Chapter 35: Wake me up

With all the excitement of the morning, Harry found himself quite tired. He reclined in his bed in the Wing, letting the events of the day replay in his mind. Lockhart, the snake, Tom Riddle. It played over and over again.

"Truly remarkable what you have done today, Harry," Dumbledore's voice shocked Harry out of his reverie. "To stand and fight the way you did takes immeasurable amounts of courage and strength of character. You will be receiving an Award for Special Services to the School and 200 points for your house."

"Thank you, headmaster," Harry said. "But with all due respect, I wouldn't be here without Hermione. She's the one who figured everything out; she's the one who deserves the award. Luna was also instrumental in finding us to tell us about Ginny. No man is an island entire of itself."

"Well reasoned, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said with a small smile. "Miss Granger should also receive an Award for Special Services with the commensurate 200 points. Miss Lovegood shall receive 30 points for alerting the teachers to the disappearance of Miss Weasley."

"And for my part," Amelia said. "I will personally be putting you up for consideration for the Order of Merlin for your bravery today. Don't expect it to be approved right away, mind you. You'll forgive me but and Order of Merlin is as much politics as anything. I expect the Minister to hold off on it until it is the most politically advantageous."

"I second this notion," Mr. Weasley walked over to Harry. "You have saved my daughter's life. For that I shall be forever grateful."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Harry bowed his head slightly. "I would have gone down to save anyone who was in that situation, but I am glad Ginny did not die."

"Arthur," the balding man said with his hand extended. "Call me Arthur."

"For now, however," Dumbledore smiled at the dumbstruck Harry shaking Arthur's hand. "Our Mandrakes should be fully matured by now. Harry, I understand that you helped Professor Snape with the Restorative Draught earlier this year, correct?"

Harry nodded.

"Excellent. With Professor Snape incapacitated, it does leave a little bit of a void in a brewer which means it will fall to me to brew the potion. It has been a while since I have done it and I was hoping you could assist me."

"I would be glad to," Harry smiled and looked toward Hermione's bed. Soon, Hermione.

"Excellent," Dumbledore then stopped to look at the Sword of Gryffindor and the diary. "Do you mind if I take these with me? I'd like to display this sword in my office, if it is at all possible."

"Sure," Harry said, too tired to really care.

"If you ever have need of the sword, just ask Dobby to fetch it for you," Dumbledore said. "If you truly are the Heir of Gryffindor, that sword is technically yours."

"Yes but it's probably not ideal for me to walk around with it in this day-in-age," Harry said.

"Point taken," Dumbledore laughed and walked out of the Wing.

The next day, Harry found himself in the dungeons chopping, mincing and slicing all the ingredients needed while Dumbledore took care of the brewing procedures. In no time at all, Harry was staring down at the cauldron at the perfect Restorative.

"It seems you do have a little of your mother's talent for brewing," Dumbledore said. "Though I have to say you have more of her spirit. I've never seen another quite like her; one who stood for what was right, who was good to the core, defended her friends and was a fierce competitor. Stubborn too."

"Thank you, headmaster," Harry said. "I wish I could have known her and dad."

"Ah James," Dumbledore leaned back wistfully. "That man was a menace. I never knew how he and his friends pulled the pranks they did but my how they were entertaining. One day, he charmed the ceiling to show the weather of a rainforest. Everyone was in awe… until it actually started raining.

"Only one person on this planet could get James Potter to be serious. He pranked the Lily once; made her hair curly and frizzy. She responded with a stinging hex that I swear made James walk funny for a week."

As they waiting for the potion to stew, Dumbledore told story after story of his parents.

"…and such a mind for transfiguration, your father had," Dumbledore smiled. "I still remember seeing his OWL test. He turned the proctors' desk into wood with lights. He had power and creativity, something you have inherited, I think. Oh look the potion is ready. I think it is time we returned Miss Granger and Professor Snape to health, don't you think?"

"Yessir!" Harry speedily scooped the concoction into the awaiting vials. "Thank you for the stories as well."

"I know we didn't get started off the best foot and I made a multitude of mistakes," Dumbledore said. "I am hoping I can start to make up for them."

"Where you placed me still makes me reticent to trust you, sir," Harry said. "However, I am eager to move forward and leave the past in the past."

"Wise thinking, Harry," Dumbledore said with warmth. "Now don't let me keep you. Miss Granger awaits."

Harry grasped the vials in his hand and sprinted from the room. I'm on my way. He skidded to a stop at the entrance to the Hospital Wing. Rejoicing at hearing the chime, he stepped through the threshold to stand at Hermione's bed.

"Wow," Madam Pomfrey said from the doorway to her office. "I didn't even get to ask what the medical emergency was.

"Well? " Madam Pomfrey waved him on. "Get on with it, you know what to do."

Harry dripped the potion down Hermione's throat and did the charm to help her swallow. With baited breath, Harry held her hand and watched, not even recognizing Madam Pomfrey grabbing the vial to administer the dose to Professor Snape. Harry saw color return to Hermione's face. Her cheeks grew rosy again and life began to return to her eyes. After what felt like a lifetime, Hermione blinked. Her raised hand dropped and she tried to close her other hand. Except she couldn't. Looking down, she saw another hand clasped in it. Following the hand down to the arm connected to it, she moved her eyes up and spotted a messy mane of black hair surrounding brilliant emerald green eyes.

"Harry!" Hermione launched herself at him, squeezing the air out of him. "I figured it out! The creature is a-"

"-a Basilisk," Harry said. "Yes I know. I found the page."

"How long have I been out?" She tried to move her limbs to shake off her overwhelming feeling of stiffness.

"Just about two weeks," Harry said. "The spare vials in Professor Snape's office were destroyed so we had to wait for our Mandrakes to mature."

"So what about the Basilisk? Did they close the school? Who was the culprit?" After not talking for almost two weeks, Hermione was making up for lost time.

"In order: the Basilisk is dead, no they did not and the culprit was actually Tom Riddle AKA Voldemort. He used the diary to possess Ginny Weasley and compulse her to act as he wished. Do you remember anything about being attacked?"

"I had just found the page I was looking for and I heard something massive sliding down the hallway. I asked Professor Snape to conjure a mirror and used it to check the hallway. I spotted the snake. Next thing I know, I'm waking up here,"

"Miss Granger," Professor Snape sat up and was shaking off his own stiffness. "I owe you my life. Thank you."

Brusquely nodding, Snape stood and, against the wishes of Madam Pomfrey, walked out of the ward, prompting her to chase after him.

"Well that wasn't awkward," Hermione laughed.

"What are you going to do for your next trick?" Harry asked. "It is so good to hear your voice. I have missed you so much."

"I'm sure you've been beating yourself up about not protecting me," Hermione smiled sadly, putting her hand under his chin to lift his eyes back up to hers. "Harry Potter, you are becoming predictable. I am glad to see you too. I wasn't aware of how much time had passed but I kept having nightmares of you being attacked and killed by the Basilisk. I tried to warn you but you could never hear me."

"Well I was attacked by the Basilisk," Harry rolled up the sleeve to show the scar of where he was caught by the Basilisk's fang. "But luckily Fawkes was there to heal me. I got a sword, defeated another shade of Voldemort. It's been fun."

"You did what to the Basilisk? So you're saying that with a fully functional wand, you fought a venomous snake with a sword?" Hermione shrieked and started hitting him. "Of all the stupid, noble, stupid ugh… things to do!"

It's not often Hermione doesn't have the words to express herself, Harry chuckled inwardly while trying to shield himself from Hermione's attacks.

"Harry James Potter," Hermione was just gaining steam. "I leave you for just a few days and you go do something entirely mind-boggling daft. Honestly…"

"I tried my wand at first," Harry tried to talk through her onslaught. "I cast three Kamehemas at the snake but it didn't do anything. One burned the snake's mouth so I figured the only place that was going to be effective was the roof of its mouth, hence the sword."

She stopped hitting him and threw her hands up.

"Wait… did you say Voldemort?"

"Yup." Harry popped the p at the end. "Tom Riddle's full name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. It is an anagram for I am Lord Voldemort."

"Marvolo," Hermione's eyes widened in recognition. "Probably after his grandfather. We never asked if Merope had any signs of giving birth. That would mean Voldemort is actually the Heir of Slytherin."

"And according to the Sorting Hat," Harry added. "I am the heir to Gryffindor."

"Wow…" Hermione's hands shot to her mouth. "I take an extended nap and everything happens."

"I also got to talk to Ginny and set her straight. She knows I'll never see her as anything more than a friend so hopefully she'll relax around me and start to become her own person."

"She'll probably need it," Hermione nodded. "This year will probably weigh heavily on her and she'll need as much support as she can get. I'm not sure she'll get that from the twins, certainly not from Ron. He doesn't have the emotional depth to understand what she's been through and what she is going through."

"I wondered the same thing," Harry said. "I'll have to speak with the twins and hopefully allow them to understand."

"Looks like you are moving rather well, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey finally reappeared in the ward to scan Hermione. "How do you feel?"

"Stiff but overall fine," Hermione rolled her shoulders as she spoke.

"That is consistent with the other victims," Pomfrey continued her scans. "You are clear to go."

"Would you like to walk around the lake, stretch your legs?" Harry asked.

"I actually would love that," Hermione hooked her arm into his and together they walked through the castle, out onto the grounds. Making their way around the lake, they found themselves in a small clearing with a rock formation overlooking the lake. Hermione closed her eyes and drank in the sounds and the smells.

"I really missed you," Harry said, bringing Hermione out of her meditative state. "You're the first friend I've ever had. You push me to be better while also giving my mind peace. Even while you were petrified, I would look for you in the common room each morning."

"Harry," Hermione laid her hand on his. "You're just as important to me. You befriended a nervous little girl who knew nothing of friendship. You're the only person my age who respects me for who I am and the things I know and love. You challenge me and inspire me to not be so rigid in my thinking. I can't imagine what I would do if our roles were reversed."

They walked back toward the castle, heading for the Great Hall. When Hermione walked in, there was a great cheer from the Gryffindor table. Hermione blushed at the ovation. Lavender and Parvati sprinted up to hug her.

"You're back!" Lavender said. "Oh we have missed you so much!"

"Yeah," Parvati added. "Harry had to take over your responsibility of nagging us to do our homework. Harry had your words down but he could never get the tone right."

Harry bumped Parvati with his shoulder but couldn't hide his smile.

"Celebration in the tower tonight!" Fred and George shouted, bringing Harry and Hermione into group hug.

"Thank you," Dumbledore stood. "For your warm applause for our returned classmates. A special thank you to Mr. Harry Potter for putting a stop to the Heir of Slytherin business."

The student body, save for a few at the green table, stood, turned toward Harry and applauded. Harry tucked his chin into his shoulder and raised his hand as his cheeks darkened, not sure how to take the sudden praise from those who not a few weeks ago were attacking him.

"Also a thank you to Miss Hermione Granger," Dumbledore turned toward the suddenly crimson second year. "She was instrumental in providing the final clue which allowed Mr. Potter to solve the crisis once and for all. Ladies and Gentlemen: Hermione Granger."

Harry turned and joined the rest of the school (mostly) giving Hermione a standing ovation. Hermione covered her nose and mouth with her hands as the raucous applause.

"Way to go, Hermione," Harry leaned in and whispered to her. She buried her head on his shoulder, overwhelmed at the adulation she was receiving.

"Thank Mr. Potter and Miss Granger," Dumbledore smiled jovially. "They will both be receiving an award for special services to the school and two hundred points apiece."

Dinner that nice was a celebratory affair. Throughout the meal, students came over to thank Harry and Hermione for what they had done. Hagrid entered the hall midway through. He told Harry that Madam Bones tried to get Hagrid's expulsion overturned but was unsuccessful. Hagrid was still overjoyed at returning to the only home he had ever known. After the meal, a party commenced in Gryffindor tower during which Harry had a word with the twins.

"Listen," Harry told them. "Ginny has just had a very hard year. She's going to need a lot of support. You are the only ones who will see her once term ends. Percy is wrapped up in himself, Ron has no idea what she went through."

"Got it, Harry," George said, devoid of any mirth. "She's our baby sister. We'll be there for her."

"Also would be good to keep your mother away for a bit," Harry said. "She's nice and all but the last thing Ginny needs is suffocating love from her."

"You hand out the simplest tasks, you know?" Fred said. "Keeping up to date with Ginny? That's easy. Running interference with our mother? You want us to cure Lycanthropy while we're at it?"

"I'm serious," Harry crossed his arms. "I've already seen it. Ginny needs to figure out how to grow from this and she'll need some separation from her mother to do that."

"We get it," George threw his hands up in surrender. "It's just our mother is…"

"I know," Harry said. "I've met your mother twice. Believe me, I know."

Fred gave out a heavy sigh and nodded with his twin.

"We'll take care of it," they said in unison.

"Excellent," Harry slapped them on the back. "Now let's get back to celebrating."

Celebrate is what they did the rest of the year. The match with Ravenclaw was rescheduled, allowing the school to properly relax after a stressful year.

Harry stood at the entrance to the locker room, looking out onto the pitch. It was a clear day, the weather was wonderfully temperate. The birds were chirping, the grass was soft and the wind calm. It was the perfect day to fly. Turning back in, Harry pulled his kit over his head and turned to see his captain put his hand up. All chatter stopped.

"This is it," Wood looked around the room. "You've done a great job this year and we have the opportunity to bring it home. Let's go out there to do it."

Next thing Harry knew, he heard Lee Jordan's voice announcing the Gryffindor lineup. Finally, they got to him.

"Last we have the Slayer of Slytherin, the Seeker of Snitches, the only, the only Haaaarrryyyy Pot-ter!"

Harry flew out of the tunnel and was astonished at the difference. The crowd who booed him at the last match gave him a standing ovation this time, Ravenclaw supporters included, cheered him. A smile on his face, Harry took his position, reveling in how light and free he felt. Looking over his shoulder, he spotted Hermione cheering. He could swear she was louder than the rest of them.

The match was a short one, ending in Harry snagging the Snitch a half hour in. Gryffindor won the cup going away. Hermione finished the year top in the class with Harry right behind. Thanks to their heroics and the efforts of the Quidditch team, Gryffindor won the house cup for the second year running.

It was now the last day of term and Harry was packing his trunk up when suddenly Dobby popped in.

"Master Harry!" Dobby bowed to Harry. "Can I help you with that?"

"I think I have this, Dobby," Harry smiled at his small friend. "You look like you're doing better."

That was an understatement. Dobby's figure had filled out, his skin looked healthy and he had a new spring in his step. His voice was less squeaky and he spoke articulately. He was still wearing Harry's old robe with what looked like one black sock.

"Yes I am," Dobby said. "Thank you, master. The Bones family elves were good to me."

"I am glad to hear that but you don't have to call me master. Harry will do just fine."

"Of course Ma-Harry," Dobby corrected himself midsentence. "Now can I help you carry your things?"

"No but can you do me one favor?" Harry leaned in. "Can you lighten Hermione's trunk for me? She packs a lot of books and forgets just how heavy they are."

"Yes I can be doing that," Dobby popped out.

"You are unusual, Harry," Neville was chuckling offhandedly. "Taking a former elf and forming a different bond. I just can't wait until September to see what you do next."

"Who says it'll take that long?" Harry joked.

Closing his trunk, he stared wistfully at the dorm room. Through all the stress of the year, he did miss this place when he left. He had a home with the Grangers but a big part of him he left behind whenever he left the grounds.

Heading out the door, Harry carried his trunk down the staircase where all the Gryffindors were assembled with their trunks. Hermione was descending the stairs just as they arrived.

"Harry!" Hermione ran up to him. "I must be getting a lot stronger! I can't even feel the weight of my trunk anymore."

Neville hastily turned his laugh into a hacking cough and excused himself to get some water.

"Imagine that," Harry said while thinking thank you, Dobby. "Are you ready to go home?"

"I am…" Hermione took a glance around the common room. "And yet I am not."

"I know what you mean. We're going home but I feel like I am also leaving home."

"Exactly."

"Well, at least I get to actually enjoy summer," Harry beamed. "Do you know if your parents have anything planned?"

"They're not saying," Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Last time they were this secretive, they were buying a new house in a better neighborhood so prepare yourself."

"I look forward to it," Harry said.

They headed for the portrait hole as Lavender and Parvati joined them, splitting off from a conversation with the Weasley twins. Neville rejoined them and they headed off toward the train with Luna forming up on the way.

On the way down, Harry and Hermione were stopped by Professor Flitwick.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," he said as he pulled them aside. "I was wondering if you were decided which electives you were going to take next year."

"Hermione is," Harry said. "She is taking Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures. I'm definitely doing the last two but I am unsure about Arithmancy. I was terrible at math in primary."

"I was hoping to offer you two something different," Flitwick said. "You two are far beyond the usual Charms curriculum. I was hoping to offer you the opportunity to study Advanced Charms with me."

"Really!?" Hermione was both shocked and amazed. "That would be amazing! Though I'm unsure which class I'd want to drop."

"I talked with Professor McGonagall. She said that if you both took the full load of electives, we could hold this class in an extra period, similar to how we have operated the las two years except this would be during the day as it is part of the actual curriculum," Flitwick said calmly. Hermione turned to Harry with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Okay," Harry sighed. "I'll take Arithmancy as well. But you'll have to tutor me. Math and I are not well suited."

Hermione hugged Harry before composing herself and facing the Charms professor.

"Yes, Professor Flitwick," Hermione bowed politiely. "We would be honored to accept your offer."

"Excellent!" Flitwick said. "You both would probably be able to scrape an acceptable on your O.W.L.s as it stands right now. I am going to keep pushing you, possibly harder than I have up to this point. I would ask that you use the regular Charms period to help those around you as pseudo teaching assistants."

The reaction of both was varied. Hermione was enthralled by the idea of learning while Harry liked the idea of being challenged and pushed. Though he was not looking forward to the daunting task of Arithmancy, part of him was excited for the challenge and he was excited to teach others.

They met back up with their group and headed down to the train. Once seated in their compartment, Harry asked the question that had been burning in the corner of his mind.

"I saw you two talking with the twins," Harry addressed Lavender and Parvati. "What were you talking about?"

"We were following up on your suggestion to talk to them regarding potions for our cosmetics," Parvati said. "They actually had a lot of great tips. We'll start experimenting this summer and hopefully have a few products by fall."

"That's wonderful," Hermione smiled brightly. "I look forward to seeing what you come up with."

"We're excited," Lavender's eyes got a faraway look on them. "We've got quite a few options that we're really close to figuring out."

"How will you work during the summer?" Neville asked.

"We're both going to work our own solutions to the problems we're having," Parvati said. "We'll share notes and hopefully have our solutions by the time we return."

The ride continued on in peace for once bereft of the usual visit from Malfoy. Harry gave a farewell to the Slytherin Four and Cedric just as the train was pulling into the station. He looked out the carriage and saw the Grangers standing on the platform wearing brilliant smiles.

"Daddy!" Hermione jumped off the train before it had fully stopped. Harry shook his head, picked up their trunks and departed the train behind her.

"Princess!" Richard held firm as his daughter flung herself into his arms. "How I've missed you!

"Harry!" Richard turned to greet Harry. "Anything interesting happen this term?"

"Oh you know, the usual," Harry said with a forced smile. He still felt guilty about not protecting Richard's daughter.

"Well we have some exciting news," Helen gave Harry her best motherly hug. "We've cleared our schedule for three full weeks and we're taking you both to France!"

"France?" Harry stammered. "But I don't even have a…"

"Passport?" Helen finished with a smile. "Don't worry: we got in touch with the goblins; they set it all up. Don't ask me how because I don't even know. They have their tricks."

"Awesome! How can I help pay?"

"Nu-uh," Helen shook her head. "This is our treat. You're not paying for a single thing unless that is something is a souvenir that you want. I know you have the Dursley's trial and then the goblins said something about wanting to meet with you? Said you reached out to them about harvesting a creature?"

"Yeah," Harry rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Professor Dumbledore told me the Basilisk I slew was worth some money and told me to reach out to the goblins."

"Looks like you've got some stories to tell," Richard embraced Harry in a side hug. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat. Have you ever had Chinese?"

"No," Harry said.

"We'll have to change that then!" Richard bent to pick up Hermione's trunk. "Wow Princess! Are you sure you packed? This thing feels feather light!"

"No I did but now that you mention it…" Hermione looked at Harry with narrowed eyes.

"I'll explain once we're home." Harry tried to forestall any argument; he could see Hermione putting the pieces together.

On the way toward the portal into the muggle world, they were stopped by the Weasleys.

"Harry!" Ron slapped him on the back hard enough that Harry from falling over. If it wasn't for Ron gripping his shoulder, he would have. "Guess what!? Dad won the lottery! We're heading to Egypt to visit my brother Bill. How about that, huh?"

"Oh… cool," Harry peeled Ron's vice-grip hands off his shoulder. "That sounds like a lot of fun."

"You'll have to tell us all about it!" Hermione squealed. "I'm sure there's so many fascinating things to learn from a place that old! Oh maybe some of the Pharaohs were magical!"

"Of course," Ron scoffed. "You hear vacation and you instantly go to learning. I am just excited to see the mummies!"

"Have a good time, Ron," Harry bade goodbye to the rest of the Weasley family, sparing the twins a look they doubt understood: keep an eye on Ginny.

"So that's Ron…" Richard said with narrowed eyes. "He seems… pleasant."

"Oh yeah, he's a kick," Harry rolled his eyes. "Though his comment did give me a question to ask: could we possibly visit the Louvre while in France? Ron might balk at the idea of learning but I think I'd find it fascinating."

Harry finished his request with a look at Hermione. He could tell Ron's comment rubbed her the wrong way and made her self-conscious. Harry hoped his suggestion would help. It did as Hermione's eyes opened wide and she squealed in joy once again.

"Come on," Richard guided them onward. "Chinese food awaits!"

"Harry!" Susan ran up to them. "Have you seen Auntie Amelia? She was supposed to meet me on the platform but I haven't seen her."

"Maybe she's on the other side?" Harry wondered aloud. "Would she ever meet you there?"

"She usually pops in on the muggle side and walks through," Susan said. "She says it's harder to ambush because most wizards never use it."

"Then let's see if she's on the other side," Richard said. "If not, you're free to have dinner with us until we reach her."

They walked through the barrier and were immediately confronted with Amelia Bones.

"Good afternoon," Amelia said. "We've got an issue."

(A/N: Thank you for your messages of support after the last chapter. It allowed me to break through my writer's block and churn out some content this week. I am currently plotting out how I want third year to go. I have a few points I want to hit but getting there and filling out the story is a work in progress. I'd like to keep working and developing Colin as he's rarely fleshed out. I have the summer between years wire framed out right now and I'm working on the first term)