Home not so sweet home

Harry lay awake; his scar itching ever-present, now that Tom Riddle had returned.

How could he have been so stupid?

He knew Voldemort was up to something but still ran head first into danger. Now Cedric was dead and there was no one to blame but himself.

A voice in the back of his head whispered, "No, it is not your fault; it is everyone else's."

He was considering who could be blamed for this tragedy, when a knocking, more like pounding, came from his door.

"Get up Boy, and go every weed out of the garden! If I see one weed out there, it will be your head boy..."

It was 5:00 Am; just before the sun would rise. His first day back here and he was already being put to work. Harry was still in his clothes from the night before; all but his shirt. Since that night in the graveyard, he couldn't stand to have anything pressed too tightly against his neck.

Lucky for him all Dudley's old clothes hung very loosely on him. They smelled like sweat; a stale, sour musk from yet one more nightmare.

Replaying Cedric's death, his eyes cold and dead. Voldemort's laughter, so sickly sweet. The smell of the graveyard. The taste of blood. The pain of the Cruciatus Curse...

The whisper from earlier returned, "You should curse anyone who says they know what you are going through."

Harry quickly shook off these thoughts. Maybe some work in the garden would do him some good.

With a grunt he stood up from his bed and slid his his glasses back down to his nose. Grabbing his old shirt, he fell inside of it and looked to the door with regret.

Despite his best efforts he hadn't gotten much sleep.

Harry didn't mind working in the garden, it gave him a chance to be outside and work with his hands. Herbology wasn't really his thing, but this would do the job.

The voice returned, "All you are is a slave to them, these Muggles."

He shook it off and went to back door; taking the key to to the gardening shed off the hook with him.

Passing his Uncle along the way, he heard Vernon rumble out as if he was addressing a lazy servant, "Now don't take too long boy. I need breakfast here at 7:00, on the dot."

Not thinking Harry spat back as he had so wanted to many times before, "Then you should get your fat arse up and make it you damn self. Or better yet, get that whore you call a wife off of you sons cock and have her make it."

The words just barely out of his mouth, Harry couldn't believe he just said that to his Uncle.

Both of them looked shocked, but Vernon's face quickly turned from shock to anger in a matter of seconds. He lunged at Harry gripping him around the neck; strangling the life out of him.

"I take you in, and this is how you..!"

Harry never heard the rest of the man's resounding bellow.

*********************************

Wincing up at a bright light, he saw a woman standing over him. It was an E.M.T. with long blond hair and a smile that reassured him he was going to be okay.

"How many fingers do you see?"

Harry looked up but without his glasses he couldn't rightly tell it was 3 or 4.

"I can't tell without my glasses..." Harry choked up; each word causing a burning sensation in his throat.

She looked down at him with concern. "You are wearing them."

Harry reached for his face, only to frighteningly find out what she said was true.

Something was warm on his hand and a sticky a coppery taste filled his mouth.

The woman questioned, "Can you tell me what happed?"

The now ready whisper crept up, "Tell them nothing. They don't care about you."

Harry merely closed his eyes and slipped back out of conscience; inadvertently cooperating with the whisper by not responding to either voice.

*************************************************

Harry's eyes opened, once more after a time he couldn't discern. Dizzy he looked around...

Where was he? What had happened?

He looked down to see Hermione looking up at him, squeezing his hand. Seeing this Harry felt happiness rush over him; his best friend was there. It would all be okay.

*******************************************

Harry hand tightened around Hermione's. She reached for his head placing the tips of her fingers to his forehead, he was freezing.

"Nurse! We need a nurse in here..!" She shouted while pulling her body close to Harry's, trying to warm him up, and pressing the call button attached to his wrist frantically.

When a nurse finally came into the room, not waiting for an explanation the young woman ran over to the bedside and seeing Harry shaking violently she quickly stuck a needle into his arm.

"He is freezing!" Hermione explained, pleading for the nurse to do something.

Reaching over the nurse pressed the panic-button, then running over to a shelf grabbed a blanket and threw it over Harry.

Hermione was quickly rushed out of the room, as a doctor made his way in. The blinds snapped closed, and she was left standing alone; shouts and hurried movements her only company.

Half an hour later, the Doctor walk out of the room and looked to her.

"He is stable. We don't know why he is so cold, but we have a heating-pad and plenty of blankets on him. You can go back in now."

Unfortunately it was cut short not a few minutes after she entered the curtained space once again; visiting hours were up and her parents were standing in the door frame waiting. Tears welled up in her eyes but she quickly fought them back down. Now is not the time for tears...

Hermione kept telling herself that, but it didn't do a lot of good.

Luckily, her patents were there and they quickly snatched her up in to a hug; instantly making her fell better and worse at the same time. Harry had no idea what it was like to have someone to hold and care for him, to love him. She knew she wanted to be that person for him – to break him out of his shell – she had so for years, but Harry thought of her as a sister and she knew it.

Her parents with their arms around her escorted her back to the car.

"We will come back tomorrow. We promise."

Looking down the hall following her parents promising efforts, she saw a very familiar set of faces. Hermione ran up and hugged Ron, pressing her body firmly against his.

Ron felt a wave of excitement run down him. He quickly pushed her away, fighting the urge to hold on to her longer.

Hermione looked over to Ginny and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

Hermione whispered, "Harry is still not awake."

Mrs. Weasley embraced Hermione, "Go get some sleep dear. We will keep a good-eye on him."

Hermione just nodded and continued out of the building, her parents around her shoulders.

***************************************

Opening the door, the four red-heads slipped into see Harry. They stood around him at first, feeling helpless.

Suddenly, with a loud click, the door opened. A young woman carrying a hot-water bottle entered the room. Mr. Weasley was the first one to act, and he drew his wand.

"Obliviate!"

Immediately the nurse's mind blanked for a moment. Dropping the hot-water bottle, she turned around quickly and left, as if she forgot something important.

The door closed quietly behind her.

Molly looked up.

"That was really close, Arthur. Maybe we shouldn't be here."

Ron looked at her confused, "You are the one that wanted to come in the first place..."

Ginny looked at her mum with puppy dog eyes.

"Mom I just need some time with Harry. Please..?" She asked honestly and directly.

Mr. Weasley quickly chimed in, "We should go. Ron, Ginny you can stay. We will pick you up in the morning."

Ron shot a look at his sister.

He couldn't tell why, but it looked like she needed to be alone. He wanted nothing more than to be there for his best mate, but the look in his sister's eyes said she need it more than him.

Ron gave a disgusted look and said, "Not bloody likely! I hate hospitals. Harry is my best mate and all, but a whole night in this place with a crying sister! Count me out."

Mrs. Weasley clearly annoyed nearly screamed, "Fine! Ginny would you be a dear and look after Harry tonight."

Not waiting for a response she turned and called, "Come along. We are going home."

The look of disgust she threw at Ron just preceded the shake of her head.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exited without another word.

Ron leaned over and said, "You owe me one, sis." before placing a kiss on her cheek.

It was slight, but Ginny just then considered maybe Ron wasn't daft as he pretended to be.

She mouthed 'thank you' to him, before he hung his head and drudged out of the room.

Ginny looked down to Harry. He looked so helpless. She had loved him before she knew what love was, he was the warm thought she used to scare away monsters under her bed. He was her hero...

But more than that.

She ran her hands through is jet black hair and a shiver ran down her spine.

He was freezing.

She leaned down and pressed her lips softly to his forehead. Moving down slowly she placed a hand on either side of his.

If she could just steal one kiss she would be happy...

She was hovering above him, inches away from his lips.

Leaning forward she pressed her lips to his. It felt like goodbye.

Lingering for too long, but not long enough, she broke the kiss.

"Please, Harry. Please wake up..." she begged and tilted her head forward placing their foreheads together.

Her long red hair shining in the moonlight left them in a world tinted red, as she felt the tear-drops fall from her cheeks and land on his face. She felt him shiver. Maybe she couldn't have him, but she could keep him warm tonight. She slid under the covers and pressed her tiny 85-pound frame against him; wrapping an arm around his chest and her leg around his waist. She wondered if this is what heaven felt like, resting her head down on his chest. Sleep crept up on her, and despite her desperate fight this was one demon that she couldn't win against.

Closing her eyes she fell peacefully into sleep.

****************************************

Trapped, held in place. Wormtail approaching hem dagger gleaming. "Blood of the enemy". "Stop. No, STOP!" Something was holding him down. Why can't I escape, I need to escape... His world spun as he did looking around for an exit that didn't exist.

Hermione didn't get much sleep that night... Then again she never sleeps well anymore.

Light streamed in through the open blinds. The light blue pajamas loosely draped around a curvy figure, transparent in the sun. She dressed quickly; blue jeans, and a tank top. Rushing down stairs skipping steps, her parents were at the table eating already. She grabbed a piece toast, and box of orange juice from the refrigerator. Standing up, her parents opened the kitchen door and made their way through the house and then out to their car.

It meant getting up earlier, but they didn't seem to mind. They must of known how much she needed this.

The ride to the hospital only took about 15 minutes. No one spoke.

Her mother was actually the first to break the silence.

"We will be back to pick you up at 6 o'clock. If you need anything call us, okay?

Hermione nodded her head to acknowledge her mother words, absently. When her father stopped the car, she was so lost in her own thought she hadn't realized that they were at the hospital. She slid her legs from under her, placing a foot firmly on the ground and exiting the car. She moved like the wind, graceful and strong. Curly brown hair tinted red by the sun.

*****************************

Her mother and father watched as she entered the hospital.

"I wish she would speak to us about him." Her mother said. "You know she in love, right?"

He father nodded.

"I don't think she knows that herself, yet. Then again she is so bright, maybe she does. I just wish I knew more about the man. We should invite him over for dinner." He said with an evil smile at the end.

"Don't you dare. The boy is lying in a hospital bed. The last thing he needs is a protective father looming over him with half-hearted threats about his daughter's honor." She looked at him frowning.

He smiled leaning over to her. "I wouldn't dream of it." He stole a quick-kiss from his wife's lips.

She smiled as he pulled back. "Not until he is better at least, you mean."

He flinched, turning towards his wife; rolling his shoulder back to dodge the attack he knew was coming. At the sound of a smack, he felt his leg tinge from where she had hit him.

"Let's get going. We need to get to the office." She said with a gesture towards the road.

************************************

Hermione walked slowly through the hospital towards the long-term care ward. She was in her own world; the building could have been falling down around her ears and she wouldn't have noticed.

Room 381 came upon her quickly.

She placed her hand on the door knob taking a deep breath.

She was ready for this.

Or so she had to keep telling herself.

With a soft click she entered the room. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.

Ginny wrapped around her boyfriend.

'Her boyfriend...' Her mind repeated.

Harry was not her's (per say), but that didn't stop the anger.

How could Ginny take advantage of Harry like this?

Hermione coughed loudly. Ginny just pressed her face deeper into harry chest. Hermione coughed even louder. Ginny eyes shot open and launched herself out of his bed.

Hermione just stood there, arms across her chest, waiting for Ginny to say something.

"He was so cold I just, I mean... Wait, why am I explaining myself to you?" Ginny meant to say that last part in her head.

"Maybe because I just caught you in bed with a boy, and not just any boy. The one you have loved since, I don't know, forever?"

The frown from Hermione faded. She knew that Ginny would take care of him; it was too late for her. She had logged herself into the friend-zone and was trapped.

"Thank you for taking good care of him."

She sighed. Ginny was so pretty, she thought. That long red hair, small girlish-curves, and a face of an angel. She could see Harry falling for her.

"No problem." Her face flushing the same color as her hair. "Your parents drop you off?" She asked trying her best to change the topic.

"Yeah, I just can't sleep. I am so worried about him." Hermione said approaching the bed. "Do you think he is going to be okay?"

"I don't know. Dumbledore said the damage to his throat was extensive. And his head took a great deal of damage also." Ginny looked around nervously. "He said something else about Harry. Something magical is wrong..."

"Well?" Hermione looked at Ginny, waiting with baited breath.

"I don't know. That is just what I overheard Dumbledore tell my mother. They won't tell me anything. They never tell us anything."

"Why isn't he at St. Mungo's?" Hermione blurted out.

Ginny glanced down at harry. "Dumbledore said that if the press found out about Harry in the hospital it would be a zoo. They have someone coming by, but I don't know who it is."

Hermione calmed herself down.

"So what was it like?"

Confused Ginny looked back at Hermione.

"What is what like?"

"Spending the night next to Harry..." If she couldn't do it, then she could at least live trough Ginny.

"Wonderful." She beamed; knowing that Hermione was jealous made her feel better. Hermione could have the rest of her life with him if she wanted. Why could Ginny not have been born a year earlier? Then she could have captured his heart. Everyone saw the way her dim-witted brother and Harry were looking at Hermione at last year's ball.

'Ron is not dim.' she berated herself, but she could see why the two noticed. Hermione was stunning, old Hollywood style. Wonderful curves. Light brown eyes, with flecks of gold. Sweet soft lips.

Gunny blushed.

She was not just thinking about kissing Hermione, was she?

"Ginny, you okay?" Hermione said, drawing Ginny out of her daydream. "Thinking about Harry?"

Ginny blushed and lied, "Yeah, I was." stuttering over her words. She didn't know how much more she could take. She was looking desperate for an exit, and then as if by magic it happened: her mother standing in the door way arms spread wide.

"Hermione,..." Mrs. Weasley shouted pulling her into a loving motherly – bone crushing, can't breathe, can't escape – tender-loving hug. The kind that only comes from being a mother. "You're not eating right." She stated, as more of a fact than opinion.

Hermione didn't respond, and just returned the hug.

Breaking the hug, Mrs. Weasley pulled back; keeping her hands on Hermione's arms.

"Keep a good-eye on my son." she said looking over toward harry. "And come by the Burrow sometime this summer. It just wouldn't be the same without you. Come along Ginny, you need some sleep and a good breakfast."

Mrs. Weasley left the room.

Ginny hugged Hermione. Her body felt wonderful. The smell of vanilla coming up from Hermione's hair was intoxicating.

Summoning up her Gryphindor courage Ginny said, "I know he likes you. But I'm not going to give up without a fight." Ginny quickly turned and bounce out of the room.

Hermione's jaw dropped; eyes wide and a look of shock stuck on her face.

'He likes me..?' She thought.

Hermione walked over and placed her hand on Harry where Ginny had been cuddled...he was warm. Thank God he was getting better.

Reaching up to flatten down his hair, she skimmed over his skin only to find out he was still ice-cold. Maybe Ginny was on to something.

She sat down where Ginny was sleeping but something felt wrong. She stood up and moved to his other side. Laying herself down carefully, placing one hand on his chest, she found she liked this side better. It was firm. She would have to thank Wood for that someday.

She leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Se réveiller bientôt, mon amour."

Why was it so easy to say in French?

Her lips were cold from the kiss. Hermione wanted to snog him senseless, she yearned for her lips to meet his in the style she just told him she loved him. If only he was awake.

What would happen if he choice Ginny? What if he died? What if this was the last chance she would have to kiss Harry Potter?

She leaned over a pecked this corner of his lips. She pulled back tasting something strange; not sure what it was. She pressed her lips to him again trying to figure out the taste. Somewhere in the back of her mind she thought, 'You can't taste with your lips, you need to use your tongue.'

She pulled back licking his bottom lip.

Cherry lip balm!

Harry doesn't wear lip balm, but Ginny does. It was a quick thought process:

Ginny kissed Harry.

Her thoughts quickly went back to Ginny's proclamation, "Without a fight."

Hermione reached for her purse. This was war.

Finding her own lip balm, Ginny was in for a surprise if she stole another kiss. The mint tingled her lips as she made a quick pass of the tube over them. Firmly she placed her lips against his, fighting the urge to use her tongue. She pulled back admiring her handy work. She could see his lips were smooth now and puffy; shining from the balm. She took her rightful place next to him and cuddled him like a teddy bear.

Sleep was almost instant.

Hours later, a nurse came in to change his I.V., she smiled sweetly down at the resting couple. Young love... Who is she to fault it? Quickly injecting a blood rejuvenation potion in to the I.V. she left to room, none the wiser.

Just as the nurse was leaving, a few other visitors were arriving.

*********************************

Mr. and Mrs. Granger stood silently on the just outside of the door looking in.

The father saw his daughter sleeping with a boy.

"Do you see what I am seeing." He bit out, anger fueling his words.

"Yes. Clam down dear." Placing her hand on his she continued, "Don't get you blood-pressure up. You know what your doctor said."

"How can you take this so quietly?" He rumbled.

"She is in love dear, and they are only sleeping. I remember all the things we were doing at their age..." Turning his head towards her, she captured his lips like the high-school sweethearts they once were.

"That is exactly what I am worried about." He pouted. "Can I at least scare the life out of her?"

She smiled at him. "I'll wait in the hall."

A small, evil grin passed over his lips before he took a deep breath. Today was going to be the performance of a life time.

He bust in the room, slamming the door against the stopper." Hermione Jean! What do you think you are doing?"

**********************************

Hermione's head popped up. Her father was there. Was it night already?

'Oh hell, what do I say?' Without thinking she sprang from his bed, trying to find the words.

"It isn't what you think."

"So I didn't just catch you in bed with a boy?" he said, placing his hand firmly on his hips.

"Yes, well, he was just freezing." She replied, thinking back to Ginny; knowing that it had very little to do with the true reason.

Her father's arms fell to his sides.

"Do you love him?"

Hermione's eyes shot up from the floor to her father, looking directly at him. She whispered, "Yes." almost automatically, and it shocked her to say it almost as much it shocked him to hear it. Taking a deep breath and she more forcefully said, "Yes, I love him."

Her father heart swelled with pride and amazement. His baby girl had turned into a bright, mature young lady. He knew at that moment she would stand beside the boy in the hospital bed through anything. He couldn't keep the tears from welling up in his eyes.

He approached his daughter and pulled her into a hug.

"Does he know how you feel?"

Hermione just shook her head, not noticing her mother had walked into the room.

"Why not dear?" Her mother questioned, dying to know more.

"Oh, it is so complicated. There's this girl, Ginny, she loves him to and he doesn't..."

Her father cut her off.

"Make it simple. Tell him. He deserves to know, no matter what."

While he loved his daughter, he didn't need to hear about all the emotional background.

"When did you find out that you like him?" Mrs. Granger puzzled.

"At last year's ball, I kissed this boy..." Her father's arms tensed up. "...and all I could think about was: I wish I was with Harry. Daddy, please don't be angry with me."

"It is a natural part of life, honey. It is just a lot for a father to take at one time. Finding out his little girl is in love... I guess I will have to get to know him." He scowled. "If he hurts you though, I will break both his legs."

Hermione knew her father couldn't hurt a fly – okay, maybe a fly. But nothing bigger the cockroach.

He was just trying to say he loved her. But she already knew that.

"Oh, yeah. The reason we stopped by was to bring you your book. You left in such a rush you forgot it." Her mother said playfully, handing the book over to Hermione. "Well, we have to get going soon. Teeth aren't going to fix themselves." The mother finished; grabbing Mr. Granger by the arm, and dragging him out of the room.

Hermione returned to Harry once they were gone and sat down beside his bed; not wanting anyone else to find her like that again. Wishing she was still asleep she flipped the book open and started to read aloud one of her favorite poems.

Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

She spoke the last line in a whisper to herself.

Head pressed down into the book sobbing she thought, 'I know you won't go without a fight...'

Dumbledore stood outside the room; tears flowing freely down his face. He took a second to compose himself before walking in and placing a hand on top of Hermione's head.

"My Dear Miss. Granger, don't fret. Harry will wake soon, I am sure of it." He spoke as if he could see the future.

"How do you know? How could you possibly know?" Not finding any comfort in the old man's words.

Dumbledore smiled, "Because he has been awake for most of your inspiring performance."

***************************

Harry couldn't understand the words, but the emotion behind them was very clear. He struggled to open his eyes; the sun was blinding. Pushing himself up upon his elbows, and as the room spun he quickly decided that it was not a good idea.

Harry's throat was so dry he needed water. Spotting the glass beside his bed he reached for it. He licked his lips in anticipation, but something was strange; his lips tasted of mint with a hint of cheery. He brushed these thoughts out of his mind quickly as the cool water stung his throat. He looked up to see Hermione and Dumbledore looking down at him with concern.

Harry faked a smile and placed his head back down.

Dumbledore looked down concerned not sure where to start no way he could lessen the blow.

"Harry, your voice box was severely damaged. There is a chance it will heal over time, or we could replace it with a magical one. If you replace it with a magical one, I dare say your control over magic will be weak. I suggest that you try to let yours heal naturally. There are several potions and other things that will help with this." Dumbledore let out the rest of the air in his lungs.

Harry tried to say something, but his words caught in the throat.

The whisper returned almost in reaction.

"...make the Muggle pay for what he has done to you..."

Dumbledore saw it then...what he had feared would happen. Harry was losing control; the darkness was taking hold.

Hermione was absently-mindedly stroking Harry's hair. Relief washed over her, like the weight of the world was just taken from his shoulders.

Dumbledore looked over at Hermione and something long forgotten played in his head.

The words we jumbled and he could only remember half of the whole. He would have to consult his notes to be sure.

Dumbledore looked at Hermione and said kindly, "I have much I must attend to. Please watch over him?"

She nodded at the old-man and, with a soft pop, he was gone.

Harry could fell the warmth of Hermione's hand as she stoked him.

'It feels amazing...' were his last thoughts, and just moments later Harry was sleeping peacefully.

Hermione turn and flopped down on the chair.

Harry was awake.

'He was awake, he will be fine.'

Dumbledore, in a mad panic, was riffling through old journals. When he finally found the one he was looking for, an old brown leather bound journal, he scanned through it; taking his time, not wanting to have to go back through it again.

Coming to the page he was looking for, the words were faded but still legible.

The bond is created

When time is pressed

The one who lived

Shall be tempted to the darkness

If he is to remain pure

He must be bound

In blood, magic and marriage

The Bond of magic saves his head

The bond of blood saves his body

The bond of marriage saves his soul

They will love truly

With hearts divided

They will be broken willingly

And come back for more

Choice wrong; and death is certain

A hero will fall; a dark lord will rise

Unending years of pain and blood

We will all pay for this failure

Dumbledore flipped to the next page, and continued to read.

Choice correctly

Follow this guide

Let the one who lived decide

Dumbledore reread this page a hundred times. He was plagued with thought of who this girl could be. He had to be sure, Hermione or Ginny?

He stooped down into his chair.

The bond of magic was ancient, and required a wizard of amazing power. Could Harry even live through the ritual? What is the bond of blood? He is only 15, how could her marry? But what would happen if Dumbledore denied Harry the choice?

Harry's mind was already in the process of being taken. Albus would have to ask soon. He needed to give Harry as much time as he could to decide. He needed to give Harry the chance to choose...

But how?

Harry could no longer be trusted. The bond between Tom and Harry was growing stronger by the day.

With a loud sigh, Dumbledore made a choice that could send the world crashing down around them. And with that, there was nothing left he could do but pray; as he began working on the magical binding potion.

'Two magical binding potions...for the greater good.' He thought, finding no comfort in his own words.

It would take eight weeks to brew – with the hope every moment that it would not be too late. This was to be the old wizards last act. A dark ritual that required a human sacrifice.

"For the greater good..." He told himself.

********************************************

Ginny walked into Harry's room to find Hermione sleeping on the chair, book in her lap, hair framing her face perfectly. She was beautiful in an old-Hollywood style sort of way. Wonderful curves and light pink lips. A chill ran down her back, as vision of Hermione half-naked pulling Ginny toward her caressed her mind and body like a ghost.

She could fell the warmth of her breasts pressed against her, and the moistness of her lips as they kissed...

Ginny quickly shook it off her daydream and went to wake Hermione. With a light shake Hermione woke.

Her brown eyes pierced Ginny's soul.

Hermione stood up quickly and the first words out of her delectable mouth were, "He woke up today."

Ginny could barely contain her glee in her reply, "Did he say anything?"

Hermione shook her head.

"No one seems to know, if or when he will be able to. Don't sleep tonight. You need to be awake should he wake and want anything. I left a pen and a note pad beside his bed."

Ginny nodded.

With that Hermione turned and left the room.

Ginny watched her walk, admiring the sway in Hermione's hips. She felt and familiar tingle between her legs that she most often got when thinking of Harry.

She watched until Hermione was out of sight, then turning Ginny sat down on the chair.

Vanilla. The smell of Hermione's shampoo was causing a tell-tale wetness to form between her legs. Her eyes darted over to Harry. She wanted nothing more than to take Hermione's sent and rub it all over him, and Zen out till nothing else existed.

Standing up she walked over to Harry's bed side. Fighting the building urges inside of her, she turned back around. Harry could wake at any moment and she could not be caught in a compromising position with him...

But she couldn't resist.

She shook Harry lightly. No response. She shook him again, harder. Sill nothing. She leaned forward and stole a kiss.

'Mint!'

She knew exactly what had happened at this point. Hermione had kissed him.

Ginny immediately leaned back down and kissed him passionately, sucking the taste of Hermione off Harry's lips.

The temptation was too much given the stimulation.

She slipped down into his bed and under the sheets, she stared to grind her crotch on Harry's leg. Passion, adrenalin, and scent overriding her good sense, she hiked up her pink flowery skirt revealing simple white cotton panties and started to touch herself in a matter she believed Harry would.

She was lost in feeling as she slipped her hand down into her panties and with a excited-probing finger she quickly reached climax. Her toes curled as her back arched pressing more firmly to Harry; mentally forcing him deeper within her electrified body.

With quick gasping breaths she regained composure slowly. Sooner rather than later she removed her hand and absentmindedly ran her wet fingers over Harry's lips.

The long hours passed quickly as she drifted between sleep and daydream, only to lose and surrender to sleep.

*************************************

Harry woke up to find a weight on his left arm and chest.

He gasped and it hit him like an anvil to the head. A girl was in his bed, and not only in his bed but wrapped around him.

But who?

Too dark to see, he had to rely on his other senses. He smelt her hair.

Not Hermione. She smelled like vanilla.

Stroking the hair a bit he found it was smooth and silky. Only one other person came to mind:

Ginny.

He tried to speak to wake her, only to find that not only was his voice gone, but it hurt when he tried to speak. Reaching a hand over, he felt for his glasses and retuned them to his face. His vision became clearer and accustomed to the low-light readily.

It felt so good to have someone here. It felt so good to have Hermione here. And Ginny here. The two best girls in the world looking after him. He wanted to thank them.

Harry glanced around to find a notebook on his bed-side table; one of Hermione's neatly made labels stuck to the front.

"HARRY'S NOTEBOOK"

He open the cover and found that inside was a white-board with a marker and several hundred pages, enchanted to only be an inch thick. He quickly scribbled down a note...

Ginny, thank you so much for taking care of me. I woke last night to your embrace. You must be so worried about me. Don't be, I am fine. I look forward to seeing you awake. Not that I don't like sleepy-Ginny.

Love,

Harry

He reached down to put it in her pocket, but to his dismay she was wearing a skirt. He could put it in her hand, but there was no guarantee it would stay there. Still looking down, he realized he could see a lot of cleavage.

He couldn't do that...

"Do it, now!" the evermore-familiar whisper demanded.

Harry tore off the sheet of paper, folded it up and slid it down into Ginny's shirt; doing his best to not violate her while doing it. When he felt Ginny squirm and look up at him, he stopped; looking exactly like kid with his hand caught in the cookie-jar.

*********************************************:

Little did Harry know that Ginny had woken up about the time he leaned over to grab the notebook. Not wanting to startle him she had laid very still, focusing on breathing in and out slowly; taking exquisite note of Harry running his hand threw her hair and then down her waist.

She reached up and grabbed his hand when she first felt Harry's fingers lightly graze her skin.

Feeling Harry tense up she said, "Don't worry Harry. I know you were only looking for a safe place to put your note, and that is a very safe place..." She removed the note from Harry's hand. "I'll read it later when he sun comes up."

Harry, obviously having exhausted his energy, fell back asleep within moments.

Ginny just laid there till the sun peaked over the horizon. Sliding out from under the covers and back over to the chair, she knew Hermione would be here very soon. In the meantime she decided to open the letter.

Like an abrupt change in music Ginny's heart-strings were tugged like those on tire swing would in the wind.

Love..?

This was her first letter from Harry, so maybe that's just how he ended them...

But maybe not...

****************************************

Hermione woke to the felling of the sun-rise warming her face. Yawning she rolled over onto her belly and stretched like a cat; arms extended, belly to the bed, butt up in the air. It was the first good night sleep she had gotten in a week, besides that day with Harry.

She changed quickly into a pair of low-rise jeans and a light blue tank-top. Today was going to be a great day, she thought as she exited her room. She was about to take the first step down the stairs, but decided that she would go down like she used to as a child. Straddling the banister she threw her hands up, and rode down like she was on a roller-coaster. Felling quite child like at this point, she skipped into the kitchen. She gave her father a kiss on the top of his head and then bounced over to her mother; wrapping her arms around the older version of herself.

Jean broke the silence first, "You're chipper today; what's up?"

Hermione couldn't wait to share the good news.

"He woke up."

It was a simple statement but carried the weight of the world with it, because at that point she felt as if it had been lifted from her heart.

With a bright smile her mother sat down a plate of food for Hermione; two eggs over hard, a piece of toast and orange juice. Hermione tucked in and ate ravenously.

Pausing for a second she reminded herself of Ron, and quickly slowed down.

The trip to the hospital was a quick one, but seemed to drag on forever today for Hermione.

Almost at a run she exited the car before it had even fully stopped.

"Mom, Dad thanks for the ride." Is all she managed to say as she ran up the white stone leading to the hospital.

Almost at a run she made her way to Harry's room, only to find Ginny sitting wide awake in the chair looking at Harry.

Ginny stood and made her way to Hermione, then pulled her into a hug.

"He woke up last night again. He seems fine."

Belaying the clear-pure words, the fierce scent that hit Hermione couldn't be denied.

'Sex..!'

Millions of questions passed by Hermione in a flash, but she was quickly snapped back to room at the touch of Ginny running a hand down her back.

************************

Ginny could fell Hermione's bum resting in her hand. It was wonderful. Not to tight, nor too flabby. Just perfect.

Hermione just gasped at the feeling.

Ginny smiled and give her a peck on the cheek, before exiting the room.

"I am going to wait for my parents. Please have fun with Harry. I know I did..." The last comment was made at a whisper, but it was loud enough for Hermione to hear the wink hidden within.

What exactly was Ginny thinking? It wasn't too hard to figure out Ginny was trying to distract her.

Lost in thought she made her way to the chair and pulled out a book.

It was an hour before Harry made any movement.

***************************************************:

Harry eyes opened to a bright morning.

More importantly it was also to Hermione lost in a book.

He sat up quick, but as he did the room spun, and it took him a few seconds to get it to stop.

Hermione darted to his bed side when she noticed the movement, and Harry's emerald-green eyes immediately peered up at her. Green was quickly becoming Hermione's favorite color.

Without thinking about it she was absentmindedly stroking his hair.

Harry leaned in the hand with every pass.

Harry had so much he wanted to say to her. He took the notebook from under his pillow and began to write, but he couldn't with her standing next to him so on the white-board wrote a single word, "water", and held it out for her to read.

Hermione's attention when to the board at movement, and after reading the simple request, nodded at him. She walked out of the room, looking for someone to help her.

Harry quickly flipped the page and wrote, hoping that he could finish before she got back.

Hermione, I can't tell you how much it means to me that you are here. And how much it meant to me that day when I first woke up. You are the best friend that anyone could ask for. Thank you so much. I don't know what I would do without you. My darkest days are brighter because of you.

Love,

Harry

He tore the page from the book and folded it up just as Hermione walked back into the room holding a glass of water.

He took notice now of Hermione's wonderful figure which the school robes always hid, but banished the thoughts of what was under them.

Ron liked Hermione so that was out of bounds.

He took the water from her and held out the slip of paper.

Hermione took it and opened it reading the words quickly. Friend and love, stood out like sore thumbs as she read it again.

She threw herself on to him, holding on to him tightly like life would end if she let go.

Lost in each other's arms, time passed. Hours or minutes, neither seem to know or care. Hermione slowly pulled away, tears running rivers across her face.

Harry brushed them away with his thumbs.

Harry wished he could say something to take the tears away...

Instead they sat all day without a word; only the occasional reassuring touch of a hand or a cheek.

'This is good enough.' Harry said to himself, as he turned into her hand running through his hair and he stroked the arm attached to it.

*********************************

Visiting hours had ended about 20 minutes ago.

Ginny stood in the door way watching two people fall in love, when she felt a hand on her back. Dumbledore was standing there.

"Ginny I must speak with Harry alone for a moment. Please wait here, I will only be a minute." With that he swooped past her.

"Hermione." Dumbledore word startled her. "I must speak with Harry alone. Your parents are waiting outside in the car. After Harry and I have finished, I must speak you with you and Ginny, so don't run off just yet."

Hermione reluctantly left Harry's side and exited the room.

The door seemed to close of its own accord.

"Harry, my dear boy. I have much to tell you and little time to do it. First of all, I am sorry but I must send you back to your Uncle's house till at least your birthday. Your Uncle is no longer around, he is being held pending trial for child abuse. After your birthday you will be free to do as you please for the rest of the summer. You will have a personal guard joining you. You know her well, or well enough. Tonks is a good choice for you." Dumbledore paused and a look of shock and amusement crossed his face. "You are a very lucky man Harry time will only tell how lucky." Dumbledore drew his wand in a flash of light Harry was gone.

Dumbledore went to the door and with a click opened it. "Ginny, Hermione, I have sent Harry home..."

Hermione looked furiously at him. "You did what!?"

~~~~~~~Author Notes~~~~~~~

I know Ginny is acting like a whore! It will be explained later most likely Chapter 3

I know my spelling needs work if you see anything wrong let me know!

If I get reviews I will continue to post more chapters!

I hope you like it, I have book 5-10 in planning stages

Next chapter is Ron and Luna in lust

I would like to thank my beta for the revision. Without him you would all be lost to bad spelling and sub-par writing.