Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Harry Potter and the Dark Messanger ❯ The Birthday Exposure ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4 The Birthday Exposure

 

 

The next morning Hermione, Harry, and Devin ran the same length that Harry and Devin ran the day before and ended with stretches. Harry watched Hermione stretch, her beautiful body moving and bending in ways that made Harry forget that Devin was there. “Harry, if you two want to be alone I can go back now.” Harry snapped back into reality.

 

“No Devin, its ok for you too stay. We haven't really told anyone about us and sometimes it's hard not too notice her.” Devin nodded looking at Hermione.

 

“You are lucky Harry, being normal enough to have a girlfriend, to show emotions like that.” Harry and Hermione felt the wave of sadness come off Devin but unlike before Harry didn't feel empty or suicidal, just sad.

 

“It's alright Devin,” said Hermione “Dumbledore is the smartest wizard of our time, if he can't think of something it would be a first.” Harry laughed.

 

“And if he can't I'm sure Hermione can after all the things she's did last year too help me.” They got into discussing the Triwizard tournament last year and how Harry had tied with the late Cedric.

 

 

Having gone through the rest of the first week everyone was glad to have the break even if it was just two days. Harry and the others, now including Ginny, Monica, and Dean, continued running around the track. Ginny and Dean were nearly as pathetic as Harry had been first starting out, but Monica seemed to have no problem. On Sunday they were running for a crowd as people began to gather in the stands. Harry didn't mind at first but soon it got to be troublesome. Several 5th year and 6th year girls were in the stands eyeing him like a piece of meat, his muscles and new hair cut with no glasses seemed to draw the women just like co-worker Michael had said it would. He couldn't blame them, as far as they knew he was single, less then half a dozen knew about him and Hermione. But then several boys showed up to stare at Monica as she ran. Rather well endowed Monica ran in a tank top that must have been bought when she was ten for it was far too small, in Harry's opinion, not that he was looking at her for Hermione to notice. The guys started cat calls and wolf whistles when she ran by making her laugh but causing Devin to get angry. Harry fell back from the pack to meet up with Devin. “Don't think about it Devin, yes she is your sister but she can take care of herself, can't she?” Devin nodded calming down as he thought about it, she was powerful, sometimes more powerful then Devin dared to imagine or could ever be.

 

 

That night everyone stayed up later then normal not having to deal with school work energy levels were up. The board mentioned Gryffindor tryouts for keeper the next day and a one hour practice after trials. No one seemed to care though as Ginny and Dean were snogging in one chair while Seamus and Lavender Brown were snogging in another. George with Alicia Spinnet and Fred with Katie Bell, passion and teenage hormones filled the room with sexual tension. Harry and Hermione were having a hard time not joining in on the fun so Hermione got an idea. “Harry, I use too take Muggle Studies and I know that there is a fake house built into the classroom. One of the rooms has a bed and would be perfect for what I want to do to you right now, get your cloak and meet me outside of the Common Room.” Harry didn't have time to say no, or yes, as Hermione left trying not to be seen. Harry ran into his dorm room and dug his cloak out from his trunk. As he was walking down he saw Monica standing on the stairs to the boy's dormitories. Wondering what she was doing he threw his cloak on and watched her as he edged closer. She was talking to someone, but no one was there. But apparently someone was because she laughed at something and kept talking as though someone was there. Harry not wanting to touch her moved as far as he could against the wall behind her and walked carefully trying not to make a sound. He made it past and got out of the Common Room with no further delay.

 

Hermione got under the cloak with him and lead him towards the Muggle Studies room. Holding his hand she brought him into the room which was one of the largest classrooms Harry had seen. Inside was a two story muggle house not unlike the Dursley's. Hermione lead him into it and up the stairs into a large bedroom with a bed so big it could have fit every Gryffindor 5th year boy and still had room. “Wow Hermione, I've never seen a bed this large before, it's enormous.” Hermione pushed him onto the bed and jumped on top of him pinning his arms above his head.

 

“Mine, all mine to do with as I please.” Harry realized what Hermione was planning, a lot more then snogging or cuddling.

 

“Hermione, stop…”

 

“Shut up Potter!” She waved her wand at Harry who suddenly became quiet. Hermione took Harry's shirt off tossing it on the floor. “I am getting my real birthday present now Harry.” Harry started to push her off so she used her wand again and tied his hands to the bed post. “No you don't Harry, I am getting what I want tonight.” She moved her mouth down his chest biting him along the way stopping at his belly button as Harry tried to get loose to no avail. “Harry, you have made me happy, you have been perfect to me, and you've never tried to pressure me or do something I didn't want to do. I want you to be my first Harry; I want you to be mine.” She pulled her shirt off showing that she was not wearing a bra but did have the necklace and bracelet on. She rubbed her chest smiling at him. “Do you like them Harry? I've been learning about human transfiguration and if they aren't big enough I could make them bigger for you.” She moved back to his mouth kissing him, his tongue involuntarily joining hers inside her mouth. She reached into his pants and grabbed a hold of him making his mind explode in pleasure. He couldn't do this, this was wrong, if only he could talk, if he could say something, he could talk her out of this. She moved her mouth back down to his stomach stopping to sigh out “Harry, I've never done this before, so if I'm not great just give me a few tries.” When she moved down farther, almost past he waist his mind screamed and finally so did he.

 

“Nooooo!!!!” Hermione's head shot up in terror when she was close to doing what Harry feared.

 

“Harry I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you! Please I don't know what I was doing, I read some how to books when I snuck into an adult store before vacation but I must have done something wrong, I'm sorry Harry.” She pointed her wand at his hands untying them. Harry finally having his hands free grabbed Hermione by the arms and pushed her off him.

 

“Hermione, what were you doing! I don't want that, at least not now.” Hermione grabbed her shirt and put it back on.

 

“What's wrong with me Harry? I told you if they aren't big enough I can learn how to make them bigger. It's my hair isn't it? I can fix it Harry I swear. Or is it my hips? I can go on a diet Harry, what ever is wrong with me I can fix it so you'll love me, want to be with me.” She started crying as Harry pulled his pants up searching for his shirt.

 

“I do love you Hermione, exactly how you are. I love you, not what we do or don't do.” Not able to find his shirt he went over and hugged Hermione. “How about we stay here tonight to sleep?” He lay back with Hermione holding her as she cried.

 

“Alright Harry, maybe I won't have nightmares tonight.” She continued to cry until she fell asleep with Harry rocking her back and forth trying to keep her calm.

 

 

That morning Harry woke up the sound of running water coming from another room of the house. He felt around the bed and found that Hermione wasn't in it. “Maybe I will go show her I love her, but nothing like last night.” Harry thought to himself as he followed the sound down the hall and to the right to find the bathroom. He snuck in and took his clothes off much like Hermione had done to him at home. Stepping into the shower behind her he grabbed her shoulders to keep her from turning around. “No Hermione; let me do this.” He grabbed the shampoo and began to wash her hair massaging her head lightly. He moved down her neck with her hair massaging her back as he went. “See Honey, we can be physical without the need to do something like last night.” He kissed her between her shoulder blades letting her go, allowing her to turn around. She did immediately refraining from touching him.

 

“Yes, you can Harry, but I want it, I need it, I need to know you love me.” She didn't know what to do and flinched when Harry hugged her with their bare skin touching.

 

“I love you Hermione, I love you, and if you really need to do that with me to prove that I love you we can, just not now.” He kissed her on her forehead leaving the shower. He was waiting for Hermione to get out when he heard the voice. “The Dirt Mans wife comes.” Harry was lost on this one; did it mean that a Coroners wife worked at Hogwarts? Did someone die and they were being taken away that morning? He was looking for his cloak when he saw Mrs. Norris walk in through the door. The “Dirt Man” was Filch! “Hermione hurry and get out of there, Filch is coming!” He heard the shower door open and slam shut as a hurried Hermione came out of the bathroom trying to dress and run at the same time. “Get under here.” Harry held the cloak up and Hermione ducked underneath it. They left as Harry looked to see which way Mrs. Norris had gone and decided the best way was to go the same way they had come.

 

They were halfway down the hall when Filch ran past them into the Muggle Studies room carrying a mop. “I caught you now didn't I? Where you go? Don't think you can hide from me and Mrs. Norris, we will get you!” Harry had to keep himself from laughing as Filch tore the house apart in vain. Running down the halls and stairs they got into the Common Room before anyone else.

 

“Good, I'll go get my running clothes while you get yours, meet me back here in five minutes ok Honey?” Hermione nodded and kissed him before running into the girl's dormitory. Harry went upstairs and went into his room quiet as a mouse, or so he thought. Devin was sitting there in bed.

 

“So Harry, you and Hermione enjoy yourselves?” He snickered throwing Harry his clothes. “I've been waiting for you to get here so I could give you those. You might wake up the Red Headed Bastard if you had to dig them out of your trunk.” Devin got out of bed already dressed for running. “Don't worry Harry, I won't tell anyone about you two. But you should be more careful next time. The Patil girl, Neville, Monica, Me, and Ron noticed that both of you had disappeared.” He didn't mention that no one else had for they were all busy with their snogging partner. Meeting Hermione in the Common Room they went out to run.

 

Harry was warming up like Devin did giving Hermione a chance to talk to him. “Harry, about last night…”

 

“It's ok Hermione you don't need to change any…” She interrupted him this time.

 

“No Harry, it's about sleeping where we did. Brown and Patil are starting to get mad at me. I keep waking up from my nightmares screaming and they are losing sleep because of it. I want to know if you could join me there tonight, hold me again so I can sleep.” Harry thought about it then asked.

 

“What did they say when you went in this morning?” She smiled

 

“They thanked me for letting them get a good night sleep I guess they thought I had slept in the Common Room. What did your roommates say?” Harry smiled back.

 

“They were all asleep but Devin, and he had my running clothes ready so I wouldn't have to go through my trunk waking Ron up.” She raised an eyebrow at Devin.

 

“Don't worry Hermione, I won't say anything. But be more careful next time you two sneak off, some of us weren't busy snogging and noticed.” She thanked him and felt bad when he replied. “It's ok really, I'm just glad a someone can be normal, have a girlfriend, not have to deal with what I do.” Getting up they ran for the rest of the morning.

 

Being Sunday morning they had no audience until later when the Quidditch team would be out there for trials and practice. Getting in eight miles that day they stopped for their stretches and other warm down exercises. Harry who could barely touch his toes to begin with could now grab his foot as Devin had. He still wasn't able to touch his knee to his forehead, and was surpassed more by Devin even more who was putting his head on the ground next to his knee. “So Harry, I hear you are the Seeker for your team,” Devin said in between stretches “Do you have any preferences for whom makes Keeper?” Harry thought about it for a moment.

 

“Not really, if they get the job done and are Gryffindor they can play with the rest of us.” Devin sat up stretching his muscles in a new way Harry had never seen before.

 

“You don't care if it's a guy or a girl? Or if they are a friend or someone you've never met before?” Harry nodded.

 

“Why should I? Everyone on the team has to make a start somehow and no point in putting people down for stupid reasons like gender or how well I know them. Why are you asking me anyways, thinking about trying out for the team?” Harry was horrified by the thought of dead students on the ground because one of their teammates had scored a goal.

 

“No, I never did like flying, if I get even a little bit scared my abilities, well, you know.” He dropped the conversation with that and ran back towards the school.

 

Quidditch Trials were packed with people; almost every second and third year student had come for the try out. Harry was surprised when he saw Monica with a strange looking broom. “What is that?” Harry pointed to her broom.

 

“It's a Lexington Gold, about equal to the Nimbus 2001 you British have.” She was wearing her running clothes and drew quite a crowd. Finally The Twins spoke up.

 

“Alright, we are your Team Captains and have to figure out a way to see who the best Keeper out of this lot is. What we have devised is a system. Each one of you has to stop five goals. They will be at random from our three Chasers. Whoever gets the most blocks win, and in case of a tie sudden death rules apply.” So they went through the Keeper Try Outs cleaning out the Second and Third years quickly. Some of the Fourth years did well enough but when Monica and Ron got five blocks the fourth years were eliminated. None of the sixth or Seven years were able to block all five shots and so it was down too Ron and Monica. Harry looked around for Devin hoping he wasn't present.

 

“If Monica lost to Ron, Devin couldn't be stopped until Ron was nothing more then a pile of broken bones.” Remembering what had happened to Draco who had since left them alone. Monica blocked, Ron blocked, going back and forth for twelve rounds. But Ron was getting tired; he had not been running with the others while Monica still seemed energetic. It was the thirteenth round and Monica had to stop the Quaffle. Katie Bell flew hard toward the center goal but threw to the right. Monica went over and caught it easily. Ron was next also having to block Katie Bell. She did the same thing but this time shot to the center as Ron went to the right.

 

“Well then looks like we have ourselves a new Keeper.” Monica flew done and hugged The Twins then went over too Harry.

 

“I did it Harry I did it! I wasn't going to try out but Devin said you wanted me to try out.” She hugged him hard jumping up and down at the same time. Ron walked over saw this,

 

“Traitor.” And walked away.

 

“Sorry Harry.” Monica said as Ron stormed off.

 

“Don't worry Monica, you won fair and square,” She smiled “And to tell you the truth Ron has been getting on my nerves. I knew him when he was 12 and he is still 12.” He felt bad about saying that, but damn it he was telling the truth.

 

 

It was Wednesday and Ron was still mad at Harry. Harry had to do something soon or his and Hermione's plan would fail. During lunch Harry tried talking to Ron but Ron wouldn't listen. Harry decided to pull a Monica and wait for Ron to leave lunch and pull him into the classroom Monica had. He left five minutes before everyone else and waited. He saw the students and realized his plan was flawed because if Ron walked on the other side Harry would not be able to grab him. He saw Ron coming around the corner; Harry waited until the last possible second snatching Ron by the back of his rode and dragged him into the classroom. “Ron we need to talk, please sit and listen to me alright?” Ron tried to leave but Harry blocked his way.

 

“Fine say what you have too traitor.” Harry decided to start off with the real reason for his mission, to get Ron alone in the tunnel.

 

“Look, Hermione's birthday is tomorrow and I have a great present for her but I need your help with it alright?” Ron nodded. “Go too the third Hogsmeade tunnel, the one with the cave in after dinner tomorrow and wait. I'll bring the present down and then Hermione should show up ten minutes later. You need to be down there or it won't work alright Ron?” Ron nodded again adding.

 

“This doesn't make me hate you any less Harry. But I don't want you alone with her.” Harry went pale, did Ron know and was just playing dumb? He decided to find out.

 

“Why Ron? She's our friend, why wouldn't it be ok?” Ron grabbed Harry by the shoulders making him sit down.

 

“Because she's a Death Eater.” Harry was amazed, what was Ron going on about? Harry knew Hermione and she was definitely not a Death Eater.

 

“What? How do you know?” Ron pointed to his own right arm.

 

“Hermione never shows her right arm, where the Dark Mark could be. I tried to get Ginny to spy for me but she thought I had other motives.” He winced remembering the pain his sister caused him with her knee. “So now we can get her alone and make her tells us why she betrayed us.” Ron shook Harry's hand and left.

 

“I can't believe Ron thinks I'm a Death Eater.” Hermione came out from under Harry's Invisibility Cloak.

 

“How did you get that? It was in my trunk.” She laughed.

 

“Harry, boys are banned from the girl's dormitory but not the other way around; I thought you knew that after all the times I had been up in yours for Christmas.” Harry gave a simple grunt and wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist.

 

“What about men, are they banned from the woman's dormitory?” He kissed her on her neck getting a moan rather then the laugh Hermione tried to get out.

 

 

It was Thursday night and Ron was already waiting in the tunnel as Harry and Hermione walked down it. When they got to the last turn before where Ron was waiting they held hands and walked forward. “Hi Harry, Hi Hermione. Wait, you were supposed to come down later.” Ron's eyes got wide and he nearly attacked Hermione when he dived between Harry and Hermione. “Hands off Harry you mud blooded traitor!” Hermione was shocked to hear Ron say that word and shouted back.

 

“What was that Ron? Little Kiddy Ron who's about to lose his only friends if he doesn't shut up and listen.” She shoved Ron back into Harry who wrapped his arms around Ron keeping him from attacking Hermione.

 

“NO! You have Harry under the Imperius Curse; I should have seen this coming, no!” Ron struggled but Harry was too strong for him. “I don't want to die, please don't kill me, we're friends!” Ron kept struggling knowing it was a lost cause begging them not to kill him if Hermione really was a Death Eater.

 

“We're not going to kill you Ron we just want to talk. Harry will let you go if you promise to calm down and listen. Ron nodded in agreement so Harry let him go. “Ron, Hermione is not a Death Eater, if anything she is the farthest thing from it.” Harry tried to tell Ron but Ron was still panicky.

 

“No Harry, fight the curse, you did last year for Professor Moody do it now!” Ron's heart was beating out of control, he was tired from struggling with Harry, and he fell back against the wall too tired to stand.

 

“Much better, Ron, I am not a Death Eater, the reason I haven't shown anyone my arm is this.” She lifted her sleeve exposing the bracelet.

 

“What? Did you get a gift from You-Know-Who for your betrayal of Harry?” He sneered at Hermione.

 

“No Ron, it's a gift from my boyfriend.” She looked at Harry but Ron still didn't get it.

 

“Krum? What's the big deal? Everyone saw you snogging, why would you hide that?” Harry was fed up with Ron's ignorance.

 

“I'm Hermione's boyfriend you Immature Brainless Git!” Ron's reaction was one neither had expected, laughter. After laughing until he couldn't breath Ron stopped.

 

“What? Is this some sort of joke? Harry, you like Cho and Hermione's with Krum, what kind of sick joke is this? Or is this your plan Death Eater?” Ron Sneered at Hermione again. “Get me to think you and Harry love each other so I get mad and leave you alone with him. Not going to work, I won't let you have him you bitch!” Ron lunged up knocking Harry down hitting his head on a rock. Attacking Hermione he knocked her against the wall. “Harry; fight the curse, you have to or she'll hand you over to You-Know-Who!” Ron wrestled with Hermione but had the weight advantage. “There you dirty blood bitch, what are you going to do now that Harry broke your curse? We are going to punish you for this; even if you were our friend you aren't getting away clean Death Eater.” Ron spit in Hermione's face starting to rub himself against her.

 

“Ron stop, you don't know what you're doing!” She screamed but no one heard, because they didn't want anyone to hear, that was the whole point of the tunnel, now backfiring.

 

“Shut up bitch, you may be You-Know-Who's pet but I am not going to play nice!” Grabbing Hermione's wrists with one hand he reached back and started punching her in the head dazing her. “Yeah bitch, I'll show you what it's like being with `Little Kiddy Ron' and after I get done with you Harry can have a go at what's left. I know I shouldn't have told Harry I knew you were a Death Eater, he trusted you to much. It's my fault he had to follow you like a puppy down here but now we get our revenge!” Ron letting go of Hermione's wrists used both hands to grope her, tearing the shirt she wore under her robes in half. Moving his hands under her bra he began to grab her hard, squeezing, causing her pain. “Aw you poor little slut, you think you don't deserve this? You do you Death Eater Bitch!” Removing his hands from her chest he punched her two more times breaking her nose and shattering a cheek bone. Crying in pain and for help the blood ran back her nose into her throat causing her to choke on it. “Let's see if you were a good girl or not bitch.” Ron shoved his hands into her pants violating her with two fingers. “I don't know, it is hard to get them in there, maybe you were a good little bitch.” Pulling out of her Ron tasted his fingers. “So Harry I was going to suggest you shag her mouth while I'm down here but that blood might make it feel funny.”

 

Hermione cried trying to fight but with the blood going down her throat she was slowly suffocating. “Aww, do you need help bitch?” Hermione coughed up more blood as Ron flipped her over allowing the blood to flow out of her mouth as she vomited blood she had already swallowed. Ron moved his hands up her leg smacking her hard enjoying her pain. “Harry if you want I'll let you have first go, you know, buddy to buddy.” Ron saw Harry was knocked out. “Well then I guess I get first go at her.” He laughed as he rolled her back over seeing the blood smeared on her face and neck. “Hmm, I think you need an improvement here.” He punched her in the face again knocking teeth out. “And maybe one here.” He punched her in the stomach causing blood to gush out of her mouth. “It was my fault Wormtail got away but this time it's your fault you stupid bitch for getting caught!” Punching her again Ron's rage built.

 

Harry started to wake up to the sounds of screaming and crying. His vision was blurry, his head hurt, he could barely breath. He sat up and saw Ron on top of a bloody Hermione hands on her chest. “Ron, what are you doing?” Harry started to stand up before his head swam and he fell down again.

 

“Getting back at this bitch for putting you under the Imperius curse! Don't worry, we won't kill her, just use her for what she is before we hand her over to Dumbledore.” Ron stood up undoing his belt using it as a leash on Hermione to keep her from screaming more as he stomped on her laughing at her pain. The sounds of bones breaking filled Harry's ears having broken many himself he knew the pain.

 

Harry sat up again crawling over to Hermione. Ron had her shirt off, or parts of it, and her bra was gone. What was Ron doing to her? “Ron, don't, I love her.” Ron looked up as he undid his pants.

 

“What? Must be part of the curse, you need to shake it off Harry; while I'm busy you can watch if you like.” Harry found his wand, pointed it at Ron and apologized.

 

“Sorry Ron, you were a good friend. Stupefy!” Ron fell back knocked out from the spell letting Hermione sit up coughing up blood as she removed the belt from her neck.

 

“Get help Harry, I can't breathe, get help.” She coughed up more blood that was going down her throat. Harry ran up the tunnel hoping to find anyone who could help. Before he got out he heard another scream of pain, Hermione was hurt badly.

 

“Don't let her die, god, whatever, I don't care, don't let her die.” Running faster he went through the entrance. Back at the surface Harry started yelling for trying to draw attention to himself getting Snape.

 

“What the hell are you doing Potter? Do I need to take points from Gryffindor?” Sneering at Harry he started to get his wand out.

 

“Go ahead Professor Snape they don't matter right now, I need help, Ron attacked Hermione and she's hurt and I…..” Harry started to ramble trying to get Snape to help.

 

“Potter I haven't understood half the things you have said so shut up and take me to them, or her, him, something.” Harry ran back to the entrance letting Snape in. “Secret passages Potter? I think that's worth ten points from Gryffindor. Harry hadn't heard him as he raced down the tunnel. He got to Hermione and Ron who was still unconscious. Snape got there three minutes later having not ran the whole way. “Oh dear Potter whatever happened here?” Snape said with real concern checking Ron who was fine, just unconscious. Checking on Hermione he started to become worried. “The girl has swallowed a lot of blood Potter; we need to get her to Madam Pomfrey now. But until we get there this should help.” Snape waved his wand causing the blood to stop flowing.

 

“Thank you again Professor Snape.” Harry and Snape used magic to move the bodies to the Nurses office.

 

News had gotten around fast about the attack and every story was different. Ron was being kept under guard at all times after he woke up and started screaming about Hermione being a Death Eater. Hermione woke up hours later having her stomach pumped, or more accurately made to vomit repeatedly to remove the blood. Her bracelet and necklace had been removed and given to Harry for safe keeping when he told Madam Pomfrey he had been the one to give them to her. “You must love her very much to buy such expensive trinkets Harry.” Harry turned around to see Professor McGonagall.

 

“I do love her and these mean nothing, they are worthless compared to her.” Harry hated them now; they belong to Hermione, why was he holding them!

 

“It's ok Harry, Madam Pomfrey told me she will recover physically, emotionally we don't know.” She clasped a hand on Harry's shoulder. “Would you tell me what happened Harry?” He nodded but began to cry before any words came out. She held him to her trying to comfort him. “It's going to be ok Harry, she will live and as long as there is life there is hope.” She led Harry to Madam Pomfrey's office so he could tell her what really happened. He didn't want too; he was afraid what would happen to Ron, even after what had happened he still loved his best friend.

 

 

That Saturday Dumbledore had made a special announcement after dinner. “As you may have heard there was an attack inside our very school. Two of our students were attacked by a friend who under the pressure of Voldemort's return had thought everyone was a Death Eater. All rumors I hope have stopped for a rumor is nothing but a rumor and adds nothing of value. He is currently being taken care of at St. Mungo's where we all hope he will make a speedy recovery. His victims have forgiven him and anyone who hasn't needs to learn by their example. One of them is finally out of Madam Pomfrey's care and is joining us tonight and I hope you all welcome her back.” A cheer from all but Slytherin was the response to Hermione's recovery. “I also would like to thank a member of our staff for his help in saving her. Professor Snape would you please come forward.” Snape stood up and walked over. “Because of you Hermione lived, because of your quick actions a Gryffindor student is alive, I hope that everyone appreciates this regardless of House loyalty and competition.” Snape sat back down as every table applauded him, Gryffindor being the loudest. “Thank you students for being so gracious to your fellow schoolmates and to Professor Snape. It is getting late; I think we all could use a good night's rest after a meal like that.” Dumbledore clapped his hands and the Great Hall doors opened for the students to leave.

 

Harry felt strange since he still had the necklace and bracelet in his pocket not having the chance to give them back to Hermione. He tried when she was still in the hospital but Madam Pomfrey chased him away. He didn't want them they weren't his but Hermione's. Why he still had them upset him when he thought about it to much. The bracelet sent Ron to St. Mungo's and Hermione to the hospital to begin with. If he hadn't bought the damn thing for Hermione Ron never would have thought she was a Death Eater and would be here with him, and Hermione. Walking towards Gryffindor Tower he saw strange things around the students. “Is this what Hermione talked about?” Harry was amazed that almost every student had a yellow, purple, or white aura around them. He saw one though, Cho, who had a small weak black and green aura. “That can't be good, maybe I should talk to her.” He started walking over when a 2nd year grabbed his hand telling him a group of 1st years had gone missing and he forgot about Cho.

 

In the Common Room the other Gryffindors treated Hermione like she was a fragile piece of glass which made her feel worse, no one wanted to be near her. She thought maybe Monica and Devin would talk to her but they wouldn't even look at her. She started to cry silently trying to block the pain, the horror of what had happened. Harry came back in after finding a herd of first years who had wandered away when the leader of the group held his map upside down only to see Hermione curled up in a ball in a chair. He walked over there sighing heavily. “I need to do this, people need to know.” He got out the necklace and bracelet from his pocket. “Honey, do you want your presents back?” He handed her the necklace but held onto the bracelet. When she had the necklace back on Harry took her right hand and slid the bracelet back on, just like he had the first time he gave it to her. “I love you Hermione.” He kissed her lightly on the lips wiping away the tears with his thumb before he went up to his dorm while the rest of the Gryffindor's stared in awe and wonder at what had just happened.

 

 

Except for a little red head witch who hated the two. Ginny was mad at what she saw before her. Harry and Hermione kissing, happy, they put her brother in the hospital! She knew about them weeks ago but couldn't stand seeing them happy. “Damn them, they put my brother in the hospital and they are happy about it! That bastard, that bitch, I'll kill them before they leave.” Dean looked at Ginny who didn't know she had said it out loud.

 

“Babe you alright? You just said that you wanted to…” Ginny jumped him wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist kissing him deeply letting her emotions go.

 

 

Monday came and Potions class took on new meaning. Harry trying his best to keep the thought that a chair was empty, a chair that should have had his best friend in it was empty. “Potter I am quite impressed with your work. You have actually gotten the color right on this, and look at the fumes, perfect swirls, maybe getting rid of that Weasly boy was what you needed.” Harry hated Snape but respected him at the same time. Snape kept making sure everyone knew who had attacked him and Hermione, but he never did say how he had attacked them, especially Hermione.

 

“Thank you Sir for the compliment, although it isn't well deserved since the texture is suppose to be more like oil then water. I know my mother and you took potions together and you were the best next to her. I am trying to be more like my mother to make her proud of me even if she isn't able to show it.” Snape flinched at the mention of Lily and retreated to his office stunning the class who continued working.

 

Hermione beamed at him, he was being a man and had made her proud. Devin and Monica started to talk to Hermione again after the first night which the other Gryffindor students took as a sign to try and go back to normal. “Hermione, it says 3/5 Beesul to every 2/5 Kooier for every centimeter of Gillyweed, so is it this much?” Neville was having problems with his work as always.

 

“No Neville, stretch it out then cut, if you have any slack in it you will add too much.” Hermione was getting back to being the Know-It-All girl she was known for, taking her Prefect duties very seriously after last night's Prefect meeting had gone on an extra hour due to Hermione going on about her maps and making more for the rest of the Prefects to hand out. Everything looked like it was going back to normal, unless you were Harry.

 

She still had nightmares, but now new ones. Her bones had healed, ribs, cheek, nose, arm, but her mind hadn't. Her teeth had been grown back she looked perfectly normal with all the bruises and cuts gone. But inside, Harry knew she was different. He started to hold her and fall asleep on the Common Room couch so her roommates could sleep without her screams. One night was difficult when Hermione woke from a nightmare not knowing it was over and attacked Harry.

 

“I'm so sorry Harry, I didn't know.” She started to cry, Harry holding her bleeding a little rocked her back and forth shushing her, trying to help her sleep again.

 

“It's alright Honey, you didn't know, it wasn't your fault.” But whose fault was it? If he hadn't bought that damn bracelet Ron never would have thought she was a Death Eater. It was his fault, everything was his fault…

 

 

The weeks passed, the first Quidditch game was coming up on the day before the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year. Hermione and Harry kept running with the others every morning, Harry practicing for the game, and all the homework being given out to help prepare them for OWLs kept them busy and they were looking forward to a weekend off. It was becoming known that Hermione and Harry were dating and that that they slept on the couch every night so no one would here her screams through out the school which most accepted, except for one witch who felt betrayed by losing the love Harry now had for Hermione. Harry with thoughts of seeing Hermione when he got back was clueless to another witch waiting for him.

 

Harry never saw it coming, coming back from Quidditch practice hoping to see Hermione before he went to bed the attack surprised him and that did more to him then the actual attack. Not that the witch who attacked him had much strength from lack of eating, lack of living. “Cho, what are you trying to do? You're a Prefect and so am I! Stop it!” Harry shrugged her off barely feeling the weight.

 

“You bastard, I thought you were in love with me and here it is you're with that Granger girl! I've been waiting for you to ask me out but no, you were busy with that mud blood!” She pushed Harry which ended up with her falling backwards instead.

 

“What are you going on about Cho? I barely know you how could I be in love with you?” She got back up.

 

“You asked me to the Yule Ball last year didn't you? You were obsessed with me when I was with Cedric. Is that it? Now that I am a free woman you don't want me!” She smacked him not doing much. Harry let her yell some more smacking him a couple more times before he spoke.

 

“You're right Cho; I did ask you to the Yule Ball, last year. I was obsessed with you, last year. I wanted to be with you, last year. I wished with all my heart that you would say yes when I asked you, last year. I did like you Cho; really I did, last year. The keywords of all that being last year and not now. You are a really nice person but I found someone else who loved me for me, who wanted to be with me and I loved her back. You have let yourself go Cho, you can't even hurt me when you try you are so frail. You better start eating or you'll be nothing…” Thinking about the smacks that took all her energy and still didn't hurt. “Tomorrow is our Quidditch match and you look like you might get hurt if you fly to fast.” Harry backed away towards the door quietly when Cho went into another rage breaking things in the room at random. He got out and shut the door so no one else would see or hear her.

 

Walking down the hall Harry saw Ginny. “Hey Ginny I need to talk to you.” Harry jogged over glad to see the red head witch who he hadn't talked to for awhile.

 

“What the hell do you want you son of a bitch!” Ginny drew her wand and pointed it at him.

 

“Wait Ginny put your wand away please!” Harry was panicked, what was Ginny thinking!

 

“Why should I Potter? You going to send me to my brother!? You were supposed to be his friend, I liked you, and so you go and betray us! You were considered part of the family! You bastard I'm going to kill you!” She ran at Potter dropping her wand and drawing a kitchen knife.

 

“Ginny stop please I didn't mean to do that to Ron, he snapped when me and Hermione told him.” Dodging the knife Harry backed away drawing his wand.

 

“Shut up Potter, when I am done with you I'll send your right hand to my brother and the left one to that little slut.” Swinging the knife at Harry again he decided he would have to hurt another Weasly.

 

“Stupefy!” A red light shot at and hit Ginny straight in the chest. “Sorry.” He went and got Professor Flitwick who was the closest at the time to take Ginny to Madam Pomfrey. Professor Flitwick asked what had happened but didn't press thinking Harry was upset that his friend was just attacked by “someone”.

 

Harry was in a foul mood from last night, first attacked by Cho then by Ginny. Why were the women he knew acting like this? He didn't get to see Hermione, he had to deal with Cho today during the match, and Professor Trelawney had just assigned homework for the weekend. “I won't do it, I don't care if I fail her class anymore, without Ron it isn't fun.” Harry took his Divination book and threw it away along with all his notes and work from the past month. He was sitting down to read his Transfiguration book when he found the picture he had stuck in there at the beginning of the summer.

 

“I wondered where that picture went.” Harry looked up too a smiling Hermione. “I was practicing developing photos so they would move and I had a couple of pictures left on the roll and I took some pretty stupid pictures.” Harry started to hand it to Hermione but she pushed it away. “Go ahead and keep it Harry its not like you haven't seen what's under there.” She went around the chair and sat in his lap setting the Transfiguration book on her lap reading it with Harry. Ginny and Dean came down from the boy's dormitory yelling at each other.

 

“Why would I want to do that with you anyways Dean? You're fun for snogging but if I wanted something like that I would find a 1st year!” Ginny turned around and went into the girl's dormitory.

 

“Fine Ginny, if that's how you want to do this you tease!” Dean obviously wasn't alright as he headed back to his dorm.

 

“Wow, I wonder what he tried to do.” Harry was still looking at the dorm room entrances when he felt a hand on his lap.

 

“What do you think they were doing Harry? Although it sounds like Dean isn't up to Ginny's standards.” Hearing about Ginny Harry told her what happened the night before. Hermione was shocked to hear it but comforted Harry. “It's ok Harry; she is young and just lost her brother. She will calm down and be back to normal. I wouldn't walk around alone anymore until she does though.” She snuggled up closer to him as he ran his hand through her hand.

 

“I hope so Honey; with Ginny mad enough to do that how are the other Weasly's? Think I'm allowed back to the Burrow ever? Or the wedding, it's next summer and if Ron isn't better, I guess we won't be invited.” Hermione shrugged.

 

“I don't know Harry, Ron should come back this year when he gets better.” Harry nodded thinking about how it would feel with Ron back at Hogwarts.

 

“Did they say when he would be alright?” Hermione shook her head.

 

“I don't know Harry since none of the Weasly's will talk to me either. I'm going to miss them; I like them, like a second family.” She started to feel bad and didn't want too so she thought of a way to make her happy. She started kissing Harry but was stopped by Fred and George.

 

“Harry what are you doing! You should know not to do that before a match! All athletes know that you don't do anything to get your blood going until you get to the match.” George added “Also it might take your focus off the game.” He looked over at Alicia “Very distracting thinking about what's under those robes when you are suppose to be hitting Bludgers at the other team.” George left them to go talk to Alicia. Hermione took heed to the tip and got off of Harry's lap.

 

“Harry did you see that? They aren't mad at you, at least not like Ginny is.” Harry nodded.

 

“I guess maybe not all of the Weasly's want me dead. I wonder about his mom though, and his dad, after all they did for me I send their son too St. Mungo's.” Having a quiet afternoon before the match was what Harry needed to keep his mind off of everything going on. It was hard but Hermione distracted him with a game of Wizard Chess trying not too talk.

 

The match had just started and things were not going well for Ravenclaw. Not being able to score while Gryffindor racked up the points made things harder for them as Cho just lazily flew around. Harry knew Cho wouldn't be at her best but this was just pathetic. Gryffindor had scored again when he decided he would check on Cho. “Hey, are you awake?” Harry waved his hand in front of her face.

 

“Yes, and if you don't leave me alone I will be pissed.” Harry figured he had tried and flew off towards his end of the field. Gryffindor was up 110 to 0 when he saw the glint of gold.

 

“Hermione?” He didn't think about it, the Snitch was feet away from him but his head was full of Hermione as it flew off. “Damn it.” Harry took off after it chasing it past Monica who was guarding the goal posts quite well. “She had to see it, but she isn't chasing after it.” Harry noticed as Cho just sat on her broom making his job easier. He was on the Snitch, no way could it get away, it was just inches away. He had it! But the feeling of glory left when he heard screams behind him.

 

“Chang! She just fell, get Madam Pomfrey!” More screams came as Cho began to convulse, vomit coming out of her mouth making a sickening sound as it came out.

 

“Out of the way people, move out of the way.” A hurried Madam Pomfrey came running down from the castle wand out ready to help Cho back to the castle. “Don't worry everyone I'll heal her, I've never failed to do so.” Using a levitation charm on Cho Madam Pomfrey took her back to the castle. In all the chaos no one had cared that Gryffindor had just won by a total blowout 260 to 0.

 

 

Hogsmeade helped everyone forget what had happened. Forgetting that Ron was gone, forgetting what had just happened to Cho the night before, forgetting Voldemort was back, people had a good time drinking butter beer and eating sweets they had just bought at Zonkos. Harry and Hermione walked around hand in hand looking at all the things around them in a new light. They were near the Shrieking Shack when they heard someone talking and saw it was Monica, and just Monica. “What is she doing?” Harry wondered as Monica appeared to be talking to several people at once, but she wasn't.

 

“I've seen her do this before in the library, and down in the Potions Dungeon, and everywhere else really.” Hermione told Harry as Monica continued to talk.

 

“So have I Honey.” Remembering the time he had gone off to the Muggle Studies classroom with Hermione. “Didn't Ron say when he went to apologize to her she ignored him and pretended to talk to someone else? Maybe she wasn't pretending…” They watched for another hour fascinated by what appeared to be a one-sided conversation. Monica started to say good bye to whatever she was talking to making Harry and Hermione walk away quickly.

 

Hermione saw a new bookstore and nearly dragged Harry into it. She went around going through different books while Harry went over a Defense Against the Dark Arts book. It detailed different curses, how to learn them and teach them, the counter curses and the same. He was deeply involved with the book when he heard Hermione start to yell at the clerk. “How can you charge that much for a damn book!” She huffed tossing the book back to the clerk. “Not like I wanted it anyways.” She grabbed the books she had already bought and left. Harry took the book he was reading to the counter.

 

“Uh sir, could I ask about that book?” The man grunted.

 

“Its 350 Galleons, if you want it you have to pay the price. Bloody girl wanted to haggle with me, like a book's value decreases if you buy others.” Harry bought his book and started to leave.

 

“Wait, she wants that book or she wouldn't have asked about it.” He turned around. “Alright sir, but could you hold it until Christmas?” Grabbing the money out of the bag Hermione had made bottomless the man took the book out.

 

“I guess, going to cost extra though, want a card with it?” Harry nodded. “Alright boy what should it say?” Harry thought about it, he didn't want it to be mushy or corny and decided a short letter would work best.

 

“I guess `Hope you enjoy' and `From Harry' if you could.” The man set it aside putting the money in the register.

 

“I can boy now get out, kids like you should be at the funny store not here.” Harry left catching up with Hermione smiling to himself about what would happen at Christmas.

 

They went down the street back to the Three Broomsticks enjoying more butter beer. Sitting and talking made Harry happy, he missed Ron, but Hermione was still here, she was alright, she was healthy. He felt her foot move up his leg higher and higher causing him to laugh a little as it tickled. “What book did you get Harry?” Hermione pointed to his book.

 

“It's called `Defense and Offense, Teach Yourself and Others' should be a good read.” Hermione looked through it quickly getting ideas for later since she was currently busy playing footsie with Harry. The door opened as Monica walked in with a box going straight for Harry and Hermione. Hermione was upset with being interrupted but Harry was glad for the company and the break. “What do you have there Monica?” She shrugged.

 

“I don't know, he told me to give to you and tell you to put it too good use.” She gave it to Harry who opened it right there. When he got it out he saw it was pouch that felt rather light. Looking inside of it Harry saw gold, hundreds of Galleons, and a ring, no, two rings. He kept looking inside it lost in the sea of gold inside the Bottomless Pouch, just like Hermione's, just like the pack he had.

 

“Harry what is it let me see.” Hermione snatched it out of his hand and looked inside also amazed by the gold, but saw something else, a book.

 

“Honey I was looking at that.” Harry looked at Hermione who had shoved her arm into the pouch pulling out the book.

 

“Necronomicon? I've heard of this book, it's said the Egyptians had a book of the dead, or the Necronomicon.” Hermione opened it looking at the pages. “They seem to have been translated already; I wonder who knew enough Egyptian to do that.” Hermione kept going over the book ignoring Harry and Monica. “Uh, Monica, who told you to give me this? We saw you earlier by the Shrieking Shack talking to someone, well, talking anyways.” Monica nodded and replied.

 

“Yes I was talking to someone, Salazar something or other. He told me where the box was and how to get it. He was really nice, he said he wasn't always like that but death had changed him.” Hermione looked up at that.

 

“Death? Someone named Salazar who is dead told you to get this and give it too Harry? How do you know you could trust him?” Hermione stared at Monica wanting to say something else but not here.

 

“Because I can, it's not like he was a Shade.” Monica hugged Harry, said bye to Hermione and left.

 

“Harry, we might want to take this to Dumbledore or maybe Professor McGonagall, it could be dangerous.” Harry shook his head and put the book back in the pouch.

 

“You heard Monica, its safe Honey.” He leaned over to kiss her before getting up holding her hand. Walking back Hermione continued with her concerns but Harry wasn't worried, Monica said it was safe. Who the hell was she talking to? What the hell was she talking to? “Hermione, what's a shade? Besides the ones we have right now.” He pointed to theirs.

 

“I'm not too sure Harry, when we get back I can look it up in the library.” Holding hands they walked the three miles back to Hogwarts in silence.

 

Getting back to Hogwarts Harry decided he should at least make up with Cho to be on friendly terms. It wasn't her fault she was depressed, it was his for bringing Cedric with him to Voldemort. It wasn't her fault she thought Harry still had a crush on her; he kept his relationship with Hermione a secret making him lose Ron. He told Hermione to wait outside of Madam Pomfrey's office as he went in to see Cho. She didn't seem to like the idea of Harry going in to see Cho. He did have a crush on her last year. “Hell he was obsessed with her, he admitted it himself. But I do trust him, especially after what happened with Ron…” He felt strange as he walked in; he had been here less then a week ago after Ron had… He stopped himself from thinking about it. This was for Cho Chang, a great Seeker and someone he liked, even respected for her abilities, if not as much as before.

 

He saw her awake if not exactly healthy. “Harry, what are you doing here? Come to finish the job?” She coughed hard but lay back down. “Go ahead and kill me Potter, part of me already is.” Harry was hurt at Cho thinking he wanted to hurt her.

 

“No Cho I came to see if you were alright and to apologize. It's my fault you are like this. I wanted Cedric to win with me, if I had grabbed the trophy without him I would have won and he would have lived.” Cho coughed some more letting out a groan as she heard Cedric's name. “And now you are like this, I'm so sorry Cho. If things were different, if Hermione hadn't been attacked she never would have been at my house for the summer, we never would have started dating, and I might have asked you out so this didn't happen.” Harry grabbed her hand “Please forgive me Cho, I didn't want this to happen to you. I still like you, as a friend, as a fellow Quidditch player.” He had to say something more, something McGonagall told him. “Remember as long as there is life there is hope.” She coughed again before replying.

 

“Look Harry it wasn't your fault, it was the bastard Voldemort.” Harry was surprised to hear her say Voldemort. “Yes Harry Voldemort. He killed my boyfriend and he killed a part of me. Cedric was my first, I had never done those kinds of things before but I loved him.” Harry felt her hand go deathly cold, freezing to the touch and nearly called for Madam Pomfrey. Chang started to cry, she started to shake violently, her head snapped up and looked at him in pure hatred, her voice deeper, unnatural. “Stay away from those you love Potter, you sent one friend to St Mungo's, she's here because of you, your parents died because of you, you are a plague on this planet that needs to be destroyed before you kill all you love.” Her head snapped again and she went back to herself telling Harry to go away still crying. He left with that voice in his head, the voice from Cho sounded like the one he had heard the past few weeks warning him whenever he and Hermione were about to be caught.

 

“Strange, but it is right, everything is my fault. Everyone I loved; everyone I get close to, dead or worse.” He brushed his fingers through his hair, a nervous tic he still hadn't shaken off.

 

“So how did it go?” Hermione was a little bit jealous of Cho not that she was going to let Harry see it.

 

“Alright I think, she doesn't blame me for what happened to Cedric, but now she is crying and that is my fault.” Hermione rubbed his back as they walked.

 

“It's ok Harry; I looked in on you as you talked. She didn't have a red mass, or a black one. She had a blue one though, but no anger or hatred.” Harry listened to Hermione talk about the mass around Cho half heartedly seeing as how he still didn't really understand what she meant. Thinking about what he saw before Hermione had gotten out of the hospital, the aura around the students, he let Hermione talk not telling her about the cryptic warning.