A/N: I'm so pleased that the whole Bella plot angle has been accepted so readily... so my word useage in my end A/N could have been better...
Fair warning: Draco tries something again now. But he does suffer. I'm a bit concerned I took the retrebuition a bit far... want a minute, this is Draco, ANY level is fine! (I hope...)
And this is another one of those 'anti-Ron-&-Ginny' chapters. But I do plan to redeem them, at least to some degree...
Just a quick point: Many of you have asked how Dumbledore, Snape et all can get away with what they've done. Here's something to consider: The Magical World's social-political climate is closer to 1600 than 2000. There weren't the same checks, proceedures, and expectations of teachers back then. Corruption was rife (okay, it still is, but they have to be more discreet nowadays) Throw in the whole 'Shadow of the Dark Lord' in, and the Sheep-like nature of the magical population...
Also... Those three (Dumbles, Snape and Draco) have what I term a 'plot aegis' right now. I need them to remain where they are, as much as I don't like it. But those aegis's are fading fast... Draco will be the first... D
Hermione heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Daphne stand up from the Slytherin table and walk out of the hall. The thought of them going down to the main hall that morning to eat had been nerve-racking for the three of them, since they had to separate, with Daphne alone at the Slytherin table. Both Hermione and Susan had agreed to keep an eye on her while she was there... and to watch for anyone following her when she left. She'd managed to sit far away from the others who would harm her, though it was a little incongruous to see a Fifth Year sat within a group of Third Years. The size difference alone was jarring. Now that dinner was over she should be safe, as Dobby had almost begged to collect her belongs from her dorm in the dungeons…
A burst of laughter made her look further up the Gryffindor table, to where Ginny was once more holding court. It appeared that she had changed boyfriends yet again. That was, what, the fifth this year? And all a year older...
"How's Harry?" Neville's quiet question snapped Hermione out of her train of thought and she turned back to look at him. He was, so far, the only one who was publicly still behind her and Harry.
"He's doing a bit better. Still sleeping most of the time, and terribly weak. I just hope..." Hermione was cut off however when an owl cry came from above. Looking up, she felt her heart speed up as she saw it was Hedwig spiralling down towards her. When she landed she held out her right leg, on which was a crisply rolled sheet of note paper. Her fingers trembling slightly, Hermione gently undid the knot that held the note to Hedwig. After ensuring that Hedwig had ample bacon and water around her – she had flown all the way down the country yesterday, and all the way back overnight and today – Hermione tool a deep breath. Unrolling it, she read through the short letter.
'Dear Hermione,
Your friends will be very welcome here, provided you come clean about what happened to prompt the letter from your headmaster that arrived just before yours.
Love,
Mum & Dad.'
Feeling a surge of relief roll through her, Hermione stood up to go talk to Susan...
"Before you go Miss Granger, I need a word with you."
McGonagall's voice stopped her cold. Hermione turned around slowly, slightly fearful. Her anxiety must have bled through her expression, since McGonagall's softened slightly.
"I just need yourself and your friends to attend to my office in an hour's time." She said gently.
Hermione nodded. "Yes Professor."
McGonagall looked at the muggle note she still held in her hand. "Your parents reply?"
Hermione couldn't stop the smile appearing. "Yes, and yes."
McGonagall nodded slowly, a smile trying to form on her features. "Well, I won't keep you..."
Smiling in gratitude, Hermione swiftly turned and strode out of the hall. She didn't know it, but Ron's eyes followed her the whole way, an odd gleam in them.
Susan was waiting for her, and together they started walking towards the Hospital Wing, all without saying a word. As they walked they subconsciously stayed close to each other, their hands almost touching. Neither young woman was aware of their proximity.
They entered the Hospital Wing side by side. As they had known, Daphne was already there, sat on the edge of a bed, facing Harry's still sleeping form. 'At least he's getting some decent sleep now.' Hermione thought ruefully. Quietly the two of them sat down alongside her, Susan in the middle. After a few minutes of silently watching Harry Hermione sighed.
"McGonagall wants to see us in her office in..." She raised her right arm, her eyes jumping to her watch for a moment. "...Three quarters of an hour."
"What about?" Daphne asked quietly.
Hermione shrugged. "Not sure. I guess whatever she figured would protect you from your housemates." Daphne shivered slightly but didn't respond. Her mind was thinking about her little Sister Astoria, just finishing her Third Year. Draco had already boosted that he'd make certain to get her at the start of next term…
After a couple more minutes, Susan spoke up. "Was that Hedwig that I saw land by you just before we left the hall Hermione?"
Hermione nodded, although all their eyes were still on Harry. "Yes, it was. My parents agreed to my idea."
Although none of them made a sound, there was a palpable sense of relief shared between the three young women. Each had worried about what the summer holiday would bring. Hermione had dreaded the idea of Harry returning to his abusive and horrible relatives in his still fragile state. Susan's mind was still turning over what her aunt had told her. Daphne was trying to think of a way to safeguard her sister next year. All three had found themselves dreading the idea of being separated from each other and Harry, though they could not pin down why they felt that way.
But now things were looking up. The critical adult response, Hermione's parents, had been favourable. Susan knew she already had permission, and Daphne knew that her father, while she knew he loved her dearly, would be so absorbed in his work that he likely wouldn't notice. Her mother would agree, as she was the one in the family that was the most open towards other cultures and muggles.
Now all they needed was a way for Harry to join them.
Hermione looked at her watch again, and was startled to see that time had raced by while they had been sat there. "Come on, we need to go." She said standing up.
Together the three girls walked down the halls towards the Transfiguration classroom. Hermione was about to knock on the door to McGonagall's office when an unpleasant and highly unwelcome voice resounded down the corridor.
"Well, if it isn't Scarheads three whores."
Her hand curling into fists, Hermione turned to face the approaching Draco Malfoy. Flanked as ever by Crabbe and Goyle he strode down the corridor like he owned it. Behind his thugs, Hermione saw Pansy and Millicent. She was aware of Daphne shrinking back behind herself and Susan as her housemates approached.
Malfoy stopped a few feet away from her, a sneer on his face as he looked over them. "Time's up bitches. We've got a score to settle with you three… especially you, Granger."
"In your dreams Malfoy." Hermione snarled back, her hand dropping towards her wand. Her motion was stopped however when she saw the four wands that were now pointed towards her and her friends. A muttered curse from her left shoulder confirmed that Susan had also noticed. Even these particular students couldn't miss at a range of three feet.
"Not so fast mudblood." Malfoy cackled, but then his expression turned harsh. "Drop your wands and kick them over to me." When none of them moved to comply his face darkened. "Do it, or we'll stun you where you stand, then take them off you... along with your clothes." Crabbe and Goyle chuckled and grinned evilly, if stupidly.
Hermione's heart and mind raced, looking for an out. But there was none, and while the idea of giving up her wand to these... monsters turned her stomach, having them stun her and strip her while she was unconscious was even more terrifying.
Slowly, reluctantly, she drew her wand by two fingers before stooping down and setting down on the floor, her eyes never leaving Draco as she did. 'If only you were here Harry...' She thought as the other two girls set their wands down as well.
Across the school a raven-haired teen sat up in bed abruptly, his green eyes darting about frantically. Spotting his wand lying on top of some parchment, he grabbed it before racing out of the Hospital Wing.
"Better." Draco said as the three wands rolled to stop by his feet. Reaching down he plucked them off the floor, holding them in one hand as with his other he drew a wand from within his robes.
"I thought your wands had been confiscated." Susan asked bewildered.
"I took them back off McGonagall's desk." Malfoy seemed inordinately proud of that fact. The smirk dropped from his face. "Now move." He flicked his wand, indicating the way he wanted them to go. Faced with no choice, the three girls began to walk.
Conscious of the fear that was almost paralysing her, Hermione and Susan walked each side of Daphne, almost holding her up. Hermione could feel her trembling. "It's going to be alright Daph'." She whispered. "We'll be okay."
"No, it won't." Draco cut in smugly. "In here." He gestured to a classroom they were about to pass. Inside, Hermione was unable to prevent a small gasp escaping her lips. Ron, Ginny and another two Slytherin girls were tied up at far end of the room. Ron seemed to be trying to get as far away from the dark-haired girl as she could. Nott was stood before them, leering at the older Slytherin girl. She simply glared darkly right back. To her side was a smaller, younger blond whose head was bowed. The faint sound of weeping could be heard.
"Tracy?" Daphne spoke, clearly confused. The witch looked away from Nott, her eyes meeting Daphne's startled blue ones. Her own widened slightly in surprise as the younger girls head shot up. Hermione's eyes widened when she saw her face; the resemblance to Daphne was clear. "Story?" Daphne gasped in horror.
"Like you Greengrass, these two hasn't put out like they should." Draco stated from behind them as he closed the door. He waved his wand, prompting a squelching sound to come from the door. "There. Now we won't be disturbed." He grinned evilly.
"Oh, learned your lesson?" Hermione asked with heavy sarcasm. She tried to ignore the looks she was getting from Ron, a sickening mixture of lust and outrage.
Draco snarled, before stepping swiftly up and backhanding Hermione across the face. Ron tried to jump up, but his bindings made him fall flat on his face. Daphne paled, while Susan lunged at Draco only to be held back by Crabbe.
Hermione winced as her cheek stung, but faced the little ferret once again. "That the best you can do Draco? I can hit harder than that!"
Draco scowled as his face turned a nasty shade of puce. "You'll be first, mudblood!" He looked toward Parkinson and Bulstrode. "Hold her."
The two lumbering Slytherin girls latched onto Hermione's arms, pulling her shoulders taunt. A scuffle to her left told Hermione that Goyle must had grabbed Daphne, but her attention was fixed on Malfoy as he stepped towards her. "Crabbe, Goyle, soften those two up a little." The sound of tearing fabric each side of her chilled Hermione's blood as Draco stepped into her personal space.
"Now then, let's see what you've been hiding…" He half whispered as he grabbed her shirt collar.
Suddenly he yanked hard on her clothing, and Hermione was unable to stifle a gasp of pain as her shirt pressed on her injury before it started to tear. Malfoy learned forwards a bit, his eyes gazing down the front of her torn shirt. They widened as he looked.
"My my… that is nice…" Hermione almost choked on his breath, but she managed to keep her head clear enough to realise he was about tear her shirt open completely. Acting on instinct her knee shot up between his legs, slamming into his crotch with a sicken crunch.
"Grk!" Malfoy exclaimed in a high pitched, pain filled voice as he staggered backwards bent almost double. His face was even whiter than normal, while his hands were down clutching at his crotch. Unaware of the pained winces that the other males in the room were sporting, Hermione took a deep breathe.
"Honestly Malfoy, have you heard of mouthwash? Your breath stinks!"
Slowly he lifted his head, his face a contorted mixture of pain and rage. "That… was your last mistake… mudblood!" He snarled out between gasps. He thrust his chin towards a table.
Hermione found herself being dragged backwards and forced to lie flat on a table, her legs hanging over the edge. Parkinson and Bolstrode each grabbed one and dragged them apart, pulling her feet painfully behind a table leg, using their own considerable bodies to prevent her freeing them.
To each side Susan and Daphne could only watch in horror and fear as Malfoy straightened slowly before stepping between their friends spread legs, his hands started to tear her skirt…
Then the door exploded.
Wood splinters whistled through the room, clattering off the floor. A couple lodged themselves in Malfoy's back, causing him to arch in pain. Everyone's gaze snapped to the now blown open doorway.
To see a very, very pissed off Harry Potter.
"Oh crap." Ron muttered. He'd never since Harry THIS mad before. He'd seen him angry, but this was a whole new level.
Hermione however felt relief course through her at the sight of him. Although he was just stood there, Harry was radiating power and charisma. He just looked so damned sexy! A small gasp escaped her lips.
Draco however had other things on his mind. Like the look in Harry's eyes as he stared at him. It was a look of a predator about to strike on its prey. His green eyes seemed to be almost aflame. "Potter!"
"Leave them alone Malfoy." Harry snarled.
Draco spun round, his hand going for his wand. "Get him!" He cried. Around him Parkinson, Bulstrode, Crabbe and Goyle all released their captives and went for their wands. At the back Nott spun around too, his own wand in play.
Harry was faster though. His wand came up and around so fast it was a blur. Five red bolts stabbed out, slamming into the other Slytherins and sending them flying backwards. Nott crashed heavily into the wall behind the other captives, a nasty sounding crack echoing as he struck. The others ploughed into the desks that lined the room, breaking some as they did. Though from the sounds, it might not have been just the desks breaking.
Malfoy's wand came up, but a sixth red bolt leap from Harry and sent it flying out his hand and sailing towards Harry. Stepping forwards, Harry snatched the wand out of the air with the natural ease of a true Seeker, his eyes never leaving Malfoy.
Malfoy's own widened in horror when Harry casually snapped it against his thigh. The sound of the broken wooden pieces striking the floor seemed to echo as Harry stepped up to Draco, who in a panic spun round reaching for Hermione. No one would know what he intended to do however, as he was met by her fist smashing into his jaw, making him stagger backwards… directly towards the still approaching Harry.
Draco, dazed by her thunderous right hook, felt himself be grabbed by the shoulder and turned around. His eyes met the baleful green glare of Harry's.
Barely a second before Harry's own fist struck his gut.
As Malfoy bent double once more Harry seemed to enter a berserker rage, his fist raining down again and again on Draco. For several seconds everyone else looked on in shock, before Hermione pushed herself to her feet and snagged his arm as he raised it again. "Harry that's enough!"
Harry froze, one hand raised in a fist, knuckles bruised, ready to descend again. His other was holding the bloodied Draco down. Not that he needed to as the ferret had fallen unconscious. Slowly he looked up at her face. Hermione sent all the reassurance she could through her expression, and with a groan Harry lunged for her, his arms wrapping around her in the tightest hug she'd ever had. A sappy grin formed on her face as she returned the hug. Both were oblivious as Susan used her recovered wand to release the others while walking over to comfort Daphne, who was still shaking. She met Tracy at the taller blond, and the two girls eyed each other before they both nodded and embraced their mutual friend, who arms were wrapped tightly around her little sister. Both were weeping tears of relief.
Within the circle of their arms Harry took several deep breaths, drinking in the unique smells of Hermione. The scent of parchment and ink, along with a trace of cinnamon. The tension flowed out of him as she pressed her body to his, the two of them perfectly fitting together.
"Oy, What you doing with MY girl Harry?"
Ron's yell cut across the room, prompting heads to turn. Ron and Ginny were stood next to each other, looking at Harry. Ron was scowling, while Ginny was almost tearful.
"Harry..." she whimpered. "...Why aren't you holding me?"
Harry's face creased in confusion. "Hermione..." He began, while Hermione frowned. 'What does he mean "MY" girl?'
In an instant Ginny's face transformed from one of hurt helplessness to a scowl. "That bloody bookworm? Why you wasting time with her?" Ginny missed the anger that flared up in Harry's eyes. "She's always around you, hovering. Bloody annoying it is! I've loved you since the day I heard of you, but with her in the way..."
Harry shook his head, his expression resigned. "You don't love me Ginny. You love 'The Boy Who Lived'. I'm not him."
Ginny frowned, the confusion clear on her face. "But... you're Harry Potter. Of course you are him!"
Hermione sighed. "It's no use Harry. She's been told ever since she was a baby your 'heroic' story. Mrs Weasley's used you as the perfect role model, making you Ginny's idol..."
Ginny turned nasty again. "Shut up you bitch! Harry's mine, MINE ALONE!" Harry looked at her in a slightly fearful way. "We've already got the wedding planned Harry. I'll in this beautiful purest white dress, and…"
She was cut off however when Harry gaped. "Wait, what? What wedding?"
Ginny looked confused. "Why, ours of course." Ron also wore a confused look, one even worse than his normal clueless expression.
Harry frowned. "Who said I'm marrying you, Ginny?" He asked. Hermione was glad her face was still pressed against Harry's chest, as she was unable to keep the grin off her face. 'Ha! Take that you little tramp!'
"Why, everyone!" Ginny exploded, her ears turning red, a sure sign of the infamous 'Weasley Temper'. "We're perfect for each other Harry! We both love quidditch, we look good together… just like your mum and dad!"
Harry frowned in obvious confusion. "How does that make us perfect for each other?"
"Harry, everyone goes on about how you look like your father. And everyone also knows what your mother looked like. We're the same as them! Hence, perfect match!" Ginny clasped her hands together as she smiled dreamily.
Harry however looked almost sick. "So… you believe I should marry a woman who looks just like my own mum?"
Ginny waved her hand as if waving off a fly. "There's nothing wrong with that."
Harry closed his eyes, before he replied. "Ginny, I'm sorry. But I don't, nor ever will, see you that way." He looked at her steadily. "I don't even know you Ginny, not really. And I could never love someone who only see my bloody titles and fame… fame that I hate! I would give it all up to have my parents back. Everything.
"When or if I marry, I want it to be for love, to someone who'll care for me, not the money or the fame. Someone I can share my life with, and share hers. Someone who'll keep me grounded, keep me sane. Someone who doesn't care about what the outside world thinks of us, as long as she loves me for who I am, not what titles are forced on me."
The other girls all looked at him and Hermione with dreamy, yet knowing looks on their faces. They could all see who he was really talking about with that speech. The woman who matched his desires perfectly. She knew it too, and Hermione's grin just got wider as she snuggled into him even more. She pushed aside her concern regarding his implied question of 'if' he'll ever marry to one side for now. She knew Harry, and the way he'd said that suggested he doubted he'd live long enough to marry someone.
Ginny's face paled as she looked at his completely serious face. "No… no, it can't be!" She half shrieked before collapsing against Ron, wailing. Ron staggered and looked more afraid of his crying sister than his confusion.
"Oy, get off me! Crazy girl..." He began. Then he glared at the two of them, still wrapped in each others arms.
"Happy now you've broken my sister's heart Potter? Not only did you have to take what's mine, the only thing that is, you have to hurt Ginny…"
Hermione glared at Ron now, shutting him up. "I was never, ever, in any possible way 'yours' Ron! I don't know where this crazy desire to 'own' me came from Ron, but it ends now!"
Ron looked confused, worse than his normal look. "But… I mean… you know I fancy you!"
"Really?" Hermione's tone was full of disbelief. "Well you have a terrible way of showing it!"
"I gave you perfume…"
"Was that what it was?" She asked, affecting a surprised air. "I thought it was some kind of wizarding pepper-spray. I used it to get rid of Malfoy when we met on prefect patrols and he started getting obnoxious. It didn't last long." The other girls smirked and chuckled, even Tracy Davis. She still wasn't sure about the Gryff's, but she hated Draco and everything he stood for. The though of him gagging on cheap perfume was warming.
Ron now glared. "We flirted all the time…"
"Ron! That was NOT flirting. That was arguing! We wouldn't argue if you weren't such a prat!" Hermione snapped, her temper running out. "And if you think feeling me up uninvited was the thing to do, then you are very much mistaken!"
Harry had been intending to keep out of things, but Hermione's last statement snapped his attention. "What? Ron, did you…" He scowled.
Ron took an involuntary step backwards, terrified of the fire that had sparked in Harry's eyes. "She's been coming on to me for years, I just thought…"
"ME COMING ON TO YOU?" Hermione had escalated to full on screaming. She whirled out of Harry's arms to face Ron straight on, hands on her hips and eyes narrowed. She was so incensed that she had forgotten about the torn shirt and skirt. When Ron's eyes began to wander down her body her temper snapped, and her wand shot out.
Ron ended up crashing into the teachers desk, flipping backwards over it to land face first on the stone floor.
Harry, fearing what she might do next – not for Ron's sake, but for her own – wrapped his arms around her once more. "Easy Hermione, easy." He whispered into her ear. The feel of his breath caressing her ear soothed her.
"This may be a dumb question, but why were you two friends with this fool in the first place?" At her question Harry turned to look at Tracy with a confused look. After a several seconds, he shrugged, clearly stating that he didn't know himself anymore.
Sighing, Hermione eased out of his arms. "Come in, let's fix the door and go to McGonagall. She must be wondering where we are by now…"
The other girls nodded, before walking towards the doorway. They all paused by Draco however. He had been the ringleader, the most aggressive and foulest of the lot. Righteous anger boiled over, and they all took a few moments to added a few kicks to the battering Harry had already given him as red haze fell across their eyes. After that the girls calmed down and taking a moment to glare at Draco's limp form, moved to the doorway. Only a few shards of wood remained attached to the hinges.
Harry looked again at Draco, his feelings churning. On the one hand the beating they had given him was brutal and harsh, especially as he was unable to defend himself. It was behaviour that was morally repugnant to him, and he knew that Hermione would never normally act in such a way.
But on the other hand, it was Draco Malfoy, the lowest of the low. Bigoted, arrogant and a bully of the worst kind. And what he'd planned to do to them... it was unforgiveable. In Harry's mind, he deserved far, far worse. But he also knew with the corrupt, decedent Ministry they had right now, he'd be able to get off of all charges simply by tossing some gold around and naming his parentage. It sickened him to realise that Draco was more than likely not going to be punished for what he'd tried to do. Harry had no faith in the Headmaster any more.
Motion by the teachers desk caught his eye, and he moved over towards his former Best Mate. What Ron had said and done...
Ron groaned as he lay on the floor, blood dripping from his broken nose. He was sure that he had a couple of other injuries resulting from the back flip over the desk. Slowly he began to lever himself up... only to freeze when he met Harry's hard eyes, barely a foot from his own.
"Listen Ron. You've really messed things up now. This attitude of yours has to stop now. Hermione's a wonderful woman, but you and her are never going to work. You need to grow up over the summer. If you do that, maybe she'll forgive you. But if you carry on like you have been…" A pained look entered Harry's eyes, stopping Ron from saying anything. After a few seconds he breathed out. "Don't make me chose between you two Ron. I don't want to lose any one else." With that Harry stood up and walked over to where the girls were putting the final touches to the repaired door. Leaving Ron to consider his words, alone with the still sobbing Ginny and the unconscious Slytherins.
Now joined by Harry, Tracy and Astoria, the three moved back towards McGonagall's office. Reaching it, Hermione hesitated before knocking on the door.
"Enter." McGonagall called out at the knocking, halting her pacing. Miss Granger and the others were late, which was so unlike her…
"Miss Granger, at last. Where…" McGonagall trailed off however when she saw the state of the young witch in question. Her eyes darted between the torn skirt, ripped shirt and the beginnings of a nasty bruise on her cheek. "What happened?" She asked worriedly.
Harry answered for the girls as they slipped inside. "Malfoy." He spat.
McGonagall closed her eyes in pained resignation, before drawing her wand. "How bad?"
"Harry rescued us before things got too far," Hermione answered the question, a shiver running through her. Now, after the fact, she felt the fear and horror of the near rape. If Harry hadn't arrived at that point… Forcing that thought from her mind, Hermione quickly summarised what had happened, from Malfoy's ambush to Harry's arrival. She held nothing back, not even her own sudden bout of violence against Malfoy. Throughout McGonagall was feeling her fury rise. That little… there was not a term in English, Welsh, Scottish, Latin, Celtic or Greek suitable to describe such a person! She'd been informed by a furious Professor Sinstra about the last attack on Miss Greengrass… and the Headmasters response. Full of fury, she'd stormed into his office and tore him a new one. But, despite everything she said, the old fool had not changed his mind. In fact he'd barely paid her any attention, staring off into the middle distance with a frown. He just kept on saying that 'they must lead Draco back to the Light'. She knew he was all about second chances, but this time Draco had gone too far. But when she'd moved to contact Amelia he'd shot up and cut her off, ordering her to drop the issue. Expelling those students now would just drive them further into the darkness, he claimed, making their return to the light even harder and more painful. Flabbergasted, McGonagall had stormed out, knowing it was either that or she would have starting hurling curses at him… which likely would have been the end of her career. And maybe her life, given how she was still recovering from that multiple stunner strike. Besides, it would have done no good anyway. No, best to withdraw for now, and try and use her position to help the students, even if he wouldn't. She felt ashamed that she hadn't noticed it before, but she was determined to put a stop to all this.
McGonagall sighed in relief when Hermione finished before she stepped over. Waving her wand, she started fixing the damage. After a quick once over the three girls, she nodded in satisfaction before gesturing towards the chairs set before her desk. Sitting down behind it, she looked up at the six teens before her, noting the stances and positions they had taken up. Harry stood next to Hermione, one hand clasped in his own. Susan was between her and Daphne, while young Astoria all but clung to her older sister. Tracy was stood beyond her housemates, almost leaning against the wall. Taking a deep breath, she began.
"After your… activities, the other night, I had a word with the other professors. Myself and Pomfrey agreed that there is the possibility of certain, consequences, to your actions." The girls flushed red, but kept quiet, while Harry paled. McGonagall smiled inwardly at their reactions. "You're words afterwards prompted us to arrange for a few changes in your living arrangements for the remaining two years. Although…" She trailed off, her eyes jumping from Astoria to Tracy and back.
"Firstly… Miss Bones, Miss Greengrass, we have decided that you both may transfer to Gryffindor house if you so wish." Daphne's expression brightened markedly at that, but then she glanced at her sister who was looking pale, but looked back before nodding. McGonagall decided to keep a close eye on the younger Greengrass, for her own sake. Susan was looking between the others, clearly thinking. After a moment she looked back at McGonagall before nodded, albeit a little reluctantly.
"I know you have friends in your original houses…" Tracy snorted, but McGonagall pressed on. "…but your potential new sleeping arrangements will not inhibit your chances to meet with them." At the confused and embarrassed looks on their faces, she explained.
"When you four return from the holidays, you will have a choice. You can either return to the regular dormitories along with your fellow year mates, or you'll have the option of using a set of married quarters that will be readied if needed." They all perked up. "I will explain more at the time. All I ask right now is that you consider it. An answer is not required until you arrive back, but sooner would be preferred." She smiled slightly before standing. "Now, I'll escort you back to Gryffindor Tower. Miss Davis, will you and Miss Astoria Greengrass be okay returning to your Common Room yourselves?"
Tracy appeared to think for a moment before nodding solemnly. She looked at Daphne, catching her friend's eye. Daphne relaxed when she nodded slightly: Daphne had taken Tracy under her wing when they had first been sorted into that snake pit, and later on her sister. Now that Daphne would not be around, Tracy would look out for Astoria herself.
"One thing professor." Harry spoke up. "What about Malfoy?"
McGonagall sighed, clearly in frustration, her emotions plain in her eyes. "I will most certainly report this to the Headmaster, but… he no longer listens to me." A dark look of sadness crossed her face. "He is convinced that expelling them will just make them worse. He also seems to think that Mister Malfoy can be redeemed." Her snort of disgust showed how she felt about that.
At Harry's scowl, she continued. "I agree with your sentiments Mister Potter, but expulsion, has always rested with the Headmaster. And as, in this case, it's just your word against his…"
"What about a pensieve memory?" Hermione asked. "And surely this should be brought to the attention of the DMLE! They're committing adult crimes, they should be tried as such! Surely the Ministry's not going to turn a blind eyes towards this sort of thing!" McGonagall looked at her in sympathy, sorrow in her eyes.
"I have tried that approach before, regarding Professor Snape's conduct. So far, I've been rebuff and ignored." She sighed again, slumping in her chair, the motion revealing her weariness and depression. "And as for the DMLE… the Headmaster has final say over everything that happens here regarding discipline and punishment. Only he can bring the Department in, and if he says they're not required, then they cannot enter."
Harry snorted. "Dumbles just wants to keep his pet Death Eater around. Never mind about the children."
All six witches nodded in sad agreement.
The four tired teens followed McGonagall to the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. They could have headed up by themselves, but McGonagall knew that she'd likely have to explain a few things to her House.
She was also worried about another attack by Draco and his ilk. Even if Harry had laid out all those involved, there were others in that group who could cause trouble.
Once they were inside the common Room, McGonagall stepped forwards, towards the centre of the chamber. There was a low hum of conversation, since the students had not yet noted her entrance. However, before she could start Ron yelled out.
"What the bloody hell is a Slytherin doing in here?" Instantly all conversation ceased as the students whipped their heads around to stare at Daphne, their expressions ranging from confusion and shook through to suspicion and distrust. Daphne began to wilt under it, but Susan wrapped an arm around her, as did Hermione. Their actions did not go unnoticed.
"If I could have your attention, I will explain." McGonagall spoke firmly, her aura demanding respect and attention. Harry watched as Ron scowled, but listened.
"Both Miss Bones and Miss Greengrass have transferred into Gryffindor house, due to certain recent events and circumstances." Several of the students gasped in surprise. "Now, I know that tomorrow you will all return home to your families, but I would hope that you will take the time to make your two new housemates welcome." McGonagall's tone stated that it was more of an order than a request.
"Please, do not interrogate either of them; the reasons for their transfers are private, and should be respected as such." McGonagall sent a glare roaming around the house's biggest gossips, including Lavender and Parvarti. "That is all. The Headmaster will be making some announcements tomorrow at breakfast, so I expect that you will all attend before departing." As she turned back to face the three girls the chatter started up again as the house realised that she had done talking to her, though they spoke at a much reduced volume that before.
"Mister Potter, would you excuse us for a moment?" Harry nodded and stepped away, heading towards where Ron continued to glare at Daphne. "Ladies... be sure to replace your uniforms over the summer." All three nodded, understanding the Assistant Headmistresses hidden message: while their torn clothing had been repaired, they were not 'as good as new'. Torn clothes repaired with spells were always weaker along the original tear lines. Besides, Both Susan and Daphne would need new sets to fit in with their new House.
Meanwhile, Harry was facing Ron. "How's Ginny?" He asked quietly. He didn't want to appear eager to hear about her state, but at the same time she had been a friend of sorts, and she was his former best mates little sister.
"Huh?" Ron started, eyes not leaving Daphne. "Upstairs in her dorm, I think..." His eyes narrowed again. "Why the hell is a Slytherin in here?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Didn't you hear McGonagall just now? Didn't you even listen? She's a Gryffindor now."
Ron grunted. "That hat put her in Slytherin, so she belongs there!" His eyes widened before he glared at Harry accusingly. "And why are you sticking up for her?"
"She's Hermione's friend Ron. And she helped me out."
Ron looked disgusted. "Forming your own harem Harry? Hermione not enough, even after you stole her..."
"RON!" Hermione's voice cut across the low chatter, bringing silence to the common room once more. "That's enough! Don't you remember anything I said to you earlier?"
Ron backed up, a worried look on his face. "Er... not really..."
Hermione closed her eyes, and Harry got the strong impression that she was counting down from ten. "Go to bed Ron. I don't what to see hide nor hair of you for the rest of the evening."
"Now see here..." Ron started to snap back, but froze when he found her wand tip inches from his nose.
"Don't Ron. Don't… push… it."
Shaking slightly, Ron backed up before dashing up the stairs to the Boy's rooms. He recalled what had happened the last time she had pointed her wand at him. His ribs still ached from it.
Harry turned to face her. "Breath Hermione."
With a long shuddering breath Hermione relaxed and tucked her wand away before reaching out with one arm. Without a word Harry stepped forwards and wrapped his arms around her, feeling her own wrap round him. After a moment the two of them took the few steps needed to reach 'their' couch, and they sank into it with their arms still around each other.
On the far side of the Common Room Lavender and Parvati stood watching the two of them. "Well, how about that?" Parvati asked with a slight smirk.
"Okay, you were right." Lavender sulked, pouting. She'd been hoping to get Harry for herself... which girl didn't? Okay, he wasn't really her type, but with his fame and status – not to mention the money it was rumoured he'd inherit when we he came of age – what did that matter?
Never had she ever thought that her bookworm, bushy haired dorm mate would be the one to snag Harry, never in a million years! She had, it appeared, to have settled into a combination mother/big sister type role with Harry.
Clearly though, she had been wrong. The two of them were sat on the couch before the fire, holding each other in a way that showed an easy intimacy with each other, something that was lacking from a siblings type hug...
Her thoughts came to a screeching halt however as she saw Susan Bones sit down on the other side of Harry and hug them both. Harry was leaning back against the couch, with Hermione's head resting just below his collarbone as she sat across his lap. Susan proceeded to slip an arm around the back of Harry's neck while the other went to Hermione's shoulder. As the buxom redhead leaned into their combined embrace, Daphne sat down in the small space on their other side and leaned against them too, her body turned slightly towards them.
Lavender turned to look at Parvati, whose eyes were wide in shock. "What the heck?" She asked.
The four of them sat together for the next hour, quietly waiting for the others in the Common Room to head up. Some of the other Gryffindors wandered over to welcome and congratulate Susan and Daphne on their transfer. Some of the boy's cast envious looks at Harry for having the attention of all three witches, but the memory of how Hermione had threatened Ron held their tongues. Soon they were the only ones still there, the fire burning low.
Harry relaxed his hug on Hermione and looked down at her. "You okay now?" He asked gently.
Hermione sat a little as she replied. "I'm okay Harry. Thanks for that." A small smile flitted across her face before she looked at him with concern. "What about you? Are you okay?"
Harry sighed, knowing what she was really asking. "No... but I will be." A smile formed on her face as she heard him.
"I can't say I don't miss him, despite not knowing him even half as much as you did, and that I'm okay about what happened. But... I'll try and get through it now." He looked up briefly, as if afraid to meet her eyes. "I just... don't want this night to end."
Hermione's heart melted. "Oh Harry... it'll be okay." She leaned forwards and kissed him gently on the mouth. She was tempted to linger there, but she knew she needed to tell him. "Harry... I know what you mean. We all..." her hand gesture encompassed all four of them. "...Feel the need to be close to one another, at least for the next little while. So... I arranged for us all to stay at my house over the summer." A nervous tension filled Hermione's limbs as she waited for Harry's reaction. She knew Susan and Daphne would stay with her, but without Harry...
Harry smiled, stroking her cheek. "That's brilliant Hermione! But why so nervous? Why wouldn't I want to stay with you?"
Hermione flushed. "Well, you've stayed with the Weasleys in the past..."
Harry nodded slowly, guiltily. "I've been a terrible friend to you haven't I?" He asked quietly. He then frowned. "But Dumbledore's…"
"No Harry, you've just been in under terrible strain lately... And Professor McGonagall's going to handle him." Hermione reassured him. After a couple more minutes of hugging she drew back slightly, enough to look at the clock on the wall.
"Come on, we had all better get to bed. Big day tomorrow."
A/N: and there we go. The worst elements are behind us now (at least, until the end of the summer...) We're going to move into more tradtional 'Harry/Hermione alternate 6th Year' story elements, but I hope I've put new twists on the old plot points...