The first sensation Harry felt when he woke up was a soft dainty hand, loosely holding his own; the next was the dry, parched feeling of his throat and mouth, and then the pain that dully throbbed through his frame.
He slowly opened his eyes, wincing at the bright light that blurrily shone through the window; with his free hand he pawed about until he was able to find his glasses, his hand fumbling slightly as he shoved his glasses onto his face, blinking a few times to clear the sleep and crust from his eyes.
"Hospital wing...of course…" he mumbled, slowly looking to his right expecting to find Draco sitting next to him; only for his eyes to widen as he found Hermione sleeping next to him, her expression seemed troubled, and he knew that it was his fault that it was so.
"hermione...Hermione wake up." he said gently, shaking her arm as softly as he could.
"I'm not going to the common room Daphne" she mumbled in her sleep, her hand tightening around his own and making him blush.
"It's not Daphne, Hermione," he said.
"Hmm?" She slowly looked up, eyes full of sleep and lines on her face from where her head had been laying on the bed, "harry?" she questioned, then her eyes widened and she suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him, "Harry!" she cried, holding him tightly as Harry slowly brought his own arms around her, slightly dumbfounded at her reaction, "I was so worried," She mumbled into his shoulder, tears falling onto his hospital gown.
"Guessing the first task didn't go as planned." he muttered dumbly, wincing when she suddenly pulled away, glaring at him incredulously.
"Didn't go as planned!?" she asked, her temper rising at his words, "You almost died you prat! Do you have any idea how worried we were? How worried I was…" her voice broke as more tears trailed down her cheeks, despite the pain it caused him, Harry sat up and wrapped her up in a slightly awkward hug.
"I don't remember much after grabbing the egg.'' he whispered softly, feeling horrible at how badly she was shaking, "all I remember is pain...but...it makes me feel infinitely better to know how much you care…"
"You complete prat,' she sobbed into his chest. "Of course I care."
The two stayed in their tight embrace for a few moments, neither willing to pull away until someone cleared their throat.
"I hate to interrupt this sweet moment,' Madam Pomphrey began, smiling when the two quickly separated, blushing furiously, "but I need to make sure Mr. Potter is in full health."
"O-of course." Hermione stuttered, doing her best to keep her composure, "Do forgive me Madam Pomphrey.'
"No problem dear," she said as she began moving her wand over Harry, "you're still weak, and I assume you're still feeling pain?"
"A bit," Harry admitted, his blush dying down, "b-but it's not that bad-'
"-not that bad he says," Madam Pomphrey scoffed, "you were practically shredded by that Horntails spikes, and you say 'not that bad'." she waved her wand and summoned several potions, "Drink them all," she ordered, "Blood Replenishing potion, Invigoration draught, vitamix potion to give you a bit of energy, restorative draught and a bit of skelegrow to help your bones heal, sadly the magical properties of dragons make wounds harder to heal, so I'll need to use a wound cleaning potion on the gashes that are still open, but once I'm done I think you'll be able to leave for your own bed, no classes for you for the next few days though; we can't risk opening those wounds again."
"How long have I been here?" Harry asked as he began to take the potions, grimacing at the horrid taste, only Hermione's watchful gaze kept him from refusing them.
"About three days," madam Pomphrey said grimly, as she walked over to one of her cupboards, returning with a purple colored salve, "a bit touch and go for a while, but you pulled through as you always do Mr. Potter,' she said as she began applying the cream to the wounds on his shoulders and chest, doing her best to apply a light coating to the gash on his face, "the dragon tamers were worried you wouldn't make it past the first night; I'm happy to say you proved them wrong."
"Three days," Harry said quietly, looking at Hermione, who refused to meet his gaze, but that didn't stop him from seeing the dark circles under her eyes, or the crumpled state of her uniform, 'you stayed that entire time?"
"Of course not," Hermione muttered.
"That she did," Madam Pomphrey interjected, making hermione blush once more, "lass refused to leave at night; she was a great help in brewing your potions and applying the wound-cleaning potions."
"Hermione…" Harry started.
"-I did what was right," she said, still refusing to meet her eyes, 'you're...Important to me Potter, and I rather you didn't expire before your time."
Harry smiled, his hand slowly reaching out and taking Hermione's hand, their fingers intertwining as Hermione finally looked at Harry, "thank you," he said softly, making Hermione return his smile.
"Alright Mr. Potter, I'm discharging you." Madam Pomfrey said, smiling when the two teens started at her voice. "Take it slow for the next few days, and I want you to return an hour before curfew for more potions and another application of the wound cleaning salve, understood?"
"Yes ma'am." he said, wincing as he stood up, retreating to a nearby curtain to change into sweats and a comfortable shirt. When he stepped out, Hermione was standing nearby; giving him a helping hand as he began limping out of the infirmary, "thank you Madam Pomfrey!" Harry called.
"You're welcome dear!" she replied as she began cleaning the beds.
"Let's get you to your bed-" Hermione began, blinking when Harry Interrupted her.
"No," he said, "To the great hall, I'm absolutely famished."
"Shouldn't you rest?" she asked, "we don't want to aggravate your wounds."
"I've been asleep for three days," Harry said lightly as he intertwined their hands, "as it stands I can go for a good walk and good food."
Hermione sighed, but squeezed his hands, "after lunch you will go lay down." she warned, making him chuckle quietly; by the time they had reached the great hall, most students were already inside, well into their meals so at first, no one paid the two any mind as they walked over to the gryffindor table. Where Draco was boredly pushing his food around.
"You look bored mate." Harry said, grinning when the boy quickly turned around.
"Harry!" Draco exclaimed, jumping up and hugging his friend, "You ponce, you scared the daylights out of me!"
"I'm still injured…" Harry grunted as pain shot through his body, Draco was quick to jump back.
"Sorry mate," he said sheepishly as other students began to notice Harry.
"Hey it's potter!"
"He's up and walking!"
"No way!"
POTTER!"
Before any well-wishers could swamp him, a loud BANG! Sounded through the hall.
"I believe," Professor Dumbledore began as he lowered his wand, "that we all wish to show our relief in having Young Mr. Potter back with us, however, it would probably be wise to leave him in peace, so as not to aggravate his wounds."
Most began stepping back, offering apologies as Hermione helped Harry sit down.
"Glad you're back," Dean said, Seamus nodding fervently beside him, "We feared the worst when they carried you off."
"That's an understatement." Hermione muttered.
Harry put his arm around her shoulders to comfort her, he smiled when she unconsciously leaned into him.
"And...what's going on here?" Seamus asked, leaning in with a wiggle of his eyebrow.
Hermione blushed and pulled a little away from Harry, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Same," Harry said, looking very amused about the situation.
"Mhmm, denial aside, it really is good to have you back mate." Draco said, clapping his shoulder, making Harry wince, "you made quite the splash at the first task, even got the golden egg, despite the results, most of the judges gave you high scores, save for Karkarov, he gave you a four."
"And gave his own champion an eight." Hermione sniffed in displeasure, "after he destroyed half the dragon eggs."
"Cheating git." Draco grumbled, then shrugged, "Krum wasn't happy with it either though."
"How do you know?" Dean Thomas asked.
"I talked to him in the library yesterday." Draco said, "he's a fairly decent conversationalist."
"Harry."
As one, everyone at the table looked over to Ron, who was standing awkwardly a few feet away.
"Ron." he greeted curtly.
"could...Could I talk to you? Privately?" he asked hesitantly.
Harry looked to Draco, who gave a small, solemn nod, then with a grunt Harry stood, Hermione quick to stand as well, supporting him as he stepped over the bench and began limping.
"I said alone." he said, staring pointedly at Hermione.
"Either she comes along, or I don't." Harry said firmly.
Ron hesitated, then nodded, "come on," he mumbled walking towards the doors, Hermione and Harry following.
Ron led them out into the courtyard, fidgeting slightly as they reached one of the trees within its perimeters. "So…" he began, wringing his hands as he turned around to look at Harry. "I wanted...I wanted to apologize, for accusing you of sneaking your way into the tournament...and...and refusing to support you, I was a giant git…"
Harry crossed his arms, "it hurt, you know," he said quietly, "having my supposed best friend not believing me."
"I know," Ron said quickly, "and I felt like a complete git but...I...there's no excuse…" he finished, looking down, "I shouldn't of acted like that and I...I wanted to apologize but…well you were so busy and the first task was getting close so...I figured I could tell you after...then…" he trailed off again as he looked up, tears in his eyes, "I thought you were dead…" he whispered hoarsely, "and all I could think about was everything I'd said...and…" he stopped talking as harry pulled him into a hug, which he gladly returned.
Hermione smiled as she watched the two boys hug it out awkwardly, "it's almost sweet," she said, making them pull away quickly, clearing their throats.
"So um...yeah, sorry." Ron muttered, bright red.
"Apology accepted," Harry said, running a hand through his hair as he took Hermione's hand once more.'
"so...Erm...what's that about?" Ron asked, motioning to their hands.
Hermione blushed, "can't two friends hold hands?" She asked, glaring at Harry when he couldn't hold in his laughter.
"Er...guess not…" Ron said uncomfortably, feeling awkward in the present situation, "so um...lunch?"
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By Friday Harry was able to walk on his own, returning to class with only his half healed scars indicating anything had been wrong to begin with, his homework was all caught up by that evening; leaving his Saturday free.
Perfectly timed for a hogsmeade weekend.
"You going to ask her?" Draco asked during Transfiguration class, having already completed the days class and just waiting for the period to end.
"Ask who to what?" Harry asked, lazily flicking his wand and turning his tea cozy back into a tortoise.
"Come off it mate," Draco groaned, "you and Hermione have been attached to the hip since you woke up, and there's a hogsmeade weekend starting tomorrow; let's pretend you're not as dense as we know you are and get with the picture."
Harry sighed, looking across the room where Hermione was happily talking with Daphne, he smiled as he looked away, "I'd like to...but with the tournament and class-"
"-you don't have to take the end of the year tests." Draco reminded him, "and the tournament can wait until Friday."
"I'll think about it." Harry said as the bell rang and the class began to pack up.
"I want a two foot essay on the history of this particular Transfiguration spell!" McGonagall called, "Potter! Stay behind."
Harry paused his packing to look over, Hermione's steps faltering slightly.
"See you at dinner?" She asked with a shy smile.
"Of course." Harry said with a grin, watching Hermione walk away.
"Potter." McGonagall said sternly, "you can stare at witches on your own time."
"S-sorry professor." Harry stuttered, turning back around with a deep blush.
"I'm sure," she said dryly, "though the topic we have to discuss includes witches, so I can't fault you too much." She leaned forward, "the Yule Ball is coming up, as I'm sure professor flitwick told you all."
Harry blinked, "the Yule Ball…" he repeated faintly.
"Yes, Professor Flitwick should have told all of you on monday-" Mcgonagall paused as she remembered where Harry was at that time, "apologies, Potter, I should have told you upon your awakening."
"N-no it's okay professor!" Harry said quickly, "Hermione told us about the Yule Ball around the time my name came out of the goblet, I just...forgot, that that was a requirement."
"Well, at least you know what is coming," McGonagall sighed, "and of course you'll have to find a partner for the dance."
"Of course,'' Harry said, thinking about what Draco had told him, "I'll have a partner by the dance."
"Very good, I'm glad to hear you're taking this seriously, do have a good afternoon Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded to McGonagall and walked out into the hall, eyes widening when he found Hermione waiting, "I thought we were meeting down in the great hall?"
"Draco said you had something to talk to me about." Hermione said, moving to walk beside him as they headed down the hallway.
Harry felt a flash of irritation at his friend's meddling, but quickly let it go, "I do," he said, giving her a smile that made Hermione's heart flutter, "let's go walk on the grounds for a bit."
"Sounds lovely," She said, her hand brushing his fraction of a second as they walked down the stairs.
Without much thought Harry intertwined their hands, Making Hermione blush as they walked out onto the moors, the air was still for once, frost building on the yellow grass as snow slowly began to fall.
"What did professor McGonagall want?" Hermione asked as they walked.
"Nothing important, just wanted to remind me of the Yule Ball." he said, glancing at the heiress as her steps faltered.
"O-oh.," she stuttered, clearing her voice as they continued, "I assume she was reminding you about the importance of such an event?"
"Of course," Harry said with a faint smile, "and said to have a partner before the dance."
"Do you have a partner?" she asked, feigning disinterest.
"Not yet," Harry said with an eye roll, "though I'm hoping too soon."
"Oh?" Hermione questioned, feeling her lip twitch, "who's the lucky witch?"
"You, if you'll have me." he said with a smile, stopping as Hermione froze mid stride, slowly turning towards Harry.
"W-w-what?"
"Will you go to the Ball with me?" Harry asked, squeezing her hand gently, "and Hogsmeade tomorrow?"
"I...I...Harry I…" Hermione hesitated, before a wide smile graced her lips, "I...would love to go to the Ball with you."
Harry grinned, "brilliant," he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, "to the Ball or to Hogsmeade."
"Both, you prat," she said with an eye roll, swatting his arm playfully and making him chuckle as they began walking again, "I hope you know that my father will be furious."
"I don't much care," Harry said honestly, making Hermione giggle, "now, food? Or would you like to walk for a little longer?"
Hermione leaned into his side, "just a little while longer." She sighed, laying her head on his shoulder.
Harry smiled, "as you wish.'
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Narcissa counted down the seconds to her husband's usual entrance to the parlor, daintily sipping tea as she continued to read her book.
"NARCISSA!"
"Yes dear?" she drawled, not looking up from her book as Lucius came striding into the hallway.
"It's happened! The worst case scenario! The potter boy is bewitching our daughter!" he snarled, shaking the letter in his hand.
"I'm sure he's bewitching her in some way." She muttered.
"What?" Lucius asked in confusion.
"Nothing dear, *sips tea* what happened now?"
"What happened? WHAT HAPPENED!?"
"Yes, you don't need to repeat me." she said dryly.
"I'll tell you what happened,' Lucius continued, pretending like his wife hadn't said anything as he slammed the newly arrived letter onto the table in front of her, "Potter has bewitched our daughter into going to the Yule Ball with him!"
Narcissa picked the letter up while her husband continued to rant and rave.
Dear Mother and Father,
I am a glow with the good news I have for you!
Harry woke up at the beginning of this week, it had been touch and go after his injury in the first task but it's unsurprising considering how resilient he is; he'll have scars because of this but I believe it adds character.
But the greatest bit of news I have for you is that Harry has asked me to accompany him to Hogsmeade this weekend, as well as the Yule Ball!
I know you don't approve of him, father, but my heart cannot stop fluttering at the thought of dancing the night away with him. It reminds me of all the stories mother told me about how the two of you were. Speaking of, mother, we will have to go dress shopping so I can match with Harry for the dance. I will give you all the details when we next meet.
Your loving daughter,
Hermione
"-and then I'll go for him in the courts! Oh yes! Potter will Rue the day he used magic on my daughter-" Luciushad continued ranting as she read the letter, with a fond roll of her eyes Narcissa placed her cup down and stood.
"Well! This is just perfect!" Narcissa gushed, making Lucius stutter to a stop, "I'll pen a reply as soon as possible, we really must invite the boy over for Yule Dinner, it's only right considering the feelings our daughter has for him."
"but-but-I-Narcissa!" Lucius spluttered, "The boy obviously confounded our daughter!"
"Oh I very much doubt that Lucius, you can ask him over dinner just to make sure." she said flippantly as she began walking out.
"I-Now see here! I will not be eating Yule Dinner with the boy!" Lucius snapped.
"Hmm, quite right, it's much too early to be inviting him to the manor, perhaps we should wait until Spring vacation." Narcissa mused.
"He won't be coming to this manor!" Lucius growled, "I will write to tell Hermione that she is to cut ties with the boy and if I ever hear of this nonsense again-" he stopped talking as a wand was pointed at his throat.
"Lucius sweetie," Narcissa said with a fake sweet smile and tone of voice, making Lucius sweat nervously, "if you ruin our daughters first relationship, not only will you be sleeping in your office until Ragnarok, but I will also personally flay your bits off and feed them to the peacocks, are we clear?"
"Y-y-yes dear." Lucius stuttered out.
"Glad we understand each other." She said primly, stowing her wand away and walking out the room, "yes, spring vacation would be an excellent time to meet Young Mr. Potter." she said mostly to herself as she walked out.
"...curse the day I fell for a Black." Lucius whispered to himself before following his wife out of the room.
