Chapter 90
Cedric became slightly red in the face after Dumbledore's comment about what he had said.
"Might I add that an exceptionally skilled witch or wizard is the one that put Potter's name in under a different school name." Alistor 'Mad-Eye' Moody said roughly.
"What evidence is zere of zat?"
"Only a skilled witch or wizard could have hoodwinked such a magical artifact to cause it to select more than three champions. Only an exceptionally strong Confundus Charm could have made it possible. My job used to be to think as Dark Wizards did so by habit I do so. I spent many years doing such."
After the last thing Alistor had said the room fell completely silent.
"Well now isn't this exciting." Ludo Bagman said excitedly.
"Oh yeah real exciting Ludo, a fourteen year old has been sucked into competing in something he has no knowledge of and could very well get himself killed." Alistor growled out.
"Let us not think harshly. We have been given a second chance to prove that the competition is not as dangerous as it has been in the past. We are striving for no deaths and only minimal though minor injuries." Barty Crouch said trying to placate the visiting heads of other schools.
"None of us know why or how this has happened. As we all know the goblet of Fire is a magical binding contract. We have no choice but to accept this; all four were chosen to compete in this tournament. Unless anyone has an alternative, which I would as well as all of would be delighted to hear it; all four will have to compete in the tournament."
"But zis Harry Potter is only a boy and as you say was injured zis past Friday. How is zis boy supposed to compete?"
"The best that he can Miss. Delacour."
"Zat is not fair." Fleur said softly, sadly.
"I do not see vot we can do about it." Viktor chimed in for the first time.
"Look this is yes quite unsettling for various reasons, but this is the first time that an age restriction has been put in place for this tournament. There has never been any type of restriction in the past so the boys' age has nothing to do with this. Of course there is concern due to the recently sustained injury…"
"But an age restriction has been placed on this tournament this time Ludo. There should be away for us to submit out students names so that the tournament is fair, each school with two champions." Igor Karkaroff snarled.
"Are you daft, Igor? You have already been informed that, that is not a possibility. Though yes, it were possible to do so it would only be fair. It has already been established that an exceptionally skilled witch or wizard hoodwinked the Goblet of Fire put Mr. Potter's name in under a different school. I am sure that the three champions we have here would like to receive their instructions for the first task instead of listening to a group of grown wizards go in circles as to how this came about and the unfairness of it all." Severus growled.
"Good point Severus and I agree. Uh…Barty would you care to do the honors?"
"What? Oh, right, instructions yes. Now, the first task is designed to test your daring so we will not be telling you what it is you will be doing or facing. Courage is an important…very important quality in a wizard or witch. The first task will take place on the twenty-fourth of November in front of a panel of judges and the rest of the students. The champions are not permitted to ask and teacher or any one of the Headmasters or mistress for help. The teachers and Headmasters and mistress are not permitted to assist the champions with his or her endeavor nor are they permitted to offer of give the champions help of any kind to enable the champions to complete this task. The champions are only allowed his or her wand to aid him or her in completing this task.
Once the first task has been completed by all four champions, they will receive the necessary information about the second task. At the end of the tournament the champion with most points will be deemed the winner and receive a thousand Galleons as a prize. Due to the demand and time-consuming nature of this tournament, all champions are not required to take end-of-year exams. In other words the champions are exempt."
"Thank you Barty. Is there anything else?"
"No I believe that is it, as far as the tournament is concerned. Albus, I do however would like to see Mr. Potter for myself if that is alright."
"Yes, of course Barty. It will also be alright for should Igor and Madam Maxime to follow me to the hospital wing to see Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said respectfully.
Igor turned, gave Viktor a look and then angrily left the room. Viktor not far behind though more reluctantly than anything else.
Fleur looked up at her Headmistress with fear in her eyes.
"I do not wish to see zis Mr. Potter. But if my student so wishes to, she may."
"Thank you ma'am."
Madam Maxime left the room to round up the rest of her students that had made the journey to Hogwarts.
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After the group if instructors had left the Great Hall more chatter erupted about what had happened. The chatter was becoming louder several were going on about how Harry managed to get passed the age line that had been drawn around the Goblet of Fire to ensure the age restriction had been upheld. There were a select few that were getting irritated with those from Hogwarts that knew that there was no way Harry could have done what they were insinuating. But there was one that was fuming and she could not take it anymore.
"SHUT IT! EVERYONE!"
The Great Hall became instantly silent. All students and remaining faculty all turned in the direction of where the Ravenclaw students were sitting. A petite, second year girl was standing and had the most furious expression on her face.
"For the visiting students, Harry Potter a few days ago was severely burned and would have died if not for another student reacting for whatever that student's reason being. Harry has been in the hospital wing ever since kept unconscious by our school nurse, so there is no way that he could have done anything of what you are thinking. Not only is it impossible that he found a way around the age line or talked an older student into submitting his…Harry had no knowledge of the procedure for selecting the champions for this tournament. As for the students of Hogwarts…those that are or were saying the same things as the visiting students from two different schools…what is the matter with you? You all know what happened Friday. You all know that there is no way possible for Harry to have done anything to partake in this tournament. It is obvious with quite a few of you that you do not know Harry Potter as well as you have claimed to in the past. Those that do know him know that he would not include himself in the tournament. Not that he would not be a fair contender in this tournament because he would and will be a contender but because of the restriction in place. You know who you are and you should be ashamed of yourselves." Mercedes said heated and then walked over and sat with Hermione and the rest of Harry's friends.
"She's right you know. All of you that were saying that Harry found a way to submit his name should be ashamed. Yes including the visiting students. It really boggles my mind, Harry's name spits out of the Goblet of Fire, our Headmaster is confused and concerned and the most obvious thing of all…he didn't follow suit with Cedric, Viktor and Fleur. I honestly do not know what is worse…what Hogwarts students said or the assumption of visitors…" Hermione trailed off as she heard soft mutterings going on around her. Hermione wanted to know what was being muttered and had to stop what she was saying just to make an attempt to find out.
It didn't take long for Hermione to catch what was being said in hushed tones. She knew the mutterings had to do with Mercedes with what she could hear being whispered and she was confused about. Hermione looked to her left without being obvious, when her eyes fell on Mercedes she didn't notice anything different but it seemed as though something was different. Hermione gave a quick glace in the direction of the rest of the staff. The majority of the remaining staff were obviously shocked at the outburst but could tell that they were proud of and approved of what Mercedes had said. Then there was Professor Flitwick, he was shocked by the outburst and agreed with what Mercedes had said but Hermione also noticed that there was something else as well. Unless Hermione was mistaken the tiny Professor looked as though he was seeing a ghost of some sort when he looked at Mercedes. Hermione shook her head, Professor Flitwick had had taught Mercedes for almost two and a half years so it did not make sense. Then Hermione recalled what Harry had said about Mercedes or well what he repeated after talking with Mercedes.
Hermione sat there for what seemed hours deep in thought staring. Not at anyone really just staring. As her mind worked she begun to wonder what she was thinking could be possible.
"Oh…I…no it can't be…can it?" Hermione muttered softly to herself.
"What are you mumbling?" Ron asked curiously.
"Huh? Oh, nothing. I mean that it's just a thought or theory."
"What, you're not going to share or not?" The twins asked joking around.
"I know you two are joking but no I'm not. Like I said it's just a thought, a theory. I don't want to say anything just yet, not until I have proved it. I could be wrong."
"Hermione when have you ever been wrong?" A smiling Ginny asked teasingly.
"Oh there isn't enough time to tell you all the times that I have been wrong. Although we all were wrong about one thing and I don't think that I have to spell it out for you to know what or who I am talking about." Hermione replied.
"I don't know about the rest of you but I am actually sick of being in the Great Hall with them…" Violet said as she glanced around making eye contact with nearly everyone that had whispered about what or how Harry had done this or that and looked back at Hermione as she continued, "I'm going to the hospital wing to check on and see how Harry is. Anyone else want to join me? If so feel free to follow." Violet said and then left the Great Hall.
The group that followed Violet out of the Great Hall included, all fourth year Gryffindor's; Fred and George Weasley; Lee Jordan; Ginny Weasley; Luna Lovegood; Mercedes Johnson and a few other Ravenclaw's as well as three or four Hufflepuff's. Halfway to the hospital wing Hermione glanced over her shoulder to see Draco and Dudley and it seemed as though they were following as well. Hermione was positive that the two Slytherin boys were following but if anyone else were to see the boys no one would suspect or think that they were heading for the hospital wing to find out what they could as to how Harry was fairing.
As the fairly large group reached the hospital wing they stopped. They could see of course Madam Pomfrey and the Headmaster of their school but also Barty Crouch, Fleur Delacour, Cedric Diggory and Professor Snape. The main group looked around until they spotted several chairs. They headed to the chairs and sat down to wait.
The two that had been cautiously following remained outside of the hospital wing hoping that they would be able to hear something firsthand about how Harry was healing or how the healing process was going.
They whole of the group including the two outside the hospital didn't have to wait much longer. Barty Crouch took his leave with a look of heartache and worry etched onto his face. A few more minutes passed and then Fleur left looking quite sad.
Hermione did not care that Cedric was still there, he was a part of Hogwarts after all, Hermione could not wait much longer to find out how Harry was doing, if things were going at a more accelerated pace. Before Hermione could ask about Harry she noticed that Professor Snape had an interesting expression on his face though she could not be certain as to what exactly it was.
"Professor…"
"Miss. Granger, your little friend…"
"You mean Mercedes? Mercedes Johnson, sir? You have taught her for almost two years sir. Surely you…"
"It doesn't matter." Professor Snape said though Hermione did not believe it.
Severus was not sure how he felt. Mercedes Johnson looked a bit familiar to him and not because he had supposedly taught her for almost two years it was something else but he could not be sure though. The most intriguing thing with Mercedes was that it seemed she had some kind of glamour on her. Severus was certain of this, though it was faint, subtle there was no doubt that the glamour was wearing off the shimmering effect all around the girl was evidence to that. Severus pushed the thoughts of Mercedes out of his mind for the time being. There was a more pressing, a more important matter at hand.
"Hermione, I presume that you and your friends are here to see Harry." Dumbledore said kindly with a twinkle in his eyes, though not the usual twinkling of his blue eyes.
"Well, yes but…Professor's, Madam Pomfrey…"
"Miss. Granger I…" Madam Pomfrey began but was cut off by Severus.
"I suggest you tell her…tell them. Miss. Granger will find out one way or another so you might as well just tell her. Though you won't tell anyone exactly what Miss. Granger had discussed with her but you did say that she might have something that could be more…effective."
"Albus, Severus is right. Personally if the young witch has something then let her give it a try. It doesn't matter what it is…nothing can make it worse."
"Madam Pomfrey, Headmaster, Professor Snape what is…"
"Miss. Granger I am afraid that I have had to magically…"
"No. But…the research…it was supposed to…" Hermione stuttered out trying desperately to not let the tears stream down her face. Professor Snape had stuck up for her, he put it out there they should be informed giving her the impression that the snarky Potions Master felt she could handle it, felt that she was mature enough. Hermione could not let him down and cry like a first year or younger.
"Miss. Granger calm down. It has to do with the slow rate in which Mr. Potter is healing and the fact that we are unable to do anything for the pain that he is in. The research you and your friends did was indeed helpful, though not in the way we all had hoped."
"How could it have helped at all, Professor?" Hermione asked softly as a lone tear slid down her cheek.
"We know that we can't give Mr. Potter anything for pain, it does not help relieve it at all. In fact it seems to increase his pain and slows the healing process dramatically. The Headmaster, Madam Pomfrey, Sirius Black and Petunia E-Evans that we do not give him anything for the pain, keep up with the healing potions and have him in the magical coma. He has been healing at quite a quicker pace but it is still quite slow at the same time. Whatever you have in mind…what do you have in mind, Miss. Granger? That is if you wish to explain."
"No offense Professor Snape but I would rather not say. I am sure that there are some, though not here at the moment that would not believe part of my idea as a possibility. I am not sure that it will work, I hope it does but…the less that know the easier it will be for me to deal with…"
"The less we know the easier it will be to deal with what would feel like failure?" Professor Snape asked. All in the room could tell by the look on his face, the way he stood and how he spoke that he had been there numerous times.
"Yes. I know that there are some…" Hermione trailed off to glance at Ron briefly, looked back at the adults and continued, "that would say that I have succeeded in everything that I have attempted and feel or think that I am being silly for having doubts in myself. The truth is part of…no all of my idea is not something that I have tried before and fairly recently found out about…never mind…I know and I am sorry for rambling, sir."
"Albus, why are we stalling and talking about it? We have tried everything that we can with the information we have and we are no closer to releasing Mr. Potter any time soon. Though St. Mungo's will not be able to do more for him…this is a school infirmary and there are several more students here and only one healer…me. At least at St. Mungo's they have the staff to allow them to assign someone to him to watch his progress and continue administering the healing potions without potentially neglecting others in need of attention…"
"Poppy, Sirius and Petunia are dead set against it and you know it. Molly Weasley and Sirius both have said that they could sit with him, track the healing process and make sure that the healing potions are given as you have said they should be given. I do see what you are saying about St. Mungo's but I know for a fact that they would not give Mr. Potter one of the healing potions the one that has tipped the scales for him…"
"Professor Snape…sorry for interrupting but why wouldn't St. Mungo's give Harry…"
"My apologies Miss. Granger…Mr. Po…your friend is being given a combination of healing potions. Three to be precise. The research you handed to me led us to this point in your friends' recovery. All three help with reconstructing the damaged skin from burns or venom and in this case we are dealing with a bit of both…"
"The Manticores secrete poisonous venom out of the end of their tail…the venom is instantly fatal…" Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening her eyes and continuing, "The Fire-Crab shoots fire out of their ar…behinds…the combination of the two…wait are you saying that somehow by breeding a Manticore and a Fire-Crab…the Blast-Ended Skrewts not only shoot fire but imbedded in the fire they shoot out is the…"
"I see why your friends have so much confidence and faith in you Miss. Granger. Yes though the venom that has somehow imbedded into the fire…the venom is not fatal in this case."
"Wait how did you figure this out?"
"Um…well…obviously he's not dead. After reading the extensively thorough research I started to wonder so after getting permission I tested your friend's skin. Of course the result showed that he had been burned which we already knew but it also showed us small, diluted traces of poison or venom."
"Sorry Professor. I seem to keep interrupting you. You said that a combination of three healing potions are being given or administered to Harry."
"Apology not needed Miss. Granger. We are not in the class room and this is a stressful situation for you. Believe it or not I do understand what you are feeling. Yes, three healing potions…one of course is primarily to heal the burns. The other is to counteract the poisonous venom. These two potions cannot be combined to make one. The ingredients in the two are not compatible and would be disastrous. But with your research, the fact that I am a Potions Master and having the list of ingredients for the other two...go on Miss. Granger."
"You figured out how to make a healing potion that can heal a severe magical burn and to detoxify the body of the poison or venom. You cross-referenced potion ingredients and in the process you found ingredients for both potions that are compatible without a disastrous result when combined…"
"The two potions were doing what they could but it wasn't enough. The potion I brewed to see what would happen works better than the other two combined alone but the best results have been administering all three. It seems that the longer Mr. Potter is on this combination the better it works. There is no way that we can find a way to speed up the process to a more acceptable pace. So I am supportive of whatever it is that you want to try. Know this Miss. Granger, if you try what you have in mind and for should it fail it does not have any bearing on who you are as an individual or your abilities as a witch."
"Thank you Professor for your support and well everything…mostly the last thing you said."
Professor Snape gave Hermione a small smile that looked more like a smirk than anything else. But she knew it was a smile. Seconds later all eyes were on Albus Dumbledore. Most if not all that were in or within hearing distance knew that she would need Dumbledore's consent to proceed with what she had in mind. Hermione on the other hand was hoping for the Headmasters support and it would be nice if he were to give her the 'go ahead', but even if she didn't get it from him she was still going to try her theory one way or another. She was sure that if Dumbledore wasn't quite so on board has he had been when she ran it by him that Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey would help in any way that they could. Hermione hoped with all her being that it would not come to that but she would if she had to.
"Well, we have done all that we can. I have full confidence in you Miss. Granger that you can do this. I believe that you are on the right track. I do not expect that Harry will bounce back one-hundred percent overnight. If you should succeed in simply healing Harry fifty percent of the way then I say you should be very proud of yourself. So, yes Miss. Granger you may proceed. I must add that I know you would not have stood by and done thing if I had not given you the 'go ahead' and I know that you would like it if I did."
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore. You are right I would have tried it anyway. It is nice and it helps to have your support and confidence in me. It just figures doesn't it? I get the 'go ahead' to try what's in my head and my confidence has fallen from the level it had been when I discussed it with you."
"It's nerves Miss. Granger. As long as you do what you always do you will be fine. Stay calm and give it your best. Is there anything that Poppy or I could get for you?"
"Thank you Professor Snape. No there isn't anything that anyone can get for me to try this out. But I will need Petunia and Dudley."
"I am sure that Severus and I can arrange for both of them to be here later tonight."
"Thank you, all of you. Would it be too much to ask for a Calming Draught?"
"Not at all dear here you go. I thought that you might want it once you got the all clear to help Mr. Potter."
"Thank you. Oh…there's one other thing. Professor Dumbledore."
"Yes, Miss. Ganger?"
"Would it be alright if I left Hogwarts for a few hours? I need to have a word with Sirius about something. Or well more so I think I should ask Sirius to escort me. It's not a dangerous place…it's completely safe I just think that it would be wise if someone were to be with me. If I remember correctly there is a book there that just might help even more. I know the basics of my theory or idea but I am not sure how to make it work and I think this book will have the information that I need. Again it is perfectly safe."
"First of all what is the name of this book you are talking about? The Hogwarts library might have it."
"I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore but I do not recall the title of the book but I will know it when I see it. I already know that the library here does not have it…not that I have gone looking for it, I have just never seen it. I am sure though that the library here does not have it. Time is of the essence, sir and I know the area that I saw this book…"
"Very well, Miss. Granger. Where is this book located at?"
"Sorry again Professor Dumbledore but I cannot tell. I mean I literally cannot tell you…" Hermione trailed off and looked over at Harry. Fear, pain, sadness, longing and desperate hope could be seen in her eyes.
"This place has to do with Mr. Potter doesn't it, Miss. Granger?" Professor Snape asked in a silky baritone voice.
"Yes, sir it does."
"It is not a matter of it being up to Mr. Potter…you said you can't literally tell where this place is…Mr. Potter is the Secret Keeper of this place, isn't he?" Professor Snape again asked in a silky baritone voice.
"Again, yes he is, sir."
"Are you sure that this book will help Miss. Granger?"
"Yes I am sure Professor Dumbledore."
"Very well you may leave the school for a few hours. Sirius though is not here at the moment. I do believe that he is at home though. You may floo there if you wish."
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore. If it is not any inconvenience sir, where is the nearest floo connection and would I be able to use it?"
"Not an inconvenience at all Miss. Granger. The nearest floo connection is just off from my office." Professor Snape drawled in that silky baritone voice of his.
"Thank you Professor."
"Not necessary to thank me but you are welcome. As you said, time is of the essence Miss. Granger…are you ready to go?"
"Um…right now? This second? Yes…yes. Please, Professor, lead the way." Hermione stuttered.
Professor Snape smirked, he couldn't help it. Dumbledore snickered, with everything that had transpired between the two the last thing Hermione Granger said to Professor Snape…Dumbledore found this amusing. Madam Pomfrey was delighted that Hermione was going to see if her idea or theory would work though she did roll her eyes at the Headmasters snicker.
"The rest of you are welcome to stay in the meantime that is if it is oaky with Madam Pomfrey." Dumbledore said as Hermione and Snape left the infirmary.
"I am fine with that since there are no other patients here. The rules still apply though."
"Thank you Poppy."
"No problem. If only their support and care for the young wizard would be enough to help him recover."
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Hermione followed her Potions Professor out of the infirmary and to the right down hall towards the dungeons. The closer they came to Professor Snape's office the colder the temperature became. As they reached the door to his office Hermione felt a chill roll up and down her spine causing her to slightly shiver. Professor Snape did not notice this but it was not something to be concerned with anyway. He removed his protection spells and wards to the door and then opened it, holding the door open so that Hermione could precede him inside. As Hermione stepped inside her Professor's office and was hit with warm air a soft, deep throaty moan escaped her.
When Hermione turned around after hearing the door click closed she saw a humorous expression on his face. Instantly she realized that she had moaned when she entered the office and her cheeks began to flush.
"I…it was cold out there…the warm air washed over me…I…"
"I completely understand Miss. Granger. Now if you will follow me a little further you will be able to access my floo connection." Snape said with a smile on his face and amusement in his eyes.
Hermione was a little off balance, not that she was in danger of falling over. She could not believe that she had moaned and how it could have come across to anyone. The fact that Professor Snape had been nice and helpful and of course complimentary all hit at once and she froze in place. Hermione had not noticed that he had walked towards the back of his office.
"Are you coming, Miss. Granger?" Snape asked teasingly wondering what her reaction would be. He could not stop himself in doing so no matter how wrong it was to do it. Hermione Granger was and is a student of his after all and not to mention not of age in the wizarding world as well as not in the Muggle world.
"What? Yes, I'm coming." Hermione said as she shook her mind clear and then blushed a bit as she thought how that question and her answer could have gone in a different situation.
As Hermione passed her Professor and walked through the door at the back of his office, Snape could not resist allowing a full smile spread across his face. A soft chuckled escaped through his mouth though fortunately Hermione did not catch that.
Hermione walked along a short hallway. At the end of the hallway it opened up into a cozy looking room. It was just the right size for one or two people to be comfortable in. It wasn't dark, it had the perfect amount of brightness to see. The color scheme was done in rich, warm earth tones. The fireplace was set into the back wall and showed obvious signs of use over time. To left of the fireplace a comfortable burnt tan in color armchair sat and behind it was a door she had no idea where it led at first. To the right of the fireplace was a small desk made of what she thought was oak, stained a mahogany color. Across from the fireplace was a short sofa, a little larger than a loveseat in the same color as the armchair. At further inspection she noticed a small entryway and could see that a small kitchen was just through it.
"I am sure you know how to use the floo network, Miss Granger."
"What? Oh…yes. Right floo network connection."
"Surprised, Miss. Granger?"
"Honestly, yes I am. I assume we are in your personal quarters."
"You assume correct."
"I'm just surprised that you have not decorated your quarters to match your house colors. I sort of expected that you would have…not that I spend my time trying to figure out how my Professors decorate their rooms…I'll be going now. Thank you again Professor." Hermione said a bit fast as she crossed the room in nearly a run. She grabbed a small handful of floo powder, stepped inside the fireplace and tossed the floo powder in as she said, "Number twelve Grimmuald Place." In a flash of green flames she was gone.
Snape could not help but smile once the Gryffindor disappeared from his fireplace. He knew he shouldn't be saying certain things but he found it amusing, so amusing that he couldn't help but say those certain things or well, say things that could come across differently depending on the situation. After a glass of fire whiskey he started thinking how much of a good friend she could be. She was smart…she was intelligent and it showed in her class work and with how dedicated she is with everything. She could definitely hold her own in conversations that most would think that she did not comprehend it, she was more intelligent than quite a few grown witches and wizards he knew well or liked to think he knew well at least with one wizard. He dared to think to wonder if he and the know-it-all could be friends even with her being a student. The more he thought about it the more he realized that Hermione Granger had a lot of qualities in her that he liked, that he could spend an unlimited amount of time with her in his presence. But she was after all a student…one of his students. A student he actually admired and he never really admired the students not even when he was a student with one exception…
Severus stopped his train of thought right there. He stood up from where he had been sitting and headed into his bedroom.
"Severus. How is Harry?"
"Healing, Lily. Your son is healing. Not how we would like or how he should be. The three potions we are giving him are helping. Madam Pomfrey has put y…Harry in a magical coma…about the same as a Muggle…um…oh yes, chemical coma. Only due to the fact that pain potions do not help."
"But…"
"Not to worry Lily. Your son's friend, Hermione Granger…although she did say something about them being cousins…any way, Miss. Granger has an idea or theory to try. I do not know what it is, so please do not ask. The Headmaster knows though. Anyway, she will be trying what she has thought of tonight. As a matter of fact she just left the school through my floo connection to see the mutt about escorting her somewhere to get some book."
"Would you stop referring to Sirius as 'mutt'? At least when I am or my portrait is around. Do you think that she will be able to help Harry?"
"Yes I do believe that she can. Honestly, I don't think anyone other than Her…mione Granger can help Harry at this moment. Other than she needs this book to help her put the dots together so to speak all I know is that your sister and nephew are key elements. I am thinking that Miss…ah hell, Hermione is going to try something to do with their combined magic…a form of blood magic, not like the blood wards that went in place when... I am not knowledgeable in this form of blood magic or family magic as some would call it. I know it exists and that it works as long all those involved are related by blood. I get the distinct impression that she is indeed blood related to your son. I have complete confidence and faith in her."
"Well, then so do I. Why are you so hard her?"
"She's talented, she's brilliant."
"But you don't compliment her. Well, not to her face anyway."
"I have complimented her to her face. As a matter of fact I did not too long ago and her friends were there too."
"Why not in class then?"
"That my dear, Lily is complicated."
"Okay fine. You could at least occasionally have her stay after class and give her the praise she so deserves."
"I guess."
"Do I sense…am I reading you right? You are considering offering friendship to her, aren't you?"
"Maybe."
"And she's what fourteen?"
"Fifteen actually."
"Fifteen years old. Wow, Sev."
"What? It would be nice to have an intellectual conversation once in a while that is not required in some way or another."
"Oh…I almost forgot…first of all, you aren't still blaming yourself for mine and James' demise, are you?"
"Lily how many times do we have to go through with this?"
"Until you realize that it was not your fault!"
"It was…it is my fault."
"No it is not your fault. Hear me out, would you. I must say that it was not easy trying to find out…I have not heard the whole thing but, that prophecy you heard…you did not hear the whole thing. I wish I could find out what the other half was. Don't you see, he did not have all of the information. That prophecy could have meant another child…"
"Neville Longbottom? Please…if it had been him…I refuse to think of how that would have gone. Then again the Neville Longbottom I know may not even exist, what I mean is that the one I know is easily scared off…to be nice I will leave it at that. If I hadn't of told him the first part…"
"Severus! I really wish that you would stop. There is no need to blame yourself. You only told it what you had heard…"
"Lily…"
"Did you tell Voldemort to go after me and my family? Did you tell, suggest or demand that Voldemort kill me, my husband and attempt to kill our son? Did you give any assistance beyond telling him the first part of the prophecy?"
"NO. And that is my answer and the truth to all of your horrible questions."
"Then why must you put blame on yourself that you do not deserve? You have been remorseful, you regret everything that you did…turning to the wrong person. If you really want to get down to it…it's my fault…"
"Lily, how can you say that?"
"Simply really. If I had not been such a bitch and let a stupid word get to me…I mean I had heard that word so many times, it may be a degrading word but still it is just a word. If I had forgiven you back then…you only said it out of anger. You weren't thinking at the time and I understand that. Because I was so unforgiving and refused to give you some slack, yes I should have but I didn't and I am so sorry for that. If I had actually talked it out with you, given you another chance you would not have gone running to or allowed another to convince you to side with the Muggle, half-blood hater. And to think he was or is…whatever…a half-blood himself. I wonder what the rest of Voldemort's former and current supporters would think of that tid-bit."
"Lily it is not your fault that the Dark Lord went after you."
"Well then it is not your fault either."
"Lily…"
"Do you want to be responsible for what happened to me, James and Harry?"
"Of course I don't want to be responsible, but I am."
"No you are not! You are drowning in self-pity, you now that right?"
"What?"
"Well you are. If you are going to blame yourself then put part of that blame on me. If I had given you another chance, you would not have gone and got sucked into some twisted bull shit therefore you would not have ended up spying at a pub, therefore you would not have heard part of a prophecy being made, you would not have gone to the nutter and told him what you had heard…"
"Lily..."
"Severus anyone could have overheard that stupid prophecy and passed the information on. Who knows, he still could have gone after my family without any iota of a prophecy about one that could stop him. So you see you are not at fault. You are not to be blamed. Don't say anything right now, just think about what I have said. And I desperately hope that you will finally see reason and stop blaming yourself and feeling responsible for something that you had no control over."
"Lily…"
"Think about it. Oh, even though I have said it in one way or another I will say it one more time and be crystal clear with it. I, Lily Evans Potter, do not blame you or feel that you are responsible for the death of myself and my husband or the attempted murder of my son, Harry James Potter. James doesn't blame you either."
"Fine you win Lily…I will think about it."
"Promise me that you will think about. Honestly think about it. Promise me you will take everything I have said since you received this portrait of me."
"What do you want from me? I said that I would think about it."
"I want you to promise me, Severus. I know I am a portrait but do not think that I wouldn't be able to make you pay for just brushing off what I have said."
"Alright, I promise that I will I will think about everything you have said since I received your portrait. I promise that I will take everything you have said into consideration. I promise to put in the time to think about it and not brush off anything you have said. Happy?"
"For now, temporarily. What will make me happy is for you stop feeling guilty for what happened thirteen years ago…you have nothing to be guilty of. Not even calling me 'Mudblood', you apologized for doing so."
Severus was starting to get a headache so he left his bedroom closing the door behind him and walked into his little kitchen area to hopefully find something there to remedy a headache. He did not feel like asking Madam Pomfrey for one, she would ask too many questions and he was not up to answering. What would she, what would anyone think if they knew he had a headache because he was arguing with a portrait of his childhood friend, childhood love interest or at least his unattainable childhood crush.
'What the hell am I doing? Arguing with a portrait? I must be losing it. I made promises to a portrait. Just great.' Severus thought to himself as he found what he was looking for and downed it.
Severus left his kitchen and walked over to the armchair and sat down. He sat there thinking about quite a bit. Though he made promises to think about what had been said, his thoughts were on Harry. Severus was trying to figure out who could have put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire. It did not seem like someone from Hogwarts could have done it but wasn't going to insist that it wasn't anyone from Hogwarts. He wondered if Madam Maxime or Igor Karkaroff could have. None of it made any sense, no one seemed likely but several seemed as though they had something to hide. Severus leaned back and rested his head against the back of the armchair and closed his eyes. After a few minutes he fell asleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hermione stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmuald Place.
"Hello. Is anyone here? Sirius? Marie?" Hermione called out.
"Hermione? Is everything alright with Harry?" Sirius asked quickly and out of breath since he had ran to his living room when he though he had heard Hermione's voice.
"He's fine. I mean there has been no change. I had a thought and ran it by Dumbledore a while ago but he wanted to wait to see if the research I had done would do the trick. Since it didn't the thought I have…well I get to give it a try. I need to get a book from the Manor…Harry's Manor and…if it's not too much I would appreciate it if you went with me. Dumbledore agreed to let me leave the school for a few hours."
"I will on one condition."
"And the condition is?"
"Once there, while you look for this book you will explain to me what this thought of yours is."
"Fair enough. Just, for should this not work at all…"
"Hermione I give you my word as a wizard that I will not get mad or angry at you if this doesn't work."
Hermione smiled a thank you.
"So, floo there or apparate there?"
"Apparate. I mean I know that Sparky and Muri will be delighted to have someone there but I'd rather not startle them, they are not used to anyone being there or just flooing in."
Sirius gave a soft chuckle and reached out for Hermione. Hermione held on tightly to Sirius and managed to keep from being aware of the uncomfortable sensation associated with apparition. Before she knew it her feet hit the ground. When she opened her eyes they were standing on the ground in front of the stairs.
Hermione and Sirius walked up the steps and on through the front door. Sirius had just shut the door when Sparky appeared.
"Dog-boy and Miss. Hermione, why here?"
"Hello, Sparky. I need to find a book in the library and then bring it back to Hogwarts with me, if that is okay."
"Head of House…"
"Well, see I need the book to help Harry. This past Friday, Harry was injured and bad. The school nurse and Potions Master have done all that they can to help him. The nurse had to put Harry in a magical coma. Harry can't be given anything for the pain as it slows the healing potions down which are already working at a slow pace…"
"Missy needs book to help Master. Missy can take book with her."
"Thank you Sparky. I should tell you though that what I need the book for to help him…I might not be able to…I don't know if it will work."
"Sparky believes Missy can."
Hermione smiled as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. She then headed up to the library with Sirius at her heals. Hermione went straight to a section on the left side in the back.
"So, what is this thought of yours?"
"Well, I started thinking after Draco mentioned that he was surprised that Harry had not been able to heal himself with how powerful Harry is. I was going to protest but then Draco reminded me of when Harry healed that burn of his. I started thinking that with how powerful Harry is…that brought up that Harry is a descendant of both Merlin and Morgan le Fay. Well, I then realized that Dudley, his mom and me are also descendants of Morgan le Fay. Harry was in so much pain that he wouldn't have able to heal himself…too consumed with the pain. Now that he is incapacitated I thought that if there was a way to combine the magic of the four of us that we could help heal Harry. I just don't know how to combine the magic and I hope that there is something that can aid with that without risking anyone's life…"
"Hermione you are talking about rare long forgotten blood magic or as some would say family magic. I know that this type of magic was used in Merlin's time and is rumored that for several generations continued to practice it and use it. It is also rumored that it works better than anything. Hermione…"
"Sirius are you saying that this will wo…oh gods I can't even let myself think or believe or hope…I just…I'm freaking out."
"Are you sure the book you are looking for is in this section?" Sirius asked to distract Hermione with the hope that it would help calm her down.
"I'm pos…I found it."
"Now that you found the book…"
"Oh I'm going to look through it. Just a quick look."
Hermione walked over to the nearest chair, sat down and started glancing through the book. Though she was not that far into it she was becoming depressed, so far she found nothing to go with her idea. A few minutes passed and a smile formed on her face. She read a little more and the shut the book. She stood up excitedly.
"I know how to attempt my idea. Now I hope it works."
"Have a little faith Hermione."
"I just don't want to get my hopes up…yes it would be so wonderful if after I do this that Harry has made a full recovery but I am not going to bank on it. I just want to help, if this helps with the pain aspect…"
"Well, you should get back to the school. The sooner you do this the sooner we will know."
Hermione could have used the floo from Potter Manor to get back to Hogwarts but instead of going straight to Hogwarts she first flooed to Grimmuald Place and then on to Hogwarts. Being that she wanted to get started as soon as she could, as soon as she returned to Hogwarts Hermione decided what the best course of action would be.
After a quick sip of juice and some toast, Hermione grabbed a small handful of floo powder as she stepped into the fire place. Hermione tossed floo powder down as she said, "Professor Snape's quarters, Hogwarts."
Hermione's thoughts were on the task she had requested to be on and how she would go about implementing it as well as a few scenarios of how what the result or results would be. Because she was not paying attention when she reached her destination she stumbled out of the fire place nearly falling on her face. Once she recovered from her near face plant she looked around in the dim room. When she had left it had been a bit brighter. She could not help but look around the room and found her Professor asleep in the armchair. Knowing full well that with how the Professor was sleeping in the armchair, Monday morning was going to be rough for everyone that had potion's that day, with the first group getting the brunt of it and she did not want to start Monday off with that after whatever may end up being the result of that night. Quietly she walked over to her sleeping professor and very gently shook him.
"Professor. Professor Snape." Hermione said firmly but softly when she got no response from giving him a shake.
Hermione again received no response so she tried again but combing both techniques. This time it worked and thankfully Hermione paid as much attention as she had and the fact that she was quick to duck and defend.
"Miss. Granger what the hell do you think you are doing?"
"Returning from getting the book I needed. Sorry, your floo connection is the closest to the infirmary…I really should have asked you first…I would not have disturbed your sleep but…well, you didn't look comfortable sleeping in the armchair…"
"So you decided to attempt to get yourself killed?"
"No. I just…you were sleeping in the strangest position and I couldn't just leave and not wake you. Yes waking you was purely for selfish reasons Professor. See after I try to heal Harry to any degree I have potions first thing tomorrow morning and depending on what happens tonight I'd rather not have an over the top grouchy teacher. I mean no disrespect Professor but I just thought that if you had a better night of sleep that you would be in a fairly good mood in the morning. Monday's are not the day to be in a rotten mood…things go awry the most on Monday's. But of course you will do what you want. Right now for all I care you could go back to sleep in the armchair or stagger to the couch or your bedroom. Good night Professor. Again I apologize for startling you and not asking you if it would be okay to return the way I left." Hermione realized how she had said everything, her eyes opened as wide as they could, she paled dramatically and then turned and ran out of her Professor's private room.
One Hermione reached the hall outside of Professor Snape's office she paused to catch her breath and the continued on to the infirmary.
"Miss. Granger, did you find the book you wanted or needed?"
"Yes I did Madam Pomfrey. Where is Petunia and Dudley?"
"Miss. Evans will be here shortly. As far as for Mr. Dudley…well Professor Snape was supposed to figure out how to get him here."
"Oh no."
"Is something wrong Miss. Granger?"
"I have a good feeling that he became distracted by something and forgot. And after what just happened…"
"What happened dear?"
Hermione sighed and then told the school nurse what happened once she returned.
"Oh dear."
"Is there something wrong?" Dumbledore asked as he walked in.
Hermione did not respond and headed to Harry's bedside instead. She listened to the school nurse repeat everything she had explained.
"I see. Well, I could go on down and talk to Severus. If I can convince Severus to go get Dudley…"
"I see no reason why you would have to convince me to get Mr. Evans." Severus drawled.
Hermione nearly ducked under Harry's bed. She cringed and desperately wanted to hide so that her Potions Professor did not see her. Hermione just knew that she was in for it after what she had done and said to him. Why she looked over to where she had heard his voice, she did not know. Before either could say a word Professor McGonagall entered the infirmary with Petunia, to Hermione's relief.
"Now that we have Dudley and Petunia, I think the rest of us should let Hermione take it from here." Dumbledore said as his eyes had the usual twinkling that was fast becoming annoying.
"I will be in my office if Miss. Granger needs me for anything. I do believe that Miss. Granger would like some privacy."
"Yes, I agree. Severus we should be on our way then."
"Of course Albus. Good night to you all. And Miss. Granger…"
"Yes?" Hermione answered softly.
"Good luck."
"Th-thank you, sir." Hermione stuttered and then said, "Good night" to the retreating backs of Professor's Snape and Dumbledore and the school nurse.
"Hermione what…why are we here?" Petunia asked confused.
"Dumbledore didn't tell you anything?"
"No. He said that you would explain." Answered Petunia.
"Why do you need me and my mum?"
"Well, first of all…Harry is a direct descendant of Merlin and Morgan le Fey."
"What?" Dudley and Petunia asked astonished.
"Harry's dad's side is directly related to Merlin and on his mother's side…Morgan le Fey. So with Harry being related to both and the three of us are related to Morgan…I thought that if we could somehow combine our magic with Harry's that it would help heal him. I know Harry is capable of healing a severe injury, I saw it with my own eyes. A mutual acquaintance of Dudley's and mine mentioned to me that with Harry being so powerful he could not understand why Harry has not been able to heal himself. It got me thinking. Harry was in so much pain, consumed by the pain to the point that he couldn't think straight. I thought that if we could combine our magic with his…sorry I'm repeating myself. I'm just really excited and nervous."
"How would we combine our magic with his?" Petunia asked unsure.
"That is where this book has come in handy. It explains how it's done. It is really simply to be honest. I hoped that it would be this easy. The four of us are blood related, obviously, and that is the most important part of it. Though for several years the two of you and Harry had been…estranged. Not to worry though, there is a simple ritual that can be performed to make the ties between Aunt, Cousin and Nephew. And Niece. The four of us will have to do the ritual together. The ties or bond between Harry and I is as strong, we have been friends for four years, but recently finding out that I am related to the three of you…the ties or bonds between me and the two of you…well, they don't quite exist really."
"What does this ritual consist of?"
"Nothing complicated or horrible I promise. We should be surrounded around Harry. We have to do a ritual and then one with Harry. Once we have created a bond it will be as strong as honest and truthful as we can be and then strengthen the bond with Harry we can then attempt to heal him. I'll explain more as we go along."
Petunia and Dudley joined Hermione around Harry's bed. Hermione indicated where they should be and explained why.
"Pe…Aunt Petunia you need to be here, the head of Harry's bed. You are the only adult, the only blood adult relative. You are closer in blood to Harry through Lily. Even if my mum was a witch she is too distant in blood. Dudley you will be on Harry's left. Though you and Dudley have bridged the gap between the two of somewhat anyway, I am closer to Harry so I will be on his right. The strongest tie or bond with another is always on the right. Now for our ritual without Harry…um do either of you have anything against making two small cuts in your palms or having someone else do it?"
"And why do we need to do that?" Dudley who seemed to be the only one about to think and or speak coherently, asked.
"It's the only way to make a physical connection. Forgive me I am having difficulties trying to explain this to you in a way that you both will understand. It is new for the two of you being a witch and wizard. You are more accustomed to Muggle, non-magic folk, terms so I am trying to convert the magical terms into the Muggle ones. If I had more time, if I weren't anxious I would explain it all in more detail…um…have either of you seen the movie Practical Magic? It has Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in it. Ah hell, you wouldn't…"
"Actually, Dudley and I have seen the movie you are talking about. It was the one time…I…"
"You felt as though were close to your sister?"
"Yes."
"I take it that there is a scene in the movie that you are referencing to."
"Yes. The scene where Gillian is leaving their aunts house in the middle of night, with a knife she makes a small cut in the palm of her hand as well as a small cut in Sally's palm and then they clasp their hands together. Gillian says 'my blood, your blood, our blood'…"
"I remember that it happens again, the cutting of the palms…later in the movie though differently, Sally makes the cuts and repeats what her sister had said…it was in order to…"
"Yes, Aunt Petunia, the character Sally does it to save her sister's life. The combining of magical blood with physical contact with those of a stronger person, not stronger in magic, well…I think you know what I am saying."
"Yes." Petunia and Dudley said together.
"So, any objection to making a small cut in each of your palms?"
"No objections." Dudley said before Hermione got her question out all the way for the second time.
"No objections. I am not thrilled about it, but I will do anything for my nephew." Petunia said slightly choked up.
"I know we don't know each other well or really at all and if I am asking for too much I apologize, but I really need for both of you to trust me."
"Hermione…I have observed you in the short amount of time…we have had the opportunity to get to know each other…from what I have seen, heard and experienced firsthand I can honestly say that I do trust you. Granted we have known for a while, a short while but we are family after all."
"Thank you Dudley."
"I have not yet had the opportunity to try to get to know you better. I trust you, my son does and obviously so does Harry. He reminds me so much of…Lily, if he is anything like her, which I am sure that he is, he wouldn't be friends with someone that he did not trust completely. We are gathered together to help a mutual loved one so of course I trust you."
"Thank you."
"Hermione, when Harry is better and you have time off from school I would like for the four of us and your parents to start getting to each other. We are family and sadly we are not close and I want to change that…"
"I would like that as well. It is hard at times to think of Harry as a relative when we have been friends for so long. I love the fact that we are, I mean though we have been friends I have always thought of Harry as family and included him in my family and then I find out…I have seen families…huge families and it always made me a bit depressed especially during the holidays before I met Harry…it has been my mum, dad and me my whole life. I never go to know anyone else in my family and then…" Hermione trailed off and realized that she had to know all that she could about her father's side of the family. Just to know about them, to know the rest of her heritage. She already knew that they weren't the best of people so she had no intention of trying to locate any of them if they were alive.
"Well, shall we get to work on helping Harry?"
"Yes, Pe…Miss...Aunt Petunia." Hermione said stumbling over her words.
Hermione took a few deep breaths and summoned a knife.
"Okay…here we go. The reading I have done about this recommends that one witch or wizard should make all the cuts, the strongest or closest…" Hermione trailed off and knew that she just needed to start the ritual or she was going to back out due to nerves but she had to explain one last thing to them, "Oh, before I make the cuts…I am sure you both are wondering what we are supposed to say. I have that figured out already. Just repeat what I say almost word for word. I will have to say my full name and both of your names. For the two of you, say your own full name and then just mine. Obviously both of you have bonded…"
"We understand." Petunia said reassuringly.
Hermione gave Petunia a small smile and a nod before carefully reaching across the bed, with one hand she held Dudley's wrist with his palm up and with her other hand that held the knife she made a small cut in the middle of his palm. Hermione then repeated the same steps with Dudley's other hand and proceeded to do the same with Petunia before in turn making the same small cuts into her palms. Once done with that step, Hermione set aside the knife and grasped Dudley's and Petunia's hands. After gesturing to each, Dudley and Petunia grasped each other's hands.
A/N: Hmmm another chapter done and another chapter in the works.
The comments or insinuations Severus made to Hermione are innocent/platonic teasing, he knows he shouldn't but can't help it…Hermione's reactions are just too amusing for him to resist.
Ah, I know, I know to end this chapter the way I have…for shame…I just had to do it. Sooooo sorry but I just had to.
I promise to get the next chapter up as soon as I can.
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter…I had a lot of fun writing it and it was one of the hardest ones as well, trying to get the descriptions and what the characters were to say just how I wanted it to be, to go was more difficult than I had anticipated…in the end success was achieved. I'd have to say that the hardest part was trying to figure out a way to have Hermione explain to Dudley and Petunia about what she had in mind for helping Harry. I had the idea in my head as to how I wanted it to go…Hermione's idea for helping Harry, I knew how I wanted the ritual to go and Practical Magic came to mind and both scenes that I mentioned in this chapter.
Oh, last chapter I meant to explain something about a character I introduced, Ammon Velius:
Ammon Velius: 'the hidden one concealed'
Ammon: Greek form of Egyptian Yamano: 'the hidden one'.
Velius: Roman family name: 'concealed'.
I have some interesting plans for this character and so the name came into play.
Now I am curious as what you are thinking about this character. I know some of you are already forming ideas as to who he is, what he is doing at the school…all will be revealed in time…I would like to hear or read in this case your thoughts about this character.
