I don't own Harry Potter, or any related characters, and I'm not making any money off this.
Special thanks to Keoki8806 for their help as beta/editor/whatever they could do to help with this chapter.
9 Lives
By: Time Keeper
Chapter 1: White Room
#/# May 1, 1998 #/#
Deep in Gringotts bank, Harry, Hermione and Ron stand at the entrance to the Lestrange Vault. The sound of goblins coming their way echoes down one of the halls.
"You two head on and get the horcrux." Ron says as he draws his wand. "I'll distract the goblins."
"Be safe." Hermione says.
"You too." Ron says as he goes down the hall.
Hermione and Harry both stand there watching Ron for a second. Until finally Harry speaks. "Hermione, we should go. We don't want to waste this opportunity."
"Right, of course." Hermione says. The two of them go into the vault. Their spirits are immediately dashed when they see the inside of the vault. Cobwebs line the walls of the vault that goes on as far as their eyes could see.
"How are we ever going to find anything in here?" Harry asks.
Hermione sighs. "Just start looking, I'll take the right side, you take the left."
Harry nods. And quickly starts going through the hodgepodge on the left side. Hermione starts on the right. They both move as fast as they can. A loud crash pulls their attention from the search. They both look back and see a dragon bust into the vault.
Hermione stares transfixed when Harry grabs her shoulder. "We have to go." Harry says.
"Right, maybe there's a back way out." Hermione says as they both run.
As they run the dragon breathes fire at them. They manage to dodge the fire as they run until they come to a fork, one way a large open room can be seen, the other is a more narrow hallway whose destination is unclear. "This way." Harry says, pulling Hermione down the narrow hallway. The dragon crashes behind them breaking the walls as it forces it's way through.
"Harry, look!" Hermione exclaims as she points to a golden cup with a badger emblazoned upon it.
"Got it!" Harry says, grabbing the cup. The second he does he falls to the ground as he gets a vision. First he sees Slytherin's locket being placed in the basin in the cave; next the Gaunt family ring placed beneath the floorboards of an old dilapidated shack; the diary from second year being handed to Lucius Malfoy; the cup in his hand being handed to Bellatrix Lestrange; some sort of silver tiara being placed in a room full of various of objects that Harry immediately recognizes as the room he has hide his potions book last year; and finally Voldemort's snake Nagini.
When Harry falls to the ground Hermione uses magic to make him light enough she can drag him. She drags him until they come to a dead end. "Shit!" Hermione curses as she turns around only to see the way back out completely blocked by the dragon. She watches as the dragon rears its head back, then darts its head forward as it breathes fire at them. Hermione's last thoughts are the smell of human hair, skin burning and the intense heat before it all goes black.
#/#/#
Hermione gasps as she wakes up laying on the floor of a stark white room. "Damn it !" She curses as she gets up and finding herself in her Hogwarts uniform she straightens her skirt. A mirror appears in front of her and she looks in it to see the number "6" floating above her head.
As she looks into the mirror she sees movement behind her. She quickly turns around and gasps. "Harry?"
"Hermione?" Harry asks as he sits up.
"How are you here?" Hermione asks, panic in her voice. "You shouldn't be able to be here."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asks as he takes in the empty room, then notices himself dressed in his Hogwarts uniform. "Wait! Where are we? And how are we in different clothes?" Hermione grimaces as she looks away from Harry. "Hermione?"
"What's the last thing you remember?' Hermione asks, her voice breaking as she does.
"I touched the cup and got a vision." Harry gasps. "I know where the last horcrux is!"
"Before the cup." Hermione says.
"A dragon was chasing us." Harry answers. "How did you get us away from the dragon?'
Hermione looks at Harry, tears in her eyes. "I didn't."
Harry's eyes widen. "Then that means…"
"We're dead, and this is the in-between, limbo." Hermione finishes.
"No." Harry whispers.
I'm sorry." Hermione says as she hugs him.
"Am I interrupting anything?"A male voice asks. Both Harry and Hermione look and see a tall, well-built man with black wings standing there wearing a simple white chiton with a girdle where a sword hangs.
"What took you so long to get here?" Hermione growls.
"I wasn't sure what form to take." The man answers.
"Oh." Hermione responds.
"Wait! Do you two know each other?" Harry asks, incredulously.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet Thanatos, Greek God of Death." Hermione says.
Shock registers on Harry's face as he responds. "Hi."
"I'm not actually the God of Death." Thanatos says. "I'm an aspect of Death given the form I'm expected to have."
"I don't understand." Harry says, confused.
"Normally when someone dies they are met with exactly what they expect. I've taken every form imaginable." Thanatos says. "It's rare that two people end up here at the exact same time like this. So I had to pick between the form you expected and the one Hermione excepted. I chose Hermione's as I've talked with her before."
"What do you mean?" Harry asks confused.
"I've died before and come here." Hermione answers.
"How..how can that be possible?" Harry asks, completely in shock.
"Remember the polyjuice incident our second year?" Hermione asks, and Harry nods in response. "It gave me a cat's nine lives."
"Is the number above your head the amount of times you've died?" Harry asks, clearly looking at the number.
"No," Hermione responds. "It's how many lives I have left."
"So you've died two other times?" Harry asks.
Hermione nods. "The first time I died I looked the basilisk in the eyes. That's when I came here and met Thanatos."
"I was able to send her back before she died and gave her the mirror so she would be petrified instead" Thanatos says.
"Third year I was mauled to death by Professor Lupin; Thanatos told me how to use the time turner to save myself, Sirius and Buckbeak." Hermione says.
"So he can send you back before we went into Gringotts?" Harry asks. "Stop this from happening?"
"I'm afraid I can't do that." Thanatos says.
"Why not?" Harry asks. "You've sent her back in time before."
"She was the only one that died before." Thanatos says.
"She can't save me." Harry states.
"That sums it up." Thanatos says. "What's funny is if you had died almost any other way I would have been able to send you back."
"Why?" Harry asks.
"You had a soul fragment inside your scar." Thanatos explains. "I could have taken it and sent you back, but unfortunately the dragon fire destroyed it."
"If Harry can't go back I'm not going back." Hermione says.
"He can stay here with me so that you can see him every time you come back, but you must return." Thanatos states with authority.
"There has to be a way!" Hermione screams. "I'll give up the rest of my lives, just let Harry come back with me!" She grabs Harry's hand. "I can't do this without him!"
"Hermione, you don't need me." Harry says with a smile as he takes her hand in both his. "You have Ron, Neville and the rest of the DA, you can finish this."
"What if…" Hermione stops, blushing furiously.
"What is it?" Harry asks.
"What if I don't want to go back without you?" Hermione asks.
"I appreciate that, I really do." Harry says. "But our friends are in danger. You can go back and save them."
Hermione nods. "There's something else…." She trails off.
"What?" Harry asks.
"I love you." Hermione says right before kissing Harry passionately.
Harry kisses her back, after a minute he breaks the kiss. "I thought you liked Ron." He says, obviously confused.
"What gave you that idea?" Hermione asks.
"The fact that you were jealous of him and Lavender last year." Harry replies.
Hermione laughs. "I was jealous. Lavender had the courage to come out and admit her feelings. I didn't," she gets quiet, "at least not until it was too late."
"You're not the only one." Harry says. "I never told you I felt the same way."
"You do?" Hermione asks.
Harry nods. "I realized I had feelings for you third year when we rode Buckbeak. I didn't know what they were at the time, but I've since figured it out. I love you Hermione, I always have."
Hermione laughs. "Some Gryffindors we are."
Harry nods. "It's time we started acting like Gryffindors then. You need to go back and help our friends."
Hermione sighs. "I really don't want to, but you have a point."
Thanatos sighs. "There is a way for you both to go back, but it has repercussions."
"What kind of repercussions are we talking about here?" Harry asks.
"Who cares?" Hermione asks. "We'll do whatever we need to do."
"I won't be able to control where or when you return." Thanatos says. "I also don't know how many of your lives it'll use."
"I'm willing to give them all up if it means Harry can come back with me." Hermione says resolute.
"All you have to do is fully express your love. After that fall asleep, you'll be wake up whenever and wherever magic decides." Thanatos instructs before vanishing.
"Fully express our love?" Harry asks, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Hermione blushes heavily. "Sex, Harry, we have to have sex."
"Here? Now?" Harry asks, obviously nervous.
Hermione puts her hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'm nervous too."
"I… I've never.."
"So, the rumors about you and Ginny…" Hermione trails off.
"Are as fake as the ones about you and Krum." Harry says.
"Of course." Hermione blushes again. Behind her a king size four-poster bed appears. The frame and posts of the beds are made of walnut, while black sheets sit on the bed and black curtains hang on the posts. "Shall we?"
#/#/#
Hermione wakes up snuggled against Harry, his arm holding her against him. She looks around and notices that the curtains and sheets are both crimson. Harry is still asleep holding her close to him. "Harry, wake up." Hermione says.
"Hermione, what's up?" Harry asks as he moves.
"I have to pee." Hermione says, getting up the second Harry lets her go. She opens the curtains and looks around. "Looks like a motel room." She says before dashing to what she hopes is the bathroom.
Harry gets up and finds his glasses in the nearby nightstand and puts them on. He looks around, the walls all look to be stone. Other than the bed and a pair of nightstands the only furniture in the room is a chest sitting at the foot. He hears water start letting him know Hermione was getting a shower. So he gets up and investigates the pile of clothes sitting on top of the chest.
Harry carefully goes through the clothes, finding their wizarding robes, then their uniforms they wear underneath. Next he finds his invisibility cloak folded nice and neat along with both of their wands. Harry gasps as he grabs his wand and holds it in his hand. "Lumos!" He calls out and a strong light comes from the tip.
"Whose wand is that?" Hermione asks.
"Mine." Harry answers as he turns towards Hermione. He sees her standing there with a towel wrapped around her. "I put your clothes on the bed. I'm going to grab a shower while I can."
Hermione nods, then watches Harry as he grabs his clothes then goes into the bathroom before getting herself dressed. She just finishes getting her robe on when Harry comes out of the bathroom dressed. "So, what's the plan?" Harry asks.
"First we need to figure out where and when we are, we'll figure out the rest after." Hermione answers.
Harry opens the door, wand in hand, when nothing happens he looks out. "We'll, I know where we are."
Hermione looks and sees the tapestry of Barnaby the Barmy. "We're in Hogwarts?"
"Appears that way." Harry answers. "Hopefully we've been sent back far enough that everyone doesn't want to kill us."
Hermione nods. "If so I need to go see Madam Pomphrey."
"Everything okay?" Harry asks.
Hermione blushes slightly. "What we did last night carried over, and I've never been on a preventative."
Harry visibly pales. "You mean you could technically be pregnant?"
Hermione nods. "It's possible, let's hope not though. While I don't mind the idea of one day carrying your child, I'd like to at least finish Hogwarts first."
"Makes sense." Harry says as he pulls out his Invisibility cloak. "Great Hall?"
Hermione nods as they slip the cloak over them and leave the room. They keep close to one of the walls as they creep through the halls. As they get close to the Great Hall they start seeing other students. They duck into an alcove and take the cloak off. "There's enough students that we should blend in well enough."
"If we have to run and get separated, head to Myrtle's bathroom." Harry says. "We can use the chamber as a hiding place."
Hermione grabs Harry's hand. "Let's not get separated."
Harry nods as they join the other students walking towards the Great Hall. "Hermione, I know when we are." Harry says.
"When?" Hermione asks.
"This way." Harry says as they join a throng of people standing around the Goblet of Fire, the age line glowing brightly.
Hermione gasps as Fred and George stand right at the age line. "Thank you everyone for gathering." One of the twins says.
"We promised you a show and we'll give it to you."
"Now everyone watch," The first twin says.
"As we beat the line." The other finishes.
They each pull a vial out and tap them together before intertwining their arms and taking their own potion. They put the empty vials in their robes then attempt to cross the line. The line flashes brightly, knocking them both back into the wall. As they get up everyone sees that both of them are now sporting long white beards and white hair.
"Hey, where have you two been?" Ron asks as the crowd disperses.
"The library." Hermione lies. "Looking up information on the tournament."
"You find anything interesting?" Ron asks as he leads them to the Great Hall.
"The last time it was held all the champions were killed before it ended." Hermione answers as they reach the Gryffindor table.
Harry and Ron sit and make up plates. "I've got something I need to take care of before class. So I'll see you in class." Hermione says as she grabs a pastry and heads off.
#/#/#
Hermione nervously walks into the Hospital Wing. "Hermione, can I help you with something?" Madam Pomphrey asks.
"Do you have any doses of the morning-after potion?" Hermione asks.
"I do," Pomphrey answers.
"I require one, please." Hermione says.
"For yourself?" Pomphrey asks and Hermione nods. "Very well, but this is the only one I'll give you."
"Thank you." Hermione says. "Things just… happened."
Pomphrey nods as she hands Hermione a potion. "It happens."
Hermione takes the potion and drinks it. "How soon can I start taking the contraceptive potion?"
"After a brief exam, I can give you the first dose tomorrow." Pomphrey says. "I assume you'll have no problems brewing it after that?"
"You are correct." Hermione says.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow." Pomphrey says.
Harry and Ron take their places in Herbology. Hermione joins them at the very last minute, flush from running.
"Everything okay?" Harry whispers.
Hermione nods. "We'll talk later."
With that they both pay attention to Professor Sprout.
#/#/#
They all exit Herbology. "I'm going to the library to do homework, who's going with me?" Hermione asks.
"Homework can wait, it's not due until next week." Ron says. "I want to play chess. You with me Harry?"
"I think maybe I should go do the homework." Harry says, "I don't want to get behind."
"We'll work on it tonight, after they announce the champions." Ron says.
Harry looks at Hermione who waves him on. "Alright Ron, let's go." Harry says.
#/#/#
Hermione steps into an unused classroom and puts Harry's Invisibility cloak on. She slips through the halls to where the Goblet of Fire sits. As there's nobody around she carefully reaches out and touches the age line. The line easily lets her through. 'Just as I suspected.' she thinks to herself. 'Magic regards me as of age. So the trace should be gone as well.' she grins wickedly as she casts a spell on the Goblet.
#/#/#
It's dinner time, almost time for the picking of the champions before Harry and Hermione get a chance to sit beside each other.
"Sorry about earlier." Harry says.
"It's okay," Hermione says.
"No, it's not, there's a lot we need to discuss." Harry says.
"What are you two going on about?" Ron asks.
"Harry was just clarifying something from earlier." Hermione says.
Ron nods. "That reminds me. Do you think you can look over my charms homework?"
Hermione nods. "Of course."
"Thanks." Ron says and they all eat.
"May I have your attention please?" Dumbledore loudly asks. The entire Hall quiets down. "The representatives from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton are going to join us as the Goblet of Fire will be picking the champions soon."
Dumbledore claps his hands and the students from the other schools file in spreading themselves amongst the tables. The heads of the other schools, Madam Maxime and Igor Karkaroff, come and stand by Dumbledore.
The low burning flame in the Goblet suddenly spikes in intensity. Then in a flash a bit of parchment flies out of the Goblet and stops in front of Madam Maxime. She grabs the parchment. "Beauxbaton will be represented by Fleur Delacour!"
The Beauxbaton students all cheer as a blond woman steps to the front of them. "I am honored." Fleur says.
The fire in the Goblet spikes again and another parchment flies out. This one stops in front of Igor Karkaroff. He grabs it and opens. "Durmstrang will be represented by Victor Krum!"
All of the Durmstrang students cheer, along with some of the students from Hogwarts and Beauxbaton. "He's going to win for sure." Ron whispers. As Victor steps forward and bows.
Once again the fire spikes, the parchment flies out and stops in front of Dumbledore. He takes the parchment and opens it "Hogwarts will be represented by Cedric Diggory."
The Hogwarts students cheer as Cedric steps forward. "I promise to do my best."
"We must thank the Goblet for giving us three great champ…" Dumbledore stops talking as the Goblet flares once again and a piece of parchment floats above the Goblet.
The parchment floats there a minute before going to Professor Moody. As Moody stares at the parchment, Dumbledore walks over to him. "Alastor, what is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore asks.
"I'm not sure." Moody answers.
"It appears that the Goblet believes you are a Headmaster. Do you know why it might think that?" Dumbledore asks.
"I.. um, no. Of course not." Moody answers nervously.
"Very well." Dumbledore says. "Please grab the parchment." Moody grabs the flaming parchment, the fire quickly spreads to him, within a second the fire covers him then winks out of existence leaving Barty Crouch Junior sitting in Moody's place.
Barty gets up and goes to run away only to freeze in place. "You're not going anywhere." Flitwick says as he walks towards him and Dumbledore.
"Minerva, contact the aurors!" Dumbledore orders.
"Right away." Minerva says as she goes to do that.
"Fillius, take him to my office." Dumbledore orders. "I'll be there shortly."
Flitwick casts a spell and levitates the frozen Barty Crouch Junior out of the room. Dumbledore sighs as he scans the now silent Great Hall. "I apologize for the interruption, I'm sure we'll have everything figured out in a few. Now, did anyone see where that parchment went?*
"It's over here at the Gryffindor table!" Ron shouts out.
"Thank you Mister Weasley." Dumbledore says as he walks over and sees the parchment, still burning with the magical flame, floating in front of Hermione. "It seems to have picked you, Miss Granger."
"If I grab it will that make me Headmistress of whatever this fourth school is?" Hermione asks.
"I suppose, technically, yes." Dumbledore answers.
"Very well." Hermione reaches out and grasps the parchment, the flame immediately vanishes. She holds it out to Dumbledore. "Will you do the honors?"
Dumbledore takes the parchment and opens it. He gasps slightly as he reads it to himself. He pauses, as he tries to resist saying what's in the paper, but magic forces him to speak. "Harry and Hermione Potter!"
