Story Number 5:
Love: Ultimate Vanquisher
Hermione had an early breakfast and sequestered herself in the library, going through a list of books she already had, looking for spells that could help Harry. If pressed, she would also admit that it was in the hopes of being away from the gaggle of giggling girls that followed either Harry or Krum everywhere.
'Harry' Hermione sighed, 'the poor boy could never catch a break.' Everyone called him a cheat when his name came out of the Goblet of Fire, they knew for sure that he was no good even as far back as their second year with the parseltongue, but now with the announcement of the Yule Ball there were hordes of girls trying to catch his eye, hoping that the 'Boy-Who-Lived' would take them to the ball. Hermione never even entertained the thought of going to the ball; she was convinced that Harry would never ask her and was not comfortable going with anyone else. She scoffed at the thought, 'Hell, she would be lucky if someone asked her.'
Hermione sighed again; there was no point in reminiscing about what might happen. In her heart of hearts she hoped that she would be on the arm of her best friend for the ball. She was convinced that to Harry she was probably not even a girl, one of the guys; his best friend yes, but never in a romantic sense. Hermione just hoped that she would be able to dance with him on that night and that was the reason she desperately needed a date; being in the arms of the one boy who makes her heart flutter and that too on Christmas day was something she could live with, even if she only remained a friend to Harry.
Hermione lifted her head from staring at the book in front of her, not a single word lodged in her brain. She growled in frustration, her thought of spending a quiet time in the library coming to a naught as she spied the Bulgarian champion enter the library with his usual entourage of fan girls. She was beginning to close the books to make her escape when she saw that the eighteen year old pause and take a few uncertain steps towards her. 'Now, if there ever was a stalker, he was one' she muttered inaudibly. She never understood why the popular quidditch star would seem to follow her, she prayed that he would not come near her now with his fan following, her already frayed nerves could not take much more of the nonsense.
Hermione was nearly ready to leave the sanctuary of the library when a girl with beautiful blonde hair and startling Sapphire Blue sat on the chair next to her. Hermione noticed the Ravenclaw crest on the girl's robes but could not recognize her and so just flashed a smile and continued to gather her articles into her book bag. The girl beamed back at her, "Hello! Hermione Granger."
Hermione whipped her head at the girl in surprise and her eyes widened further when she flashed her wand and muttered a privacy charm around the table they were sitting at. She smiled serenely at Hermione's shock, "You do not know me but I know you. I am Luna, Luna Lovegood a third year Ravenclaw." That answered Hermione's question of why she never met the younger girl.
Luna continued to smile at her, "Troubled about finding a date to the Yule Ball?" she asked without preamble. Hermione could only stare at Luna in shock, 'How did this girl know?' was the only thought raging in her mind. She was broken from her shock by her next comment, "Did you ever consider Harry?"
Hermione's mouth opened in surprise but she was dragged out of her stupor, "Of course I thought about Harry, he was the first one I thought about. He is my best friend, I know I would enjoy the evening with him" she cried indignantly. She then gave Luna a sad smile, "… but Harry would never ask me."
Luna agreed with a nod of her head, "Yes, Harry would never ask you. He thinks that you have already been claimed."
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, "Claimed?" she whispered.
"He considers you Ron's girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?" she sputtered. It seemed to Hermione that this was a morning of one shock after another, "… I am not" she finally managed to get the words out.
Luna continued unfazed as if she did not hear a word, "I overheard Ron regaling Harry with the dates you had during the weekends you went together to Hogsmeade without Harry. Hearing all those tales, Harry was convinced that you made your choice and he would never trespass on your choice."
Hermione was stunned; she never thought that Ron would say that. She had an inclination that Ron liked her but never dreamed that he would lie outright to Harry about their so called relationship. How was this possible? She was not at all interested in Ron, and she certainly never encouraged him on that. It was Harry she hoped to have a relationship with.
She was broken out of her thoughts by Luna's words, and the girl seemingly had a knack for finding out exactly what she thought. "Did you ever tell Harry about your so called dates? He had only Ron's accounts to go by." Hermione hung her head; she never talked to Harry about them fearing his jealously but forgot that Harry never showed jealousy, at least if there was other's happiness involved.
"In a way you were lucky that Ron's imagination stopped at holding hands and sharing intimate hugs with you and not gone on to kissing him senseless."
Now that was a scary thought and Hermione felt like she was splashed with cold water, kissing that mouth which was used only to shovel food in or spew garbage? In all the years she had known him, Ron never came across as one with a sense of decorum, did he even know about dental hygiene? An involuntary "eew!" escaped Hermione.
Then the realization hit her hard turning her earlier conclusions about Harry upside down, 'Harry knew that she was a girl, and not one of the guys. He was even interested in her but only backed off because Ron lied to him. She had to set it right; she had to try and see if Harry was interested in a relationship with her'.
A beautiful smile bloomed on her face involuntarily and was echoed by Luna. However, hers was a sly one, "Go, get your prince charming."
Hermione beamed at her, "Thanks Luna. What about you, is your prince charming around?"
Luna gave her a sad smile, "No, he is not around but hopefully I will find him someday."
Instinctively Hermione grabbed her in a sideway hug, "I hope you will find him Luna. Thank you for helping me get mine." With that she collected her bag and skipped out of the library, deliriously happy; her elation and hope giving her wings.
Luna sighed, in a different universe another Luna did indeed find her prince charming, a certain Harry Potter, but in this dimension it was Hermione to be the next Lady Potter. Luna hoped that at least in one incarnation, Hermione would have her happy ending and even thought she had a lump in her throat, she was glad she gave her the required push. In whichever dimension it might have been, Hermione's life was never happy; almost always trapped in a love less marriage, her hopes and dreams crushed and left only to give birth to children after children; or in the few occasions that she and Harry realized the unique bond they had, either or both of them never survived the coming darkness. Harry's life was a little better, he almost always triumphed over Voldemort and on a few occasions found happiness when he survived the battle mostly with her, Luna Lovegood or even Daphne Greengrass; but he did have his share of disappointments in a shallow wife and an overbearing mother-in-law.
Distracted by movement in her peripheral vision, Luna's eyes inadvertently found the Bulgarian champion who was scowling at her, probably for running Hermione out and ruining it for him. Luna knew that it was not meant to be for her, in this incarnation, but 'Perhaps…' her serene smile turned devilish, '… perhaps she could get to dance with Harry Potter' she thought. She fixed her eyes on Krum, '… Let's see if I can 'charm' him into taking me to the ball'. She was a Ravenclaw after all.
Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv
After exiting the library, Hermione began walking towards the Gryffindor common room in an effort to catch Harry before he disappeared somewhere. As it was a Saturday, Hermione was sure that he would be taking a break from the training. She debated if she would find him in the great hall for breakfast, but Harry was an early riser, he admitted only to her, as a habit due to his need to make breakfast for his Aunt and Uncle. Confident that he would have long finished his breakfast, she hurried to meet him in the common room, lest he go to the quidditch pitch for some flying, the weather was certainly bracing but that never hindered Harry.
Hermione saw Harry and all the other boys of their year, walking towards her, probably to exit the castle for a walk around the grounds. She saw that they just passed a group of giggling Hufflepuff girls who were throwing furtive glances at the boys, directed especially at Harry. Slowing down as she neared the boys, Hermione overheard Ron saying, "… are we supposed to ask a girl if they keep travelling in packs?"
She saw a thoughtful Harry who merely shrugged at his words, but seeing her grinned brightly at her. Hermione returned it in equal measure and slipped effortlessly beside him, the other boys ceding their space to her, which was rightfully hers any way. "Hi Harry, do you want to go to the ball with me?" she asked.
It was almost as if she cast a spell over everyone nearby that caught her words, mouths dropped open in amazement and a little confusion, all around them; not only among the fourth year Gryffindor boys but also others who happened to be there, boys and girls alike.
The confusion was no greater than in Harry, "Hermione ... I ... I…" he was clearly startled but he regained his composure very quickly. Like a Darcy gaining the favour of Elizabeth, he snapped his heels together and bowed to her, "It would be my greatest honour Miss Granger. Please forgive me as I was remiss in my duty to ask a lady like you out. I promise that I will make it up to you, even if it takes me a life time." He finished his little speech throwing a brief scowl at Ron before quickly changing it to a bright smile at Hermione; taking her hand Harry kissed her knuckles briefly.
Everyone around them was watching the scene wide eyed; most of the purebloods were aware of the wording that Harry used to address his best friend. The act of kissing her knuckles and calling her a lady in front of them all also sent a subtle message; do not mess with Hermione Granger or you will have to deal with me.
Hermione was pleased at the gentleman like behavior and the regard Harry showed her in front of quiet an audience was also gratifying. As things go in Hogwarts, this would be known to everyone by Lunch; she could not help glare at their mutual red headed friend but gave Harry a dazzling smile in thanks, "You don't have to do that Harry. I know that you were misled but the gesture is greatly appreciated, especially the life time part" she finished with a furious blush.
Harry wondered if she truly understood his meaning but her smile and subtle nod of her head, their special mode of communication, told him what he wanted to know and his own smile widened. Their year mates graciously kept their faces impassive but clearly understood the reference about being misled and especially the glares directed at Ron. There was definitely something going on but they did not pry, especially when it concerned Harry and Hermione.
"Now My Lady, it's a sin to be cooped up indoors on such a beautiful day. Allow me to escort you on a walk around the lake" Harry extended his arm for her and she took it with a small blush and the party resumed their leisurely walk.
Hermione could not resist one jibe at Ron, "… and that's how you do it Ron. If you want something or someone, you just go ahead and get it, no matter the situation."
Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv
With the formal opening dances done, everyone joined the champions on the dance floor and the music was much livelier. Harry simply stared into the brown eyes of the amazing girl he had in his arms, his best friend from almost the moment they met and now his girlfriend. They danced to a couple of songs but now were content to sway to the slow song with Hermione resting her head in the crook of his neck.
Harry felt content, the troubles of his life, of the tournament all but forgotten. A never before felt peace settled on him and his heart swelled with love, "I love you Hermione Jane Granger" the words just seemed to tumble unbidden out of his heart and mouth without any conscious thought.
Tears sprung into her eyes but at the same time her face was nearly split into two with her smile. Two contrasting signs in one person but together, convey one single emotion, unfathomable and unadulterated happiness. There was no need for words and Harry understood, he gently cupped her cheek and Hermione leaned into it sighing in relief and something much more.
"You have no idea how many nights I dreamed about hearing those words from you, Harry."
Though she would not see, Harry smiled at Hermione tenderly, "… and you have no idea how many nights I dreamed of telling you; but come day light, I held back."
"I know" Hermione sighed.
Harry had to ask, "How did you know Hermione?" How did she come to know that he was in love with his best friend?
"Would you believe it if I told you that it was a third year Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood?"
Harry's eyebrows touched his hair line in surprise, "Luna, the blonde waif?"
Hermione was also surprised that he knew her, but arching her eyebrow she questioned, "Waif?"
Harry shrugged and smiled sadly, "Yeah! She's an outcast in not only her own house but also pretty much the entire school."
"That's going to change" Hermione replied with fierce determination. She was thankful to the girl who Hermione suspected was very much in love with Harry too, but still gave up her dream to help her.
Harry drew her into him and with Hermione's head resting on his chest, they continued to sway to the music. "I've seen the loneliness in her eyes Hermione; I have been trying to befriend her but still…" he trailed off.
"Just befriend?" Hermione asked genuinely curious.
Harry sighed, he could never lie to her, "With you out of the picture, I thought of asking her initially but somehow could not manage it. I almost always felt as if she was trying to evade me." Hermione could not help but think that Luna was indeed trying to evade him, to give her a chance with him, which increased her resolve to help out the younger girl. Harry continued unaware of her thoughts, "… she is friendly and does not see me as the famous Harry Potter, instead treats me just like you do, just another boy and a friend." He chuckled, "She even called me 'Just Harry' once." Hermione could not help but join in his amusement at the tag, "She is smart too, maybe not as much as you but face it, I need someone like that, if not you, someone like you to keep me in line."
"I thought you fancied Cho and were going to ask her?"
"Yeah! I did fancy Cho after I lost all hope of getting together with you but I know nothing about her. She is pretty no doubt but even though she's in Ravenclaw, I realized that she's an airhead." Hermione chuckled at that and it turned to full blown laughter when Harry finished with a small smile, "… and she giggles a lot."
The song was coming to an end and Hermione's sight drifted towards Luna who was sitting at a nearby table watching them with a brave face, her partner Krum nowhere to be seen. "Harry why don't you ask Luna to a dance" she suggested.
Harry also turned to Luna and smiled which the blonde returned with a beaming smile of her own, "Are you sure?" he had to ask.
Hermione smiled gently and nodded her head with conviction, "Yeah! I will just rest my feet."
That night just before they parted, Hermione kissed him deeply, "I love you so much Harry Potter" she said when they surfaced for air.
"… and I love you Hermione; with all my heart."
Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv
Harry never thought that his day could get any worse, but he should have known not to count his chickens before they hatched. The day started out well, as he was able to spend some time with Mrs. Weasley and her eldest son Bill, as family members were invited to meet the contestants before the final task of the Triwizard tournament. With his luck, he should have known then that the day was not going to end well; looking back Harry felt as if the gesture was to give the contestants a last chance to meet their family before their doom, so to speak.
Harry was happy to meet the woman who he at one time considered his family and a surrogate mother but at that moment he was missing the one woman who he knew was his family for sure, Hermione. Harry took the time to get to know the eldest of the Weasley children and about his line of work as a curse breaker for Gringotts. The distraction was good for him as it kept the thoughts and the inevitable fear of the unknown away all through lunch time.
As he knew and expected it, things started to get worse as soon as he entered the maze that was the final task. Right from the Boggart that turned into a Dementor sucking the life out of Hermione, to the vines which threatened to choke him, finally to the car sized Blast Ended Skwert, Harry felt as if the entire world was against him. That truth was finally brought home when Cedric Diggory, the true Hogwarts champion was killed right in front of him and all due to his suggestion to take the cup together. Looking back, Harry felt sick when he thought that the world would have not known that Lord Voldemort was back if Cedric took the portkey cup that brought them to the graveyard, all alone like he suggested at first, not that Harry had any thoughts of escaping the inevitable confrontation with the Dark Lord.
Now he looked on impassively as he was tied to the grave of Lord Voldemort's father taking an unwilling part in a ritual that was designed to bring the most evil wizard to life. Harry knew that as soon as Voldemort would regain a body, his life was forfeit; he was not afraid of death not of his own in any case, no he was afraid for Hermione. He felt regret that he would be leaving Hermione to go through her life alone and face the rampant bigotry of the wizarding world all by herself. He would not be there to see her safe through the upcoming war, hold her hand any longer, enjoy the little joys of life and finally die with a smile on his face having lived it to the fullest with Hermione by his side.
The thought of his best friend brought a smile to his face even when he was surrounded by danger. The overwhelming love he had for his bushy haired girlfriend bubbled in his heart and burst forth in a torrent filling him with warmth, so much so that he did not feel even a sting when Pettigrew cut into the crook of his arm with a ritual knife drawing blood. Harry was putting all his effort in remembering her beautiful face, her scent, the feeling she always filled in him whenever she smiled, the unwavering support and the unequivocal acceptance of Harry the boy and not Harry Potter, the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. All the while only one thought was going through his mind, 'I love you Hermione Granger' over and over again.
As soon as Peter Pettigrew added his blood to the cauldron, the potion in it began bubbling and spewed forth and turned a brilliant golden in colour. Harry could distinctly hear a rasping voice from inside a bundle calling the rat like man to hurry up; Harry never wished death on anyone but when Pettigrew was about to drop the baby like form of Voldemort into the cauldron, he prayed that Voldemort would drown in the potion. Not that he was expecting anything that good happening to him, with his luck and all.
Harry's musings were cut short by an inhuman laughter that was emanating from the figure that was slowly rising out of the cauldron; his spirit sank to its lowest since he arrived at the graveyard. The man that rose from within the magic of the ritual looked like a combination of a serpent and a human rather than an aged version of the handsome young man that was once known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. Lord Voldemort was laughing at the accomplishment that took nearly fourteen years and finally gave him a much desired body. The body was encompassed with dark magic and could be shattered if someone knew how to, but he was afraid of only one who could do that, and that boy was tied and helpless right before him.
The triumph that Lord Voldemort felt however soon turned into fright at the unknown; Harry did not pay much attention to the dark lord as he was trying to cram in as many thoughts of the love of his life as he could before his inevitable death. He was however startled when the maniac laughter turned to squeals of terror.
"What is this? What is happening to me?" Lord Voldemort cried.
Peter Pettigrew meanwhile was in a full blown panic mode, the cries of his master fuelled his own horror and before his lord could turn to him, he cried out begging for mercy, "Please My Lord, I did exactly as you commanded my lord. See I even cut off my hand for the ritual" he lifted the still bleeding stump that was his hand. The terror he felt gave him the impetus to even forget that the blood loss could kill him.
Lord Voldemort however did not listen to his minion; he was deep in thought at the feeling that looked as if it was soon going to overwhelm him. He racked the enormous intellect of his and finally had an inclination as to what the felling was and when he felt it before tonight. Slowly getting out of the cauldron, Lord Voldemort began walking towards the tied up 'Boy-Who-Lived'.
"I have felt this …whatever this is before. It was when I was happy at Hogwarts, with my friend Myrtle Monroe" he said conversationally to Harry.
Harry nearly gasped in surprise, 'Lord Voldemort was friends with Myrtle?'
Voldemort was totally lost in his own thoughts, and too engrossed to even think about speaking them out loud "We laughed, we played, and we dreamed about a life, a future after Hogwarts. The same feeling that I have now, of happiness, of being able to accomplish anything even in the face of danger, was always there when I was with her. Only now it feels so much stronger, almost as if I am filled with it."
Harry understood the feeling very well, it was the feeling he always had when he was with Hermione, even when she was only his best friend. With her as a girlfriend and his feelings out in the open, he could now put a name to the feeling that Lord Voldemort described. He was surprised that the man who was touted to be a dreaded dark lord once felt love. "It's called love" Harry interrupted Lord Voldemort's ramblings.
The voice broke the dark lord's own musings and he saw that Harry was still tied to the grave stone and with a negligent wave of his wand, freed the bruised and battered teen. "Love!" Lord Voldemort tried the word in confusion and a little bit of awe.
Harry sagged in relief and shifted so that he could sit on the grave of Tom Riddle senior and ease his injured leg into a better position. He patted the space beside him hesitantly and was shocked when Lord Voldemort sat beside him; Harry could have laughed out loud. The man who was supposed to have sworn to finish him was sitting beside him and they were conversing as if they were the best of friends, the morbid location notwithstanding.
"Yes, Love" Harry reiterated. "It would seem to fill you with happiness, the world would seem to be filled with brightness, every pore of your body and every bit of it would be radiating the immense feeling of joy. You might feel as if you are being overwhelmed, choked, and maybe even suffocated. Do not fight it, embrace it, let it permeate your very being and fill you; it will only make you stronger."
Harry chuckled at the look of joy on the dark lord's face as he did what he was told, "Yes, believe me I did not know it too."
When Lord Voldemort looked at him sharply, Harry elaborated, "I was hated by my relatives while growing up. My cousin used to beat me and I did not have any friends, I knew only hate. When I came to Hogwarts however, all of that changed. I found two friends, one was a good one but he was mostly jealous of my fame and my fortune, he was not willing to accept that I lost everything that I held dear to get that but he was still my friend" Harry threw a glance askance and was heartened to see Lord Voldemort wince. He did not linger on that though, "… but the other was my best friend, my angel. She gave me what I always needed, happiness, joy, and unwavering support; she gave me love. I was not afraid to die, only afraid that she would be left alone."
"Was she the one you were thinking about during the ritual?" Lord Voldemort asked needlessly.
Harry only nodded his head and remained silent. Lord Voldemort sighed deeply, "I should have realized it when your mother gave her life to save you. I should have realized the power of love then and maybe I would have been pardoned for taking that away from you and allowed to leave this hate filled life."
Lord Voldemort or Tom Riddle as he urged Harry to call him henceforth sniggered at the gob smacked look on Harry. "I had a similar upbringing as you. I was hated and bullied at the orphanage growing up; unlike you I did not have friends and as one who was not brought up in the wizarding world, I was bullied even at Hogwarts. I was filled with nothing but hate and gradually took it out on others."
Tom's face suddenly had a bright smile as his eyes focused on something that was not near them, "Then I met Myrtle, she showed me the happiness you get when you find someone who truly liked you. She showed me how to forgive others for their mistakes. She was harassed and bullied too but she bore it with forbearance, she always said that the bullies did not know that they were causing harm to themselves when they tormented others. I mellowed out in her company; I dreamed of a life with children and happiness with her."
He paused drawing a deep breath and his face turned melancholy, "I came to know that I was the descendent of Salazar Slytherin and then found the Chamber of Secrets and the Basilisk within it. As a speaker I was protected from it and I wanted to show the chamber to my best friend, I was unaware that the Basilisk followed me to the surface."
Tom's face now showed the bitterness he was feeling; even years of hatred did not remove the compassion and love he had for the sweet girl that was Myrtle Monroe. "As soon as I came up however, I was horrified to see that my best friend was in the bathroom crying her eyes out and that meant she was not wearing her glasses at that time; but before I could even react, she was dead; killed by the serpent's stare."
Amazingly a few tears rolled down the blood red eyes, "I was distraught; the only one person that kept me sane was now lost to me. I did not really feel any real anger at that moment only despair, but when I found out that she was in the bathroom after being bullied again, I lost it. The hatred that was kept under wraps finally sprang free and I unleashed the hurt that I felt onto others."
Harry could only pity the man that was grieving silently; he tried to think what he would do if he lost Hermione. If he was honest, he knew for sure that his reaction would probably mirror that of Tom Riddle. Without Hermione, all that he would be left with would be hate, hurt, and anger.
Meanwhile, Tom was thinking about the repercussions of what he learnt from his arch nemesis. The long lost feelings of love and compassion came back with vengeance and he realized that all of it was because of the unfathomable love that Harry Potter had for the girl in his life, the same feeling that he apparently had for his Myrtle. He could not go back to being Lord Voldemort, the monster and tormentor of the innocent and helpless people. Tom knew that he owed it to Myrtle to be a better man, the good guy for once, and may be even strike fear in the hearts of those who bully others. That means he had to retrieve all his horcruxes and get his soul pieced back and live a mortal life, and some day when he died he could cross over with his sweetheart.
He thanked the stars that Harry Potter was not a horcrux as he once feared, at that time he was afraid of losing a horcrux when he killed the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. Now he was grateful that he need not harm him when patching his soul back together. The connection between them could just have been an unwitting result of the backfired curse or the ancient magic that Lily Potter used to protect her son.
His thoughts were interrupted when Harry asked the question that he himself was unwilling to face, "What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know" he answered honestly. "I do not want to go back to causing mayhem but at the same time Dumbledore would not allow me to live once he understands that I am a mortal again. I want to atone for my mistakes; I want to make an effort to do some good to the society if given a chance."
Harry nodded his head in agreement, he did not know anything about how Tom would make a difference to the society but at least he need not look over his shoulder every time and that was all good in his book. "I am sure that with glamour charms and a new name, you could make a new life for yourself. Who knows, you might even make a good DADA teacher, better than what we have had previously" Harry joked.
Instead of laughing it off, Tom's eyes actually lit up, "You know, that's not a bad idea at all."
They sat in companionable silence for some time but Harry began fidgeting, he wanted to go back and assure Hermione of his safety. Now that he could actually taste a life without dangers in it, Harry was desperate to have his girlfriend in his arms and spend a life time with her.
Tom sensed his eagerness and turned to the spot where the cup was lying and Harry followed him. "I am sorry that your friend had met his end at my hands. I can only pray that his soul would find peace in the afterlife and promise you that I would atone for the deaths that I had a part in, by serving the community. If you think that I should turn myself in, I would do that too, I owe you at least that much."
Harry thought about it; he knew that Dumbledore always wanted to give people a chance for remorse and he also knew that there was no point in having Tom locked up or put to death. He was reminded of the fact that corporal punishment was more or less done away with in the muggle world. Instead, a concept of community service was taking root; granted Lord Voldemort was known for horrible deeds, but if he was truly repentant and willing to work for his absolution, all the better. Only he, and Hermione of course, would know who their new DADA professor was, and that was the way he would like to keep it.
Tom was thankful and took an oath on his magic to do so, when Harry voiced his thoughts. They were drawn to Peter Pettigrew who finally succumbed to the blood loss and there was no pity from either of them to the traitor. Betrayal by him, who was considered to be a dear friend, was the worst possible crime in both their minds, "I am sure you can think of a probable explanation for your abduction by Wormtail? This would hopefully free your godfather too" Tom stated.
Harry was only happy to oblige.
Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv
The site of the final task descended into chaos when the two Hogwarts champions disappeared from the maze and both Hermione and Cho were hysterical. All attempts to calm the distraught girls and search for the missing students turned up naught. All the staff members and the Ministry officials could only watch in trepidation or run around like head-less chicken to no avail.
After more than an hour, they were again whipped up in a frenzy when Harry portkeyed back into the area with two bodies. Hermione shot out from the ground and out of her stupor and launched herself into the arms of her boyfriend who returned her hug with equal fervor. Their elation on the reunion was broken however when Cho threw herself over the dead body of her boyfriend and began crying in earnest.
When Cedric's parents engulfed the crying girl in their embrace trying hard to stem their own tears, Harry began telling the rapt audience comprising of students and staff from three schools and the Ministry officials.
"Cedric and I were taken to a graveyard where Pettigrew was waiting. As soon as we landed however, I was in enormous pain due to my broken leg and tripped forward and knocked myself out hitting a grave stone. When I woke up, I was tied to a grave but Cedric was killed. I think that Pettigrew needed me awake for whatever ritual he was going to do, I do not know what that was for but thankfully he was clumsy. I managed to free myself and grabbed Crdric's wand and fought Pettigrew. He was hit by his own cutting curse that I reflected back and his left hand was severed and he finally died of blood loss. I did not know of any healing spells but at the same time, even if I wanted to save him, I was not keen on approaching him. When I was sure that Pettigrew died, which actually took a while, I portkeyed back" he was laying it thick but Harry knew that it was important to hide the facts. The oath that Tom gave him would ensure that Lord Voldemort would not be causing trouble anymore and he was willing to give him a chance to do some good instead.
The head of DMLE Amelia Bones wanted to know how he even managed to survive the attack and Harry retorted heatedly, "No thanks to the ministry, I had to train hard to survive this blasted tournament. The only person who helped me was my girlfriend" he tightened his arms around Hermione who by now situated herself in his lap on a hastily conjured chair right in the middle of the quidditch pitch.
There were a few hateful glares thrown towards the minister of magic who cowered under the combined scowls. It did not last long however when their Defense professor 'Mad-Eye' Moody suddenly growled out in rage, "He lies, the dark lord was supposed to rise from his death." His rage filled rhetoric was interrupted however when he suddenly clutched his head and transformed right before their eyes. Harry immediately recognized the man who haunted his dreams before the start of the year. One of the aurors in attendance suddenly shouted the name "Bartemis Crouch Junior" and Madam Bones duly stunned him.
A few questions and clarifications later, Harry was hailed as a hero for killing Pettigrew and was also thanked profusely by Cedric's parents for bringing back the body of their only son. Harry felt a little guilty for the praise in killing Pettigrew but he satisfied himself by resolutely refusing the 'Order of Merlin' and the tournament win too. Instead he asked it to be awarded it to Cedric as he was the quintessential Hufflepuff due to his demand that Harry take the Triwizard trophy with him and make it a combined victory for Hogwarts. Harry knew that he was embellishing the truth but if it gave Cedric the recognition he was due, then he would bear the sin of a lie.
Dumbledore tried his best to say that Lord Voldemort was still alive and would make an attempt to return to life. But with no help forthcoming from Harry on that matter, he was quickly disregarded and everyone dispersed with heavy hearts at the death of a fine young man but happy that justice for the Potter parents finally prevailed.
Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv- Luv-Luv
That night and in the privacy of the hospital wing, Harry related the entire episode to his life mate. Hermione was shocked, horrified, amazed, and finally proud of her boyfriend. Even though he was wronged, Harry was willing to give a chance for peace to reign once more and hopefully do some good to their world. She was troubled at the outset with the thought of letting Voldemort scot free but the oath that Tom Riddle took of his own volition, placated her.
Hermione, with her head resting on Harry's chest tightened her arms around him. "I am proud of you Harry. That was a very brave thing to do."
Harry shrugged noncommittally but Hermione could not help but feel amazed at the turn of the events. The future certainly looked bright now, thankfully there would be no more dangers in Harry's life and they could look forward for a life of togetherness filled with love and happiness. "It's a miracle" she breathed in amazement.
"No sweetheart" Harry countered gently, "It's your love."