A few days had passed and Hermione had continued to improve and attempt simple magic with success. Her spirits were high. However, as she read the paper in front of her she felt her blood begin to boil. "Unbelievable! Even after what we said in the press conference that woman is still trying to sensationalize our relationship," Hermione said with a huff as she tossed the Daily Prophet across the table.
She and Harry had decided to make a public statement just the day before in an attempt to clarify and put a stop to certain rumors about their fast marriage and Hermione's condition. They did not reveal anything new or enlighten the public on the cause or source of the bond, but saw no reason to deny its existence. The public had already been informed of it previously though the details were not given. The couple simply tried to reassure and put to rest any rumors that Hermione's health was being manipulated by Harry to his advantage in holding her captive in a marriage she did not desire to be in.
Harry gave her a sly grin and replied, "Well, you did choose to marry 'The Chosen One' come with the territory". He grinned at her as she tossed her napkin at him playfully. "Of course she is trying to make it more interesting than it is. That's what Rita Skeeter does best. Still, I think overall, it should put most of the nasty rumors to rest. You were very convincing when you explained that I had in no way forced myself on you with the bond."
"Well, that's because it was all true!" Hermione threw her arms up dramatically. "There is no way you would ever do such a thing! It's ridiculous."
Harry grinned to see her so animated and impassioned. "What's ridiculous is anyone thinking that someone can get you to do something you don't want to," Harry said with a chuckle and a teasing look. He was rewarded by her returned smile.
"That is indeed true. Don't you forget it," Hermione teased back.
Harry rose from his chair at the table and circled around to the back of hers. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Whispering in her ear he said, "I don't think that's possible my love." Hermione turned so her lips were mere centimeters from his. She gently pulled on his tie to draw him the rest of the way. The kiss was short but deep.
"You better go," Hermione smiled up at him.
"You are sure?" Harry asked uncertainly.
Hermione eyed him with her teacher stare. "I am in perfect health, or as near perfect as I have been in the last few months. You have to go train Harry. There is no reason to hang around here with me. I will be fine. There is no reason to think otherwise."
"You know that look of yours is kind of scary at times," Harry smirked.
"That means it works," Hermione replied.
"It does indeed. Alright, I will go. I do have a lot to catch up on. I promise to be home by 5 so we can head to the Weasley's."
"Sounds good," Hermione said.
"You up for it?" Harry asked.
"For tonight?" Hermione asked. Harry nodded to her and she smiled, "It will be fun to see everyone again. They are just wanting to make sure we are alright. It is very nice of them to hold a little get together for us. I am sure it will be a very pleasant evening."
Harry nodded, "It will be. I can just think of other things I'd rather do this evening." He took Hermione gently by the shoulders and raised her out of her chair so she stood facing him. He drew her into his arms and kissed her neck, inhaling her sweet sent. Soon his lips were on hers again and his hands traveled down her waist.
Hermione broke the kiss breathing heavily. "Well, perhaps there will be time for more of that after the party. Now, go to work." She playfully pushed him away.
Harry grinned and bowed to her as she shook her head. He turned and headed to the Floo. Life had certainly gotten better since marrying that woman.
Harry had spent the last several hours catching up on what he had missed while on his honeymoon. There was a lot of paperwork and class notes to catch up on. Finally, just two hours before he needed to head back home Harry got to continue his practical training. He cleared his mind as much as possible and tried to feel his magic build around him. He breathed deeply and focused. The man across from him asked, "Are you sure you want to continue with this? It would seem there may not be a need for it any longer."
Harry replied, "I hope there won't be. But there are no guarantees and I have come this far. I'd rather not stop when I am so close to completing it. Besides, this skill may come in handy for later reasons. Especially if we can keep it under wraps."
"As you wish, whenever you are ready then."
When the two hours had passed Harry had a slight headache and was quite sweaty. He was proud of how far he had come. He hoped he would not be forced to use his new found skill. But if it came down to Hermione's life or his possible incarceration there was no question what he would choose. He wiped the sweat from his face and quickly headed to the showers before returning home.
Hermione stood as Harry entered the study. She smiled broadly as she took in his broad shoulders. The pants he had chosen were casual but fit him in such a way that she bit her lip to keep herself from doing something that would make them late to the Weasley's. "You look rather dashing," She confessed to him.
"And you look lovely. Are you sure we can't come up with some reason to be late, or reschedule? That blouse is entirely too flattering on you. Perhaps you should button up just one more button," Harry said as he let his finger trail along her collar bone and dip down where she had left the top two buttons open to show the top of her camisole underneath. He felt her shiver and kissed her neck sweetly.
Hermione felt goosebumps breakout on her skin. She lightly held off his advances by quickly kissing him on the lips and then pushing him back. "Don't try to distract me. It will be good to see our friends again and I am sure we will have a great time."
"I know we will. I am just not eager to share you with everyone yet. I have enjoyed having you all to myself the last couple of weeks," Harry admitted.
Hermione chuckled lightly, "You have me all to yourself for the rest of your life. Hanging out with friends will do us good. Besides, it probably isn't healthy for us to be tied to each other's hips all the time. So, let's go mingle and have fun and when it's over I will still be undeniably yours."
"Convincing speech," Harry said as he took her hand and led her to the Floo.
"My only concern is what to expect once we step through. Is it to be death my crushing hugs, or such a loud shout of Hurrah's that we can't hear the rest of the night?" Hermione said slyly.
"My guess, is both," Harry said with a grin. "After you." He gestured for Hermione to step into the fireplace.
"Sacrificing your wife to the wolves before yourself huh? How noble." Hermione chuckled as she stepped inside.
"I do believe you said it would be a nice evening with friends. Wolves don't enter into it," Harry replied with a cheeky grin.
When at last the couple arrived at the Weasley's, the out pouring of joy and love was just as they had predicted. There was a fair amount of congratulatory shouts mingled with a fair bit of crushing hugs and backslaps.
After dinner Hermione found herself in the kitchen where she was helping Ginny and Luna clean up, while Mrs. Weasley plated dessert. When Hermione pulled out her wand she heard an audible gasp and looked up to see Ginny eyeing her with surprise.
"Are you well enough to be using that?" Ginny asked with concern. Hermione raised an eyebrow at her and she stammered, "I mean you look great! And I know you haven't had an attack since the wedding but, I just didn't… I mean…"
Hermione smiled at her friends stumbling words. "I guess I should have told you that I have been performing basic spells for a week or more. My core levels are rising every day and I have not had this much energy in quite some time. I promise not to overdo it. Thanks for the concern."
"That is wonderful!" Luna supplied as she hugged Hermione without warning.
"So do you think it worked dear? Do you think it's over? I mean you are still bonded, but does this mean you won't have any more attacks?" Mrs. Weasley chimed in with a hopeful smile.
"Well, we can't be sure since we aren't even sure what we are really dealing with, but so far I've only grown stronger and there have been no attacks. We are just hoping it stays that way," Hermione said with a shrug and a smile.
"That is wonderful dear," Mrs. Weasley said. She gave Hermione a side hug and said, "We are so happy to see you two happy and healthy. Now, I better get these treats into the boys." She waved her wand and three platters of goodies followed her into the next room.
"So, how is married life?" Ginny asked.
"It's been great," Hermione said.
"I do hope I get to marry one day," Luna said with a dreamy look.
"If I had to guess, I don't think you have long to wait. I think Neville might be working up the courage to ask you," Ginny declared with a sly grin.
"That would be lovely," Luna replied. "He makes me so happy. He also seems good at keeping the wackspurts away."
Ginny smiled and gave Hermione a little side look. Hermione clear her throat to keep from laughing. They spent the next few minutes finishing up the dishes as Hermione regaled them with the adventures she had while on her honeymoon. She was finding it very enjoyable to be around friends and feel so much like her old self. Laughing and chatting and doing magic. She splashed water at Ginny for a comment that suggested that she wouldn't want to stay late because she would want to get back to bed with Harry. All three were laughing at the inference as Ginny retaliated by throwing a dish towel at her. Hermione moved her wand through the air, making the last of the silverware go to its place as the giggling died down. Suddenly she was engulfed in fire. Something hard hit her side. Her body felt raw. She heard someone calling her name but she couldn't figure out who it was. Her reality was engulfed in pure pain. She clenched her teeth together to keep from screaming.
"Hermione! Hermione!" Ginny knelt beside her friend whose face was ashen, and whose body was tensed in the most unnatural of positions; trembling.
Harry was laughing as Ron was telling him about a training session in which he had accidently cursed the instructor to do a jig, thinking it was his combat partner. Suddenly his chest burned. He instinctively closed his hand around the amulet under his shirt, quickly rising from his chair.
"Harry?" Ron asked confused.
"Hermione," Harry breathed as he moved swiftly toward the kitchen. He found Ginny kneeling next to his wife, who lay prostrate on the floor. Kneeling down he saw Hermione's unfocused eyes and placed a hand on her cheek. For a moment the room was quiet as Hermione's body continued to quake. Harry's voice slowly rose in volume as panic began to set in. "No, no, no, no." Harry bent and kissed her on the forehead. Her body simply continued to arch and convulse. "Hermione! Hermione! Look at me!" His touch hadn't worked. It wasn't stopping the attack! He put his hands on either side of her face and tried to get her to focus. "Hermione! Hermione, it's going to be alright. Look at me!" She finally made eye contact with him. She moaned and softly said his name before she gasped and twitched once more. By this time the room had filled up with those they loved. Each person wore a look of concern, Mr. Weasley knelt on the other side of Hermione prepared to help if he could. "Why isn't it working?" Harry shouted. "What's happening?" As suddenly as it started it was over. Hermione's body went still.
Hermione sighed with relief when at last the pain subsided. The shock of its leaving left her panting. She struggled to sit up and groaned as her muscles protested the movement. She felt Harry's arms encircle her and help her to sit. She turned to him and with a single tear running down her cheek simply said, "Your touch...why?...Harry, it didn't work."
Harry's heart was beating fast. He was relieved to see her moving and talking and conscious. But he saw in her eyes the fear and lingering pain of the attack. He had no answers for her. He simply shook his head with concern. He held her tightly as an aftershock ran through her body.
"I will fetch her a couple potions," Mrs. Weasley said as she hurried to a nearby cupboard.
"What happened?" Harry asked as he turned to Ginny.
Ginny shrugged, "We were laughing and goofing around and suddenly she was on the ground."
Harry just nodded. Mrs. Weasley helped Hermione drink the potions and Harry helped her to stand. "Should she be standing?" Luna asked.
"I'm alright. I think because my core levels are higher again it's easier for me to recover right now. Though I do think I will sit," Hermione said as she tiredly sunk into a chair. Harry sat next to her holding her hand and looking her over closely.
"That makes sense," Ginny said chewing her lip nervously.
"Yeah, but what doesn't make sense is why Harry's touch didn't end the attack like it has always done before," Ron said as he drew his eyebrows together.
"It is a concerning development," Neville said.
Harry rose suddenly and in a heated tone said loudly, "It is more than a concerning development! What the hell is going on? Why is this happening? I thought our marriage had fixed this! But now my touch… If I can't stop these attacks there is no telling…I can't…." He slammed his fist down loudly on the table. "I need answers!" Harry was suddenly aware of Hermione's hand moving softly up and down his arm. He sighed and taking her hand in his simply said, "I'm sorry."
For a time there was silence. Luna's soft voice declared, "I'll keep digging at the Ministry. There has to be something that will help us figure this out. Maybe I missed something. This brings a whole new perspective to my search. I'll try to get some answers."
Neville moved to Luna's side and hugged her. "That's my girl."
Harry gave her a sad smile and nodded his appreciation. "Thank you, Luna. I better get Hermione home."
"I won't protest. I'm quite worn out. Though, I did have a lovely time. Thank you all so much!" Hermione said as she rose slowly from her chair.
Harry put a bracing arm around her waist just in case. They said their goodbyes. It was a somber ending to a party that had earlier been filled with cheer. "Thank you all. We will keep you posted." Harry turned to Ron and said, "Can we chat later?"
"Yeah, right mate. Of course," Ron replied. He had a pretty good idea what Harry wanted to talk about and wasn't sure he was looking forward to it. Harry simply nodded to him and led Hermione to the fireplace.
Merry Christmas! I am so sorry it has taken so long to update! Holidays with three kids and another on the way has me running a bit crazy, and when I have time to write I am too tired to. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It was written in pieces which I try not to do, so I hope it came out alright. I am loving the reviews I've gotten and would love more! Welcome to any new readers out there and thanks for the support! I will not abandon this story and I do have at least a vague idea where it is headed. I will try not to fall too far behind in my updates!