Harry was roused from his light sleep when he heard the sound of a soft moan and whimper emanating from the bed right beside him. It took him a moment before he remembered where he was his eyes widening as he leaped from his bed. "Hermione!" He grabbed for his glasses as he hurried to her side. The girl was obviously still asleep though he had trouble understanding how it was possible as he watched her entire body tense up, lifting her back up off the bed. Tears ran down her cheeks as she sobbed still fast asleep.
"Oh God Hermione…" Harry looked up to see Emma standing behind him her hand over her mouth. Harry swung his head around to see Dan banging upon the door of Madam Pomfrey's room.
Suddenly without warning, Hermione's body settled back onto the bed. Harry turned around to see Madam Pomfrey standing behind him in her night clothes her wand still pointed at Hermione. She shook her head.
"I had to stun her." She walked over to Hermione and ran her wand over her "I thought so…" Madam Pomfrey turned back to the Grangers. "It appears that while she was asleep her transformation began to speed up. Her body reacted badly to what it considers to be an invading presence causing Hermione to enter a fight or flight mode."
Emma frowned as she softly brushed back her daughter's sweaty hair. "She was in so much pain…"
"Sadly I believe that pain is likely to continue until she has fully transformed." Madam Pomfrey kept her wand trained on Hermione searching for any evidence that she was starting to recover.
"Can't we do anything for her?" Dan asked resting his hand on Harry's shoulder he could see that the boy much like himself was willing to do anything to help Hermione.
Madam Pomfrey sighed and finally nodded. "Yes, there is a potion called the Draught of Living Death. It sends the consumer into a deep almost death-like sleep. That would allow her to finish her transformation without being conscious of time or pain. Once the process has completed and we observe no changes after two days I'll reawaken her."
"We need to wake Hermione up," Harry said a few moments later interrupting the silence that had invaded the hospital wing once Madam Pomfrey had explained her idea. "You can give her a high dose of pain potion but this should be Hermione's choice. It's her life and... The draught does have a risk."
"It does?" Emma asked quietly as Harry nodded. "I-I guess that does make sense I mean even our anesthesia has risks of death... " She swallowed before nodding her head. "I agree with Harry. This has to be Hermione's decision. Dan?" Emma turned to her husband who simply nodded.
"Alright, give me a moment to gather the strongest pain potions I can." Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to a cabinet and pulled out a few different vials before returning to Hermione's bedside. "I also grabbed a calming draught. Be aware she will likely still be in some pain which may cause some dilation of her pupils. The calming draught will help her focus on the questions I need to ask her. Her voice will likely be fairly monotone. Do not be concerned by that it's a common side effect of combing pain potion and the calming draught. Now, if everyone is ready?" She waited as they nodded before awakening Hermione with a simple rennervate.
Hermione's eyes opened at once they began to fill with tears. Before she could cry out though Madam Pomfrey had her drink the pain potion and a split moment later the calming draught. She raised the head of the bed so Hermione could sit up.
"Hermione?" Emma reached for her hand taking it once no one objected. She ran the pad of her thumb over the back of Hermione's hand able to feel the slight fuzz of the fur growing. "Hermione baby, your body seems to be trying to fight against the cat."
Hermione simply blinked her eyes her pupils so dilated that her eyes looked black.
"Madam Pomfrey gave you a very strong pain reliever but it's not taking all the pain away is it?" Emma asked quietly kissing Hermione's forehead.
"It hurts Mum…" Hermione stated with little emotion in her tone. Had Emma not been pre-warned she likely would have cried as it was she just brought Hermione's hand to her lips kissing it.
"I know it hurts Baby, Madam Pomfrey wants to give you Draught of Living Death. Do you know what that is?"
Hermione went to nod but stopped herself. "I do, Snape told us about it and I've also read about it. It would put me into a coma-like sleep."
"That's right, you'd be asleep until we were certain that your transformation was complete." Dan smiled walking over followed by Harry who sat on the bed next to Hermione resting his hand on her leg.
"Harry said it should be your choice." Dan kissed her cheek "That boy really cares for you Sweetheart, don't let him go." Emma wiped a tear away as she saw Hermione give a small smile at whatever Dan had whispered to her before she focused her eyes on Madam Pomfrey.
"Yes, I agree it's the best idea moving forth if not just for myself but for my parents and Harry." Hermione closed her eyes and winced her shoulder jerking. "Hurts."
Madam Pomfrey had her take another few sips of the pain potion. "I'm going to floo Professor Snape. He'll bring up Draught of Living Death. Once we have it you'll need to drink a small cup of it. It'll be just like taking a normal sleeping draught you'll fall straight to sleep and awaken once I give you the Wiggenweld potion in a week or so." She watched as Hermione gave the tiniest nod and headed straight to the fireplace.
Harry smoothed Hermione's hair tucking it behind her ear. "I'll be right here when you go to sleep Mione and I'll even be the first thing you see when you wake up… I mean, if that's what you want I can understand if you want someone else maybe your Mum or." Harry stopped as Hermione placed a single shaky finger to his lips.
"I'd love to see your face as I fall asleep and again when I wake up," Hermione stated quietly a small smile tugged at her lips when she felt Harry gently kissing her finger. She pulled it back to see Snape striding towards them holding a small vial of clear liquid.
"Miss Granger I believe you know all the risks in taking this potion?" Snape watched as she gave a small nod. "Very well, I'll need your parents to give written permission. However, that can be done after I have you swallow this. Madam Pomfrey says even her strongest pain potion isn't taking away all of your pain." He frowned taking in the sight of her heavily dilated eyes. "Alright, Miss Granger you'll need to take this full vial in a single swallow. Who would you like to give it to you?"
"Harry," Hermione answered simply watching as Snape handed the vial to Harry.
"Make sure she takes every drop, Mr. Potter." Snape took a step back as Harry smiled gently at Hermione kissing her brow.
"Sleep well Mione, I love you." Harry put the vial to Hermione's lips and tilted it back allowing her to swallow the whole thing down. Her eyelids began to feel heavy as she smiled.
"Love…" Her eyes fell closed and she was asleep.
Harry shivered as he kissed the back of her hand. "How long will she be asleep?"
Snape considered before he scanned Hermione with his wand. "The transformation should be complete in about two or three days. I don't recommend awakening her for a week though. Let her body heal from what is happening to it." He took the signed consent forms from both Emma and Dan and cleared his throat. "Is there anything else Madam Pomfrey?"
"Just I will need the Wiggenweld potion to wake her up when it is time." Madam Pomfrey summoned the empty vials with a flick of her wand while Harry lay Hermione's hand on her chest watching as her chest slowly rose and fell.
"At least she's still breathing," Harry mumbled under his breath just loud enough for Emma to hear him. Though she chose not to say anything.
"Well, there isn't much we can do but wait now." Madam Pomfrey sighed as she disposed of the empty vials. "I suggest we all get back to sleep."
The Grangers each gave Hermione a kiss before heading back to their connected room. Harry, however, stayed sitting on the side of Hermione's bed watching as her chest rose and fell. It would be a while before he returned to his own bed.
Hermione let out a soft groan as her eyelids began to flutter. Her body felt stiff, it wasn't as bad as when she had been petrified but it was definitely a close second.
"Hermione? Sweetheart its Mum… Daddy, Harry, and I are right here."
Hermione struggled to open her eyes to finally see a blur of black. She blinked a few times to clear her vision sitting on the side of her bed was Harry smiling at her.
"I told you I'd be right here when you woke up Mione." Harry softly brushed his lips against hers.
"H-harry." Hermione gently moaned out. She wondered what she looked like now though was pleased to hear her own voice. It gave her hope.
"I'm right here Mione, I'm not going anywhere." He held a straw to her lips after a few moments of effort Hermione was able to grab it with her lips sucking down the crisp water until she was sated.
"How do I look?" She turned her eyes from Harry to her parents. None of them looked disgusted by her. "Is it bad?"
With a shake of her head, Emma took Hermione's left hand in hers. "I don't think it's that bad at all sweetheart."
With a touch of nervousness, Hermione focused upon the hand her Mum was holding. It was covered in cream and orange fur her fingers still mostly appeared human-ish though her fingernails were gone having turned into short black claws. She carefully made a fist and sighed in relief. As long as she was capable of making a fist she knew she'd be able to hold her wand. She let her hand relax.
"I want to see how I look now, please?" Hermione bit her bottom lip and immediately let out a yowl.
"Hermione!" Harry cried out taking her right hand in his "Are you okay? What hurt?"
Not certain whether to laugh or cry Hermione gave Harry's hand a squeeze. "I'm alright Harry, I just bit my bottom lip out of habit. It's a habit I really am going to need to break and fast. I forgot how sharp cat teeth are."
With a sigh of relief Harry squeezed back "Madam Pomfrey went to grab a full-length mirror. I can just…"
Hermione quickly shook her head. "No Harry, I-I need you to stay with me. Please? I-I don't think I can do this without you."
"I...er alright it's just you aren't exactly wearing anything right now." Harry's cheeks were flushed as he looked into her eyes. "We weren't sure how thick your fur would be and Madam Pomfrey didn't want you to overheat. It seemed like the best option at the time."
"I-I see." Without much hesitation, she shook her head. "I still want you here. We're together now right?" She smiled as Harry nodded his head. "Well then, you were going to see me at some point anyway. My Mum will be there too…"
Daniel chuckled. "Don't worry Princess, Harry and I have had many conversations while you were asleep. We have an understanding he and I. I'll go back to our room and get Dobby to bring me something to drink." He softly kisses her forehead. "I love you, Hermione Jean."
"I love you, Daddy… Thank you." Hermione smiled as her Dad clasped Harry's shoulder briefly and walked away. Hermione looked as Madam Pomfrey returned with a full-length mirror setting it up. She took a deep breath and pulled her hands back from Harry and her Mum. She licked her bottom lip and closed her eyes throwing the covers back she kept her eyes squeezed tight waiting for Harry to gasp or walk away waiting for anything but him touching her cheek.
Slowly she opened her eyes to look into his emerald orbs her heart beating wildly. He smiled as he stroked the fur on her cheek "Oh Mione…" Harry shook his head at Hermione's dumbfounded expression. "I told you I wasn't going to leave you and I meant it. Can I help you up?"
Hermione simply nodded and smiled as Harry took her hand and helped her up. Soon she was on her feet. She could feel her tail between her legs non-moving. Makes sense if it's linked to my emotions after all. Morbidly curious she wondered what it would do when she and Harry snogged. After that pleasurable thought, she turned to the mirror and stared.
It was easy enough to recognize her as Hermione Granger, some things hadn't changed after all. Her hair was still a bunch of bushy brown untamable curls. And her eyes were still the same warm chocolate color they had been though her black pupils were no longer round instead she now shared the same vertical pupils that her familiar had. That was however where the similarities to her old self ended. Her human nose was gone and while she luckily didn't have a muzzle her nose was light pink with large vertical nostrils. Almost like lines cut into her nose. She gave a hesitant sniff and knew two things at once. One she was sincerely relieved that she hadn't had to taste the Wiggenweld Potion. And she desperately needed a shower. Sweaty fur was not a pleasing smell.
She gave herself a small shake shoving that thought back for at least a few moments. She nervously reached up into her hair and brushed at one of her new ears. Like the rest of her body, they were covered in cream with orange stripes. Hermione giggled as her ear flicked at the soft touch. They were large, though didn't look unsightly like they had back in the second year. These ears looked right. As if they were meant to be there. I may be able to give Padfoot a run for his money with these. She cocked her head as she simply listened.
She frowned, her hearing was nothing like the sense of smell she now found herself to have. Right, as soon as I get out of here I'll find all the books on cats that I can find. Someone is still trying to kill Harry and I'll be damned If I can't find some way to help my boyfriend. That decided she allowed her arms to fall back to her sides. She poked her tongue out and marveled at the small barbs on her tongue. Her forehead crinkled as she got a thought pulling her tongue back into her mouth she turned to Harry who was standing on her right side. She hesitated a moment but gathered all her Gryffindor courage.
"Harry? I-I seem to have small barbs on my tongue now. I'm given to understand they are why a cat's tongue feels like sandpaper." Hermione watched as Harry nodded in understanding, she lightly bit her bottom lip reminding herself how sharp her teeth now were. "I-I well I don't want to hurt you if we might kiss...I mean, if you want to anymore…"
Harry shook his head "Oh Mione, of course, I want to kiss you! You are smart, beautiful and best of all my girlfriend." He grinned that cocky grin which made her heart race. "In fact, I've been planning a tour of Hogwarts' broom closets for when we get out of here." His eyes widened as he remembered that Emma was still there. "Er, I mean…" But Harry was cut off as Hermione leaped at him hugging him tightly her bare breasts pressing into his chest.
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione felt tears run down her cheeks as she looked up at Harry going up on tiptoe tip claw? She smiled as Harry bent his head down meeting her halfway their lips pressed together. Gently Hermione opened her mouth keeping her tongue still. Slowly Harry's tongue entered her mouth. Lightly he ran his tongue against hers. She could feel Harry's body shiver as slowly she moved her tongue against his. Her eyes slid shut as Harry's fingers tangled into her hair. All too soon they were forced to pull back each taking deep breaths
"That was…" Harry grinned madly.
"Purrrfect." Hermione finished blushing as she actually purred. "Sorry I-I really can't help it."
With a laugh, Harry wrapped his arms around her waist. "Why would I mind that I make you purr? Good Merlin Mione you take my breath away!" He kissed her nose before releasing her.
Hermione sighed happily as she continued to purr she felt it coming from deep in her throat. It made her feel good. She caught sight of her tail it was happily waving behind her. It was bushy but not horribly so. It reminded her much of Crookshanks tail to be honest. She turned back to the mirror to see her breasts and sighed in relief. They weren't any bigger or smaller, there were only two of them and they were exactly where they should be. Just covered in the soft fur she was already growing fond of. The rest of her observations were in a similar manner until she got to her feet.
Can't really call them feet anymore. Looking at her paws Hermione quickly came to the conclusion she would not be wearing shoes anymore. She sat on the bed to take a better look. They were thinner than the feet she remembered covered in the same fur her hands were as well as having the same black claws. She frowned noticing the pads on her paws. She raised a hand in front of her eyes. Yep, pads here too, though not as noticeable. She finally sighed.
Emma has forced herself to stay quiet the entire time Hermione was looking herself over knowing if her daughter needed her she'd ask. "Hermione? What are you thinking Sweetheart?"
After a few moments, Hermione smiled at her Mum. "Actually I was wondering if it would be better to try and turn my pages with the pads on my hands or just use old books I never read anymore to train myself to use my claws." She frowned "Mind I'd be quick with a repario."
This caused all three of them to laugh as Emma shook her head. "Well, if that is the thing you're most worried about. I think it's about time for Dad and I to head back home." She turned her attention to Harry with a soft smile. "We can't be here for her Harry. This is a world we don't belong in. Please, take care of both her and yourself."
Harry took Hermione's right hand in both of his and nodded firmly "I promise. Doctor Granger." And as Hermione watched as her Mum headed back to the room she and Daniel were sharing she was certain that Harry meant every word.
"Mum is right Harry, It's time to get back to our own lives." Hermione looked up as Madam Pomfrey came in. "Madam Pomfrey when can Harry and I leave?"
The healer smiled softly having expected this question of the studious student. "As soon as you get dressed you and Mr. Potter are free to leave."
Hermione beamed up at Harry. "Well, you heard her. Shoo, so I can get dressed!"
Harry released her hand laughing. "Right I need to get dressed to. See you in a bit!"
Madam Pomfrey handed Hermione her uniform and robes before pausing. "I will need to speak to you tomorrow alone Miss Granger. It is very important."
Hermione blinked but nodded. "Alright after my first class then?"
"That'll be just fine. Remember though, no one else." Madam Pomfrey walked away while Hermione puzzled over what was so important as she got dressed her skirt had a hole cut into it for her tail while her robes were roomy enough to not need another hole. She straightened her tie as Harry walked over to her.
"It's just about dinner time. Want to just head on to the Great Hall?" Harry offered his hand to her which she happily took.
"That sounds great, best to pull the plaster off now." She smiled as their fingers became interlaced as Harry opened the door.
Everything is about to change… Hermione smiled looking up at Harry who grinned down at her. But as long as I have Harry and Harry has me. We'll be just fine.