The essence of magic

The news of Malfoys punishment was everywhere by the next morning. The scene Snape made arguing it in front of the whole school at breakfast saw to that. Dumbledore pointing out that it was far kinder than the likely result of what his housemates would likely do to him had he lost the points was not untrue. The whispered conversation behind palms the other three heads of house had was lost on most however.

This much celebrated punishment did have one side effect however. Other than Harry, everyone stayed away from Hermione for fear of punishment. Ron was still being a prat and blamed Hermione for not stopping him from entering Moody's classroom on the first day. By the end of the weekend, they were pariahs. There was some interaction in class, but as soon as they were outside the classroom, everyone stayed away. Harry was avoided by association, and while a bit lonely at times, both enjoyed the respite.

"Harry," Hermione asked one afternoon, "I have a question for you."

They had gone outside to read. It was a Saturday halfway through the first month of classes and they'd needed to escape. Each had chosen a book, and they'd set up camp under a tree by the Black lake.

"What's that?" He responded, looking down to where she was using his legs as a pillow while reading.

"Well, it's been a while since we last talked, and I was wondering," She paused, biting her lower lip for a second before continuing. "What are we?"

Harry sighed and marked his place in the charms book he was studying, before setting it aside. He looked back down and saw her still chewing her bottom lip. Her deep brown eyes stared back at him pleadingly.

"I'm not sure Hermione," He started, "Definitely best friends, that was never in doubt, as for the possibility of more...I'm getting closer to figuring out myself, but there's still a lot to think about."

"And you still need time?" She asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"I think we both do." He continued, "It's not that I don't want you in my life. Far from it, there will always be a place for you, but there's more to it. The friendship we have is so vital to me; what if I screw up a relationship with you and it hurts that. Worse yet, what if I hurt you."

"You'd never hurt me Harry, I know that." Hermione reassured him.

"Not intentionally," Harry closed his eyes for a moment, gathering himself, "But I have the most unusual luck. And you already have been hurt by me. It wasn't intentional, but I did."

"Harry…" she sighed, then sat up and moved to sit beside him.

"Look, it's not that I don't want more." He reassured her, "That kiss has been on my mind a lot, as has the desire for more." She blushed at that reminder, for she'd thought a lot about it too. "But there's also the fact that I know that our… condition is making me very short tempered. All my emotions are closer to the surface, in fact. And my magic is flaring, just look at what I did to Ron, or Malfoy, on the train."

"You defended me."

"I attacked them."

"You protected me from someone who was being cruel."

"Even if I did, how would I react if we were closer?" He asked softly, his voice tinged with regret, "Would I have done more? Hit them harder? Seriously injured them?"

"I… I hadn't thought about that." Hermione answered honestly. "All I know is I felt safe and protected when you did, and I needed that feeling at that moment or… or I might have broken."

"And I never want you to," Harry assured her, pulling her to his side, "But what am I if I do something to hurt someone else to protect you?"

They sat there quietly, both reflecting on the words they'd shared. Hermione leaned into Harry's embrace, laying her head on his shoulder. Time passed slowly, each losing themselves in thought as they watched the day go by. Neither noticed the oddly marked tabby cat in the limbs of the tree above them, nor the way it looked contemplatively at the pair sitting in the failing light. As darkness fell, they soundlessly got up, Harry helping Hermione stand. As she rose, she pulled him into a hug, her arms around his neck as she buried her face into his neck. She pulled back after a moment and looked into his eyes before speaking.

"Harry," She said softly, "I know you'll always be there for me. It may not be perfect, and there will be times that times are rough, but no matter what, I know we'll always be friends. Times and situations may change, but there will always be one constant in my life Harry Potter. And that's you." And she pulled him down to kiss him once more.

As they separated, a distant and rather happy look upon Harry's face, she spoke one last thought. "I know you still need time, but I want you to know, I'm not going anywhere in the meantime. I'm happy where we are, at least until you decide you want more."

"Me too," He whispered back, and they walked back towards the castle, and the reality of school.

Harry had tried for weeks to think of the perfect gift for Hermione's Birthday, but he was coming up empty. He'd tried asking Lupin for a good, accurate book on Lycanthropy, but apparently Hermione had already asked for it. He'd tried asking her parents for ideas, but they sadly explained it was always difficult to shop for Hermione, at least without a catalogue of her personal library. He hadn't even tried asking Sirius, for while he adored his dogfather, Sirius was not exactly the most reliable person to ask for gift ideas.

Finally, about a week before her birthday, and why did her Birthday have to be on the bloody full moon, he finally thought of the perfect present. It would be tight, but he could pull it off. He sent a couple of letters off, and prayed.

The morning of her birthday, Harry made sure to get up early, hoping to catch Hermione before she went to breakfast. Throwing his school stuff into his bag, and grabbing the gift that had made it just the night before, he made his way down the common room. He spotted his Bushy haired best friend just about to leave through the portrait hole as he got to the bottom of the stairs.

"Hermione, wait a second."

"Morning Harry." Hermione greeted him as he hugged her and they began the walk to the Great Hall.

"Happy Birthday."

"Thank you Harry."

"Look, Hermione." Harry paused, placing his hand on the arm to stop her as well. "I know I haven't given you an answer yet, and I am working on it, but I wanted to get you something really special."

"You didn't have to do that Harry," Hermione started to assure him.

"Yes, I did," He cut her off, "This summer, the time with you and your family, was the best time I've ever had. It showed me what it is to be a family." He paused, gathering himself, and handed her the small wrapped package.

Hermione's hands trembled as she took it. It wasn't big enough to be a book, in fact it was about the size of a jewelry case. With just a touch of hesitation, Hermione unwrapped the gift. It was indeed a small velvet case, like you'd get a necklace or a bracelet in. Her hands shook as she opened it.

Hermione gasped, her ears standing straight up out of her hair, as she saw the exquisite bracelet inside. Two hands clasped together in friendship joined the golden band together. The band itself was etched with repeating infinity symbols, each iteration spaced by either a ruby, or a sapphire chip. And under each infinity symbol was their names, Harry and Hermione.

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as Harry reached in and removed the bracelet, and placed it on her arm. And as he did, he softly spoke to her, his voice quavering.

"There are some special things about this Bracelet, but for now, just know that whatever happens, I'm always there for you."

—-

"Miss Granger, please stay a moment. Mr. Potter, you as well."

Hermione looked up at Professor McGonagall. They'd just finished Transfiguration, their last class of Hermione's birthday and the request was not unexpected. Tonight was the full moon after all.

"Yes Professor." Harry replied for both of them, setting his book bag back on his seat.

Once the last student had departed, and the door was shut, Professor McGonagall's stern expression softened slightly.

"How are you two adjusting? Any issues?" She asked, indicating for them to follow her into her office.

"We're ok, I guess," Hermione told her, "It was nice at first that everyone left me alone, but I expected some at least to come back after the initial reaction calmed down." She blushed as she looked sideways at Harry, "If it wasn't for Harry, I don't know what I would have done."

"There are a few coming around," Harry said, "Neville is getting better; he talks with us at meals. And the twins are still on our side. Ron is still being a prat and I have no idea what is going on with Ginny, it's actually kinda creepy."

"I think it's just a crush Harry," Hermione offered in explanation, "If you're not interested, ignore it long enough and she should come around."

"I see," McGonagall said softly, "I wish I could say this was unexpected, but it's not. It will, unfortunately, take time for things to settle."

"We know professor," Harry again replied for both, "It's just hard."

"Well," The Scotswoman said in a moving on tone, "Tonight, you will both be helping me with a special project."

"Tonight?" Harry asked, "But it's…"

"Yes, that is why tonight." McGonagall confirmed, "In addition to the obvious reason to get you away from prying eyes, there actually is a project I'd like you to consider assisting me with. Or rather, allowing me to assist you with."

"A project?" Hermione brightened a bit. Harry smiled at that; Leave it to Hermione to brighten up at the prospect of more work, he thought.

"Yes," the professor confirmed. "I'd like to help you begin Animagus training."

The pair were quiet. They'd informed the deputy headmistress that while they'd like to start training in the future, that they wanted to settle into school again before beginning the training.

"Why?" Asked Harry.

"Several reasons." She began, "The first is as I informed you; no one we've found has tried to counter the transformation lycanthropy forces on its victim with an animagus transformation. Mr. Lupin is starting to study, but there are other reasons as well. One is that the first part is mental. You find your center, look within yourself. I believe this will benefit you both during the moon and outside of it. It would even help in the study of occlumency in the future if you pursue that craft."

"Occlumency?" Harry asked, never having heard of this magic.

"Magical mind defense," Hermione explained, "It defends against mental attacks and Legilimency, mind reading magic."

"Very good Miss Granger." McGonagall confirmed. "I've heard that you both are more emotional, particularly closer to the full moon?"

"You have?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, it was necessary to include Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout partially in our, that is Poppy's and my own, monitoring of your situation." She held up her hand to forestall comment, "They don't know more than we informed the students, but I believe if you were so inclined to include them in the future, they would respond favorably. They are merely keeping an extra eye out for you two, and both have commented on… moodiness, the last few days."

Hermione looked at Harry, who had his head lowered guiltily.

"It's true Harry, we've both been more emotional lately." She reassured her friend.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Mr. Potter," McGonagall confirmed, "But the animagus meditation will help recognise and minimize the excesses of emotion that are leading to outbursts, shall we say."

"I see," Harry said sadly, "Why else do you think now is the time to start?"

"Well, if we establish an ongoing 'project'," she continued, "Any additional time or changes can be accounted for. If we met once a week, then as long as it wasn't a set schedule, we could use it to excuse you should any side effects or incidents happen." She looked over her spectacles at the teens, "That is not an excuse to let ANY school work lapse, however."

Both teens shook their heads in fear at the last. Professor McGonagall may have a soft spot for them, something that's possible existence they still debated between themselves, but no one wanted to cross her.

"Additionally," the professor began again, "The research you'll be required to do will expose you to alternative methods of thinking and performing magic. That is not to say one is right and the others are wrong. I've heard that there are multi-animagus practitioners in the South American Tribes as well as some eastern cultures. I'm not well versed in the particulars of how, but it opens possibilities. There is also the internalization of your magic that can be helpful in many situations. It is possible to cast upon yourself using just your own magic, no wands or incantations. It's very advanced, but the techniques used in animagus magic is a basis for those abilities as well."

"You mean it's like wandless and silent casting?" Hermione asked, obviously intrigued.

"It's not quite wandless or silent casting," McGonagall denied, "But it does have similar applications. It's like accidental magic in a way, only directed. For example, let's say as a child you had an incident where you shattered everything glass in a room. What spell was that?"

Hermione opened her mouth to answer, then paused. Harry looked curious, thinking hard, before turning to Hermione. She looked at Harry and they could see what the other was thinking, for they were thinking the same. There is no single spell to do that.

"There isn't one," Hermione said slowly, "Not a single spell. At least not that I know of."

"Exactly." Professor McGonagall confirmed, "This magic is even more based on Intent than wand magic. Thinking a phrase or a particular wand movement merely focuses the user's magic, helps the intent."

"So basically," Hermione spoke in awe, "Spells are a focus, like a wand, to enable the wizard to focus his intent to the point that his magic responds to it and makes it happen?"

"Yes, exactly." Minerva confirmed.

"And since Animagi focus inwards to effect the transformation, it enables them to use that experience to perform spells on themselves more easily?"

"Precisely."

"Wicked." Harry breathed, catching up to the implications.

That night, they met Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey in the infirmary, where they were led to separate quarters. The plan was for them to stay the night, voluntarily locked in the quarters, and monitored for differences in how they were dealing with the full moon.

Madam Pomfrey led Harry into the quarters that would be his for the night. They were modest, a small sitting room/office space, private bathroom and a bedroom. She informed him they were old staff quarters, and they hadn't been used in a long time but would do for the night. After taking her initial checks, the matron bid him a good night, telling him she'd check on him several times throughout the night and to activate the page rune on the bedside table if there was an emergency.

Harry spent the next hour doing his homework, smiling as he remembered Hermione reminding him to get it done. Always looking out for him, he thought. He took a shower and got ready for bed, even though he wasn't particularly tired at that point. As he lay in the oversized bed, he let his mind drift to Hermione and their situation, idly scratching an itch on his arm.

Their kiss, kisses now, lingered on his mind. Every time he closed his eyes lately he saw her, felt her kiss on his lips. He wanted more, he thought, but can I? They really did only have themselves these days. Most people had at least gotten to the point of being civil, or saying hello, but they really were alone. And if it were anyone else, he'd probably hexed the hell out of someone out of frustration, but not with her.

The other side of the equation though, was the undeniable fact that Voldemort was still out there. And the dark tosser wanted him something fierce. He had no idea why, maybe revenge for the night his parents died? Either way, he was number one on that hit list. Could he put her in that position? For if they did go beyond friendship, she'd be number two. Not that she may not get there on her own eventually as she would, after all, put her knowledge to work fighting him. But to be put in danger just because they had feelings for each other? Could he live with himself if something happened to her or her family because they were more than friends?

Harry tossed and turned for the next several hours, trying to ignore the pain and irritation dancing through him. He'd been laying down for half an hour, when the pain had started. His skin felt tight, and his insides burned. He knew it must be moonrise, for the moment it must have risen, his pain and irritation had magnified tenfold that moment. He couldn't sleep either, not from the pain, for he'd slept in pain plenty of times before at the Dursleys, No, he couldn't sleep because every time he closed his eyes, he saw Hermione in pain.

He gave it another hour, tossing and turning, trying his damnedest not to scratch his itching skin. Madam Pomfrey had offered and gotten him a potion to relieve it, though it had had no effect.

Harry tried to breath deep and focus himself, focusing for the first time on the image of Hermione when he closed his eyes. He tried to project himself to her, to help her. It seemed to help a little bit, but it was frustrating that he knew she was as uncomfortable as he was, that he knew there was something he could do to help, and wasn't allowed to. His insides ached and flipped at that thought.

He felt a bit of calm return, like Hermione had placed a hand on his shoulder to focus him. He felt it, though he couldn't explain it, and the ache deepened. He felt trapped, desperate, confused. He wanted… no, he needed to do something. He knew it was the primal side of his affliction raising its head, the urge to protect his friend. It burned and flamed within him, flaring every time he felt her pain increase.

As he stretched to her, tried to project comfort and support to her, his senses flared. It was almost as if he was in the room with her when she screamed in pain, still fighting the transformation. And something snapped inside.

He was running down the corridor before he realized he'd moved, cool floor chilling his bare feet. He rounded the corner and dodged around a startled Professor McGonagall. He heard her cry out as he bounced off a wall on his way past but didn't slow. Turning another corner, he saw the door he instinctively knew was his goal.

Madam Pomfrey shrieked in fright as the door behind her blew apart. Some reflex action had her moving between the doorway and Hermione, the same time as said witch dodged around her on her way to the door.

Harry and Hermione met with bone crushing force as he entered the room, though neither noticed. They embraced with such force, such desperation, that you'd be hard pressed to fit a hair between them. Tears streamed down their faces as they held each other, each felt the pain reduce with each passing moment.

"Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?" Madam Pomfrey demanded shrilly.

"I… the pain...couldn't stand… hurting…" Harry struggled to explain, gasps and sighs breaking up his explanation.

"I understand that," Pomfrey puffed, "But how did you get here?"

"And did you realize what you were doing?" Professor McGonagall asked as she entered the ruined doorway.

"Not sure ma'am," Harry gathered himself, still not looking up from hugging Hermione. "I just got to the point where I knew how much pain Hermione was in, I could feel it."

"You felt her pain?" Pomfrey inquired, "Or your own?"

"I felt my pain, and hers." Harry explained, "I felt on fire, but if I closed my eyes, I could feel Hermione's too. If I focused, I felt like I could project reassurance to her. Mentally comforting her, I guess." Harry paused at the incredulous looks on the faces of the adults. "I know, but I can't explain it better." He sighed, "Whatever I was doing, I knew it wasn't enough. So I came to her."

"And just how did you know where she was, Mr. Potter?" Mcgonagall asked pointedly.

"I don't know, I just did." Harry finally looked up, "I don't even know where I am or how I got out of my room."

"You got out by blowing the door to pieces," McGonagall explained, "How you did that without a wand is interesting. What is more interesting is the giant crater in the wall you bounded off of on the way here."

"I… what?" Harry stuttered.

"It would appear Mr. Potter that you managed to blow apart the door to your room, and this one." The Scotswoman explained, "Plus you left a large crater in a wall you hit, yet appear to suffer no physical effects from any of it."

"Minerva," Pomfrey interrupted, "The wild magic rolling off Mr. Potter as he entered might explain it. It started settling as soon as he and Miss Granger embraced each other."

"And your point is?"

"At this point, I think any effort to separate them during the full moon will be counterproductive and ultimately futile, as tonight demonstrated."

"I see," The majestic Scotswoman looked down at the pair still hugging each other on the floor. "You may have a point there."