CHAPTER 20
SOUL MATES?
The three badly injured men toppled out onto the cool, clean stone floor of the Hospital wing. The reassuring smell of antiseptic assaulting their noses and the sight of cool crisp linen welcoming them home. For a moment they just sat there, unable to move or make a sound. The thrill of the night had worn of and the adrenaline had slowly ebbed away, leaving them with an unrelenting exhaustion.
Snape slowly tried to get to his feet, he was pale and drained, flooing had obviously taken a lot of his little strength away. His hand was shaking precariously as he reached out for the mantelpiece to help him up. Tentatively he tried his weight on his injured leg. The pain cursed through him once again, bringing back long torturous hours spent in the Dark Lords acquaintance. He fell back to the floor and cursed loudly.
Sirius sat back against the cool stone, wall, the coldness comforting against the red-hot agony of his shoulder. He watched as Snape struggled to stand, but he could do nothing to help, he wanted to pass out and not be able to feel the pain or have the fight the wave of exhaustion covering his whole body like a blanket of sleep. He looked across wearily at his best friend who was sitting hunched up against the wall, cradling his arm carefully, watching in horror as the blood continued to spill out of it.
Remus was trying to think of a spell that would sufficiently stop the blood flow, but his mind was blank. All that he could hear were Snapes whimpers of pain as he tried to stand.
"Sit down Snape.'' Sirius barked agitatedly, glowering at Snape. "What are you going to do when you do get up? Run for help?'' Sirius asked sarcastically.
Snape shot a look of daggers at Sirius but did not retort he knew that he owed both men with his life. But that didn't mean he had to like them, he just had to be grateful. He sank back down to the floor and stared moodily at the wall in front of him, watching it blur in and out of focus as his eyes filled with tears that he would never shed, not in front of the two men he had hated so passionately once.
"Where's Poppy anyway?'' Sirius growled throatily, wincing as he moved, touching his shoulder into the wall. "She's usually out here like a shot if someone so much as sets foot in here.''
Lupin heard Sirius, but he couldn't summon up the energy to answer him, he leant his head back against the wall and stared up against the ceiling. He knew that Poppy had been taking care of the Hogsmeade evacuees all day. That day had seemed like a lifetime ago, yet it had only been that very morning. He looked down at his arm and shuddered. It had been ripped entirely from shoulder to wrist and was bleeding profusely, never stopping. He must've lost about half the blood in his body now; if somebody didn't do something soon he wouldn't make it through the night. But he didn't have the energy to answer Sirius, who was now sweating with the effort it took him just to move around to face him.
He felt his arm tingling painfully; it felt as though there were hundreds of tiny insects crawling under his skin, biting him with sharp needle like teeth. He ignored it at first but the pain started getting worse. He looked down at his arm and to his horror he saw that the mangled flesh around the cut was glowing blue. There was still residue from the spell residing in his skin, the pain was becoming unbearable and Remus let out an ear piercing scream, waking the several occupants of the portraits and probably everyone else in Hogwarts.
"What's the matter?'' Sirius asked as Remus' screams subdued, although the man was still panting heavily, wincing in pain and cradling his arm protectively. As though by holding it tighter would stop the pain that was raging through it.
Remus held out his arm as an answer and Sirius eyes widened as he saw the shining blue skin around the cut pulling apart further, tearing Remus's skin before his very eyes. "Those bastards.'' Sirius shouted angrily.
"Oh good grief you're back, all of you.'' Madam Pomfrey gushed as she burst into the Hospital wing, and surveyed her newest patients through well-trained eyes. "Good gracious me, look at the state of you all." She muttered as she set lighting the hospital wing with a flick of her wand.
"Remus can you stand?'' Madam Pomfrey asked, as she surveyed them to see who needed the most urgent help, her expert eyes rested on his blue skin and her decision was made.
He just shook his head, and in the next instant was levitated onto the nearest bed, the scent of clean sheets reaching him through is pain. He was forced to drink three blood replenishing potions and he instantly felt the colour rush back into his cheeks, even though blood was still pouring from the cut on his arm, staining the spotless sheets scarlet. He was relieved to discover that the pain had stopped and the colour of his skin had returned to normal.
Snape was levitated onto a bed opposite Remus, and a proper splint was conjured onto his leg, securing it in place, while Madam Pomfrey helped Sirius into a bed. She worked tirelessly through the night ensuring that they were all healed to the best of her ability and by the morning all three were looking and feeling a lot better.
Sirius was the first to wake up, he desperately tried to stay asleep, but it was slipping away from him fast. He opened his eyes and looked around disorientated, suddenly remembering everything from the previous night. He gently sat up in his bed, squinting against the stark brightness of the Hospital wing. He reached up and felt his shoulder tentatively hoping for the best. Last night had been incredibly painful. Madam Pomfrey had, had to sterilise the wound, banish all the shattered bone from his shoulder, heal the skin, then he had spent the night painfully re-growing his shoulder.
But now, the mangled mess of the night before had gone and in its place was the smooth pale shoulder that had been there when he had set out to Hogsmeade. He turned and looked over at his sleeping friend who lay silently in the bed beside him. Remus hadn't been so lucky. Madam Pomfrey had just about managed to stop the cut from bleeding permanently but it had taken her the best part of two hours, but there was no spell that would close the wound, it had to be left to heal the Muggle way.
Remus now lay sleeping with his arm, bandaged from wrist to shoulder in tight bandages that had been magically sterilised. He would have to wear those until the wound had fully healed and even then he would be left with a scar for life.
Sirius heard someone muttering in the bed across the room and saw Snape roll onto his side, his mouth hanging open as he slept on. Snape had suffered the worst out of them all, aside from the mental damage that hours of torture had caused him, he would also be left with a permanent limp in his leg. Sirius recalled the way Madam Pomfrey had looked when she had told Snape this the night before, she seemed sorry that she couldn't help and explained that if Snape hadn't run on the leg when was already broken then it would've been easily repairable, but the damage was beyond her control and he would have a limp in that leg for the rest of his life. Snape had tried to stay strong when she told him this but Sirius could see he was crushed, and as much as he hated Snape he felt sorry for the man before him. They were the same age, and yet Snape was going to have to walk with a limp for the rest of his life, Death Eaters haunted him, and Voldemort wanted him dead. But Snape let none of this affected him outwardly and he replied valiantly "Well if I hadn't run I'd be dead now, so I'd rather the limp.''
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Later that day, when all three men were properly awake and had a decent meal inside them the people who had been anxiously and impatiently waiting all day to see them were finally allowed to enter the Hospital wing and see them. Harry burst into the room first and ran over to the bed were Sirius lay grinning wickedly, he was fine now and starting to get restless in the Hospital; wing with Madam Pomfrey watching over him all the time.
Harry threw his arms around his godfather's neck and hugged him tightly; he pulled away quickly when Sirius shouted out in pain.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry I forgot.'' Harry said backing away.
"It's alright, I was only joking.'' Sirius replied smiling happily as Harry rushed towards him again, hitting his arm before hugging him again.
"I'm so glad you're alright.'' Harry said, unable to get annoyed with his godfather when he had come so close to losing him.
"I'm glad too Harry.'' Sirius said as he hugged his godson, smiling at Destiny over his shoulder, as she sat down at the end of his bed. She smiled happily up at Sirius and let Harry have the time with Sirius, he needed it more than her, besides she would have him all to herself soon enough. She looked thoughtfully up at the pair, and was once again struck how like James Harry actually was. If she squinted she could actually see Sirius and James standing before her. She reached her hand out and placed it on Sirius leg and stroked it.
Remus smiled as Tonks walked over to his bed, tripping over one of the large flagstones on the floor, giggling as she saw Remus roll his eyes. "Typical.'' He said quietly as she walked over to his bed and kissed him softly.
"I'll go if you want.'' Tonks said arching an eyebrow questioningly.
"You know I don't want you to leave.'' Remus said, grabbing her hand with his one arm and pulling her down to sit on the bed next to him. He kissed her softly again.
"God Remus I'm so glad you're back.'' She whispered into his ear. "I was so afraid.''
"I was afraid too, but I'm back and I'm alright.'' He answered quietly, grasping her hands in one of his own.
Dumbledore stood in the doorway surveying the scene before him with a smile on his face, he turned away from the reunited couples and Harry, to look at the man in the bed opposite, his eyes were closed tightly, as though he were trying to block out the sounds from the room. Dumbledore sighed sadly, he knew that Severus was really awake and that he was pretending to be asleep so he wouldn't have to face up to the fact that no one had come to see him. He walked over to the bed and stood over Snape silently, taking in his sallow skin and dark hair that Madam Pomfrey had pulled away from his face. He had become old before his time, the lines around his eyes proved this yet when Dumbledore looked at him he could still see the same boy he had seen when Severus had first came to Hogwarts, so eager and determined to prove himself. 'Well you've certainly proved yourself now Severus' Dumbledore thought to himself, smiling down at the man who lay silently in front of him.
"I'm proud of you Severus.'' Dumbledore said before he turned away.
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A week later and the three men were finally allowed out of the Hospital Wing, Sirius with his arm in a sling and instructions to rest it well, even though Hermione knew that he would do no such thing. He had been itching to be out from under Madam Pomfrey's watchful gaze ever since he had first woken up and found that his shoulder was back to normal.
Remus had also been instructed to rest his arm, which was still wrapped from wrist to shoulder in bright white bandages, wound tightly around his frail arm. Hermione knew that Remus would take heed to her advice, she could see that every time Remus moved his arm that he was in excruciating pain, the magic from the spell still not fully dispelled from his body.
Snape however was another matter, he would never get better no matter how much he rested his leg, he now relied on a slim black cane made from highly polished wood to lean on as he walked. Even though he was going to be left with a severe limp for the rest of his life he didn't seem to be to upset about it, in fact he looked more menacing than ever limping up the corridors his sharp cane beating the floor and his lank hair tied back behind his ears, a permanent scowl in place, making the pain he tried so hard to hide clearly evident to Hermione.
She thought of how lucky all three men were, at least they were still alive, it could've easily been another story. She was walking down to the Care of Magical creatures class with Ron at her side, he hadn't seemed to notice that she hadn't said a word all the way down to Hagrids hut, either that or he knew better by now than to interrupt her whilst she was thinking. She hooked her arm under Ron's and smiled sweetly up at him as they drew closer to Hagrids hut. She was so lucky to have a boyfriend like Ron who understood when she spent ages deep in thought, content with her own company, and then also understood when she needed to be held and feel loved. With the war looming ever closer, she wondered if her and Ron would make it through alive, whether they really would get to start a Weasley sized family together and she prayed that they would.
They walked closer to the hut and saw a tall, thin boy with messy black hair and glasses leaning against the fence of the pumpkin patch, that was now empty, talking to Hagrid. Harry was wearing the first real smile that Hermione had seen for ages and she was pleased that he was no longer dwelling on memories of Ginny all day long. Looking up at Ron's face and she could see how badly he wanted to talk to Harry, they had both been miserable since the day of the fight and it frustrated Hermione to think that the only reason they hadn't started speaking again was that they were both too stubborn to apologise to the other.
The ret of the class arrived and Hagrid started his lesson, with more than his usual amount of enthusiasm. Harry was pleased to note that a lot of people were starting to look very afraid; usually when Hagrid was so excited it meant that there was a highly dangerous lesson in store for them all. Harry knew exactly what they were going to be studying that lesson and had to resist the urge to laugh when Hagrid started to describe the creatures to them.
"Now these creatures are very, very rare, I had a hard time finding any at all for the lesson, but I have managed to find two for today's lesson.'' Hagrid stated, smiling widely. The class started to draw away from the beaming man as though he had hidden whatever it was that was so rare in one of the pockets of his giant overcoat.
Harry looked across at Hermione and saw that he too was starting to look worried although she hadn't yet taken a step backwards, they had always made a point to try and support Hagrid in all his lessons no matter how much they wanted to turn and run with the rest of the class.
"Today we will be studying wood Nymphs.'' Hagrid said stepping aside a beckoning two beautiful women forward. "This is Celia and Felicity.'' Hagrid said pointing to each woman in turn.''
They were very beautiful and delicate looking. Their skin was pale and as fresh as the morning dew. Their hair seemed to have a life of its own and waved around their shoulders as though they were floating under water.
"Can anyone tell me anything about wood nymphs?'' Hagrid asked, smiling at the two women who nodded their heads graciously. As usual Hermione's hand shot straight into the air but there was another hand accompanying hers. Harry had tentatively reached his hand into the air, but when Hagrid asked him to speak, he spoke clearly and confidently.
"Wood Nymphs are otherwise known as Dryads, they are gentle and good and are always women. Their lives are linked with the life of the tree that they were born in. Therefore they live very long lives but they never age visibly.'' Harry stated clearly and saw Hermione look at him and smile, clearly pleased that Harry had been studying.
"Well done Harry, ten points to Gryffindor.'' Hagrid said beaming at Harry proudly. "Now for the rest of the lesson Celia and Felicity will answer any questions that you have, and I want you to all research the different types of Nymphs ready for next lesson.'' Hagrid said with an authority that he had not possessed toward the beginning of his teaching career. Harry smiled up at the man, who had become one of his closest friends and resolved to do his homework as soon as he had finished his dinner that night.
At the end of the lesson most of the class had already started to head back up to the castle ready for their dinner in the Great Hall and a night of homework. Ron and Hermione had just started to walk of when Hagrid called Ron back.
"Go on Hermione, I'll meet you in our room later.'' Ron said, as Hermione stopped to wait for him. So she turned and started to walk towards the greenhouses to meet Ginny so that she could go to dinner with her and Colin, Harry had already disappeared.
She met Ginny and started to walk up towards the castle slowly talking as they went, they walked past the lake and saw a solitary figure sitting at the waters edge, surrounded in a bright orange glow. Ginny looked down and even across the distance there was no mistaking him. Harry sat alone by the lake, his black hair falling over his face as he stared into the water thoughtfully. Ginny sighed heavily and dragged her eyes away from him and back up to Hermione's face. She was looking at her with a mixture of pity and something else, something that Ginny couldn't quite place.
"You still love him don't you?'' Hermione asked, already knowing the answer.
"Is it that obvious?'' Ginny sighed, smiling slightly.
"Yes!''
"I can't help it I've tried so hard to get over him but its different with Harry. It's like we were meant to be. My mother says that I'll get over him soon. But I'm in love Hermione, I can't forget that I know I'm only young but it's the way I feel. It's stupid isn't it?'' Ginny said sadly, a lone tear rolling down her pale cheek.
"It's not stupid at all.'' Hermione replied on the verge of tears herself.
"Did you know he tried to kiss me?'' Ginny asked suddenly.
"No, when?''
"When Sirius and Remus went to rescue Snape. He must've just wanted cheering up or something.'' Ginny shrugged, staring down at the floor.
"I'm sure that wasn't the reason.'' Hermione stated confidently, knowing that Harry still deeply cared for Ginny more than he had loved anyone in his whole life. "What did you do?''
"I told him no and that breaking up with him was hard enough the first time around, I couldn't do it a second time around.'' Ginny sighed, looking back down to the lake at Harry's slouched form, watching the wind whip his hair around his face and his robes blowing in the breeze. "Do you know how hard I've tried to hate him? I just can't do it, I love Hermione and it hurt to know that he never felt the same but I can't bring myself to hater him, after all he's done I still love him.''
"Oh Gin, I didn't know you still felt so bad, I thought you and Colin were getting on really well.'' Hermione added, hinting for the extra information that she needed.
"Me and Colin are just friends.'' Ginny said, laughing half-heartedly at Hermione' mistake. "That's all we ever will be.''
"Listen how about I ditch Ron and we'll have a girly night tonight?'' Hermione suggested hopefully, knowing that Ginny needed lots of cheering up.
"That sounds really great but I'm really tired I just want an early night.'' Ginny replied, smiling apologetically at Hermione who nodded.
"Gin you have to come and help me quickly.'' Colin shouted as he ran over to where Ginny and Hermione had stopped. "My potions essay has to be in by after dinner and I have only just started please help me.'' He pleaded desperately, earning himself several disapproving looks from Hermione for leaving his homework so late.
"Oh alright, but you owe me. Do you mind Hermione? What'll you do now?'' Ginny asked.
"No I don't mind, I'll just go and talk to Harry.''
"Alright, promise me you won't tell him what I've just told you.'' Ginny warned.
"But Ginny if he only knew how much this was hurting you then….''
"No Hermione.'' Ginny interrupted sternly. "I don't want him feeling sorry for me. Promise me.'' Ginny said in a tone that left no room for argument.
"Alright I promise.'' Hermione agreed reluctantly, and she watched as Ginny and Colin rushed towards the castle to finish the essay before Snape could take any more points of Gryffindor. Having his life saved by two Gryffindors did nothing to place them more in his favour.
As soon as Ginny and Colin had entered the castle, Hermione turned and made her way down to the lake, to talk with Harry, he looked so small and vulnerable sitting on the edge of the massive lake, orange light illuminating his face. The grey, cloud-covered sky rolling all around him. Silently she sat down on the damp grass beside him and surveyed his profile, his brows were knitted together in deep concentration and he was staring at a small fire on the ground in front of him.
He muttered the spell that they had learnt a few weeks ago in Care of Magical creatures and from the small fire came the small golden figure of a woman, her bright shining hair spilled down her back and she tilted her head to the side and smiled up at Harry.
"Did you know that their size depends on the size of the fire?'' Harry asked, not looking away from the woman before him. "And that if you concentrate really hard then you can make your fire spirit specific to you and the same will appear every time you summon it?''
"Yes I read it in a book I found in the library. I'm really impressed Harry. You're really taking your subjects very seriously, what with doing all the extra research as well as the class work. I'm proud of you.'' Hermione gushed happily; pleased that finally she was finally having luck with at least one them.
"Well it's not as if I have anything else to do.'' Harry sighed sadly. He had lost his girlfriend and his best friend, and he hardly ever got to speak to Hermione anymore. But at least he still had Sirius and Remus. "Isn't she amazing.'' Harry said, his eyes still not moving from the tiny woman standing before him. "She reminds me so much of Ginny, her beautiful hair, her perfect skin and wonderful smile. God I miss her.'' Harry said, finally looking up into Hermione's eyes and she saw that they were bloodshot and dark shadows circled them.
"Harry you look awful, have you been crying?'' Hermione asked concerned for his health, she had never seen him look so bad.
"I don't cry anymore.'' Harry answered, hiss voice was empty of emotion but she could see his fists clench at his side as though it was taking every effort to stop himself from crying. "Crying doesn't help, it doesn't bring back the things you've lost, it's useless.''
"Have you been sleeping?'' Hermione asked again, her voice gentle and she wrapped her arm around Harry's shoulder.
"Not much, it's so hard without her beside me. I haven't had a proper night's sleep since we split up.'' Harry admitted as he rested his head on Hermione's shoulder glad that she knew how to make him feel better. "Ron's lucky to have you.'' He said hoarsely looking up at Hermione sadly, wishing that he still had Ginny.
"I know he is.'' She replied jokingly. "Come on lets go and have some dinner, I'm starving.'' Hermione said pulling him up to his feet, watching as he sadly extinguished the small fire and watched the tiny woman disappear.
"Bye angel.'' He whispered softly. He looked back up at Hermione who smiled sadly at him.
"Oh my God Harry your eyes!'' Hermione exclaimed. "They're…they're yellow.''
"What? Oh yeah they've started changing quite regularly now.'' Harry replied as though he wasn't bothered at all.
"But why?'' Hermione asked, confused and worried that Harry wasn't taking it a little more seriously.
"I've started practising to become an Animagi.'' Harry stated simply. "I don't know what I'll become yet but until I have learnt to control my powers better, my features will change irregularly and spontaneously.'' He explained coolly.
"Oh, you've started changing already.'' Hermione said sounding disappointed. "Nothing's happened with me yet and Ron hasn't even started practising.''
"It'll happen soon, I'm just glad I haven't started sprouting fur or something.'' Harry said smiling slightly and started walking up to the castle with Hermione at his side, talking very quickly about what animal she hoped to become.
"It all depends on the wizard of course, but I hope I'm not a rat or anything. I can't wait until I start to change. I can't believe you've started that's so cool, and you've got yellow eyes. Oh no they're back to green again now. I wonder what you'll be.'' Harry just smiled and nodded, letting Hermione carry on with her rant. Happy that somethings never change.
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Ginny threw herself down onto her bed and welcomed the soft embrace of it. Double potions was not her best subject, even when the teacher had a severe limp he still managed to terrify Ginny out of her senses. Her potion had probably only just scraped an A, even though she had worked very hard on it. But she didn't care about any of the now, she quickly slipped out of her clothes and threw on an old pair of pyjamas and crawled into bed, thinking that an early night was just what she needed.
Sleep came easily to her that night, much easier than most nights when she would toss and turn for hours; desperately seeking someone that she knew wasn't there.
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The world all around her had changed, it was as though she were walking on clouds. Ginny looked around and saw that she was standing on a blue swirling mist, that seemed to glitter and shine with the light of a thousand stars. All around her the air was thick with magic and light. She could hear a faint voice calling out to her, and started to walk towards it, treading carefully across the mist.
"Ginny, Ginny this way my love.'' The voice called out to her. "Ginny my angel, find me.'' It was Harry, his voice echoed in the glittering mist that had swirled up around her, blocking her vision. But she followed the voice, the voice of the man that she loved.
"I'm coming Harry, hold on.'' She called back, reaching her hands out in front of her, feeling her way through the magical mist that shrouded her like a veil. She wandered through the mist for what felt like hours, all the time the voice calling her on desperately.
"I can't Harry, I can't find you.'' She called hysterically, getting desperate. Thinking that she would be lost in the mist forever.
"I'm right here angel. Come to me.'' Harry called, his voice was closer now and she felt someone come up behind her and wrap their arms lovingly around her waist and kiss her neck softly. She turned around in hi arm and looked up into his brilliant green eyes.
"Harry.'' Ginny whispered, hardly daring to believe it. He pulled her hand out towards his and placed s broken stone into her hand, it looked to be like one half of a circle. It was made of a transparent blue glass that felt warm in Ginny's hand. "What's this Harry?'' She whispered softly, holding the stone tight to her chest.
"It's a soul stone, every wizard and witch in the world has one, and each stone has a matching half, one that fits perfectly with yours. Each stone only has one that fits perfectly, others may come close but only one is the perfect makes it the perfect pair.'' Harry replied his voice sounded raw and emotional. "Hold yours out.''
Ginny held out her stone and watched breathlessly as Harry pulled a stone out from his pocket and placed it next to Ginny's. They fit perfectly together, and as soon as the stones touched a blinding white light filled the air and the stone started to glow with heat. Ginny felt whole and complete, like she had needed the other stone to complete her. They pulled their stones apart and the light faded. Ginny could see that Harry was looking at her, in the way that only he could look at her.
She moved closer to him and leaned closer to kiss him but he had vanished and in his place was only the swirling blue mist. She called out to him, desperately but no one answered. He was gone.
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Ginny sat up in bed, a thin sheen of sweat lining her face; he looked around her room and everything was the same. It had only been a dream. But it had felt so real; she could still feel her skin tingling from where Harry had kissed her. She lay back onto her pillow and sighed. That was going to be the closest she got to Harry. She felt her hand clench around something and she brought her clenched fist closer to her and aw that till in her palm was her soul stone, it was still warm.
Across the castle, Harry Potter woke up; his heart beating hard against his ribs threatening to break out the dream had been so real. Ginny had been there, he had kissed her. He had smelt her beautiful hair and held her in his arms. He looked down into his hand and saw that a glassy blue stone lay there, still warm and glowing slightly. He clutched the stone to his heart and smiled. Maybe there was still hope for them.
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(A.N Thanks to everybody who reviewed the last chapter, your support means so much to me.
By the way "Get Ginny and Harry back together'' doesn't really qualify as a review. Only joking but please, you really will have to wait, there's going to be a bit more angst before the fluff sorry to disappoint. Hope you enjoy this chapter, which I think was fluffier than the previous few. Please review and don't ask about Harry and Ginny coz they won't be getting together now.
And when I say that I mean now as in this moment not ever. All I can say is if you like Harry and Ginny you're gonna love the sequel.)
SOUL MATES?
The three badly injured men toppled out onto the cool, clean stone floor of the Hospital wing. The reassuring smell of antiseptic assaulting their noses and the sight of cool crisp linen welcoming them home. For a moment they just sat there, unable to move or make a sound. The thrill of the night had worn of and the adrenaline had slowly ebbed away, leaving them with an unrelenting exhaustion.
Snape slowly tried to get to his feet, he was pale and drained, flooing had obviously taken a lot of his little strength away. His hand was shaking precariously as he reached out for the mantelpiece to help him up. Tentatively he tried his weight on his injured leg. The pain cursed through him once again, bringing back long torturous hours spent in the Dark Lords acquaintance. He fell back to the floor and cursed loudly.
Sirius sat back against the cool stone, wall, the coldness comforting against the red-hot agony of his shoulder. He watched as Snape struggled to stand, but he could do nothing to help, he wanted to pass out and not be able to feel the pain or have the fight the wave of exhaustion covering his whole body like a blanket of sleep. He looked across wearily at his best friend who was sitting hunched up against the wall, cradling his arm carefully, watching in horror as the blood continued to spill out of it.
Remus was trying to think of a spell that would sufficiently stop the blood flow, but his mind was blank. All that he could hear were Snapes whimpers of pain as he tried to stand.
"Sit down Snape.'' Sirius barked agitatedly, glowering at Snape. "What are you going to do when you do get up? Run for help?'' Sirius asked sarcastically.
Snape shot a look of daggers at Sirius but did not retort he knew that he owed both men with his life. But that didn't mean he had to like them, he just had to be grateful. He sank back down to the floor and stared moodily at the wall in front of him, watching it blur in and out of focus as his eyes filled with tears that he would never shed, not in front of the two men he had hated so passionately once.
"Where's Poppy anyway?'' Sirius growled throatily, wincing as he moved, touching his shoulder into the wall. "She's usually out here like a shot if someone so much as sets foot in here.''
Lupin heard Sirius, but he couldn't summon up the energy to answer him, he leant his head back against the wall and stared up against the ceiling. He knew that Poppy had been taking care of the Hogsmeade evacuees all day. That day had seemed like a lifetime ago, yet it had only been that very morning. He looked down at his arm and shuddered. It had been ripped entirely from shoulder to wrist and was bleeding profusely, never stopping. He must've lost about half the blood in his body now; if somebody didn't do something soon he wouldn't make it through the night. But he didn't have the energy to answer Sirius, who was now sweating with the effort it took him just to move around to face him.
He felt his arm tingling painfully; it felt as though there were hundreds of tiny insects crawling under his skin, biting him with sharp needle like teeth. He ignored it at first but the pain started getting worse. He looked down at his arm and to his horror he saw that the mangled flesh around the cut was glowing blue. There was still residue from the spell residing in his skin, the pain was becoming unbearable and Remus let out an ear piercing scream, waking the several occupants of the portraits and probably everyone else in Hogwarts.
"What's the matter?'' Sirius asked as Remus' screams subdued, although the man was still panting heavily, wincing in pain and cradling his arm protectively. As though by holding it tighter would stop the pain that was raging through it.
Remus held out his arm as an answer and Sirius eyes widened as he saw the shining blue skin around the cut pulling apart further, tearing Remus's skin before his very eyes. "Those bastards.'' Sirius shouted angrily.
"Oh good grief you're back, all of you.'' Madam Pomfrey gushed as she burst into the Hospital wing, and surveyed her newest patients through well-trained eyes. "Good gracious me, look at the state of you all." She muttered as she set lighting the hospital wing with a flick of her wand.
"Remus can you stand?'' Madam Pomfrey asked, as she surveyed them to see who needed the most urgent help, her expert eyes rested on his blue skin and her decision was made.
He just shook his head, and in the next instant was levitated onto the nearest bed, the scent of clean sheets reaching him through is pain. He was forced to drink three blood replenishing potions and he instantly felt the colour rush back into his cheeks, even though blood was still pouring from the cut on his arm, staining the spotless sheets scarlet. He was relieved to discover that the pain had stopped and the colour of his skin had returned to normal.
Snape was levitated onto a bed opposite Remus, and a proper splint was conjured onto his leg, securing it in place, while Madam Pomfrey helped Sirius into a bed. She worked tirelessly through the night ensuring that they were all healed to the best of her ability and by the morning all three were looking and feeling a lot better.
Sirius was the first to wake up, he desperately tried to stay asleep, but it was slipping away from him fast. He opened his eyes and looked around disorientated, suddenly remembering everything from the previous night. He gently sat up in his bed, squinting against the stark brightness of the Hospital wing. He reached up and felt his shoulder tentatively hoping for the best. Last night had been incredibly painful. Madam Pomfrey had, had to sterilise the wound, banish all the shattered bone from his shoulder, heal the skin, then he had spent the night painfully re-growing his shoulder.
But now, the mangled mess of the night before had gone and in its place was the smooth pale shoulder that had been there when he had set out to Hogsmeade. He turned and looked over at his sleeping friend who lay silently in the bed beside him. Remus hadn't been so lucky. Madam Pomfrey had just about managed to stop the cut from bleeding permanently but it had taken her the best part of two hours, but there was no spell that would close the wound, it had to be left to heal the Muggle way.
Remus now lay sleeping with his arm, bandaged from wrist to shoulder in tight bandages that had been magically sterilised. He would have to wear those until the wound had fully healed and even then he would be left with a scar for life.
Sirius heard someone muttering in the bed across the room and saw Snape roll onto his side, his mouth hanging open as he slept on. Snape had suffered the worst out of them all, aside from the mental damage that hours of torture had caused him, he would also be left with a permanent limp in his leg. Sirius recalled the way Madam Pomfrey had looked when she had told Snape this the night before, she seemed sorry that she couldn't help and explained that if Snape hadn't run on the leg when was already broken then it would've been easily repairable, but the damage was beyond her control and he would have a limp in that leg for the rest of his life. Snape had tried to stay strong when she told him this but Sirius could see he was crushed, and as much as he hated Snape he felt sorry for the man before him. They were the same age, and yet Snape was going to have to walk with a limp for the rest of his life, Death Eaters haunted him, and Voldemort wanted him dead. But Snape let none of this affected him outwardly and he replied valiantly "Well if I hadn't run I'd be dead now, so I'd rather the limp.''
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Later that day, when all three men were properly awake and had a decent meal inside them the people who had been anxiously and impatiently waiting all day to see them were finally allowed to enter the Hospital wing and see them. Harry burst into the room first and ran over to the bed were Sirius lay grinning wickedly, he was fine now and starting to get restless in the Hospital; wing with Madam Pomfrey watching over him all the time.
Harry threw his arms around his godfather's neck and hugged him tightly; he pulled away quickly when Sirius shouted out in pain.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry I forgot.'' Harry said backing away.
"It's alright, I was only joking.'' Sirius replied smiling happily as Harry rushed towards him again, hitting his arm before hugging him again.
"I'm so glad you're alright.'' Harry said, unable to get annoyed with his godfather when he had come so close to losing him.
"I'm glad too Harry.'' Sirius said as he hugged his godson, smiling at Destiny over his shoulder, as she sat down at the end of his bed. She smiled happily up at Sirius and let Harry have the time with Sirius, he needed it more than her, besides she would have him all to herself soon enough. She looked thoughtfully up at the pair, and was once again struck how like James Harry actually was. If she squinted she could actually see Sirius and James standing before her. She reached her hand out and placed it on Sirius leg and stroked it.
Remus smiled as Tonks walked over to his bed, tripping over one of the large flagstones on the floor, giggling as she saw Remus roll his eyes. "Typical.'' He said quietly as she walked over to his bed and kissed him softly.
"I'll go if you want.'' Tonks said arching an eyebrow questioningly.
"You know I don't want you to leave.'' Remus said, grabbing her hand with his one arm and pulling her down to sit on the bed next to him. He kissed her softly again.
"God Remus I'm so glad you're back.'' She whispered into his ear. "I was so afraid.''
"I was afraid too, but I'm back and I'm alright.'' He answered quietly, grasping her hands in one of his own.
Dumbledore stood in the doorway surveying the scene before him with a smile on his face, he turned away from the reunited couples and Harry, to look at the man in the bed opposite, his eyes were closed tightly, as though he were trying to block out the sounds from the room. Dumbledore sighed sadly, he knew that Severus was really awake and that he was pretending to be asleep so he wouldn't have to face up to the fact that no one had come to see him. He walked over to the bed and stood over Snape silently, taking in his sallow skin and dark hair that Madam Pomfrey had pulled away from his face. He had become old before his time, the lines around his eyes proved this yet when Dumbledore looked at him he could still see the same boy he had seen when Severus had first came to Hogwarts, so eager and determined to prove himself. 'Well you've certainly proved yourself now Severus' Dumbledore thought to himself, smiling down at the man who lay silently in front of him.
"I'm proud of you Severus.'' Dumbledore said before he turned away.
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A week later and the three men were finally allowed out of the Hospital Wing, Sirius with his arm in a sling and instructions to rest it well, even though Hermione knew that he would do no such thing. He had been itching to be out from under Madam Pomfrey's watchful gaze ever since he had first woken up and found that his shoulder was back to normal.
Remus had also been instructed to rest his arm, which was still wrapped from wrist to shoulder in bright white bandages, wound tightly around his frail arm. Hermione knew that Remus would take heed to her advice, she could see that every time Remus moved his arm that he was in excruciating pain, the magic from the spell still not fully dispelled from his body.
Snape however was another matter, he would never get better no matter how much he rested his leg, he now relied on a slim black cane made from highly polished wood to lean on as he walked. Even though he was going to be left with a severe limp for the rest of his life he didn't seem to be to upset about it, in fact he looked more menacing than ever limping up the corridors his sharp cane beating the floor and his lank hair tied back behind his ears, a permanent scowl in place, making the pain he tried so hard to hide clearly evident to Hermione.
She thought of how lucky all three men were, at least they were still alive, it could've easily been another story. She was walking down to the Care of Magical creatures class with Ron at her side, he hadn't seemed to notice that she hadn't said a word all the way down to Hagrids hut, either that or he knew better by now than to interrupt her whilst she was thinking. She hooked her arm under Ron's and smiled sweetly up at him as they drew closer to Hagrids hut. She was so lucky to have a boyfriend like Ron who understood when she spent ages deep in thought, content with her own company, and then also understood when she needed to be held and feel loved. With the war looming ever closer, she wondered if her and Ron would make it through alive, whether they really would get to start a Weasley sized family together and she prayed that they would.
They walked closer to the hut and saw a tall, thin boy with messy black hair and glasses leaning against the fence of the pumpkin patch, that was now empty, talking to Hagrid. Harry was wearing the first real smile that Hermione had seen for ages and she was pleased that he was no longer dwelling on memories of Ginny all day long. Looking up at Ron's face and she could see how badly he wanted to talk to Harry, they had both been miserable since the day of the fight and it frustrated Hermione to think that the only reason they hadn't started speaking again was that they were both too stubborn to apologise to the other.
The ret of the class arrived and Hagrid started his lesson, with more than his usual amount of enthusiasm. Harry was pleased to note that a lot of people were starting to look very afraid; usually when Hagrid was so excited it meant that there was a highly dangerous lesson in store for them all. Harry knew exactly what they were going to be studying that lesson and had to resist the urge to laugh when Hagrid started to describe the creatures to them.
"Now these creatures are very, very rare, I had a hard time finding any at all for the lesson, but I have managed to find two for today's lesson.'' Hagrid stated, smiling widely. The class started to draw away from the beaming man as though he had hidden whatever it was that was so rare in one of the pockets of his giant overcoat.
Harry looked across at Hermione and saw that he too was starting to look worried although she hadn't yet taken a step backwards, they had always made a point to try and support Hagrid in all his lessons no matter how much they wanted to turn and run with the rest of the class.
"Today we will be studying wood Nymphs.'' Hagrid said stepping aside a beckoning two beautiful women forward. "This is Celia and Felicity.'' Hagrid said pointing to each woman in turn.''
They were very beautiful and delicate looking. Their skin was pale and as fresh as the morning dew. Their hair seemed to have a life of its own and waved around their shoulders as though they were floating under water.
"Can anyone tell me anything about wood nymphs?'' Hagrid asked, smiling at the two women who nodded their heads graciously. As usual Hermione's hand shot straight into the air but there was another hand accompanying hers. Harry had tentatively reached his hand into the air, but when Hagrid asked him to speak, he spoke clearly and confidently.
"Wood Nymphs are otherwise known as Dryads, they are gentle and good and are always women. Their lives are linked with the life of the tree that they were born in. Therefore they live very long lives but they never age visibly.'' Harry stated clearly and saw Hermione look at him and smile, clearly pleased that Harry had been studying.
"Well done Harry, ten points to Gryffindor.'' Hagrid said beaming at Harry proudly. "Now for the rest of the lesson Celia and Felicity will answer any questions that you have, and I want you to all research the different types of Nymphs ready for next lesson.'' Hagrid said with an authority that he had not possessed toward the beginning of his teaching career. Harry smiled up at the man, who had become one of his closest friends and resolved to do his homework as soon as he had finished his dinner that night.
At the end of the lesson most of the class had already started to head back up to the castle ready for their dinner in the Great Hall and a night of homework. Ron and Hermione had just started to walk of when Hagrid called Ron back.
"Go on Hermione, I'll meet you in our room later.'' Ron said, as Hermione stopped to wait for him. So she turned and started to walk towards the greenhouses to meet Ginny so that she could go to dinner with her and Colin, Harry had already disappeared.
She met Ginny and started to walk up towards the castle slowly talking as they went, they walked past the lake and saw a solitary figure sitting at the waters edge, surrounded in a bright orange glow. Ginny looked down and even across the distance there was no mistaking him. Harry sat alone by the lake, his black hair falling over his face as he stared into the water thoughtfully. Ginny sighed heavily and dragged her eyes away from him and back up to Hermione's face. She was looking at her with a mixture of pity and something else, something that Ginny couldn't quite place.
"You still love him don't you?'' Hermione asked, already knowing the answer.
"Is it that obvious?'' Ginny sighed, smiling slightly.
"Yes!''
"I can't help it I've tried so hard to get over him but its different with Harry. It's like we were meant to be. My mother says that I'll get over him soon. But I'm in love Hermione, I can't forget that I know I'm only young but it's the way I feel. It's stupid isn't it?'' Ginny said sadly, a lone tear rolling down her pale cheek.
"It's not stupid at all.'' Hermione replied on the verge of tears herself.
"Did you know he tried to kiss me?'' Ginny asked suddenly.
"No, when?''
"When Sirius and Remus went to rescue Snape. He must've just wanted cheering up or something.'' Ginny shrugged, staring down at the floor.
"I'm sure that wasn't the reason.'' Hermione stated confidently, knowing that Harry still deeply cared for Ginny more than he had loved anyone in his whole life. "What did you do?''
"I told him no and that breaking up with him was hard enough the first time around, I couldn't do it a second time around.'' Ginny sighed, looking back down to the lake at Harry's slouched form, watching the wind whip his hair around his face and his robes blowing in the breeze. "Do you know how hard I've tried to hate him? I just can't do it, I love Hermione and it hurt to know that he never felt the same but I can't bring myself to hater him, after all he's done I still love him.''
"Oh Gin, I didn't know you still felt so bad, I thought you and Colin were getting on really well.'' Hermione added, hinting for the extra information that she needed.
"Me and Colin are just friends.'' Ginny said, laughing half-heartedly at Hermione' mistake. "That's all we ever will be.''
"Listen how about I ditch Ron and we'll have a girly night tonight?'' Hermione suggested hopefully, knowing that Ginny needed lots of cheering up.
"That sounds really great but I'm really tired I just want an early night.'' Ginny replied, smiling apologetically at Hermione who nodded.
"Gin you have to come and help me quickly.'' Colin shouted as he ran over to where Ginny and Hermione had stopped. "My potions essay has to be in by after dinner and I have only just started please help me.'' He pleaded desperately, earning himself several disapproving looks from Hermione for leaving his homework so late.
"Oh alright, but you owe me. Do you mind Hermione? What'll you do now?'' Ginny asked.
"No I don't mind, I'll just go and talk to Harry.''
"Alright, promise me you won't tell him what I've just told you.'' Ginny warned.
"But Ginny if he only knew how much this was hurting you then….''
"No Hermione.'' Ginny interrupted sternly. "I don't want him feeling sorry for me. Promise me.'' Ginny said in a tone that left no room for argument.
"Alright I promise.'' Hermione agreed reluctantly, and she watched as Ginny and Colin rushed towards the castle to finish the essay before Snape could take any more points of Gryffindor. Having his life saved by two Gryffindors did nothing to place them more in his favour.
As soon as Ginny and Colin had entered the castle, Hermione turned and made her way down to the lake, to talk with Harry, he looked so small and vulnerable sitting on the edge of the massive lake, orange light illuminating his face. The grey, cloud-covered sky rolling all around him. Silently she sat down on the damp grass beside him and surveyed his profile, his brows were knitted together in deep concentration and he was staring at a small fire on the ground in front of him.
He muttered the spell that they had learnt a few weeks ago in Care of Magical creatures and from the small fire came the small golden figure of a woman, her bright shining hair spilled down her back and she tilted her head to the side and smiled up at Harry.
"Did you know that their size depends on the size of the fire?'' Harry asked, not looking away from the woman before him. "And that if you concentrate really hard then you can make your fire spirit specific to you and the same will appear every time you summon it?''
"Yes I read it in a book I found in the library. I'm really impressed Harry. You're really taking your subjects very seriously, what with doing all the extra research as well as the class work. I'm proud of you.'' Hermione gushed happily; pleased that finally she was finally having luck with at least one them.
"Well it's not as if I have anything else to do.'' Harry sighed sadly. He had lost his girlfriend and his best friend, and he hardly ever got to speak to Hermione anymore. But at least he still had Sirius and Remus. "Isn't she amazing.'' Harry said, his eyes still not moving from the tiny woman standing before him. "She reminds me so much of Ginny, her beautiful hair, her perfect skin and wonderful smile. God I miss her.'' Harry said, finally looking up into Hermione's eyes and she saw that they were bloodshot and dark shadows circled them.
"Harry you look awful, have you been crying?'' Hermione asked concerned for his health, she had never seen him look so bad.
"I don't cry anymore.'' Harry answered, hiss voice was empty of emotion but she could see his fists clench at his side as though it was taking every effort to stop himself from crying. "Crying doesn't help, it doesn't bring back the things you've lost, it's useless.''
"Have you been sleeping?'' Hermione asked again, her voice gentle and she wrapped her arm around Harry's shoulder.
"Not much, it's so hard without her beside me. I haven't had a proper night's sleep since we split up.'' Harry admitted as he rested his head on Hermione's shoulder glad that she knew how to make him feel better. "Ron's lucky to have you.'' He said hoarsely looking up at Hermione sadly, wishing that he still had Ginny.
"I know he is.'' She replied jokingly. "Come on lets go and have some dinner, I'm starving.'' Hermione said pulling him up to his feet, watching as he sadly extinguished the small fire and watched the tiny woman disappear.
"Bye angel.'' He whispered softly. He looked back up at Hermione who smiled sadly at him.
"Oh my God Harry your eyes!'' Hermione exclaimed. "They're…they're yellow.''
"What? Oh yeah they've started changing quite regularly now.'' Harry replied as though he wasn't bothered at all.
"But why?'' Hermione asked, confused and worried that Harry wasn't taking it a little more seriously.
"I've started practising to become an Animagi.'' Harry stated simply. "I don't know what I'll become yet but until I have learnt to control my powers better, my features will change irregularly and spontaneously.'' He explained coolly.
"Oh, you've started changing already.'' Hermione said sounding disappointed. "Nothing's happened with me yet and Ron hasn't even started practising.''
"It'll happen soon, I'm just glad I haven't started sprouting fur or something.'' Harry said smiling slightly and started walking up to the castle with Hermione at his side, talking very quickly about what animal she hoped to become.
"It all depends on the wizard of course, but I hope I'm not a rat or anything. I can't wait until I start to change. I can't believe you've started that's so cool, and you've got yellow eyes. Oh no they're back to green again now. I wonder what you'll be.'' Harry just smiled and nodded, letting Hermione carry on with her rant. Happy that somethings never change.
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Ginny threw herself down onto her bed and welcomed the soft embrace of it. Double potions was not her best subject, even when the teacher had a severe limp he still managed to terrify Ginny out of her senses. Her potion had probably only just scraped an A, even though she had worked very hard on it. But she didn't care about any of the now, she quickly slipped out of her clothes and threw on an old pair of pyjamas and crawled into bed, thinking that an early night was just what she needed.
Sleep came easily to her that night, much easier than most nights when she would toss and turn for hours; desperately seeking someone that she knew wasn't there.
^*^
The world all around her had changed, it was as though she were walking on clouds. Ginny looked around and saw that she was standing on a blue swirling mist, that seemed to glitter and shine with the light of a thousand stars. All around her the air was thick with magic and light. She could hear a faint voice calling out to her, and started to walk towards it, treading carefully across the mist.
"Ginny, Ginny this way my love.'' The voice called out to her. "Ginny my angel, find me.'' It was Harry, his voice echoed in the glittering mist that had swirled up around her, blocking her vision. But she followed the voice, the voice of the man that she loved.
"I'm coming Harry, hold on.'' She called back, reaching her hands out in front of her, feeling her way through the magical mist that shrouded her like a veil. She wandered through the mist for what felt like hours, all the time the voice calling her on desperately.
"I can't Harry, I can't find you.'' She called hysterically, getting desperate. Thinking that she would be lost in the mist forever.
"I'm right here angel. Come to me.'' Harry called, his voice was closer now and she felt someone come up behind her and wrap their arms lovingly around her waist and kiss her neck softly. She turned around in hi arm and looked up into his brilliant green eyes.
"Harry.'' Ginny whispered, hardly daring to believe it. He pulled her hand out towards his and placed s broken stone into her hand, it looked to be like one half of a circle. It was made of a transparent blue glass that felt warm in Ginny's hand. "What's this Harry?'' She whispered softly, holding the stone tight to her chest.
"It's a soul stone, every wizard and witch in the world has one, and each stone has a matching half, one that fits perfectly with yours. Each stone only has one that fits perfectly, others may come close but only one is the perfect makes it the perfect pair.'' Harry replied his voice sounded raw and emotional. "Hold yours out.''
Ginny held out her stone and watched breathlessly as Harry pulled a stone out from his pocket and placed it next to Ginny's. They fit perfectly together, and as soon as the stones touched a blinding white light filled the air and the stone started to glow with heat. Ginny felt whole and complete, like she had needed the other stone to complete her. They pulled their stones apart and the light faded. Ginny could see that Harry was looking at her, in the way that only he could look at her.
She moved closer to him and leaned closer to kiss him but he had vanished and in his place was only the swirling blue mist. She called out to him, desperately but no one answered. He was gone.
^*^
Ginny sat up in bed, a thin sheen of sweat lining her face; he looked around her room and everything was the same. It had only been a dream. But it had felt so real; she could still feel her skin tingling from where Harry had kissed her. She lay back onto her pillow and sighed. That was going to be the closest she got to Harry. She felt her hand clench around something and she brought her clenched fist closer to her and aw that till in her palm was her soul stone, it was still warm.
Across the castle, Harry Potter woke up; his heart beating hard against his ribs threatening to break out the dream had been so real. Ginny had been there, he had kissed her. He had smelt her beautiful hair and held her in his arms. He looked down into his hand and saw that a glassy blue stone lay there, still warm and glowing slightly. He clutched the stone to his heart and smiled. Maybe there was still hope for them.
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(A.N Thanks to everybody who reviewed the last chapter, your support means so much to me.
By the way "Get Ginny and Harry back together'' doesn't really qualify as a review. Only joking but please, you really will have to wait, there's going to be a bit more angst before the fluff sorry to disappoint. Hope you enjoy this chapter, which I think was fluffier than the previous few. Please review and don't ask about Harry and Ginny coz they won't be getting together now.
And when I say that I mean now as in this moment not ever. All I can say is if you like Harry and Ginny you're gonna love the sequel.)