'If I do, that's it for any relationship between us then,' said Harry, 'Or else this will just happen later.' Hermione sighed, 'Please Harry, be careful,' she begged. Harry nodded. "So, you going to attack me or what?" asked Harry. Ron threw another punch, Harry caught it and flipped him over onto his face twisting his arm behind him. "Now, I want to hear that this is the last time you will act like a fool," Harry snapped. Ron refused, "No, I won't back down on this," he answered, "She's mine." "She's her own person, she's not bound to you in any way, let her do what she wants," Harry said. Harry threw Ron against the wall, "You know what your problem is?" asked Harry. "What?" snarled Ron. "You've got a brain the size of a peanut and it doesn't control your actions, which is actually controlled by your…" Harry tried to finish. "HARRY!" scolded Hermione, "There are girls present, or a girl present!" Harry turned a little red, he had forgotten. Ron was shocked when he noticed Harry's bloody lip had already healed. Harry dropped Ron and after a glance at Hermione, hurried into the changing room to the rest of the team.
They flew out as a new excited announcer called out their names. Hermione sat next to Ginny, "Hey Ginny," said Hermione. "Hi Hermione," Ginny replied. After the Quaffle was released the game began, Hermione watched Harry; he could feel her eyes following him. He ducked as a bludger attacked him, it missed but turned around, "Harry!" cried Hermione as the crowd roared because Gryffindor had scored. Harry knew immediately something was wrong. This had happened to him once in the second year, he tried to outrun and outmaneuver it, but he couldn't keep it up forever…
He knew what to do, something he would rather not do in front of the whole school, Hermione called to him, 'Harry! Watch out.' 'Yeah, I know, what should I do?' he asked her. 'I can stop it at a price, I don't want to show the whole school…' he thought. Hermione thought for a minute, 'Hold on, I got an idea, you'll know when,' she finished. Harry continued to dodge the bludger. Fireworks went off all over, Harry knew this was his chance to shoot it down unobserved, he spoke in a strange language; a great flash flew from his hand toward the bludger, it blew with a tremendous explosion. 'Thanks Herm,' thought Harry. 'You're quite welcome Harry,' she replied. Then he spotted the Snitch, the other seeker was ahead of him, Harry urged his broom, flattening himself as much as possible. He leveled with the other seeker; the Snitch evaded both of them by flying straight up. Harry subconsciously used his sight to correct his path, flying higher and higher, the Snitch again tried to evade Harry, but Harry urged his broom faster and faster, he caught it… Everything seemed to stop… Harry suddenly felt pain in the back his head, consciousness was slipping away, 'HARRY NO!' screamed Hermione, Dumbledore started to rush out onto the field as Harry fell, 10 feet, 50 feet, 100 feet, 300 feet. Dumbledore tried to slow him down, but it wasn't enough. Dumbledore gave up hope of saving him…
Hermione automatically felt him in her mind; time and space bent… she stopped his fall completely, 1 inch above the ground. Then she fainted. "My, my," said Madam Pomfery, "Back again are we, Miss Granger?" Hermione jumped out of bed and rushed to Harry's side. "Miss Granger, either lie back down or I will have to restrain you, Hermione ignored her comments. 'Harry? Harry? Please answer me!' she cried as tears fell down her cheeks, 'I shouldn't have let you play that stupid game! It's all my fault.' 'Herm, I'm fine,' Harry thought to her as he awoke. "Harry?" she said still crying. "Herm, don't cry," he said very quietly as he wiped away her tears. "Harry!" she tried to scolded, but it couldn't hold up. 'I love you too,' thought Harry. It was only then Hermione noticed her head was pounding.
"Albus, I had to put them together," whispered Madam Pomfery, "Neither one would stay in bed or sleep, so, of course, I gave them a potion for dreamless sleep, even with double doses they still couldn't sleep. As soon as I allowed them to sleep together, they fell soundly asleep right away." "That's fine Poppy," said Dumbledore, "There is something between them that is stronger than either of them." Ron was about to enter the curtains surrounded the sleeping pair. "Out," snapped Madam Pomfery. "But…" he started. "OUT!" Madam Pomfery shouted. Ron left looking angry.
Harry woke up and glanced at Hermione, "You okay?" he asked. Hermione groaned, "I just have an enormous headache," she replied winced when she laughed, "and I think it's yours!" Harry laughed, "Yeah," he said groaning in pain, "Probably." He tried to sit up. "Harry, please that hurts," said Hermione holding her head. Harry smiled, "Sorry Herm, I keep forgetting," he said.
It was two weeks until Christmas before Madam Pomfery would
let them go for anything, other than classes they had to teach, however,
Hermione and Harry had other plans, when she wasn't watching. They snuck up to
the West tower and lay outside during the night saying the constellations for
hours. Harry let Hermione name most of them; he loved hearing her, just the sound
of her voice.
"Herm," he said quietly. "Yes Harry?" Hermione answered putting her arm over
his chest. Harry slid his arms around her, Hermione's pulse was quickening, she
slid her arms around Harry's neck, closer and closer…
Dumbledore was watching from his study, Professor McGonagall came in, "Albus are you spying on them?" she asked. Fawkes called softly from his perch, "There is something bothering me," said Dumbledore, "Something I can't explain, Harry did die, there is no doubt about that, we even buried him. How then did he come back to life? No magic can wake the dead." He muttered; a wind picked up.
Hermione giggled as she felt the blanket they were lying on fly up and go over her head, they pulled back, "Not this time I guess Harry," she sighed laying her head on his chest. "Dumbledore," muttered Harry, he began to mutter under his breath; the walls began to whisper with him.
Dumbledore watched in his crystal ball as Harry muttered, it went completely dark and began to smoke. "Nice one Harry. It seems life wasn't the only thing you gained," said Dumbledore under his breath, "How much like James and Lily they are."
Harry picked up the blankets and pillows as they were ready to sneak back into the hospital. Harry stopped Hermione from starting downstairs. "Hermione," he started. Hermione's pulse went back up again, "Yes?" she asked eagerly. "I love you so much, you have done so much for me over these past years," said Harry. Hermione hugged him, "I love you more than I can tell you Harry, you have done so much more for me though Harry, you saved my life." Harry smiled and returned her embrace.
When they returned to the hospital wing, Madam Pomfery was waiting, "Another late night jaunt?" she asked. They both looked guilty and glanced at each other. Madam Pomfery didn't let either of them answer, "Get back into bed; both of you!" she said sharply. They obeyed quickly, knowing she was in a bad mood. "Kids," she huffed as she walked away, "Never can keep track of them…" her voice trailed off. After she left, Harry rolled over, "Herm?" he asked. "Yeah," she replied. "Sorry I got you in trouble," said Harry. "Na, don't worry about it, she'll cool off in no time," Hermione laughed. "You looking forward to going home for Christmas?" asked Harry. Hermione watched his face, "Yes, are you looking forward to visiting us?" she asked. Harry smiled, "I don't know if I should," he replied. "Harry!" she said with a tone that wasn't for fooling around with, "I don't think I could stand a week away…" "Me either, but Christmas is a time for family, not…" Harry started. "Harry, you nearly gave your life for me, how could you not be family, besides my mum invited you," Hermione interrupted. Harry smiled.
