Chapter 94
"You really think that the school nurse is looking for any reason to have you moved back to the infirmary?"
"It's not that I think she's looking for any reason to have me moved back, Ron." An irritated Hermione said. "I know she is." Hermione added softly with a hint of resignation.
"None of you see how Madam Pomfrey looks at Hermione when checking Hermione's progress. Madam Pomfrey is not comfortable with Hermione being out of the infirmary. I don't want to push it with her either but I think that it would alright to ask if we can have a small group in our temporary room or to go to the Gryffindor common room but not today. Not the first day we are allowed to leave our room, she'd absolutely freak and surely have Hermione moved back to the infirmary and that would just result in a set back with Hermione's recovery in my opinion any way."
"Thanks Harry."
"Enough talk from us and we really need to finish our breakfast. Madam Pomfrey looks a bit murderous." Harry said softly and nervously.
"Fine, but we also don't dare leave immediately after we finish."
"It would look good if the two of you waited until several students leave first. That way she might see that you're both taking this seriously and pacing yourselves on the first day."
"You think so, Ron?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"Just wondering is all…I'm just saying that what you said makes sense."
"Another thing, Hermione, I wouldn't wait until half the student body left before heading back to your and Harry's room. Madam Pomfrey more than likely would take it to mean that you need to be back in the infirmary and that would not be good."
"No it wouldn't be. Thank you Ginny for bringing that up and it won't be obvious to anyone that we would be calculating how we can spend as much time as possible out of the infirmary and our temporary room…"
"No more talking and eat." Ginny said softly with a smile on her face.
Hermione and Harry smiled before focusing on eating and listening to the whispered chattered conversations throughout the Great Hall as well as the sounds of forks, knives and or spoons scraping on plates and the occasional sound of someone setting his or her goblet of drink down with a little more force than needed.
"Before you leave this morning to do whatever you wish I have something to tell you all and it concerns the Tournament." Dumbledore said as a few students began to leave.
Those that had started to leave stopped in his or her tracks to hear what the Headmaster had to say in regard to the Tournament. The rest of the student body in the Great Hall became silent and anxious to hear what had to be said and all eyes were on the Headmaster.
"I see that got all of your attention. I know that you are all anxious for the tournament to begin and it will just not as soon as you all would like or when we thought it would. In the next few days the champions will be informed of…well, I don't know exactly what they will be informed of in regard to the first task. Good day to you all."
The Great Hall had erupted with laughter at the Headmaster attempting to tell them something but not knowing what it was. As the laughter died down several students left to whatever endeavor they planned on. Harry and Hermione had not been paying much attention to how many students had left as they were both caught up with talking with their friends. It was apparent that the two were rather animated as they talked, listened and laughed with their friends. Madam Pomfrey did not miss this and started to think and feel that Hermione was indeed better off out of the infirmary and the strong sense of concern began to ebb away though only very slightly.
The small group of Gryffindor's remained in the Great Hall long after nearly the entire student body had left. Mercedes and Violet had joined the group and the laughter seemed to happen more often than before.
"It seems that Miss. Granger and Mr. Potter are coming along quite well." Dumbledore said once he reached the Gryffindor table resulting in the group being obviously startled.
"I feel much better, not as much as Harry but still much better."
"I apologize, I did not intend to startle any of you. I was just merely commenting and thought that I should inform you that almost everyone has left."
The group instantly looked around to find that they and the Headmaster were indeed the only ones in the Great Hall. Now that they were all aware of this fact, sad and depressed expressions could be seen and felt in the air as it meant that Harry and Hermione had to head back to their room until the following morning. Slowly the group stood and headed out of the Great Hall. They all walked to Harry and Hermione's room ever so slowly to just drag out the time and they did this in silence as talking would have made the journey go that much faster. The solitude for Hermione was clearly bothering her and anyone could see that she wanted to do more than she was allowed. Fred and George were trying to figure out how to spring the two without anyone getting caught and as much as they wanted to take their time with the rest to drag out the journey they wanted to get the journey over with so that they could confer with each other as to how they could pull off springing the two.
"Why the bloody hell does Gryffindor Tower have to be so close? It doesn't seem to matter how slow you go you still end up here in a blink of an eye." Hermione grumbled.
"I think the nurse should revise her recovery plan for you."
"I agree Fred. It is obvious that what you really need in your recovery is fresh air…"
"Moving around so that you can build up your strength and stamina…"
"I'll be surprised Granger if you can last another week of doing nothing but assignments." George said finishing up.
"Oddly enough I am sick of doing assignments. I am sick of the temporary room. I am sick of resting and relaxing. I need something more, something different or I'm going to go nuts. The worst part of it all is that I know there is no way that I would get through to Madam Pomfrey, I know that I am not a healer but still one can only handle and deal with so much of doing nothing at all. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the no magic until she says so…but I don't see where there would be harm in physical activities like walking or being mentally stimulated by spending time with friends talking about…anything really. Hell right now I wouldn't mind listening to endless chatter about Quidditch."
No one could think of anything to say. The shock of Hermione Granger sick of doing assignments and admitting to it was too great to comment on it and then of course Hermione Granger saying that she wouldn't mind listening to endless chatter about Quidditch.
"Suffice to say, she's rather bored." Harry said finally breaking the silence.
"There are times when Madam Pomfrey goes overboard with her instructions in regard to rest…" Fred began.
"But she means well, she really does care." George finished.
"I know. I can't take this much longer. It was no problem going to the Great Hall for breakfast and it was practically nothing returning here. Doing simple, little things…Muggle things will not affect the magical aspect of my being in any way possible…"
"We know Hermione. Give it a few more days and then see what happens. Regardless we should get inside as I am sure that Madam Pomfrey will be arriving any second to check on us. Then again she might already be inside…"
Hermione paled and her eyes bulged, her breathing increased and heart rate jumped. She turned around quickly muttered the password and ran inside to see if Madam Pomfrey was there. After looking all through the temporary room and not finding Madam Pomfrey or any indication that the nurse had even been in there recently, Hermione gave a sigh of relief. She placed her right hand over her heart and her shoulders slumped. She walked or more so dragged her feet as she headed for the couch. After plopping on the couch she brought her right arm up and rested her arm over her eyes. As her breathing and heart rate returned to normal she punched the couch with her left fist. A few seconds later Hermione opened her eyes and looked passed her arm to see not only Harry but the rest of their friends that had walked with them standing in the room watching her intently. A small smile formed on her face that could barely be seen by anyone that is until her eyes fell directly on Harry and remembered what he had said that has caused her to panic and rush inside the room and then she glared at him.
"What?" Harry asked innocently.
"Do not ever scare me like that again Harry James Potter!" Hermione said firmly as she sat up on the couch and her face turned a light shade red showing how furious she was.
"What the hell are you talking about?" A confused Harry demanded.
"What was the last bloody thing you said to me?" Hermione said standing her fullest with her fists balled at her sides.
Harry's face was a bit scrunched up as he thought about what he had said last to Hermione. After a few seconds Harry's lips formed and 'o' as what he had said last had come to the front of his mind.
"Sorry, Hermione." Harry said sheepishly as a deep blush washed over his face. "I didn't mean to panic you. I should have thought about it or at least stopped from saying anything…"
"You are lucky that I did not find her or any sign that she had already been here. I won't go back to the infirmary to be watched like a high profile prisoner." Hermione nearly screamed out, breathing a little heavy with her face a pale crimson and her arms stiff at her sides and fists still balled.
"Hermione, please calm down. I don't want Madam Pomfrey to see you like this. I completely understand why and you have every right to react as you are, but she won't." Harry said as soothingly as he dared with his voice soft and calm.
Hermione's eyes bulged, her breathing became even more elevated and nearly screamed at her cousin but no words came out of her mouth when she opened it. Her brain had comprehended what Harry had said about Madam Pomfrey. Hermione quickly closed her mouth, the added color slowly washed away to normal and her breathing began to slow down a bit.
"Hermione, you might want to try and relax…completely relax and you should probably sit down. I only say this because I just looked down the hall and Madam Pomfrey is heading this way. And if anyone in here knows some magic that will aid Hermione but not show up on Madam Pomfreys' radar do it now." Violet said as normally as possible.
Hermione's face completely fell, there was no fury or anger on his face, all color was gone from her face. She seemed to have relaxed instantly to the point of nearly collapsing.
Harry sucked in a breath as his heart skipped a beat and his face paled at hearing violet warning them that the school nurse was on her way there. Harry's began to beat fast and hard when his eyes fell on Hermione and her reaction to the warning and quickly reached her. Harry gently, directed Hermione to the couch and sat her down. He began talking to her calmly, encouragingly and reassuringly. With this showing some sign of working he continued talking to her in the same manor. Seconds before the school nurse entered the room Harry softly in Hermione's ear promised her that he would do whatever it took to convince the school nurse to not take her back to the infirmary. As the last word of the promise left Harry's mouth Hermione relaxed extensively but it could still be see that she was not as relaxed as she should be for the slow walk from the Great Hall.
"What is the meaning of this?" Huffed an irate nurse. "What all are of you doing here?"
"They just walked with us from the Great Hall. I said something that upset…angered Hermione that's all. I swear that's all that it is. She was completely fine until I said something stupid."
"I'll be the judge of whether or not Miss. Granger is fine." Madam Pomfrey said tartly before turning to the group, "As for all of you…" Madam Pomfrey began with her tone firm, "Get out now!" Madam Pomfrey said firmly nearly yelling.
The group quickly vanished, Harry suddenly felt really bad and scared. His heart felt as though it had fallen to the floor, he was pale and tried desperately to come up with something to keep Hermione out of the infirmary and to prevent his untimely death at her hands.
"Remain seated Miss. Granger." Madam Pomfrey said firmly with a look that felt as though death would result from it.
"I'd rather stand." Hermione said unaffected by the look from the nurse.
"Miss. Granger it would be better for you to be sitting considering your current state of being…"
"My current state of being is simply just in the process of calming down from…I was quite pissed off for a moment is all…I'm just angry right now. No magic emitted from in any way." Hermione spat out.
"We shall certainly find out Miss. Granger once I examine you and preform a new diagnostic spell. With you still quite upset from whatever pissed you off I recommend that you remain sitting."
"As I said before 'I'd rather stand'." Hermione said annoyed as she stood up.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, slightly glared at the stubborn witch. Madam Pomfrey casted the diagnostic spell and was not able to read what the spell revealed since the young witch was still reeling from whatever had happened before.
"Miss. Granger you need to relax and sit down so that I can properly find out how you are truly doing…"
"I'm as relaxed as I'm going to be at the moment." Hermione growled out.
"This will not do Miss. Granger I need to perform the diagnostic spell. You need to calm down and relax."
"Sorry to burst your bubble Madam Pomfrey but telling someone that he or she needs to calm down and relax is not going to happen instantly. It takes time and if you would give me the time to do so then maybe I just might be able to. Whatever the diagnostic spell could show you now will be the same later when I am calm and relaxed." Hermione growled.
"Miss. Granger…" Madam Pomfrey began in a calmer tone. "I would rather you be sitting down this time."
"Hermione sitting during the performing of the diagnostic spell this time might be a good idea. Only because when sitting you'd be more apt to being calmer and more likely to able to relax more than you have managed to be so far. I know how you feel and I understand as best as I can understand. Humor Madam Pomfrey and sit on the couch. From here on out I will make sure that no one causes you to be in the state that you are in. Including myself. I promise you."
"I supposed I can't argue with that logic. And I will hold you to that promise Harry."
Harry smiled sheepishly in Hermione's direction before turning to the nurse and inquiring, "Madam Pomfrey, would a calming draught help? Or would it interfere with the diagnostic spell concerning Hermione's magic?"
"A calming draught would indeed help, I do not believe that it would cause any problems with the spell. It is a potion and not a magical calming aid. I am an understanding person after all and at times I am willing to meet others halfway. I will confer with Professor Snape and return this way while I am gone Miss. Granger, you, will have some time to help you calm down some and relax a bit more. I should have though about a calming draught sooner and I apologize for that. I am just really concerned about you Miss. Granger. You were so severely magically exhausted and I had not seen someone that severely in lifetime. Though I can see that you are faring extraordinarily well compared to others that have been through magical exhaustion nowhere near your severity. I just…well, I'll be going now." Madam Pomfrey said calmer, more relaxed and more at ease than she actually felt. Her concern for the young witch went into overdrive when she had first laid on eyes on the witch, it was a shock to see the girl in that state after the observation during breakfast. Madam Pomfrey slowly turned and left the room.
"Hermione…."
"Harry, please do not tell me or suggest that I calm down and such…"
"I was going to say that you scared me there for a minute. I thought you were going to demand more freedom…"
"I almost did, but managed to prevent from shouting it out. It wouldn't have helped me at all. It's just so frustrating…"
"I can imagine how frustrating it is for you. Let's try and get through two more days and then we'll bring it up to Madam Pomfrey. To break it down more, let's get through the rest of today. As for tomorrow, we'll deal with it tomorrow not now. "
"Can I be completely honest with Harry, without you saying anything to Madam Pomfrey?"
"I promise Hermione. As long as whatever it is does not happen often or appear to cause you harm."
"Fair enough. While the nurse was here…the way I was talking to her…I was more scared than anything else. I didn't want to say anything about it due to my fear…"
"What was happening that the nurse and I were not aware of?"
"I really hope that you don't freak out when I tell you. It was similar to when I first started to show signs of magic, not that I knew it was magic. But it was also different. I felt really warm almost too warm and there was this tingling sensation everywhere. It was like I was on the verge of exploding, constantly on the verge of exploding. There was this strength…a strength that I have never felt before. I don't think that I have heard of this level or type of strength before. The strangest thing is that it didn't feel bad or good but just, just there waiting for a decision to be made."
"I have to admit that I am a little worried maybe even freaking out a little. I feel that this is something that the nurse should know but it is not for me to tell her and you going back to the infirmary will not help matters, at this point in time."
"I expected to hear that from you. But, what do you think it means?"
"It could just be your magic building up, healing from within. I would not be surprised if it was your magic reacting to how you have been feeling. You're frustrated and want to get your life back completely, use magic. So why would it be impossible for your magic wanting to be used in any way. As I think about it, the point of view…I bet you that your magic is back to where it was before you knew about magic. Your magic is young but take into account your age, your magic is strong. Maybe even stronger than before but we will not dwell on it at all and let time take its course."
"I hope you're right about my magic. It makes sense and it's logical really, still scary though. And you are right about not dwelling on it and let time take its course. The thing though is, can I do that?"
"Yes, I believe that you can. You know it's just a matter of time until Dumbledore and who knows who all else wants to look through the book you retrieved and used…"
"I'm surprised that no one has wanted to look at the book already."
"More concerned with you, a human."
"Why did you bring up the book?"
"I was just wondering where it is. The book came from Potter Manor and I just…I just want to look it through it before it ends up lost or completely gone. Not that I don't trust Dumbledore because I do trust him regardless of what I know, I just…I'm not so sure of the Ministry. I am sure that they want to know about all of this especially the book and there is no telling what the Minister will do with the book."
"I'm not sure what you are up to but the book is in my trunk, in my room, under my bed."
"Did you put any security charms on your trunk?"
"Nothing really advanced. Anyone could break the security I put on it considering the condition I was in when placed the charms on it after I give a simple explanation…excluding say Dumbledore and Snape. They would be able to get into my trunk without a blink of an eye. But I don't think that they'd do that…"
"Not without your permission. I do know some of the bylaws and since you are conscious and able to give consent they cannot get into your trunk for the book unless you give them expressed consent."
"Like that would stop some."
"True. So we do something about it."
"Like what?"
"Tomorrow at breakfast we ask Ginny to help. I know she will help. We ask that she retrieve the book from your trunk, you explain to her how to break your security charms and Ginny gets the book to us as soon as possible. When Madam Pomfrey returns I could always ask her if I could go to the Gryffindor common and talk to Ron or someone about something…"
"No, it would be better to just wait until tomorrow at breakfast. Right now would be too suspicious though it does result in a risk of someone getting to it first. I'd rather wait until tomorrow."
"It's a plan then."
Before Hermione could comment further, Madam Pomfrey strutted into the room with what looked like a calming draught.
"This is a simple calming draught that was made without any magic. It's not strong but I think it will suffice. Miss. Granger you look a lot better than when I left. I have to say that I would really prefer that you were completely calm and relaxed but since one is only able to relax so much…with how you are now and this little draught I can accept the result however it ends up being. It should take effect fairly quickly."
"Thank you. I apologize for earlier…"
"Water under the bridge Miss. Granger." Madam Pomfrey said sweetly with a smile on her face.
Hermione gave a small smile in return and accepted the draught without hesitation or complaint. The draught indeed showed the effect rather quickly though there was still something and it frustrated Madam Pomfrey that she could not put her finger on it. Though she wanted to ask, wanted to demand what was going on she did not. The school nurse knew she would get an answer and figured that if Miss. Granger was ready to confide in her what was going on or if Mr. Potter knew and felt it was serious enough she would be informed of what it was. So instead of inquiring about it the nurse pulled out her wand and performed the diagnostic spell and did a simple exam.
"So, what is the verdict?" Hermione asked nervously and managing to conceal her fear.
"About the same as last time. Although a spike can be seen with your magical core. Nothing to worry about though it just means that your magic is strengthening."
"My magical core is strengthening?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"Yes, Miss. Granger. Though your magical core is showing signs of strengthening it is not to the point where I would be alright with you starting to use magic again, not even little uncontrollable burst that is commonly seen in young children…toddlers in other words. Now I will tell you this Miss. Granger, if your magical core continues to strengthen I might give you the oaky to start preforming minor magic for short amounts of time spread out through the day."
"Seriously? There is a chance that I'll be able to start using magic again?" Hermione exclaimed excitedly in a semi-high pitched, squeaky voice, nearly yelling it. Hermione's eyes held a spark of obvious life and reflected the excitement she felt.
"Seriously, Miss. Granger there is a chance that you will be allowed to start performing minor spells and the like. But not until I say so. I will be back to check on you…on both of you sometime Wednesday after breakfast. Depending on what I see things might change for both of you. Until Wednesday take it easy and rest. I know you hate hearing that 'r' word, but still."
"Thank you Madam Pomfrey." Harry said quickly cutting across Hermione before she could say something to cause the nurse to change her mind about allowing Hermione to at some point began to use magic again.
"Until Wednesday." Madam Pomfrey said with a smile before turning to leave.
"Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione blurted out.
"Yes, Miss. Granger?"
"I…I was wondering if it would be alright if I could have company. Just two or three others to hang out for an hour…"
"I suppose that would be alright. No more than three at a time though and they will have to come here, for now that is. Also, I suppose that an hour no more than twice a day would be alright."
"Thank you!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly, grinning from ear to ear.
"You're welcome Miss. Granger." Madam Pomfrey said sweetly with uncertainty clearly present on her face.
"So, now all we have to do is decide on which three will be invited first." Harry stated after the nurse left.
Hermione remained sitting on the couch sideways, the look in her eyes gave the impression as though she was looking off into the far distance, her forehead was scrunched up in deep thought otherwise her face was void of emotion and expression. She sat there for several minutes before speaking again.
Harry watched Hermione for a while with a humorous smile for a few minutes and then got comfortable on one of the armchairs. All the while watching Hermione, Harry remained silent and just let her think about which three of their friends would be the first invited over. Harry admittedly, to himself only, really wanted Ginny to be one of the first three but refused to say anything about it. He wanted Hermione to have all say with this as it would give her something to do, something to have some control over in her life at the present time.
"Figure out which three are the first?" Harry asked Hermione once her face relaxed and she sat up.
"Ginny, Neville and Ron I think would be best. Ron and Ginny wouldn't take it too well if they weren't included in the first three. As for Neville, well I feel that it would be good for him to be part of the first three to visit with everything considered. I should have asked Madam Pomfrey if four or five could visit at once, I just didn't want to ask for too much. though she agreed to three she wasn't really sure about it, I mean did you see her face?"
"Yes I saw her face. Now are you going to send a note to Ron, Ginny and Neville or try calling them through the floo?"
"A note I think would be best."
"We can always call Dobby to deliver the note once you are finished writing it."
Hermione wasted no time and set straight to writing the notes. She decided to write one to each instead of one letter addressed to all three since it would be more personal for each to receive his or her own invite. Hermione let Harry know that she was nearly done and to call Dobby. Hermione finished up the last invite just as Dobby appeared in the room.
"Dobby, please deliver these to Neville, Ron and Ginny. Also, three extra plates for lunch to be brought here with ours would be a good idea."
"As you wish missy Granger. Dobby delivers letters rights a way." The small elf said happily before disappearing with a 'crack'.
Sure enough it was around lunch time when Ron, Ginny and Neville knocked on Harry and Hermione's door.
"How did the two of you get Madam Pomfrey to allow visitors?" Ron asked with surprise and shock clear on his face.
"I asked nicely."
"You asked nicely and she allowed…"
"Between that and how much Hermione has improved."
"My magic is getting stronger and Madam Pomfrey feels that I'll be able to start using magic again at some point in the future." Hermione said excitedly animated and seemed to be glowing.
Ron, Neville and Ginny looked at Hermione wide eyed in shock at the news. After a few minutes the shock wore off and the three smiled. Each gave Hermione a hug and congratulated her.
Once the group of Gryffindor's had sat down around the coffee table, Dobby and two other elves from the kitchens popped in with their lunch. As the Gryffindor's ate they talked, or well Hermione and Harry listened as the other three brought them up to date with what was going on in and out of classes. Hermione was the only one that was aware of the time as well as that it had been over an hour since Ron, Ginny and Neville had arrived. Hermione could not find it in herself to mention the time even though knowing she was risking the nurse changing her mind about having company over. Hermione just could not tell them to leave, it had been so long since she had contact with others and did not want to send them away and would deal with the nurse for should the nurse bring it up. Hermione still couldn't bring herself to say anything after two and half hours of having the company.
Harry noticed the time and winced as he glanced at Hermione who was trying to hide her face out of guilt. Harry started to say something but stopped when Hermione looked at him straight in the eyes with a desperate pleading for him to not say anything. Harry softly sighed, smirked and nodded in her direction as to let her know that he wouldn't say anything to their friends. Though Harry gave Hermione what she wanted he feared what the nurse would do in turn. They did not have long to wait as the nurse just then entered the room. Harry paled, his eyes bulged as he glanced towards Hermione who looked absolutely frightened, pale and considerably weak despite how she was that morning.
"Why are these three still here?" Madam Pomfrey demanded in a soft tone through clenched teeth.
"It's my fault Madam Pomfrey. Ron, Ginny and Neville showed up a few minutes before lunch was brought and well, Hermione was just so cheerful and quite relaxed enjoying the company of a few friends that I just couldn't take the company away from her. If you are going to be mad at anyone, be mad at me. I do have to admit that it was really nice to see, talk and laugh with friends and I really didn't want to tell them to leave. Just look at Hermione…er…well maybe not right this second…she just realized how much time has gone by and it's obvious that she's worried, terrified and maybe freaking out a little as to what you are going to do. Please, allow us to continue to have company while recovering here, away from everyone else. Being able to have company twice a day is something that Hermione can look forward to and the opportunity to request one of our friends to check out a library book for her to read…"
"Thank you Mr. Potter. I had actually thought about that, surprisingly. I admit that I am not pleased with the lapse of judgment of the time restriction I agreed to, but Miss. Granger seems to be more relaxed than I have seen her since before you, Mr. Potter, were brought into the infirmary. I ask that your company politely go on their way…"
"Another checkup? I just had one this morning." Hermione whined after Ron, Ginny and Neville had left the room.
"Yes, Miss. Granger another checkup. If all looks fine, then I will allow you to have company again today after dinner…"
"Okay. Shall I remain sitting or can I stand this time?"
"I suppose you may stand if you would rather."
"Thank you Madam Pomfrey."
Madam Pomfrey dismissed the thank you and pulled out her wand and cast the usual spell once again.
"Well, I can only be upset about the going over the hour limit. I will allow the two of you to have company tonight after dinner but for only an hour and I mean it. If you comply this time to the letter than maybe tomorrow I will allow your company to remain for longer than an hour to up to, maybe three hours. I'll be on my way now."
Harry and Hermione said nothing, asked no questions in part due to pure shock that they were not in serious trouble with the nurse and they did not want the nurse to change her mind. Once the nurse had left, Hermione began to squeal in delight.
"Bloody hell Hermione! I would like to not be injured before I am released from an injury and oxygen is something that I would really love to have right about now." Harry gasped nearly the instant Hermione had thrown herself at him and began hugging him in a vice a grip.
"Sorry! I just…thank you Harry. You…you took the blame…you lied to cover me…I…"
"It's okay Hermione. I can still breathe and I do not feel as though I was injured. As far as taking the blame well, I really didn't want you to lose the recently given privilege of company taken away after the first time. You're welcome, besides it was nice to have company for a change that did not have anything to with checkups or the like. So, the next group? The twins? Or Violet and Mercedes? Or Dudley and Draco?"
"The twins and Dudley. I know that Dudley and Draco have formed a friendship but I think that it would better for both of them to not always do disappearing acts at the same time. Then tomorrow afternoon sometime Violet, Mercedes and Draco. It will be simple also, I can ask Dudley to pass on a message to Draco from me…from us."
"Somehow we need to talk to Ginny about getting the book without too many overhearing and without certain individuals knowing what we are up to. I have a feeling that I won't have much time to get to look at it before everyone once to get their hands on it."
Hermione only nodded her head. She was curious as to what Harry really wanted with the book but was not going to ask him again so instead of allowing curiosity get the better of her she softly sighed and pulled out unfinished and untouched assignments to hopefully distract her from what Harry was thinking in regard to the book and thought that it would help pass the time until around dinner time. Just before tackling the assignments with renewed vigor, Hermione wrote her notes and had Dobby deliver them with stressing discretion when delivering the note to Dudley.
Harry watched Hermione for a short amount of time and smiled. He could see the beginning of the Hermione he had always known start to return. After Dobby left with the new notes, Harry followed Hermione's lead and pulled out his unfinished, untouched assignments.
Harry and Hermione had nearly completed three weeks of assignments, theory only, by this point in time. Both, though not talking about it, wondered about when they both could start on the practical aspect and the challenge that would be presented to them. Harry and Hermione knew that once they were at that point they would not only be working on the practical of what they had already learned but also learning new theory as well as working on the practical of the new theory. Harry was confident that he would be able to handle the work load but worried about Hermione becoming overwhelmed with it as well as frustrated since there was no doubt that she would be limited to how much time and energy she could put into it for a while any way.
Harry and Hermione had just set aside their completed work when they heard a knock once again on the door. Hermione jumped up and ran to the door and let the twins and Dudley in. Though Hermione could not see Dudley, she knew that he was there.
It was good for Hermione and Dudley to see how the other was doing after what they had gone through. Harry was relieved to hear that Dudley and his aunt were just fine. The twins went on about their newest invention and their extravagant plans for the joke shop they still intended to open with a lot more determination to do so. They continued on about how they carefully approached Professor Flitwick about some of the charms they had come up with and were using for various items and to their surprise Professor Flitwick was quite impressed with them and as they create new charms and perfect others or tweak other charms to get the desired result the Professor would give them extra credit marks. As the time went on and the twins continued to discuss things with Professor Flitwick and showed him new creations and previously not so desired charms that they found a way to prefect and or teak for the result they wanted they received various points for Gryffindor House. This was quite pleasing to Hermione's ears.
Harry had been keeping a close eye on the time. When they had about ten minutes left the hour Harry dug deep within and found the strength and courage to speak up. it wasn't quite as hard as he had thought it would be. Recalling what Madam Pomfrey had said earlier gave him what he needed to do.
"Sorry, but there's about four minutes left of the hour we are allotted. I know we went way over with Ron, Ginny and Neville…Madam Pomfrey was not happy. But she did tell us that if we suck to the hour time limit tonight that tomorrow we could continue to have visitors and possibly for up to three hours…"
"Say no more…" George began.
"We shall go in silence…" Fred added.
"Or well as silent as we can manage…" George continued.
"And without much complaint." Fred finished.
Harry and Hermione had been so deprived of others that the twins had made them laugh quite intensely though any other time it would have not have been all that funny.
"I'll see the two of you another time."
"Dudley, hold on a second."
"What?"
"So that suspicion is as little as possible and sending Dobby to deliver an invite to visit to Draco…"
"I'll pass it on. And there is no need to give an exact message, I am sure that I will be able to pass on an invitation to visit with you and Harry using my imagination."
"Thank you."
"Any time. I really hope that the two of you are back to normal soon. I can't imagine what it must be like for both of you, especially you Hermione."
"You have no idea." Hermione said with a heavy sigh and a slight roll of her eyes. "Merlin, less than a minute." Hermione added nervously and just beginning to shake a little.
"Good night." Dudley said with a smile and quickly left the room before the hour limit was up and passed.
Once the door was closed Hermione dropped on to the couch and blew out a breath.
"Relax would you. I'm sure that Madam Pomfrey wouldn't fault us if Dudley had left a few seconds after the hour time limit."
"I know, it's just nerve racking to be honest. And I know in a few days it will be easier and the time will fly by before I know it."
"Exactly. Now I think it would be most beneficial to us if we retired for the night early."
"I can't really disagree with that. Not that I want to go to bed so early but I think it will be most beneficial to us to do as you suggest."
With that said both headed off to their bedrooms and to their surprise within about an hour they were fast asleep. It was the best sleep they had, had in a long time and it showed the following day.
A/N: I apologize for the long wait for this chapter. It has been quite crazy. Car breaking down at almost every turn. My loving kitty that I had for 12-13 years passed the day after Christmas and it hit me pretty hard, I had her since she was born. And my great nephew was born on the 28th of December. Since the 28th I have been working on this chapter like crazy and the next chapter is in the works and with any luck it will up really soon. I really hope that I will be able to follow through with the 'really soon'. I am hoping shortly after this one is posted.
I would appreciate feedback. I apologize ahead of time this chapter is missing anything. I admit that I lost my rhythm after Christmas.
Okay, on to finish up chapter 95 and get up as soon as possible. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
