24 (Together on Ice)

Later that day, at evening, Harry and Hermione, weak from the harsh studying, and lessons, decided to pay Ron a little visit in the Hospital Wing.

"Hello Ron," said the two, gazing curiously at the strange looking, weak, tired, and sleepy Ron.
"You shouldn't have come, I'm getting worse," replied Ron, trying to sit up. His pillow was covered with his sweat; it was like someone intentionally emptied a bucket of water on it.
"What's wrong?" asked Hermione, sitting on the bed beside Ron's.
"You'd better ask Madam Pomfrey, it's her area of expertise," answered Ron, rubbing his sweaty forehead.
Harry stared at him for a second.
"I bet it's your fever that's getting worse," started Harry, "you're sweating a lot, you know."
"Yes," began Ron, breathing deeply, "I reckon the next thing that's going to happen is that I get a cold or flu."
Hermione giggled on the bed.
Ron looked at her, his eyes half open.
"Laughing huh?" and he smiled sarcastically. "You wouldn't like it if you were sick, would you?"
Hermione shook her head.
"No, of course not," she replied, still laughing.
"Bossy know-it-all," mumbled Ron, softly, so that Hermione wouldn't hear him. However, unfortunately, he didn't succeed.
"What was that you said?" asked Hermione, raising her eyebrows.
Ron took a breath in, and turned to her.
"Isn't there something," he began weakly, wincing as his body temperature rose frequently, "that you don't hear or see?"
Harry stared at his feet, and giggled gently.
"But of course there are. What am I? Supernatural, Ron?" replied Hermione.

Ron kept quiet, and decided to change the subject of conversation. Since he was the only one Gryffindor sixth year that missed today's lessons, he chose to ask his best friends about how the day was.

So, as the time passed by, Ron learned all about Forbets, the deceiving wisps of smoke that would transform into mummies right behind one's neck. He also laughed when he heard Harry talking about Malfoy's reaction to his tricky Forbet. Imagining Malfoy having a hard time was such a perfect way to ease the pain of sickness and illness. Besides, it was what Ron always preferred, having Malfoy insult his family and friends in the last several years.
"Pity you missed the lesson," commented Hermione, as Ron slowly reached for a glass of water on the table next to him.
"No thanks," said Ron, taking a sip, "a lesson with mummies swarming all around the place, disappearing, and then reappearing suddenly without any warning…I don't think so. And I thought giant spiders were my biggest fear."
Harry couldn't help laughing at the scared-of-everything Ron. When will he ever grow up, and get the nerve to face danger, without a bit of fear surrounding his soul-thought Harry. It just reminded him of the old days, as he might refer to them. They had so much adventure full of fun and action, in the past years. Memories started flowing back to his mind…the day when the three of them landed on the Devil Snare beneath the trap door…the day the three of them drank the Polyjuice Potion…the moments when Harry fought the deadly basilisk…the time when he almost got hit by the Knight Bus…the time when he met Crookshanks for the first time…the day when he discovered who Sirius was….the day when he accompanied Hermione and Ron to the Quidditch World Cup…the day when he met Voldemort again in the graveyard…the day when the DA members went with him to the Department of Mysteries…and then, terrible memories, more like nightmares, interfered. He had a flashback of seeing Voldemort rise terribly again. A sort of feeling made his stomach move, as if he was going to vomit. Then, another memory passed by, but this time, it seemed longer, to kind of torture him. He heard his mother's shrieks and cries… and after that, she pleaded Voldemort for mercy, and to kill her rather than Harry. His mind was getting crammed with those memories, until he had his head held in his hands, yelping, and gasping, due to the emotional pain that flowed by. It was like his whole system was shut down, and he started floating on soft invisible air, in the darkness, and alone. He couldn't handle it anymore…

"Harry?"
He found himself on the floor, his body shaking like mad.
"Are you allright?" asked Ron, sticking his right leg down, trying without use to get out of bed.
Harry held his hands up to his head, and looked to the ground, trying to get into focus again. His scar has twitched, and that made him even angrier, because he started shivering, and holding the bed sheet in a very firm grip.
"Harry, it's ok…relax," spoke Hermione, trying her best to calm him down.

At last, Harry was normal again, but still, his eyes were wild, as if he was seeing a live nightmare take place in front of him.
"Are you ok?" asked Hermione, sounding worried.
When Harry looked at himself, he found himself and Hermione both sitting on the dry cold floor.
"Yes…I…I…at least, I think I'm ok," replied Harry uncertainly.
"What happened?" asked Ron, over their heads.
The two got up, and sat on the bed, in front of Ron's feet.
Harry started explaining, "When you spoke about giant spiders, I started recalling the times we've spent together. I mean, the times where we got together in adventures. In first, second, third, fourth, and fifth year. For a minute or so, it was like peace all around me, but then…then…sad and painful memories of the past came by….causing mind devastation…and… I heard mum yelling, and…she was begging Voldemort not to kill me, but to take her instead…and later on….I couldn't help it…I..I think I lost control…my scar twitched, it felt so hot…like it was boiling…and then I lost track of my condition…and woke up to find myself lying on the ground."
Hermione and Ron gave each other a curious, worried, and an uncertain look.
"Your scar twitched?" asked Ron, to be sure.
" Yes…like a…like a sunburn," answered Harry, rubbing his glasses.
Hermione turned to him. Slowly, she took a deep cool breath.
"Perhaps you should talk to Firenze," advised Ron, uncertainly.
Harry shook his head.
"Maybe this is another warning," commented Hermione.
"I don't think so," said Harry, disagreeing with her point, "probably, he's happy or angry right now. That's why it twitched."
"You mean…Voldemort?" asked Ron, slightly wincing at the name.
"Yes,"
"So, what do you think has happened that made him happy or angry?" queried Hermione.
Harry shook his head.
"I don't know," began Harry, "but there is something I know, in fact, I've known it since the end of summer."
"What?" asked Ron, tying a button on his shirt.
"Professor Lupin came to visit me at the Dursleys," explained Harry earnestly, "and he said that Voldemort has sent his Death Eaters all over the world to search for me. Of course, they knew that I studied magic at Hogwarts, but they never knew where I lived in the holiday."
Hermione and Ron understood him.
"So," continued Harry, "it's only a matter of time before they set foot here, at Hogwarts, to attack."
"But," started Ron, "why would it take them so long? I mean, they perfectly know where Hogwarts is, why haven't they showed up till now?"
Harry never thought about that; it was good of Ron to mention it though.
"I think," began Hermione seriously, "that you're forgetting some things."
"What?" asked Harry and Ron together.
"All those attacks that happened here a couple of months ago," claimed Hermione, "the Crows from Dark Valley…the giant that showed up at the Quidditch match….those weren't coincidences."
"What do you mean?" asked Ron slowly; having no clue about what Hermione was talking about.
"What I'm trying to say is," Hermione went on slower, shooting Harry and Ron don't-you-get-it looks, "Voldemort never does something without a plan. I mean, in fourth year, he didn't attack Harry right away in the summer holiday; however, he waited till the end of the year, when he made sure Harry would make it through the third task, the maze I mean, and touch the cup to be transferred to him by a portkey."

Harry and Ron both remembered, at those very words, how the circumstances and conditions were in fourth year. Especially Harry; he remembered how it felt to be facing Voldemort, having rose again, at the graveyard, in which his own father was buried. The cold intense feeling of those moments came back again to Harry, making him wince a bit, and grimace.

"Do you two get it now?" asked Hermione, yawning.
Harry and Ron nodded.
"By the way," said Ron quietly, "could you two do me a favour, and get me out of here? It's really boring…lying in the bed, minute after minute, hour after hour, day after day…"
Harry and Hermione, unintentionally though, grinned, and agreed to help Ron.
So, a few minutes later, the two left Ron, heading to Madam Pomfrey, who was near the entrance of the Hospital Wing, mending a girl's broken leg, probably from some Quidditch practice, who looked very familiar to the pair of them.
"Cho?" started Harry, glancing at the seventh year Ravenclaw.
She looked up at him, over Madam Pomfrey's head.
"Hello Harry," then she averted her eyes, as though she just realized Hermione came with him, "hello Hermione."
"Hello," replied Hermione, "what's wrong with your leg?"
Cho grinned very slowly.
"Well," she began calmly, "we had this Quidditch practice that turned out to be the worst in my entire life. It was in night, and there was a lot of rain. First of all, that annoyed and distracted our vision. Second, it lost me my concentration on the snitch. Besides, I couldn't have seen it properly, with all the thick big raindrops surrounding it. So, as the time passed by, I spent it doing nothing but sticking in my place, all wet and cold. And all of a sudden, I saw something from a distance… something brown, and big…a Bludger! I tried to move away as fast as I could've, but it was too late. The Bludger had already hit my left leg, almost went through it, and I was falling to the ground, terribly."
Hermione let out a sigh.
"Whoa!" said Harry in amazement. "Interesting story! Um…well, get well soon!"
Cho smiled at him.
Now, it was time to talk to Madam Pomfrey, who had been busy mending Cho's leg, with creams, and liquids that Harry never knew their use.
"Um…Madam Pomfrey?" began Harry.
"Yes dear?" replied Madam Pomfrey, wiping the stains of an orange liquid off her rough, wrinkled, and dry hand.
"We were beginning to think that it was time for Ron to leave the Hospital Wing, and…" but he wasn't able to finish his sentence.
"Oh no my dear," began Madam Pomfrey, " don't you think about your red haired friend leaving. He ought to stay here for three more days."
Hermione's smile faded away, and she looked crossed.
"Madam Pomfrey, please," Harry went on, desperately, " he's told us how boring it is, lying there motionless, day after day….he's missed the classes…"
Hermione looked at him, raising her eyebrows.
"Well, perhaps not the classes," said Harry, taking a breath, "but, you know…he's missed hanging out with us…he missed lunch on the house table in the Great Hall…he missed so many things that he couldn't handle being locked up in this…this cage!"

Madam Pomfrey shot them some angry, but meaningful looks.
"Honestly, you two and your little friend have been in here dozens of times, and never minded staying! What has gone with you? Does this place look like Azkaban to you?"
Harry and Hermione flinched at those words. The subject of Azkaban brought the bloody dementors to their minds.
"No, of course not," replied Harry, untying his tie, "we got used to this place. Plus, you were always there to help us, and treat us in the right way. So please, I'm begging you, Madam Pomfrey, let my innocent friend out, let him smell the sun's rays again…let him soar with happiness…let him celebrate his recovery."
"I see," said Madam Pomfrey, "well, unluckily, he hasn't recovered yet!"
"What?" shouted Harry in disbelief.
"Yes, and he needs hours of rest in his bed, treatment, healthy food, and extra care. All of this happens because of that tiring fever, that is common around human beings!" Madam Pomfrey was raging now, and losing her temper.
"So, mind you two leave now please? I'm a bit busy, you know!"
"Madam Pomfrey, you don't understand….getting back will cure his sickness, and he'll be allright again," said Harry, wishing that he could have power to fire the stubborn Madam Pomfrey from her work.
She put her hand up to her forehead.
"Fine," she said quickly, "but if anything goes wrong with your friend, don't you come pleading me to treat him right! And don't you say that I didn't warn you!"
Momentarily, she disappeared from their sight, rampaging like a wild rhinoceros would.
Harry sighed, and breathed deeply, so did Hermione.
"Bye then," said Harry and Hermione leaving Cho alone to recline.
"See you later," replied Cho, looking depressed. The sight of Hermione accompanying Harry, was the thing she loathed and hated most, apart from Cedric's death.

"Guess what?" the two were back to Ron, who was reading a book, given by Hermione.
"What?" he asked, looking rather excited.
"She agreed, Madam Pomfrey," began Harry, "to let you out!"
"But that came after hard work, you know," added Hermione, and then explained what went on with Madam Pomfrey, rejecting the idea of letting him out, and how finally she gave up, leaving responsibility to Harry and Hermione.
"Weird…I've never seen her this angry," commented Ron, after listening to her story, "she' probably not getting enough rest and settlement … having to take care of all those students, one after the other…it must be really wearisome work, being a nurse."
A few minutes later, Ron happily crept out of his bed, and joined Harry and Hermione to dinner in the Great Hall. His appetite was greater than ever before; it was like he's never seen this much bliss in his whole life! Truly, recovery from illness was one festive thing to celebrate and enjoy. Ron, without anything in his way to stop him, ate three full plates containing roast beef, and drank five goblets of sweet pumpkin juice. Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Ginny were all happy and glad that he was good once again, but still mystified by his behavior at eating. However, it was a great night for Ron. Being back with his friends has brought life back to him, as if he were dead for a few days.

Later that night, Ron, who was entirely full of food and drinks, headed his fellow Gryffindors off to the common room. What he needed after a big meal, was a peaceful, calm, and a sweet sleep.
Most of the Gryffindors were tired too, so they decided it was the best for them to get back to their dormitories, and get some sleep.

This has left Harry and Hermione alone. Harry wasn't really tired, but filled with energy. Probably, seeing Ron back in perfect health made him a bit hyper, and awake. Hermione, too, wasn't that much sleepy either. So, the two went for a walk outside the castle, where snow fell above their heads, and where the lake was frozen into solid ice. They knew it would be better not to wander in the dark, but Harry was a teacher now, and had every right to stay after hours.

"Nature is beautiful, isn't it?" asked Hermione, glancing at the cool dry lake, "I mean, it is brilliant to see how it goes through a cycle, on and on again. However, greed and evil are among it. That's why nature sometimes is sad."
Harry stared at her, and then had an idea.
"Do you go to summer school back in muggle land?" asked Harry, giggling.
Hermione looked at him, confused.
"No, why?"
"You sound like those teachers back in my school…I mean before I came to Hogwarts, I used to go to a muggle school, and Dudley to Smeltings School. What I remember from English lessons, were those courses we took about literature. So, I thought you might've went to a muggle school before stepping into the fantastic magical world."
Hermione laughed at Harry.
"Well, to be honest, I did for a few years. They perfectly taught us how to describe nature," explained Hermione earnestly.
"I agree," said Harry, " nature is brilliant."

Hermione rubbed her shoulders strongly, desperate for some warmth. Apparently, she had forgotten to wear an extra jacket. Harry just noticed her; she was almost freezing. He perfectly discerned the raindrops that froze on her nose.
"Here," said Harry kindly, handing her his own furry coat.
"Oh no Harry, you don't have to…"
"It's ok Hermione," said Harry, his leg stuck in the snow, "it'll only make it safer for you, otherwise you might end up having a cold, or worse, a fever like Ron."
"Thank you," said Hermione.
Harry was facing a problem now, a tough one. His leg was, which was covered with two trousers, and an extra black jacket, was truly stuck in the thick cold snow. His leg began to freeze, and lose the sense of warmth.
Hermione had just realized it.
"Let me help," she said quickly. Slowly, gently, and carefully, she grabbed Harry's leg from his boot, and started to pull it out with all her strength. For a few moments, nothing happened… and then, suddenly, Harry's leg came right out of the snow; Hermione fell on the ground, and Harry, accidentally, fell over her. However, luckily, he put his hands quickly on the snow, to avoid crashing.
Harry stared deep into Hermione's eyes, and she looked back at him. Then a smile appeared.
"Thank you for your help," commented Harry, and then stretched out his hand to pull Hermione up.
She was laughing at their state, all messed up with snow and rain.
"That was some fun we had, huh?" asked Hermione, still giggling.
Harry nodded.

They kept throwing snowballs at each other for ten minutes, and Hermione tried to run as fast as she could, to catch Harry, who was escaping. Cleverly, she caught him, and won. Then, they decided to build up a snowman. With waves from their wands, the snow on the ground began rising and taking the form of a fat snowman. Hermione poked her two index fingers into its head, forming the eyes. Shortly after that, Harry used his wand to form its mouth, which was wide open. He transfigured it, so that it would continue moving upwards and downwards. With a wave from Hermione's wand, a carrot appeared, and she plugged it in the middle, having a nose.
And so, there stood the perfect snowman they made together.

Harry was catching his breath now, and Hermione was laughing at the snowman.

"Listen, Harry," began Hermione, straightening her hat on her head, " do you want to go ice-skating on the lake?"
Harry thought about what she heard.
"Ice-skating?" asked Harry. "I know we do it in muggle land, but I was never good at it. The Dursleys used to take Dudley dozens of times in a month when we were ten or so, but I was always the victim. He always pushed me on the ice-skating rink, and I got hurt."
"Good, then at least you know a bit of it," said Hermione, taking her wand out of her coat, or rather Harry's coat.
"What are you doing, Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Summoning skates," claimed Hermione, chuckling at the state of the confused Harry.
"Accio skates!" muttered Hermione, and at once, a pair of navy-blue skates came soaring through the air, reaching Hermione's grip. She held them quickly, and took her boots off. Quickly though, she put on her skates, and turned to Harry. With deft, she waved her wand, and another pair of skates appeared out of thin air. They were black, and shiny.
"Here you go," said Hermione, handing him the skates. Harry wondered whether he should do this or not. He truly wasn't good at skating, and he feared that something was going to be wrong.
"Are you sure of this?" asked Harry.
"You'll be fine," replied Hermione, grinning at him, "don't you trust me?"
"Of course I do,"
"Then don't be afraid, I'll teach you," proclaimed Hermione.

The two walked through the snowy grounds, difficultly, and then at last, reached the lake. It was shiny, and as solid as glass. Harry could see his reflection on it.
"Ready?" asked Hermione, smiling at Harry fervently.
"I…guess so," replied Harry slowly, tying the loose laces on his skates.
"Here, hold my hands," Hermione stretched out both of her hands, which were hidden underneath thick warm gloves.
Gently, Harry's hands found their way to Hermione's.
"Ok, hold on firmly. I'll skate backwards, and thus, you shall proceed," explained Hermione, "and you have to remember, just glide softly to the right, and then to the left, and then to the right again, and so on. Get it?"
Harry nodded.

Now came the fun. Hermione already started moving her legs on the solid glittery ice, moving backwards. Harry was a bit nervous, but at least managed to move his shaking cold legs to the front. He did just as Hermione told him to; one glide to the right, and another to the left. His hair flew backwards rapidly, as his speed increased by skating. Hermione was very confident, because she knew perfectly how to skate. Harry, on the other hand, was trying as hard as he could, to not panic, but stay calm.
"You're doing it Harry!" shouted Hermione.
"Thank you," replied Harry, his ears almost freezing due to the cold air swirling in them.
Minute after the other, Harry was getting better.
Suddenly, he lost his balance, and lifted one leg above the ground. The other was moving forward quickly. His hands slipped from Hermione's grip, and he almost fell. However, Hermione, as fast as sound, held him and pulled him up.
"Thanks," said Harry, rubbing the snow off his legs.
"Don't mention it," said Hermione, her smile widening, "it was quite good to come up with that mistake. I hope you learned from it. Never skate with your back standing straight…you have to bend it a little."
Harry nodded, understanding the rules.
So, again, Hermione held his hands, and started moving to the back. Harry was getting tired, but still, he felt great learning a new sport. His legs were half numb, for he almost didn't feel them. Then, without any warning, Hermione turned around in an arc, and let go of Harry.
"Hermione, what was that for?" shouted Harry, his head turning backwards.
"Never mind, you have to practise alone, focus on what's in front of you, Harry," yelled Hermione back.
Harry had faith in her, so did he have trust. He hoped that he would not disappoint her. So, he freed his mind from every single thought, and concentrated on moving faster. Faster and faster, he was dashing through the falling snow. He could even clearly see the tracks of his skates from behind. The sweat drops on his face froze, and his eyes were lost in the snow. But finally, he made it till the other far end of the lake.
From afar, Hermione screamed, "Well done Harry!"
In reaction, he raised his hand, and waved at her, announcing his success.

A few minutes later, Hermione reached Harry, but of course, a lot quicker than he skated.
"You were brilliant," said Hermione, congratulating him on his beginner-lesson.
"You're great too," said Harry, kneeling down to catch his breath.
Hermione looked at her wristwatch, which was wet, and turned back at Harry.
"We'd better get back to the dormitory, before we get stuck in a blizzard,"
Harry nodded his head in agreement, and got up on his feet. All of the sudden, he found Hermione's arm around his shoulders. He's never felt this comfortable before. Harry glanced at her, smiling. Hermione smiled back, and they took their skates off.
"Evanesco!" said Hermione loudly, and at once, the skates vanished from their vision. The two had their boots back on, after summoning them from the other side. Harry slowly placed his arm around her shoulders. His feelings have really changed for the past few days. He was confused about these new feelings. He knew that one day he would find the lost love, but…could it be Hermione, his best friend? How wonderful it would've been, if they truly fell for each other.

Half the way was left till they reached the other end, which was near the castle gates. Harry felt something strange. Something was wrong. He thought he heard a crack under his own feet.
"Did you hear that?" asked Harry, listening carefully for any sign of movement.
"Hear what?" queried Hermione, looking around her.
"Never mind," said Harry. They only walked a few steps further, when Hermione heard the unmistaken sound of the cracking of ice.
"Oh dear," said Hermione, and instantly, her legs began sinking into the freezing water.
"Hold on Hermione!" shouted Harry, holding her from her hands. He quickly moved his legs back, but it was a bit slippery.
"Help!" shouted Hermione painfully, desperate to get out of the cold water. From underneath, she couldn't move her legs. They were completely numb. Then, Harry glimpsed shiny tears dangling from Hermione's eyelashes.
"Don't give up, Hermione!"
At last, there was some improvement. He managed to pull half of her out of the water. He was sure that her legs were losing circulation. Hermione's face got white, and she breathed terribly fast.
Then, Harry saw something dark in the water. It was getting closer to the surface. And CRACK! There was the Giant Squid's tentacle breaking the ice, to help Harry.
Finally, he succeeded in pulling her out. She was shivering, and shaking horribly. Her breaths were above the normal rate. Her eyes seemed out of focus.
Harry saw the Giant Squid's tentacle wave in the air goodbye, and then sank back into the water.
"Hermione, are you ok?" shouted Harry. He put his hand under her head, and lifted it up. Slowly, she regained conscious, and her eyes turned to Harry.
"Are you allright?" asked Harry again, to confirm he safety.
"You…you…saved my life!" said Hermione weakly, with a warm smile on her cold face.
"That's what friends are for, right? Besides, the Giant Squid helped too," continued Harry.
Hermione nodded, and looked deeply into his bright green eyes.
"I owe you my life!" added Hermione, trying to get up.
"Friends don't owe each other anything, Hermione. What's important is that you're safe," explained Harry.
At those moments, with Harry sitting on one knee, and Hermione lying on the floor, the two were lost in emotions. Harry's most definite desire now was to confess his love to her, but he was afraid of her reaction. He decided to tell her later on. And Hermione…she glanced at the smiling, warm, kind, and friendly face. Harry has been her best and most loyal friend for the past five years, and this was the sixth year running. She wondered…was it time for her to be settled with a true lover? And most importantly, could it be…Harry…that she was destined to be with? Then, slowly, Hermione sat up, and got closer to Harry. Harry was focusing on her eyes, getting so close. Their noses almost touched when…Hermione gently kissed his cheek, and then smiled.
Harry closed his eyes, and thought of that moment that just passed by, and hoped it would last forever. Then, the white snow lighted the blackness of the inside, as Harry opened his eyes.
"You're the best friend someone could ever have!" spoke Hermione gladly, and hugged him tightly. He smiled, and hugged her back. These were extraordinary moments of life, which to Harry, might be supernatural and very special.

A few minutes later, Harry and Hermione, who were both relieved and tired at the same time, finally reached the Hogwarts Castle front gate. The warmth of the inside cheered them up. Nobody was in the Great Hall but Peeves, still sad about the soon arrival of his uncle, Gadzy. So, they decided to return back to their dormitories.

Slowly, the two waved goodnight to each other, as they opened their dormitories' doors. It happened so slowly, that Harry really enjoyed. They closed the door at the same exact time, abandoning the common room, and went to sleep.
Harry crept into his bed, and covered himself with the blanket, to keep him warm. He kept thinking about the times he spent with Hermione in the past. Slowly, memory after memory came floating by in his mind. The day when their eyes first met on the Hogwarts Express…the day when they went through the trapdoor….the day when Hermione hugged him just before he went to save the Philosopher's Stone…the day when she welcomed him back at Diagon Alley before second year began…the day when they drank the Polyjuice Potion in the girls' haunted bathroom…the day when she held his waist so tight, when they were flying on Buckbeak….the day when she helped him with summoning charms…the day she first kissed him on the cheek, before leaving Kings Cross Station in the end of fourth year… the day when she bravely joined him to fight the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries…everything kept coming back to him now. Harry couldn't believe how much events have happened in the past years. Slowly, he took off his glasses, and rested soundly in his bed, becoming silent, until the dawn of another day…