A/N: You lot have no idea how happy I am about how well last chapter was received. That is the critical chapter in this stoyry (so far) It's from where I started several years ago, a very naff pure smut plotless fictlette. I reworte it to make it more believeable, and everything from now is posing the question 'How would that affect things?'
A few mentioned 'bonded' in your reviews. While there is an element of that, there's enough fics with that theme that I'm not making a big deal about it. It will throw up some... side effects (one of which is introduced in this chapter, a remment of that early, pure smut ficlette) but it's not going to be important. And I already have plans to explain this side-effect... ;)
I do take all your constructive reviews onboard, but it might not be apparent right off. The Curse will be explained more... later. When Harry has a chance to slow down and ask himself.
Seriously, I am so pleased that I'm moving up my posting schedule! I was going to post every four weeks, but I'm going to try and maintain a tri-weekly posting. I figure you would all prefer to have a regular posting scheme than several chapters in a week or two, then nothing for several months...
Now, for the beginning of the aftermath...
The first thought that crossed Harry's mind when he awoke was how tired he still felt. The second was that he ached all over, as he'd been playing Quidditch for nearly a whole week non-stop. His crotch throbbed in a way it never had before...
That's when he realised that he was not alone. There was a body lying on top of him, while two more were at his sides, pinning his arms down under their bodies.
Their naked, very feminine bodies...
Harry's eyes snapped open. For a moment the world spun before they started to work. His glasses were still on his face, barely. Throwing his head back caused them to slide back into place. He gazed up at the ceiling high above, trying desperately not to think about the situation he was in...
Harry frowned as he realised something was missing as he looked at the shafts of sunlight that angled through the windows high above. The feelings and drive from the last few days was gone. He felt... content. Almost happy, even. That restless, coiled tension had faded.
He did have a semi-erection, though it was tempered by the soreness, but it was nothing compared to the constant rock hard one he had over the last few days. And he knew that his current condition was the result of the girl lying on him... and the ones on each side.
His eyes half closed as he thought back, trying to remember the previous night. Much of the last couple of days had been almost a haze. He barely recalled Ginny's advances, how he'd almost thrown her away, trying to escape before he lost it. After that he could only recall pacing at the top of the astronomy tower, trying to get himself under control.
The next thing he recalled clearly was waking up in here, feeling the after effects of an enverate running through him. He'd sat up, to see...
"Hermione!" Harry gasped, eyes flying wide as he glanced down. His heart nearly froze when he saw the mass of matted bushy brown hair all over his bare chest. Even without seeing her face, he knew that hair anywhere.
His face draining of colour, Harry looked to his left, then his right. Susan's long red hair was fanned out behind her as she was snuggled into his side, her face slightly upturned. He paused when he noted the small, satisfied smile on her face.
On his right side was Daphne Greengrass, her skin slightly paler against his own. Her relatively short blond hair was a tangled mess, but she too was smiling slightly.
Feeling Hermione move, he looked back towards her. Nervously he watched as she lifted herself up a fraction, her hair trailing across him as she turned her head. A shiver ran up his spine as she moved a leg, the inside of her shin sliding against his thigh. Feeling her skin rubbing against his brought back snatches of the previous night. Groaning in horror, he closed his eyes as he recalled how he'd almost brutally fucked the three of them again, and again...
Hermione used her hand to push her hair up and over her head, allowing her to look up at him. "Morning Harry..." She half purred, prompting him to look at her again. Her face was flushed, a smile on her lips and a twinkle in her eye, despite the weariness in them. Despite his best efforts Harry found his eye line dropping a few inches.
Her smile turned sultry. "I see that you're happy to see me."
Closing his eyes, Harry let out a defeated moan as he allowed his head to flop back to thud into the pillow. "Why, Hermione? Why'd you do it?"
Hearing the tones of guilt and aguish in his voice, the smile dropped from her face. "You have nothing to feel guilty about Harry." She spoke gently, soothingly. "You were under the influence of a dark curse; you couldn't be held responsible even if we had been unwilling." Although he didn't say anything, the way he looked at her again told her that she had caught his attention.
"Harry... what happened last night... all three of us knew what would happen going in. There is no cure to this curse Harry. The only way is to let it run it's course, burn itself out. I figured out that it would be quicker, and more effective, if the partners were willing." She smiled again, a warm, comforting, happy smile as she reached out with one hand to cup his cheek. "I have no regrets about last night."
Another right hand crossed his line of vision, and Harry found his head being pulled around so that he was looking at Susan again. Her pale grey eyes looked back at him almost serenely. "Neither do I." She told him simply. "Last night was... Words fail me."
"I second her." Daphne's voice came from the other side of the large bed.
"Harry..." Hermione spoke softly as she leaned forwards. Harry turned to see that her face was only a few inches from his own. Looking into her face, he was struck at how pretty her eyes were. Warm, round orbs of chocolate, with flecks of gold surrounding the pupil in the centre. "It was our choice to do this. I... we, care about you Harry, more than you can know. Don't tear yourself up, because you are blameless. Saving you is more important to me than anything..." She trailed off, a small tear running down from the corner of her eye.
Feeling that Daphne had rolled onto her side, putting her closer to him, Harry lifted his arm up and over her so that he could brush away the tear from Hermoine's cheek with his thumb.
He found however that he could not remove his hand, and so he held it there, cupping Hermione's cheek. After a moment she responded by leaning her head into his hand, he eyes drifting shut as she did.
With her eyelids closed, Harry found his own eyes dropping down to her lips, which were slightly parted. Time seemed to slow as he looked at her. His fingers of his right hand slid a little further round the back of her head, and he applied gentle pressure, pulling her towards him. Her eyes flickered open just as he lifted his head and sat up a bit.
He wasn't sure what would happen when he kissed her, but the instant Harry's lips touched Hermione's everything seemed to stop. He could feel almost nothing except the feeling of her soft, moist lips on his, and a sweeping sense of fulfilment. This felt right. Nothing, not his concerns about Voldermort, not his anger at Dumbledore, not his embarrassment at how he woke up, not even his grief over Sirius, intruded in on or diminished this.
Hermione at first was still, as if stunned. But after a second or ten – he was having trouble tracking time – something changed. Her lips seemed to be pressed a little harder against his, and he faintly felt her hand grip his shoulder more tightly. It took him a moment to realise what was happening.
She was returning the kiss.
For the first time in her life, Hermione's mind was still and quiet. Her powerful mind was wholly focused on what she was feeling, and a single thought running through her head. 'Harry's kissing me!'
She had been dreaming of this almost for the last two years, ever since mid way through the summer after Third Year. Her feelings for Harry had slowly changed over that year, and the events of Sirius's rescue had brought things into focus. But until now, he'd shown almost no hint of returned feelings. There had been moments when he might have shown something, but it had never been definite.
Now though... she didn't like to admit it, even to herself, but part of the reason her original plan to cure Harry had only included herself was because she was hopeful that such an act on her part would open his eyes. By including Daphne and Susan, two much prettier girls in her opinion, the chances of such an out come were lowered in her opinion.
Though with what was happening now, it seemed that 'that' part or her plan – the part she didn't want to admit to – had worked beyond her wildest dreams.
Harry's lips drifted downwards a little, sliding off her lips. They lingered for a moment on her jaw, before he slowly trailed them long and onto her throat. A sensual moan escaped her lips as Hermione tipped her head to the side, giving him more room to explore her neck.
Slender fingers gently rested on her free shoulder, prompting her to open her eyes. Susan's face appeared before her, her own eyes wide with longing and desire. Her other arm was round Harry's shoulders. Her eyes flickered downwards, then back up before she moved forwards.
Hermione's eyes drifted shut once more as Susan's mouth touched her own, and she couldn't help the moan of pleasure that tried to escape. Before last night, the thought of kissing another girl passionately was unsettling, though not repulsive.
Now though, with Susan, it was good. Even right. A thrill of pleasure shot right through her as the kiss between them deepened. Harry's lips were still running over her throat and neck, sending warm tingles running up and down her spine.
A tiny portion of her brain couldn't help but compare the kisses. Susan's kiss was softer, more delicate than Harry's, but he had strength and power lurking below. And there was his taste, an addictive tang that she knew she would spend the rest of her life trying to sate.
Slowly the three of them eased upright, until Harry and Susan were sat up straight and Hermione was kneeling astride Harry's legs. Throughout the motion they had kept their lips on each other, unwilling to let go. Susan had eased her way closer, and Hermione drew her in, holding her close to her along with Harry. Harry's right hand had moved from her cheek and now lay over her shoulder blade. Susan had wrapped an arm around her, reciprocating Hermione's.
Daphne had just leaned against Harry's back, her hand running up Hermione's arm, when a nervous, high pitched voice spoke from the end of the bed. "Muss Grangy?"
Dobby's voice caused the four teens to break apart, their raising passions slammed in to reverse. Hermione blanched as she looked over her shoulder, her arms crossing in front of her chest in reflex. Stood at the end of the bed was the house elf, his hands clapped over his closed eyes.
"Dobby!" Harry yelled, shocked at the elf's brashness and timing.
"Dobby is so sorry Master Harry Potter Sir, Dobby did not want to intrude! Dobby did not see anything, nor wishes to see anything! But Dobby must tell Harry Potter and his girls." All three young women blushed at the house elf's words.
"Tell us want?" Hermione managed to squeak out.
"He's co... co... coming!" Dobby stuttered. "The he-he-Headmaster!"
"What?" Susan gasped.
Harry's head hit the pillow again with a thud. "Hermione... please tell me you locked the door." He asked with deadly seriousness, his eyes closed.
The tension gripping Hermione's heart eased a little as she registered his question. "Yes. Yes I did. Bolted and padlocked." She frowned, her expression brightening. "He won't be able to see the padlock... that means he can't get in!"
Harry sighed deeply in relief. "Thank Merlin... Staying in here, out of his reach, for the next few years is very appealing right now."
Hermione looked at Harry closely, a slight frown creasing her forehead. "What do you mean Harry? I know you were annoyed with him keeping you in the dark, but..."
Harry sighed deeply. "It goes much, much further than that." He said, his eyes flickering open to reveal pain.
Concern for him shot through her, and Hermione pulled the sheet around her as she eased off him to sit besides him. Susan took the other end of the sheet to do the same just beside her, her legs stretched out behind Hermione. Daphne took half of the second sheet to cover herself, the rest she tossed to Harry. Giving her a small smile of thanks, Harry pushed himself up until his back was resting on the headboard.
Once he had draped the sheet over himself, Hermione reached out and gripped his hand in hers. "Harry... what happened? After we got back from the Ministry... you just seemed to die inside. I thought it was due to... Sirius, but what you just said..." She trailed off at the pained look on his face.
After a couple of deep breathes Harry answered her, the heartache clear. "Sirius... was part of it. But it's also about what Dumbledore told me, just after we got back..."
Hermione frowned, a dangerous glint appearing in her eye. "You mean, that same night?"
Harry nodded. "He made me a portkey to his office. He arrived a half hour later..."
And with that he told them everything the Headmaster had said that terrible night. It tore at his soul to retell all those dreadful facts, but somehow he felt capable of doing so. Maybe it was the way all three witches were clearly listening, wanting to hear. The concern in all three pairs of eyes was clear, though as he continued to haltingly speak anger slowly gathered behind the concern.
Anger wasn't even the beginning of what Hermione was feeling towards Dumbledore at that moment. She was absolutely livid! If it wasn't for Harry, she figured that she'd be storming into his office right now, wand blazing. It may not have achieved much – Dumbledore was considered one of the most powerful wizards of the age – but it would have made her feel better!
While they hadn't been involved with the other two's adventures, Both Susan and Daphne had watched from the sidelines, and they'd managed to tease some of the details out of Hermione on occasion. But much of what Harry was saying now was totally new to them. And the way in which the Headmaster had treated and used Harry, at his own admission, offended them both deeply, for different reasons. Susan's sense of loyalty was affronted at the Headmasters duplicity, while to Daphne his handling of Harry had all the hallmarks of the snake-infested politics of her own house.
Harry was about to reveal the prophecy when Dobby returned, his closed eyes still covered. "Master Harry Potter Sir, I must tell you! The Headmaster... he's outside!"
Harry slumped back, eyes shut. He was dreading meeting the Headmaster again... because it meant he would be going back to the Durlseys. And the old coot would be looking to interfere once more, cutting him off from his friends.
Hermione's eyes however had narrowed to brown slits, her lips compressing into a firm, thin line. Slipping out from under the sheet, she climbed off the bed and stepped towards a shelf, on which were several more sheets and some towels. Quickly wrapping a second sheet around her body, she stalked towards the outer chamber, scooping up her wand on the way.
The bolt rattled as she approached it, clearly being affected by an unlocking spell, but the simple padlock prevented the bolt from moving. Retrieving the key from its hiding place, she swiftly unlocked the padlock before pulling the bolt free. Then, after taking a deep breath, she eased the door open a bit.
Looking out through the small gap, she saw everyone she expected. Dumbledore was stood just in front of the door, wand lowered. McGonagall was stood over his shoulder, her face exposing her relief when she saw Hermione looking out. Madam Pomfrey was besides her, also looking relieved. Professor Sprout was off to one side, wringed her hands...
And just beyond her was Snape, his habitual sneer on his face even darker.
"Was there something you wanted Headmaster?" She asked coldly after a moment, as no-one outside spoke.
For a long moment, none of the adults could answer. The image before them was so startling. Hermione Granger was stood half behind the door, dressed in only a sheet that she was holding up to herself. Her hair was a frightful mess, dark circles under each eye and her lips swollen and red. Red marks marred her pale skin over her shoulder, and the top end of the scar across her body was raw and bleeding. She also stank of sweat and sex.
None of them knew how to respond to such an image. It was so outside the 'normal' image of Miss Granger that it completely threw them. The only one who had even expected something like this had been McGonagall, and that was only because she had been warned by Hermione about her plan.
Dumbledore was the first to regain use of his tongue. "Miss Granger... Where is Harry?"
"Inside, resting. You don't need to worry about him any more. We broke the curse."
"We?" He asked, one eye brow raising.
Hermione sighed. "I think you already know, Professor."
"So... Potter's started his own little harem." Snape drawled, venom dripping from every word.
Hermione's eyes narrowed as she looked at the despised Potions Master. "Professor... This was not by Harry's choosing. WE did what had to be done." Her tone was firm, the contempt dripping from every syllable.
"Quite so." Dumbledore cut in, not liking the way the conversation was going. "Now, what needs to happen is that yourself, Miss Bones and Miss Greengrass should head down to the Infirmary, while I check on Mister Potter..."
"No."
Dumbledore froze, one hand still reaching out to push the door further open. "What did you say, Miss Granger?"
"I said 'No.' Professor." Hermione answered firmly in an icy tone, her eyes narrowed to brown slits. "We're all perfectly fine here, thank you."
Dumbledore straightened up, his own eyes narrowing. "Miss Granger, I will ask once more…"
"And my answer is the same Headmaster." Hermione shot back with open anger blazing in her eyes, prompting the other professors to take a small involuntary step back. "Don't push me right now Professor. Harry told me about his last conversation with you." A thrill of satisfaction shot through her at seeing the blood drain from his face. "Right now, you are the second least welcome person here."
Dumbledore sighed in resignation. "No matter your personal feelings regarding me, I have to insist..." He froze, as did every other professor in the corridor; Hermione's wand was in her hand and pointed straight at him. Looking into her eyes, Dumbledore realised he was a hairsbreadth away from being hexed… and he wasn't sure just what kind of hex she'd use. He thought about trying Legilimency or her, both to learn which curse she would use and to try and regain control over her, but then he recalled the last time he tried to probe her mind. Hermione didn't know it, but her logical, ordered mind had reasonably decent natural Occlumency defences… enough that she'd know if he tried to probe. He'd gotten away with it in their Third Year since neither magical skill had been mentioned around her. But now, she would have scoured the library looking for books to help Harry learn Occlumency. Just knowing about the twined disciplines would be enough for her to cotton on.
"Back off, Professor. Your day's of controlling Harry like a puppet are over." Her eyes flickered to McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey, and softened slightly. "Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall can enter, to clear your responsibility to the student population." Hermione's eyes were hard once again as she looked at Dumbledore, as if she were daring him to try and read her mind.
The two elder witches looked at each other before stepping forwards a little nervously. McGonagall laid a hand on Dumbledore's arm, a gentle plea for him to step aside. Reluctantly he did, and Hermione also stepped back, allowing the door to open enough that both older witches could step through. Once they were through she closed the door quickly, double locking it as she did.
Inside, both older women stopped in shock at the sight before them. The huge bed was a mess, clothes were scattered all over the place. Harry had slumped back under the sheets, eyes closed. Susan Bones was sat crossed legged besides him, wearing just her shirt. Daphne Greengrass was the other side of him, a sheet draped over her thin frame.
As they stood there Hermione walked past them to sit on the edge of the bed by Harry. He reached out with one hand and she clasped it, smiling wearily at him as she did. Susan also reached out, her hand coming to rest on top of their clasped ones.
McGonagall continued to stand there as Pomfrey stepped forwards, drawing her wand from the bag she carried. What had happened in here overnight? It was obvious to a degree, but the way they were looking at each other, interacting... Something else had happened, something profound.
Deciding it could wait, she waited by the inner door as Pomfrey began her examinations. She started with Hermione, since she'd seen the gash bleeding on her chest.
"Oh my! You should be in the Hospital Wing at once Miss Granger! You've almost completely torn yourself in two! You're very lucky your wound held together!" Pomfrey's wand was waving furiously across Hermione's torso... her bare torso. Hermione had let the sheet drop to pool around her waist as Pomfrey worked. The extent of the livid scar was clear now, as well as how damaged her skin was. But slowly the damage was healing under Pomfrey's spell work.
Pomfrey's wand slowed down, before tracking lower… towards Hermione's belly, where there was a slight but noticeable bulge. After using a charm she luckily rarely used, madam Pomfrey looked at Harry with shook. "Just how much... how many times did he... ejaculate in you?" Her voice was a worried screech.
Hermione frowned, thinking back. "Daphne got him off eleven times, Susan I think thirteen..." She looked across at her friend who had a dreamy smile on her face. Hermione smiled too before returning her attention to Pomfrey. "Eighteen for me then."
Harry's jaw dropped after a moment. "You mean I came FORTY-TWO BLOODY TIMES!" His eyes were so wide it looked like they might fall out off his head.
Hermione couldn't help it; she giggled. So wrapped up in remembering the previous night, she hadn't actually bothered counting. But now he'd said it... "Sorry, it's... he he... that number... it's the answer."
McGonagall frowned. "The answer to what?"
Hermione smiled wide. "That's the question, now isn't it?" At the blank look she got from the others, she shrugged. "Oh, never mind."
Pomfrey resumed glaring at her. "Well, whatever that is, you are confined to bed rest this instant." She reached into her bag and drew out a potion vial. "Now drink this!" She ordered, her tone broking no argument.
Hermione grimaced as she took the vial, but she downed the potion within none the less. She managed to repress the shudder of revulsion she felt, barely.
Harry however, also grimaced, feeling a terrible taste in his mouth.
Pomfrey continued to examine all three girls, muttering and swearing under her breath. At last she finished, and she frowned down at them. "You three are extremely lucky. The amount of potion you must have drunk last night..." she trailed off, allowing them to fill in the blanks. All three of them flushed red and bowed their heads, hearing the reprimand for what it was.
As she turned to examine Harry, who was still laid out on the bed with no indication of when he would stand up again, McGonagall looked over all three girls. Over the course of the examinations they had all recovered and put their shirts on. However, they were worn very casually, not fully done up, and they had not bothered with their other clothing which was scattered about the chamber. There had been almost no modesty between them, understandable given what they had just been through. Still, McGonagall had rules to enforce.
"I'd like to speak with you three for a moment." She indicated the three girls. "But first, get dressed. Properly." A flick of her wand and a softly spoken spell caused a large folding screen to appear and portion off a third of the chamber. All three young women seemed to remember their partially clothed state, blushed, and hurriedly gathered their scattered clothes – mainly with the use of Accio – and stepped behind the screen to get properly dressed.
Turning back to the bed, she could see that Harry was out like a light, while Pomfrey continued to examine him. "Best for him, the poor lad." Pomfrey commented when she saw McGonagall's concerned look. "That curse took a vast toll on his body. He's going to be weak and constantly tired for days. Aside from many decent meals, the best thing he can do is sleep. I've given him some Dreamless Sleep potion to help him rest."
"So they did it? The curse is gone?"
Pomfrey nodded, not quite hiding her own happiness. "Totally gone. In fact... magically, he's healthier then he's been since he arrived. Although..." Pomfrey trailed off.
"What?"
Pomfrey was silent for a few moments. "Something's happened to his scar." With that she lifted up a lock of black hair to reveal his famous scar. It was scabbed over, like it was a normal cut in his skin. Pomfrey muttered a healing spell, and as they watched the scab faded and fresh, unblemished skin took its place. There was still a thin, pale line marking where it had been, but the mark was almost totally gone.
"And there's something else." Pomfrey spoke almost in a whisper. "I can't be sure, but it looks like he's very recently formed a Bond of some sort, maybe more than one…"
McGonagall couldn't help but gasp in shock. "So young? Who, when?"
Pomfrey looked at her, then at the divider that McGonagall had conjured only minutes ago. "I'm only guessing but for when, I think last night. As for why him..." She shook her head. "Mister Potter is always beyond what we expect. As for who..." She looked at McGonagall directly. "You know who."
McGonagall sighed. "Yes."
At that moment, the young witch in question was struggling to get into her bra. Despite straining herself as much as she could, she could not get the fasteners to meet up. "What's going on here?" She moaned in frustration.
Susan, hearing her, stopped doing up her shirt and moved over to her friend. She looked at the back for a moment, then moved to the side to look at how the bra was sitting.
After a couple more moments she looked up at Hermione, a rueful smile on her face. "It's simple Hermione. You've out grown it."
"What? I've had this set almost a year now! It fitted perfectly last night..." Hermione trailed off, a sudden thought occurring to her.
"Looks like we'll both need to do some bra shopping again." Daphne said in resignation, prompting both girls to look at her. Her own bra was latched around her back, but her breasts were clearly too large to fit within the cups, even with the straps just off her shoulders.
Hermione looked across at their red-haired friend. "What about you Susan?" She asked with concern.
Susan fidgeted. "I'm okay for the moment. I think I've gained a half inch or so, nothing I can't handle. Both of you appear to have gone up a cup size, at least." A flush coloured both girls' cheeks, as they recalled thoughts over the last couple of years where they had wished for larger breasts.
A couple of minutes later the three of them were almost fully dressed as McGonagall stepped around the divider. A quick look over each of them assured her that they were now decently dressed. Waving them into three chairs, she stood for a moment before them, her face grave.
"I hope you three all understand that last night you all broke over a dozen school rules. In any other situation I would be shocked and appalled at the way you three have acted."
The three girls bowed their heads, but not before McGonagall had seen the shame and guilt that flashed over their faces. Having seen such expressions before, she knew that these were genuine feelings, and thus moderated her tone as she continued. "I trust there will be no repercussions from this event?"
Hermione's answer was a fraction slow. "No Professor. We... took precautions." Her face flushed from embarrassment now. McGonagall just nodded slowly, accepting the answer for what it was.
"Now, you'll all serve a detention in the Hospital Wing this evening. Afterwards, return to your dormitories."
Daphne's face paled so rapidly McGonagall wondered for a moment if someone had banished her blood from her veins. More telling was the very real fear and terror in her eyes. Both the others also looked at her in fear. Fear of what she was so scared of, McGonagall realised. "What is the matter Miss Greengrass?"
Daphne looked up, and in her wide blue eyes McGonagall could see that she was terrified by the idea of return to the Slytherin Common Room. But after a moment a shutter of determination came down and she visibly braced herself. "Professor, I... I can't go back down there."
"What do you mean?" McGonagall asked, slightly fearful.
At first Daphne didn't say a thing. But then Hermione reached out and laid her hand over her friends. Slowly, haltingly, as if fighting a spell, Daphne began to speak.
The more she spoke the easier she did, but also the more anger McGonagall felt towards Snape. How dare he encourage this kind of behaviour! She'd heard about the incident yesterday regarding Draco and his groups attempted rape of the young woman sitting before her, which added credibility to her story of systematic rape within the Common Room itself by the spawn of those 'innocent' Death Eaters. It turned her stomach to even think that such actions could happen in the School that she had spent most of her adult life in. To find out that it was accepted in one house… Damn Dumbledore and his hands-off, 'Internal House Matters' policy! The policy was that any matter concerning a House would be dealt with by the Head of House. Only the Headmaster could overrule them, which was how he'd overruled her selection of Harry for the Prefectship this year. He was not going to get his way for next year! She swore on that!
More shocking however where the revelations regarding Dumbledore's interference with Harry's life, which Hermione relayed to her. McGonagall found it almost impossible to believe that the man she had looked up to for the last fifty years could be so devious and cruel. She remembered plain as day the night when Harry had been left on the Dursley's doorstep, at Dumbledore's insistence. She had second guessed that decision ever since... Just what was he playing at?
"Harry can not go back there Professor." Hermione spoke passionately, her tone full of fire. "I won't let him be subjected to their torture anymore!" The determined set of her mouth and the hard glint in her eyes prompted a smile to form on McGonagall's lips. Miss Granger was a true example of what it met to be a Gryffindor.
"I agree with you Miss Granger. The trouble is how to arrange it, and where would he go? There are certain advantages to Privet Drive."
"Such as?" Susan jumped in, her tone curious.
"Professor Dumbledore assured me..." McGonagall trailed off, a sudden thought occurring to her. Her expression displayed her thinking.
"The where is easy: my home." Hermione stated firmly.
"But very obvious." Susan cautioned.
"Maybe..." Daphne stepped in. "...But maybe that's what everyone else would think?"
Hermione looked at the blonde with respect. "You have a point there Daphne."
Susan however looked a little down. "But, how can we help? I know I'll be worrying about him all summer..." A blush coloured her cheeks.
Hermione tipped her head to one side, thinking. "What if you both came round to stay at my place over the summer?" She started, drawing confused looked from the other two. "With you both there, people will think there couldn't be enough space for Harry to stay..."
"Hide him in numbers." Daphne smiled, catching on.
"We still need to distract Dumbledore..." Susan put in.
"Leave that to me." McGonagall stated firmly. The three girls looked at her in surprise, shocked that the strict professor would side with them against the headmaster so quickly. "Now, you three need to clean up and get something to eat. And arrange for your new summer plans." Rumbling stomachs punctuated her words, drawing blushes from the three young women.
McGonagall's expression softened. "I am proud of your resolve to help Harry. You three sacrificed much to save him, and risked even more. That kind of loyalty and courage is one of the ideals that this school was built on." McGonagall paused for a moment as a thought came to her. Deciding not to mention it right now, she stood up and motioned the girls to do the same. "Now, go and eat something, then report to the hospital wing."
When they stepped out from behind the screen they found Pomfrey standing by the door, Harry still asleep and levitated besides her. A flash of fear swept across Hermione's face for an instant before she schooled her features. However, both adults noted it and shared a knowing look.
McGonagall was the first to step out into the corridor, placing herself between the students and the other professors. Dumbledore started forwards, expecting her to step aside, but had to halt sharply when he realised she wasn't moving.
"Professor McGonagall?" He asked his voice calm and serene to those who didn't know him well enough. However, McGonagall could hear the tension hidden underneath.
She turned and fixed him with one of her piercing glares. "I'm handling this situation Headmaster. Two of the students involved are from my house, after all." Her look however sent only two words. Back off.
Snape stepped forwards, dark brows lowered ominously. "While that is a most generous offer Professor, I will handle Miss Greengrass myself." There was an edge to his voice had sent a shiver running up her spine, and she could see Pomma Sprout looking at him with a hint of fear.
"Professor Snape, I believe in this case I have to insist that I handle things. After the attack on Miss Greengrass by her own housemates yesterday, I do not believe she would be safe within her House." Pure venom was in her eyes as she glared at the Potions master. She'd always resented that Severus had been accepted as the Potions Master and Head of Slytherin in one go… something that rankled her deeply, as she had been teaching for ten years before being made Head of Gryffindor. And Snape was barely out of his teens when he was given such positions of power. She wouldn't have been surprised if he'd also been made Deputy Headmaster if she hadn't already had the post!
Snape's eyes widened, clearly having got the implication that McGonagall had suggested. Then he scowled fiercely, eyes flashing with anger. There was also a mocking element to the flickers too, as if he was thinking 'I know you know, and I know you know that there's nothing you can do about it.'
"Besides, I expect that all four of them are going to be staying in the Hospital Wing for a day or so while they recover from... last night." McGonagall continued, trying to make light of what she knew the four teens in question had been doing. She would not tell Dumbledore, not now.
The Headmaster looked at her over his glasses, a gesture he used as a form of intimidation. McGonagall held her ground and her gaze, not backing down an inch. She knew that he would not dare try to read her mind... not after the last time. Which had also been the first time.
However, she did feel a strong tug of loyalty to him, one that prompted her to tell him everything. Offsetting that though was what she had recently heard about how he had been handling things. She knew that she was going to have to take a close look at many things, soon. And maybe get her own head examined for charms too.
"Is there anything else, my dear?" That was so typical Dumbledore, McGonagall thought. A politely phrased question that was really a probe for information.
She hesitated before she replied. "Actually, there may be something..." She began, testing the headmaster.
"Yes? What, troubles you Professor, about what has happened?" The eager gleam in his eyes was there for only a fraction of a second, but she saw it. 'So... they were right.'
"I was thinking... we may have to have one of the married quarters prepared for next year." McGonagall answered.
The surprise that rippled across Dumbledore's face was well hidden, but was so much greater than the displays on the other professor's faces. "Why so?" Dumbledore asked. 'Was that a hint or worry in your tone, Albus?'
"Professor, the... experience those students have just gone through is going to affect them deeply." A mote of alarm entered Dumbledore's eyes as she continued. "I think it highly likely that they'll wish to remain close together in the near future. Separating them may prove disastrous."
"What are you saying?" Dumbledore was clearly on the back foot now.
"I expect that when they return next year, Harry is going to be engaged to, at least, one of them." McGonagall corrected herself softly, thinking back to some of the talks she had had with Sirius. "There might even be a Marriage Contract or two involved."
Snape snorted before Dumbledore could respond. "Typical Potter! The attention seeking brat!"
"For Merlin's sake Snape, give it a rest!" McGonagall snapped, her ire and outrage at the younger man boiling over. "Ever since he came to Hogwarts, I've heard nothing but insults, put downs and out-right slander regarding Harry coming from you! I know you and his father did not get along…" 'Understatement of EPIC proportions that, Minnie.' "…But surely even you can see that he's NOT James! Harry is the most upright, honest and noble young man I know!" Her eyes were narrowed into fine slits of pure fury. If looks could kill, Snape would have been incinerated on the spot in a heartbeat. "Unlike you, I strive to act in a professional manner at all times. Especially where my own House is concerned."
Snape scowled, his eyes blazing with pure hatred. Dark, murderous hatred.
Dumbledore's face however was pale. "They have bonded?" The fear in Dumbledore's voice was clear to McGonagall.
"Pomfrey is unsure." McGonagall levelled her stare at the Headmaster. "But even if there were no bonds formed, it would be kinder to those two young women if we gave them the option to transfer if they wish. You understand what some children at like…" Here her glare shifted to Snape again, who glared right back.
"I resent…" He began with a voice shaking with fury.
"Professor McGonagall is right, however." Dumbledore cut Snape off softly. He looked at McGonagall worriedly, but under her withering stare, he had to relent. "If they have an emotional bond between them, even if only a temporary one, having them separated for long periods could cause unforeseen problems." He seemed to sag within his robes. "Professor, I'll see to the paperwork. As of now, they are your responsibility." With that he turned and walked slowly away. Snape scowled once more, but turned and stalked off without a word, his robe billowing ominously behind him.
On his way down to the dungeons, the few students about all plastered themselves against the walls, the expression on his face terrifying them. Within his mind he seethed, even as he ignored the lingering ache in his forearm. Late last night the Dark Mark of his true Master burned, worse than it had when The Dark Lord applied it. It hadn't been a summons or a punishment though. Snape was at a loss to explain it, but he just knew Potter was responsible.
Releasing her breath, McGonagall turned to face Sprout. "Sorry to pinch one of your best…" She began.
Sprout waved her off, a small smile on her face. "Don't worry about it Minerva. I know you'll look after her, and you've got their best interests at heart." The smile faded a few seconds later however. "Serverus, however…"
McGonagall nodded, agreeing with her friend's fears. "You don't know the half of it, if what I've been told is true…"