Chapter 2

The Shadows' Supremacy
and The OverShadowing

After Mitchell and Sam left, Hermione and Harry sighed in relief. Until they got married, they couldn't sleep together, while they had company anyway. Harry and Hermione slowly made their way upstairs, but Hermione didn't make it far before Harry picked her up and gave her a kiss.

"Mind if I carry you?" asked Harry.

"No, of course not," replied Hermione with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I love you so much Herm," Harry whispered as he kissed her again as they entered Hermione's room, Harry put her down on her bed, she giggled as Harry tickled her.

"Quit it!" Hermione said between stifling giggles, "I don't want to attract attention." Harry sat down on her bed and Hermione started cuddling with him. Harry slid his arms around her and they sat there for a few minutes in each other's arms.

Hermione sighed slightly, "Harry… you realize you still haven't been cuddling me… I've been cuddling with you," she commented.

Harry hung his head, "Hermione… give me some time, I'll tell you," Harry replied. 

"So there is a reason then?" asked Hermione.

Harry didn't answer right away, "Yes… but I'm not really ready to discuss it," he replied.

"You want to sleep?" asked Hermione changing the subject after sensing his discomfort. They both thought about it for a few minutes; they finally decided to go for a bike ride around Hermione's neighborhood.

"Be careful," Mrs. Granger called after them.

"Yes, mum," answered Harry smiling slyly at Hermione. Mrs. Granger chuckled as they left.

"Isn't this great?" asked Hermione, "At least I've got a brother until I have a husband."

"Brother?" asked Harry laughing, "Na, I like fiancé."

"Me too," said Hermione, "But I like husband better…" Harry felt an uneasy coldness settled in his heart, he realized that they had gone more than ten miles, he also felt the Shadow he had faced… it was here in England… but it couldn't be. Harry thought of saying something, but decided to ignore it, he was overreacting, he had defeated Voldemort, what was he worried about?

Harry smiled at Hermione as they rounded a corner, a car swerved in front of them, Hermione dodged, but it was too late… Time seemed to slow down for Harry; he jumped and grabbed Hermione, rolling both of them out of danger. Harry got up, the car had disappeared, Harry was scratched up, but it didn't matter to him. "Hermione? Are you okay?" he asked shaking her, "Hermione?" Harry grew slightly panicky because Hermione was unconscious and not responding to him. Harry ran into the nearest store and called the police.

The ambulance arrived a couple minutes later, Harry watched in shock as they took Hermione to the hospital, she was badly injured. His anger was beginning to swell, whoever that was, he was going to pay… But then he realized, that might have been what it was… the Shadow was here… 'But that's impossible,' he argued with himself, 'He cannot exist in this world.'

Harry continued to argue with himself until the police questioned Harry about what happened. Harry told them as much as he could without telling them what he knew intuitively. After they finished questioning him, Harry retreated to a dark corner and apparated to a place that he never thought he would ever have, home.

"KATHY? JOHN?" he called.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger came running, "What is it?" they asked.

"Hermione was taken to the hospital, someone nearly ran into her," answered Harry, "Want me to take you?"

"Yes," they both replied instantly. Harry concentrated; all three disappeared and reappeared at the hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Granger rushed to the front desk, "Hermione Granger please," said Mrs. Granger sounding panicked.

"Sorry, you have to wait," said the receptionist then went back to her conversation,

"Yeah, imagine that, her do that… Really?" Harry's eyes turned red slightly, then turned back to normal, he held his hand next to her screen and muttered to himself for a moment.

"Room… 312, condition critical, ICU," Harry said to Mr. and Mrs. Granger.

The receptionist glanced up at him, "How do you do that?" she asked.

"I'm a… computer… specialist," Harry lied as all three started for the elevator, leaving the receptionist looking shocked. Harry pushed the button impatiently; the elevator went faster than usual but Harry felt as though it was going slower.

It arrived at the third floor. Harry, Mr. and Mrs. Granger quickly ran towards the ICU.

A doctor stopped them, "You can't go in there," he said. Harry nearly snapped, but managed to keep his anger under control.

The doctor led them to the waiting room, "You'll have to wait here, now who are you here for?" he asked.

"Hermione Granger," answered Mr. Granger.

"You're her parents?" he asked.

"Yes," answered Mrs. Granger.

The doctor looked incredulous, "We haven't notified you yet," he said scratching his head.

"We… heard about it," replied Mrs. Granger quickly. Harry waited impatiently as this continued. Harry waited until the doctor left, then he looked around; no one was there.

"I'll be back," said Harry as he glanced down the hall, Harry backed into the wall, it enveloped him.

"What the…" Mrs. Granger said in amazement.

Harry entered one room at a time, always coming out of the shadows. After a few tries, he found Hermione's room. "Visum non," Harry said under his breath. He disappeared and moved into the light, he sat next to Hermione who was looking lifeless. Harry appeared and looked at his own cuts; they had begun to heal over rapidly. Harry started whispering under his breath; light surrounded her, then faded as Harry muttered something else and Hermione began healing rapidly.

After a few moments, she woke up. "HAR…!" she started to scream, Harry quickly stifled it.

"Shh, Herm, shh, you're safe," Harry said quickly. Hermione hugged him, Harry held her for a moment.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied as she sat up and moved over, Harry sat down. Hermione smiled as Harry started cuddling with her, it was one of the few times he initiated it instead of her. She and Harry sat there for a few minutes, Harry cuddled closer, Hermione loved it. Harry closed his eyes and hugged her tightly.

"I'm sorry, I just… I almost lost you…" Harry trailed off.

Hermione smiled quietly, "I wish you would do this more often…" she commented.

"Why's that?" replied Harry.

"Because, I love it when you start cuddling me, instead of the other way around," she smiled slightly. Harry kissed her forehead; Hermione rested her head on his chest and sighed, she loved him so much.

She knew that he had initiated their cuddling because he felt guilty, 'Sometimes having a empathic connection can have advantages,' thought Hermione quietly. Harry pulled her onto his lap; she smiled again and leaned back.

"I'm sorry," said Harry quietly.

Hermione waited a moment before answering, "It's not your fault Harry, there are some things you can't help… other people's driving is one of them," she replied.

"I know… but I still feel guilty, I saw it coming… I should have done something," Harry answered.

Hermione groaned, "Harry, that's enough, it's not your fault," she said in a slightly frustrated tone, "I can't believe you think it is."

"I wasn't paying attention," Harry noted, "Or else I would have reacted to the danger when I sensed it approaching."

"Harry, one, you're not perfect, if you were you would initiate our cuddling more often… something I might add, that I really enjoy you taking the initiative in sometimes," Hermione observed.

"Why's that?" asked Harry.

"Give it a rest Harry, girls like boys to start cuddling with them sometimes, it makes them feel like boys really enjoy it, not do it because they have to, or else girls start feeling insecure," Hermione scolded, "For some reason you won't start cuddling with me, I want to know why."

Harry paused, "I'm sorry Hermione… I just… feel insecure," Harry replied, "I never had loving parents… so sometimes I just am unsure of myself. It would really hurt me if you got upset with me, I'm just really sensitive towards you, especially in this area."

Hermione sighed, "Harry… if you're going to start cuddling with me, it'll be very obvious when I'm going to stop you or be angry with you, you'll know it. Otherwise, you're always safe trying to cuddle with me." Hermione had a playful glint in her eyes. 

Hermione smiled as Harry pulled her closer and into a very tight hug, "Okay, I'll start doing that then," Harry replied kissing her.

Harry paused before continuing, "I'll go get your parents, how's that?" asked Harry gently pushing her hair behind her ears. Hermione frowned, she wanted to continue cuddling, it made her feel a lot better; she winced as pain returned in full measure as Harry got up.

"Okay," she sighed holding his hand, she glanced at him, "Harry you're hurt!" Harry smiled at her and shrugged, he got up and started towards the wall, Hermione held his hand until he was too far away. Harry disappeared into the wall heading for her parents; she slumped down on her bed and groaned; she had really wanted Harry to stay. For some reason she felt unsafe here, she wanted Harry to hold her all night, she couldn't pinpoint the feeling, but she knew something was off and also knew that Harry would protect her no matter what.

Harry quickly made his way to the waiting room, "Kathy, John, come on," Harry said quickly. Both Mr. and Mrs. Granger rushed over.

"Hold my hand," said Harry quickly pulling them both in. Harry led them to her room, they entered Hermione's room.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger rushed to her side, "Honey, are you okay?" she asked with concern.

"Yes," answered Hermione.

"What happened?" asked Mr. Granger.

"Someone nearly ran her down," replied Harry.

Hermione glanced at him, "You'll have to ask Harry, I don't remember," she said quietly. A doctor walked in right at that moment, he glanced around at them apparently quite confused as to how they had been able to sneak past security, and Harry was quite amused.

"Yes?" asked Harry.

"What…How…" the doctor stammered, "How did you get in here?! This…"

"Is a restricted area?" snapped Harry, "Someone purposely tried to run her down, I ended up saving her life, but she sustained a concussion and multiple contusions and lacerations."

The doctor looked surprised, "Yes, that's right; there was a little bit of…" he said but he was interrupted.

"Non-fatal hemorrhaging around the brain, which was keeping her in a comatose state," finished Harry looking at the ceiling, "It was from a blunt object, like the  STREET  as we hit the ground but other than that she was fine."

"Are you a medical student?" asked the doctor.

"No," answered Harry.

"You know quite a bit about the medical field for your age," commented the doctor continuing to read his medical chart after a glance at Harry, "By the way, our tests indicate…"

"Something that we really don't want to hear about," Harry interrupted.

"Like what?" asked Mrs. Granger.

Harry went red, "Something I… picked up," he said, "Nothing that has to do with her… uhh… essential functions."

Hermione gave him a look, Harry glanced at her for less than a second, then she turned red, "Yeah, I don't really think you have to mention that," she said quickly glancing back at Harry, he nodded.

'Yeah I'll… help you with that later,' he thought to answer her unspoken question.

The doctor looked at Harry strangely, "Well, anyway, her injuries were quite extensive," he continued.

"When can I go home?" asked Hermione eagerly interrupting him.

"We don't know, we first want to examine you again, you should still be in a coma," replied the doctor.

Harry rolled his eyes, 'They think they know everything!' he thought.

'You're right about that,' replied Hermione. Harry smiled at her.

Hermione's parents looked concerned, "How long will that take?" asked Mr. Granger.

"A few hours," replied the doctor, "we want to keep her overnight for observation." Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, Mr. and Mrs. Granger glanced at them too.

"Umm, I don't know if that would be best for th…her," said Mrs. Granger carefully.

"Well, we can't discharge her until tomorrow," insisted the doctor.

After a few minutes, it was apparent to everyone that the doctor was not going to relent. Harry was not happy, neither was Hermione.

The doctor wanted them to leave so Hermione could rest, 'Yeah right,' Hermione groaned to Harry.

Harry held her hand, 'What do you want me to do?' he asked.

'STAY !' Hermione replied loudly, she was feeling extremely scared.

"I know, calm down honey," whispered Harry feeling her emotions rise, especially fear. Harry felt something else… He wasn't sure what…

"Who's there?" asked Harry quietly in a dangerous voice standing up slipping his hand into his cloak. No one answered. Everyone stared at Harry a moment. The shadows seemed to move and waver like a living thing.  Harry figured it to be his imagination, Shadow couldn't exist in this world… could it? He had thought Neo was going crazy when he suggested it, Shadow was not life as man knew it, it was something… different.

"What is it?" asked Mr. Granger.

"Nothing, I just thought I heard something," replied Harry still nervous.

"Well, I have to ask you to leave now, you guys shouldn't have visited her in the first place," said the doctor rounding them up and pushing them out the door.

He led them to the ICU doors and pushed it open, "Good night," said the doctor closing it behind them. Harry felt uneasy, so did Hermione.

"You're not the only one that felt we weren't alone in that room," commented Mrs. Granger, "I felt like something was watching us as well."

"I think it may have been the Shadow Neo mentioned," Harry said thoughtfully.

"Who is Neo?" asked Mr. Granger.

"No idea, all I know about him is that he is very… old," replied Harry.

"Then what is 'the Shadow'?" asked Mrs. Granger.

"If it's what I think it is then, something very… bad," said Harry.

"Then is it wise to…" started Mrs. Granger.

"No, it is not wise to leave her alone, but I don't have much choice in the matter," interrupted Harry in a slightly angry tone, but immediately stopped himself, "Sorry, I'm just really frustrated."

"That's okay Harry, I understand," replied Mrs. Granger.

The next morning Harry spoke up, "Good morning Kathy, John," he said looking up from his book.

"We're going to the hospital," said Mrs. Granger as they started for the door.

"I'll meet you there," Harry called after them. Harry put down his book, something was still bugging him. He apparated to Hermione's room, she was sleeping. Harry frowned; something was wrong, very wrong. Neither one of them should be able to sleep; this was turning into a mystery. Harry sensed something different about her, something growing within her. Harry thought for a moment; what was going on? Nothing he knew of could help. This was something beyond his ken.

"Neo?" asked Harry.

"Yes?" came a response from behind him.

"What is going on?" he asked.

"I will help you deal with this later," replied Neo, "I cannot help you right now."

"Then tell me what's going on," Harry said turning around, "Nothing I know of on our plane of existence could do this."

"I know," said Neo, "But there is nothing I can do right now… and I have already." Neo withdrew into the shadows and disappeared.

"Have already what?" asked Harry in frustration.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger came in, "Hello Harry," said Mrs. Granger smiling, "How is she?"

Harry sighed, "Not well, I think something has happened, I'm not sure what yet," he replied.

Hermione woke up, "Mum! Dad!" she said happily, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Harry glanced at her, something was definitely wrong, "Be careful," said Harry in whisper to Mr. and Mrs. Granger. They looked at him funny. Harry closed the door behind him; he almost felt time stop and something he hadn't felt since he had died touched his mind… cold, darkness and despair… His worry escalated, time returned to normal, Mr. Granger came out a few seconds left.

He smiled at Harry, "Now, be careful about what?" he asked.

Harry thought for a moment, "I'm… not sure yet," he replied.

"Well, maybe you're right Harry, why don't you go to your home. Maybe it would be best for now," Mr. Granger said still smiling.

Harry stared at him a moment, "Is something wrong?" he asked. Harry realized that he might have to break his promise to Hermione if he wanted to know precisely what was going on.

"Oh no, everything is fine," Mr. Granger answered as Mrs. Granger exited. Harry felt around their minds, but he couldn't get in far…

The rock went black as a figure in black waved his hand; "Are you satisfied?" asked the figure dressed in a black cloak.

"Not yet," replied Voldemort, "If we wish to win, we must kill Mr. Potter on the inside first." Voldemort gave a cold smirk, "Now, I'll call my Death Eaters. I think Mr. Ron Weasley will be interested." Voldemort gave a high pitched laugh.

"Your Death Eaters… ate death," commented Ahriman with a slightly amused evil smile, "But that's nothing we can't… rectify."

"What? When did they die?" asked Voldemort in surprise. Ahriman sighed in frustration… you couldn't find good evil puppets these days… or if you did… they expected compensation… no one was evil for being evil, unlike when Ahriman had been young.

"Soon after you were cast into Us," Ahriman replied.

Harry picked up a book off the shelf; he wondered what he was going to do, without Hermione he felt empty and worthless. There was something wrong; he just couldn't do anything about it. Harry sat down and then he noticed a particularly fat book on the coffee table, one he hadn't seen before. He read the title, From Beginning to Advanced Physics and Beyond by Michael Acamas Shamira. Harry looked for the copyright, there wasn't one, no date, the entire book was unmarked. He started reading.

After a few hours, he looked up, he couldn't believe it, this guy completely turned, even some of the most fundamental, physics laws Harry had learned in all his muggle science books upside down and was able to explain why, then cited examples that were simple enough to try for yourself. He had read over 1000 pages, it was well past midnight. Harry looked at the last page, it read '10,561' Harry snorted; he was only a 1/10 of the way through! He put it down a moment, his brain was reeling from all the information he had absorbed. It had now explained why magic was possible. His mind suddenly turned to another subject; he wondered how Hermione was doing… He wondered whether she was able to sleep now. He certainly couldn't, perhaps he too would be condemned to being an ever vigilant guardian. He hoped not, he wanted to marry Hermione, have children and a life. He hoped this was just one of the tribulations he knew he would have to face. But the future was uncertain to him; somehow it had changed for the worse.

Hermione awoke feeling refreshed, she went downstairs, "Good morning, mum, dad," she said. Hermione glanced at her hand, she was still wearing her engagement ring; she took it off and stuck it in her pocket. A Shadow entered the room, two people emerged from the Shadow as it formed into a figure.

"Ron," she said hugging him. Hermione didn't see the smirk on Ron's face as he glanced at the figure.

Hermione then turned to the dark figure, "What is it?" she asked.

"Harry Potter doesn't care for you my dear; this just proves it, he hasn't returned, has he?" asked the figure smoothly.

Hermione nodded dejectedly, "you're right."