Harry Potter and the Himeros Effect
Chapter One: The Special Project
Harry's eyes fluttered open softly and he reached over to his nightstand,
grabbing his glasses and shoving them onto his face. He washed up quickly,
grabbed his wand, and swung his bag over his shoulder. Pinned on the dorm
door was a note from Ron:
Harry,
'Mione and I have gone to breakfast early because McGonagall
wanted to speak with us about a project we'll be doing this year. See you soon,
Ron.
Harry threw the note in the trash can and continued to the Common
Room. He had expected Neville and Ginny to be waiting for him, but only Collin
sat in the groups usually spot.
"Collin, have you seen Ginny or Neville?" Harry asked as he examined a
notice pinned to the wall. Just something about special classes this year in
Care of Magical Creatures.
"Oh, they had to leave with Ron and Hermione," Collin said looking up
from his camera, which appeared to be broken or not working correctly.
"McGonagall need to speak with them as well."
"Oh," was Harry's reply. "That's strange..."
Collin only nodded and continued working on his camera, so Harry
climbed through the portrait hole and headed to the Great Hall. Without
realizing it he took the longer way and was soon passing by the giant gargoyle
that was the entrance to Dumbledore's, the headmaster, office. Just as Harry
passed, the gargoyle jumped aside and Dumbledore stepped out, followed by
Professor McGonagall, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville. All of them stopped
when they saw Harry, and all but Dumbledore appeared to be nervous.
"Good morning, Harry," Dumbledore said with a smile and the usual
twinkle in his eye.
"Good morning, sir," Harry said. "What...what were you all doing up
there? I thought Professor McGonagall needed to talk to my friends..."
"Oh no, Mr.Weasley misunderstood," McGonagall interjected. "I told your
friends to meet me in my office so we could go to Dumbledore together."
"It was I who needed to talk to your friends," Dumbledore said. "As well
as Professor McGonagall."
"Oh," was Harry's reply. That seemed all he could say that morning.
But then he creases his eyebrows. "I thought Ron's note said something about
a project?"
"I did," Ron said.
"And it was about a project," Hermione said calmly. "Right professor?"
McGonagall nodded. "One that will be taking place this year."
"So what's the project?" Harry asked.
"You'll find out soon, Harry, not to worry," Dumbledore said. "Now, I
suggest we hurry before we miss breakfast."
Harry didn't press further, but it was obvious to him that something was
going on and that he wasn't supposed to know about it yet. But Dumbledor's
tone seemed to reassure him somehow that he would find out sooner than
later and Harry could live with that; at least for the moment.
And besides, Harry knew it couldn't be too bad; Voldemort was finally
dead and Harry felt a new sense of freedom and happiness that just wouldn't
go away. Of course, he didn't want it to. But he still felt curious, still wanted to
know what secrets were left to be kept from him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry held back a yawn and propped his head up under one hand as he
stared, eyes half closed, at his History of Magic textbook. Five minutes into
his first class of the day and he was already in danger of falling asleep. But it
really wasn't his fault though; History of Magic was the most boring class he'd
ever taken.
He'd began doodling on a short piece of parchment he'd planned to use
for notes when a paper elf climbed up to his desk. It was a magical note, and
the elf gave away that is was from Hermione. He unfolded it a read:
Sorry about this morning. I know you must want to know, but please
don't worry; you'll find out soon according to McGonagall so just be patient.
Anyways, I noticed you were falling asleep and if you want I'll take notes for
you if you need a nap.
"What the bloody hell..." Harry whispered. Was Hermione actually
approving of him sleeping in class? If he hadn't thought so before, he now
knew something was going on. He scribbled his reply:
Are you seriously approving of me sleeping in class? Hermione, what's
gotten into you? Normally you'd be sending me a howler to keep me awake in
class!
Only a minute later the elf returned. Harry again unfolded it a read:
I know, but you deserve it after all you've done over the summer. Every-
one needs a down day, even me. To tell you the truth, I fell asleep in this class
last year and had Ron cover for me.
Harry laughed to himself, astonished that Hermione had fallen asleep
in class before. Dating Ron was starting to affect her.
I think I might just take you up on your offer. Thanks 'Mione.
Just before he laid his head down, he heard Hermione whisper to him,
"No problem."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Ron?"
"Yes 'Mione?"
"How long have you...liked me? As more than just a friend I mean?"
"I don't know...I think I've always liked you as more than just a friend,
at least on some level...And 'Mione?"
"Yes Ron?"
"I don't think I just like you...I love you."
Hermione sat jolted up and stared at Ron in shock and disbelief.
"You what?"
"I love you, Hermione."
"Oh, Ron!"
The two kissed gently, then more heatedly. Then Hermione pulled
away.
"Ron?"
"Yes?"
"I love you, too."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry sat up quickly, sweating.
"Harry, are you okay?" Hermione asked in her worried tone as she held
him by the shoulders.
Class was over and they were the only ones left in the classroom.
"I, uh, yeah, I'm fine," Harry said, panting. What the hell just happened?
Hermione looked at Ron and they both nodded.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Harry, after Care of Magical Creatures you need to shower before
lunch, okay?" Hermione said, ignoring him.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, ok..."
The three exited the classroom and Hermione handed Ron a piece of
parchment. "I need to go speak to a teacher about one of my classes this
afternoon. Be back soon."
Ron nodded and gave Hermione a peck on the check before turning
back to Harry.
"She's not going to see any teacher is she?" Harry asked. "It's
Dumbledore or McGonagall isn't it? Ron, please tell me what's going on."
Ron didn't look at him as he lied, "I really have no idea."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry groaned as he and Ron climbed down the hill to Hagrid's hut.
"Great, we have class with the Slytherins' again this year," Harry said.
"Oh, well that's bloody brilliant," Ron murmured in agreement.
"Welcome bak," Hagrid said happily when he was sure everyone was
present. "On yer first dey back I've gert a special surprise fer yeh."
He bent down to the box beside him and pulled out, strangely, a book.
Holding it so all could see, the title read Rarest Magical Creatures Today.
"Fer teh next few weeks we're gonna be studin serm extremely rare
creatures," Hagrid continued. "An' at teh end of term we're goin' ter be testin'
if any of yer have any creature blood in yer and jus' don' know it."
Wait, something's missing, Harry thought. Where's Malfoy's sarcastic
comment?
Apparently Hagrid had expected the comment too and paused to allow
it; but when nothing happened he moved on.
But Harry didn't let it go at that. He looked over at Malfoy and was
shocked at what he saw. He'd changed over the summer, really changed. He
was at least five inches taller, and his white blonde hair was all one length that
extended just to the bottom of his neck. He's stayed just as skinny, but was
now built with more muscle and his chest bulged out slightly more.
Harry found himself staring at Malfoy, his transformation hypnotizing
him. Every movement, every lock of pale hair, and every curve of Malfoy
entranced Harry. He couldn't bring himself to look away. Not without help.
"Harry? Harry!"
Harry blinked furiously and shook his head, turning to the owner of the
voice.
"I'm fine Hermione," he said quickly.
Hermione looked very unconvinced. "Are you sure? You were miles
away."
"Yeah mate," Ron agreed. "Are you sure you're okay? You can tell us
you know."
Harry just shook his head, "Really guys, I'm fine."
"Alright," Hagrid said. "Come on up ere and get yerself a book then ya
can begin ter flip trew it."
Everyone did as they were told and Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat under
a large tree together and began looking through page by page.
"Oh, look at this one!" Hermione said like a child opening presents on
Christmas morning. "'Aletheia- An Aletheia is a creature said to personify truth.
It can always sense when a lie is being told. Along with this ability it can enable
anyone or thing from either lying or telling the truth.' " She looked absolutely
gitty. "This stuff is amazing! I've never heard of half of these creatures!"
Ron and Harry chuckled and flipped the page.
"Hey look at this one," Harry said. He didn't notice that Ron and
Hermione paled slightly at the sight of the heading. Harry began to read.
" 'Himeros- these are very rare creatures that are normally born every few
centuries. A Himeros is a creature that personifies longing and sexual desire
in others and itself. But it is also dangerous when it comes to its appropriate
mating age. Himeroses are the only know species to mate only with their
"soul mates". When the Himeros comes to age it begins searching for a mate
without even realizing it-' "
"Harry, why don't we look up some elemental creatures?" Hermione
interrupted.
"Just a minute 'Mione," Harry said and continued reading. "'It begins
searching for a mate without even realizing it while still going through its
normal daily routine. Every person or creatures aura the Himeros comes in
physical contact with sends a message to the Himeros's brain. If the signal
is a match to the Himeros's aura, the Himeros immediately loses all other
focus and pays attention to nothing but the one it has chosen as it's mate.
If the chosen mate returns the Himeros's affection then the Himeros will
return to normal, after a few days, for a period of three to up to thirty days,
but will begin to display for its mate. After the given period of time, the
Himeros will return to its one-track-focus of its mate, emitting a scent only
detectable by the mate. This scent will cause the mate to react in the same
manner as the Himeros and they will mate to establish an unbreakable
connect. It is extremely foolish to try to keep them apart, if there is any reason
too. Himeroses have been known to kill instantly if anyone or thing comes
between it and its mate. Signs of Himeroses coming to age of mating are...' "
Harry paused and his eyes widened. "'Signs of Himeroses coming
to age of mating are: Continued dreams of sexual desire of itself and others;
increase appetite; lack of focus; exhaustion and sudden sleepiness;
mood-swings; and dreams of other soul mates first moments of love and
sex...' "
Harry stared at his friends. "I...Oh Merlin...I think I'm a Himeros."
Ron and Hermione gave each other nervous glances.
"Harry," Hermione said gently. "You are."
"What? How...how are you so sure?"
"Dumbledore and McGonagall asked us not to say anything," Ron said.
"They even told us to make something up about a project..."
"Harry, we only did it to protect you," Hermione said. "We were just
supposed to help you through it and make sure you didn't hurt yourself while
going through the process. We just had to make sure you were comfortable,
safe, and that you didn't harm yourself or anyone else. It felt terrible to lie to
you."
Harry just stared at his hands for a moment before standing. "I can't do
this right now." He began to walk away.
"Harry, wait!" Hermione said, chasing after Harry with Ron on her tail.
"Was goin on ere?" Hagrid asked as Harry stormed past him and
his two best friends tried to catch up.
"He's found out!" Ron said.
Hagrid grew pale and followed after Ron.
"Harry, please stop!" Hermione pleaded.
Harry turned his head while he was still walking, "No, I just need to go
think this out! Please, just leave me alone."
But as he spoke he was unaware of where he was going. Unable to move
out of Harry's way quick enough, Malfoy was nearly trampled when the two
collided. Malfoy fell to the ground and Harry tripped, landing on top of him.
"Harry!" Hagrid exclaimed in shock.
Malfoy stood, looking shocked, as Hermione and Ron lifted Harry to his feet.
"Watch where you're going next time Potter," Malfoy said, but he didn't
sound angry but almost depressed.
"Harry, are you alright?" Ron asked.
"Harry?" Hermione said after Harry didn't answer.
"Why isn't he...?" Hagrid began. But he stopped mid sentence and his
eyes widened, focusing on Malfoy.
Hermione gasped, mouth and eyes wide as well as she stared at Malfoy.
"What?" Malfoy asked, gently brushing his robes off. "Why are you
staring at me like that for?"
Suddenly Harry made a move, one that shocked everyone. He stepped
forward, put one arm around Malfoy's waist and then used the other hand to
pull Malfoy into a kiss.
Malfoy gasped into Harry's mouth, eyes locked with either Hermione
or Hagrid, both of which didn't appear to be breathing. But slowly Malfoy
began to relax and in almost no time he shocked the crowd further by closing
his eyes and returning the deep kiss. At this Harry began to rub Malfoy's back
gently and play with the pale locks of hair his hands grasped. Malfoy reached
his hands around Harry's neck and used to hand to grab his other wrist to hold
them there.
Finally the two parted slowly, still holding each other close. Malfoy
turned a very deep red as he pushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. Harry just
grinned.
In an almost mouse-like tone Ron said, "Bloody hell..."