Disclaimer: For the ones who missed it in the first two chapters; JK Rowling sadly still owns Harry Potter.
Author Note: This is the third chapter of Harry Potter: War and Peace
Welcome back again dear reader, you are entering upon reading the the third chapter of: Harry Potter: War and Peace
As I write this, I am hoping you the reader enjoy this chapter. More questions are answered, and of course the big event that that chapter two was leading up to.
Another two songs of course I suggest if you like to sing to while reading this chapter:
Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
You're The First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White
Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed the first two chapters of this story, and will enjoy this chapter.
Please Review, Don't flame, and most of all enjoy :)
Thank you,
Remus James Black (Btw Yes I Know I signed it wrong in chapter 2, I like it in both orders)
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Chapter 3: How to Save a Life
June 17, 1996 – Hogwarts's Hospital Wing;11 PM
Tomorrow is the day that Hermione Granger was suppose to go home; she didn't want to do that. The boy, no the man she loved was lying in the hospital bed next to her. Behind her in another chair reading as usual The Quibbler was their blonde haired friend Luna who had helped Hermione more then she could ever thank back in the last few days. She noticed that the blonde hair girl looked up at them every few minutes and had that dreamy expression on her face.
"Maybe he doesn't want to come out," said Luna in that regular dreamy voice.
Hermione's eyes went wide and she turned around, "What do you mean maybe he doesn't want to come out Luna?" asked Hermione.
"Well we all know the pressures got to him. Maybe he felt he was alone since he doesn't know your feelings," said Luna giving Hermione that look.
Hermione began to speak but Luna interrupted saying "Don't deny it, we both know it, but he's the one who needs to know it," said Luna.
Hermione looked at Luna for a long moment and nodded. She turned back around and continued to talk to Luna since the hospital wing was empty this time of night.
"I'll need to go in after him then, won't I?" asked Hermione.
"Most likely, I know the feelings he has for you Hermione, they're the same if not stronger then yours. He loves you more then either of us could imagine it seems. I doubt he'd let Dumbledore in or another teacher. Ronald, Neville, Ginevra and myself don't know how to help him at this point but you do," said Luna in a matter of fact tone.
"How though Luna? I don't know how to do it. I don't got the book needed to do so," said Hermione who's hopes were dashed as fast as they rose.
"No you don't, but I do," said Luna while Hermione's eyes went wide. "It will be dangerous yes, and you'll have a few hours at most but if you find Harry you'll be able to get out as soon as he decides to come out. He may not want to come out though, but he can easily send you out at any time anyways," said Luna in a still dreamy matter of fact voice.
"I'll do it," said Hermione without a moment of needing to think about it. "You tell me what to do and I'll do it," said Hermione looking at Luna now.
"Well we obviously can't tell the headmaster, he'll want to do it himself and then Harry won't trust either of us. I'll need a hour so just lay down on your bed and I'll alert you to when I'm ready," said Luna.
Just like Luna said, a hour later she shook Hermione's shoulder who woke up from her nap. Luna nodded and motioned for Hermione to continue to lie down still.
"I'll cast the spell but don't worry. Just do what you need to do and quick," said Luna looking at Hermione now. They hugged and Luna stepped back. She read from the book as she cast the spell, and all of a sudden you could see a blue glow come out of Hermione's head and enter Harry's head.
Luna stood in awe for a moment with that dreamy look. "May Merlin be with you Hermione," she sighed and said out loud to no one but herself, " the price we undertake for Love," she said in a low whisper and looked at her watch, giving Hermione six hours because that was when the Head Nurse came to the hospital wing.
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Hermione Granger felt suddenly alive with a burst of energy. She sat up and realized she was sitting in the grass and what looked like a Quidditch Pitch. She thought for a moment and realized where she was; the Quidditch Pitch at Hogwarts. She had figured this was the place Harry would want to be. She looked up in the sky and saw her raven haired, green eye goal flying on his Firebolt and chasing a snitch.
Hermione hated to fly, but it was for Harry. He wasn't going to notice her at the speed he was going for that snitch. She thought to herself and a broom appeared in her hand. She mounted the broom and began to fly through the air towards Harry, eventually a minute later flying behind him and Harry had caught the snitch. He turned around and caught a sight he never see. His best friend, Hermione Granger on a broom at the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch.
She smiled at him and he flew down to the ground with her right behind him. As soon as she got off her broom she flew into his arms and hugged him tighter then ever before.
"Oh harry, your alright, your alright," said Hermione repeating it over and over.
"Mione, what are you doing here?" asked Harry.
"I came looking for you, you need to wake up," said Hermione.
"Hermione, there is a lot you don't know about," said Harry.
"Oh Harry, us five know about the Prophecy. I'll be damned if you think your going to fight this alone. I'm a muggleborn Harry, I'm basically raped or dead if I don't fight in this war and we lose. Your not going to fight without me, I've been at your side for five years, why change things now?" asked Hermione with a pleading look in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, and he held her close, she looking into his emerald eyes, filled with relief for the first time in days to see them filled with life.
Harry had come to a conclusion at that point, realizing after this year that if Hermione Granger wanted to do something, she was going to do it. "Mione, I'm sorry for being so blind and stupid. I'm just gonna hate going back to the Dursleys this summer, I'll miss you so much." said Harry.
Hermione smiled and looked at Harry, "You won't have to go. Professor McGonagall told Dumbledore himself after I explained the blood wards won't work anymore because Voldemort has your blood in him. She even said she'd take you in herself if needed be and that she should of done this fifteen years ago. I wrote to my parents and they said when you wake up you could stay with us of course," said Hermione with a small laugh and smile.
Harry smiled realizing he missed her laugh. He missed Hermione overall too, and everything about her. He loved her and he knew it, he had for a long time. He just didn't want to risk her life, and put her in the line of fire. Although he realized two things this day; that she would be anyway, and if she was going to be she wanted to be with him. She came in here to bring him out, risking her own life probably, she deserved the truth.
"Mione, I have to tell you something," said Harry looking into her brown chocolate eyes.
"Please tell me Harry, no more secrets between us," said Hermione with a half sigh and whisper. Waiting for Harry to tell her that he didn't love her, that he loved Cho or that he wasn't coming out or he couldn't.
Harry noticed her expression and held her closer in his arms. "Hermione Jane Granger, I..I love you..I love always have and I always will," said Harry with a look of happiness and relief as to finally to get it out.
Hermione sat there stunned for a minute, not realizing that Luna was actually right about this. "Harry, I love you too with all my heart, I don't want another. We'll get through this war, together and we'll bring down Tom for the final and last time," said Hermione with a smile in her eyes.
Harry smiled back, the famous Potter smile that Harry first saw on his dad in many photos. He leaned forward and kissed her on the lips, Hermione quickly returning the kiss and he pulling her in closer not letting go. Fireworks went off in both their heads, both hearts filled with joy as they kissed on the Quidditch Pitch at Hogwarts in Harry's mind as the red sun set, a new romance had bloomed.
Hermione all of a sudden felt herself returning to her body, and with a sudden jolt both Harry and Hermione rose in a sitting position on their hospital beds. A smiling Luna Lovegood and Minerva McGonagall watching them as Hermione jumped out of the bed as fast as she could and leaned over Harry's bed and kissed Harry with all her might, not wanting to let go, Harry returning the feeling and for the first time in a long time had a feeling of both happiness and hope.
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June 18, 1996 – Gryffindor Common Room, 6 AM
Three students walked down the halls of Hogwarts as their fifth year came to a close. Two were holding hands with another walking by their side with a dreamy smile on her face at the current situation. They came upon the portrait of the fat lady who awoke with grumbling but upon seeing who it was squealed and smiled. She had saw the blond haired girl next to the couple and said bluntly, "Your a Gryffindor if I ever saw one." The Fat Lady had at that point opened the portrait and after the three went out, went off to tell all the other ones about what she had seen.
To describe the scene in the Gryffindor common room at this moment would be impossible. As the three entered, the brown bushy haired girl and the raven haired boy holding hands, and the blonde hair at the side, the room erupted into what only could be considered chaos.
Across the room in front of the fireplace sat the members of the Gryffindor house; Ron and Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Remus Lupin (a former Gryffindor), and Albus Dumbledore (who through all his flaws was a true Gryffindor.) They had obviously known they were here and the two turned to Luna who innocently just grinned at them and sat next to her Ron; her red haired boyfriend.
"Thanks Luna," said Harry and Hermione at the same time, both spotting half smiles.
The two had been pulled into death tightening grip hugs by four of the people who were originally sitting down. The Headmaster settled for a handshake from both although they both didn't really want to. Dumbledore accepted that and whispered to them both that he'd like to talk after they packed but before they left, they both nodded.
Hermione had told them all she was tired, with Harry agreeing and asked for them to get at least three hours sleep and of course pack their bags. Everyone nodded and headed back up their dorms (both Harry and Hermione grinned at the fact Luna was going up to Hermione's bed, she just seemed to know), with the two older men shaking hands with the two again and both leaving through the portrait hole leaving Harry and Hermione alone in the Gryffindor Common Room.
"You already had our bags packed don't you?" asked Harry with a grin.
"Of course, but they don't know that," said Hermione with a equal grin.
"Except Luna, she always seems to know," said Harry.
"Well she is a seer or a seer in training love," said Hermione with a smile.
"True, very true, but I am going to take advantage of this time," said Harry with a grin that could only mean good things for the couple.
Harry picked up off her feet and with a squeal from her, carried her to the couch in front of the fireplace and placed her down. He sat down with her quickly sitting between his legs in his lap, smiling at him.
"Morning Sunshine," said Hermione with a smile.
"Morning my love," said Harry with a equal smile. He continued, "I just wanted to thank you Hermione, If it wasn't for you I don't think I would of ever left. I was broken, and just couldn't handle it anymore, and I thought I was alone." He looked into her eyes and pulled her closer, "I know now that I'm not, and I'll never forget it," said Harry with a smile. He kissed her and she returned it with as much lust and love as he did.
"I know Harry, I know. I'll make sure that your never alone again. I love you too much to see you hurt, as you love me too much to see me hurt," said Hermione who was content with being held in his arms at the moment.
"So does this mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend" said Harry with a grin.
"No silly, it means we're married," said Hermione and laughed at Harry's eyes growing wide. "Of course we're boyfriend and girlfriend you prat, "said Hermione and punched his shoulder lightly and him pretending to be hurt.
"Well I guess that makes me the happiest and luckiest boyfriend in Hogwarts doesn't it?" asked Harry.
Hermione smiled and her eyes teared a little as she was so happy that this was finally coming true. Harry could sense that she was crying because she was happy and not sad and held her closer just being with each other and feeling complete for the first time in their lives. As a hole that was in their hearts had been filled, and Harry's heart proudly had the same writing that Hermione's had, expect with her name: Harry Potter loved Hermione Granger
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July 18, 1996 – Dumbledore's Office; 9 AM
Harry, Hermione sat in a chair next to each other on the other side of Dumbledore's desk. Their hands linked together and a smile from both of them over at Professor McGonagall before they faced the man who had masterminded Harry's being with the Dursleys for the last fifteen years.
"Professor Dumbledore, why did you ask us to come here?" asked Harry, still holding on to Hermione's hand tightly.
"Harry, I have made many mistakes. Some can't be taken back, and some can't be forgiven. I just hope you find it in your heart one day to forgive me. I just wanted you to have a normal childhood, I never thought those muggles would abuse you. I hope your happy to know that you will never have to go back there again. However, the other reasons I called you here are concerning this war," said Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye.
"Let me guess? The Boy-Who-Lived needs to be a poster boy for the cause after the few days ago events?" asked Harry.
"No Harry, although you and the others were brilliant. I regret to inform you that last night they were all broken out of prison and are all with Voldemort once more. Thanks in due part to the other Death Eaters and Dementors. So now Azkaban is of course empty and guarded by Aurors if and when any criminals are caught once more." said Dumbledore.
"WHAT! How did this happen?!" asked Hermione.
"We're not sure exactly, but in a week a no confidence vote will be taken against Fudge. Many names are being tossed around, and as much as I would regret it, I have to enter as a candidate. It is either myself, or Rufus Scrimgeour who we feel are most likely to be elected. We don't think he would be any better then Fudge except more punishments to innocent people." said Dumbledore.
"That still doesn't explain exactly why we are here although the war effort does now concern me," said Harry in a low tone.
"True, however that part is not for me to explain. I'll take my leave," said Dumbledore. Before he left he put his hands out to Harry and Hermione for a handshake and they both gave him it. "If we survive this war, I'll tell you how much exactly I lost," said Dumbledore. He gave them one last look with a twinkle in his eyes and stepped out of the office.
Professor McGonagall took a seat in the chair that Dumbledore just abandoned and reached into her pocket. She pulled out what looked to be two badges and tossed them lightly on the desk in front of the two. They each picked it up with a big H that was surrounded by the school symbol and a big B next to it for Harry and G for Hermione.
"Professor, these are the heads badges!" exclaimed Hermione.
"Yes, they are the heads badges. Let me explain please if you could?" asked McGonagall looking at the two who just nodded.
"With Dumbledore gone, many people who didn't like Dumbledore but thought he did a fine damn job protecting the school will want it closed. After what happened at the Ministry, you two are now even more heroes then before. Taking on the number of Death Eaters you six took on, and winning. Plus holding off Voldemort until Dumbledore arrived, well I must say you got a new nickname Miss Granger," said Professor McGonagall.
"What would that be?" asked Hermione.
"The-Girl-Who-Lived," said McGonagall with a small smile.
Both Harry and Hermione just looked at each other and shook their heads. "Couldn't she be called The-Girl-Who-Captured-The-Boy-Who-Lived's heart? I mean I know it would be hard to put on T-shirts,etc but still," said Harry with a grin.
Hermione smiled at him as well as did Professor McGonagall.
"So I know that neither of you are seventeen, but I need you two to be Head Boy and Head Girl of Hogwarts for the school to reopen. Please do this for me, if not for the students of Hogwarts but for me since I will be Headmistress," said Professor McGonagall.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other once again, and both nodded.
"We'll do it professor, especially after the way you stuck up for me and Harry." said Hermione with a smile.
"Thank you both very much, I would love for you to chat longer but the last carriage to the train leaves in about thirty minutes." She rose as did the other two and they both got handshakes and even a hug. They quickly retrieved their bags from their respective dorms. They quickly arrived at the train about ten minutes before it was to leave.
They had quickly gotten inside and found themselves the usual empty compartment they had and both took a seat. Harry in a seat against the window, Hermione in his lap.
"Hermione, I just wanted to thank you for everything. If it wasn't for you the last five years, I would have been dead long ago. You are my reason to keep myself sane, and I can only hope to make you happy," said Harry with a smile.
"Oh you already do Harry, and you are my reason that I have friends and a purpose at this school. Though if you really wanna be thankful I'm sure you can make it up to me over time in many different ways," said Hermione with a grin.
Harry grinned back and they began to kiss again, both being content and happy for the first time in a long time.
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Author Note: That is the third chapter of Harry Potter: War and Peace.
I know this chapter wasn't as long as originally stated mostly (5,000 words) but I didn't need that much to get to this point.
I felt now would have been a good time to have Harry wake up considering the lengths that Hermione went for Harry considering she loved him. I actually almost did this last chapter but changed my mind at the last moment, as well as Harry meeting his parents in the dream like state of his mind.
To describe what Hermione did; somewhat like a outer body experience but inside Harry's mind.
Then there is the continuing of Luna's character development, hoped you liked it.
Dumbledore is somewhat redeemed, forgive but don't forget basically. Though his final words to the two will come of importance later on about Dumbledore.
(Well if you figure Dumbledore is leaving, Harry and Hermione would have to become the Head Boy and Girl, otherwise the students wouldn't feel safe. Although that doesn't mean Dumbledore has become Minister of Magic quite yet or even will.)
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Next Chapter: The chessboard and pieces have been set. The war begins, and there will be deaths, oh yes there will be deaths. (Doesn't mean important ones but yes deaths.) We visit our old friend Tom Riddle and check up on him, and of course Harry and Hermione's friends reactions to their relationship (except Luna, since she already knows :D)