Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Warnings: Violence , and Mature Themes.

Chapter 4

"Harry!"

Harry heard someone call his name, a voice that he could recognize anywhere. He spun around on his heels, looking at the figure of his best friend running up to him. If asked later, he wouldn't be able to describe the cacophony of emotions that ran through him. Relief, anxiety, happiness . . . love? He just stood there, stock still. Hermione wrapped him up in a hug, and still Harry was unable to move. Just as she was about to pull back, wondering if something was wrong, he practically smashed her body to his.

Hermione let out a small squeak of surprise, but hugged him just as enthusiastically nevertheless. She began to wonder how long Harry was going to hug her, not that she was complaining, it felt quite nice. She shivered slightly, as Harry's mouth made brief contact with her neck as he pulled back, but her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she got her first good look at Harry.

The first thing that she noticed about Harry was his height, previously, he had been almost as tall as her, but now, even after her own changes, he was easily a head taller than her. He also didn't look like a starved boy, but his shoulders had broadened significantly, giving him a strong appearance. His eyes, those emerald green orbs that she adored, had always seemed a bit mystifying to her, but now, she simply couldn't bring herself to look away. His gentle green eyes, that she had seen flashing with power on more than one occasion, looked as if it was saturated with power. It wasn't uncommon for this to happen when channelling large amounts of power, but Harry wasn't doing so right now.

Harry was also in a similar position, he was taking in the changes that Hermione had gone through, his eyes straying to her breasts ever so often, a pink tinge on his face. He had always liked her hair before, but now it seemed to be more fitting, making her appear as a young woman, rather than a pubescent teenager.

"H-Hermione?" Harry asked swallowing slightly.

"Um. . . Y-Yeah" Hermione said, she was startled by the change in his voice. It too, seemed to be full of power, pleasantly distracting her thoughts.

"What . . . Are you alright?" Harry asked, changing tracks mid-question, as his rational side caught up to him.

"Yeah Harry, never been better." Hermione replied smiling at the concern that was plain to see in his eyes.

Harry seemed to remember something and immediately, caught her chin and moved her head sideways, examining her left cheek. Hermione remembered that was the same cheek on which she had been struck. She blushed slightly under his scrutiny, and brought up her hand and gently, taking his hand lowered it.

"I really am alright Harry." Hermione said gently.

"Do you remember what happened? Harry asked.

Hermione was interrupted from answering as Dumbledore came up behind them, startling them slightly.

"Ah. . . Mr. Potter, If you would please follow me to my office, I will try to explain everything to you."

Dumbledore waved his hand at the Gargoyle, and the three of them ascended the stairs. Hermione glanced at Harry, and recognized the face that he was making, as if trying to remember something.

As soon as they sat down opposite Dumbledore, a question burst forth from Harry's lips, "Professor Dumbledore, what about Hedwig? Where is she?"

Hermione teared up slightly. She knew that, to Harry, Hedwig was no mere owl. She was his companion and one of Harry's friends. She gently took his hand in hers and gave it a slight squeeze.

"Hedwig is currently under Hagrid's care. I'm sure she will make a full recovery." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

Harry released a sigh of relief, and Hermione bit her lip. She knew that the Headmaster was lying, she had visited Hagrid earlier, and he had said that it did not look good for Hedwig. But she understood the reason for the Headmaster's lie; Harry didn't need any more troubles clouding his mind, especially considering the upcoming conversation.

"So Professor Dumbledore, what happened yesterday? I just remember the Vampire attacking us, and then my memory goes blank." Harry asked.

"You see Harry . . ." with that the Headmaster started in on his tale. Throughout it all, Hermione kept her hand clasped tightly with Harry. She knew how he would react after he heard what he had done unconsciously. And just as she had predicted. . .

"I-I . . . turned Hermione into . . . No . . ." Harry stood up jerkily, Hermione still holding his hand. He suddenly went still.

"H-Harry?" Hermione asked, fear rising in the pit of her stomach.

Harry was about to reply, when the door to the Headmaster's office flew open and a thoroughly worried Hagrid entered the office, holding something gently in his hands. Soft, tired hoots could be heard from its general direction.

'Oh no . . .not now.' Hermione thought, tears springing unbidden in her eyes.

"Headmaster Dumbledore sir, Hedwig isn't doing so well . . ." Hagrid trailed off as he noticed Harry standing in front of him, staring directly at his owl, held in Harid's hands. Before he knew it, Harry had run forwards at him, gently transferred Hedwig into his arms, holding her gently to his chest and ran from the Headmaster's office.

"HARRY!" Hermione shouted, intending to follow him.

"Please wait Miss. Granger. I think that it would be wise if Harry is left alone for some time. It would give him time to grieve as well as come to terms with his situation." Dumbledore suggested gently.

For the first time in her life, Hermione wanted to snarl at the Headmaster. But she knew that she would be losing precious time arguing with the Headmaster, time that she could spend knocking some sense into Harry.

She nodded once, already thinking about the various places in the castle that Harry might have gone to. Sure she respected the Headmaster, but she was certain that no one knew Harry better than her, and she knew exactly what he needed right now.

Harry was sitting on the floor of a room that, he figured, no one would ever check to find him. He had no doubt that Hermione would come looking for him. He was crying, holding on to his owl, his constant companion, Hedwig in his arms. He couldn't believe that his innocent decision to get some fresh air, could have such devastating ramifications.

He and Hermione turned into Vampires.

Hedwig . . .dy . .dyin . . .

He couldn't even bring himself to face the facts.

"I-I'm so sorry Hedwig. Please don't leave me. Please . . ." Harry sobbed. Hedwig hooted softly, opening her eyes and looking at him.

"Please. . . I don't know if I would be able to live anymore if I lost you."

Hedwig's soft breathing was growing tired with every word he spoke.

"D-Do you remember the first time you brought me your hunt? I was so proud of you . . ."

"All the times that you would nudge me when you thought that I was feeling down. I-I never thanked you for that Hedwig. Please . . . you have to get better."

Hedwig's form had gone still by this time, and Harry hugged her to his chest and bawled. He didn't know how much time had passed, but his tears had eventually run dry, and he was just gasping, taking in sporadic breaths. He however did notice that Hedwig's body seemed to be getting hotter by the second. Even though the heat became unbearable, he didn't let go.

Suddenly pure white flames seemed to burst forth from her, but it didn't hurt Harry at all, it just encompassed his body in pleasant warmth. He felt Hedwig's body apparently vanishing from his hands, and in its place a soft warm body settled into his arms.

Harry coughed slightly as the smoke cleared. And then stared at what was, undoubtedly a Phoenix baby hatchling, nestled in his arms. Ash surrounded the miniature bird, cupped in Harry's arms. It looked up at him, and Harry thought he recognized the look in her eyes; it was the same look that he had always seen in Hedwig's eyes. Although her eyes had changed colour to a royal blue, Harry couldn't mistake the emotions in her eyes.

"H-Hedwig?" Harry asked uncertainly, ruthlessly smashing down his rising hope.

*Harry*

Harry was startled by the childlike, but clearly feminine voice that suddenly sounded in his head.

"Hedwig is it really you?" Harry asked, hope returning with a vengeance.

*Harry*

The baby phoenix, tried moving her wings, nonexistent as they were, trying to get off the ash covering her body. Harry saw her efforts, and gently brushed off the ash covering her. She released a pleasant sounding trill, as if in thanks.

"It is you isn't it?" Harry asked, his voice thick with emotion. He started petting her small head with a gentle finger, amazement and a little confusion running through his head. He noticed that she appeared to be drowsy, and was fighting to stay awake.

Harry smiled softly at Hedwig's efforts.

"Go to sleep Hedwig, you must be tired. I'll be here when you wake up." Harry said.

The phoenix released a tired but grateful trill, and leaning slightly into Harry's palm, dozed off.

*My Harry*

"Mr. Potter, where have you been?"

Hermione stomped her foot in frustration. She had looked everywhere that she thought that Harry would be going to seek solace. For some unknown reason, she had even checked Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Sighing, she made her way to the Infirmary, figuring that she better get back to Madam Pomphrey, lest she start worrying over Harry's absence. It was nearing morning, and she would be making her rounds soon.

As she stepped into the infirmary, she caught sight of the object of her search, lying on his belly, playing with something with his fingers. She stared incredulously at Harry. He was hiding in the Infirmary?

Harry? Hiding? In the infirmary? The very idea was ridiculous.

'Yet, it had served its purpose admirably.' Hermione thought.

She quietly made her way to his bed and then, leaping slightly onto the bed, sat down cross-legged on his legs, pinning them to the bed.

"Harry James Potter! How dare you run away from me?" she hissed.

"B-But . . ." Harry started weakly. For such a petit girl, she was quite strong.

"No Buts. Now you will shut up and listen to what I think of you turning me into a vampire. I think that it is the best gift that anyone has given me! I look good, my magic is stronger, and I get to keep my best friend company! So no Harry, I don't blame you !" Hermione stated.

Harry was shocked by Hermione's candidness; she had always been a bit reserved with her conversations.

"Now do you promise to talk and not run away again?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded glumly.

Hermione got up and dragging her chair, sat down near Harry's head. It was then that both of their attention was drawn by a beautiful trill, it almost sounded as a whine. Hermione looked at the small bird that was in front of Harry.

"H-Harry?" Hermione stuttered.

"Mm . . ."

"Who is that?" Hermione asked.

"Hedwig" Harry replied softly, but it was easy to hear the happiness in his voice.

"How did this happen?" Hermione asked, curious.

And then Harry told her about it.

Hermione shook her head and muttered smiling fondly. "Only you Harry . . ."

A/N:- Again sorry for the short chapter. But the few people that have told me their reasons for not going for a harem, mainly about this turning into a smut fic, I promise that it will be nothing of that sort, all the girls with somewhat get their own character development, and will be turned to vampires. So if you still have a problem, PM me, and I'll think about it.

And If Harry and Hermione seem a bit OOC, my bad. He he he, but I credit it to the different 3 rd year that they had.