Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine.

Chapter 14: Through Fire and Water

Elphias Doge sat quietly in his little vacation home, sipping what remained of his brandy. Nestled on the outskirts of an old Irish town and far away from the hustle of city folk, he breathed in the country air one last time. A sigh escaped him, "I sure am going to miss this," and he downed the last swallow.

A knock sounded on the door but he made no move to answer. It was too early in the morning for any reasonable visitors and unfortunately, this visitor was anything but. Despite himself, Elphias' breath hitched as another knock was made but again he didn't answer.

'A pity,' he thought sadly. 'After so much effort, only to discover the unsightly truth - so it comes to this.'

Since Albus' corrupted trial, Ephias was resolute in searching for the truth. Hour after hour he spent looking over records and scrolls in the Ministry only to find lost entries, inconsistencies and blatant disregard for accuracy. To have suddenly lost all supporters did little to bolster the hope of clearing Albus' name and then it all came to a head not twenty-four hours ago, when the truth finally showed itself.

Elphias shivered at the memory, terrified and disgusted. He wondered more than once since witnessing Lucius and Augusta Longbottom's 'discussion' if perhaps it was by design he saw them. The magic Lucius performed was beyond forbidden and the change in Albus' former allies now had a terrifying explanation. The door unlocked itself and swung open to reveal the smiling Lucius, cane in one hand and a small leather bound book in the other.

"Good morning, Elphias. My apologies for coming so early, I have a rather tight schedule today."

The elder wizard said nothing.

"This isn't an inconvenience, I hope?"

Fire glowed in his eyes, "You unimaginable bastard. We should have fed you to the Dementors years ago."

Lucius' grin was disturbing, "You should have." He opened the book and with a small quill, scratched out a name. "You might like to know you're the last of his supporters or the last accounted for anyway."

"I figured as much."

"Wonderful, so my little display was worth it after all. Tell me, how does it feel to be the only one left? To support a man who has been so thoroughly humiliated?" He waited for a few moments, hoping for a reply. When none came, Lucius frowned. "A shame, I was hoping for more."

Elphias glared at him, "Be silent you witless snake. I know your Master's hand guides you and at this point there is nothing more to be said. Get on with it already and do what you're here to do."

"By your command, Mr. Doge," said Lucius with a bow and he turned his back briefly to shut the door, placing a silencing charm as he did. "Quite a nice little village this is. Wouldn't want to disrupt the neighbors or anything now would we?"

XX

Olivia brought a sizable tray of buttered biscuits, assorted fruits and tea to her husband in the living room as they waited for Xeno to appear. Marcus requested the wizard return first thing in the morning, both for peace of mind and safety's sake. He knew they'd have a restless sleep and there was no point in not having the wizard around incase something magical happened, good or ill.

Olivia set the tray down on a waiting fold up table and grabbed a biscuit before sitting next to her husband. "I worry for Hermione, dear. She must be starving, not having food for so long."

Marcus blew on his tea, "I said the same thing last night to Xeno after he came back the first time. Apparently, since Hermione is a witch, her magic will help sustain her body for the interim. By no means a healthy thing according to Xeno, but she certainly won't starve to death."

She sighed, shaking her head and settling into Marcus, "Be that as it may, I still worry."

Marcus grunted, "Sounds like magic is a wondrous thing, doesn't it?"

"It sure does, although there are some things that don't sound so wondrous and Hermione appears to be involved in many of them. Did Xeno say if he'd bring this Harry Potter along with him?"

"It's why he left again last night, hoping his message would reach Harry and they'd come here together in the morning. If he actually does or not I really can't say."

Twin pops startled the Grangers as they laid eyes on Xeno and a young man who seemed quite upset. His eyes darted around frantically before settling on them.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger? My name is Harry Potter and I'm here to see Hermione." He moved quickly to them, holding out his hand to Marcus.

"We've been told you're the one who can help my daughter."

"I hope so sir and I will do whatever I must to make sure that happens."

Olivia introduced herself as well before Xeno led Harry to the stairs. "Again, I realize this will be difficult, but..."

"Go on, Xeno," said Marcus, shifting his stance. "We know magic is a dangerous business for those who can't wield it." It was clear he was uncomfortable with the admittance and he turned his gaze on Harry. "At the end of the hall, last door on the left. I'm holding you to your promise, Mr. Potter."

Harry and Xeno climbed the stairs quickly, coming to stand in front of the door for only a few seconds before the elder Lovegood tore through his protections. In short order they were inside and with another flick of his wand, Xeno reapplied the spells just in case. He was however, unable to completely silence his shock at finding Luna slumped over on the wall. Harry was no better and gasped before rushing over to where Hermione lay unmoving.

"You were here before, right? What's different?"

"Their auras are not as prominent," replied Xeno as he kneeled next to Luna. "From the looks of things, Luna was ejected from Hermione's mind. This is of course assuming she was able to get in and not just thrown off a barrier."

"How long ago?"

"When I saw them? Last night. Since then, my wards prohibited me from sensing them without letting out interference. It was the lesser of two evils; we couldn't risk letting the neighbors know of what's going on. Or the Ministry for that matter."

"Tch," Harry forced himself not to panic and cupped her face, "Hermione? Hey, Hermione, come on, wake up." He shook her lightly and a sense of déjà vu washed over him. "Hermione!" he called louder. "Damn it," he whispered. "Not again."

Luna stirred in Xeno's arms, "Harry! She's waking up."

Groggy eyes opened slowly, "Daddy?"

"Luna dear, are you alright?"

She blinked several times, before jerking up. Doing so made her aware of Harry's presence and her piercing stare met his, "It's him."

Anger and fear flared in Harry's eyes, "What must I do?"

She took a calming breath and with some help from Xeno, stood up on her feet.

"He's got her in some sort of trance. He's right in there with her, but its not the real him. A doppelganger I think, strategically placed during the attempted possession."

Xeno watched as a number of emotions danced across Harry's face. He knew from his conversations with Luna Harry was reluctant to try Coetus and he could see the hesitation even now, "Harry… Luna told me of the recent events in Hogwarts. I presume Luna mentioned the bond my wife and I shared?" Xeno glanced at Luna, noticing her troubled gaze. 'Do not fear for him because of what happened to me, poppet.'

Harry didn't trust himself to speak so he nodded again.

"If I had the chance to go back and do it all again, knowing the result and cost I would have to pay; there would be no question. I'd change nothing."

The young man took a shaky breath and looked down at the girl in his arms, "Neither would I but this isn't something one person alone should decide." He turned back to Luna, "I don't care about the other options. Will this work?"

Luna wanted to cry.

This was the very thing they had just barely avoided and yet here they were, right back at it. Losing either of them wasn't something she wanted to think about and if they went through with this, what happened to one would then happen to the other.

Luna wasn't slow though, she saw the look her father sent in response of her own. She took another breath and steadied her nerves. 'Believe,' she chanted to herself, 'Believe.' "Come on then; let's get her back." Harry picked Hermione up as Luna relayed instructions. "This will be easiest if you're lying next to her, Harry. Put her in bed, afterwards we'll rearrange." He did so before Luna levitated the bed to the center of the room and Xeno conjured two chairs on either side.

"Daddy and I will act as guides. I know you do not want to risk binding yourself too tightly without Hermione's consent so we will try to slow the process from happening. Remember even with our efforts, we won't be able to hold it for long so you'll have to make sure to end the magic when you feel the connection forming, or embrace it, whichever you two decide."

"How will we know?"

"It's something you'll come to recognize," answered Xeno. "I'm sorry I can't explain further, but the two of you will know."

Luna could see the concern on Harry's face and tried to placate his fears, "The circumstances may be reversed, but I think she would still want this, Harry."

He swallowed hard, "I'm sorry Luna. I have to hear it from her."

"I understand. Daddy, are you feeling well enough for this?"

Harry looked to Xeno in confusion but he defused the concern, "I am, dear. Quite well in fact. It isn't often I'm offered a chance to start a couple down such a path."

"What do you mean?"

"Coetus is both a magical art as it is a cultural tradition. Well, tradition to some, most magicals these days see it as overkill or a waste of effort but it does have a small following." He paused, scratching his head, "Incredibly small I suppose but it's still a following."

"In bed now, Harry."

Once he was settled in next to Hermione, Luna started to cast spells around them.

"Do you know what to expect?" Xeno asked.

"I was under the impression it's unique for everyone."

"Exactly, however if the Dark Lord has a hold over her mind, there's no telling what you'll find. Regardless, you'll be in the best position to oust him if that's the case."

"Hermione was fighting tooth and nail against him," said Luna as she took a seat and held out her wand. "It may not be as bad as we think."

Xeno mimicked his daughter, "Ready? It'll be just like falling asleep and from there, you'll find your way."

Harry offered a tiny smile and closed his eyes. They started to chant, but he only caught a part of it because no sooner had they started, he was asleep.

XX

A rat scurried along the corridors of Grimmauld.

Dawn was breaking and by fortune, the occupants of the house were still asleep. Peter knew time was of the essence and he wouldn't have this opportunity again so he moved with a purpose.

It had taken several days of digging but he was finally able to get under the foundation and burrow his way up into one of the storage basements of the old manor. His Master was gracious enough to inform him the Black family wards were second to none in their ruthlessness for keeping out unwanted guests, save for those keyed into the wards.

Or if you were a friend of the family and held on your person, a particular pendant made from the blood of a Black. A pendant which clung safely to the animagus' neck.

He breathed a ratty sigh of relief at seeing the door into the dungeons slightly ajar, enough for him to squeeze through. Peter didn't want to risk transforming into a wizard if he didn't have to. Pendant or not, the Blacks had a reputation for a reason.

It wasn't long before he stood just outside the holding cell of Bellatrix Lestrange. He wiggled past the bars and grew back into a man. Not to be undone by haste, he cast silencing charms and a proximity ward should someone start down the stairs.

"Bellatrix?" he squeaked, poking the witch gingerly with his wand.

Her eyes snapped open and a sadistic grin appeared on her face, "Hello, Peter," she purred. Her clothes were in tatters and she made a show of sitting up, exposing as much skin as she could.

At seeing his eyes flicker over her form before snapping back to her face, she cackled. Bella stood, swaying her hips and chuckling to herself as Peter backed up against the bars. "What, still don't want to play?"

He sneered, "I'm not a fool, Bella. I know how you toy with your food before you eat it."

"Disappointing, but expected. Speak, if you're not here to have your wicked way with me then there must be a message from our Lord."

"Our Master is interested in several books of the Black Library. He said you'd know which ones I speak of and would direct me to their location."

"Indeed, he and I talked at length about them. Have plans changed? I was under the impression there was time still before the task required completion."

"More so than you know. You are to continue surveillance while I retrieve the desired items."

"Very well then." She shifted on her feet, "There are three tomes in my father's old study, the room hidden beneath the Library. I trust you remember how to get to it?" He nodded his head, "Good. Go to the far end of that room, the second desk from the right, middle drawer. There's an inscription you smear with Black blood before you touch it with your wand."

She held out her hand and Peter produced a small knife and a vial. Without hesitation, she cut her wrist and allowed the life-blood to fill the container before Peter healed her injury and cleaned up the few drops that fell to the floor. She held the vial to him, "This will allow you access. Do not waste it, Peter. It is a rare thing to be given without first paying with your life."

He took it and placed it in his coat pocket. "He is pleased with you, Bella. Word will reach you when it's time to act." She watched him through half lidded eyes as he turned and shrunk down to his rat form before scurrying out of the cell and beyond her sight.

She sighed happily to herself as the privacy spells fell and got back on her cot. As her Master dictated, her talents would prove more useful here even though it was boring.

She could leave anytime she wanted after all; a Princess of the Blacks could never be held in the dungeons of her own bloodline for very long.

XX

He was falling, tumbling over himself in a great chasm. A rushing wind blew against his ears and flashes of rock blurred past his vision. The light was dim but bright enough to show just how dangerously close the opposing walls were. If there were any significant ledges hiding in the darkness below, he'd never see it coming.

After steadying himself, Harry lost track of time. He fell for what seemed like hours, the rushing wind his only company. At one point, he noticed the cavern start to glow with a red hue.

A throaty roar from above shook him to the bones. Harry looked up in morbid fascination as a great fireball came rushing at him. For a few seconds, he thought it would incinerate him but the ball spread its wings and flew past him.

To Harry's eyes it appeared as if the creature transfigured itself from stone; a heinous looking monster made of molten lava with wings of fire. It was massive, easily the size of a dragon and there were two blackened horns atop its head.

Harry coughed and wheezed from the smoke which followed the beast as it roared. His heart caught in his throat for a moment, thinking the creature might attempt to swat at him, but the fear was short lived. The monster angled and stowed its wings, gaining a measure of speed as it started pulling away.

"Harry!"

His heartbeat sped up again, 'Oh Merlin, that thing is going after Hermione!'

Refusing to let it reach her, he mimicked the beast's earlier movement. Falling faster now, it was pure Seeker skills which made Harry instinctively reach out to the right and gasp an object he caught sight of just a moment prior. Mind catching up to instinct, he blinked in surprise.

'The Sword of Gryffindor...'

The monster roared again and Harry looked down. The beast was pulling ahead and fear took him by the throat.

"No! No, I won't let you!"

Spinning awkwardly in the air, Harry pointed the sword and himself straight down like an arrow. The casm started to blur, rocks and ledges becoming one in a rush of dark colors. All his thoughts, all desires turned to the creature below him and Harry wanted nothing more but to see it slain.

It happened fast, Harry's bullet like velocity and the energy with it focused onto the blade pierced the lava skin with ease. Smoke and ash erupted in his face from the wound and the beast roared, thrashing in midair to dislodge the attacker.

Harry was momentarily stunned, the impact having winded him and he held onto the hilt by sheer will alone. The monster's frantic movement shook the blade free and it managed to rotate. The haze left him just as eyes of white rage focused on his presence.

Harry raised the blade, paring a slash of claws but momentum was against him as the other set found its mark. Pain erupted in Harry's mind, the likes of which made him feel as if were burning alive. His body spun out of control and the force of the blow made him crash into the wall and ricochet off. He couldn't help but scream, all the while consumed by a terrible heat. Tumbling again, the beast judged him inadequate as it took off again, billowing ash in its wake.

Harry coughed while attempting to shield himself from the smoke, sword still in hand.

'Won't get another shot like this, Potter. Make it count.'

Once again, Harry descended and caught up to the creature but this time, he aimed for the neck. The blade tore into the monster's hide, earning another cry of rage. It flipped over intending to right the mistake it had made but Harry was ready this time. The sword wiggled loose, staying buried just long enough to aid him in following the monster's movement and staying out of sight.

He wasted no time and slashed at the base of the neck. It bellowed and tried to get at him with its its claws but Harry was too small and quick. He dug the sword in again and used it to push himself off, reaching for one of the horns. The momentum of his actions allowed him to swing around on the horn and land just under the chin. This time, he roared himself and thrust the sword up into the skull.

The creature whined, mortally wounded and its thrashing slowed. The fires on its body began to go out but the intense heat remained as did most of the light the creature produced. Grasping the sword, Harry pulled it out and pushed himself slightly away, just in case it revived to fight him again.

He looked down and noticed the chasm walls quickly coming to an end and as they passed, he stared at the sight. A massive underground cavern came into view, hundreds of miles long and wide. A twinge of fear pricked at the back of his mind once he recognized the silvery landscape below.

Water.

Thinking quickly, he managed to get back to the creature and using the sword, pushed himself against the still warm body of his slain enemy. It was a longshot at best, but the creature's massive frame might take most of the impact.

Without warning, they hit and the force of the blow almost knocked him unconscious. Harry fell away from the creature, his body wracked by the sudden drop in temperature and he struggled against the currents of the rapidly sinking beast. By some fortune, he managed to get away and swim awkwardly to the surface with the sword. As he broke through crashing waves, his lungs screamed for air and he obliged just before another wave pushed him back under.

Harry fought the waters for as long as he could but the sea was too rough. He cried out in his mind for Hermione but received no answer and as black encroached his vision, his last breath of air left him.

"Harry!"

He snapped awake and bolted upright, quickly finding he washed ashore on a beach. He could see the fissure he fell from, high above his head and the crashing waves he had somehow survived. Harry got up, groaning at the immense fatigue. He looked around and saw behind him a great mountain rise up to white capped peaks.

A black tower stood out against the snow and Harry felt his heart lurch at the sight of it.

'There you are!' he thought, somehow knowing that Hermione was there.

With renewed vigor, Harry began to jog up the mountain. The climb eventually became a slow, tedious process, hindered not by forests or brush but the rockiness of the mountain side. Unanchored stones comprised a large part of the mountain's face and for every few steps he made he slid several more back down, making it a grueling effort to get to the snowline.

Once there, the temperature dropped significantly and wasn't long before a storm blew in. Blizzard like conditions drowned out his sight but it was never too much to lose his bearings on the tower.

Lightning flashed overhead as he reached the entrance and with each step he took, his energy became less and less. By the time he reached the top, Harry was ready to collapse.

The top of this Black Tower was open and merged with the mountain, producing another mini-climb up to a higher ledge. Undeterred, Harry made the last efforts to ascend to the tallest ledge and when he arrived he knew both hope and terror: Hermione was lying in the snow, her face pale and turned toward the stony heavens.

A figure clothed in black stumbled towards her.

Harry nearly leapt out from behind his cover but Hermione stirred, her eyes opening and they glowed, full of anger and resolve. It was then Harry noticed the figure was pained, his movement unsteady.

"Why?" hissed Voldemort. "Why do you persist you wretched creature?!"

Harry's eyes widened and he grinned, 'She's won…'

Hermione cautiously sat up, "I told you: this is my mind and I fight for someone I care for, someone I"

"Love!?" screamed Voldemort. "Love is fleeting! It is a pointless emotion garnering no benefit and only weakness!"

"Yet here I am and there are you."

The Dark Lord cried out again in rage and lunged at her. Hermione looked up to the dark clouds above and a bolt of lightning came down, striking Voldemort, forcing him back and to his knees. The flash of light from the bolt hid another, it striking the sword held tightly in Harry's hand.

Hermione was up on her feet and panting slightly, "It's over. You're finished."

Voldemort growled and struggled to his feet, "It will never be over! You cannot kill me! I will live forevaah!"

Her eyes widened at the crackling blade piercing the Dark Lord's chest and her face lit like the sun when Harry's forest green eyes appeared from behind.

He leaned in close to his enemy, "You're right, Tom. She cannot kill you, but I can."

Harry withdrew the sword and the body crumpled to the ground, cloak and all turning to ash. A strong wind blew the side of the mountain, brushing away the storm clouds and the remains of the unwanted intruder.

Their eyes met and Hermione smiled, "You came." She took a step forward and just about collapsed but Harry caught her and laid her gently onto the snow. He flicked his wrist and it vanished, replaced by a wool blanket packed with warming charms.

"Of course I came," he whispered back with his own smile. "Sorry I took so long."

She chuckled and lightly slapped him on the shoulder, "Nothing that I... I couldn't handle."

Harry was practically buzzing with energy, "You did it, Hermione! You beat him!"

"That's nice," she said breathlessly and snuggled into his side.

Harry placed a light kiss on her cheek and let his head fall softly onto hers, "I was so worried. I thought I might have made the wrong choice again and lost you because of it."

Tears pooled at the corners of her eyes and with strength Harry didn't think she had, wrapped him tightly into a hug.

"Oh Harry! I'm sorry too! I didn't mean to leave you the way I did, I knew something was wrong and Voldemort still had a hold over me. I couldn't risk it! I couldn't!" She was silenced, stunned by his sudden action but quickly returned the kiss. Strength finally left her and she went limp, but not without a chuckle, "I'd snog you senseless if I could, you know that right?"

Harry smiled, "There's more than enough time for that later. I'm just happy you're alright."

A light glow surrounded them and they felt a strange pull towards the other, warm and welcoming.

"Is this?"

"Yeah, I think it's starting."

Hermione beamed at him, "Good, I'm glad for it."

The last of Harry's fears surfaced, "I was afraid you wouldn't want this. After all, we're going to be tied together which could become permanent if we're not careful. I know you were worried it might change us, not to mention we're rushing things a bit."

Hermione frowned slightly before managing one last kiss. "I am afraid Harry, but I was more afraid of losing you to Snape. How ironic in the end, you saved me instead."

Harry blinked, "Save you? Hermione, you did most of the work here."

"But it was the thought of you that kept me going."

"How about we say we saved each other and call it even?"

She sighed happily, "If we must," and she looked around, as if noticing her surroundings for the first time. "Harry… How did you get here? I'm not even sure where here is."

"Well… I fell. Through fire and water."

Her eyes started to close, "Really? That's funny… It reminds me… of…" and she was out.

He watched her and held her close, breathing in her scent and memorizing the feel of her against him.

"Never again," he vowed quietly. "I'll find a way, no matter what, but never again."

XX

"How are you holding dear?"

"Managing, Daddy. I think they've found each other, that is, if their auras are anything to go by."

"What do you see?"

"They're starting to intermingle, a lot in fact," and before she could finish, the magic Luna and Xeno were casting at the sleeping couple was broken, a snapping sound echoing in the room. The two of them winced at the sudden ending of their spells and Luna smiled sadly to herself, her wand lowering.

"I knew this would happen, first go at it too. Their minds are already connected."

Xeno walked over to his daughter and gave her a comforting hug, "Do not worry so much for them, Moonbeam. Their experience will not be the same as your mother's and I. Given what I've just seen, I expect a number of interesting things from these two."

"How long did it take you and Mummy to reach this stage?"

Xeno chuckled, "Oh, I'd argue we got it on our third try but your Mother would likely say fourth. A stickler for perfection she was."

Wordlessly, Luna banished the chairs her father had made while he levitated the bed back into its original position. After restoring the room, Xeno came back around and placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder.

"We should let the Granger's know their daughter is safe, yes?"

Luna looked to her father with a faint smile and gave one more worried glance at her friends before leaving the bedroom.

X

Marcus sat in his favorite armchair, looking peacefully out into the front yard. It wasn't the largest of yards, only about half an acre and spotted with several trees, but the real beauty was being next to Daw Woods. The house itself was nestled into the forest and the tree line wrapped the edge of the property, obscuring the house from onlookers.

If one looked at the Granger Family residence from the roadside, they'd be fooled at first, thinking the property was small. The placement of the trees and the way the house was situated belittled the size of the land as their backyard was massive.

Marcus had a hard time believing the open field of some twenty acres behind the house was real, since you couldn't see it or guess it from the front of the house.

It justified the amount of money he paid and Olivia's love of it was yet another very important factor. Marcus would have been walking the fields at this very moment if he didn't have guests, so he contented himself to watching the morning fade away from inside. He turned to look at said guests and smiled to himself.

The adult wizard and his daughter witch were a strange set of folk. If he hadn't known any better, Marcus would have sworn the people before him just popped out of one of Hermione's many books. He was also quite grateful for their presence as they helped save his daughter, or so they claimed.

"You're certain she's alright?" asked Olivia for the fifth time.

"I give you my word, Olivia," replied Xeno. "She and Harry are resting at the moment and I would wager one of them will probably be up with more news before midday."

Marcus nodded to himself and turned back to the window as Luna began speaking avidly with his wife. He wasn't sure what to make of this Harry fellow, a supposed wonder among wonders of the Wizarding world. As far as he could tell, the boy was just an ordinary young man.

Marcus shifted in his chair and furrowed his brow. That of course, was an opinion formed by cursory glance; the boy's eyes held a different story.

Pain was buried deep within those green orbs, Marcus was sure of it. In body, Harry looked like a typical teenager if not a little scrawny but in posture and mind, the boy wasn't a boy at all. Marcus had watched enough men perish in front of him during his service to the Crown to know the meaning of Death and all her counterparts; it left a mark on you and he could see the same mark on Harry.

Soft footsteps came down the stairs and he turned to see the young man slowly come down. It brought a smile to his face, seeing the proof of Xeno's promise in Harry's eyes. They were shining, much like the way his daughter's did when she was talking about something exciting.

Perhaps he'd have to talk with Olivia anyway. She had been firm in her belief Hermione was only friends with this man but Marcus knew his little girl: the spark in her eyes when she mentioned him meant more than a close friendship.

"Harry!" said Luna, jumping and running over to him. She enveloped him in a hug before holding him away to get a good look. "You look wonderful. Coetus has been very good to you."

"Really?"

"Oh yes, there's not a single Wrackspurt on you."

The two of them chuckled while the Grangers drew close, "How is she?" asked Olivia.

"Resting, Mrs. Granger. Properly this time and should be up by tonight. Her absence was due to fighting the Dark Lord." Harry frowned, "Well, that's sort of true. It wasn't him directly, more like a memory or a small bundle of concentrated magic. I honestly don't know but whatever it was, Hermione more or less got rid of it by herself." He was practically beaming, "The only reason she's not here now is because of how exhausted she is. My presence should have helped to speed up the recovery process. If you'd like, you can go see her now."

Olivia started to cry and Marcus looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"You kept your word, lad" he said. "Is there anything we can do for you? It isn't much, but would you stay for lunch? Luna, Xeno you're welcome to as well."

Harry smiled and bowed slightly, "I appreciate your offer, truly, but unfortunately I can't stay. There are too many things happening right now and I must stay ahead of them." He didn't say it outloud, but mentally added, 'now more than ever.' "Actually, Mrs. Granger you may want to prepare a feast for tonight. I have a hunch Hermione will be very hungry."

"Thank you so much, Harry," said Olivia, wrapping him in a surprise hug which he gingerly returned. "Our door is always open to you should you wish to stop by."

"Indeed it is," echoed Marcus. "Speaking of, I'll show you out. Lord knows its the least I can do."

Harry said his goodbyes to the Lovegoods since they elected to stay for the offered lunch and both he and Marcus went outside.

"Tell me, Harry," said Marcus with a glint in his eye, "what are your intentions with my daughter?"

Harry paled, "Uh, in-intentions, sir?"

The light exploded from Marcus' eyes to a belly laugh and as he calmed down he patted Harry on the shoulder, "I know my daughter well. The look in her eyes when she's talking about you makes it obvious to me."

Harry found himself smiling too, "I care very much for her, Mr. Granger. I think it's safe to say we're already more than friends."

Marcus suddenly grew serious, "Harry, I don't pretend to understand a lick about what you are or what you can do. My wife is the one who believes unconditionally, but for me, I need a little more. You've shown that to me today.

Xeno tried his best to explain what this 'merging' business is and while I understand to a degree, it's still beyond me. What little I do know is that it sounds potentially permanent. I also know Hermione is not one to jump into anything and if she believes so strongly in you then I can find it in myself to do the same. All I ask is that you look after her." Marcus shivered, "And I don't think I need to explain what may happen if you fail in that regard. My wife is the scariest bat on this planet and my daughter inherited that from her."

Any decent response Harry might have given was lost as he started to chuckle, "Oh, I know exactly what you mean."

"Harry?" said Luna who stepped outside without them hearing the door open. "Can I speak with you for before you go?"

Marcus thanked him again and bid him goodbye before stepping inside.

"Everything alright, Luna?"

She smiled, "Yes, thank you for asking. I was just curious to know how it went from your side. This was your first link after all and you two did wonderfully from what I could see."

Harry looked fondly at her before his eyes glazed somewhat.

"I can't even begin to explain it. The last thing I consciously remember is making a promise to myself: to make sure Hermione never again goes through what she did and then,"

Luna waited patiently, watching various emotions play across his face.

"We were together. I don't know how else to say it but we were just... there; with one another. We 'talked' about so many things. Our lives growing up, things as they are now. Us. It was incredible. It felt like so much time had passed but then I woke up and what was it, two, three hours?"

"If that. Daddy was actually shocked to see you come down so early. We weren't expecting you for a few more hours."

Harry shrugged playfully, "Well, you know Hermione."

Luna laughed, "That I do. I assume your departure was already discussed with her then? I was surprised to hear you decline lunch. I didn't think you'd turn down an opportunity to learn more about her parents."

She was disappointed to see Harry's eyes darken. "Of the things we talked about, recent events was one of them. Hermione was gobsmacked to hear what happened to Hogsmede, said she's never read anything like it. We also went over Voldemort's actions and how the examinations went."

Luna bit the inside of her lip. Something about the way he said that, "Did you two uncover something?"

"Maybe. There are some strange things going on concerning Hogwarts, Luna. Through some of my memories, oh did I mention we actually shared memories? It was so amazing!" Luna giggled at Harry's sudden giddiness. "Right, back on task. Long story short, I have a lot to do and not much time to do it in before students get back. Apart from the expected to-do's I had before, there are a few new ones that got thrown on top of the pile."

"Anything you can share?"

Harry paused for a moment, "Just questions for now. Like, did you realize how many people were inside Hogwarts over this past weekend? A majority of the student's families all stayed and a large part of the public attendance as well. Despite that, I don't recall anyone complaining about overcrowding or tight living. Everyone fit comfortably yet no additional rooms or areas of the castle were used."

Luna titled her head, curious of his response. It was true, no one complained and there were a lot of people.

"And another thing, something I should have noticed myself. Did you see me fight Snape?"

She nodded, shivering at the memory. "I nearly jumped out of my socks when I saw you rising out of the ground. It was truly an amazing sight to see."

"And that's precisely the point Hermione made. Luna, we were on the Quiditch Pitch. Hermione said it's about eight-hundred yards away from the castle. The pit Snape made? I fell down deep and I landed on bricks. Never mind how I didn't end up a pancake, there were bricks Luna. The very same that make up the castle."

Her silver eyes furrowed momentarily before opening wide, "Could it be the foundation?"

"Hermione's not convinced and neither am I. Why would it stretch out so far for no apparent reason?"

Luna blinked, "So if they're not the roots of the castle, then what are they?"

"Exactly."

The two were silent for a moment, Luna taking in this new information while Harry planned his next move.

"Where will you go now?"

He glanced up to the second floor, almost like he could see Hermione through the walls. "Gringotts then I have a long overdue chat with Sirius. Afterwards, I fully intend to explore the connection I have with Hogwarts and now with Hermione too." He turned away, "There's so much I must learn before the students come back. For their sake and for…"

Luna placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "It'll be alright, Harry. As you saw, Hermione's a tough girl and has plenty of fight in her."

Harry nodded, "That she does, but if I do things right, she'll never have to. No one will." He reached into his coat pocket and took out a golden snitch. After tapping it with his wand, he smiled to her. "I'll see you later, Luna."

"Bye, Harry," and he was gone. "Huh," she mumbled aloud, "a portkey. Wonder if Hermione taught him how?"