A/N: Yep… I've done it again. I forgot about the existence of the word count (smh). Well, I would like to apologise in advance if you find any spelling mistakes. Trust me, they annoy me much more than they do you.
Chapter 33: Getting Together
The train was slowly, but steadily making its way through the tracks. Harry always enjoyed the small swinging motion which it gave. He found it relaxing and it was easy to fall asleep with. Right now, it seemed that sleep was inevitable. Neville and Luna were still reading through the quibbler, but Harry could see that Neville was slowly starting to doze off as his chin was now resting on Luna's shoulder. Hermione was deep inside her own world, as she rested on Harry's lap, reading what seemed to be a rather dull fragment at the moment. Harry knew this as she was fidgeting with the pages, allowing her finger to breeze through them. She only fidgeted with something if she wasn't very immersed in the story. Harry knew that she would most likely be playing with her hair, but he was currently doing that himself.
"Hey, Neville. You never told me how exactly you two got together." Harry sounded, trying to stop himself from falling asleep.
Hermione heard his question too and clearly felt as if the upcoming conversation would be much more interesting than her book. She closed it and shifted herself to the right, facing Neville and Luna.
Neville shook out of his stupor and turned to Harry, rubbing his right eye. "That's true… we never did." He looked back to Luna, "Do you want to tell them the story or should I?"
Luna smiled and nodded, "Go ahead. I'd like to hear it from your point of view."
Nevile smiled back at her before turning to Harry and Hermione, "Well… it sort of started back at Hogwarts last year, during the battle."
"Seriously?" Harry asked, clearly surprised.
"Remember when I met you on the staircase? This was shortly after we blew up the wooden bridge. The barrier was down and we were getting attacked from pretty much every angle." Neville started explaining.
Images of the night came rattling into Harry's mind. The entire scene was oddly clear to him. Hordes of students were running through the entire staircase, everyone was running somewhere. Death Eaters were navigating through the castle, leaving dark smoke in their trail.
"The whole school was in all-out panic mode. Death Eaters were flying through the castle. I remember seeing you stupefy one form the sky. Man, that was so awesome!" Neville recalled. "Come to think of it… how exactly were they all able to fly without brooms?"
Harry shook his head, but Hermione sat up and he saw her determined look. She was about to blow both of their minds.
"It's called unsupported flight. It's a very hard form of magic created to levitate you without the need of a broom, or other magical transport. The spell was created by Voldemort himself. Though I'm pretty sure similar spells were worked on in the past."
"That's crazy," Neville answered, wide-eyed.
"Daddy said they're going to be teaching that spell in the Auror department starting next year. Apparently, it will be useful for Aurors when hunting the remaining death eaters." Luna added.
Harry didn't know what to think of the matter, but the idea of flying without a broom didn't appeal to him all that much. Hermione bit on her lip, and seemed to tune out for a split second, before coming back to Neville's story.
"Anyway… going back to the original topic." Neville answered and turned back to Harry "I don't know if you remember what I said to you at the staircase… but yeah… I went straight to Luna and told her everything as quickly as possible." He explained. "I told her everything I felt… I guess adrenaline can do that to you. It was the bravest thing I've ever felt myself do… and yet… I felt perfectly calm."
Hermione was smiling at Neville, giving Luna a wink.
"I expected Luna to be surprised… but she just gave me that dreamy look full of wonder and then hugged me. She told me that she felt the same and that when everything was over, she would find me. She kept her promise of course."
Luna set down her copy of The Quibbler and kissed Neville on the cheek. "How could I ever break it?"
Neville smiled at her and turned to Hermione, "Alright guys, how about you? I mean being completely honest… I'm still shocked how we're sitting here, going on our final year at Hogwarts… but the fact that we're going with you two is beyond me. I'd also like to point out that both of you look happier than ever before." He marvelled at them.
Harry turned to Hermione, "I guess we could split the story."
Hermione smiled, "Which one do you want?"
"I'll back up the facts."
Hermione nodded and turned back to Luna and Neville. "Well… what exactly would you like to know?"
"When did you realise you love him? That would be a good start." Neville asked Hermione.
Hermione was about to answer when Luna did it for her, "It must have been between her third and fourth year."
Everyone gazed at Luna at that moment.
"Luna… how do you know?" Hermione asked, shocked. "I never spoke with you back then."
Luna smiled, "You don't have to speak with someone to know how they feel. It's all in their eyes, you see."
Everyone was waiting for her to say more, but it seemed like she wasn't going to continue.
"Yes, but how did you know?" Hermione asked. She was certain that Harry was the only person who knew before now. The fact that someone else has known her secret for so long was making her slightly nervous.
"I saw it on your face every time you looked at him," Luna answered.
"Right… but I never spoke with you back then… I didn't even know about you until we met in my fifth year." Hermione countered.
Luna nodded, "That is true. I was quite lonely back then. I didn't have a lot of friends. To be completely honest, Ginny was actually my only friend. I always enjoyed being in her presence. It often hurt being alone when she wasn't around. Sometimes I would peak over to the Gryffindor table where she sat. I always spotted you, Ron and Harry sitting nearby."
Harry felt a very sharp sensation in his chest. He knew what it was like to not have friends. He didn't have any himself until the day he arrived at Hogwarts.
"Daddy always said that I have good eyes when it comes to spotting people who are good and kind. He told me to use them when I'd choose new friends. I wanted to approach you many times… Ginny told me to do it as well. But I was rather shy about it. I didn't know if you would like me." Luna explained, "So I just observed. I liked looking at the three of you. I always noticed how you stood up for each other. It was in my third year when during my observations, I could see something different about you, Hermione."
Hermione's shoulders tensed up slightly.
"Whenever I saw you look over at Harry… there was this thing about your eyes. They seemed to light up slightly as if a fire inside them lit up. Sometimes I'd even see you bite your lip after looking away from him."
Hermione didn't feel very comfortable anymore. But then Harry took hold of her hand and smiled at her. "That's adorable." He answered, not breaking his gaze from her eyes.
She relaxed, smiled at him and looked back to Luna. She was surrounded by good friends and there was nothing she should be embarrassed about.
"Anyway… I knew that something was happening between you two. I was just a bit surprised that Harry wasn't noticing anything considering how close he was always sat to you.
"It's always the darkest under the lighthouse, I guess," Neville muttered, grinning slightly.
"I was also an idiot. So there's that." Harry answered with his head down.
Hermione slapped him on the shoulder, "Don't say that. It's not true… I was very secretive about my feelings too."
"Truth is that I formed certain feelings for her myself," Harry answered as he looked at Nevile. "Remember how you and Hermione were the only ones who stuck behind me during the Triwizard tournament?"
Neville nodded, eager for Harry to continue.
"The idea of love… or even fancying someone never crossed my mind before. To be honest, I never thought I would fall in love with anyone. It felt like such a strange and distant feeling. But when I spent time with Hermione… all those lessons we had together… teaching each other how to dance… and studying for my first task. I remember looking at her one day and feeling this weird sensation… I wanted to… I don't even know. I just remember feeling something weird. Like whenever she would touch me or smile at me… I'd forget to breathe… and all of a sudden I'd be able to feel my heart pulsing out of my chest. It was the craziest thing I've ever experienced."
Hermione's hold tightened on his hand. He could feel her gaze. "It was our final dance lesson before the yule ball… I wanted to speak to her… I wanted to say something that day. But I never did. Part of it was because I knew that Ron also felt something for Hermione… but there was another part which hesitated."
"What was it?" Luna asked. Harry never really saw her like this before. She looked very curious. Her face didn't look dreamy anymore. She was determined to know. Harry figured it was because he was being more open with her than ever before.
"I couldn't bear the idea of rejection. It was something I've been receiving all my life. I don't think I would withstand hearing Hermione do it too. I knew that it would change our friendship… and being without her would be too punishing. So I took the safer option… I stayed quiet about what I felt. But at least she was still my best friend."
Hermione couldn't bear to listen anymore as she wrapped her hands around Harry's neck and collided with him. "And I still am to this day, my love."
Luna smiled at them, "that's beautiful."
Hermione sat back down next to Harry, wrapping both of her hands around his arm.
"So when did you actually confess to her? Or was she the one who confessed?"
Harry looked at Hermione for an answer.
"I think it was me… I told Ron soon after our return from Australia. But then Harry told me too when I saw him later that night."
"It was a day full of confessions." Harry smiled.
"It was." Hermione agreed.
"Although… I wanted to tell you back in Australia after we…" he stopped himself. Harry decided that Luna and Neville didn't necessarily have to know exactly what took place that day. There were some things that he wanted to stay between the two of them. "After we swam in the ocean… I wanted to tell her what I felt… but then we got a phone call from Dan and Emma, and I lost all my adrenaline after that."
"We both did," Hermione added, making Harry smile back at her.
They all sat in silence for a while. Simply appreciating the peace and balance which they all managed to find despite the odds throughout the years. Harry was enjoying the minimal shaking of the train until Luna rose from her seat.
"I think I'm going to go look for Ginny. There are a couple friends I wanted to greet today." She announced.
Harry and Hermione both nodded in understanding. Neville rose too, ready to follow.
"You don't have to come if you don't want to, Neville," Luna told him.
"Yeah, but I feel like stretching my legs." He answered.
As they left the compartment, Neville turned to Harry and winked. Harry nodded at him with a grin, knowing that he would return the favour another time. Before the compartment door fully shut, Hermione was already climbing onto his lap, kissing him wildly.
"You know… this is going to be a tough year." She told him in between kisses, trying to gain entrance into his mouth with her tongue.
"Tell me about it," Harry answered as he ran his hands across her back, struggling to match the speed of her lips.
They continued to kiss until Hermione leaned away slightly, smiling at him. "I forgot how sexy you look in uniform."
Harry laughed, "I don't know how I managed to stay away from you for so long."
They continued to exchange long and passionate kisses until Hermione's head collapsed into Harry's neck. Both of them were out of breath. His arms wrapped around her and they sat hugging for a while until Hermione looked up at him again.
"There's something I wanted to talk about."
Harry could hear the change in her voice. It must've been something that's been on her mind for a while.
She shifted on his lap and leaned against the window, allowing her legs to stretch out. Her arms stayed around his neck so she wouldn't slide off.
"Remember our last visit to Grimmauld Place?"
Harry nodded, allowing for a grin to show up on his face. Grimmauld Place wasn't so grim anymore as Hermione managed to keep him busy every time they visited the place. Kreacher was also very happy to have them over every once in a while for company. Though the house elf left recently to help with the preparations at Hogwarts.
"I remember all of them." He answered.
Hermione's cheek reddened slightly, "Well, when I was browsing through the library… I found a very interesting book. It was a book about Animagi. I believe it belonged to Sirius."
"How do you know?" Harry asked.
"Well… there was a message written on the first page…" she answered before reaching for her handbag. She dug her hand inside and Harry could hear the sound of books falling over. She then pulled out a very big and old looking hardcover. She opened it and revealed the first page for Harry.
The writing was neat and Harry couldn't help but find it quite familiar.
To whom the ownership of this book falls,
Becoming an Animagus is a very tough and dangerous skill to acquire. It takes practice and patience to become Animagi. The process is long and arduous. There is also a reasonable chance that it may backfire. Whoever you are, if you decide to take this path of physical transfiguration upon yourself. Know that when you connect with your inner animal, you will not be the same Witch or Wizard you once were.
Proceed with Knowledge, Care and Caution.
- Padfoot.
Harry looked back at Hermione once he finished reading. "Yeah, that was definitely Sirius."
"Harry do you know what this means?" She asked, pointing at the book, "This book was used by your dad, Sirius and Lupin when they trained to become Animagi."
Harry smiled, "I bet they stole it from the restricted section."
Hermione laughed, "That's not a bad guess. You know… I was thinking that maybe you could try becoming an Animagus."
Harry looked back at her, confused. "Me? Why?"
"Well… I've been thinking a lot about it recently and… I think it would be safer if you master a skill like this." Hermione answered.
"Why would I need this skill?" Harry asked.
"Okay, Harry. I'll tell you… but promise not to get angry."
Harry smiled at her, "Hermione, you know I could never be angry with you."
She nodded, still looking quite unsure, "Well… we still haven't really talked about what you want to do after Hogwarts, but something tells me that you'll probably end up becoming an Auror, despite what other opportunities you might get."
Harry didn't know how to answer. Hermione was right… he didn't really know what it was that he wanted to do. But being an Auror was always something he considered with more thought than other things.
"I guess you're right."
Hermione smiled, glad that he didn't take it offensively. "You know Harry, I would much rather see you become a famous Quidditch player… even if it meant you'd be away from me a lot. I'd even prefer you not working at all. Merlin knows working is the last thing you have to do with all that fortune.
Harry shook his head, "I don't want to rely on that fortune, Hermione."
She nodded, "I know you don't, Harry. I also know that defence against the dark arts was always something you were strong at. I know that you're a great wizard. Possibly the greatest wizard alive, and I know that you will want to protect those who need help. But I can't help worrying about you and the things you will have to do as an Auror."
Harry tightened his hold on her waist, making her look at him, "The enemies which we faced cannot hurt us anymore, Hermione. They grow smaller in numbers every day. By the time I step into the ministry, the only thing left to do will probably be paperwork at a desk."
Hermione gave him a weak smile "I really hope so… but Harry… just in case… I think being an Animugus would really help, and it would make me worry so much less. I know that you're an incredible wizard, I've known it ever since I saw you create that Patronus. I know that you could handle a dozen death eaters on your own… and with the Elder Wand…"
"I'll never use that wand for combat. Fixing Hogwarts was the first and last thing I promised to do with it." Harry answered.
"And that's why I want you to think about this. I know that it will be hard, and I know that you think it's not necessary. But I would be so much more relaxed knowing that if god forbid something bad happened, you'd be able to transform and hide or escape. Just think about, Harry. Please." Hermione pleaded, looking deep into his eyes.
How could I ever say 'no' to those eyes? Harry thought, feeling almost hypnotised. "Okay… I'll think about it."
Hermione smiled, almost certain of what his answer would be anyway. "Thank you, love." She answered and kissed him.
"In fact… I'm ready to say yes right now… but only on one condition." Said Harry.
"What is it?" Hermione asked, curious.
"You'll do it with me."
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. She shifted away from him, shaking her head. "No. Harry, I can't."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"Harry, I'm nowhere near as skilled at you. I'd never be able to acquire that kind of magical skill. I know that you can do it with a little bit of my help… but I'd never be able to do it. Remember? I'm just books and cleverness."
Harry took hold of her arms, making her halt her rant. "Look at me, Hermione." He demanded.
Hermione struggled to connect with his gaze.
"I want you to look into my eyes as I say this. If you don't. This whole thing is a no-go."
She nodded, and looked back at him, trying her best to remain calm.
"You are. The Greatest. Most Incredible. Smartest. Most Powerful Witch I have ever met or heard of. You deserve the world, Hermione."
"But Harry, I-
"No, Hermione. Listen to me. If you can't do something, then no one can. Do you understand?"
He continued to stare into her eyes, not daring to blink. "I don't care what it is you think or are unsure of. You are a hundred times more capable of achieving this than I am. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere on this journey without you. So don't ever tell me that you can't achieve something, because you can achieve everything. You are Hermione Jean Granger, and you should be damn fucking proud."
At that moment, something inside Hermione's eyes ignited. Everything completely changed. A smile grew across her face and she nodded at his words.
"I can do this."
"Of course you can, my angel." He smiled back at her, before pulling her into a hug. She was shaking slightly in his hold, and when he pulled back, she was crying.
"Thank you." She smiled at him, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"You don't have to thank me, Hermione. I just want you to finally realise how strong you are, and how much more powerful you can be if you only believe in yourself." He answered as he wiped the tears away with his finger.
She buried her face in his shoulder and chuckled. "It's funny… my boyfriend and my best friend are the same person."
Harry laughed, "You've always been my soulmate."
After a couple minutes, Neville and Luna were back in the compartment along with Ginny. Hermione was in a great mood. She was excited to become Animagi with Harry. There were so many things she wanted to cover with him. But all that could wait. Right now, she was just cherishing the moment of being under his arm, hugged up against his chest.
A part of her felt like pulling away at the sight of Ginny, but Harry's hold didn't hesitate, so she chose against it. She was also still slightly light headed after what Harry said to her. That was also the first time she heard him call her that name… 'Angel'. She knew that couples usually had nicknames they called each other, but so far the only thing Harry and Hermione used was 'my love' and as much as it was very nice, it felt quite traditional and formal at this point. She didn't exactly know what she'd like to be called by Harry… but 'Angel' made her feel very precious. She also figured it would be time to think of a nickname for Harry too.
"Hogwarts is on the horizon," Neville informed them, pointing towards the window.
"Hermione looked out to see the familiar view. The castle looked just as good as always. She still couldn't believe Harry was able to fix the whole school with the elder wand. She was almost certain it wouldn't work. But then again, Harry was quite a master at proving logic and fate wrong his entire life.
Finally, the train was starting to slow down and compartment doors were opening. Students were piling over the train, waiting to leave.
Hermione tugged at Harry and turned to Ginny and Neville, "Come on, we should head out early and round up with the other prefects. Luna, you can come with us, we'll be taking the carriages anyway."
They all rose and made their way out of the train. A familiar voice was echoing through the train station.
"A'right then, firs' years, this way, please. Come on now!"
Hermione smiled at herself when she saw the half-giant. It was good to see Hagrid. Harry's words always seemed to come back to her when she'd see him. "There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.
They rounded with the other prefects and Harry led the group through to Hagrid.
"I can't tell explain how good it is ta see yer," Hagrid told them, wiping at his eyes.
Harry hugged the half-giant and smiled at him, "It's good to see you again, Hagrid. We'll be waiting for you in the great hall."
They proceeded through to the main path. All of them knew this path so well.
"We should let all the younger years go first," Hermione informed, pointing the groups onto the carriages.
"It's quite eerie isn't it? All of us here can see them now." Said Neville.
Hermione looked over towards the two Thestrals who pulled the carriage away. Neville was right. At this point, Harry wasn't the only one who has witnessed death.
"It's also quite funny. I remember thinking Harry was going mad when he pointed it out back in fifth year." Neville added.
Luna smiled at Harry, "I told you, Harry. You were just as normal as I was."
Harry smiled back at her, then towards Hermione. "All of us were. But some were a bit more unfortunate than others, I guess."
Hermione nodded sadly.
Soon enough, final groups of seventh-year students were climbing the carriages. It was then when Hermione saw someone she couldn't recognise, which was weird because she was certain she knew all the people from Ginny's year. It was a girl… but that word didn't fit well in Hermione's head, not with how she looked.
Her hair was dark, but it had a shade of brown to it. Her skin was light olive and she had large hazel eyes. Latina for sure. She had a perfect hourglass figure, though her chest was the biggest Hermione ever saw on a seventeen-year-old. Her curves were perfection. Hermione knew that the majority of girls would murder to look like that. She was almost terrified to look at Harry. She didn't know if she was ready to see his reaction to this girl.
The latina was nearing them, surrounded by a group of girls who were bombarding her with questions. She stopped walking when she saw the group of prefects.
Hermione didn't have to pay much attention to see that her gaze was locked directly onto Harry.
"Hello." She greeted them with a wave, still only gazing at the person in front. "Are you by any chance…"
Hermione reluctantly turned to look at Harry. His expression looked quite ordinary, although Hermione felt way out of her comfort zone. She couldn't understand why this girl was shooting off so many bad alarms.
"Harry Potter." Harry nodded, giving a polite smile and taking out his hand.
"Maria Gomez." The latina smiled at him and Shook his hand. She didn't shake it for long as after a couple seconds, to everyone's surprise, her arms were around Harry's neck.
"I would like to thank you for everything you've done for the magical world. It is an honour to meet you in person." She pulled back away from him, finally taking a look at the others.
Harry was clearly thrown off by the gesture and gradually widened the distance between himself and the girl. "I'm flattered." He choked out, still surprised as he took a brief glance at Hermione.
The girl's eyes drifted with Harry's and stopped at Hermione too. She gazed for a good second at her face, before scanning through Hermione's entire body. She was having her up, measuring her in a way. Hermione struggled out a short smile.
"Hermione Granger. Nice to meet you… Maria. What brings you to Hogwarts?"
Maria returned the smile, though Hermione could almost sense the challenging viciousness behind it. "I've transferred here for my final year. My parents decided that I should come to Hogwarts and experience what magical education is like in Britain. They wanted to send me here a couple years ago, but then we found out about the return of he-who-must-not-be-named." She explained.
Her British was good, but Hermione could hear the fading accent. She still had a habit of rolling her R's at awkward times.
"Well. I hope you enjoy yourself here." Anthony Goldstein answered. He looked like he was hypnotised. There was an odd sense of desperation in his voice.
"Ginny told me all about you on the train, Harry. I hope I'll get to know you a bit more." Maria informed, completely ignoring Anthony.
Hermione could feel her chest tighten from fury. This slag isn't even trying to hide it. She screamed to herself.
Harry nodded stiffly, "I believe it will highly depend on the house you're picked into."
A sense of relief waved over Hermione. Harry was right. If Maria didn't get into Gryffindor, she wouldn't ever have the chance to actually speak to Harry outside of lessons.
"Ginny, will you come with us?" Maria asked.
Ginny looked towards the group of prefects, "Seeing as this is the last group, would it be alright with you guys if I went with her." She was looking mainly at Hermione.
Hermione wondered if Ginny was trying to communicate something through to her. "No problem, Ginny. Go ahead."
Ginny nodded and carried on with Maria and the group of girls.
"I'll see you around, Harry," Maria told him, leaving without a single word to the rest of the group.
"She's breathtaking!" Anthony moaned, once the latina was a safe distance away.
Harry took hold of Hermione's hand and smiled at her, "We should take the next carriage."
Hermione nodded, trying to decipher his expression.
This really is going to be a tough year, She thought.
