AN: I hope you're all having a safe and happy holiday season!
Chapter Twenty: Fair Fight
'Further notice' turned out to be two weeks later than originally scheduled, which also happened to be the day before the infamous Slug Club Christmas Party. So, really, Snape didn't have that much of a heart.
Surprising.
"Have you heard anything about Katie?" Hermione asked Harry as they made their way to their training room for the, hopefully, final training session before the games officially began. They were scheduled for the last Thursday of term and would probably, definitely, take up most of the afternoon to complete. The Sixth-Years were scheduled for Thursday, and the Seventh-Years were on Friday.
The games were going to be broadcast into various classrooms on levels of the Castle that weren't being used for the games, similar to the setup of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, with only visual and no audio. Apparently Snape wanted the younger years to be able to learn from their successes and failures. He smiled rather evilly when he mentioned that last part.
The games worked similar to that of the Muggle game 'Capture the Flag,' which was a truth that eased Hermione's worries. She was well-versed with the Muggle game, and the fact that Snape made a point of letting them know how they performed would go towards their final marks didn't help with her anxiety. The one big difference was there was no 'prison' involved. If you were sufficiently incapacitated and not revived, you were out of the game.
That was both good and bad, she reasoned, which was why she'd thought that a 'prison' wasn't actually the worst idea.
"Not much," Harry replied, his fingers squeezing hers automatically. "Just that she's at St Mungo's now, and will probably be there for a while. My mum said curses like that are deadly and, even if you manage to stop it, recovery can take up to six months. She says Katie's lucky. Any more contact, and she'd be dead."
Hermione visibly shuddered.
Harry didn't really want to talk about Katie. It made him feel... responsible, though he wasn't sure how or why that was. So he changed the subject. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?" he asked, which was probably the wrong question to ask because she gave him a significant look.
Tomorrow, Hermione would be testing for her Apparation license, and Harry had to admit that he was a little jealous. Officials from the Ministry came to the Castle twice a year with the sole intention of issuing licenses to those witches and wizards who were of age.
And Hermione Granger was one of them.
Harry knew her Apparation was impeccable, but tests of any type generally put his girlfriend on edge. She was a perfectionist by nature, which was a character trait that really crossed with her crippling fear of failure.
He smiled at her, trying to ease her mind. "Would you, my dear, like a distraction?" he asked softly.
She rolled her eyes. "You're going to have to work on your seduction, Harry."
He laughed out loud. "I'm learning as we go along here, Granger," he said. "I mean, I could just drag you into a broom closet and make you - " he stopped abruptly, blushing a deep red.
"Make me what?" she asked, eyeing him carefully.
"Never mind," he said, unable to look at her.
Hermione wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to tease him. "Make me what, Harry?" she asked again, keeping her gaze on him. "Make me scream your name in ecstasy, perhaps?"
Harry actually skipped a step at the sound of that, and Hermione burst out laughing. "You're mean," he commented, as they reached the training room. They were a little early, which offered Hermione the opportunity to prepare for her final address. They were going to go over what every person's role in the plan was, how they would protect their base and finally decide which members were, well, going to be the sacrificial lambs.
Hermione reasoned that some members of the team were more valuable in battle than others, and she was struggling with how to break it to the ones who weren't. Some of them were bound not to like it but they all had to be on board.
She could only hope that they were all willing to do what the detailed plan entailed.
Her sub-team spent endless hours coming up with the plan they were all happy with. In fact, Hermione was rather proud of it. She was proud of the fact that the three of them - she, Daphne Greengrass and Kevin Entwhistle - managed to work together well enough to agree on a plan they all believed would work.
And it would work, provided everybody played his or her part.
To Hermione's surprise, the meeting went surprisingly well, with all members seeming to pay attention and accept the roles Hermione assigned for them. She went over the plan in great detail, reiterating that nobody was to deviate from it. When she said that, she made sure to look pointedly at Jack, Harry, Malfoy and Zabini. Those hot-headed boys would probably end up doing something stupid anyway, but she had to try.
Maybe if she said it enough times, it would get into their thick skulls.
Jack had the good sense to duck his head, even as Harry grinned cheekily at her. Malfoy and Zabini both just scowled. Really, she didn't expect anything different from any of them.
"Right," she eventually said, smiling warmly. "I think that's it for tonight. It's been a pleasure training with the lot of you." It was probably the truth, but nobody could be sure. "Good luck to those of you testing tomorrow. See you on Thursday, sharp and ready to go."
At the dismissal, people started to gather their things.
"Remember to go over the allowed spells," Hermione reminded them. "Professor Snape was very clear about that. If we use anything that isn't on the list, we could face disqualification." Her last word was said with such distaste that the rest of the team even felt it. "Make sure you get plenty of sleep," she added after a moment.
"Anything else?" Fay asked teasingly.
Hermione blushed. "No, I think that's all."
Harry stood in a corner and waited while Hermione answered a few late questions and saw to the last few members. When everyone was gone, she packed up her things as quickly as she could and turned to look at him.
"I'm ready for that distraction now," she said.
Harry let out a laugh. "In here? Or were you hoping for a broom closet?"
She pretended to think about it. "Oh, the choices," she mused. "My boyfriend really knows how to treat his lady, doesn't he?"
Harry held out his hand for her. "Come on," he said. "You said it yourself. You have to get plenty of sleep, Granger."
She exaggerated a pout. "Don't you want me?"
"I always want you."
She shuffled towards him and slipped her hand into his, loving the warmth of him. "I always want you too," she murmured, before she started them moving. They exited the room for what they hoped would be the last time, and started on their way back to Gryffindor Tower.
They barely made it a few metres before someone was calling out to them.
Well, to one of them.
"Hermione?"
Both Gryffindors turned towards the sound of the voice, to see Luna walking towards them.
"Hey," Harry said, smiling at her. "Everything okay?"
Luna came to a stop in front of them. "Of course," she said, before turning her attention to Hermione. "I just - uh, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute."
Hermione glanced at Harry for a beat before she looked at Luna. "Sure," she said. "Shall we walk?"
Luna nodded.
Harry just stared at the two witches, clearly confused but definitely knowing his place. He moved to kiss Hermione's temple, quietly telling her he would wait for her in the Common Room, and then he left the two witches to their talk. He just hoped it wasn't anything serious.
Though, he had to admit he was secretly glad that Luna now had a female friend to talk to about things that she probably felt uncomfortable talking to boys about. It was one thing to lend out his mother, but now he had his girlfriend too.
Hermione and Luna watched him disappear before they started on their own walk, headed in the same direction Harry'd gone. The older witch remained silent as they matched each other step-for-step, just waiting for Luna to work up the courage to say whatever she needed to say. It had to be important because Luna Lovegood wasn't one to shy away from getting to the root of the problem.
"So," Luna started.
"So," Hermione echoed.
"The Slug Club Christmas Party is coming up," she said, full-well knowing it was just a few days away. "And, well, we're supposed to have dates, aren't we?"
"It's not a requirement," Hermione said gently, trying to ease the obvious discomfort in her friend's voice.
Luna cleared her throat. "So, I could go by myself is what you're saying?"
Hermione glanced at her. "You could, yes."
"But what if I don't want to?"
"Then you don't have to," Hermione said. "Why? Do you have a specific person in mind?"
Luna dropped her gaze. "I might," she confessed. "But I'm sure Harry's not going to like it."
Hermione blinked. "What? Why?"
Luna shook her head, ignoring Hermione's queries. "You're right," she said with a laugh, merely confusing the older witch. She was right? About what? She didn't even say anything. "I'll just go alone."
Hermione frowned. "Luna?"
Wait.
Did Luna really think that Harry would have a problem with her asking Neville to accompany her to the Party? If that really was the case, then she was going to have to get Harry to make it clear to them both that he would be okay with it; that he even endorsed it.
Luna let out a laugh, which surprised Hermione. Everything about this conversation - if one could even call it that - made no sense to the Gryffindor. "It's crazy, anyway," Luna said, bringing them to a stop at a junction - one way leading to Gryffindor Tower, and the other to Ravenclaw Tower. "We aren't even in the same House, and he's older than me." She shook her head again, as if she were in her own little world. "I think it's best if I do just go alone."
Hermione wasn't sure she was even needed for Luna's apparent monologue.
"Thanks for your help, Hermione."
Before Hermione could even say anything in response, Luna was scurrying away, leaving the older witch to wonder if she'd actually got everything so horribly and terribly wrong.
"I'm not wearing that."
Hermione forced herself to take a deep, calming breath. It wouldn't do to lose her temper now, when she'd done so well these past few weeks. "Zabini," she breathed. "You have to wear the bandana. It's what identifies you as part of Team One."
"But it's red," he said. "That's a Gryffindor colour."
She sighed. "The other team is blue. Red and blue are standard colours for this kind of game. Now, will you please put the damn bandana on before you get us all disqualified!"
Zabini gawked at her for a moment, before he took the offending garment from her and tied it around his left upper arm.
Before Hermione could make another retort, Daphne Greengrass moved to stand next to her, looking mildly amused. "Is 'damn' the worst curse word you've ever said?" she asked, which succeeded in getting the Gryffindor to smile. After initially butting heads, the two witches seemed to come to an... understanding, of sorts. They were understanding of each other, though neither would go so far as to call the other a friend.
Yet, at least.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Hermione said with a laugh. "Where's your bandana?"
Greengrass pointed to her leg, where the red fabric was wrapped around her calf, just under the level of her knee. "I figure it could double as a wand holster if completely necessary." She turned her body to face Hermione fully, her own features turning serious. "Your plan is going to work," she said.
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Since when is it my plan?" she asked. "Not two days ago, you were making it painfully clear to me that you and Kevin were the largest contributors."
"I thought you didn't listen to me."
Hermione let out a laugh, feeling herself relax. "You're right, I really don't," she said.
"What?" Greengrass asked in mock surprise. "Did Hermione Granger just say that I'm right?"
Hermione ignored her. "My plan is going to work."
"That's the spirit."
Hermione glanced at her watch. It was almost time. "Okay, everyone," she called out, getting her team's attention. "This is it. Today, we go into battle." She flashed a smile that was equal parts excitement and predatory, which earned her an appreciative chuckle. "Is everyone set? Let me have a look at you."
As quickly as she could, Hermione's eyes roamed over her team members, ensuring that the red of their identifiers was clearly visible. Both Harry and Jack had their bandanas tied around their foreheads, looking battle-ready. Though, she guessed that they were trying to hide their scars.
Hermione couldn't help marvelling at how similar they actually looked, hair mussed and eyes wide. If it weren't for the colour of their hair and eyes and shape of their glasses, they could probably pass for the same person. It was actually rather unsettling.
When it was time, they headed to the Entrance Hall together, where they met up with Snape and the other team; a team that was wearing dark cloaks and face paint as if they were some kind of warriors.
Dean and Harry exchanged an amused look.
Snape cleared his throat and moved to stand on the bottom step, to look over all twenty-four students. "The rules are simple," he said. "Follow them."
Hermione'd already spent a full session drilling the rules into her team, and then a further session with Kevin and Greengrass to pick the rules apart. They'd found loopholes that they were going to exploit. She was suddenly looking forward to it.
"Here are fresh maps," Snape said, handing a pile of parchment to Hermione and to Michael Corner, the other team's captain. "Any team found out of bounds will be disqualified. Any use of spells not on the specified list; disqualification. Any malice, brute force and just plain stupidity; disqualification." He scowled. "Need I remind you miscreants that disqualification equals failure."
Hermione tensed at the sound of that. Failure. She'd worried enough about that word the day before, though it had been pointless. Her Apparation test went off without any hiccups and she was now a proud owner of a license that would allow her to leave the Castle for Christmas Break without Harry Potter ever knowing.
"You have fifteen minutes to find a suitable position for your flag and set yourselves up according to your battle strategy," Snape continued. "At the sound of the siren, the game will begin. During this time, I will not interfere. It will only end when one team successfully has hands on the other's flag. Only then will your performance be assessed." He bent down to his left and lifted the flags: one blue and one red. To Hermione, he handed the blue one, and to Corner, the red.
"Please," Snape said tiredly, closing his eyes for a moment as if this was honestly the last place he wanted to be; "try not to kill one another." Then: "Your time starts now."
Jumping slightly, Hermione checked her watch. Fifteen minutes. Okay. They could do this. They planned for this. Quickly, she huddled Team One together and handed out the maps, as if they needed a reminder of where the boundary between the two territories was.
"We all know what we're supposed to do," she said, handing off the flag to the designated bearer. She smiled at her roommate for a moment, silently wishing her luck, and then they were all on their way. Greengrass moved to stand next to Hermione as majority of the team headed towards the Great Hall. It would be their home base; from where each wave of attack would originate.
"You ready for this?" Greengrass asked.
Hermione dug in her bag for the all important item and pulled it out, smiling at the Slytherin. "Even if I weren't, what would you do?"
"Probably hex you," she quipped, and Hermione let out a laugh.
"Am I going to have to Silence you, or can you control yourself?"
"Aim that wand at me, and I will hurt you."
Hermione couldn't tell if she was being serious or not, but she definitely wasn't going to chance it.
Once they reached the Great Hall, Dean and Zabini moved towards the Teachers' table and set up camp. Ernie, Kevin and Lisa stayed near the front doors, each of them getting ready for what was to come. Ernie looked antsy, Lisa determined and Kevin excited. Hermione just hoped and prayed that none of them ended up getting hurt.
Her poor, little sacrificial lambs.
It took her another moment to settle, which was helped by Harry's gentle squeeze of her left shoulder and his reassuring smile. It definitely wasn't lost on her that the other girls on the team looked at him with... she didn't even know what she was seeing in their eyes. But even Greengrass was looking.
She just knew that he had eyes for only her, and that was all that mattered.
Hermione checked her watch again. Not long to go now.
"Good luck, everyone," Hermione called out one last time. "See you with the flag."
That eased some of the tension in the Hall and, when the siren did eventually go off, they were ready and raring to go. Hermione glanced at Harry, smiled, and then disappeared under the Cloak of Invisibility with Daphne Greengrass.
Harry could only watch, as he shifted into position next to Justin. "It's kind of annoying that we have to wait so long to get involved," he said good-naturedly.
Justin grinned at him. "We're the ones who get the glory."
Ernie, Lisa and Kevin formed what Hermione termed the First Wave. It was expected that the three of them would do all they could to get as close to the flag as they could, possibly even identify its location while taking out as many members of the other team as they could. Really, they were expected to fail.
They were expected to make it look easy, in order to invite the other team into their territory. Harry didn't like waiting, but Hermione's plan required it.
When it was time for the Second Wave, it was Jack and Malfoy's turn to leave the Great Hall and Harry could only hope they were successful in identifying where the flag was before they possibly turned their wands on each other.
Harry checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, tensing when they heard the sound of spells not too far away from the entrance to the Great Hall. Harry's grip on his wand shifted, and he glanced behind him.
Dean looked tense, but he did smile when he noticed Harry looking at him.
Harry cocked his head, before nudging Justin. It was time to go, and the two boys set off immediately.
A moment later, Dean spotted a cloaked figure hurl something into the Great Hall. It was a black ball - probably some kind of explosive - that bounced once, twice, and was stopped by the leg of a table. Thankfully, it hadn't made its way far enough into the Hall to trouble him.
But.
Justin and Harry were heading straight towards it.
"Get down," Dean yelled, but Harry and Justin heard him too late and the two boys were blown across the Hall, both of them slamming against the far wall.
The substantial explosion also knocked the thrower over, which was valuable time that Team One's Third Wave needed in order to recover.
"Bloody hell!" Dean hissed, knowing that he couldn't leave his position. He couldn't leave the flag unprotected. Hermione made them promise not to deviate from the plan, no matter what happened.
But, then again, the witch would probably kill him if he let her boyfriend die of internal bleeding on the floor.
Dean was about to make a move when Harry slowly started to sit up, a painful grimace on his face. "Well," he murmured to himself. "That was unexpected."
"Get up, Harry," Dean screamed at him, drawing his attention.
Harry was still a little groggy as he slowly got to his feet while searching for his wand, which he'd lost in the aftermath of the explosion. "All right," he said to Dean, even though he wasn't sure the other boy could hear him. "Quit being so bossy."
All Dean could really do was smile.
When Harry spotted his wand, he rushed to pick it up before heading over to Justin, who was also just coming to. "Hey," Harry said, kneeling down at his side. "I think your race is run, mate. Go back to the flag and help Dean and Zabini protect it." He helped the Hufflepuff get to his feet, watched him move into position, and then turned on the offensive.
It was actually fascinating to watch, and Dean was a little in awe. He could only imagine what the rest of the Castle was seeing. The way Harry's posture shifted, the way his grip on his wand changed, and the way he moved out of the Great Hall and through the corridor, a boy on a mission, was fascinating. Perhaps he was better off alone.
"Where do you want me?" Justin asked, drawing Dean's attention.
"Uh," he said, looking away from Harry. "On the left there. Hermione's convinced they'll use some kind of Disillusionment, so be on the lookout for any shimmers or anything out of the ordinary. Stun first; ask questions later."
Kevin merely nodded as he moved into position, determination on his face.
When Dean looked back in Harry's direction, he could no longer see the wizard, though there were now two Stunned bodies in his wake. They would probably disappear from sight in the next minute and appear in the makeshift prison in the antechamber behind the Great Hall. Hermione created temporary Portkeys for just that purpose.
Well well well, Harry Potter.
"Keep your eyes open," Dean said to his team. "There could be more of those bombs that hit Justin and Harry."
Already hundreds of metres away, Harry crouched down behind an overturned table, waiting. He could hear running feet, which he guessed belonged to members of Team Two, thinking that they had a clear path to the flag.
Hmm.
When they were close enough, Harry sent a Tripping Jinx in their direction, sending them all to the floor. Barely a beat later, he had them bound and Silenced, without ever having to reveal his position. Carefully, he shifted the three members, who were wearing those ridiculous cloaks, to sit against the wall so they could see him. It was borderline sadistic of him but he couldn't help it.
With a gust of wind, he revealed them to be Susan Bones, Stephen Cornfoot and Zacharias Smith. On top of the two he'd just Stunned - Michael Corner and Theodore Nott - it left at least seven more members. He just hoped the initial two waves managed to make some headway.
Before moving on, Harry clipped Hermione's timed Portkeys onto their cloaks, and then started further down the corridor. It was a right mess, really. But, well, what was really troubling was that there weren't any of his own team members around. Had the sacrifice gone that well? Were they, perhaps, Disillusioned?
Harry ducked into a classroom when he heard footsteps.
And then voices.
"Michael said the flag is in the Great Hall," a voice said, which Harry recognised as Terry Boot. "It's the only place that makes sense."
"But isn't that what they want us to think?" That was Neville, and Harry felt a sudden surge of pride.
"It'd be the best place," Terry argued. "It's in there. They've even got people protecting it."
That seemed to placate Neville, until the Hufflepuff spoke up again. "How many people?" he asked, and Harry forced himself not to squeal. Merlin, he was so proud of his best friend.
"What?" Terry asked.
"How many people are protecting the flag?" he repeated, more clearly. "If it's only a few, then it's not the real flag."
Terry remained silent for a long while. "Are you saying Michael is wrong?" he asked accusingly.
Harry's grip on his wand tightened but, before he could do anything, he felt a hand clamp over his mouth. He was about to elbow the person in the ribs, when he heard a familiar voice.
"It's me."
He relaxed only minutely, just enough to hear Neville's reply.
"Michael was right, of course," he said calmly. "But that's what they were banking on. They knew we'd fixate on the Great Hall. The flag has to be somewhere else."
"That friend of yours is awfully smart," the voice quipped from behind Harry, forcing him to turn.
"I taught him all he knows," Harry said, smirking at his brother. "What's going on? Where's Malfoy?"
Jack shrugged. "First Wave was caught. Those kids put up quite the fight, I won't lie. Hermione and Greengrass are, well, I don't know where they are. And the Snake let himself get hit with a Stunner."
"And you didn't revive him?"
"He was annoying me."
Harry's eyes widened.
Jack smiled. "I couldn't," he confessed. "They were suddenly on us - I had to get away."
"Who were they?"
"Don't know," he said. "They were wearing those ridiculous cloaks."
"Reminds me of Little Hangleton, to be honest," Harry mumbled.
"Me too." He fell silent for a moment. "Where's Justin?"
"We got hit with a bomb of some sort," he told him. "He was shaken up pretty badly. I left him with Dean and Zabini."
"That should add more credibility to our fake flag," he said. "Though Longbottom seems to be on to us."
Harry stood up straight, preparing to move. "Then, I guess, we'd better hurry."
Before Harry headed out of the classroom, Jack grabbed his arm. "Disillusionment?" he asked.
Harry spent a moment thinking about it, before he shook his head. "Nah," he sounded. "I want them to see us coming."
Jack couldn't help his laugh as he followed Harry into the empty corridor. Terry and Neville were gone, probably in search of wherever they thought the actual flag was. Harry doubted they would find it, but hey, stranger things had happened. He and Jack were working together.
"Do you know where the flag is?" Harry asked, his voice dropping as he creeped down the corridor.
"There are a lot of them near the courtyard with the fountain and the ruined cloister," Jack whispered back. "Which makes sense. They'd definitely see us coming then."
Harry grinned at him. "That's the plan," he practically sang, before he took off at a sprint.
"No, that's not the plan," he said after him, also having to run to keep pace with him. Hermione was going to kill them both if she ever found out they were being so careless.
Hmm.
Maybe that was the point.
Though, maybe Harry was more shaken up by that explosion than he first let on. Which was an explanation that Jack shot to hell when he witnessed just how fast Harry could actually run. No injured person ran that fast and didn't feel it.
Harry came to a sudden stop before they reached the courtyard, ducking behind a pillar and peeking around it. There were three figures clearly visible, standing around the fountain, protecting what Harry knew was the flag. It had to be.
"One of them is Ron," Jack whispered from behind Harry.
"And probably the Patil sisters," Harry added, noticing the similar forms of the other two roaming students. "We could probably take them, provided Terry and Neville don't get back to help."
"Don't forget about Davis and Parkinson," he reminded him.
Harry sighed. "Do you reckon they went walkabout, or are they lying in wait, ready to attack if we make a move?"
He spent a moment thinking about it. "It's a toss-up."
"Regardless," Harry said; "we could still take them."
Jack looked skeptical.
"So you want to just stay here?"
Jack shook his head. Harry knew that was a stupid question. "So, we're the Fourth Wave then?"
Harry shrugged. "Are you up for it?"
Jack chuckled. "Do you even have to ask?"
"They might have bombs," Harry said as he stood up straight. "And watch out for any other traps."
"I'm not an amateur, Harry."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Prove it."
A beat later, both boys were on the move. Harry ran further down the corridor, managing to stay out of sight. He counted three breaths, and then both Potters were attacking, one from each side of the courtyard.
Team Two definitely saw them coming, but then they also didn't.
Harry fired off two quick Stunners, hitting one of the sisters. It threw the other one off enough for Jack was able to disarm her, with Harry quickly binding her. It should have been just Ron left.
But it wasn't.
Jack spotted them first. "Duck," he yelled, which was just in time for Harry to dodge the Stunner that Terry sent at him, which was quickly followed by spellfire from Neville, Tracey Davis and Pansy Parkinson.
Hmm.
Battle broke out, five versus two, and Harry hoped that Hermione and Greengrass were using the opportunity to close in on the flag at the centre of the fountain. Harry alternated between Shields and Stunners with ease, somewhat enjoying being able to, essentially, flex his muscles.
Each team was holding their own, with Jack and Harry slowly getting the upper hand, right until the moment someone decided to set off one of those black bombs. It was distracting enough for all spellfire to halt, even knocking the two Potters off balance for a very crucial moment.
Two things happened at once.
"Expelliarmus!" Jack was disarmed, his prized wand flying through the air and leaving him unprotected.
And.
"Sectumsempra!" someone yelled, and white light hurtled Harry's way, hitting him square in the chest. He staggered backwards, first in surprise, and then in pain as blood spurted from his chest as if he'd just been slashed by an invisible sword.
Oh.
He dropped to the ground, landing hard on his back and ending all spellwork as all the students could just stare at the fallen boy lying on the grass, blood soaking his clothing.
"Harry!" Hermione screamed from somewhere, deviating from the plan and revealing herself from under the Cloak of Invisibility and running towards him. Screw the war games. Screw everything.
Harry was halfway to passing out, but he held onto consciousness as hard as he could.
Jack reached Harry first, moving to kneel at his side, his eyes wide in terror. "Harry? Are you okay?" he hurried, which was a really stupid question given the circumstances. "You're - Merlin, there's so much blood," he said, his hands moving to try to stem the flow from the boy's chest. That was what people did, didn't they?
Harry just looked at him, his eyes unfocused and blood-shot.
Jack looked around, looking for something. He'd never heard a spell like that before. Shit, there was so much blood. Where was it all coming from?
Where was help? Where was Snape?
Harry clutched onto Jack's forearm, coughing up blood. "You - you have to get the flag," he forced out.
Jack shook his head hurriedly. "Are you bloody insane? I can't just leave you here," he said; "Somebody - some... Hermione!"
The witch was suddenly at Harry's side, tears in her eyes and her expression distraught.
Harry kept his ghostly gaze on Jack. "Finish it."
Jack shook his head again. The boy was certifiably insane. Here was concrete proof. "I don't even have my wand."
"Take mine," he said, without thinking. Maybe it was the blood loss. "Take it."
Jack wanted to argue again, but he reasoned that the quickest way to get Harry help was to finish the games once and for all. So, taking a deep breath, he picked up Harry's wand, expecting for it to feel foreign in hand. It didn't. He stood up and zeroed in on the flag.
When Hermione had revealed herself, she'd also revealed Greengrass, who was now just one of many watching the scene unfold in the middle of the courtyard.
Rather easily, Jack raised his arm and Stunned both Ron and Pansy Parkinson, dropping them with the same spell. Next, he hit Neville and Terry, catching them both off guard and ending the other team's chances of ever winning.
Greengrass looked at him in amazement, but he was already turning back to Harry.
"Get the damn flag," was all he said to the Slytherin, which kickstarted her into action and she ran towards the fountain to retrieve the flag. As soon as her hands closed around the pole, a siren went off, signalling the end of the games.
Jack barely heard it.
"We have to get him to the Hospital Wing now," Hermione told Jack through her sobs. "I don't - I can't - do you have one of those Portkeys on you?"
Jack fished in his pocket for one of the little buttons, which he handed to Hermione.
She took Harry's wand from Jack, mumbled something he couldn't hear and then clipped the button onto Harry's shirt. "Stay awake," she said, slapping Harry's cheek. "Stay awake," she said again. "If you arrive at the Hospital Wing unconscious, an automatic letter is going to go out to your father."
If that wasn't enough to keep the Gryffindor awake, Hermione didn't know what was.
She kept her hands on his chest, as if she could somehow hold him together.
He just about managed a smile at her, before they both disappeared from sight, leaving Jack to deal with the aftermath.
Harry spent the night in the Hospital Wing. He was, undoubtedly, the most severely injured, but Padma Patil and Zacharias Smith also had to be treated for minor injuries. Harry received so many visitors - even some he hadn't really spoken to before - that Madam Pomfrey even had to usher them out when Harry's eyes started to droop. The boy needed his rest.
Hermione was the last to bid him goodnight, gently kissing his forehead and then leaving him to sleep off all the potions to which the resident MediWitch subjected him. Hermione couldn't quite wrap her head about what happened near the end of the games and nobody seemed to want to answer her questions. She knew spells, but she'd never seen one that literally -
She choked up just thinking about it. Her poor, perfect boy.
Hermione walked slowly, her thoughts stalling her progress back to Gryffindor Tower. Jack was the one who told her about what happened after they'd disappeared from the courtyard, but he'd made sure to skip over mentioning the person responsible for the spell that -
She forced herself to take a deep breath.
Hermione just turned the corner away from the Hospital Wing when she came face-to-face with a statue-like figure leaning against the wall, who happened to be their Defence professor. He looked solemn for some reason, which just confused Hermione.
Before it angered her.
"Miss Granger," Snape said when he spotted her.
"Professor," she said tensely.
"How is Mr Potter doing?" he asked, dropping his gaze.
"He's fine," she said curtly; "no thanks to you."
Snape lifted himself off the wall and turned to face her. "The culprit has been significantly punished," he said. "And the disqualification has been affected immediately."
"I don't care about that," Hermione snapped, losing her cool in a way she'd never done with a professor before. "I want to know why you didn't come. Harry was hurt; he was bleeding, and where were you? Where were you?"
Snape's gaze met hers for a moment. "I made myself perfectly clear, Miss Granger, that I would intervene only when the ending siren sounded."
Hermione shook her head. "That's not good enough!" she practically screechedd. "He was bleeding. He was - " her voice caught. "He was hit by a Curse that wasn't on the list. A Curse, Professor, not just any spell. Everybody saw. Didn't you? Didn't you see?" She was crying now, her emotions getting the better of her. "Didn't you see him lying there, bleeding to death? Didn't you see?"
Snape stepped towards her, and then braved pulling her into an embrace that felt foreign to both of them.
"Why didn't you come?" Hermione cried into his robes. "You were supposed to come. You were supposed to save him."
Snape said nothing. What could he say? What excuse could he give?
Hermione let out a few last sobs before she pulled back and wiped at her eyes, thoroughly embarrassed by her outburst. She blinked a few times, composing herself. "I'm sorry, Professor," she said quietly.
"It is I who should be sorry, Miss Granger," he said solemnly.
Hermione pressed her lips together, unsure what to say.
Snape stepped back and cleared his throat. "I believe it is almost curfew," he said. "You should be getting back to Gryffindor Tower."
"Of course," Hermione said, thankful for the opportunity to take her leave. "Night, Professor."
"Night, Miss Granger."
Hermione didn't think she'd encountered a stranger incident in the Castle. Truly, she didn't know what to make of it. If anyone had told her she would break down in front of Severus Snape and somehow have him comfort her, she would have laughed in his or her face.
The Common Room was relatively empty, with most students already heading up to their dormitories. There were two boys sitting on the couch opposite the fireplace, and they both looked up when she entered. One looked horrified and guilt-ridden, and the other looked nervous and concerned.
"I don't want to hear it," Hermione said before either of them could even speak, and then she rushed up to her own dormitory. She wasn't sure if she would be able to get any sleep - she was sure she would have nightmares about Harry's blood on her hands for days to come - but she was going to try.
She failed.
By morning, Hermione was feeling miserable, and the fact that the incident in the courtyard was the talk of the Castle definitely wasn't helping. Everyone knew. Not only had majority of students witnessed Harry take down at least five of his classmates, or Jack expertly drop another four like a professional, but they'd seen Ron Weasley use a deadly curse he'd never used before on a fellow classmate.
The Gryffindor was vilified endlessly by all the Houses.
Luna was busy making plans.
After classes let out for the afternoon, Hermione went straight to the Hospital Wing to keep Harry company and help him catch up with the work he'd missed. She didn't tell him about the breakdown in front of Snape because she didn't yet know what to make of it.
Really, she was content to spend the whole day in there with him, even skipping the Christmas Party, but Harry was having none of it. He was insistent he would be accompanying her. It actually turned into quite the debate with Madam Pomfrey, but she eventually conceded, as long as Harry agreed to her conditions.
He happily did. He promised his girlfriend a Christmas Party, and he was going to deliver. If he was going to spend Christmas Break without her, then he was going to use every opportunity he could to see her all dressed up and happy.
Harry didn't expect that convincing Madam Pomfrey would be easier than convincing Hermione.
"I'm just not feeling up to it," Hermione told him, unable to look him in the eye. "I'm not in the mood for celebrating right now."
"Granger," he murmured, reaching for her hand as he sat up on his hospital bed. "What's going on?"
"What do you mean what's going on?" she asked, her voice tense. "You just spent the night in the Hospital Wing and now you want me to go and celebrate. Seriously?"
He nodded. "Seriously, yes."
She frowned. "Harry."
"Hermione."
Her eyes narrowed at the use of her first name. "That's not fair."
"I love you."
She let out a tired breath, before she leaned forward to kiss him quickly, relishing in the warmth of his lips. It was in stark contrast to the cold blue of the previous day. "Fine," she grumbled.
His face split into a grin. "That's the spirit."
She shook her head at his antics, absently checking her watch. If they were going to be going to this stupid party, then she had to start getting ready right now. She had her hair to do, and she had to get a hold of Luna and -
Harry's smile didn't once falter, particularly when her brow furrowed. "Go on then," he said knowingly. "I'll see you at seven thirty in the Common Room."
Hermione waited a beat before she stood up, and started to pack away her books. "Can I borrow your Communication Mirror?" she asked, not knowing how else to get a hold of Luna.
"Of course," he said. "It should be under my pillow." Then: "Our pillow."
She blushed. "How do you know I snuck into your bed?"
"I know you," he said. "But then I kind of also had the Map."
"Creeper."
"Only when my girlfriend is you."
She just shook her head, finishing up with her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. "Seven thirty, you said?"
"I'll be the ruggedly handsome boy waiting for you," he said sweetly, his eyes begging for a kiss that she was all too willing to give him. And then she was going, Harry just watching her go.
He had a couple of hours to kill and, if he was going to get through the Party, he was going to have to get his rest. Which was why he caught a nap.
When he came to, Madam Pomfrey made him drink three potions before she let him even begin to get ready. She had an elf fetch his clothes for him and he showered and got dressed in the Hospital Wing so she could assess his energy levels and the state of the still-healing wound across his chest.
"I want you back by ten thirty," Madam Pomfrey told him. "And, if you start to feel tired, you come back immediately. Don't force yourself, Mr Potter."
All he did was nod, grinning at her.
She raised her eyebrows. "Just because you look handsome, doesn't mean you don't have to listen to me."
"I promise I'll be careful," he said.
She pat his shoulder. "Now, off you go," she said, smiling at him. "Enjoy your night."
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," he said sweetly, before he left the Hospital Wing for the first time since Hermione's Portkey had dropped him into the centre of the room after -
Harry sighed.
No.
He wasn't going to think about all of that tonight.
When he reached Gryffindor Tower, he was borderline exhausted. There were a lot of stairs between the Hospital Wing and the Gryffindor Common Room and he had to wait a while to catch his breath. It wouldn't do to worry Hermione unnecessarily. She already looked haunted enough. But he needn't have worried, because she wasn't yet in the Common Room when he finally entered. Several people looked at him, a few even greeted him.
Hermione mentioned that he and Jack's prowess with their wands - well, Harry's wand - was the talk of the Castle but he didn't have the time or energy to focus on all of that right now. Dean waved at him from his position in front of the fireplace, and Harry just managed to wave back before his gaze was drawn towards the girls' stairs.
Merlin Almighty.
Hermione stood on the last step, her eyes searching the room until they settled on him, a smile spreading across her face. All Harry could do was stare at her. Sweet Jesus, the girl was beautiful. It actually wasn't even fair. Like, what was she trying to do to him?
"Whoa, Hermione," Dean said, standing up to take in Hermione's appearance properly. "It looks like you've broken Harry."
The girl giggled shyly as she stepped into the Common Room, her red dress shifting as she walked towards him.
"Granger," Harry finally said, just barely recovering, as his eyes widened. "Goodness gracious - you're so damn beautiful!"
Hermione shook her head, blushing madly. "Harry," she murmured, ducking her head to hide her face.
"Don't you dare," he said, lifting her chin with his forefinger. "I want to see that pretty face of yours." He smiled at her in a way she'd never seen before, and she vowed never to hide from this perfect boy. How did she end up so lucky? Truly.
Harry pecked her lips once, twice, before he pulled back.
"Shall we?" she suggested.
Harry nodded, stepping back and putting out his arm for her.
Hermione linked her arm with his, and allowed him to lead the way out of the Common Room. He appeared steady, strong, and his eyes were clear. She'd been worried. Well, she still was.
"How are you feeling?" she asked after a while, unable to resist.
Harry stopped himself from rolling his eyes. "I'm feeling fine," he said. "Madam Pomfrey already drilled it into me, you know? They second I feel tired, I should rest. And then, at the end of the night, I have to return to my isolated prison."
She squeezed his arm. "And there I was thinking I would get to have my dirty way with you."
He let out a long breath. "You better, before we break up for Christmas," he made sure to tell her.
"I'm working on fitting you into my schedule."
"Ouch."
She giggled softly. "You love me."
"I do," he agreed; "I really do."
Hermione tugged on his arm, and quickly kissed him, knowing that she wouldn't be able to when they reached Slughorn's office. Really, Hermione thought she knew what to expect given the number of times the Slug Club met for dinners, but she was wrong. Very wrong.
The office was transformed, with green, red and gold draping hanging from the ceiling, dim lighting and filled with people in dress robes of some of the brightest colours she'd ever seen. The air was smoky, and there was loud music playing from somewhere in the corner of the room. It was beautiful, really. Stuffy, but beautiful.
"Are those House Elves carrying the trays?" Hermione asked.
Harry, wisely, didn't respond to the question as he turned to his right. "Hey, look, it's Luna," he said, and then led her further into the room towards their Ravenclaw friend, who was getting herself something to drink.
When Hermione mentioned to Harry that Luna didn't think he would approve of her asking Neville to the Party; Harry said nothing. He vowed not to get involved, and he was going to stand by it. They would figure it out. He was sure of it.
When Slughorn spotted the three of them, he made sure to introduce them to his guests. They were reintroduced to Eldred Worple and his guest, Sanguini, who they were surprised to learn was a vampire. Luna was definitely interested, Harry intrigued and Hermione wary.
They met with Potions Masters and reporters for the Daily Prophet, before they bumped into Jack, who was just trying to escape Worple. Hermione couldn't help her own amusement at Jack's discomfort. The author was relentless.
"Save me," he murmured, looking at them all with wide eyes.
Luna giggled.
Harry wasn't sure what he was feeling when it came to Jack in this moment, so he said nothing. It was a good thing too, because their attention was drawn to a commotion near the entrance of the office.
"Is that Malfoy?" Jack asked, knowing that Molfoy wasn't part of the Slug Club.
"He looks ill," Hermione answered. "What is he doing here?"
Harry involuntarily stepped closer, wanting to hear what was being discussed but Hermione placed a hand on his arm to keep him from drawing attention to them.
"I found him sneaking about," Filch was telling Slughorn. "It seems someone was trying to get into your Christmas Party."
"Oh ho ho," Slughorn laughed. "Can't blame the young lad, can you? We're having quite the party here! Let the boy stay."
Snape narrowed his eyes in slight irritation as he stood to Slughorn's left. "Of course not," he said coldly. "I'll get him out of your hair," he said flatly, before he was leading Malfoy out of the enlarged office.
Jack and Harry immediately followed, both of them hanging back enough not to be noticed by the Slytherin pair.
Snape had a firm grip on Malfoy's arm and he was speaking in a hushed tone. "What are you trying to do?" he asked, which they all knew was a rhetorical question. "I am trying to help you, Draco. You have to stop this. I made the Unbreakable Vow - "
Malfoy forced himself out of Snape's hold, straightening out his clothing. "I don't need your protection," he said as calmly as he could. "I was given a job to do, and I intend to do it."
"You're going to end up getting yourself killed," Snape said.
Malfoy dropped his gaze, those specific words hitting home in a way that nobody anticipated. He shook his head. "It's my job," he said gravely. "He gave it to me, and I'm going to do it. I have a plan - "
"Whatever your plan is; it won't work," Snape snapped. "Haven't you already failed?"
Malfoy seemed to snap to attention. "I have a better plan, and it's going to work. It's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would."
Jack and Harry exchanged a look.
Snape clucked his tongue. "You are stubborn and foolish, just getting yourself involved in things you should never have been involved in."
"I don't have a choice," Malfoy said, his voice strained. If the Potters were standing any closer, they might have seen the shiftiness - the obvious fear - in Draco Malfoy's eyes. "He chose me. I can't fail. Not again. He'll - "
Snape shook his head. He clearly wanted to say so much more but he held his tongue. The boy wasn't listening, and he wasn't going to waste his breath when Malfoy was convinced this thing was expected of him. Voldemort succeeded in instilling fear in the boy, and he could only imagine what Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy were going through knowing that this burden was placed on their son.
So, instead of breaking into a lecture, he gripped Malfoy's arm again. "Come," he said, starting to walk and dragging the Sixth-Year along. "We'll see how much planning you can do when you're in detention," he muttered. "Ungrateful little brat."
Jack and Harry just watched them go, neither of them moving to follow. They'd heard more than enough.
Harry stepped back, breathing out. "So, it was him," he said.
Jack nodded. "It has to be," he agreed. "He's the one who Imperiused Katie."
"Or Madam Rosmerta."
"Or both," Jack murmured.
They stood in silence for the longest time, each of them caught up in their own thoughts. Harry knew that it didn't matter if they knew it was Malfoy. If Snape knew, then it was probable that Dumbledore knew as well.
"Dumbledore knows it was meant for him," Harry eventually said, the words making him feel short of breath. "The necklace. It was an attempt on his life."
Jack nodded. "He said it was a crude and desperate attempt."
Harry stared at the empty space that Snape and Malfoy just vacated. "Malfoy does sound desperate."
"Looks it too."
"Hermione was right - he does look ill," he said. "Is that what desperation does to a person?"
"He won't succeed because of it."
"It won't stop him from trying," Harry muttered; "and others are likely to get hurt in the process."
"We have to keep a closer eye on him."
Harry grit his teeth, his irritation suddenly spiking. "It seems we have to keep a closer eye on lots of people," he muttered.
Jack flinched before he turned to face Harry fully. They hadn't yet had the chance to talk about the ending of the war games and Jack reasoned this was as good a time as any. "Harry," he started; "It was - he never meant to - look, he's sorry. He's practically distraught."
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Is that supposed to mean something to me?"
"He read it in a book," Jack explained, just managing to ignore the bite in Harry's tone. "He panicked, it just flew out of his mouth. He didn't know what it would do."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better, Jack?" he asked, his breathing increasing. "I could have - he could have - "
"I know," Jack said solemnly, dropping his gaze. "I just, if you'd just let him explain, maybe - "
Harry, suddenly fighting off a wave of dizziness, shook his head, forcing Jack to put out an arm to steady him. Harry's body was trying to tell him it was enough, and he would do well to listen.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked.
Harry shook him off. "I'm fine," he said. "And Ron's conscience really isn't my problem."
"I know that," Jack said. "I just - "
"You just what?"
"I'm sorry," he said.
"Why are you sorry?"
"I don't know," he admitted, sighing heavily. "I just - I don't know. You seem mad at me as well, but it's different to how - I don't know," he finished lamely.
Harry nodded once, waited a beat, and then surprised them both with his next words. "I want the book," he said.
"What book?"
"Where he found the spell," he clarified. "I want to see the book."
Jack frowned. "It's just an old, beatun-up Potions textbook."
"It doesn't matter," Harry said. "I want to see it."
Jack audibly swallowed. "Well, Snape kind of confiscated it," he informed him. "It's doubtful it'll ever get given back."
"Oh."
They just stared at each other for another long moment, before they were interrupted by a familiar voice, automatically making Harry smile.
"Hey," Hermione said, moving to stand at Harry's side. She slipped an arm around his waist, silently giving him the support he would never ask for. Then: "Are you ready to call it a night?" she asked.
For a moment, Harry wanted to shake his head, but he thought better of it.
At his nod, Hermione led him back into Slughorn's office, where they were quick to bid their professor a goodnight and locate Luna, who was locked in a conversation with a clearly drunk Professor Trelawney. For some reason, Luna looked very engaged in whatever the Divination professor was saying.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Could be anything," she replied, smirking slightly.
It took Luna a moment to notice them, and then she excused herself from her conversation to make her way over to them.
"We're going to head out," Hermione told Luna when she was close enough to hear. "I have to get this rat back to Madam Pomfrey before she kills us both."
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm not an invalid, you know?"
"You look it," Luna commented. Her mouth was smiling but her eyes were concerned. To her, Harry looked pale, and there was a bead of sweat above his eyebrows. "I think I'm going to stay for a while. I've never met a vampire before. My father would hate if I passed up the opportunity to ask questions."
Harry smiled at her. "We wouldn't want that."
"Will you be okay?" Hermione asked.
Luna nodded, glancing at a point over Hermione's shoulders for a moment. "Will you two?"
Hermione nodded. "See you tomorrow before you leave?"
"Definitely."
Luna hugged them both, gentler with Harry than with Hermione, and then the two Gryffindors were on their way. Hermione made sure to walk slowly, because she could feel Harry leaning more and more on her with every step he took. She knew he didn't want her to see him this way, but she'd literally seen him bleeding.
This was nothing.
"So," Hermione said, carefully maneuvering the endless stairs. "I may or may not have done a thing."
He let out an amused breath. "You're spending too much time with Luna."
She squeezed his waist. "It's nothing bad, Potter," she assured him. "I just, well, I kind of packed your trunk for you."
He looked at her with the kindest eyes, his love for her clearly shining through. "You did?"
"I just - I didn't want you to have to worry about it tomorrow," she told him. "Or at all, really."
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
She shook her head once, before she reached up to kiss him, messing with their momentum for a moment. "If I didn't know you any better; I'd think you were just saying these things to get kisses out of me."
"And I think you're just doing all these lovely things so I tell you I love you."
She giggled. "We're quite the pair, aren't we?"
"We are," he agreed, leaning on her that bit more. "Sorry," he whispered, blushing slightly.
"It's okay," she assured him. "You let me lean on you all the time; it's about time you lean on me. I've got you."
"Good," he murmured; "because I'm exhausted."
Hermione squeezed his waist again. "We're almost there," she whispered.
In all his life, Harry Potter didn't think he would ever be relieved to see his hospital bed. He practically collapsed onto it, letting out a tired, painful breath. Before he could even close his eyes, Madam Pomfrey was upon them, ready with her endless potions. Harry didn't even put up a fight as he drank them all, grimacing at their taste.
The boy was asleep before he could even change into his pyjamas.
Hermione suppressed a smile as she removed his shoes, undid his tie and removed it. She took off his glasses and set them down on the table beside the bed. He looked so young without his glasses, like a child, pale and unassuming. She liked this look on him; this peace.
"Harry," she whispered, absently running a hand through his hair. "I've got you," she assured him. She bent forward to kiss his hairline, letting her lips linger for the longest moment, before she stood, straightened out her clothing and then left the Hospital Wing.
Hermione didn't feel as hopeless as she did the night before, but she couldn't mistake the feeling of devastation that was threatening to overwhelm her. She knew what came with Harry Potter. He'd told her the stories of his exploits against Voldemort and his followers, but having one of their own hurt him like that forced her to take notice. It didn't matter where the danger was.
Life with Harry Potter would always be like this, and she wasn't sure how she was supposed to survive it.
Once again, she had a fitful sleep, her nightmares consisting of dead green eyes and blood on her hands. She woke up in a sweat, her breathing hard and her heart racing. She checked the time, both grateful and disappointed to see that it was already the morning.
She practically crawled out of bed, her focus on getting through the morning without incident. And, for the most part, it did.
After breakfast, she headed to the Hospital Wing just in time for Harry to be properly discharged. He was dramatic about it, of course, absently joking about how much he was going to miss Madam Pomfrey. He wished her a happy holidays, before he let Hermione escort him back to Gryffindor Tower.
"Are you going to tell your mother about this?" Hermione asked him as they walked.
"It's my understanding that Luna already did," he said, reaching for her hand. "I suspect I'll hear an earful when I get home."
"Why you?"
"I'm supposed to be better," he said, dropping his gaze. "I should never have been caught off guard like that."
Hermione bit her tongue. She suspected that this was a feeling that Jack was also dealing with. He should never have allowed himself to be disarmed. Perhaps a change of topic was required. "I, for one, think that the Christmas Break is coming at just the right time."
"Why is that?" he asked.
"Maybe by the time we come back, all these girls will stop staring at my boyfriend like he's something to eat."
Harry let out a laugh. "It comes with the territory, Granger," he teased.
"Hmm," she sounded, suddenly dragging him down a corridor that decidedly wasn't on the way to Gryffindor Tower.
"What the - " he protested, before he figured out just where she was taking him. "Why, Miss Granger," he murmured. "If you wanted me in a broom closet, all you had to do was ask. There's no need for manhandling."
"Shut up," was all she could say when they finally reached an empty broom closet. She checked her watch once, closed the door behind them and made sure the boy had something to remember her by during the Break.
Several hours later, on the Hogsmeade Station platform, Harry Potter was still blushing. He couldn't stop himself from remembering the feel of her hands, the smell of her; the taste of her.
Hermione was scowling at him. "Get it together, Potter," she said. "At least try to act like you're a good boy."
"Oh, but I'm not," he murmured, and Hermione let out a laugh.
"Believe me, I know."
He kissed her cheek, just as the Hogwarts Express sounded, startling them both. He ran a hand through his hair. "I'll write as soon as I get home."
"I'll be waiting."
"I'll see you when I get back," he said, pulling her into a lengthy hug. Then: "Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" He had to ask the question again. The idea of leaving her here just didn't sit well with him.
"Harry," she said.
"I had to try," he confessed, blushing that bit more. "I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too."
They shared a kiss that was probably a little too heated for public, but neither of them cared.
Harry tried to prolong his departure as much as possible, but Luna and Neville were forced to hurry them along. The farewell was quick; three of the Mosstroopers had a train to catch.
And the fourth had a trunk to pack.