Forbidden Rapture | By : Marionne25 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 49897 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 8 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and am not making money from this story. |
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
HELLO I'M ALIVE!!!!
I decided to post for three reasons:
1) it's the Lenten Season and in our country it is celebrated for the whole week - meaning no lessons, no school, no work. I'm only at home practicing and killing my brains off.
2) I needed to feel alive again. I needed to write. I needed to post. So here is another.
3) There's a new cafe instilled near home so I'm spending loads of my time there in my practice break sessions. Trust me when I tell you that you could indeed get burnt out for 10 hours of practice daily.
Other than, I hope the week never ends cause after Easter, I'd be back Monday to my lessons and Thursday is my first rehearsal at the venue. Ugh.
So many things to be done!!!!
Hope everyone is doing well.
Do comment, review and write to me to keep me sane!!!!
lots of love
xx
PS
how do you spend lenten season at your country?
Chapter Twenty Seven
Between The Bars
“He’s with Lavender.” Harry said as he sat at their spot at the library. “He said he’ll follow.”
“He’s told me that an hour ago after your Quidditch practice.” Hermione irritably said as she set the books over the table between them.
“Well, you know, he’s in love and—“
“Harry.” Hermione said grabbing his bag from across the table and taking out his books, parchments and other study materials.
“What?”
“We’re inlove but I don’t see us all over the place. I don’t even see you forgetting your education just cause you’re with someone.”
Harry only smiled at her.
Truth was that, he was struggling to keep himself focused when the two of them were studying.
One of Hermione’s conditions if they were really going to date seriously was that studies and other academic and Hogwarts responsibilities would come first.
That mean that before they agree to go on a Hogsmeade weekend or spend the lunch break or weekends by the lake – they’ve already finished the tons of assignments, review for quizzes and exams, Harry’s Quidditch practices and Hermione’s extracurricular academic subjects.
The whole school’s male population was in envy at the idea that Harry Potter scored and secured a girlfriend like Hermione Granger.
She wasn’t only the brightest witch of her age or the smartest ass within the school, but she also got the body and the face that has definitely bloomed and matured since the Yule Ball.
She wasn’t only a face or a mere arm candy.
Harry had seemingly secured a walking, talking and highly effective academic planner to ensure that none of his subjects would go down the train or get any Bs any longer.
Hermione Granger was a genius hotshot that any boy would definitely want to have.
Harry amusedly watched as Hermione carefully organized his books, his notes, parchments and quills across the large table she always occupied for the two of them despite that it would accommodate atleast eight students.
“What’s funny?” Hermione asked looking up and seeing his expression.
He shook his head and smiled at her.
“I love you. Do you know that?” Harry asked reaching out for her hands.
Hermione blushed and pressed his hand firmly before drawing it away.
“We have a quiz and an essay for professor McGonagall tomorrow, Harry. I know you love me and you would love me more if we study now and not fail that quiz.”
Harry chuckled at her as he reached out for his Transfiguration book and a roll of parchment.
Hermione checked her own notes, parchments and pile of books and an array of quills.
“Right. So we do Transfiguration first. And then we do the Charms essay cause that’s due the day after tomorrow.”
Harry watched as she carefully read to him a list of things they had to do and study.
“Are you listening?” Hermione said snapping her fingers when she noticed that he was only smiling and staring at her.
How she loved the smile and his expressive eyes.
“I am.” Harry said clearing his throat and trying to look serious.
Hermione shook her head and returned to her list.
“I have Muggle Studies research paper to pass so while I’m doing that I suggest you finish the research homework for professor Slughorn for Potions. I know that he said you don’t have to pass yours since you did very well on that potion brew yesterday – which by the way I still do not agree that you did on your own – but you should pass one just so-“
“I’ve already finished it.”
“I checked your notes, Harry.” Hermione said nodding over one of the notebooks.
“Nothing’s wrong with it.”
“Oh nothing.” Hermione said. “Except you’ve copied atleast two main paragraphs from Apehlba’s Potion Tricks and Guides.”
Harry opened his mouth to explain but Hermione had pulled out a book from one of the piles and shoved it to him.
“Trust me when I tell you that I have read almost all the books in this library.”
“Academic nazi.”
“Lazy bum.”
“Know-It-All.”
“Chosen One.”
“But I am the Chosen One.” Harry said with an innocent smirk over his face.
Hermione stared momentarily and threw a book over his head which he skillfully caught in his hand.
“We need to study now, Harry.” Hermione said in a hushed tone as Harry stood from the opposite side of the table and walked behind her.
He gave her a tight and full embrace and kissed the nape of her neck.
“Let’s go to the other spot of the library we like.”
“Harry, it’s ten in the morning.” Hermione reminded him, closing her eyes anyway at the sensation his lips were making behind her neck.
“Harry-“
“Come on. Fifteen minutes.”
“Seven.”
“Twelve.”
“Ten. Take it or leave it.” Hermione said looking up at him as his hands began to crawl at her sides.
Harry quickly took her mouth to his uncaring if people would suddenly pass by.
Hermione slightly groaned, restraining herself.
She stared up at him with a challenging glare waiting for him to give in.
And he did give in.
“Fine.” Harry whispered through her mouth as he fidgeted across the table for their bags.
“Harry –“
“Come on, come on. Ten minutes.” Harry said and he quickly grabbed her hand and literary dragged her chuckling form from their table.
“Wait – my hand-“
“Come on, Hermione. Ten minutes. I haven’t got all day. I have to study, you know.”
Hermione chuckled relentlessly and Harry had to cover her mouth as he dragged her to the other end of the library from which he had discovered many weeks ago to be a very delightful, secretive and useful spot for lovers like them.
“What’s going on?” Draco urgently asked the Ministry official who was his contact within since he returned to London and attended Hermione and Snape’s trial.
The old man shook his head.
“I’m sorry Young Master.” the man shook his head with a mournful look. “I do not know why the delay is this long.”
Draco checked his Malfoy-crested pocket watch.
The trial was supposed to begin two hours ago.
It has never been delayed this long before.
And only him, his client and their small team seemed bothered at the idea of the delay.
Twice already his assistant went outside from the holding room only to find the jury and even the judge taking a highly convenient lunch in the large and elegant conference hall of theirs.
“Are they not the least bit concerned?” Draco hissed at his assistant as he tried to conceal the predicament from Snape who was at the other end of the room.
The old man only shook his head.
“Full meals and a couple of expensive firewhiskeys have been delivered in their conference hall earlier today, Young Master.”
“What?” Draco asked irritably turning at him. “What do you mean? They’re drinking on a day of trial?! I could have them sued for that!”
The old man shook his head, looking as devastated as he was.
“Not entirely drinking. More like they’ve been sent some complimentary drinks.”
“Complimentary drinks?” Draco repeated flaring up. “What the hell do you mean?”
The old man sighed heavily and carefully pulled a small card from his pocket.
It was a red-embellished card with a golden plate over it – very Gryffindor in design and colour.
“I found it on the floor from the many boxes with cards at their conference hall.”
Draco grabbed the card and read it with narrowed eyes.
It was a sort of greeting card from an upcoming Wizarding Holiday – which was about three months ahead from the present day – and simply signed with warm greetings and cheers – Department of Aurors, Ministry of Magic.
“Fuck.” Draco said crumpling the card and throwing it away. “Fuck.”
“What’s wrong Draco?” Snape asked noticing it.
“Nothing.” Draco snapped clenching his fists.
He turned and was about to pick up the card again but Snape was quite fast.
He bent over and picked it up before Draco could take it.
Snape gave Draco a glance before flattening it out to read it thoroughly.
Draco looked up at him in an uneasy way.
Snape only smirked and shook his head as instead, he handed Draco the card back.
“Three guesses who, Draco - the present head of the Auror department at the Minsitry.”
“Severus, perhaps it’s their annual –“
“And I’ve heard they call him the most valuable and youngest Head Auror that the Ministry has ever had.”
Draco knew he couldn’t lie to him.
He might have been in hiatus for ten years, but he surely knew what was happening at the outside world.
“Look, it’s just gift, Severus.”
“You know what gifts can do, Draco.”
Draco sighed and turned away from him in his own frustration understanding exactly how much those gifts could possibly damage their chance at the trial.
“I don’t know what to do.” Draco said. “What should I do?”
“Send them some expensive brandy from the Malfoy distillery from Italy?” Snape suggested with a raised brow.
“It’s not funny.” Draco angrily spat at him. “This isn’t a joke.”
“Well I’m not kidding. I remember the distillery was quite big as Lucius had always mentioned to me. He mentioned the vineyard was quite divine.”
“It’s not divine. It’s just fucking business.”
“Lucius used to send a lot of the best wines around the Ministry, to the governors at Hogwarts and even certain professors at Hogwarts.”
“Yeah. I know. I passed my Astronomy class because father sent one to our professor.”
Snape only nodded at him remembering that he was even the one who delivered it to the said professor.
“Do not look disheartened.”
“And I already sold that crappy business several years ago.”
Snape looked slightly amused at his godson.
“You’ve grown up, Draco.”
“Yeah.” Draco snapped back sitting on the couch and burying his face in his hands. “I wish that could help.”
Snape sighed and slowly walked to him.
“We have enough time.”
“I’m afraid not.” Draco said. “Do you know how little time we have? And nobody seemed to give a shit about it.”
“Nobody will give a shit about it, Draco.”
“You’re not helping.”
“I told you to no longer help me.”
Draco turned away from him knowing that he did not want this kind of conversation with his godfather.
Draco turned to ask him something when a knock came again.
The assistant opened the door and outside stood a Ministry official.
“The trial will commence in fifteen minutes.” the young Ministry official said.
Draco only nodded and thanked the young man who quickly left them after delivering the message.
“Federal Case 715247 - the Wizengamot, the full jury and the whole Wizarding Community within and outside the country of London, England versus Lucius Malfoy – an accused Death Eater and a loyalist of You-Know-Who from the first to the second Wizarding War - on accounted murders of both witches, wizards and Muggle, illegal intrusion and attempted theft at the Ministry of Magic Department of Mysteries, illegal use and possession of an alarming amount of banned Dark Arts artifacts at his residence the Malfoy Manor, the illegal possession of banned Dark Arts books at his residence the Malfoy Manor, the illegal possession of a large storage room full of illegal potions and potion ingredients used for banned enchantments and rituals, the illegal use of The Imperius Curse, The Cruciatus Curse and The Killing Curse on a list of about seven-hundred male and female named and unnamed casualties from the Wizarding and the Muggle community from the first and second Wizarding Wars, his use of wealth to manipulate and corrupt certain entities and individuals while at service as governor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and as a high-order council for the Ministry of Magic and lastly –“ the old man who read the long parchment in his hand paused for a moment and settled his eyes across the room as he sighed heavily and continued, “- his physical and emotional abuse to Narcissa Black Malfoy.”
An emotional pause echoed all across the large trial court room of the Wizengamot especially at the last case mentioned against Lucius.
The old man cleared his throat and continued on reading the parchment.
“Lucius Malfoy is found guilty beyond reasonable doubt on all of the accounted cases and is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without bail inside Azkaban prison and will be stripped off his wand and all of his government entitlement and rights or any rights as an individual in the Wizarding Community.”
The loud sound of the wooden table hammer rung all over the room as the verdict has been given.
Beyond the Daily Prophet’s insistent staff to get forward and get a photograph and answer from the questions they threw towards Lucius Malfoy and the head of the Wizengamot who read his verdict and all other chaos that broke all across the room, someone had silently watched everything from the very end of the room.
One last glance at the cold-eyed wizard, the pointed face and striking blonde hair– the features he has inherited with uncanny resemblance – before he stealthily left the court room without a cringe of any emotion over his face.
He has managed to leave the trial room without engaging himself with anyone or having anyone recognize him beneath his cloak and the Disillusionment Charm he has placed over himself.
“You’ve never visited him.”
A voice rang behind him as he managed to walk two hallways away from the courtroom.
“Draco.”
He stopped walking but he didn’t turn back to the familiar voice that called his name.
“Draco.”
The voice was insistent, serious and firm.
Draco sighed heavily and slowly turned around.
They looked at one another eye-to-eye.
“You’ve never visited him but you are here today.” Lupin said as he walked closer towards Draco who slowly unveiled his face from the Disillusionment Charm with wandless magic.
“What do you want from me?” Draco asked as he took several steps towards Lupin.
“How are you Draco?” Lupin kindly asked him.
Truth be told, Draco looked as healthy and as wealthy as he could possibly be.
“How did you know it was me?”
“You should have taken the charm before entering the building, Draco.” Lupin pointed out.
Draco looked skeptical.
“I was at the lobby entrance of the building the same time you were taking the charm at the other side of the second entrance of the building.”
“Stalking now aren’t we, professor?” Draco mocked at him.
Lupin could only smile at him.
“You haven’t answered me. How are you?”
Draco stared at him and was waiting the idea that he actually sounded like he cared for him.
He shouldn’t care for him.
None from the Order of the Phoenix or any of Potter’s friends or family should care for him.
He was a Malfoy after all.
“I’m only here for two days.” Draco answered him with a curt nod. “I’m leaving London tonight.”
“You only came for the verdict?”
“I only came to make sure he gets what he truly deserved.”
“He’s your father.”
“He’s hurt my mother.”
Lupin only stared and couldn’t help but notice the hatred and satisfaction in his laced tone.
“You were the one who filed the last read case?”
Draco looked away for a moment before nodding in admittance.
“I filed it anonymously. Or atleast, anonymous to anyone else but the direct heads of the Wizengamot.”
Lupin nodded at him in understanding.
“My mother’s memory will be at peace.”
Another long silence between them.
“Where will you be off tonight?”
“It does not matter.”
“I’m only wondering if-“
“I’m finishing some application for further studies in a country outside London.” Draco said.
He did not look please for the small talk that Lupin was trying.
“I have to go.” Draco said checking his pocket watch from his elegant looking suit beneath the cloak.
“I’m pleased to see you, Draco. If there’s anything you would need-“
“I’d be studying abroad and would be out and about for several years. I’ll appreciate it if this privacy is given to me, professor - after everything that has happened.”
Lupin nodded at him in understanding.
He knew what he meant exactly and all the stories that entails those ‘everything’ he has mentioned.
The boy did not deserve to stay in London when there was no family to stay with and when there were too much and too many unpleasant memories there.
“I wish you luck, Mr. Malfoy.” Lupin said with a smile as he extended his hand to him.
Draco stared at him then at the hand he was offering.
He looked surprised and reluctant at the same time.
“Draco-“ Lupin began but Draco nodded and shook it back.
Lupin nodded as Draco let his hand go.
“How’s everything?” Draco asked him although he looked like he wanted to take the words back.
Lupin only stared at him for a moment.
“Have you found her?” he curiously asked him.
Lupin gave him a painful smile and shook his head.
“No.” Lupin answered swallowing hard. “But we are hoping for the best.”
Draco did not say anything although he looked like he wanted to say something.
“Harry is having a very hard time.” Lupin quietly said. “But he is coping. He will do better I’m sure. Harry would soon come into terms of the reality that she has..” Lupin paused unable to bring the words out of his mouth.
He was as pained as everyone else at what has possibly happened to Hermione.
“Everything will be better, I’m sure.. After all, Voldemort is gone and.. life will hopefully be renewed for all of us.”
Draco was still quiet as if deciding on something in his head.
“I better go.” Draco finally said.
Lupin nodded and Draco gave him a curt nod.
“You be well, Mr. Malfoy.”
“Maybe I’ll send you a note or something when there is something in my studies that I do not understand. You are, after all, the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, were you not?”
Lupin only smiled at him and he could swear that Draco almost gave a genuine full smile back at him.
Lupin only nodded at him and raised his hand in a small good-bye gesture.
“Be well, Draco.”
And with that, Draco turned from him without another word.
He walked away from Lupin with his hands in his pocket with the other holding out the small, golden pocket watch and thoughts ticking all the same inside his head.
“What do you mean they’re cancelling?” Draco angrily spat as he walked as fast as his legs would take him down the hall and towards the large trial hall.
His assistant tried his best to keep up his pace behind Draco.
He has never seen Draco as angry or as confused for any court trial.
“What’s going on?” Draco growled as he passed by people who were obviously leaving the trial room.
He looked livid as he strode forward with hands shaking at his sides and mind spinning with thoughts.
“They just told me the trial will commence in fifteen minutes and now they’re dropping the news that the trial will be cancelled for the day?” he said almost yelling down the hall as they reached the last turn towards the court room.
“Draco, calm yourself down. They wouldn’t like it-“
“I do not care what they will not like!” Draco yelled as he pushed the double doors forward and had burst inside.
People were already leaving the room, the seats of the jury were already almost empty and there were only two wizards from the Wizengamot left out of the twelve.
Draco was extremely furious.
They were just waiting to be called out as Snape was supposedly to take the stand today when out of the blue, another wizard came to their waiting room had announced that the trial for the day was cancelled and that they will merely be notified when the case’s trial would commence once more.
And before he could even react, Aurors from the department had strode towards the room and had taken Snape without a word to bring him back to his cell.
“What’s going on?” Draco asked loudly towards the first member of the Wizengamot his eyes had fallen on.
But he could almost already tell what was going on at the scene that was revealed to him.
Harry was in the room, talking to one of the jury.
“Motherfucker.” Draco muttered under his breath as he strode forward, forcing to calm himself down and remain composed.
“Mr. Malfoy?” the the jury slowly nodded to him as he turned from Harry who had bid his goodbye already.
Draco’s eyes were on Harry who looked very calm and quiet in comparison on how he had last scene him at the café.
“I would like to ask why the trial has been cancelled.” Draco said in a forcedly calm voice. “My client and I have been ready and had come with an allowance of a time before the given call time. I would like to know the reason behind this and why we were notified last minute.”
“Apologies to the hassle that has been brought to your part, Mr. Malfoy.” the man had calmly said.
Draco only stared.
“What happened?” he urgently asked as Harry eyed him wearily before turning away from them to give them privacy.
“We needed to cancel because Ms. Hermione Granger cannot arrive today.”
“Cannot arrive today?” Draco repeated. “But I’ve been told in our waiting room that the trial was just about to begin in a few minutes and now-“
“Mr. Potter had to make an emergency request as Ms. Granger isn’t feeling well today.”
“She’s sick?” Draco asked turning to Harry’s leaving form.
“Potter!” Draco called but the old man gently grabbed his wrist to stop him from going after Harry.
Draco turned to the old man in surprise.
“Mr. Malfoy-“
“I want to talk to Potter – this is – this was – how can – I’ve come prepared with my client – my client and I would like some serious and formal explanation on this matter – you cannot just bloody –“
“Please understand that Ms. Granger is feeling terribly ill this morning because-“
“Because?” Draco repeated angrily. “Because what? Because she’s been battered by Harry since the day I’ve last seen her?”
For a moment, he feared he had crossed the line but the old man didn’t say anything.
Draco looked all the more frustrated.
“Don’t you know?” Draco angrily said. “He’s been hurting her!” Draco wailed like a child.
“Mr. Malfoy, these words of yours-“
“She’s being a battered girlfriend!” Draco loudly yelled pointing directly at Harry’s retreating form. “He’s been bloody hurting her!”
“Is there a problem?” a middle-aged wizard came.
They both looked at him and Draco was almost certain he was to be blame for something.
The old man shook his head.
“Everything is alright. Mr. Malfoy is making a few inquiries. Nothing to be bothered about.”
Draco stared.
The old man was actually giving the other wizard a small smile.
The wizard stared in reluctance but had nodded and left them.
Draco was still slightly furious.
Harry had left the room but he was sure that he had heard and seen what he was doing.
“Mr. Malfoy, please calm yourself down or you would be banned from this building.”
“Apologies.” Draco muttered at the calm old man before him.
The old man stared at him and noticed the devastation in his face.
“Miss Granger has fallen ill this morning. She wasn’t feeling well to be taken here today.”
Draco was to protest but the old man had slowly handed him a small and folded parchment.
Draco stared and opened the note and slowly read.
It was a request of Hermione to cancel the trial and to be forgiven for she was not up to attend the hearing and stand as witness for the day.
It was signed by Hermione herself.
Draco reread the note several times before folding it back and handing it back to the old man.
They were never really school friends but he could tell that it was Hermione’s neat, intricate and clear handwriting.
The letter was authentic.
But how could Hermione write such a letter knowing how significant each trial was?
Was she really ill?
Or did Harry do something to make her write the letter?
It might have been Hermione’s writing but he wasn’t thoroughly convinced that Harry had nothing to do with it.
“Are you listening?”
His voice came to her thoughts and pulled her back to reality.
“Yes. I’m sorry.” Hermione replied as she turned back over the table.
She turned her eyes back on the notebook before her as she read his clearly written notes.
“If you’re no longer interested in listening. I suggest we stop and continue tomorrow.”
“I’m listening. Just continue.”
“Let’s call it a night, Hermione.”
“No.” Hermione protested looking up at him. “No, let’s-“
“You need rest.” Snape said with finality in his tone. “We may continue tomorrow.”
Hermione looked at him as he began flicking his wand around and all the books slowly and magically returned to their places around the shelves and the potion ingredients and other mess around the table slowly cleared away.
She watched as he gently took the notebook from her and had kept it together with other bounded notebooks and rolls or parchments.
He had been teaching her a couple of potion lectures from the lesson plan he was to give her had she taken her seventh year at Hogwarts.
Minus the use of a wand and the actual brewing of dangerous potions – or any potion she could use against him or as an instrument to escape the cottage – Snape had been teaching her quite well and the lesson were even interesting.
It was like a private advance potions lessons that she was actually enjoying.
She would never really admit it to him but this was a brilliant idea of his to take her mind off things.
The devastation of Ron’s loss, Harry’s comatose form at St. Mungo’s, their growing worry of the embedded curse upon her amongst many other things were enough to drive her mad.
Only the presented academics to her kept her somewhat same.
Or atleast, the academics she was allowed to learn with limits.
“Kindly return to your room.” Snape’s voice gently commanded as he flicked his wand to slowly turn down all the lights from the room.
“Are you visiting him tomorrow?” Hermione had slowly asked him as she limped from the stool she sat on.
Snape nodded curtly.
“What time?”
“In the afternoon or late in the evening. It would depend on the time where there are less people around.”
“How was he the last time you’ve seen him?”
Snape flicked his wand and the fireplace’s light slowly faded away.
“I’ve already told you-“
“I know you have. I just wanted-“
“He was recovering fast the last time I’ve visited. I’m quite sure the news would be the same tomorrow.”
“I know.” Hermione whispered as she slowly took all her things from the table.
Snape quietly watched her slowly movements and knew that she’d be spending another night crying in her room.
“I made sure he lived.” Snape said staring at her crestfallen facial expression.
“And I would be forever grateful.” Hermione whispered as she shoved the last roll of parchment back in her small bag.
Hermione silently walked towards the door.
“Goodnight, professor.”
“Goodnight, Miss Granger.”
A silence followed.
Snape stared at her still form by near the staircase that would lead up back to the ground floor of the cottage.
She was merely standing silently.
“Miss Granger?”
“I’m sorry.” Hermione said softly.
He could tell she was crying again.
“Sorry?” he uttered back.
“Sorry.” Hermione replied. “Sorry that you have to deal with all of these things. That you have to deal with me as well.”
Snape sighed heavily and stared at her back.
He couldn’t understand how she could still think of him at their situation.
She was after all, the one who had more than one or two things to lose in this.
“It’s my job.” Snape simply said. “And you can’t be a mere casualty in this war. Dumbledore asked me-“
“Dumbledore asked too many things of you, don’t you think?” Hermione said.
He didn’t know how to respond.
“I’m sorry.” Hermione said again. “Goodnight, professor.”
And before he could even say anything anymore, Hermione had quickly ran up the small stair steps and out of his sight.
“When will you give that to her?” Ginny asked as he entered the room.
Harry was packing his belongings and he was holding a Golden Snitch in his hand.
He quickly pocketed it and kept it out of his sight.
“You scared me.” he muttered seeing Ginny entered the room. “I thought for a moment it was Hermione.”
Ginny chuckled and folded her arms.
“I think Hermione would be furious to find out you haven’t packed.”
“Lupin said we have another hour.” Harry said taking out the Golden Snitch from his pocket.
The Dursleys were already gone three hours ago and taken to a safer location by other Aurors.
Order members were standby and at guard to take Harry to the Burrow as the protection at Privet Drive he has been blessed for years would soon be gone.
Hermione and Ron had arrived together with the ‘rescue’ team that will transfer him and the others at the Burrow where the others were waiting.
“Half an hour is left.” Ginny pointed out. “Lupin’s just arrived and we should be ready by now.”
Harry nodded but his eyes were focused on the snitch in his hand.
“When will you give that to her?” Ginny asked him.
“What?” Harry repeated enchanting it to lock itself and pocketing it again.
“The ring.” Ginny pointed out. “The ring inside that snitch. The one I helped you buy and the one you told me you’d give her.”
“At sunrise.” Harry proudly answered. “At sunrise at the Burrow. I already talked to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley about my plans and all.”
Ginny smiled at him and gave him a sisterly embrace.
“If you ever dare hurt my bestfriend, Harry Potter, I’m going to blow you up into tiny bits-“
Harry embraced her back and chuckled with her.
He was to say something when they heard Ron and Hermione down the hallway.
Harry quickly kept the snitch out of sight and Ginny winked at him.
“Ready?” Hermione asked entering the room.
The smile from her face faded upon seeing that Harry had barely packed anything yet.
“I can explain?” Harry asked quickly retreating as Hermione grabbed her purse and had begun hitting him with it.
“You’re the only one who hasn’t packed yet?!” Hermione angrily said and both Ron and Ginny were dying in laughter behind them.
“Hey! Wait! Wait! I was-“ Harry tried to defend himself from Hermione’s attacking him.
“I’ve told you already I’d help you if you – professor Lupin’s already downstairs and he’s-“
“Gin! Ron! Help me-“ Harry cried out as Hermione pushed him back on the bed and had kept on hitting him.
“Sorry, mate. Gotta let Hermione do her thing here. Come on, Gin.” Ron said laughing hard as he took his sister with her and closed the door behind them.
“Why you little-“
“Hey!” Harry said trying to grasp her wrist. “HEY!”
“Harry, I told you that that-“
Hermione yelped as Harry was able to get hold of her wrists.
He quickly spun her around and made sure she was pinned on the bed.
They were both breathless from their tugging one another.
The annoyance from Hermione’s face vanished and was replaced by a small smile across her lips.
Harry stared at her with the same smile.
He felt like he couldn’t help it any longer.
In an unexplainable reason, he felt the urge to let her know, to tell her now – to ask her now.
He suddenly felt like he couldn’t wait any longer to get to the Burrow and ask her.
“What?” Hermione asked looking away for a moment.
Harry gently placed his finger over her face.
“You’re so beautiful.”
“That’s not going to pack your things on their own, Potter.”
“Do you think my name is beautiful?” Harry slowly asked him as he slowly lowered himself on top of her.
Hermione stared at him with question in his eyes.
“Harry is an ordinary wizard-“
“I mean Potter.” Harry asked her with a smile as he settled himself on top of her. “Do you like Potter?”
“It’s..” Hermione slowly paused as she felt Harry’s hardening member beneath his sheer pants.
“Yes?” Harry asked nuzzling his nose over hers.
“I think it’s a beautiful name.”
“Really?” Harry asked closing his face over hers.
“Really.” Hermione answered placing her fingers around his soft cheeks.
“Do you think maybe someday you’d want to have it too?” he gently asked him placing both his arms on either side of her cheeks.
Hermione’s eyes slightly widened at his question.
Harry’s face had slowly turned serious as he lifted himself off from her on the bed.
“Harry..” Hermione whispered as he gently took her hand and slowly sat her back on the bed.
Hermione gave him a questioning glare but her instincts told her already what was about to happen.
Harry had pulled her to sit on the edge of the bed and had slowly climbed off the bed.
“What are you doing?” Hermione asked him but she could already tell what he was doing.
He had kept his charming smile and gaze at her.
He had slowly pulled something out from his pocket as he adjusted his glasses and gazed up at her.
Harry slowly went down on his knees and offered his hand towards Hermione without breaking their gaze.
“Do you think you would like to have the same name?” Harry slowly asked her.
“I think I can live with it.” Hermione whispered back with tears in her eyes.
Harry smile at her and sighed heavily.
He whispered a charm and the Golden Snitch in his hand slowly opened and revealed an expensive looking gold ring with an elegant and shimmering stone over it.
“Hermione Jean Granger, with all my heart and all that I am, I kneel before you and would like to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me forever.”
Hermione’s breathing was caught in her throat and she placed her hands over her mouth to stop herself from screaming.
Harry smiled at her.
“Will you marry me?” Harry softly and hopefully asked her.
Hermione’s heart was beating very fast.
Tears started falling from her cheeks.
Hermione nodded at him and offered her hand to him.
“Yes.” Hermione answered in tears. “Yes, Harry Potter, I would marry you.”
She had been his bestfriend for nearly seven years now.
And Harry could prove that he could quickly cross the line from friends to bestfriends and into lovers.
She could not imagine being with anyone else other than this boy whom she has always trusted and loved with all her life.
“I love you.” Harry whispered momentarily breaking the kiss and staring down at her beautifully freckled face.
“I love you too.” Hermione whispered back as her fingertips touched his damp lips.
Harry’s heartbeat felt like exploding as he moved forward and captured her lips once more.
The fear of the looming fate that night was far and away from their thoughts as they shared the kiss.
They were completely oblivious to the fate that was about to be bestowed upon them in several few hours’ time the moment they leave the Burrow and transfer Harry Potter.
This time, the kiss being slightly damper because of Hermione’s tears and because they were both as joyous and excited at the prospect of being together forevermore.
“We’re we not happy?” Harry’s voice came.
She heard the familiar sound of Harry’s unlocking of the bars of the gate.
Hermione looked up from the wall and carefully turned her painful and heavy body from across the floor.
She had been crying nontstop for three days now.
They had missed the trial – or rather she had.
She hadn’t eaten anything Harry had brought out to her.
He created an enchanted spot at the gate he instilled with magic for where he passed through the tray of food for which he only opens and closes three times a day.
Hermione heard the tray being pushed inside the room and then the familiar spell from which he locked and secured the bars again.
Hermione closed her eyes and tried to ignore him despite knowing that he had not left the outside of the barred doors.
She heard him sigh heavily and settle himself on the floor by the gates.
“I remember I was happy, Hermione.” Harry quietly said. “Were you not? Were it all just pretend?”
It pierced her heart to hear those words.
Something was painfully gentle and yet monstrous in the way he spoke those words.
It was like he was breaking, dying right in front of her.
But she was also dying in the inside.
She was hurting as much as he was hurting.
“You told me you love me.” Harry whispered. “I thought it were all true.”
A tear fell off Hermione’s eyes.
She sighed heavily and slowly turned to her other side.
Harry was sitting by the bars with his back against the gates.
From where she lay, she could tell that he wasn’t even seemingly aware that she was awake.
Hermione slowly sat up and quietly moved a little closer towards the gates.
Harry was holding something in his hand.
It was a Golden Snitch.
It was the Golden Snitch he has enchanted many, many years ago from where he concealed a small ring and had offered it to her.
And she had willingly, happily and excitedly said yes.
The snitch was empty now.
Just as how much he felt her feelings for him was now.
“Where have you gone, Hermione?” Harry’s bitterly dying voice asked. “I had never let you go.”
Another tear fell from Hermione’s eyes.
She moved closer to the gate and made her awakened presence known to him.
But Harry didn’t look back.
She heard him slightly sniff.
He was obviously crying.
“Harry.” Hermione said moving closer towards the gates.
She lifted her hand as if to reach out for him but she did not.
She lowered her hand back down the carpeted floor and stared at his shadowy figure outside the room.
The lights from the outside hallway were magically dimmed so she could only see his silhouette from where she sat.
“Was I not enough?” Harry asked her. “Was my love not enough?”
She knew how much he was hurting but this wasn’t the way towards the reconciliation she had expected of him.
“I wanted to return.” Hermione finally whispered as she quietly cried behind him. “I had always longed to return.”
“Then why did you not.”
Hermione nodded and placed her hand over the cold bars.
Her gentle and fragile fingers touched the its cold surface and she let it stay there – inches away from Harry.
“I couldn’t.”
“But you are now here.” Harry whispered. “And it seems to be you are still not here.”
“I am here.”
“You are still with him.”
Hermione’s face streaked down more tears.
She sighed heavily and slowly adjusted her seat and sat back right behind him, her back resting on the same cold bars of the gate.
“I have waited for you.” Harry whispered as he heavily sighed. “I have waited for you for so long. I was the only one who believed you were alive.”
“Harry, please stop..”
“I was the only one who believe you were still alive Hermione. I was the only one who never stopped.. who never stopped trying..”
Hermione wanted to keep her tears away from him but she couldn’t stop herself from crying.
She knew saving his life came at a price and this was it. This was the price that she and Severus had to pay.
“I had to save your life.”
“How would saving my life be of any significance if you can’t even be with me today?”
Another silence.
Harry was holding the Golden Snitch in his hands with all the memories that came with it.
“Do you not remember our memories at Hogwarts?”
“Harry-“
“Do you not remember how much I loved you?”
“Harry, please, you need to-“
“Do you not love me anymore?”
Hermione had no answer.
Harry waited in silence.
He waited in a painstakingly long silence.
“I have loved you.” Hermione said swallowing hard. “I had always loved you. And I chose to keep you alive that’s why I left you.”
“And now?” Harry asked him. “Why can’t you love me again?”
Hermione buried her face in her hands in desperation.
“Did he give you more than I could?” Harry asked. “What did he promise you? Can’t I give you what he can?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Then it’s like what?”
Another silence.
Hermione felt him slightly shift his position.
He had adjusted himself so that they sat with their backs closely parallel against one another.
“Ten years Hermione.” Harry softly whispered. “I have waited for ten years. Does none of that matter?”
“Your life mattered more to me.” Hermione said with a firm tone. “I had to choose your life.”
“I did my waiting, Hermione.” Harry whispered and tears streamed down his face. “Ten years, Hermione.”
“Harry, please. You’re hurting yourself. You’re hurting us.”
Harry did not answer her.
“I had loved no one but you.”
“And I promise you that I will help you to get through this, Harry.”
“No.” Harry’s voice sounded constricted in his throat. “I will not let him getaway for what he has done.”
“You know deep inside he is innocent. You know deep inside if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be alive today, Harry.”
Another silence.
“He was meant to protect you because that was his job.” Harry said bitterly.
“Let him go Harry. Just let him go and I promise to stay with you.”
Harry seemed to have been caught off-guard by that.
“Harry.” Hermione called out again. “Let him go. Let him go and I will marry you.”
“I will not let him get away. I will give you justice.” Harry had slowly returned to his feet.
Hermione quickly turned her back and stared up at him holding against the cold bars.
His back was turned to her but she could tell that he was still silently crying.
“Harry, I’m begging for his life. Please save his life.”
“I have to give justice for what he has done to you.”
“He saved my life.” Hermione pleaded. “He saved yours.”
“I am not him.” Harry whispered back at her with clenched fists. “I cannot want to save everyone. And I refuse to save his life no matter the consequences.”
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