Story Number 6:

This short story is in response to the story 'Death of the Potter family' by MariusDarkWolf that is a part of a collection of story ideas and titled 'Rabbit Hole'. That story deals with the repercussions of Hermione's actions and the presumed effect on Harry. I liked the idea but not the repercussions Harry and Hermione felt as a result and so decided to write my own version.

This story starts one week after Harry's name came out of the Goblet of Fire in their fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. (Rated T to M, mainly for mild references to sex and to anatomy).

Energize!

'No one is willing to believe me, worst of all Ron' Harry Potter fumed to himself. Only his best female friend, Hermione Granger seemed to be there for him, rest of the Hogwarts population were either jeering at him for being a cheat and were rooting for his demise during the first task, or were in awe of his achievement of tricking the Goblet of Fire.

'Hermione!' Harry sighed in contentment. His best friend, he could say with confidence now; she was the one who did a lot for him and even now was willing to do a lot for him. It did not matter to her that the whole student population was against them both, but she would do her best to help him out only for the reason that it was the right thing to do. 'Maybe because she could spend a lot more of her time in the library…' Harry mused, struggling not to break out in chuckles.

The day's classes ended and after dropping off their bags, the pair were walking to the abandoned classroom that the pair of them commandeered for Harry's use. They were going to use the time before dinner for another session of training. Harry looked at his partner; they had a schedule fixed and it was all because of the girl beside him. She would search for information and research spells that would help them, with Harry helping of course, and then spend their evenings mastering them. Usually it was Harry who would master the spell first and then help Hermione. Both of them felt that it was a fair trade.

Harry was again mesmerized by the sight of the witch walking beside him; he was struck at how really pretty she was. Her eyes were alight with excitement, whether it was from the new magic they learnt in the Charms class or from the anticipation of their training, Harry did not know. What he did know was that Hermione was "… beautiful…" he whispered to himself in awe.

They were about to descend a staircase with Hermione leading him; Harry did not realize that he slowed down considerably due to his thoughts. The witch in question however, was totally unaware of the thoughts going on in her companion's mind; she was totally engrossed in planning their training time. She thought that she heard something that Harry said and but was not really sure if he was addressing her and wanted confirmation. She turned her head to call out to Harry only to see that the young man was actually a few steps behind her. And as so often it happens, all this was being done while Hermione was still moving forward and her left foot was still in the air and coming down. There was disaster written all over it as instead of calling out to Harry, she cried out in surprise and pain as her foot landed on the edge of the step and slid forward.

Harry watched in morbid fascination as Hermione began an uncontrollable 180 straddle split on the stairs; her right foot on the top landing with her left reaching the third. Her cry of alarm was enough to galvanize Harry into motion and within a split second he reached the stricken witch and had his arms below her armpits and around her, halting Hermione's descent before her crotch could hit the stairs in that painful position. He immediately gathered Hermione to his chest and that pulled her up into a standing position, all the while not letting go of her.

Hermione, meanwhile managed to regain her wits and though she was trembling, tried to stand up on her own two feet and thanked her best friend, "Thank you Harry."

Her legs gave out immediately and Hermione would have met the floor in a very painful way if not for Harry's support. Only then did they notice the expanding blood stain on Hermione's skirt right at her crotch. "Oh!" she exclaimed, "I think I broke my hymen…" The seriousness of the situation might have been the only reason for saving them from embarrassment.

"Let's go to Madam Pomfrey." Harry turned them around. Hermione took a couple of shaky steps but her legs gave away again and Harry did not hesitate this time, he simply scooped her up into his arms.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed in surprise and a hint of trepidation.

"It's growing" was all Harry said before increasing his brisk walk into a gentle jog. He was quite fit thanks to the rigorous exercise regimen that Oliver Wood put him through which he continued even during the summer months.

Hermione began to grow concerned. A simple tear in the hymen should not bleed so profusely, or at least that's what she believed. Thankfully, Harry was able to get them to the hospital wing in a very short time, before her concern could grow into a full blown panic.

As soon as he entered the hospital, Harry hollered for the matron while moving towards an empty bed and lowering his burden gently onto it.

Madam Pomfrey bustled over and took one look at Hermione, especially the slowly increasing blood spot and its position, but her trained eye told her that whatever happened to the young witch, it was not life threatening. There was work to do though and turned to Harry, "Mr. Potter" she called in her most professional voice. Though Harry was startled by the tone of the voice, his concern for Hermione overrode any preservation instincts and did not see anything amiss even if her eyebrow was cocked.

"Oh! Don't worry about me Madam Pomfrey, I will not be in your way" with that he turned his attention back to the witch on the bed.

Hermione finally understood what the healer was asking and blushed at that but Harry was too concerned to notice the implied order from the matron or Hermione's reaction. The healer was suddenly angry at Harry, her thoughts obviously going to the reason that Harry wanted to stay there, to ogle at a naked Hermione. But when she saw genuine concern and maybe a hint of fear in the green eyes, her irritation and anger vanished only to be replaced by bemusement. As concerned as he was for his best friend, Harry could not stay.

"Mr. Potter", the healer called out a little forcefully.

Harry turned to her sharply irritated that she was not working on Hermione, and that sharp spike of anger cleared his mind to think rationally. A bright blush erupted on his face, "I… I will…" he stammered before turning tail. "Yeah! I will do that…" with those words he bolted from there and the two women heard the hospital door click shut.

"He could have stayed on the other side of the screens" the healer shook her head with laughter in her voice; neither of them believed even for a moment, that Harry might have left that place.

"Now let's take a look at you…" Madam Pomfrey pulled the skirt and underwear down while Hermione began an account of the event that led her in to the current situation. Hermione was confused as to why the matron was taking such care to preserve her blood stained clothes rather than cutting them away, but did not hold on to that thought as the matron finished her examination.

"You are right" she concluded. "The fall did tear your hymen but the force of the tearing also injured a blood vessel near the point of injury causing such a high blood loss. Nothing to worry though, a sip of the blood replenishing potion, and you are good to go." Madam Pomfrey used her wand to siphon the blood on Hermione's skin around the injured area, into an unbreakable vial and put it aside before casting a simple healing spell to stitch the skin back and a pain numbing charm. However, once broken, the hymen cannot be repaired as a witch's magic does not allow that and so due to no conscious involvement on her part, Hermione would no longer be able to call herself a virgin.

Madam Pomfrey gave Hermione a hospital gown to change into, "It's all healed but I would like you to stay for a little while so that you will not open up the wound again."

Hermione removed her shirt but opted to keep her bra, all the while looking at the matron who was absentmindedly siphoning the blood off the skirt and knickers and adding it to the same vial as before. She sat on the bed confused about the healer's actions, "Madam Pomfrey?" she questioned. Hermione also noticed that she lost quite a lot of blood, almost a 100 ml (3 oz.); and that was why Madam Pomfrey gave her the blood replenishing potion, although it would probably have taken about a week for her to restore the lost blood even without the potion.

The matron turned towards Hermione and studied the young witch all the while thinking furiously. She speared a glance at the closed doors and apparently reached a decision. Nodding her head decisively, she called out, "Mr. Potter, Harry!"

The doors were thrown open immediately and Harry rushed in and to Hermione's side, concern replaced by relief at seeing his best friend sitting up. "Are you alright?" he asked in a hurry.

"Yes Harry, I am perfectly fine."

"Then why are you in a gown? Why are you staying in the hospital?"

Before her patient could answer, Madam Pomfrey intervened, "Harry, I called you in because there is something that both of you should know." The tone of her voice was a warning to both the teens and sent a spike of fear through them. Harry immediately sat beside his friend and took her hand into his and Hermione was thankful for the support and leaned into his shoulder.

The gesture was so natural for the two teens that it cemented the healer's decision. "What I am going to tell you may be awkward and even embarrassing to you both but I firmly believe that you should know this." She smiled slightly when Harry put his arms around Hermione's shoulder and pulled her into him a little tighter. This was the proof, at least in her mind, that the two teens in front of her were to be more than just friends.

"Do you know that many Ancient and Noble houses have a clause in their marriage articles that the woman that the heir of such a house was going to marry, has to be a virgin?" the healer asked.

"No" Hermione answered confused at the turn of the conversation.

Meanwhile, Harry was even more stumped, "What do you mean by Ancient and Noble houses? What are they?"

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in surprise but somehow Hermione was expecting this; she knew all along that Harry was woefully ignorant when it came to the history of his own family. Whether it was deliberately done by someone or was just plain old bad luck, she could not even speculate. Oh, some of it was Harry's fault too, for he never made an attempt to apply himself in his studies, but to him the subject of his family brought only pain. The only memory of his mother he had was dementor induced, for crying out loud!

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand in support and to get his attention, "Harry, many families could trace their contribution to the wizarding world as far as history has been recorded. They used to have a lot of political power and can still have if allowed to. Families like Potter, Longbottom, Bones, Black, and Greengrass are some of such families."

"Oh!" Harry murmured deep in contemplation.

"Anyway" the healer interrupted their contemplations, "The reason why that clause is present is very important. The male reproductive system in wizards need the magic of maiden blood to activate." Hermione gasped in mortification and Harry was in no different situation. The matron continued sadly, "… specifically the blood from a broken hymen…"

This time Hermione's eyes widened considerably and her embarrassment turned to sadness; there were a few tears threatening to spill from her eyes as the implication set in.

Harry was initially very confused as to why that fact saddened his best friend that bad. It was not as if she was responsible in any way for what happened to her, but then the realization set in, '… he could not have children with Hermione!' he nearly gasped out in pain. 'Why was that thought so painful to him?' His head dropped involuntarily and a defeated air set around him. Still he did not let go of Hermione, and continued to have her clutched to his chest.

The healer saw the changing emotions in both the teens, especially in Harry, and was now sure that she was making the right decision. Madam Pomfrey was amused as Harry refused to let Hermione go, even as the witch was subtly trying to separate herself from Harry, fearing his disapprobation.

"I have a solution for you if you are willing," the pathetically hopeful look on Hermione's face nearly brought tears to Madam Pomfrey. Harry on the other hand was indeed struggling with all that was dumped on him but he looked as if he never lost his faith. Faith in the young witch nestling in his arms, perhaps?

"Harry" the matron now had the undivided attention of both the youngsters in front of her, "If you want to and Hermione is willing to, you can use her blood to activate your baby making abilities…"

Hermione was suddenly happy and was already nodding her head in acquiescence, happy that she could be useful in some way to Harry. In her heart though, there was also hope that she did not lose the chance to give Harry what he wanted most of all, a family. She was not really sure that Harry will go through with it, but she was willing to do her best for him and can only hope that Harry would accept the offering as enthusiastically as she was with the idea.

Harry was… he was unable to process everything. Well, he did understand what was going on but the multiple shocks he received was making him dizzy. Most surprising of all was the pain he felt when he realized that he may not be able to have children with Hermione. He knew that it should not matter to him; he never thought that way about Hermione, but now he was not so sure. Did he want to have children with Hermione? Was he in love with her?

He was jolted out of these thoughts as he realized that both the healer and Hermione were looking at him, Madam Pomfrey with a neutral expression but Hermione with a carefully concealed but still a hopeful expression. He realized that he was able to read Hermione like a book; and why not? They were very close and more so this year, and she was his best friend, not Ron. Can it be more? Did he want it to be more?

Harry cast his eyes at the girl beside him; he realized that she was almost always beside him and during the critical moments of his Hogwarts stay, he always turned to her. He wanted her beside him, always and suddenly the decision became very simple for him. Perhaps not surprisingly, the answer was a resounding yes.

Madam Pomfrey had one last information to impart, "Remember, if you do this magic will no longer recognize you as a virgin Harry."

"Do you want me to do this Hermione?" he wanted to be absolutely sure.

Though Hermione felt relief, she gave the question a serious thought. She was no longer a virgin and more importantly she could not give her gift to anyone else. Even before all of this, she never wanted to give her virginity to anyone other than Harry. In her dreams it was always her green eyed best friend that was her first if not her only ever after. She desperately wanted to say yes, but could she do this to Harry? Could she take away his choice?

Harry meanwhile was able to follow Hermione's thoughts almost as if they were going on in his own mind. That more than anything else would have removed all of his doubts if he had any. Any other girl would have jumped at the chance, but not Hermione. He gently squeezed her hand and gained her attention, "You are my best friend Hermione. In my mind that is an excellent basis for a strong relationship. I would consider it my greatest honour to receive your gift."

Hermione beamed in unrestrained happiness and threw her arms around Harry and gave him her strongest hug. Harry reciprocated it without thought and with equal intensity.

An ecstatic Madam Pomfrey held the blood filled vial to Harry. He separated from Hermione and took the gift. Looking at the happy girl by his side, he could not stop himself, and suddenly dipped his head to capture a surprised Hermione's lips in a tender kiss. For a first kiss for both of them, it was perfect but Hermione wanted more. When Harry pulled back, Hermione darted in and prolonged the kiss, imparting all the love she felt for her best friend. Hearing a throat being cleared, the two teens separated but refused to blush. Now that they were sure of the other's feelings, they were happy to bask in it.

"Come now young man, the magic of Miss Granger's blood may not last long…"

Harry nodded his head in response and turned to a blissful Hermione, "I will not take long, we will talk about this after I come." Hermione nodded her head in acceptance and Harry gave her a quick peck on her lips before standing and taking the vial from Madam Pomfrey.

He looked at the vial in his hand curiously, "How will I know that it has worked?"

The healer gave him a sly smile, "Oh! You will know alright, there is no missing it."

Confused, Harry just nodded his head and began walking towards the bathroom. "Remember Harry, use it on all three of your danglies" the healer called out with a grin. With a squeak, Harry hurried out of the room almost breaking into a run to get away. The laughing matron turned to Hermione who held her face in her hands to hide the furious blush.

Madam Pomfrey patted Hermione on her back, "Take good care of him my dear."

Hermione did not even try to deny it, she did not want to deny it, "I will" she replied solemnly.

The two witches lapsed into a silence which did not last long as a blushing Harry came out with an empty vial. He handed it to Madam Pomfrey and refusing to meet Hermione's eyes, gazed at the healer, "As soon…" he grimaced and trailed off as his words came out as a squeak which caused Hermione to laugh uproariously. That more than anything else dispelled the nervousness in both the teens.

Taking a deep breath, Harry tried again, "As soon as the blood touched my skin, it glowed brightly before disappearing. The blood in the vial disappeared too."

Madam Pomfrey nodded her head, "Yes, that's the magic in the blood. It served its purpose and it will also ensure that no one else can use it."

Harry agreed, "That's what I thought. I can still feel the tingling sensation there."

The matron was surprised at that, "Still?" she exclaimed and getting a confused nod from Harry, she turned to Hermione, "That's some powerful magic you have in there my dear" she finished in admiration. She did not say it but it also meant some powerful emotions in Hermione directed at the green eyed young wizard. Magic was all about intent; the stronger the intent or the emotion involved, the more powerful the magic as a result. Madam Pomfrey could not say why the magic in Hermione's blood was so powerful but she could guess that even though the blood was in a vial, the intense desire to help Harry, and dare she say the love the young witch had for her wizard, might have imbued the blood due to the proximity.

Hermione blushed brightly again but this time she did not hesitate to meet Harry's eyes. That was all the encouragement he needed and Harry rushed to her side. He placed his hand on her cheek and drew her to him. Harry leaned in and Hermione met him halfway for a tender kiss that was full of love. For Hermione it was more than just a kiss, it was meant to seal her love for her best friend, but as soon as she was beginning to lose herself in the kiss, she gasped and drew back.

Seeing the concern in Harry's eyes, she hastened to placate him, "I feel that tingling sensation too…, down there…" she suddenly exclaimed, her eyes wide in wonder and in surprise. Harry immediately understood what she was saying and was astonished as much as Hermione.

They were interrupted by Madam Pomfrey, "You're feeling it too…" she was astounded. Getting a confirmatory nod from Hermione, she continued, "That's extraordinary. I've never heard about it. Not that something like this has happened many times before…" she trailed off deep in thought.

Hermione was lost in the sensation, "This almost feels like an orgasm…"

Harry did not see the healer's eyes widen, he was concentrating on the witch in front of him, "Almost?" he teased.

Hermione huffed in exasperation trying to hide her embarrassment, "It's not like I've felt it before. I only read about it…"

Harry understood her need for comfort and gathered Hermione into his embrace. The two teens were locked in embrace, neither one willing to let go, drawing comfort from the other and feeling as if they could face anything life throws at them if they were together.

Madam Pomfrey meanwhile was trying to understand the situation with the two teens. She knew of only one situation wherein two people could feel the same emotion, "Oh my!" she exclaimed, her hands going to her heart, "…it's almost as if you've had sex without actually doing the deed. As far as I know it happens only in a marriage bond…" The teenagers eyes widened in extreme surprise. Madam Pomfrey finished her explanation, "… and between two people who are deeply in love."

Hermione was deep in thought trying to understand the implications of the healer's words. Harry on the other hand was … happy… If he was to be married, there was no one else that he would want to be married to than the young witch currently nestled in his arms, Hermione Granger.

He was mooning over Cho Chang, true, but even he knew that what he was feeling was just a crush. He did not know the girl for Merlin's sake, she might have been an empty head for all he knew. He did not know how long it would last, but with Hermione, he was not afraid and they could make it work for sure. In his mind, no one could compare to Hermione in sheer intelligence and knowing her for more than three years, he can also say that he knew no one who could compare with Hermione when it came to knowing him.

Speaking of which, "Hermione?" he questioned with trepidation.

The bushy haired witch was jostled out of her thoughts. She saw the doubt on Harry's face and rightly guessing the nature of the doubt hastened to remove it. She tackled him and latched onto Harry's lips with her own and not letting go until absolutely necessary.

This time even Madam Pomfrey's furious throat clearing did not compel them to separate.