Harry's pulse quickened. He had to find her. He had to get to her. She was screaming, screaming in terror and pain. His legs felt like lead as he tried to race through the corridors. His breathing hitched as he gasped for air. In the back of his mind he wondered why she was here. Why wasn't she at the manor? Another scream pierced the silent hallways and he tried to determine which direction to run. Taking off again he called her name for the hundredth time. His voice was horse and raspy. Turning a corner, he saw her at the end of the corridor. His feet stomped a loud beat as he raced to her side. She wasn't moving. He gently knelt and taking her arm, moved her onto her back. "Hermione? Hermione! Wake up!" There was no response. He shook her gently and continued to call her name. She was pale and sweaty. At last her eyes fluttered open, they were dull and listless.
"Har...Harry." Her voice was nothing but a breath of air.
"It's going to be alright. I'm here." Harry cradled her body to his chest but felt her gasp and loosened his grip as a tremor rocked her body. Suddenly a laugh pierced the air. It was loud, cruel and sickly. Harry quickly looked up and saw him come around the corner. He was swinging his wand in a casual manner as he approached them. Harry quickly pulled out his wand and cast a disarming spell but it was quickly deflected.
"Knew you'd come. You can't save her you know. She will die." Atticus smiled wickedly before quickly flourishing his wand.
Harry's stomach dropped, he tried to react but his movements were too slow. Before he knew what had happened he heard Hermione gasp roughly as a purple light struck her. She tensed in his arms and then went limp. Harry shouted, "No! What did you do?!"
Atticus simply laughed again. "You have no power here, Potter. She was never yours." He turned and walked away without a backwards glance.
Harry's eyes moved back to the girl in his arms. The girl he loved. The girl he wanted to marry. Blood seeped from her shirt. It covered her torso and dripped to the floor without slowing. He tried to push back his panic and his sobs, but as he heard Hermione's last rattling breaths he clutched her to him and begged her to live. It was no use. Her body was too still and as he kissed her forehead he felt her sag, her breath leaving completely. "No! Hermione! Noooo!" The scream was primal as his heart shattered.
Suddenly Harry was jolted awake and gasped for air as tears ran down his face. Slowly Harry became aware of someone speaking to him.
"Harry! Harry, it's alright. It was a dream. Please, breath. Look at me!" Hermione had woken to Harry's cries. He had cried out in pure agony and it had set her heart racing. She had a hard time waking him and even now he seemed to still be in a fog. His chested heaved trying to catch his breath. Tears ran down his face. She couldn't remember a time she had seen him like this. She reached out to touch his arm and felt him tense. "Harry, look at me." Slowly he turned to her and meeting his eyes she saw pure terror, followed by relief. Before she knew what was happening Harry had her pulled into his arms in a tight embrace.
Harry held her. He held her as if she was the only thing able to keep him breathing. She was here. She was alive. She wasn't hurt. She wasn't dead. "Hermione. Hermione, I love you. I love you so much." His voice cracked a bit but his breathing slowed and he started to feel calmer.
Hermione could hear the devotion and desperation in his voice. She held him tightly and then sat back and looked into his emerald eyes. "Harry, I love you too." She kissed him and then asked, "What happened? What was your dream about?" Harry tensed and avoided her eyes as he sighed heavily. "Please tell me."
"I…you…you were dying. You died." Harry's breath caught in his throat.
"It's alright, Harry. I'm right here. It was a dream," Hermione embraced him again. She pulled him down on the bed and ran her fingers in his hair as he rested his head on her stomach.
"We were at Hogwarts. Atticus was there. I didn't move fast enough. He cast a curse at you. There was so much blood. He said you were never mine. Hermione…" His words dropped off as he took a shuddering breath.
"I'm so sorry Harry. It was a dream. Just a dream." She felt Harry nod against her. "I am yours Harry. Bond or no bond, Harry. You have me. I don't plan on leaving."
Harry closed his eyes at her words of comfort and raised his head up and shifted so he could see her. Her eyes were tired but bright. She gave him a sweet smile and he kissed her lips with ease. When they parted Harry said, "I'm sorry I woke you. You should be sleeping. You must be tired. How are your arms?" She shouldn't be worrying about him. She was the one who needed tending.
"I'm alright. I'm just glad I could wake you." Hermione assured him.
Harry looked to her arms and asked again, "But how are you feeling? Your arms got a few good cuts last night."
Hermione surveyed her bandaged arms and said with a small smile, "I do look rather worse for wear. I'm a bit sore and tired but the pain in minimal."
"I'll get you something for it." Before Hermione could object he called, "Colby." The house elf appeared a moment later.
"Yes, Master Harry? How can I help?" The elf bowed and looked up with concerned eyes.
"Would you bring up some breakfast for us, and a pain potion and healing balm for Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Of course, sir. I will be back soon. Is you needing anything else? " With that Colby quickly made his way out of the room.
"No, we are good. Thank you, Colby," Harry replied. The elf nodded and departed.
Harry settled back against the pillows again. "After we eat, I'll unwrap your arms so we can see how they are healing. It was mostly small cuts but there was a rather bad on your left arm."
"Thank you Harry. I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have you to take care of me," Hermione smiled warmly.
Hermione and Harry ate breakfast in Hermione's room. It was an intimate setting and Harry found himself trying not to notice how lovely Hermione looked in her silky pajama tank top and shorts. He did notice however, that she didn't eat much. He decided not to comment on it but made a note to watch her eating habits and make sure she got enough. When they were done eating Harry led Hermione to the desk chair and carefully began unwrapping the bandages on her arms. He was pleased to see that the smaller cuts were already closed and healing nicely. When Harry got to the larger cut he heard Hermione inhale sharply as his fingers gently prodded the wound. It was raised and an angry red. It was still oozing a small amount of blood. "Sorry. I need to rub some healing balm on it." She bit her lip and nodded before wincing slightly at his touch. He tried to be quick and gentle. When he was done he wrapped a bandage over it and felt Hermione relax. "I'm sorry."
Hermione took his hand. "Harry, it's alright. It isn't so bad. Thank you for tending to it."
"Take this. It will help with any lingering pain." Harry handed her a small vial of pain potion. She downed it quickly and smiled at him.
"Well, I better get dressed. I want to look into some more of those books before we leave tonight for dinner." Hermione said as she rose.
Harry smirked at her. "Of course you do. I wouldn't dream of keeping you from your books." He rose as well and asked, "Do you think you're up for it? Dinner tonight that is?"
"I'll be fine. I don't want to miss it." Hermione gave him a smug look. "You wouldn't be looking for a way out of talking to Ginny, now would you?"
Harry gave her a small laugh. "Well, maybe a little. But really, I just don't want you to wear yourself out. You still look pretty tired."
Hermione kissed his cheek and replied, "I am still tired, but that is normal after an attack. If I take a little nap before we go I should be fine. Besides, the sooner we tell Ginny the better."
Harry sighed but knew she was right. He couldn't avoid it. "You're right. I'll leave you to get ready for the day then. I'll check in with you later." Harry kissed her lightly and headed to the door. He made his way to his room and took a long shower. The images of Hermione hurt and bleeding flooded his mind and he tried to push them away. It had been so real. They had to find him. They had to find Atticus Benton. He was the key to ending all this.
Later that afternoon Harry entered the Library to find Hermione fast asleep on the couch with a book lying open on her stomach. He smiled and quietly approached her. He gently stroked her cheek and whispered her name. She stirred and slowly opened her eyes. "Hello, my darling girl." Harry kissed her on the cheek. "Did you enjoy your nap?"
Hermione stretched and yawned, "I did. Thank you." She slowly sat up and Harry sat down next to her. "Is it time to get ready to go, then?"
"It is. I am sorry to wake you. If you'd rather sleep I can tell the Weasley's we can't make it." Harry offered.
Hermione smiled at him. "No. I want to go. Just give me a few moments to freshen up." She rose from the couch but didn't get far before she swayed slightly. She felt Harry reach her side to support her. She winced slightly as his body made contact with the cut on her arm.
Harry saw her sway and immediately jumped up to help her. "Whoa, you alright?" He didn't like how pale she looked. He saw her wince slightly. "Did I hurt you?"
"No, no it's fine. I think I just stood up too fast," Hermione explained. "I'm fine now."
"Your arm?" Harry asked as she stood steady again.
"It's alright, just tender."
Harry studied her for moment. "Hermione, if you are feeling ill we should stay home."
She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. I promise." She raised her hand to his cheek and kissed him soundly.
Harry snacked his arms around her and pulled her in closer. When they parted he put his forehead against hers and whispered, "You sure we couldn't just stay here, like this for the night?"
Hermione let out a small laugh as her cheeks flared with color. "It is tempting." She kissed him again and then stepping away said, "Give me a few minutes. I'll be ready to go soon." She smiled at him and made her way into her room. Hermione braided her hair back and tried to use a concealing charm to lessen the appearance of the dark circles under her eyes. The charm helped but it also seemed to sap more of her energy. She sighed heavily and rubbed her temples as she felt a slight headache coming on. She said softly, "Biddy?" The little elf suddenly appeared.
"Miss called?" Biddy said with a bow.
Hermione smiled warmly at her. "Hello, Biddy. Thank you for coming. Can you fetch me a pain potion?"
"Is Miss feeling unwell? Can I get you some broth? Or a cold cloth?" Biddy offered worriedly.
"No, no. It's just a slight headache. Nothing to worry about really," Hermione reassured her.
Biddy nodded, "I will be right back Miss."
A moment later Hermione was handed the vial. "Thank you, Biddy."
"Miss should rest. You is having quite a bad attack yesterday." Biddy wrung her hands with clear anxiety.
"I am sorry if I scared you, Biddy. There is no telling when an attack will happen." Hermione explained.
"It is alright Miss. I is just not liking to see you hurt. You is going out with Master tonight, yes?" Biddy asked.
"I am, yes. We should not be too late." Hermione said.
Biddy nodded. "I will be sure to check in on you when you return."
"You don't have to do that," Hermione said.
"I is wanting to Miss." Biddy insisted.
Hermione nodded to the little elf with a smile. "I will see you later tonight then." As Biddy made her way to the door Hermione added, "Oh, Biddy, can you not mention to Harry about the potion? I don't want him to worry."
Biddy looked back at her with a slight frown. "I will not mention it. But if he should ask me I will not lie."
"That is more than fair," Hermione agreed. The two smiled at one another and Hermione tucked back a curl that had already escaped her braid before putting lip gloss on and making her way to the stairs.
Harry was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Hermione. He didn't want to tell her, but he was increasingly worried about her falling down the steps should an attack hit her at the wrong moment. He found himself eyeing her whenever she was going up or down them. He heard her footsteps and was soon overcome by her appearance. Her dark blue dress with small white flowers on it swayed tantalizingly around her knees. The fabric seemed to drape her figure just right. The neck line was a V shape that was modest but showed enough to make him almost desperate with desire to see more. He watched her carefully as she stepped down to him. "You look great, Hermione." He was pleased by the smile and blush that spread across her face. "You're not trying to make Ron jealous are you?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him and simply stated, "It was not Ron I was thinking of when I chose this dress."
Harry smiled like a school boy. "You don't have to try to impress me. I think you'd look wonderful no matter what you're wearing…or not wearing." He smiled wickedly at her.
"Harry!" Hermione said as she hit him lightly on the arm, her face heating up considerably.
"Sorry. But you do look really nice. That might be my new favorite outfit on you," Harry said as he kissed her on the cheek. Now that he got a closer look he could see the slight shadow under her eyes and the way her shoulders sagged a bit.
"Thank you." Hermione took his arm and let Harry lead her to the front porch. She turned to Harry when they were outside and asked, "Are you ready for this?"
"Ready as I'll ever be I suppose. I am glad to see them all, I just wish I didn't have to face Ginny." Harry admitted.
"I know, but hopefully it will be alright. No matter what happens, at least we get to come home together." Hermione gave his hand a squeeze.
Harry's heart leapt at her words. Home together, with Hermione. Knowing that she called his manor home made him feel at ease. "I should be asking you if you're ready. You aren't too tired are you?"
"Do I look too tired?" Hermione asked with concern. She touched her face as if she had something on it.
"No, you look wonderful. I just want to make sure you are feeling up to this. The Weasley's can be quite a group when they are all together. " Harry reassured her pulling her into a hug.
Hermione relaxed and smiled, "I will be fine. If I get too tired I'll let you know."
Harry nodded and said, "Here we go, then." They turned and then appeared just down the road from the Burrow.
Charlie met them at the door first. "Hey, you two! It's good to see you. How are things?"
"Good, thanks Charlie! How is Romania?" Harry asked.
"Oh, you know, dragons and more dragons. All things considered it's going well." Charlie responded light heartedly as he ushered them inside.
Harry and Hermione were assaulted by welcoming words and hugs from Bill and Fleur, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, George, Ron and finally Ginny. Harry gave her a quick hug which he hoped was not too awkward. "Hey, Ginny. I hope you're doing well?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Good to see you again, Harry." She gave him a small smile.
"I heard you were at a Quidditch training?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, it was wonderful! I learned a lot. It gave me opportunities to meet new people and there were scouts there too."
Harry was glad that Ginny seemed excited. "Good for you. I'm glad you're going forward with what you want."
"Are you? I think you're the one that said I should go back to school." Ginny eyed him.
Harry shrugged, "I did. But you seem pretty set on Quidditch and it seems to make you happy. Despite things not working out for us I do want you to be happy, Ginny."
She smiled at him and said softly, "Thanks, Harry. So, how are you doing?"
"Um, good I guess. Actually, there is something I need to talk to you about. Can we find a quiet place after dinner to talk?" Harry asked. He could see surprise and curiosity flash across her face.
"Sure."
Harry nodded and moved to talk to Ron. They were slightly in the corner and Harry asked Ron quietly to catch him up on what he had missed at training and if there was any news. "I heard they might have a lead on his location," Ron said quietly. "But it sounded vague."
Harry sighed, "I hope they do."
"How is she?" Ron ventured.
"She is handling it all like a champion of course. But she's struggling. She tries to hide it, but I can tell." Harry confessed. "I didn't want her come tonight to be honest."
"Why?" Ron asked with concern.
"The attacks seem to be happening more often lately. She had an attack just last night in the kitchen. A bowl she was holding shattered and she got several cuts on her arms." Harry said with a strained voice.
"Her arms look fine to me," Ron observed.
"I suspect she used a concealment charm. They aren't too bad now but some were bleeding quite a lot." Harry stated. "She's tired but too stubborn to admit she could use the rest. "
"Well, that sounds like her," Ron said with a smile.
Harry smiled back. He knew it was her. She was strong and stubborn and brilliant. All things Harry loved about her. Still, his worry was eating at him. She seemed different somehow but he couldn't place why. Yes, she had circles under eyes and she looked a bit pale, but that wasn't it. There was something off about her. Harry shook himself out of his thoughts as everyone was called to the table.
Dinner was a noisy, joyful affair. Harry sat across from Hermione and was pleased to see her talking pleasantly with Ginny and George. The food was delicious and filling but Harry noticed that Hermione had hardly eaten more than a handful of bites. When he caught her gaze he gave her a concerned expression but all he got in response was a reassuring smile. When everyone was done and people started gathering in the family room he made his way to her and gently put his hand on her back as he whispered, "You alright?"
A pleasant smile graced her lips. "Yes, I'm fine."
"You didn't eat much," Harry observed.
"Harry, I'm just not that hungry. Please don't worry." She wrapped her fingers around his hand and squeezed it gently.
"I just need to speak to Ginny and then we can go if you like," Harry said.
She nodded and said, "I think she is in the kitchen helping her mother clean up."
"Thanks," Harry said. As he was making his way to the kitchen to retrieve Ginny she suddenly appeared before him. Instead of a calm, friendly smile, he was met with pure hostility.
"Is this true? How could you?" Ginny said loudly. It was only just then that Harry saw she was holding a newspaper in her hand. She waved it at him threateningly. "You're bonded?!"
Harry gasped in shock. Ginny was throwing daggers at him with her eyes. The entire room got quiet at her outburst. He grabbed the newspaper from her and opened it up. On the front page in bold letters it read, "POTTER AND GRANGER BONDED!" How did this happen? How did this get out? He wasn't sure what to say. His eyes quickly scanned the article. It mentioned the bond but only vaguely mentioned it being harmful. Most of the article was about their supposed romance and how they were now living together.
"How…I don't …" Harry stammered. Hermione was suddenly at his side and quickly grabbed the paper from him and scanned it herself.
"So, it's true?! How long ago? Is this why you broke up with me? You cheated on me and got yourself bonded to her?!" Ginny was yelling now. Ginny's face was red and she was fighting back tears. "I know we had our struggles but I was trying Harry! I never thought you would…Is this what you wanted to tell me? That you're living with Hermione now?! How could you hurt me like that?!"
"Ginerva Weasley! You calm down right now! This is not their fault," Mrs. Weasley declared.
"Wait, you knew?" Ginny scanned the room and could tell that everyone had known. They had kept it from her. "No one told me! You kept me in the dark?! Why?"
"Ginny, I never…this had nothing to do with us. It didn't happen until after we broke things off. I was going to explain it all tonight. I asked your family not to say anything. I wanted to tell you in person. It's complicated." Harry was trying to explain. He was all too aware of the eyes that were watching their exchange. He was hurt that she would accuse him of cheating. He had always been loyal to her when they were together.
Ginny simply shook her head. "I don't believe this! How could you?" She took off running up the stairs. They heard a door slam.
"Well, that could have gone better," George said.
Hermione put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let me go talk to her."
"You sure? She is pretty upset." Harry said as he ran his hand through his hair. Hermione nodded and slowly made her way up the stairs. Harry watched her go and wondered if Ginny would let her in.
"I'm so sorry for that Harry," Mrs. Weasely said. "She is just…it's a shock. I wonder how the news leaked out?"
"I wish I knew," Harry said. "Guess it doesn't matter now. Everyone will know now about our relationship. I just wish I had spoken to Ginny first before she read about it like that."
"Nothing to be done about it now. She just needs time to cool off," Mr. Weasley said. "In the meantime, how are you two doing? Really?"
Harry sighed heavily and sat on the couch with his head in his hands. "Fine I guess. I mean, I enjoy having her in my home. I think she finds comfort in being closer to me."
"That's good, dear, " Mrs. Weasley offered. Harry shook his head and gave her a small smile.
"But?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"But we are no closer to stopping the attacks! She's…weaker. I don't know how to explain it but there is something off about her and she's so tired all the time. She's not eating properly and I worry about her all the time." Harry had taken to pacing.
"Harry, dear, I'm so sorry," Mrs. Weasley pulled him into a hug. Harry sunk into it and was surprised to find that it helped. He had not had a mother to hold him and he found he enjoyed the comfort it brought him.
Hermione knocked quietly and then opened the door before being shooed away. She entered Ginny's room and quietly shut the door behind her. Ginny was laying on her bed crying. "Go away!"
"No," Hermione said gently.
"I don't want to see you!" Ginny said forcefully.
"I know. But there are a few things I need to up clear for you," Hermione said.
Ginny turned and sat up to face her friend. "What exactly? How you stole my boyfriend and bonded with him? Or how you're living with him after only…what? A month of dating?"
Hermione sighed trying to remain calm and keep her energy up. "Ginny, first of all, I did not steal Harry from you. Nothing ever happened while you two were together. The bond between us was created before he broke up with you, yes, but we didn't know of its existence until later on. Second, if you think Harry would cheat on you than you don't know him very well at all. He is the most loyal person I know." She watched Ginny absorb her words. She still looked angry but her breathing seemed to even out. "Neither one of us meant to hurt you. Harry least of all. This bond was not by choice. The article doesn't go into that much. I guess it's not as romantic that way."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"We were cursed. Well, sort of. An evil man named Atticus Benton ran into us at a café one afternoon and without our knowledge cast a bonding spell on us."
"What? That's crazy," Ginny said skeptically.
"I don't disagree with you, but it's the truth. We didn't ask for this. I have…episodes. I'm struck down in pain and the only thing that can relieve it is Harry's touch." Hermione explained.
"So, that's why you moved with him?" Ginny asked. "To be near him because of these episodes?"
Hermione paused. She needed to tell her the truth. "Yes, but not entirely. Harry and I recently discovered we had feelings for one another. We are dating. The bond…well, every bond is different and we are still not sure how this one works but…we may be stuck with each other…for a long time."
Ginny couldn't quite wrap her mind around what Hermione was saying. "So, you…your dating but this bond might mean you have to... marry him?"
"Maybe," Hermione conceded.
"Do you want to?" Ginny asked.
Hermione was a bit taken back by that question. She thought for a moment and then said, "I love him. I love him in a way I've never loved anyone else. This is not what I planned on. This is not how I saw a relationship forming. I was honestly taken by surprise by this whole thing. But I do love him and I'll stand by him. So, yes, I would gladly marry him if it came down to it and if that's what he wanted."
Ginny was a bit stunned by Hermione's sincerity. A bit of her heart broke to know that she had lost Harry but she also could see that Hermione was willing to do anything for him. She realized in that moment that she had never been so selfless with Harry. She had wanted to do her own thing but have him along for the ride. She had not considered his wants as much as she should have. She was pulled from her thoughts by Hermione's voice. "I'm sorry Ginny. We both are. We didn't want you to find out this way. It's my fault. If I had kept my mouth shut maybe this wouldn't have happened. I'm so sorry. Please try to understand. We-" Hermione drew in a breath as her head throbbed. She felt her body tense, and then the pain erupted. Her body was on fire. Daggers seemed to pierce every inch of her skin.
Ginny jumped to her feet as Hermione swayed and then suddenly collapsed, shaking uncontrollably. "Hermione?!" She knelt down and tried to steady her friend but Hermione's back arched as her body trembled. Little red scratches seemed to appear on Hermione's arms. Ginny jumped as the bedroom door flew open and banged against the wall. Harry rushed to Hermione's side and placed his hand on her cheek. Immediately Hermione's body stilled. Ginny could hardly believe it. Voices and bodies tumbled into the room as the rest of the family tried to squeeze into the small space to see what had happened and help anyway they could. Ginny moved to the corner, gazing on the scene with a mix of horror and astonishment.
Harry was aware of the others gathered around and their concerned voices but his eyes never left Hermione's face. She was dead weight in his arms and had yet to wake up. He leaned down and kissed her forehead lightly. He was displeased to find it a bit warm and clammy. "Hermione? Come on, love. Wake up for me." Harry was oblivious to the glances that traveled around the room at his term of endearment for her. "Come on Hermione. Wake up." Harry shook her a bit but nothing happened. He tried to push back his panic. This was just like his dream. Why wouldn't she wake? "Hermione!" She remained unresponsive, her breathing was shallow and labored. Harry was suddenly aware of Mrs. Weasley kneeling beside him.
"Does she usually wake up by now?" The matriarch asked.
"Yes! She…she doesn't always stay awake long but she has always woken." Harry could hear the stress in his voice but didn't care. He was worried. She was pale and disturbingly still. "Hermione, please wake up." He pressed a kiss to her warm cheek. A moment passed before a tremor shook her body. When it passed she still did not wake.
"When was her last attack before this one?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she handed Harry the potion to calm the after shocks.
Harry lifted her head and slowly poured the liquid into Hermione's mouth. He was glad that she accepted it without trouble. Ron's voice answered, "Harry said she just had an attack last night."
"Oh, dear. Perhaps having them so close has exhausted her," Mrs. Weasley suggested.
"What happened to her arms?" George asked.
"During her last attack a bowl broke and the pieces cut her," Ron again explained.
"I think you had better take her to St. Mungo's just in case," Mrs. Weasley said with concern.
"No," Harry said firmly. "I'm not taking her there to be poked and prodded, and give the press more to talk about. " Turning to Ron he asked, "Will you Floo Madam Pomfrey? Tell her we will be coming in?"
"Right away," Ron said as he quickly exited the room.
Harry gathered Hermione in his arms and with a little help rose from the floor. He took her carefully down the stairs and into the family room. Ron had just pulled his head of the fireplace. "She says she's ready for you," Ron stated. "I'll follow behind you."
"You don't have to," Harry said.
"I know that. I want to. You shouldn't be alone." Ron said with stubbornness. Harry didn't have time to argue and nodded. He stepped into the fireplace, declared his destination and was soon stepping out into the hospital wing.
ONCE AGAIN, THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT! I LOVE READING YOUR COMMENTS! KEEP THEM COMING!