Chapter 6

The Choice:

Absolution or Destruction

 'It lies between, the ones that feel each other, who understand each other,' came the voice of Time, Infinity and Power. 'Harry, just remember the Others may stop you if you attempt to bring back the dead again,' said Michael. Harry watched the past flash before him; saving Hermione from a troll in the first year, second year; watching her lie there dead white… third year; saving her from the Dementors,  fifth year; saving her from Voldemort's Death Eaters sixth year, saving her from Death itself… They were lying on the beach together; Harry was rubbing her shoulders, stroking her hair, they were enjoying each other's company…

Harry watched her die… her head hit the floor… a bloody quick death… by his hand… pain penetrated every fiber of his heart and soul, Harry had nothing to moderate his rage, he snapped, all his captives, including Ron fell dead… Harry turned his rage ready to wreak vengeance. He walked down the hall, he met… Neville, "Hi Harry!" said Neville.

Harry snapped in the Ancient language, Neville fell, a smile still on his face as it became lifeless; some students screamed, they fell screaming, pain penetrating their entire being, "Potter! What the hell is going on?!" shouted Professor McGonagall.

"Death and destruction," raved Harry as he snapped in Parseltongue. Professor McGonagall fell, dead. Harry continued his rampage, not a student or teacher survived…

 Harry turned his attention towards the world, he apparated to the Ministry, he walked into the muggle entrance. "Hello, welcome to the Ministry of Magic," said the cool familiar voice after Harry punched in the correct code, "Visitors are required to wear their badges at all times." Harry snapped in Parseltongue, it fell silent. He walked out onto thin air, he landed softly.

He walked up to the security officer, "Wand please," said the bored guard.

"Who cares about a wand? Especially when all it does is hold you back," snapped Harry. The guard started to pull out his wand and wave it around threateningly. Harry stretched his fingers forth, the guard hit the wall hard, the wall cracked and gave way, the guard fell head bashed in… Then Harry turned to the others who were appearing, Harry waved his hand, they all fell screaming, Harry sneered, enjoying their screams of pain, Harry increased their pain until they all fainted, he gave an evil smile, he was enjoying giving all of them a taste of pain… He muttered and all of them relaxed… into death. Harry walked into the elevator. He started at the top floor, Harry spoke a spell, the elevator remained stuck on his floor, Harry made his way killing everyone on the floor, two by two, one slaughtered, the other screaming in pain… Harry stopped at the last floor, "Sirius died here," he said quietly. His rage intensified. He entered the door…

Harry smiled evilly, he had destroyed the Ministry, now it was time to turn towards the general population, Harry turned to a homeless person walking holding a liquor bottle, Harry spoke, the man fell screaming… Harry walked over and stood over him smiling coldly, "Enjoy pain, pain beyond measure," he laughed eerily. Harry continued…

A few months later, a door shattered, "Shadow, Voldemort," said Harry coldly, "Voldemort, you are my last human victim. In fact, other than me, you are the last human." Harry laughed evilly, "Congratulations."

Voldemort backed up, "ADAVA KEDA…" he started. Harry snapped in Parseltongue, Voldemort fell dead.

"For you Shadow, Ahriman, I have reserved a special honor," Harry sneered, he pulled out Prabhakar, "Prabhakar will destroy you for the last time." They fought fiercely, Harry attacked several times, they remained in stalemate, "Well, it has been fun," said Harry, "But it is now time for you to die."

Ahriman held up his dark sword, "I don't think so Potter, you shall die," he replied. Harry struck at that moment, he had thrown Prabhakar, hard and fast… pain penetrated Ahriman body as Prabhakar struck its mark, Ahriman screamed, Shadow faded…

"You have defeated evil," said a strange Ancient one Harry did not know.

"Yes, you have," said another.

"Good, yet you are evil," said yet another. Others appeared, Harry drew Prabhakar again; he slaughtered the Ancient Ones…

Harry looked up, "I have wreaked vengeance, now let me complete it…" Harry said….

 He began to glow, the air shimmered, the earth quaked, the sun dimmed. Light appeared in the air heading for Harry who became brighter as the sun… The earth shook and quaked, fissures opened, rock cracked, the earth shattered… the sun exploded, a shock wave of magnificent size flew outward, within hours the solar system was destroyed…

He had destroyed the Ministry of Magic, slaughtered the Ancient Ones, incinerated the solar system, Horror filled Harry's heart, absolute horror, that he could ever do something so cruel, so… inhuman… he felt the blood of nations on his hands… he had seen himself inflict the Unforgivable Curses on others, watched them suffer and die before his lack of mercy… for his pleasure… Harry was disgusted  with himself, absolutely disgusted, his heart and soul blacker than Voldemort and the Shadows' combined… The final judgment… he had rendered it to himself… the world dead… Harry had turned on himself… the world shattered, the sun exploded…

"NO!" Harry screamed in despair, Prabhakar shattered and fell. Hermione fainted from loss of blood, "Hermione!" he cried suddenly realizing what he had done to her… A Shadow lifted from his mind, he grabbed her and apparated to the hospital wing.

He laid her down and began to tend her wounds, "Mr. Potter! What are you doing?" Madam Pomfery snapped. Harry spoke in a language she didn't understand, she flew back into her office, it locked. Harry turned back to Hermone. She wasn't doing well; her wounds were healed, but she still had lost a lot of blood.

"Please… my love… don't leave me," he cried. A single tear started rolling down Harry's cheek, a tear of regret and sorrow, a tear of immense love. It dropped…

It hit Hermione, she gave a sharp intake of breath and opened her eyes, "Harry, please, just kill me," she said crying, "I cannot live like this. I cannot live without you…"

"No," relied Harry. Hermione ran while she cried; Harry followed in hot pursuit.

Hermione stopped at the edge of the tower, "I cannot live without you Harry… please remember… I love you…" she said quietly. Harry looked at her for a moment as she started to lean back over the edge, she had been willing to die… for him.

She started to fall, Harry caught her hand but she slipped, "HERMIONE! PLEASE, MY LOVE, DON'T LEAVE ME," he screamed.

Harry thought of something, he had a very slim chance of saving her… but he would do anything to save her, even if it meant his own life… he apparated in mid-air and grabbed her, he apparated to the ground. He took a breath and paused, "Hermione… please… my love… my conscience… my soul… if I were to allow you to die… may I die with you… I could never live without you either…" tears started falling. Hermione cried and hugged him. Harry held her gently, "Forgive me." he begged quietly, "Please… my heart… my soul…"

"I do forgive you my love, please forgive me… I did not know what I was doing," she replied in a sorrowful voice.

Harry sighed, "I forgive you," he said quietly, "I hadn't felt myself overtaken by Shadow, I didn't realize what I was doing… until you fell."

"Oh, Harry, I know, I was… and still am willing to die for you," she said tearfully.

"I am willing to die for you, always," Harry said as she looked up at him tearfully. They locked eyes, but this time it was not because of anger, it was a look of love, both of them opening themselves to the other… They leaned closer, Harry bent down, their lips met in what turned into a passionate kiss.

They parted at last, "Hermione," said Harry softly.

"Herm, please Harry," she replied looking lovingly at him.

"Herm, I love you so much…" Harry said quietly softly in her ear.

"I know Harry," she replied, "I love you more than anyone or anything in the world." They moved closer for another kiss…

"NO!" said Ron angrily, "Hermione go to your room." This was too much for Harry. Hermione's face was getting that dreamy expression, pain enveloped Harry as this happened. He started speak in the Ancient language, he turned around and faced Ron… Ron lifted off the floor and pain filled his body, heart and soul.

"I will destroy you this time…" Harry snarled as he approached, Ron slammed into the wall behind him, the wall cracked under the pressure, Ron struggled to breathe, Hermione shook her head clear and hurried to Harry, she held him back.

"Harry! It's not worth it," she said quietly. Harry was fighting an internal battle.

"What Harry? Too much of a coward to face me?" asked Ron. Harry was about to react, but Hermione took the offensive and this helped moderate his anger, she snapped in the Ancient language, Harry didn't even register it as Ron fell, out cold. Hermione got up and started towards him, this time she was stiff. Harry felt her anger, it was beyond words…

"Herm…" Harry said quietly kissing her cheek, "Don't."

She gave him a nasty look but sighed, "I guess we're each other's check and balance," she said as she leaned back into Harry as he wrapped his arms around her.

Ahriman waved his hand, the wall went black and he cursed, "So close," he snapped.

"What are you going to do now?" asked Voldemort.

"I have other ways, you must have patience, we always lie in wait…" answered Ahriman.

"Why?" asked Voldemort, "You should go forward." "No!" replied Ahriman, "That is why you were defeated; patience will allow you to wait for the most opportune time."

"What? Are you blaming me for getting defeated?" asked Voldemort harshly.

"Yes, your arrogance is your downfall," replied Ahriman bluntly, "So, who else is to blame?"

Harry started downstairs with Hermione, hand in hand. The Aurors were still picking themselves up, "Now go," said Harry, he turned to Fudge, "If you wish to discuss anything, you may address it to the Headmaster, understood?"

Fudge looked irritable, "No, I will send along a Ministry official," he said.

Hermione interrupted him, "Do you hear something, Headmaster?" she asked.

"No," replied Harry as he took an offensive posture, he walked slowly towards Fudge exhibiting an aura of power, not unlike Dumbledore, "Did you have something to say?" he asked in a dangerous voice.

"No," replied Fudge in an angry tone, but he didn't dare do anything right now. He would have to do something later. Harry's cloak swished behind him, "Come on Hermione, we have better things to do," said Harry taking her hand.

Harry got undressed; he sighed and held his head in his hands. His head hurt, a lot, it had been of late, the last few weeks especially, but he couldn't complain. A knock came from his door, "Come in," said Harry. Hermione entered, she looked beautiful, indescribable. Harry, only then, realized how much he had missed her. "Herm, do you know how much I've missed you?" he asked quietly, almost in awe of her.

Hermione approached him slowly, Harry closed his eyes as her hand touched his cheek, the sensation was overwhelming; "As much as I have missed you…" she replied as she leaned down and kissed him. Harry smiled at her, "I would hope…" he trailed off. She laid down on his bed, Harry smiled at her and lay next to her. They both fell asleep immediately.

Hermione woke up late that day, "Harry! We've missed classes!" she said sounding very upset. "Don't worry, the Headmaster will pardon you," replied Harry sleepily.

Hermione giggled, "I wonder why," she answered turning around and kissing him, "Well, I'm getting up."

"Please," responded Harry in a grumbling voice, "I haven't had any sleep in over three months. Besides, this year, I'm not taking any classes."

"WHAT?!" Hermione shouted at him, "YOU'D BETTER TAKE YOUR CLASSES!" 

Harry flinched, "Okay, okay, I will. Please, just don't get mad at me," he said hugging her tightly.

Hermione sighed contentedly, pacified, "Okay," she smiled, "As long as you do what I tell you too." She giggled, "Get it?"

"Yes Herm," Harry smiled at her. They kissed, "Okay," said Harry quietly as they parted, "I'll get up." They both got up, "You first," Harry whispered.

She smiled at him, "Okay," she consented.

They arrived at their class just in time, "You both missed Transfiguration," said Professor McGonagall as they entered Charms.

Harry nodded, "Sorry Professor," he said quietly.

"Well, here is your homework, Headmaster and yours, Professor Granger," Professor McGonagall said handing them their homework, Harry could have sworn she smiled at them before turning around and leaving. Harry sat down, he still felt extremely tired, he hoped nothing else would go wrong this year, for ONE YEAR, would it hurt to be boring? He hadn't had a boring year since he had started Hogwarts, other than summers, of course.

Hermione broke in on his thoughts, 'Are you alright?' she thought concernedly.

Harry smiled at her, "Just tired," he replied.

A light seemed to go on in her eyes, "Well, there's always tonight…" she trailed off but her eyes remained glowing.

'Of course,' replied Harry smiling at her, "I look forward to it…" Harry trailed off, they were about to kiss when Professor Flitwick coughed, Harry rolled his eyes, so did Hermione.

"Yes, Professor?" asked Hermione.

Professor Flitwick smiled, "Absolutely nothing, Mrs. Potter," he laughed. Hermione blushed slightly and gave him an upset look. Harry noticed she fingered her left ring finger… something she noticed was missing… He also noticed the sad, regretful look in her eyes, Harry thought a moment; he wasn't sure how to handle this; should he propose to her again? Or give Hermione her ring back. Hermione watched Harry carefully for a moment, Harry immediately shut down his mind.

"Hey, don't block me like that," Hermione said in a hurt tone.

"Sorry," said Harry passively, "It was force of habit." Harry, with difficult, opened his mind again, it was a wonderful feeling, both of them sharing their thoughts openly with each other. Hermione rested her head on his chest, Harry began to stroke her hair. Hermione sighed in contentment and started to fall asleep; Harry watched as her head drooped onto his lap and smiled.

A few minutes later Harry woke Hermione, Professor Flitwick watched them until their classmates arrived. Madam Pomfery walked in, "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, follow me," she snapped.

Harry responded with equal hostility, but yet somehow calmer voice, "That's Headmaster, Madam Pomfery," he replied.

"I don't care if you think you're the Minister of Magic…" she started to say.

"Respect," interrupted Harry, "Does worlds of good, and you're pushing it, even the Minister agreed, to my taking over Hogwarts."

"You are too young to run this school," replied Madam Pomfery in an air of superiority, "As such, I will call you Mr. Potter, understood, Mr. Potter?"

Harry was about to snap a reply, Hermione stopped him, "Harry, please…" she said quickly grabbing his arm.

Harry looked enraged, but stopped himself, he then adopted an aura of power that surrounded him, "No, I understand that I have been appointed Headmaster, not you," Harry snapped.

Madam Pomfery backed down, "Yes Headmaster," she said backing up.

Harry didn't not drop his aura of power, "Now, what did you want?" he asked.

Madam Pomfery frowned, "I still can't figure out what you did to Mr. Weasley," she started, "I am not closer to healing him."

"Harry…?" asked Hermione.

'Yes, I could,' Harry answered her unasked question.

"Help him," she said quietly.

"No, last time I did that; he tried to screw me over," snapped Harry.

"Harry… please, put the past behind us," Hermione said hugging him from behind.

"Hermione, he can still control you somewhat," Harry said dropping his guard because of Hermione hugging him.

Madam Pomfery looked like she was about to do something, Hermione shook her head, "That wouldn't be very wise," she said quickly, "Last time someone tried to do that; they ended up the worse for it…" Madam Pomfery reconsidered; Hermione was Harry's weak spot.

"Miss. Granger," said Madam Pomfery, "Don't you agree you can't keep Mr. Weasley like that?" Harry's eyes flashed red for an instant.

"Perhaps," replied Hermione, "But not at the expense of my freedom."

To both Harry and Hermione's surprise, Draco Malfoy walked in, Harry cursed at him, "Hold your tongue Potter," sneered Malfoy, "Dumbledore can't save you now." All the students had heard of Harry beating the Aurors, all six of them, they backed up into the walls. "What?" asked Malfoy surprised.

Harry spoke in a harsh voice, "You haven't heard Malfoy?" he asked.

Hermione grabbed his arm, "Harry…" she said in a warning voice. Harry glanced at her, their eyes locked, their emotions mixed together, Hermione smiled at him and Harry smiled back.

Harry turned back and walked towards Malfoy, Malfoy rose off the ground, "What the…?" he said cursing.

"I defeated six Aurors, not to mention the Minister of Magic… Do you think you're a match for me?" asked Harry closing in on his prey, "You left all those people to die, didn't you ?!"

"I didn't do anything," Malfoy snapped, "My father will have your head for this."

"Your father is dead," Harry replied. "No," Malfoy sneered, "He's not… anymore."

Harry dropped him unceremoniously, "He joined the Shadow, didn't he?" asked Harry sharply, "How many were brought back?"

"I don't know," said Malfoy.

"You lie," replied Harry harshly closing in on him.

'Harry…' Hermione started, "Please" 'calm' "down." 'Yes,' said Harry, "Hermione." "Don't" 'injury' "him," she said, "More" 'than' "he'll" 'heal,' "well," 'in' "too" 'long' "anyway."

Harry glanced at her, 'Why' "Not?" he finished.

By now both the teacher and the students were looking at them, "How do you two understand each other?" asked Professor Flitwick.

"What?" asked Harry confused.

"How do you understand each other, neither of you have made a complete statement," answered Professor Flitwick.

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, "I don't know," replied Harry.

"Well, will you help Mr. Weasley?" asked Madam Pomfery.

Harry sighed, he glanced at the ceiling, "He has awoken," Harry replied, "But there are more pressing matters…" Harry finished.

He turned back to Malfoy, "How many were brought back?" he asked giving Malfoy a piercing look.

'HARRY!' Hermione scolded, Harry flinched, "stop" 'right' "now!' she finished. Harry glared at Malfoy malevolently.

After class, Harry walked along the lakeside; it was a wonderful day. He had to get away from everyone; he felt his anger still seething.

"Harry?" came a soft gentle loving familiar voice. Harry smiled as Hermione wrapped her arms around him, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," replied Harry not wanting to explain his position as he leaned back into her soft loving hold.

"Harry James Potter, I know very well something is wrong," Hermione scolded. Harry turned around and kissed her.

"I know, I'm sorry," said Harry, "Just so much has happened…"

Harry trailed off. "I've" 'lost' "nearly" 'everyone' "that" 'cares' "for" 'me;' "even" 'you' "were" 'almost' "added" 'to' "that" 'list,' "lost" 'to' "me…" Harry paused tears starting to fall, "I've" 'been' "given" 'so' "much" 'responsibility,' "I" 'don't' "know" 'what' "to" 'do' "anymore...."

Hermione looked concerned; "Harry…" she started, "No" 'matter' "what;" 'we' "will" 'always' "have" 'each' "other."

Harry felt all the frustration, anger and pain from his life melt at her look… her love… longing… concern… they kissed again; as they parted, "Harry, are you going to join the competition?" asked Hermione.

Harry smiled, "Yes, I am," he answered, but somehow unsure if he wanted to follow through with his plan…

"Harry, did you realize that we were mixing up thought and speaking?" asked Hermione quietly.

Harry thought a moment while Hermione listened. "You know, I didn't even realize it!" he replied.

"Neither did I until now," Hermione commented, "But I was thinking about it and remember what Professor Flitwick said? Well, we didn't even realize we were doing it! It just came naturally. Well, we did it again just now." Harry smiled as he pulled her into another kiss.

"Harry," came a scolding, muffled laugh from Hermione. Harry pulled back slightly, not really wanting to.

"Yes, my heart and soul?" he whispered. Hermione gave him a glowing smile.

"I know you're being loving Harry… But still, we've got other things to do you know…" she trailed off at the look in his eyes.

"Oh I know," said Harry with another smile then just before pulling her into another kiss finished with, "But it can wait a few minutes."

Harry caught up with Professor McGonagall a few hours later, "Professor!" Harry called.

"Yes?" replied Professor McGonagall.

"I would like to join the competition," said Harry quickly.

Professor McGonagall paused, "Are you sure?" she asked, "Some of the students might not think it fair."

"There's not really a winner, is there?" asked Harry.

"Well, not really…" replied Professor McGonagall.

"Then it should be fine, right?" asked Harry.

"Yes, I think so," said Professor McGonagall.

"Thanks Professor," Harry said.

"You're welcome," said Professor McGonagall as he disappeared.

Harry was in the Headmaster office finishing some paperwork when Tonks walked in, "Hello Tonks," said Harry.

"Hello Harry, do you still want to do this?" she asked, "Professor McGonagall told me what happened."

Harry sighed, "I don't know now," he replied, "Hermione was able to overcome the Shadow in her mind. But Ron can still affect her in unscrupulous ways." Harry paused a moment, "So I am caught between two choices; to allow someone to get away with something, so evil, so heinous, that… it is almost inhuman, or to get revenge for a wrong done to one who had done nothing; to stop him from hurting anyone else, including Hermione, ever again."

"Harry, if I may," started Tonks.

"Please," said Harry pointing to a chair, which slid back for her.

"Thanks," said Tonks sitting down, "Remember, revenge won't undo the past, but it will ruin someone's future."

Harry nodded, "That is why it is such an awful decision for me," he said.

A few seconds of silence past, "Maybe that's your conscience telling you what you are about to do is wrong," said Tonks.

"Perhaps , but for now, I believe I am in the right on this one," replied Harry.

"In that case, you must be cold and calculating," said Tonks.

"No, not cold and calculating Tonks, I must protect those who are close to me, they are in enough danger without someone causing them more grief," Harry said quietly.

"I know," said Tonks with a sigh, "Well, I'll do whatever I can to help."

Harry smiled at her, "Thanks Tonks," he said.

Tonks headed for the door, before she reached it Hermione opened it, "Harry…" she started then smiled, "Hi Tonks, how are you doing?"

"I'm doing very well Hermione, how are you?" replied Tonks returning her smile, then yawning, "I've got to go home, I'm exhausted."

"I'm doing very well Tonks, you have a good night," Hermione smiled. Tonks left down the stairs. Hermione smiled at Harry, "What was that about?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing important, just some Hogwarts business," Harry replied with a smile.

"It's late Harry, come on, please, I'm tired," Hermione begged.

"Okay," Harry smiled as he got up, "I'm coming." He opened the door for her. Hermione kissed him on his cheek as she walked by, Hermione held out her arm, Harry took it after he locked the door and they made their way to the common room.

Ron was in the common room, "Hi," he said quietly, almost in a regretful tone.

Harry was suspicious, Hermione felt his suspicion increase, 'What is it?' she asked.

'I don't like his tone… It makes me wary,' he answered.

"Hi Ron," said Hermione in a friendly tone.

"Hello Ron," said Harry in a friendly but slightly guarded tone, 'I couldn't stand losing you again…'

'You won't, he tries ever anything I'll kill him!' replied Hermione, 'He made the rest of my summer lousy. I was searching… But for what I did not know.'

Harry smiled slightly, "What have you been doing?" asked Harry.

"Nothing," replied Ron in a almost defeated tone. Harry felt something strike him about Ron, he didn't know what, but something was bothering him. "You guys do have a right to be angry at me," Ron started, "I betrayed you, both of you."

"It's okay Ron," said Hermione.

Harry felt a little differently, 'I don't know about this Hermione,' Harry cautioned.

'Harry Potter! You've got to give him a second chance,' replied Hermione.

"Harry?" asked Ron. Harry gave Ron a piercing look, for a few moments, Ron looked directly back at Harry, Hermione elbowed Harry in his ribs, but Harry didn't respond.

Hermione did it harder, 'HARRY POTTER! STOP THAT THIS INSTANT!' she mentally yelled at him.

Harry averted his eyes from Ron, "Yes," said Harry holding his ribs; she had hit him quite hard, 'dear.'

"Well?" asked Ron.

"I… guess," said Harry.

Ron was near tears, "I really am sorry guys," he said.

Hermione looked consoling, Harry was still worried. "It's fine Ron," she said. "Get some sleep, you'll feel better in the morning," said Hermione gently.

"Okay," said Ron still sniffing.

Ron went upstairs, Hermione stood in front of Harry and looked him directly in the eye, "You know you're not allowed to do that," she scolded.

Harry cringed slightly, "I have my… reservations," said Harry.

"Reservations or not, you promised," replied Hermione angrily as she put her hands on her hips.

"I had to break it before, after you… rejected me, I forgot, forgive me?" Harry replied penitently kissing her cheek, "Please?"

Hermione smiled at him, "Okay," she said slyly, "Right now anyway."

"I love you," said Harry quietly as he kissed her cheek again, "You're so wonderful, I don't know what I would do without you."

"Maybe you could sleep without a particular girl [b]sleeping[/b] with you," Hermione smiled.

"What if I don't want to change that?" asked Harry.

"Then I'd say, I'm glad, I wouldn't either, even after all we've been through," replied Hermione. They went up to bed, Hermione went to her room to get undressed, Harry thought for a moment, he had just realized his headache had been gone a while. He wondered if it had something to do with Hermione and himself.

"Hello Harry," Michael said with a slight smile.

"Hello Michael," Harry replied.

"I believe you have a question, or two actually," said Michael.

"Why did Prabhakar shatter," asked Harry.

"Prabhakar is strong yes, but only as strong as you are," replied Michael as he reached out, Prabhakar flew into his hand, it glowed both light and dark…

"Why?" asked Harry.

Michael didn't answer Harry's question right away, "I am between, I struggle for neither good nor bad, I seek to keep it even, that is told by the glow it produces," answered Michael, "You cannot hide your soul from it, even if it is because someone is possessing you, as you found out not too long ago. As for why it is strong, yet weak… I shall put it in terms easy to understand; I am very emotionally stable, when too many volatile emotions mix it shatters Prabhakar… I made it that way for a reason. No one who makes rash decisions should hold Prabhakar."

"Why did my headache stop?" Harry continued.

Michael sighed, "Because… you two must stay together, she has the same problem as you, it will get worse as you guys spend time together, until you become one," he responded.

"Become one?" asked Harry, "What does that mean?"

Michael smiled, "You will find the answer in time," he answered.

"You know how good you are at evading questions?" asked Harry.

"Yes, a very difficult art that takes years to learn," Michael laughed as he disappeared. A few minutes later Hermione came in, Harry smiled at her as she lay down; Harry curled up with her and kissed her goodnight. Hermione sighed in contentment before falling asleep.