It's What's Inside That Counts
Chapter 7- And A Happy New Year
December 27
Harry didn't know how much time had passed, but this much he knew and cataloged it in his mind:
1. Today was two days after Christmas.
2. He was still unconscious and had heard the word "coma" a few times. It had happened on a broom? Unbelievable!
3. Apparently, Hermione was now him.
4. The only people that knew all this were Professor McGonagall, Remus, Hermione and someone named Professor Anderson.
This morning, Harry listened to Hermione's tale of the Christmas events. She combed his hair, gave him his usual weekly sponge bath (which he rather enjoyed) and told him of Ron's drunken ramblings then her own.
"Harry, I wish the earth would just open and swallow me whole!" she mumbled. "I can't believe I kissed him! I wasn't that drunk!"
Kissed who? Harry thought. He felt her small hand rest on his chest.
"I feel like one of those tarts from Ginny's bodice rippers," Hermione said with a snort. "A tart who kisses teachers!"
Harry felt like laughing, if he could. Hermione saw one of Harry's fingers twitch then a deep rise and fall of his chest. She dropped the cloth she was holding and ran downstairs.
That same morning at Hogwarts, the entire staff watched in anticipation as the Wizard-artist unveiled Albus' portrait in the Headmistress' office. They stared for a few moments then clapped in appreciation.
"It's wonderful," Minerva said.
The portrait was of Albus Dumbledore in his office as Headmaster, without the desk, complete with a bowl of lemon drops beside him on a little table. He was dressed in his favorite robe, a dark satin purple with yellow half-moons with a drooping, matching hat. His glasses were perched on the bridge of is nose as if he was going to look over them to speak to someone. The portrait was exactly as they remembered him, and Minerva said as much.
"Then my work is complete," the artist said. "Now, one last task."
He stepped to the portrait, whispered an incantation and tapped the canvas. The portrait remained inanimate.
"It happens sometimes," he said with a shrug. "Sometimes they suffer from portrait confusion, just give it some time."
Sometime later, Albus did "wake up" but said nothing as he took in the surroundings. He looked down and saw Minerva writing on a parchment and take a sip of tea. A knock was heard and Minerva paused in her writing.
"Come in Severus," she said and continued writing.
To Albus' confusion, Minerva's great-nephew walked in. Odd, I don't remember him being named Severus, wasn't his name Patrick?
"How did you know it was me?" Severus asked and sat down.
"I just knew," Minerva said. "You missed the unveiling," she said and nodded toward Albus' portrait.
Professor Anderson looked carefully at the portrait and spoke. "An amazing likeness."
"Indeed," Minerva said. She put down her quill, sat back and rested her chin on her steepled fingers.
"Was there something else you wished to speak with me about, beside lesson plans?" he asked.
"I suppose I can just get to it then. I heard a curious comment from Ron Weasley the other morning about an odd dream he had."
"Minerva, why on earth would I care about the dreams of Ronald Weasley?"
"It seems he dreamed that he woke in the parlor at Grimmauld Place and saw Professor Anderson and Hermione snogging rather heatedly at the window."
Severus said nothing.
"Well?" Minerva asked.
"Well what? Why? I have no idea why. As trite as it sounds, we were caught up in the moment," he said weakly.
Severus rose from the chair and paced. Minerva sat quietly and watched.
"Please continue, this sounds intriguing," a voice spoke lightly.
Minerva and Severus froze. She slowly withdrew her wand from her pocket and spoke. Severus took out his wand as well.
"As mistress of this castle, I insist you make you presence known, spirit," she said firmly.
A familiar chuckle was heard. They both turned and looked at Albus' portrait. He popped a lemon drop into his mouth. An hour later, Albus was wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes as they explained the happenings of the past half- year. Severus was pacing the corner of the room when the floo sounded and Hermione tumbled through and went straight for Minerva's desk. He stopped pacing and gazed at the object of his affection.
"He moved! Harry moved!" she exclaimed.
"I'll fetch Poppy," Minerva said and hurried from the room.
"Good morning Miss Granger," Albus said.
She turned around and gasped. "Headmaster!"
"A pleasure as always, Miss Granger," he said. "Minerva and Professor Anderson have regaled me with the events of the term."
Hermione blushed and started to speak. Albus held up his hands. "It's rather ingenious what you've done, and you did what you felt necessary."
He stopped and inclined his head toward the back of the room. "Congratulations on a successful potion, Severus," he said with twinkling eyes.
Hermione turned around, saw him and blushed again. Severus' mouth twitched when he saw her t-shirt that read "Muggle-borns do it better!"
"Might you excuse us for a bit Miss Granger?" Albus asked kindly.
"Of course," Hermione said. "It's great to see you again Headmaster."
"Likewise," Albus said and waited for the door to close.
"Okay Albus, out with it. Just how absurd is the whole blessed mess?" Severus asked.
"The only thing I find absurd is you pretending to be Minerva's nephew," he said. "How has your absence been explained?"
"When I was last in the Dark Lord's presence, he suspected my duplicity and my sudden absence must certainly prove it," Severus said. "I'm now number two on the hit list below Potter."
"How do you know this?" Albus asked.
"Information gleaned from captured Death Eaters stupid enough to be caught."
"Does Miss Granger know the true circumstances surrounding my death?" Albus asked.
"Yes, and in spite of that she...cares for me, as incomprehensible as that is."
"You are long overdue for some happiness in your life, my boy," Albus said.
"So you approve of this?" Severus asked.
"I'm a portrait Severus, what I say or think matters not. What truly matters is you and she. As I've said, love conquers all, and I think you're discovering what the rest of us already knew," Albus said.
At Grimmauld Place, Madame Pomfrey was examining Harry. She took a Wizard's oath of secrecy about Harry, was led into the room to examine him.
"Well, there is brain function, I'm sure of it. He's a bit thin, but his body is perfectly healthy. He has no swelling of the brain and the fracture appears to have healed," she reported.
"Then why can't he wake?" Hermione asked.
"His brain needs time to heal," the nurse said kindly. "You'll have your friend back soon enough, but I'd observe when you take the Polyjuice potion. I have rarely seen a female-to-male transformation. I'll also want frequent visits to check up on you while you are Mr. Potter." Hermione nodded. Madame Pomfrey placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "This is a brave thing you're doing for your friend, Miss Granger."
After the nurse left, Hermione stayed to talk with Harry a bit longer then left. In the corridor she heard a commotion at the front door. She whipped out her wand and hopped down the stairs, ready to fight whatever was at the door. She skidded to a halt at the surprising sight.
"Malfoy? Madame Malfoy?" she asked, wand still raised.
Draco took note of her shirt and rolled his eyes while supporting his mother. Narcissa's arm was in a sling and she had cuts and bruises on her face. Draco looked disheveled as well.
"Miss Granger, there is no danger, please lower your wand," Professor Anderson said.
"Yes sir," she said then her compassion for others took over. "Here, let me help. What can I do?"
The Malfoys were led to the dining room. Draco fussed over his mother while Hermione rushed upstairs to get the medical bag Madame Pomfrey left. Minerva left to retrieve an Auror Order member.
Hermione asked no questions as she helped Draco tend to his mother. "Would you care for some tea? Perhaps with a bit of calming draught added?" Hermione asked.
"That sounds lovely, thank you," Narcissa said. "Draco, stop fussing, I'm fine," she said and lightly slapped Draco's hand away.
"I can't help it Mother, we just barely got away," Draco said.
"But we did, and that is the important part," Narcissa said. As she was about to ask Draco who the young lady was, she came back from the kitchen with a tray and tea service. Narcissa reached for the tray, but was stopped by Hermione.
"Please, allow me," Hermione said and poured a bit of calming draught into a cup of tea and gave it to her.
"What is your name dear?" Narcissa asked kindly.
"Hermione Granger, Madame," she said and gave Draco a cup of calming tea. He reluctantly accepted it.
"I see," she said and drank the tea, carefully observing the girl as she talked to Remus, who had just arrived. Narcissa heard of 'the mudblood Granger twit" several times from Draco over the years. How many times had she reminded Draco how distasteful that term sounded?
"If you will excuse us," Hermione said. She and Remus went upstairs.
"Draco, that girl is nothing like you described," Narcissa chided.
"Well...she's changed...some," Draco said reluctantly. "She's been in America at that witches school in Salem this term."
Minerva arrived with Tonks and an Auror. Tonks went to Narcissa and greeted her with a nod.
"Cousin, with your permission, we would like to speak with your son about the attack at Malfoy Manor," Tonks asked politely.
"Certainly, he will answer any questions you have," Narcissa said, her tone barring no argument.
"Yes mother," Draco said and left the dining room with the two.
Hermione came back into the dining room, passing Draco and the other two on the way out. "Madame Malfoy, do you need anything else?" Hermione asked.
"Just to say thank you for your kindness toward me and my son, I won't forget it," she said.
"You're welcome."
Narcissa, the unwilling wife of a Death Eater, developed a keen sense of group dynamics over the years. She certainly got an eyeful that night at dinner. Two Aurors, most of the Weasley family, Headmistress McGonagall, Remus Lupin, Professor Anderson and Hermione were all at dinner. Ginny and Hermione were in quiet conversation through their bites of food, Hermione watched all the while by Ron Weasley, Professor Anderson and oddly enough, Draco. It was clear enough to see why. This wasn't the "uncouth, unmannered mudblood mongrel" that Draco had made her out to be.
She was a very pretty and charming young witch who appeared to have impeccable manners. Powerful too, by the way she effortlessly summoned the pitcher of juice without a wand and absently vanished the bit of gravy that fell on Ron's shirt, also wandlessly.
Narcissa had to speak up. "Pardon the interruption Miss Granger, but how long have you been able to perform wandless magic?"
"About a year," she answered with a shrug.
"That's quite an accomplishment for one so young," Narcissa said. "I understand you are muggle-born?" she asked.
The room fell silent. Ginny squeezed Hermione's hand.
"I also understand that your grades at Hogwarts were some of the highest ever seen, you can do wandless magic and are now attending on of the most prestigious schools for witches in existence, your parents must be so proud," she said kindly.
Hermione stood, said, "pardon me" and left the dining room.
"What did I say?" Narcissa asked.
"Her parents were killed in a Death Eater attack this past May," Remus said.
"Oh dear," Narcissa said then turned to Draco. "Draco Malfoy! You should have said something before I made such a tactless remark!"
"It didn't come up Mother," Draco mumbled.
"Well, I must make amends, so if you will excuse me," Narcissa said and left the room.
"Malfoy, you really are a brainless git," she heard Ginny say to Draco as she left.
New Year's Eve
At Grimmauld Place, a New Year's party was in full swing in the dining room. Narcissa again was entertained by the group dynamics she observed. What was interesting was Hermione and Professor Anderson's close proximity during most of the party. He kept her glass filled, rested his hand on the small of her back frequently and leaned close to talk to her. What was even more interesting was the reaction she observed. Ron talked furiously to Ginny and gestured toward the two. He obviously didn't like what was going on between the two.
"So, it seems the professor has a thing for Granger," Draco said as he refreshed his mother's drink. "And Weasley doesn't care for it," he chuckled.
"From what I understand, she's on her own, of age and is in fact not a student at Hogwarts. If she wants to dally with the man, I say why not?" Narcissa asked lightly.
It was approaching midnight. Severus urged Hermione out of the parlor away from curious eyes.
"I have no wish to be the object of Minerva's mirth any more than necessary," he said and guided her to the parlor.
They went to the bench seat by the window and took a seat.
"This wasn't how you planned to ring in the New Year, was it?" he asked.
"Not exactly, no," she said. "But I keep remembering something my Dad told me when things would go pear shaped."
"Which is?" he asked.
"Have faith that you are exactly where you are meant to be," she said.
They heard the crowd counting down to the New Year and he scooted closer.
"Eminently sensible advice," he said softly.
They heard shouts of "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" from the dining room and their lips came together.
"Happy New Year, Severus," she said through the kisses.
No one noticed the two leave the parlor and go upstairs. They looked shyly at each other and held hands step by step until they arrived at Hermione's door.
"Are you sure of this?" he asked softly.
"This is where we are meant to be," she replied and opened the door. She stepped aside to let him enter then followed. The door closed softly then clicked.
Inside, Hermione lit the fireplace against the chill of the room. He saw the firelight reflect off her eyes, giving the soft brown orbs a golden glow. He took her face in his hands and drew her close.
"I can't explain it and I don't understand it, but I'm drawn to you," he said. "When all this is over-" he started but was stopped by her finger over his lips.
"No Severus, what matters is here and now," she said and pulled him to her face for a kiss.
I'm so glad to be me! she thought with a sigh, as Severus gently kneaded her breasts. As she had never been with a man like this, she really didn't know what to do, but just went with what felt right. In this case, she simply returned his touches and kisses. After being a bloke for so long, she had an idea what men liked, so she used this knowledge to caress him in all the right places.
"I see, or feel rather, that you are applying what you've learned," he whispered.
"Mmmmhmm," she said and slipped the shirt from his shoulders. She ran her fingertips lightly across his chest, raking the nipples. She ran her hands down his stomach to the waistband of his pants. She moved behind him, never taking her hands off him, and took off her shirt and bra. She pressed against him, causing him to moan at the feeling of her breasts against the small of his back, while unbuttoning his pants. He stepped put of them and turned around. There she was: topless, panting and glowing in the light of the fire.
"What a gift," he murmured and drew her to close again.
She was lost to his touches and words, the heat in her loins building to an ache she had never felt before and was loving it. She moaned a soft "please."
"Hmm? Please what, sweet?" he asked gently.
"I need...I'm aching," she gasped.
"Are you know," he whispered and eased her down to the bed. He slid next to her on the bed, softly kneading and sucklling her breasts and kissed his way to her jeans, swiftly unzipping them and slowly sliding them down her shapely legs.
"The sexiest witch of your age as well," he whispered.
Why women bothered to wear thongs was a mystery. They barely covered what was there anyway, which in Severus' opinion, it was a damn shame to cover. Nirvana, heaven, bliss- whatever you can call the most blissful moments of your life, was under that thong. Hermione might be gone in two days, but what mattered was that she was there, right now. He ripped the thong off and ran his fingertips along her wet, hot folds. She arched her back and gasped. Encouraged by her responsiveness, he inserted a finger while circling her clit. She bucked into his hand and her legs fell open. He could wait no longer. It had been too long since a willing witch had paid him this kind of attention, so he was eager to return the favor. He rolled on his back, pulling her on top of him. She smiled warmly at him, appreciative that he was letting her take the pace, which was good since she had never done this before. He didn't know that, but was about to find out. She took hold of him and guided herself over him and took a deep breath.
It's only going hurt for a moment!! she thought and lowered herself hard and fast. She gasped at the feeling, gripped his shoulders and waited for the stinging to subside.
Sweet Merlin, she's untouched! he thought. "Why didn't you say something?" he whispered.
"It doesn't matter, it doesn't now; it feels rather good," she said, shifting her hips and biting her bottom lip. "Really good."
She started moving up and down on him in earnest, exploring and discovering the ways that felt best, finally finding the most pleasing rhythm.
"That's it woman, yesss," he encouraged.
She nodded and closed her eyes and brought her own hands to her breasts. He moaned at the sight, and cried out when she started coming down harder on him. It took every ounce of restraint he had to not come. He wouldn't dare, not this first time, not before her.
"Oohh...yes..I feel it..." she gasped and opened her eyes, smiling and gazing down on him and roding him in wonder and pure joy at the feeling. She was totally uninhibited in her bliss, crying out and leaning back, resting on his knees, baring herself totally to him. She sped up the pace, gasped then shrieked when her climax overtook her. He reveled in the sight of his angel (yes, she was that now, he was sure of it) in the throes of her first orgasm with a man. She was panting and glowing when she slowed down, then squealed excitedly when he suddenly sat up and scooped her under him. He hooked her left leg over his arm and thrust into her.
"So tight, so good," he gasped and eagerly pumped into her time and time again. He knew he wasn't going to last long, so he let go of her leg, cradled her hips and hunched over her, thrusting fast and deep, desperate to reach his release. She wrapped her legs around him, brought him closer and cryied out when she climaxed again. He bellowed his delight, shouting with each thrust he released into her. He finally slowed to slow, gentle strokes until his erection faded.
Please Harry, wake up soon! she thought desperately when he pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
"Will you stay for the night?" she asked and kissed the tip of his nose.
"There's no where else I'd rather be," he said and settled next to her. She snuggled under the blankets with him and sighed.
In the room next door, Ginny was happy for her friend, but really couldn't believe her ears. She was shagging a professor! A wizard twenty years older, and from the sound of it, Professor Anderson was great in bed. Apparently, so was Hermione.
Herms, you are one lucky witch! What a way to ring in the New Year!