Author Note: This is another idea from the works in progress folder. My brother Rogar had posted some of them on Facebook but I have been inspired (And cajoled by certain parties) to clean them up a little bit and expand on some of them. These have been sitting on the hard drive for some time now so that's why the quality of some of them is varied and some of my older typing errors are in evidence (when I have missed fixing them, now that I am aware about them). I must confess I am getting feedback on plot points to nail down and focus on with these too. So thank you for the feedback.
This story though is kinda odd and dark and emotional. We see Harry go on a roaring rampage of vengeance to get the cure for Hermione who is haunting him, but he is the ONLY one who can see or hear her.
Hermione Granger woke up feeling odd. The first odd thing she noticed was that she did not recall actually waking up. More like one second she was hitting the floor bathed in the purple fire of Dolohov's spell and then the next she was waking up here.
Secondly the place here was the boy's dorm. How she could get from the Ministry to the boy's dorm was quite a curious thing. She looked around and saw Neville, Seamus, Dean and Harry asleep in their beds. Harry looked drawn, haggard and sad. There was an empty bed that must have been Ron's.
And lastly she noticed that she was not really breathing, not really feeling her own pulse. Could she have been killed? Was she now a ghost? That had to be the only conclusion as she sighed deeply looking at Harry. He would blame himself if she died and she hoped she could help him through that.
He began to stir as he had some kind of bad dream, tossing and turning before he called out her name. He sat straight up breathing hard before shaking his head and slumping back onto his pillow.
Hermione moved over to him and tried sitting on the bed. She managed to do so before reaching out to touch him. Her hand passed through his chest with utterly no effect, Harry did not even seem to notice as his eyes were closed.
"Harry?" Hermione tried speaking. She heard her own voice and apparently so did Harry as his eyes snapped open. Sitting up quickly he looked at her before taking his glasses off the sideboard.
"Hermione?" he hoarsely whispered once he could see her clearly.
"Yes. I'm here Harry. In the not so living flesh." She said with an ironic chuckle.
"But how? You're not dead?" He asked in confusion reaching out to touch her hand and frowning when he passed through her.
"What do you mean I'm not dead? I'm a ghost."
"But your body. Its not dead." Harry corrected her. "We need to go tell Madam Pomfrey." He said flinging his sheet off revealing his boxers to her. Swinging his legs through her he stood up to begin getting dressed, "Uh sorry about that." He apologized to her.
"Need to tell Madam Pomfrey what?" Neville groggily called out.
"That Hermione's spirit is here." Harry explained pointing at her.
Neville looked around in confusion, "Where?"
"Right here." Harry pointed at her, "She's sitting on my bed talking to me."
Neville looked at Harry's empty bed and saw nothing. Seamus and Dean had woken up at this point and frowning Seamus said, "Mate yer bed's empty."
"They can't see me?" Hermione asked in surprise.
"Apparently they can't." Harry replied.
"Who are ye talking to mate?" Seamus asked.
"Hermione. She's right here."
Seamus and Dean exchanged a glance before Seamus rolled over pulling his blanket over his head, "Right well tell her to parden me but its four in the morning and I want to get some more sleep."
"They can't see or hear me Harry. Let's go talk to Madam Pomfrey. Maybe she can figure things out."
"Right." Harry said pulling his clothes on.
Once Harry had left the other three boys sighed, "Ye think he's finally gone round the bend?" Seamus grumbled from his bed.
Neville replied, "I don't think so. Harry usually has a good reason for what he does."
Dean just kept quiet hearing the potential anger in Neville's voice.
===xxx
Harry hurried through the corridors, Hermione easily walking to keep up. She had tried seeing if she could float or fly and failed. She was wondering if she really was a ghost or spirit of some kind.
She could pass through doors she noticed as Harry had hurried through several that closed behind him before she had managed to get through them. So she stopped worrying about it and just ran through them along behind Harry.
Reaching the hospital wing Harry paused then went in carefully and quietly. She saw in the dim light her body laying on a bed. Its chest slowly rose and fell the only sign that she was still alive.
"I look like I'm just asleep." She said quietly as she came near her body.
"I know." Harry said softly as he brushed her hair.
"Mister Potter?" Madam Pomfrey asked tying her robe shut as she came out of her office.
"Madam Pomfrey. I don't know how to tell you this but Hermione's spirit is here." Harry said quickly.
Madam Pomfrey looked around then back at Harry. She did not seem skeptical but curious. "Perhaps a bit more details would be helpful?"
"Sorry. Hermione is standing right here beside me. I can't touch her but I can see and hear her. Only no one else can." Harry said concerned that the matron would scoff at him or otherwise give him a potion and tell him to lie down.
Madam Pomfrey considered things for a moment. "Where is she?"
Harry pointed to his immediate left where Hermione stood according to his vision.
The matron took her wand and cast several spells at that space. When nothing happened she stepped forward and reached out with her hand. It passed through Hermione's chest and abdomen several times.
"I cannot sense any spiritual energies Mr Potter." The matron finally said.
"Oh." Harry said dejectedly. "So what does that mean?"
"Well lacking any further evidence it means that there are two theories that are the most possible. One is that you are hallucinating her. The other is that she has managed to fall through a crack into some part of spirit lore that we are not aware of."
"Oh lucky me." Hermione said.
Harry nodded, "Do you think I am hallucinating her?"
"I do not know Mr Potter. Personally I doubt it as you have always had a rather stable and strong mental fortitude."
Harry nodded.
"You may remain, just do so quietly. She will be transferred to Saint Mungo's later this morning." The matron said before giving Harry a brief sympathetic smile.
"Thank you ma'am."
The matron left Harry alone. Hermione stood beside him, "Well I don't feel like a hallucination."
Harry chuckled sadly, "Yeah but if you were one that's what you would say isn't it?"
Hermione smiled, "Maybe. Although if you are hallucinating me there must be a reason for it."
Harry sighed. "I guess, but what would it be?"
Hermione shrugged, "The same purpose I always have. Helping you figure things out and keep you from getting killed."
Harry snorted briefly.
"Well its true. Now let's figure this out." She said pointing at her body.
"Okay." Harry said standing beside her.
"So what happened? The last thing I remember is getting hit by the spell. I should have cut his stupid throat instead of just silencing him." She grumped.
"Maybe next time you see him you can." Harry said. "As for what happened. You fell and Dumbledore had you brought you here. Madam Pomfrey managed to save your body but you won't wake up."
"Okay. It doesn't look like I've got that much physical injury." She said examining her body.
"There is a couple of things." Harry said moving to open her body's eyes. Instead of their normal brown iris a dull purple glow emanated from them.
"Okay that is not normal definitely. Although I do kinda like the look." Hermione teased.
"The other one is a scar along your body." Harry said awkwardly.
"Can I see it?" Hermione asked.
"Uh its not." Harry blushed slightly.
"I give you permission to look Harry." She said rolling her eyes.
"Yeah but if you're a hallucination then that's not really you giving me permission." He countered.
"Just pretend. Okay." She huffed grumpily.
"That sounded rather realistically like you." Harry said. "Okay this is it."
He pulled up her shirt making sure not to expose her right breast while pulling her trousers down slightly. A long snaking purple weal was revealed. I started just below her right armpit, snaked along her right ribcage with a sinuous multiple forked channel, curving around her stomach to end just above her left hip. It still pulsed and glowed slightly like a living thing.
"Ouch that looks like its alive."
"Yeah they have no idea what kind of curse it is. They've tried all kinds of counters in the last several days but nothing worked." Harry pulled her shirt back into place and her trousers up.
"So have you tried kissing me?" Hermione asked.
"What?"
"Sleeping beauty. True loves first kiss? Unless you'd like to go back to the original Grimm's tale where the prince had sex with her." Hermione suggested.
Harry glared at her. "I am not having sex with your unconscious body. Even if you are not a hallucination that is still creepy."
Hermione shrugged, "I'm not going to disagree with you about that. The Grimm brothers wrote some really creepy things, but a kiss shouldn't hurt."
Harry considered the idea with a frown then moved over. Licking his lips nervously he closed his eyes and taking a deep breath bent down to kiss Hermione's body on the lips. He held the kiss for several seconds before stopping.
"Was there anything in particular you were expecting Harry?" Luna's voice softly asked from behind Harry causing him to jump.
"Uh well. I was kinda hoping that maybe she would wake up." Harry confessed awkwardly.
"Ah true love's first kiss." Luna said with a soft sad sigh. "I hope you were not going to attempt the other method used in the fairy tale if that failed."
Harry shook his head quickly. "No. Uh no. Eww. I would rather have her a lot more interactive first."
Luna smiled, "That would probably be a lot more enjoyable."
Harry sighed, "Yeah. Uh Luna do you see Hermione in the room, I mean other than laying in the bed." Harry asked. It was probably safest to clarify what he meant with her.
Luna took a deep breath and slowly looked around the room. Not blinking as she rotated in place until she had scanned a full circle. "No Harry, I am sorry but I do not. Why do you ask?"
"Because I can see her standing right here and hear her." He said pointing to her.
Luna studied the area very carefully then stepped forward until she actually walked through Hermione.
"Hey." Hermione said.
"You just walked through her." Harry said.
"May I hold your hand Harry?" Luna asked in her soft voice.
"You want to hold my hand?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Yes. Perhaps there is something about your aura that lets you see her and not myself. If I am in contact with you then I might be able to see her." Luna explained.
Hermione made an appreciative noise, "You know that actually makes sense."
Harry took a deep breath and held his hand out. Luna took it gently. Her soft small hand felt oddly comfortable in his hand. Harry felt a shiver go through his body that caused his breathing to stop for a brief moment.
"Hey breathing is good Harry. C'mon." Hermione chuckled. "She's just a girl holding your hand."
Harry smiled nervously as Luna looked very carefully around the room.
"So do you see her?" Harry asked again.
Luna looked into his eyes shaking her head sadly. "No. I am sorry but I still do not see her."
Harry sighed, "So that means I am just hallucinating her."
Luna squeezed his hand, "No it doesn't Harry. It just means I cannot see her."
"But why not? Why am I the only one who can see her?" Harry anxiously cried out softly.
Luna frowned briefly, "Just because you are the only one to see her does not mean that she is not really there Harry. Even in the magical world there are things that are still unknown."
Harry looked at Luna who smiled back at him. They turned and sat quietly waiting. Still holding hands.
Hermione sat on Harry's other side. "So what happened to Ron?"
Harry sighed with his shoulders slumped, "Ron is in Saint Mungo's too. He got attacked by some brains which injured him. Rather severely."
"Oh." Hermione said, "And Ginny?"
"She blames me for Ron getting hurt, we haven't talked since then."
"Is he expected to recover at least?" Hermione asked carefully.
"They don't know. He has multiple personalities in his mind. Sorting them out from his own is rather difficult." Harry said flatly.
"Oh." Hermione sighed through her nose as she frowned.
Luna said nothing as she listened to Harry's side of the conversation. Harry stopped and looked at her bashfully, "Uh sorry. She was asking about Ron and Ginny."
"So I presumed from your side of the conversation." Luna said placidly. "Please do not feel like you have to apologize to me for talking to her."
"Yeah thanks." Harry said.
The three of them sat quietly as the sun crept over the horizon. Its golden rays sliding down the walls until they highlighted Hermione's brown hair.
Professor McGonnegal arrived in the ward and checked on Hermione. She smiled sympathetically at Harry who was staring straight ahead without seeing her. Luna had fallen asleep on his shoulder, still holding his hand. The stern Scotts woman sighed before moving to speak with the matron.
She came back after a brief conversation, "Mr Potter?" She softly said. She had to repeat herself before he responded.
"Yes Professor?"
"I understand you claim to be seeing Miss Granger?" The professor asked sympathetically.
"I think so ma'am." Harry replied uncertainly. Turning his head to look at the smiling Hermione who shrugged at him. Luna sat up blinking herself awake.
"Yes well." Minerva said, pulling the chair Hermione was sitting in out from under her so that the professor could sit down. Harry frowned briefly but Hermione stood and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Is there a problem?"
"Hermione was sitting there." Harry said slightly grumpily.
Minerva raised her eyebrow, "My apologies but as I cannot see her I did not know."
"I don't mind Harry." Hermione said sitting beside herself on the bed.
Harry nodded past Minerva who closed her eyes briefly before opening them to say, "The people from Saint Mungo's will be coming after breakfast to take her to the hospital. Will you be able to handle this?" Minerva asked.
"You mean will I cause any trouble?" Harry asked flatly.
"That is a concern." Minerva admitted.
Harry frowned as Luna subtly tightened her grip on his hand. Hermione shook her head, "Please don't cause any trouble Harry. It won't change things. Work with Luna to get me back. They'll take care of me in the hospital."
Harry closed his eyes as he scrunched his face in pain, "I won't cause any trouble. Hermione doesn't want me to."
Minerva's mouth twitched for a moment but she said, "Very well. Do you need to speak with anyone?"
"I think he has someone already ma'am." Luna quickly said from his side.
Minerva gave a small smile as she nodded to the blonde waif. "Very well. Mr Potter I will expect you to uphold your word."
"I will ma'am. I need to focus on ending this war so we can cure Hermione. That's what she wants me to do." Harry declared firmly. "Dolohov may have escaped Azkaban but he will not escape me. I will find a cure for her."
Minerva remained impassive but said, "Yes. I am certain that is what she would want you to do."
Harry looked into Minerva's eyes with a tight focus, "It is. She told me."
Minerva felt a chill run down her spine at Harry's expression but did not argue with him, "As you say Mr Potter."
She stood then with a nod to the matron left.
Hermione worked her lip for a moment before saying, "You should go ahead and go to breakfast Harry. It won't change anything to watch them take me away. It'll just hurt you more."
Harry looked down at the floor but did not move.
"Please Harry. If you won't do it for me then do it for Luna. I think she's going to sit there with you until you move. As skinny as she is she can't afford to miss too many meals." Hermione said teasingly.
"Its not fair to tease someone when they can't hear you Hermione." Harry said.
"No, but if I am a hallucination, then this is just your own internal thoughts so its your own fault." She said logically but with a childish smirk.
Harry frowned but stood up. Luna released his hand so he could step over to Hermione and kiss her on the forehead, after that he ran his fingers through her hair. He wiped at his eyes for a moment before turning and leaving. Luna touched Hermione on the forehead and said something in Gaelic before following Harry.
===xxx
Harry was walking slowly, like he was wounded himself instead of merely tired. Luna easily caught up with him.
"Thank you for sitting with us Luna." Harry said as Luna fell into step beside him.
"You are welcome Harry. I did not think you should be alone." she said with her normal light tone.
Harry took a deep breath, "I am going to find him and make him tell me how to cure her."
"When do you want to leave?" Luna asked.
Harry stopped and looked at her. Hermione stood quietly nearby letting the two of them have some privacy. "Why do you want to know?"
Luna turned and looked at Harry unflinchingly, "You will need help capturing him. I can help."
"I'll have to travel lightly and move quickly. I'll need to fly on a broom. I'll need to work on learning to apparate."
"I have the ability to do those things. Father has made certain I am capable of being self-sufficient after mother died. He became rather concerned with my safety but instead of sheltering me he prepared me." She explained firmly. "I can help you learn to apparate."
Harry glared at her, "I'll be able to move quicker alone."
"And when you do find him how will you overpower him? Especially if he is with other Death Eaters or allies?" she asked pointedly.
Harry growled as he had not thought that far ahead but didn't want to admit it.
"She has a point Harry. While I appreciate you wanting to go off on a mission of vengeance filled with righteous fury that's not going to accomplish very much." Hermione said quietly. "Except maybe getting you killed."
Harry sighed throwing a glare at Hermione briefly.
"She appears to agree with me." Luna said placidly. Without any judgment or victory in her voice.
"Yes she does. I'll give you my address. Meet me there the second day after we get back from school. I'll have everything prepared by then." Harry stated.
"Very well. I'll be ready. I will bring some of my own camping and adventuring equipment as father and I do a lot of traveling." She said then gave Harry a hug. "Now we should get breakfast as a good meal will help immensely."
He flinched but relaxed a moment later and walked to breakfast with Luna on one side and Hermione on the other.
===xxx
Harry spent the next several days dealing with research. Asking Luna and Hermione to help him figure out which books would have the most information. How he could find Dolohov and what he should do when he found him. Also they planned what equipment he would need and what they should bring. He also scanned the papers for any sighting of the Death Eater. Antonin Dolohov had escaped the battle at the Ministry by abandoning his companions when they started falling. He had been wounded so would probably need to go somewhere to heal.
He had originally been reluctant to involve Luna no matter what, but he had to admit he could not think of someone else to go with him on this, except possibly Neville. All of the other students were too fickle in their support of him or too wrapped up in their own world. Lavender had been sympathetic to him, especially when it got around that he was seeing Hermione and talking to her. However he really didn't want to drag Lavender into this. She was too kind and nice to be strong enough to go into the dark areas he had to go. He desperately had wanted Ron by his side but the red haired friend was getting worse they had said.
The only problems with Neville were that he couldn't apparate or fly a broom to Harry's knowledge. As far as Harry knew Neville had not even touched a broom after first year.
Luna had begun to stay next to Harry as much as she possibly could. She said this was to assist him in dealing with the way the other students did not understand the situation with Hermione. She also wanted to get him used to being with her as they would be working together to resolve this.
Harry wasn't sure, especially when Seamus teased him that he had gotten a replacement Hermione pretty quickly. The fact that Seamus got a face full of fist the moment after he said that did not make Harry feel better but did prevent anyone else making a comment like that. It had also earned him a detention with Professor McGonnegal that Harry had sullenly completed, even when the stern woman had shown her softer side by trying to talk to him like a grandmother. Harry felt it was worth it to make Seamus and the others shut up, even if Hermione did not.
The biggest question harry had though was why Dumbledore had distanced himself from Harry again. The official story was that he was busy dealing with the revelation of Voldemort at the Ministry. Harry wondered if that was all there was.
===xxx
Harry and Luna were sitting on the train with Neville. Hermione as usual was sitting nearby but unseen by anyone except Harry.
"Neville, Luna and I are going to go find Dolohov. He's the one that attacked Hermione. We're going to make him tell us how to cure her." Harry said once the train was underway and he didn't think anyone would listen in.
Neville nodded, "Okay. What do you want me to do to help?"
"Can you fly on a broom or apparate?" Harry flatly asked.
"I can't apparate yet. And I'm not very good at flying." Neville said apologetically.
Harry frowned but Luna nodded, "That is alright Neville. We can use you for information gathering and a safe place to hide as we are going to be on the run from both sides until this is completed."
Harry looked at her, "I was only going to get Dolohov, cure Hermione and then." Harry stopped because he really had not planned beyond that. "Okay I hadn't planned beyond that but still. You really think both sides are going to work against us?"
"Harry the Ministry is trying to save face according to Gramma. They got handed a major embarrassment when it was proven Voldemort was back. Fudge is facing a vote of no confidence. He might be gone as Minister by the end of next week even." Neville explained.
"Oh. Well we'll just have to deal with it as we can." Harry declared.
"Next question how am I supposed to contact you?" Neville asked.
Harry got into his trunk and pulled out a mirror. "Sirius gave me these linked mirrors. Hermione had reminded me of them. You keep one and I'll keep the other. They are only linked to each other so no one else can tap into the signal."
Neville took the mirror and nodded, "Okay. I think I understand what you meant."
Harry laughed grimly, "Yeah Hermione explained it to me."
Neville glanced around, "So is she still here?"
Harry nodded smiling at Hermione who was sitting beside him. "Yeah she is."
Neville nodded, "You know a lot of people think you've gone crazy."
"I know. But they've thought a lot of things about me over the last few years. What's one more thing." Harry stated in frustration.
"I suppose that is true." Luna agreed. She gave Neville a very pointed look.
"Okay guys. You'll be welcome at my home whenever you need a safe place." Neville said.
"Good, thanks." harry said.
===xxx
Harry got back to Privet Drive and could barely sleep. He was surly and angry and the Dursleys were hesitant to deal with him so left him alone. They could sense something had changed and they had no power over him. The next day he snuck out and went to Diagon Alley, going to Gringotts before getting several pieces of camping equipment. He moved quickly and with a purpose and got everything by lunch.
He was sitting in the Leaky Cauldron with Hermione beside him when Lavender Brown sat down across from him, "Hello Harry."
"Hi." he replied curtly.
"I'm sorry if I'm bothering you. I'll go." She moved to get up before Harry reached out and took her wrist briefly.
"No wait. I'm sorry. I'm just still stressed out over what happened to Hermione." He said quickly.
Sitting back down Lavender smiled at him, "I understand. I came from Saint Mungo's as Mum's a midwife there."
"Oh did you visit Hermione?" He asked hopefully.
Lavender pursed her lips slowly before shaking her head slowly, "Uh no. I didn't get a chance to. I'm sorry. So are you still seeing her around you?" Lavender asked looking around.
"Just say no Harry. It'll be better that way." Hermione said.
"Yeah she's still here." Harry declared giving Hermione an upset glare.
Lavender pursed her lips again, briefly before nodding, "Grief can make people see or hear things Harry. There's some very helpful programs at the hospital. I'd be willing to go with you to them for moral support." She had reached out to take his hand. Her pink painted nails neatly trimmed.
Harry scowled at the honey blonde girl. He was not crazy. He knew he wasn't. Hermione was here. She was really here.
"Well looks like you've got them coming out of the woodwork now that I'm flat on my back. She would be nice for some moral support. Those large breasts, thick thighs and full round bottom would be nice to grab I bet." Hermione chuckled. "Too bad you're going to say something to ruin all of that."
Harry opened his mouth then closed it. Glancing at Hermione he rolled his eyes then looking at Lavender he said, "I'm sorry. I don't feel like I'm wrong. I can see her, I can hear her. I know she's here somehow. I appreciate the offer Lavender but I can't give up hope on Hermione."
"Well that was a lot more diplomatic than I was expecting." Hermione quipped.
Lavender smiled sympathetically at him, "Okay Harry. If you need any help though let me know. I'll be happy to help you with anything you need."
"Why don't you rent a room and bang her brains out harry. I'm sure that would make her very happy." Hermione suggested. "I know it might make you less uptight."
"Thanks Lavender. I'll keep that in mind. Okay?" Harry said with a tight grimace.
Lavender smiled, "Okay Harry. And since I'm at the hospital with mum a lot I'll check on Hermione for you." She promised while patting his hand.
"Thanks."
Lavender stayed with harry and chatted about some of the things going on. He waited for her to leave before getting his things from under the table and going back to Privet Drive.
"You know you probably could have gotten laid." Hermione pointed out when they were back in his room.
"I know. But it wouldn't have been the same, plus who knows how she would have felt about it." Harry sighed packing his gear one more time to practice. "I'm not going to just use someone like that."
"Okay. But look, promise me that if something happens and I don't wake up that you won't pine for me forever. That you'll move on and find someone. Maybe Luna would be nice. She is cute, and has a nice tight butt."
"Why are you trying to set me up with all kinds of girls Hermione?" Harry asked softly.
"So that you will be able to have someone to love and take care of you now that I'm gone." She said.
"You're NOT DEAD! You're not going to die. I won't let you." Harry declared angrily, his chest heaving. He glared at her.
"Okay. Fine. I'll not mention it again." She conceded. Shaking her head with a sad smile.
Harry sat on his bed crying for a long time before curling up in a ball and going to sleep.
===xxx
The next morning harry smiled at Hermione before getting dressed and ready to go. He sat on the bed until he heard the doorbell ring. He opened the window and said to Hedwig, "Go fly. You probably don't want to stay here. Find Neville he'll take care of you."
His uncle bellowed for him to get down there so Harry knew Luna must have arrived. He grabbed his pack and shouldering it on went down stairs.
Luna was standing in the living room wearing a dark brown tunic, with matching trousers and high boots. She had a backpack and some pouches hanging off of her belt.
"Hello Harry. Your uncle and I were just having an interesting existential discussion about your existence." She said in some amusement.
Harry snorted as he stepped up. "That's okay Luna. He doesn't know any better." Turning to Vernon who was glaring at the both of them but with his back against the wall Harry said, "I'm leaving now, and I won't come back. You won't see me again. I've taken everything I want with me. So do whatever you want with the rest of it."
Vernon just stared insultingly at Harry who snorted and turned yanking the front door open he walked into his future. Luna smiled politely at Vernon then followed Harry.
===xxx
Harry was walking for the park with Luna beside him. Hermione was walking behind them Harry noticed but he shrugged as she had her reasons.
"So where do we go first?" Luna asked
"I have my invisibility cloak. We'll go to the park and I'll take my broom to go find Malfoy. He should know what's going on. He's part of them." Harry sneered.
"Do you know where Draco lives? Or where he would be?" She asked.
"No, but I'll use the point me. Hermione taught me that so we'll be able to find him." Harry confidently stated.
"You should let me put your pack in mine while we fly so I can ride closer to you."
Harry looked at her then shifted his pack off so she could place it in hers."
"We have a much better expansion charm on ours as father and I spend a great deal of time in the wilderness." Luna explained matter of factly.
Harry nodded, "Right hunting for Crumple Horned Snorckacks."
Luna smiled, "You remembered their name. Not very many people do. They are very dismissive of them."
"Well that's because no one has ever seen them before." Hermione said, "And most magicals are very dismissive of things that haven't already happened before."
"I know. And I remembered their name because they're important to you Luna." harry softly said.
Luna smiled, "Thank you Harry. I am glad you are my friend."
Harry nodded as they reached the park. Pulling her into some shrubbery he had her get his broom and invisibility cloak out of the pack. Once they had things rearranged they were under the cloak and into the sky. Luna grasping him tightly around the waist as her soft lithe body pressed against him from behind. Her arms stronger than their slenderness implied.
===xxx
The two flew for long miles before landing in the back garden of a mansion in Wiltshire. Draco was walking down a path with Pansy when Harry stunned her and disarmed Draco.
"Hello Draco. We need to have a little conversation." Harry said stepping out of the shadows.
"What do you think you're doing Potter? You're not going to get away with this?" Draco had started to turn and run when Luna hit him with an incarcerous that wrapped his arms and legs in thick ropes securely. Harry nodded to her then rolled Draco over. He was bleeding form his nose where he had fallen.
"Like I said Draco we need to have a little conversation." Harry said squatting beside Draco.
"Potter have you gone completely mad? When my father hears about this you'll not live long enough to regret anything." Draco spat.
Harry punched the blonde in the mouth, "Shut up Draco. Where is Dolohov?"
Draco spit blood as he sneered, "Why the fuck would I tell you that, assuming I even knew it."
"Because I have nothing left to lose Malfoy. I need to find a cure for Hermione and he has it." Harry growled as he pulled Draco's face close to his own.
Draco looked at Harry in horror, "You can't cure death dumbass. She's dead."
Harry smashed Draco's head against the ground acouple of times before pulling his wand and pointing it against Draco's throat.
"Harry what are you going to do?" Hermione and Luna both asked. Luna in a worried tone but Hermione just seemed mildly curious.
"Draco is going to tell me or else." Harry hissed through clenched teeth.
Draco swallowed, "I don't know. I don't know. Okay? He ran away and I don't know." He screamed begging. "Don't kill me. Look I'm sorry about Granger. Okay? I understand you're angry Potter. Harry. Please can we just calm down now? Maybe let me go?"
Harry was breathing hard. The tip of his wand dug into the soft spot just below Draco's jaw near his ear.
"If you let him go he'll just go running to his father and then they'll know you're on the prowl." Hermione pointed out calmly.
Luna softly said from behind him, "Harry, We can obliviate him. Make him forget we were ever here."
Harry slowly shook his head, "No. That's not good enough. He hurt Hermione, over and over. He insulted her and if we let him live he'll just join them like dear ol daddy." Harry stammered in a strained voice.
"No. I'll go straight. I'll. I'll run away. Please. Please harry let me live. Obliviate me. It'll be fine." Draco begged.
Hermione shook her head, "Pathetic little worm. I wouldn't trust him if he told me my hair was on fire."
"Harry. Draco is not a nice person but killing him would not serve any useful purpose. Obliviating him will let you find him again and probe his mind for more information. It would make him more useful."
Harry glared at Draco, "Just tell me who would know where Dolohov is."
"Snape. Snape is one of them. He'd know. He's in Spinner's End, Cokeworth. Just go ask him. He'll know. I promise you he'll know."
Hermione grunted before saying, "Well throwing Snape under the bus. No love or honor among Slytherins."
Harry let Draco fall on the ground before taking his wand and putting it between Draco's eyes. "Obliviate." Harry cast before Draco's eyes rolled back in his head.
Turning harry stalked to the bushes. Luna stunned Draco then released the ropes. Catching up with harry she said, "You made the right decision."
Hermione shrugged, "I would have understood. But she is right. Killing him wouldn't have served any useful purpose."
Harry just mounted the broom and waited for Luna before taking off to find Snape.
===xxx
They had arrived in Cokeworth by late afternoon. Finding the area known as Spinner's end they came to a working class row house. Just one out of many in the district.
Harry knocked on the door when Hermione and Luna both stopped him from just kicking the door down and blasting his way in.
Snape opened the door and tried to slam it when he saw Harry standing there. Harry had put his shoulder into it shoving Snape backwards. Snape drew his wand but Harry was quicker and using an overpowered cutting charm sliced Snape's arm off just below the elbow then stunned him.
"Okay. No how do I prevent him from apparating?" Harry asked.
"You read that in the one defense book Harry." Hermione reminded him.
"Yeah. The nails." Harry said as he looked at Luna healing the wound. She glanced at Harry but said nothing.
Harry got into the pack and pulled out some long iron nails and a hammer. Driving them through Snape's ankles and wrists into the floor, he even put it through the remains of the ruined arm, he then healed the wounds so that the flesh was sealed around them. Securing Snape to the floor.
"Good job Harry. The iron grounds him and he cannot apparate away." Hermione grinned savagely. "Should have put one through his bollocks."
"I don't think I'd want to see those." Harry chuckled.
"Yeah true. Probably as nasty as his hair." She sneered.
Luna was standing off to the side watching Harry with some concern.
"Luna you know he's a death eater. I can't be gentle with them. I can't just obliviate him, he's done far more than Draco in his life." Harry explained urgently to Luna.
Luna swallowed as she said, "I understand harry. I knew this would not be easy but you should still try to do your best not to perform needless acts of violence."
Harry nodded, "I know Luna. I'll do my best okay?"
Luna nodded with a weak smile, "I know Harry."
Casting a spell to awaken Snape Harry stood far enough back as the dark wizard grunted in pain.
"Potter. You will pay for this. I will see to it personally that you wind up kissed by every Dementor in Azkaban." Snape growled as he struggled.
Harry poked him in the throat with his wand, "Shut up. I have some questions I need you to answer."
Snape stoppled struggling, staring up into Harry's wild green eyes, he smiled. "I see. You've finally grown a pair. Going to interrogate the old man the same way?"
"I'll interrogate anyone I have to. I need to find Dolohov. Tell me where he is!" Harry commanded.
Snape sneered, "Whhy do you think I would know where he is?"
"You're all part of the same happy fun club. So you would of course know where he is." Harry sneered back.
Snape chuckled darkly, "Ahh I see you seek Dolohov for revenge. Revenge for his murdering your girlfriend."
"Hermione's not dead. She's not dead! She's just in a coma!" Harry screamed into Snape's face.
Snape seemed to realize that harry was dancing on the edge of a knife with his sanity as he looked at the teen in horror. "Potter. I know the dark spells Dolohov has used, there is no cure for the Maldictus enflamare. It will burn her body from the inside out until there is nothing left but an empty husk. She is already dead." He said it slowly and calmly. "I am not lying to you."
"She's not dead. He has a cure. I need to find him." Harry swallowed hard as he stared at the professor.
Snape blinked several times, "If I tell you will you let me live?"
"No deals, no bargains. I'll find him with or without you." Harry promised.
"Then if I am going to die no matter what I do not see much motivation to assist you." The professor stated calmly as he closed his eyes expecting to die.
"Harry he must be stalling for time. Expecting someone to show up to help him." Hermione said quickly, looking out the window.
"Imperious." Harry cast with his wand pressed against the professor's temple. "Tell me where to find Dolohov."
Snape grunted and gnashed his teeth as he fought to resist the spell, "You're too weak Potter. My mind is my mind. I am in control of my mind."
"IMPERIOUS!" Harry shouted pouring all of his magical strength into the spell, the desire for Snape to tell him where Dolohov was. How to find him.
Snape's eyes flew open as the spell impacted his mind, his shields collapsing into dust as Harry's rage fueled spell burrowed deeply into his mental core. In a mechanical unemotional tone he said, "Antonin has several boltholes across the U.K. but I do not know where they are. He has gone to Chateau DuChatte several times. His favorite there is Minuet Longlegs. She is special to him. She could help you find him."
Harry stared at the professor who was staring at the ceiling with a glassy eyed unblinking blankness.
"I think you broke him Harry." Hermione said. She turned "Shit Aurors!"
"Shit!" Harry exclaimed grabbing Luna he burst out of the back door dragging her behind him. Firing random spells behind him he set fire to houses and trees to distract from the aurors who had begun to chase him. Swinging his leg over the broom he pulled Luna around so she was hanging onto him from the front. Racing the broom to its highest speeds he swung around and through cracks and walkways. He brushed both of his shoulders on two houses at one point.
He pulled a high G cobra maneuver to decelerate and let the one that was chasing him overshoot before Harry dropped back and set fire tot he broom of the auror on the right. He accelerated as hard as he could onto the local muggle traffic way, flying in front of cameras and cars both. Several vehicles had to swerve to avoid him he was that low. The aurors broke off the pursuit to preserve their secrecy and safety.
===xxx
When they finally stopped flying they were in a woods in the northern part of France. Luna had collapsed on the ground vomiting and shaking as Harry quickly established a secure camp, throwing up wards and spells as Hermione reminded him of them. When he felt secured he turned and checked on Luna.
"Luna hun? Are you okay?" Harry gently asked her.
"Your flying was quite disturbing." She said in a shaken voice so unlike her normal placid tones.
"I had to make sure they couldn't follow us. That they didn't catch us." Harry explained, "I'm sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you?"
"I am not injured just I now know what being in a muggle washing machine feels like." Luna explained as her voice regained some of its equanimity.
"This would be a good time to kiss her Harry and apologize." Hermione said.
"You just want to watch me kiss her." He glared at her.
"Well that too. She has very kissable lips." Hermione observed.
"You have really turned into quite the pervert you know?" Harry laughed as he stroked Luna's arms.
"Well not having a body right now does tend to make the mental enjoyment of things a lot more important." Hermione chuckled.
Luna remained kneeling on the ground watching Harry as he held his conversation with Hermione. "She wants you to kiss me?"
Harry turned back to the silvery blonde haired sky blue eyed waif in his arms. She looked very fragile at the moment with her hair blown all askew and her face scrunched in worry. "Yeah. She says I should do so as part of apologizing to you."
"And you do not want to kiss me?" Luna asked slightly hurt.
Harry looked into Luna's eyes with a pained expression, "I do Luna. I really do. You are a beautiful, wonderful, girl. You're here throwing your life away on some mad quest to cure Hermione with me and I feel like I'm a cad for even considering kissing you. I love Hermione and kissing you feels like my love for her means nothing. I just. I don't know what to do or feel." He was almost crying.
Luna reached up to caress Harry's cheek, she sighed softly as he closed his eyes and leaned his head against her palm. "I love you too Harry." She leaned in and kissed him. Softly, gently on the lips until he pulled away.
"I'll get the tent set-up. We should get some rest." Harry said getting into the pack.
Hermione chuckled, "About damn time you two kissed. I was starting to get worried you might play for Colin's team."
"Shut up Hermione." Harry hissed.
"Fine. I'll see you in the morning." She huffed then faded out.
Harry dropped the tent pack and reached for her, "No wait. Come back. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean it." He fell to his knees sobbing.
Luna came over and rubbed his shoulders, "I'll get the tent set up." She tapped it with her wand letting it unfold.
She convinced Harry to stand and walk into the tent. She did not bother putting him in the bath as he was too distraught. She put him into a bed, then took his shoes and glasses off.
Watching for a moment as he cried himself to sleep murmuring to himself she turned and brought their packs in. Pulling the mirror out she contacted Neville.
"Luna? What's going on? Are you guys alright?"
"Yes. I am fine." She paused as she considered her next words, "Harry is resting. He has had a rather troubling day."
Neville raised his eyebrows in shock as his mouth dropped open. "That's a rather interesting way to put it. The news is reporting that Harry kidnapped you and is dragging you off on some kind of murderous rampage. Wanting revenge for what happened to Hermione. That he's finally gone completely insane."
"No one has died yet have they?" She asked. She ignored the insanity claim. "And they have declared him insane before Neville."
"Snape's mind was melted. He's a rutabaga. One auror smashed into a Vauxhall on the A50 and is going to be laid up for a week. Plus the Obliviators and ministry want his head for multiple violations of the Secrecy Act. Luna. Harry may have gone too far. I'm sorry. Are you really safe with him?"
"Yes Neville. I will remain with him until the end of this. One way or another I owe that to harry." she calmly said. "As do you. After all that Harry has suffered and done for the wizarding world, all of the pains he has had inflicted. He needs our loyalty."
Neville pursed his lips as he frowned through the connection. "Alright. Just keep in contact. I know you won't tell me where you are so I won't even ask."
"Thank you Neville. You are a very good friend." Luna graced him with a brief smile.
"Yeah. If I was a better friend I wouldn't have agreed to this crazy plan." Neville gruffly said.
"Is there any other news?" Luna asked.
"No. Its still the same." Neville sighed. "Take care of yourself Luna. Take care of him."
"I will Neville." She said then cut the connection.
Review Responses
DennisUD: About Going to America. I have plans that go to the end of summer at least with this. They are vague sentences in the notebook right now but they are there.
TomHRichardson: Thank you for the compliment. Dave will return. I showed the real Dave the printouts of the stories I've done and once he was done laughing at me for writing them he said he wanted to see what his alter ego would wind up doing too. So Dave will return for more thrilling adventures. Lol.
Ebonpurlight: It is in the works. One of a thousand irons in my fires.
OfficerDonNZ: Well maybe Hermione realizes Harry has a certain type more than he does right now. Better to head the competition off at the pass before it gets too bad. As for harry he'll figure it out eventually.
Starie78: Like I said to DennisUD I have plans for the end of summer at the very least. From there it starts getting more and more vague. Eventually if the creeks don't rise and the hills don't fall I will post it.
DennisUD: Deja vu! Yes Dave is cool. I've talked to the guy I based Dave off of and he has told me all kinds of interesting things. He wants to see what happens next too.