Harry Potter and the Fight of the Shadows
Chapter 1
The Shadow
A cold chill ran through East Texas, for a while a dark shadow had covered their town. No one knew how or why, all hope had abandoned this town, such a warm old town setting it had been… with little crime or criminal problems. Since then, however, all warmness had vanished. The sun seemed to always hesitate rising over this town, an impenetrable darkness hung over it. Many wondered, had this been caused by financial hardship that had overcome them recently? None knew… A cloaked man stood at the end of the street, he seemed to be waiting, his cloak of white contrasted against the towns dark ghosts, the marking on his sleeve clearly visible in the flaring yellow streetlight. This marking was strange a pyramid surrounded by three dots, one at each point, a circle encompassed it. Each dot connected to the pyramid, the top dot, however, also connected to the circle. The townsfolk watched the stranger, it was unusual for them to have visitors now, they were been treated with suspicion. There was something different about him… an element that the rest of the town was missing, hope. but a shadow seemed to have fallen over it, neighbors no longer visited, strangers were treated with suspicion. The whole town looked darker; the stars no longer seemed as bright. A stranger stood under a streetlight, the entire neighborhood watched him. They wondered who this new stranger was; they hadn't had tourists in a long time. Out of the shadows appeared two other people, the townsfolk's suspicion peaked. The first stranger raised his hand as though in greeting; the town fell into utter darkness…
"Welcome, Achill and Herk," said the first stranger, "I wish it was under different circumstances…"
"Yes, Michael," said Achill, "We know you lead our clans, but we cannot interfere…"
"Yes, perhaps," replied Michael.
"Then you found the Shadow?" Herk asked.
"Yes, it is here," answered Michael, "But it is worse, Voldemort has joined the Shadow, they have multiplied It."
"From where did the Shadow originate?" asked Achill.
Michael sighed, "I will not tell you at this time," he said.
"Why?" The walls echoed.
"I may reveal it later," replied Michael.
"Why do you not destroy the Shadow now?" asked Herk.
"Because, it is moving," said Michael quietly, "Back to England, after that I do not know."
Harry woke up, he smiled, how couldn't he? His life, soul and love was lying next to him. Yesterday, he had sent in the list of required books for Defense against the Dark Arts to Dumbledore. He sensed something in the room with them, he jumped out and kicked.
Someone grabbed his ankle and quickly dumped him on the floor; Hermione woke up, "What?" she asked sleepily.
"Nice try Harry," said a familiar voice.
"Neo?" asked Hermione, "GET OUT OF MY BEDROOM!"
Neo smiled, "Unfortunately, times dictate manners take second place to survival," replied Neo.
"How'd you do that?" asked Harry getting up and rubbing his head.
"Much more experience," replied Neo, "Not to mention, I was a much more… err… belligerent youth than you could have ever been…"
"Why are you bothering us?" asked Hermione irritably.
"The Second War Abhorred," replied Neo, "is about to begin."
"Wait, I stopped Voldemort and killed the Death Eaters," said Harry incredulously.
"Yes, you stopped him, not destroyed him, as for his Death Eaters… That is another topic, however," replied Neo, "There is a remarkable difference between stopping and destroying, as you will soon understand. But he isn't the worst."
"What does it have to do with us?" asked Hermione.
"I can no longer stop It alone, my strength has been tempered by wisdom and age," said Neo, "You on the other hand are still young therefore; I must untemper my strength and request your help in defeating the greatest threat you can imagine."
"What's 'It'?" asked Harry.
"You remember the Dementors?" asked Neo.
"Yes, what about them?" asked Hermione.
"They are glorious creatures aren't they? They said thank you for releasing them by the way. I created them for the sole purpose of defeating Shadow, when they were all OverShadowed, they turned into Dementors, but they still turned the tide of the First War."
"What do you mean 'OverShadowed'?" asked Harry.
"They were defeated by Shadow, what that means is Shadow doesn't kill you, It turns you into a horrible creature, the opposite of everything you are, if you're good," replied Neo, "Like Dementors."
"You mean you created the Dementors?" asked Hermione.
"In a way," Neo answered, "But not quite. It amplifies the darkness within you or changes your memories or emotions to suit its purpose, but in a way I could not possibly explain to you."
Hermione looked upset, "Then maybe you can go… I'm still tired," she snapped.
Neo smiled, "Yes, you lost your memory and quite a bit of sleep, plus you are still not fully recovered," he said then turned to look at Harry, "Harry, just remember the Others may stop you if you attempt to bring back the dead again."
Harry shrugged, "If it's for Hermione, then if I have to, I'll fight them," he replied.
"Harry, you are still far too young to understand the full implication of what you have just suggested… there are other forces at work within and they are by far more powerful than you," sighed Neo, "In time you will learn that the Others are not ones you can stand up against."
Harry smiled at Hermione, "Maybe so, but I will give it a good shot," Harry replied.
"Harry, if you failed, they would kill you, not dead as you know it, but into oblivion, they are not charged with the care of one human," said Neo, "They must take everything into consideration, they were appointed to protect the line between life and death, one you have crossed."
Harry looked at Neo, "What about you?" he asked, "You broke it when you took Mr. and Mrs. Granger and me from the dead."
Neo smiled, "Well, they cannot stop me, I have far more strength than both of their clans put together," he answered, "You on the other hand are not, they can kill you without much trouble, I would protect you as much as possible, but I must also keep the Shadow at bay."
Neo paused listening, "Ah, yes, correct Harry, that was the cloud between life and death." "How did you know I was thinking about that?" asked Harry, "I closed my mind to everyone I can, which excludes only Hermione."
"Just because you closed your mind doesn't mean that you are not susceptible to others who are mentally stronger than you," replied Neo.
"How old are you?" asked Hermione.
Neo glanced at her, "Why do you ask?" he asked evasively.
"I wonder if you're older than you look," replied Hermione.
Neo smiled, "Look? You've never seen my face, how can you tell?" he asked.
Hermione gave him a nasty look, "It's a figure of speech," she snapped.
"Okay, I am..." said Neo in a thoughtful tone, he seemed to think for a while and paused.
"12,014 years old," he finished. Hermione gave him a look of incredulity.
"Okay, you want exact? 12,014 years, 5 months, 16 days, 15 hours and 20 seconds," Neo shrugged, "Happy?"
"You're fooling around," said Hermione.
"No," replied Neo quite seriously.
Harry glanced at Hermione, "I think he's telling the truth, I suspected he was very old," he commented.
Hermione glanced back at Harry, she knew he wouldn't play along, "Okay," she said.
"I've got to follow the Shadow; you two still have time to rest," said Neo.
"What about you?" asked Hermione, "Do you sleep?"
"No, I have not slept in over… 11,600 years, an ever vigilant guardian, ever since my soul mate died," said Neo.
"Aren't you tired?" she asked.
"Yes, always, but I will find no rest until I Ascend," replied Neo.
"When will that be?" she pursued.
"When I have failed," replied Neo.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry.
"That you must hope never to find out, for now, I have other matters which must be attended to," Neo answered as he disappeared into the darkness.
Harry crawled back in bed, "Want to sleep in?" asked Harry.
"Sure, I'd love to," replied Hermione curling up with him and falling asleep.
They woke up just before 8:00 am, Hermione crawled out of bed, "Let's get up Harry," she whispered into Harry's ear.
Harry opened his eyes slowly and encircled her in his arms, "Good morning Herm," he said gently kissing her.
"Well, that's a good morning kiss," she said sarcastically as she got up. Harry pulled her down quickly and kissed her more passionately.
She smiled as they parted, looking up lovingly at him, "Better," she said playfully.
Harry tickled her. "Harry, stop!" she laughed loving every moment of it.
They went downstairs to have breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Granger had already left for work. After breakfast, Hermione and Harry practiced fighting each other. Harry caught her as she fell; Harry smiled at her as he leaned over, Hermione smiled back as Harry got closer and closer…
Their lips touched in a gentle kiss, "Hmm, Harry," she said quietly.
"Yes?" asked Harry lying down beside her on the ground.
"What are we going to do about Ron?" she asked, "I'm not going to keep up a façade."
Harry nodded, "I know, but there is nothing we can do about it right now," he replied, "I don't expect you to do anything you don't want too, especially where Ron is concerned."
Harry got up and pulled up Hermione, "Want to go sit under a tree?" he asked.
"Sure," she replied. Harry sat down; Hermione sat down in his lap. Harry slipped his arms around her.
Hermione sighed and leaned back, "You're definitely getting better at this," she commented.
"At least I'm not getting worse," joked Harry.
"Oh, but you are, I just am trying to be nice," Hermione joked back playfully. Harry pulled up the back part of her shirt and began to rub her scar; that was her one weak spot; she always loved Harry to rub it for some reason. She sighed contentedly, she wouldn't have allowed Harry to do this outside a couple of days ago, unless they were at his house, but her parents had put up a 14 ft wall, so she didn't feel shy for the sake of modesty. As for Harry; she frankly didn't care she knew, he wouldn't take advantage of any situation.
"Want to go for a walk around the neighborhood?" asked Harry.
Hermione groaned, "Not really, I'd rather have you rub my back," she replied. Harry kissed her neck and continued to rub her back, her scar in particular. She closed her eyes and rested them as Harry continued.
Someone jumped their fence, "Why'd you stop?" asked Hermione not opening her eyes Harry pulled her shirt back down as others followed, "Herm honey, trouble," Harry whispered.
Hermione finally opened her eyes, she got up quickly, "Can I help you?" she asked. The boys who had jumped the wall laughed, Harry thought for a moment, he was glad he had worn his white cloak. It was so handy for hiding stuff. Harry reached in it and put a hand on the hilt of his sword and thought 'this could get ugly…'
Harry stood beside Hermione; the boys stared at them malevolently.
Harry touched her arm, "Hope you're ready…" he whispered, "Just drop, I'll get rid of them."
Hermione gave him a warning glance; "I won't…" said Harry quietly then addressed the group, "Can I help you?"
"Yeah," said the oldest, "Get out of the way."
Harry stepped in front of Hermione, "Try it and you're dead," Harry snapped pulling the hilt out into view. He completely unsheathed it and hid it in the folds of his robes. One of the boys started forward, with one quick move, Harry sliced his shirt without touching his skin, before the sight even registered the boy was on the ground, Harry had hidden it again and kicked him in the same motion.
"Hey guys, let's get him," he said outraged.
Harry took an automatic fighting stance and met them with slightly magical improved moves, he dropped and kicked two at once, causing them to hit the wall behind them, broke another one's nose and with a sweep knocked down the rest, in the first few seconds. They came back at them…
Within another 9 seconds, Harry had them all groaning on the grass with various levels of cuts, scratches, bruises, etc.
"Get out of here," snapped Harry.
They were all, eventually, able to get themselves over the wall; although Harry had, more than happily, given them a… boost, he smiled at Hermione.
"Want to…" he started.
"Yes," replied Hermione. Harry sat down in the shade.
Hermione sat on his lap again, "Thanks Harry," she said quietly.
"For what?" asked Harry.
"You'll do anything to protect me, that's what," she replied.
Harry slid his arms around her, "I know, I will, I love you far too much not to…" Harry trailed off then added with a smile, "Besides… I want to sleep at night."
Hermione elbowed him hard, "Well, nice to know you care," she said acidly.
"You know I do," replied Harry as he hugged her, "I will always protect you, no matter what that may entail, you know that right?"
"Yeah…" Hermione trailed off enjoying his hold on her. Harry lifted the back of her shirt and started gently rubbing her scar again.
"Do you know why I like you to rub my scar so much?" she asked, " I mean when my mom checked it out, it felt like a normal scar, but when you touch it… it just feels different."
Harry thought for a moment, "No," he replied, "Do you?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head, "Nope, I was hoping you did," she answered.
"I could venture a guess," said Harry.
"Why?" asked Hermione.
"Maybe, because that injury is why I gave my part of my life for you," replied Harry.
"Well, that's a sound theory," Hermione smiled.
"I'm glad you think so," said Harry playfully as he tickled her.
She laughed, "Harry!" she scolded trying to sound serious.
"Yes?" Harry replied kissing her.
"Err," she said, "I just can't get mad at you, can I?"
"Why? Am I too handsome?" Harry joked.
"Never!" exclaimed Hermione in another playful tone.
Harry started tickling her again, "Really?" he asked as she laughed.
"Yes… now…stop…that," she laughed.
Harry slid his arms around her again, "Oh well, why'd you accept my proposal then?" he asked.
"Because, I love you," replied Hermione leaning back, "Or" she started in a playful tone, "You were the only one that had the guts to ask." Harry pretended to cry as he let go.
"Oh stop it Harry, you know that it was because I love you," said Hermione laughing.
Harry hugged her tightly again as his pretend crying turned into laughter, "Yeah, I know," he said quietly into her ear.
Hermione's parents came home soon after, "HARRY, HERMIONE," Mrs. Granger called.
"Yes?" answered Hermione coming in the sliding door followed by Harry.
"We're having company this afternoon," Mrs. Granger said.
"Okay," said Hermione, "I'll go get dressed."
Harry remembered they were both still in their pajamas, other than him wearing his fighting cloak, "Oh yeah," Harry laughed, "Forgot about that…"
Hermione ribbed Harry, "You would," she replied jokingly.
Mr. Granger came in the door, "Good morning Harry, Hermione," he said smiling, "How was your night?"
Hermione turned slightly red and smiled back shyly, "Great," she replied
That evening, Harry greeted the Grangers' guests, "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Welsh," greeted Harry shaking their hands, "My name is Harry."
"Hello Harry," said Mrs. Welsh smiling, "This is our son Mitchell and our daughter, Sam, short for Samantha." Harry smiled at both of them, "Nice to meet you," he said.
"Nice to meet you too," replied Sam just a little too nicely for Hermione.
"Yeah," said Mitchell.
Harry glanced at both of them, "Don't you dare…" Hermione whispered from behind his back, reading his intention.
'Yes dear,' thought Harry passively, 'But you know… something bugs me about them…'
"What hobbies do you have Mitchell?" asked Harry politely, noticing Hermione slip her ring hand into her pocket.
"Basketball, wrestling and other physical sports," replied Mitchell.
Harry remembered, 'Good thinking Herm, don't want them to see your ring… it's not quite… ordinary,' he thought.
'Duh,' came her reply.
"What happened at your birthday anyway Hermione?" he asked.
"Oh, umm… Had to run, not much of a choice," replied Hermione quickly.
"What happened?" he pursued.
'He likes you and is like you, just doesn't give up…' said Harry.
'Shut it,' snapped Hermione touchily, 'if you want to have kids with me.'
'Okay,' replied Harry timidly.
"Just something that came up last minute," Hermione replied carefully feeling Harry slid his hand around behind him and into hers.
"Where did you guys meet?" asked Sam.
"Our school, up north, I came to… visit," replied Harry.
"For how long?" asked Mitchell, Harry didn't like his tone.
"A while," Harry answered.
"From where?" he continued, Harry felt like he was being interrogated while the parents were in the living room.
"Lighten up," said Sam to her brother punching him in his shoulder.
"A little distance away," Harry replied.
"You live around here?" he asked.
"Yeah," Harry smiled.
"When you going home?" he continued to interrogate Harry mercilessly.
"Oh, I don't know," shrugged Harry.
"Your parents aren't going to worry?" he continued.
Harry was starting to get tired of this, Sam hit her brother again, "Quit it," she snapped.
"No, they won't," Harry said but this time turning a little red in anger, "Because they're dead.""By the way Harry," said Mrs. Granger thoughtfully, "Keep a close eye on Hermione." Harry looked at her curiously, "Why?" he asked, he remembered he had not told Hermione what was happening last time. "Well, their son has got this thing about Hermione…" she started. "Okay," said Harry quickly, "Enough said. Should I take extra precautions?" "Yes," replied both Mr. and Mrs. Granger.
Mitchell looked a little sorry he had asked; Sam looked sympathetic. "Sorry to hear that," said Sam in such a sympathetic voice that drove Hermione crazy, this was her fiancé, "When did that happen?"
"16 years ago," answered Harry.
"Who raised you?" asked Sam shocked.
"A very creepy little bunch of…" Harry started.
"Harry!" Hermione interrupted reproachfully, "Enough." Sam raised her eyebrow as Harry fell silent.
"Hermione…" she started.
"Later," replied Hermione glancing at Sam's brother.
Sam nodded slightly, "Can I stay the night?" she asked.
Hermione looked hesitant, "I don't know," she replied. Harry glanced at her, she felt his nervousness.
"I'll have to ask my parents," Hermione continued.
"Oh, don't worry I will," replied Sam hurrying from the room. Hermione gave Harry a look that said everything at once.
Sam could stay the night, so Harry waited until the adults were in the den and the girls were happily chatting. Mitchell was watching Hermione, Harry disappeared in red flames. He raised his hand, a book flew off the tenth shelf and landed in his hand, he again disappeared into red flames. Harry smiled quietly as Hermione glanced at him.
'Where did you go?' she asked.
'Home,' Harry replied with a slight smile. Mitchell glanced at Harry, wondering why they had looked at each other. Harry knew that Hermione only had reservations about letting Sam sleep over because then she would be up all night. Harry knew the same thing, so he had run home and gotten the last book he hadn't read out of his library. He put it on the table, Mr. and Mrs. Granger were saying goodbye to the Welshs.
Mitchell headed for his parents, "Mum, dad, can I stay the night too?" he asked. Mr. Granger glanced at Harry, there was a slight problem, Harry couldn't sleep in Hermione's room because of Sam. So how was Harry to keep an eye on things? Harry shrugged; he would be able to handle it.
'Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble,' joked Harry. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Sure…" replied Mr. Granger.
When it was time to go to bed, Harry sat at the dinner table reading. "Harry," said Mrs. Granger, "How are you guys going to get some sleep?"
Harry smiled, "We can't," he replied, "I'm going to do what I did while Hermione's memory was lost; read."
"How much have you read?" asked Mrs. Granger.
Harry thought for a moment, "15,163 books, on various subjects," Harry replied then he smiled, "In fact, I'm going to have to get more, I finished my whole library!"
Mrs. Granger smiled at him, "Well, tomorrow make sure you two get in at least a nap, okay?" she said.
"Yep," Harry said turning back to his book.
Mitchell came down a few minutes, "Don't you sleep?" he asked.
Harry glanced over the cover and returned to his book, "No," replied Harry, "not tonight."
"Why not?" asked Mitchell.
"Because, part of my soul lies elsewhere," replied Harry without looking up.
Mitchell looked at him funny, "What?" he asked.
"Did you know there are 10-15 dimensions?" asked Harry completely ignoring the question.
"No," replied Mitchell looking remarkably like Crabbe or Goyle, "Where'd you come up with that?"
"I recently had a few weeks that all I could do was read… learned a lot too," answered Harry, "I read some books on advanced Physics, metaphysics, etc. It is quite interesting."
"Sure," replied Mitchell, "Do you guys go to some accelerated learning school?"
"No," Harry answered with a straight face, "I just like to use my brain." Mitchell went back upstairs abruptly. Harry smiled slightly after Mitchell disappeared, he had gotten him that time.
"Hermione?" asked Sam.
"Yes?" Hermione answered, she felt so lonely.
"Are you two…" she asked.
Hermione waited, "What?" she asked apprehensively.
"Are you two like… boyfriend/girlfriend?" Sam responded.
"No," lied Hermione.
"Good! Then you won't mind me flirting with him," said Sam happily.
Hermione choked, "Yes I would," she snapped.
"Why? If you two aren't involved…" Sam trailed off, "and he is cute!"
Hermione glared at her, "Don't you dare touch my…" she stopped herself in time, "Don't even think about it, I'll kill you!"
"Oooh, sounds like there is something going on," Sam said while winking at Hermione.
"No…" Hermione tried to lie.
"Come on, tell me!" Sam said excitedly.
"Okay, okay, just don't tell anyone," said Hermione.
Sam squealed and flushed, "Okay, okay, tell me!" she said.
"SHHH!" scolded Hermione, "Okay, we're engaged."
Sam was about to squeal in excitement but Hermione slapped her hand over Sam's mouth, "QUIET!" snapped Hermione as quietly as she could.
"Okay, okay!" she said in a muffled voice, "When are you guys going to get married?" "Next summer," Hermione replied carefully removing her hand.
Sam flushed again, "This is exciting! Why didn't you say something?" she asked.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Your brother," she answered, "He's got a thing for me, or at least that's one reason. Second, there's more to the story that I can't tell you, because I knew both of you would ask specifics that I can't answer. So please don't."
"How did he propose?" Sam asked ignoring Hermione's comment about not asking for specifics.
"Can't tell you," Hermione said calmly.
"WHY NOT?!" whined Sam.
Hermione growled at her, "QUIET!" she said angrily, "Because, I'm not allowed to say."
"Oh yeah, that's a good answer," Sam retorted, "Come on Hermione! It must have been really romantic."
"Yes, that it was," Hermione answered with feeling, "Quite the understatement if you ask me."
"Oooh, maybe a really romantic boy?" Sam asked.
"Very," replied Hermione, "Don't try anything, get it?!"
Sam looked very interested, "You like him that much?" she asked.
"No, I don't like him, I love him a lot," replied Hermione.
"Why do you love him? Why did you two get engaged so early?" Sam asked wanting to pursue this conversation.
"I love him because he's done more for me in the past six years than everyone else put together has done for me in my entire lifetime, and he has already done so much… loved me when I was unlovable, when…" Hermione trailed off tears running down her cheeks, "When I… when I've been in trouble… he's always come through for me. He's saved me several times. He was the only one who was understanding through out all our troubles."
"What did he save you from?" asked a fascinated Sam.
"Things you would only have nightmares about," replied Hermione, "Things that no one should have to face…" Sam looked incredulous, "Like what?" she asked.
Harry was listening from downstairs, he heard someone get up. Harry quickly made up the stairs, "Visum non," he whispered. He disappeared, he watched as Mitchell got up and slipped into Hermione's room, Harry followed, but first he called his white cloak, it flew and covered him completely.
Harry slipped in, "Hey, Mitchell!" said Sam sounding a little upset, "We're discussing something."
"So?" asked Mitchell.
"So leave!" snapped Hermione, "Before I sic Harry on you."
"Yeah, right," said Mitchell sitting down, "Now I'm really scared."
'Harry,' came Hermione's call.
'Yes, darling?' came Harry's joking reply.
Hermione snorted, 'Well, your darling here would like you to remove someone from her room…' she said trailing off.
Harry smiled, 'I know, I'm watching," he answered.
'Well, DO SOMETHING,' she mentally shouted at him, Harry winced.
'Give me a minute, he's not doing anything, well yet,' Harry thought.
"Do you like that guy?" asked Mitchall.
"What guy?" asked Hermione.
"Harry," answered Mitchell.
"Yeah, I do like him," replied Hermione.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I do," snapped Hermione.
"Why him and not me?" he asked. Harry nearly snorted with laughter, now that was a blunt question.
"Because," replied Hermione turning slightly red, 'Harry! Help me out here!'
Harry backed into the shadows; he pulled off his cloak and laid it on the floor.
He walked forward, "Hello, why isn't anyone asleep?" he asked cheerfully.
Hermione raised her eyebrow, 'That doesn't help,' she informed him.
'Hey Herm, let me take care of this my way," replied Harry with a slight smile.
"What are you doing here?" asked Mitchell.
Harry shrugged, "What are you doing here?" he replied.
"Talking to my sister," he replied.
"Well, it's great you're such a close family, but I would suggest Mr. and Mrs. Granger might not like late night visits," Harry smiled. Hermione blushed slightly at Harry's hint and joke specifically aimed to her.
"Whatever," said Mitchell with a shrug. He was getting a little too close to Hermione… Hermione glanced at Harry, she didn't like it either. Harry thought a moment, even Sam looked a little frightened. Harry didn't get it, why? Harry's protective instinct for Hermione doubled. He sat on Hermione's side, Hermione slid closer and Harry pulled her into a hug as he felt her fear, she relaxed into his arms feeling much safer, Mitchell seemed to stiffen and got up.
"What's your problem?" he asked.
"Don't have one, you?" replied Harry coldly.
"Yeah, want to solve it?" snarled Mitchell.
"He's got an anger management problem," Harry remarked to Hermione and Sam.
"Be nice Harry," Hermione cautioned. Harry noticed Sam was completely silent through this whole exchange.
"Only since you ask me too," replied Harry in a very low whisper and added in a lower one, "For only love of you." Mitchell took that opportunity to attack Harry, but was soundly thrown back with a swift kick.
"That's quite enough," snapped Harry.
"You studied Martial Arts?" asked Mitchell.
"Somewhat," answered Harry, "But I only defend myself and others."
"Ahh, so you're the one my subordinates told me about," said Mitchell with a threatening look.
"Who?" asked Hermione.
"Hermione…" Harry whispered, "Please, let me do anything I must to protect you." Hermione squeezed his hand, he took that as acquiescence. Harry put his other hand under her bed and his sword flew quietly under it without a sound, Harry quietly unsheathed it.
"Not so tough when you don't have a sword," said Mitchell advancing.
Harry smiled and nearly laughed; "Who says I don't?" he asked quietly, "Besides, it doesn't matter to me. I don't want to kill."
"Why?" asked Mitchell.
"I don't want to kill because my conscience doesn't like it," Harry replied.
"A little annoying thing you have to get rid of to survive in this world," snapped Mitchell.
"No, I don't think so," said Harry, "I've tried surviving without my conscience," Harry paused and squeezed Hermione, "it makes for a sad and worthless life. Can't you just accept she doesn't like you like that?"
"No, I think that you're trying to…" he started.
Hermione stood up, "That's enough," she snapped, she was about to punch him.
But Harry stopped her, "Calm down, please dear, this is my department," he smiled at her.
Hermione smiled back, "Okay, okay," she responded.
"How's that your department?" asked Mitchell.
"We're engaged, I will protect her," answered Harry.
"WHAT?!" said Mitchell rushing at Harry. Harry kicked him again but this time brought it right into his chest. Mitchell wasn't about to give up from his look, as he rushed again, Harry directed a mental squealing at him; this he had accidentally learned during the time he and Hermione had been playing around mentally, the noise was just above Mitchell's pain threshold. Mitchell groaned as Harry concentrated.
"Enough," snapped Harry as he turned his attention back to Hermione, "I think that's it for tonight, good night Hermione." Harry kissed her forehead, Hermione smiled at him but turned red at Sam's look.
After Harry dragged an unconscious Mitchell out Sam asked Hermione, "Do you two…" asked Sam she paused and giggled.
"What?" asked Hermione dreading the answer.
"Sleep together?" she finished.
"No!" Hermione lied blushing bright red.
"You do?" said Sam in an excited voice.
"No!" whispered Hermione furiously turning even redder.
"Yes you do!" declared Sam.
"Whatever," snapped Hermione ignoring her. Hermione turned around and pretended to go to sleep; she got up after Sam fell asleep and went downstairs to find Harry reading at the table.
He looked up and smiled at her, "Hello," Harry said.
"Hi Harry," she said slyly standing behind him.
Harry slid his chair out, Hermione sat on his lap, "Will you…" she asked quietly. "Sure," said Harry as he started to rub her scar. Hermione started falling asleep; Harry picked her up and put her on the couch.
Hermione woke up as he sat back down at the table, "Harry…" she said in a begging voice, "Please… I'm so tired." Harry got up and sat down beside her; she started cuddling, laying her head on Harry's chest enjoying his warmth and listening to his heartbeat.
"Harry?" she said quietly.
"Yes?" asked Harry.
"Why don't you cuddle with me? I usually cuddle with you," Hermione commented. Harry paused a moment, "I never noticed I didn't…" replied Harry kissing her forehead and hugging her.
"Then we can continue this conversation later," Hermione said as she yawned and quickly fell asleep. Harry smiled, hugged her, he did know why… but instead of thinking about it, he closed his eyes and fell asleep; his head silently coming to a rest on hers.
*WB Server*
The next morning Mrs. Granger came down first, she noticed that Hermione and Harry were both sleeping on the couch. She smiled; at least they had gotten some sleep. But she had to wake them, before Sam and Mitchell got up. She was happy that Harry and Hermione loved each other for three reasons; one, she loved Harry; two, she felt Hermione was always going to be as safe as possible in the magical world; three, she really wanted grandchildren, she laughed silently to herself, the thought of a dozen little Harrys and Hermiones running around was quite a funny thought, maybe even some sort of mix therein. They were quite a pair; each having their own unique talents, though she had to admit; after knowing what she did about them, if one of their kids ended up with all their talents: that one would be quite hard for his or her adversaries to contend with.
She woke them up, "Harry, Hermione, honey, time to get up," she said gently shaking them. Harry woke up right away and sighed with relief at Mrs. Granger's familiar smiling face. Hermione groaned quietly and curled up closer to Harry.
Harry smiled at Mrs. Granger, "Let me," he said quietly.
"Herm, my heart and soul, it's time to get up," whispered Harry kissing her.
Hermione opened one eye and smiled at him, "That's my line," she said then turned to her mother, "Please, can we sleep in?"
Harry looked at Mrs. Granger. "You can in an hour, after they leave," offered Mrs. Granger, "But for now you have to get up and in Hermione's case, get dressed." Harry felt Hermione's disappointment as she sat up.
"Your hairs a mess," Harry said smiling.
"Yours is always a mess, what are you complaining about?" asked Hermione playfully.
"Yours is always…" Harry started, but stopped remembering Mrs. Granger was listening in.
"Don't mind me," Mrs. Granger laughed as she left the room.
Hermione smiled slyly at Harry, "You want to take a nap later than?" she asked.
"Yes, I couldn't ever refuse," replied Harry.
Hermione waited, "Well?" she said impatiently.
"What?" asked Harry.
"Well, if you're not going to…" she said hinting.
Harry realized she wanted a good morning kiss, "Oops," he said quietly as their lips touched.
"Hmm, I'll forgive you this time," she said playfully as they pulled apart.
Harry tickled her, "Harry! No," she laughed, "Not while we have company!"
"Yes, my dear wonderful loving Herm," Harry answered in a whisper. Harry and Hermione stared into each other's eyes for a moment; they just love each other's company.
"Come on guys!" called Mrs. Granger, "Go wake up your guests."
Hermione groaned and rolled her eyes, "I don't want to," she whispered.
Harry kissed her gently, "Neither do I, but the sooner we get them up, the sooner we get to…" he said his eyes glowing. Hermione got up. Harry followed her, at the top of the stairs they parted.
Harry woke up Mitchell, "Ennuverate," he said. Mitchell woke up.
"Okay, time for you to go," said Harry quietly.
Mitchell looked livid, "You are the…" he started.
"Guy who's telling you to go," finished Harry, "Yep, now get up!" Harry left and met Hermione on the stairs with Sam.
"Good morning Harry," Sam yawned.
"Good morning," replied Harry and added in a whisper to Hermione, "I'm going home for a little while."
"Hurry back," said Hermione with a smile.
"Yes, my love," replied Harry in a whisper with a smile.
Sam watched the two for a moment, "You guys don't have to whisper," she said, "I can hear you fine either way."
'Well, maybe we should do it this way!' thought Harry.
Hermione smiled at him, "Maybe," she answered.
"Maybe what?" asked Sam.
"Ha, that's none of your business!" answered Hermione sharply.
"Oooh," said Sam, "Mysterious!"