Chapter 3

Bound by a kiss

Harry's jerked his eyes open with a sudden gasp. It felt strange and weird. The last sensation that played in his mind was being hurled into a violently twisting whirlpool. As his vision adjusted, he found himself in a constant motion. It was still dark around him but everything seemed to be covered with a glittering layer of snow.

His body bounced dragging his attention from his surroundings. Then he saw the reason for his constant motion. He was riding a horse. As the realization hit him, he clutched the reins very tightly pulling them back with a force. The mighty animal whinnied showing its discomfort. He apologized for his mistake and returned the reins to a normal pressure. As his body got adjusted to the gallop, Harry smiled. It wasn't half bad. Of course, nothing could compare to his Firebolt rides, but this too seemed like fun.

His attention slowly panned back to his surroundings. It seemed to be like a forest. The ground was uneven, but the horse trudged its way without any hindrance. But he wondered how he ended up on a horse. His keen eyes looked through the dark silhouettes of the trees, trying to find, where exactly did the wormhole drop him.

"Harry," a voice called him.

"Hermione," Harry whispered to himself, thinking about the only person who occupied most of his thoughts nowadays. He pulled on the reins hoping it was the correct gesture to halt his horse. When it worked and the horse stopped, he turned to the voice. But wait a minute, when did Hermione's voice start to sound like Ron's. He gave a sideward look when another pair of hooves joined him. To his disbelief and disappointment, it was indeed Ron and not Hermione. Harry's brain became clouded at all these new developments. Where was this place? Why was Ron here and where the hell was Hermione? "Ron," Harry spoke in a low voice.

"With all due respect, your highness. Don't ever call me Ron again. It's Sir Ronald," Ron said gripping his scabbard. "Or it's going to be, after tonight."

Harry's mind didn't process anything after 'highness'. "Are you ok, Ron?" Harry said and then ran his eyes over his attire. "What the hell are you wearing?" They were similar to the dress robes he wore to the Yule ball, except for armor and some kind of helmet.

"Now you are just insulting me, Prince Harry," Ron said his face turning red in the glinting moonlight.

"What?" Harry said looking down at his own attire. He contained his gasp when he saw the royal attire he was in. His fingers automatically went to adjust his hair and there indeed was a crown.

"Come on, we don't want to miss our target," Ron said pointing straight ahead.

Harry's confusion seemed to grow exponentially at each sentence Ron spoke. "Listen, Ron, I know you are working with George now. But it really isn't the time for any pranks. Where is Hermione?"

Ron continued to look at him incredulously. But before he spoke there was a sudden buzz of movement in front of them that caught both of their attention.

Ron grinned mischievously, "I think with your help, I might have a chance to claim that prize. And who is Hermione?" With that said, Ron lunged forward vanishing into the night.

Harry didn't need telling another time. Something was happening. Is Voldemort behind this again? But if he needs to know, he had to get a hold on Ron. He seemed to be the only link. Harry charged with his horse into the night, the gallops getting muffled in the snow.

It wasn't long before he was riding along Ron. Their horses came to a sudden halt while being encountered by a stream.

"Come on," Harry said getting down his horse. "What is this prize you are talking about?"

Ron gave a speculative look and asked in a doubtful tone, "You are joking right?" He slowly got down and joined Harry.

Harry didn't know what to answer. "Of course," he mumbled. It wasn't deep and they easily crossed the stream, without getting too wet. The snow crunched under their heavy boots and Harry found the heavy fur coat quite constricting. But seeing the weather around them, there was no other chance but to keep it on.

"I heard it is somewhere close by," Ron said calculating his steps across the ice. Harry wanted to pull his hair in frustration with Ron's statements. His eyes grew wide when he saw Ron drew his sword out. He looked at Harry and asked, "Harry come on, we have to be prepared. She is known to attack without a preamble."

"Who?" Harry asked his hand moving to drag his sword out. And Harry's question was answered by a low growl. It definitely sounded like a beast. Ron looked ecstatic and stepped behind a tree and Harry followed.

"I've been waiting for this day, all my life. My family would finally be proud of me. Once I take her head back to the castle, I'll be the knight," Ron said looking longingly. "Thank you so much for doing this with me. I know King James wouldn't be happy that the crown prince was helping me to get my knighthood."

"Ron, I'm your friend," Harry said, stopping abruptly not knowing what to say about all his other comments. But he understood one thing. He was altogether in a different world or universe perhaps. His heart dropped into his stomach. How did he get stuck in here? Hermione would've some answers and he needed to find her immediately. There was another growl and a shiver ran down Harry's spine. "Ron, are we equipped properly for that?"

"Harry with both of us here, we can easily handle one Sphinx," Ron said moving forward to a cave from where the growling came.

"A Sphinx?" Harry said rooted to his spot. Ron turned back and waved at him hurriedly to follow.

But as Harry took a step forward in Ron's direction a whooshing sound went past his ear lodging an arrow into the tree beside him. Instinctively, Harry swung his sword in the direction of where the arrow came from.

A figure stepped into the light from the shadows stopping just in front of Harry's sword. The person's face was covered in a mask just revealing their amber eyes. "Don't even think about it." The person spoke getting their bow ready for another shot.

Harry's eyes didn't move from her burning gaze. He stood still with his sword pointed at her. He knew those eyes and voice very well. But he had never seen so much hatred in those eyes when that is especially directed at him. She didn't deter and kept her bow trained at him. What had happened in these few moments, that she hated him to this extent? Then he realized that she wasn't his Hermione. She would never look at him with so much animosity. "Hermione," Harry spoke, but the sound never left his lips.

"Who do you think you are pointing that thing at?" Ron was on Harry's side in the next moment turning his already drawn blade on Hermione.

"Ron," Harry immediately lowered his sword and with his other hand pushed Ron's sword down.

"I know very well, who you are," Hermione answered her bow still in place. "Savages, killing poor animals. I won't let that happen today. You don't need to kill those animals, to prove your worthiness. That's barbaric."

Harry caught the passionate glint that usually hovered in Hermione's eyes when she stood up for the rights of house-elves. He let an amused smile grace his face and turned to his friend. Ron was gaping her with hi mouth wide. "Do you know what's going to happen, if this news reaches King?"

She ignored Ron and turned to Harry. "Do you know what's in that cave?"

"We are no fools. We know there is a beast in there. I need that Sphinx's head and I'm here with the crown Prince," Ron spoke again.

"I would love to see you try that. If she won't tore you apart, I will be doing that," Hermione said emphasizing her arrow to Ron's body. Harry had to suppress a smile when Ron stumbled back. "That's the problem with all you people. You just see them as beasts. But do you know she is a mother?" her voice choked when she turned to Harry. "She has her cubs in that cave."

Harry's voice caught listening to her words. He channelized whatever royalty he could muster and assured her, "You have my word. That Sphinx won't be harmed."

He was lost in the sparkle that gleamed in her eyes for the first time. But he couldn't cut off the angry words that came from Ron's mouth. "Are you going mad?"

"Ron as you said yourself, I'm the prince and I get to make the decisions." He turned to Hermione and spoke again, "I'll talk to my father and make sure no beasts would be harmed in any form of hunting."

"Really, you would do that?" Hermione asked her eyes shining with tears.

"You have my word," Harry assured her with a slight bow.

He saw her blush in the moonlight and at the same time heard Ron's angry blabber as he stomped away.

"May I ask, why a fair maiden like you wandering these woods at this late hour?" Harry said offering his arm.

Hermione shyly took his arm and spoke in a low voice, "I heard you talking in the tavern and I knew you would be coming here. So I came back and waited near the cave."

Harry let out a slight chuckle and guided her back to the stream. He saw Ron already sitting on the horse wearing an angry scowl. He had no idea how to deal with that. Right now he had Hermione with him and it felt great. He'll work out the details eventually.

"Do you live nearby?" Harry asked still keeping her hand in his.

"Yes, I grew up in the village not too far from here. My parents help others. They have a natural ability of healing. I've been training with them. These forests are filled with rare and magical herbs."

"Magical?" Harry asked with a sudden hope.

"I mean very helpful in healing," Hermione said with a smile.

"If you are quite done with your chat, we are expected at the castle," Ron said with a scowl.

"Let me take you to your parents. I simply can't satisfy my mind if I left a girl alone in the woods," Harry said looking into her eyes, ignoring Ron.

"It should satisfy your mind. I can take care of myself. This is hardly my first time in this forest," Hermione said with a wink, clutching the bow at her shoulder.

"Well then, if it satisfies your mind, I'll let you escort me to your place. I may be in need of some healing," Harry said returning her wink.

"Harry, we have better healers at the castle. If the queen comes to know that you got treated with some weird plants, she's not going to be happy."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Ron and replied haughtily, "I'll have you know, that the herbs we use are so effective, even the royal healer comes to my parents for suggestions."

"I'm sure of that," Harry said. "Would you like to give me a demonstration?"

"Gladly," Hermione said. She started looking around for something. She sighed in disappointment. "I think I left him on the other side of the stream."

"Him?" Harry asked in confusion.

"My horse."

"I would be happy to take you back home, on my steed," Harry said extending his hand.

"Harry," Ron growled. "Don't do anything, you would regret later."

"Thanks, Ron. I think I know that."

Hermione took Harry's hand as he guided her onto his horse. He took the reins and placed himself behind her. "Do we need this?" asked Harry running a finger on her mask.

"I guess not," Hermione said with a smile, pulling the scarf she tied over her face, covering her face except for those glowing amber eyes. Harry smiled at the familiar sight when her bushy hair burst with a newfound energy.

"Sorry, my hair's a bit uncontrollable," said Hermione timidly trying to brush them down.

"I think it suits you. It's vibrant and passionate just like you," Harry said truthfully. They are so Hermione and he didn't realize he missed them until then.

Without a look at Ron, he proceeded in the direction Hermione had pointed. He knew by the sound of hooves that Ron had been indeed following. With this new proximity with her, Harry rushed into the night, savoring their closeness. As the chill battered their faces, Harry had to dodge few stray curls that threatened to enter his eyes and nose. But he was ecstatic and didn't care.

He could spot some lights at the far end of his vision. "Is that the village?" Harry asked pointing to the lights.

"Yes. I can go from here," Hermione said. "I have already given you enough trouble."

"I insist," Harry said slowing down the horse. He was so grateful to the poor horse that somehow thought Harry knew what he was doing.

They trudged slowly to the small cottages scattered. All the streets were empty and Harry started to wonder, what's going to happen next. How was he supposed to leave her here? With those thoughts running through his mind, he almost missed her house.

"It's the last house on this lane," Hermione said placing a hand on his reins.

The horse trotted the last few steps coming to a stop in front of an old rusty door. Harry got down and offered his hand helping her off the horse. He saw Ron waiting for him at the start of the lane.

"Thank you, Prince Harry," Hermione said with a curtsey.

"Please call me Harry," Harry said shaking his head in mirth. "And you never told me your name."

"Hermione," she said. "I'm Hermione Granger."

"What a beautiful name," Harry said knowing the answer already.

You said you could use some healing. Is there, anything I could do?" she asked her face twisted in genuine concern.

"Let's say you have already taken care of it," Harry said taking her hand into his. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Hermione." He said placing the sweetest kiss possible on her knuckles. And he had witnessed something he thought he would never see. Her cheeks flared red and eyelids fluttered. She blushed and looked utterly captivating.

"Oh!" she said tucking her hair behind her ears.

"I would like to invite you to the castle. I'll send an invitation to your parents. Even the castle could use some great healers like you," Harry said brushing his thumb over her knuckles.

"I would wait for it," Hermione said with a glint in her eyes. Her eyes carried so many emotions at that moment. He didn't know if it was affection or friendship or something more. But he knew one thing. She wasn't meant for him. All these emotions are not for him. They all belonged to Prince Harry.

This was not the place for him and she wasn't the Hermione who saved him a countless number of times. She wasn't the one who stood by him when everybody abandoned him. She wasn't the one who was ready to walk till the end of the world if it meant to help him. The world without his Hermione meant nothing to him. She was waiting somewhere for him. He promised her that he would find her and protect her. That is the most important thing for him right now.

As the thought flashed his mind, he heard a tiny rumble from somewhere in the vicinity. He saw the whirlpool was slowly forming in the middle of the lane. He knew what that meant and he couldn't be happier. His eyes darted to the Hermione in front of him. She, of course, didn't notice anything.

"Be happy, Hermione," he said giving her a smile.

"You too, Harry," she said.

With that, he gave into the pull that tugged at him from the whirlpool that was now rumbling loudly. Ron was waiting impatiently at his place and now Harry saw the Prince giving another kiss to Hermione's knuckles. He closed his eyes and welcomed the hurl that would take him to his soul mate.

A/N: Any ideas where their next adventure is going to be? If you have any wonderful thoughts to share about this multiverse, you are most welcome. If I can, I'll try to incorporate into this. I would love to receive your feedback. Please read and review.

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