Chapter 337: HPF91-100
Chapter 91
On her return, Daphne laid out her rune carving kit and
showed it to Harry.
Hermione said, "That's a lot better than mine. Mine's
only the basic kit. Daphne owns and uses an advanced
kit; which is more expensive."
"And, who do I need to order one from?" asked Harry.
"Flourish & Blott's have both in stock," explained
Daphne. "You can owl-order them."
"Get three, then," ordered Harry. "One each for me
and Hermione. And another, spare."
"Alright," replied Daphne. "I'll add them to the list
we're already preparing for the store." Looking up, she
said, "Your trust vault's getting a hammering, you
know."
"It doesn't matter," he replied, shaking his head. "It
only has to last up until shortly after Halloween. At that
time, I'll be emancipated and have access to the family
vaults. The trust vault will then be joined by a second
vault and be made stipend vaults for each of you."
"Of course," sighed Hermione. "We keep forgetting."
They began the week as if it was normal. Harry kept
thinking about his gifts for both girls, and hoped they'd
accept the rings if they arrived on time for Friday
evening. His Monday afternoon, while both girls were
in Arithmancy, was spent self-studying his borrowed
Ancient Runes introductory texts. And he spent a little
time in the Room of Requirement studying the books
found in there, and developing plans on how to deal
with the dragon.
His plan for the second and third task had little change.
He'd, once again, be using gillyweed for the second
task. But, this time, he'd be buying - or suggesting to
the girls such a gift for him for Christmas would be
most welcome - a divers' watch with a timer. And he'd
see about wearing some armour that was waterproof
to wear while he was underwater, in case he had to
rescue young Gabrielle Delacour again.
This time, for the third task, he was going to see if he
could tack a locator charm on the Cup before it went
into the maze. And use that to make his way directly to
it. However, this time, there was no way he was going
to allow Cedric to touch the damned thing. That was
one life he could immediately save.
By the time classes finished for the day, Harry was back
in their apartment waiting for them.
He was suffering from a feeling of dread and was just
starting to get worried when Dobby popped in.
"Master Harry, Sir," he blurted. "Miss Daffy's been
attacked and is in the hospital wing."
Without even a word back to Dobby, Harry was up and
bolting out of the apartment. Running, he was down
the corridor and taking the steps three at a time with
his heart pumping wildly in his chest.
Barrelling along one corridor, he nearly knocked over a
gaggle of third year Gryffindor girls as he ducked
through one of the castle's shortcuts heading for the
second floor and the infirmary. Back down a narrow
flight of stairs and he was finally haring along the
corridor leading to the doors into the hospital wing.
Both doors were already open as he ran through and
skidded to a stop.
"Harry!" he heard Hermione call from behind a screen
on the opposite side of the ward from his usual bed.
He trotted over and around the screen to see Madam
Pomfrey working on Daphne's bare back with the top
sheet pulled up to her waist. Diagonally across her back
was a large gash that Madam Pomfrey was in the
middle of healing. Daphne was out cold with her head
facing to her left and away.
Hermione came over to hug him and sobbed into his
shoulder. "Oh, Harry!" she cried.
Standing near the foot of the bed, while holding a
sobbing witch in his arms, he was still gasping for
breath. His heart was hammering away in his chest.
"Wh-What happened?" he finally managed to get out.
"Wh-who did this?"
"I... it was Flint," she sobbed. "I saw him."
"Mister Potter," scolded Madam Pomfrey. "Take her to
the other side of the infirmary."
"How is Daphne, first?" he demanded.
"It was deep, but it was clean," replied the medi-witch.
"I'll be able to get it healed with a little time. If I take
my time she won't even have a scar."
"Thank you, Ma'am," he gratefully said, starting to lead
Hermione away a little as the Headmaster and
Professor Snape hurried in.
"Ahh! Poppy," the Headmaster said, hurrying over. "I
heard that one of our students had been injured. I
came asking if I or Severus could be of assistance."
Ignoring the Headmaster, she looked at Snape and said,
"Potions Master? I'm going to be needing more Essence
of Dittany, Skin-Knit potion and new skin balm as a
matter of urgency, I'm afraid. I'll be using quite a bit on
this young lady here. Pain relief potions will also soon
be in demand, I expect."
Finally choosing to notice the Headmaster she said,
"Yes, Headmaster, you can. Find whoever did this and
boot them from the school."
"Well, without any evidence, Poppy..." the old started
to gently say as if talking to a small child.
"No evidence?" Hermione barked pulling away from
Harry. "You haven't even begun to investigate this
vicious assault and you're already deciding there's no
evidence?!"
As soon as Hermione started berating the Headmaster
the old man immediately flinched.
"Ah, Miss Granger," he tried. "I've already spoken to a
few students..."
"But not me!" she cut right back. "I was there,
Headmaster. You haven't asked me what happened,
yet."
"Oh, yes," he said. "I believe you were stunned, though;
were you not, Miss Granger?"
"Not before I saw who was involved in firing the curse
that did that!" she snapped back pointing to Daphne.
"Oh, I see," the Headmaster said, clearly surprised by
Hermione's response. "And just who attacked Miss
Greengrass, then?"
"Marcus Flint!" she hissed. "Otherwise known as 'Dead
Man Walking', or 'The Corpse that doesn't know it's
Dead, yet'."
"Well, Headmaster?" Harry coldly stared at him.
"Yes, well," the Headmaster said. "I shall have words
with Mister Flint to find out why he lied to me; and
take things from there."
"If your things do not include an immediate call to the
DMLE, for them to do the investigation as
is their mandate... not yours... and to her father to let
him know his daughter has been viciously attacked and
is in the infirmary hurt... then I and my bondmates
have decisions to make," Harry almost snarled. "This
was an unprovoked attack, clearly demonstrated by the
fact Mister Flint attacked her in the back! Call the
bloody aurors and call her father to let him know she's
been hurt. As the bondmate of Miss Greengrass
I demand it."
Chapter 92
"I do not appreciate being spoken to this way, Mister
Potter," the Headmaster coldly said back.
"Then do not put yourself in the position where,
through your own inaction, you give cause for it to
occur!" roared Harry.
The Headmaster stared coldly back at Harry for a few
moments before he turned to Snape, instructed him to
aid Poppy, and turned back to Harry.
"That will be detention, Mister Potter," he said.
"Served with Mister Filch."
"Fine!" he replied. "But it will not be served until my
bondmate is back on her feet and one hundred percent
recovered. Clearly, I need to remain here to protect
them both because evidence lying on that bed shows
the staff are unwilling or incapable of doing it
themselves."
Showing a hint of anger on his usually easy-going
nominally grandfatherly countenance, instead of
responding, Dumbledore turned and left the infirmary.
Harry turned to Hermione and said only loud enough
for her to hear, "He had bloody well better contact the
aurors and Matthias or I will. And, I'll be telling both
that I... advised... the Headmaster to make sure he did
the same, first. However, I do not believe he'll do
either."
Both teens were sitting together alongside the bed
opposite where Madam Pomfrey continued to slowly
work when Harry noticed the witch was lightly
sweating and seemed to be rapidly tiring out.
"Madam Pomfrey, when is the last time you ate or
drank?" Harry sternly asked.
"I'm fine, Mister Potter," she almost waspishly snapped
back.
"No; you're not," he firmly disagreed. "You're now
talking to someone who has used that excuse far too
often in the past. Dobby!"
"Yes, Master Harry?" the elf asked after popping in.
"Dobby, can you organise a cold pitcher of ice water, a
cool damp towelette and something quick but
nourishing for Madam Pomfrey to eat while on her feet
and working?" asked Harry.
With a firm nod, Dobby popped away.
Turning back to the medi-witch, Harry could see her
about to disagree but think better of it. Harry walked
beyond the screens for a few moments and returned
with one of the wheeled bed tables patients usually
used for sitting in bed and eating meals or working on
homework.
He arrived just in time for Dobby to pop back and place
everything asked for on the table.
"Thank you," he said. "You've been a great help."
The little elf popped away again instead of bursting
into tears, wailing about how great a wizard Harry was,
as he often did; though not so much lately.
Harry poured the medi-witch a glass of water and
insisted she take a few moments to drink it.
As she polished off a decent-sized glass of water he
held the cool towel out to her. She took it and, as she
wiped her face and the back of her neck, she said, "You
have the makings of a fine healer, Mister Potter. You've
already learned the first trick, of not accepting 'No' for
an answer."
Harry smiled back as he poured a second glass and set
it ready.
"Eat, too, Ma'am," he said. "Otherwise, you'll be
joining your patient on the bed."
"I will, Mister Potter," she replied with a smile. "In just
a little while I'll be able to stop for a time." Dropping
the cloth back on the table, she said, "Now, Nurse
Potter; go sit with your bondmate again. I've got work
to do."
Harry gave a slight smile and returned to sitting with
Hermione, holding her hand in comfort.
Ten minutes later, Madam Pomfrey stepped back and
pulled a small atomiser from her pocket. She leaned
back in and gently sprayed the solution within down
the length of the gash before she pulled the sheet up to
Daphne's neck. "Now," she sighed. "We need to leave
that for about thirty minutes."
Turning more fully to Harry and Hermione she said,
"Don't worry, you two. Everything's coming along
nicely. I'm going to get a bite to eat and rest my legs for
that time before I return and continue." She grabbed
the edge of the bed table Harry had brought round and
towed it back out beyond the screens.
She'd only been gone for a few minutes before
Matthias and Deece came striding in. Hermione
popped up, dashed to and threw herself into Deece's
arms. "I couldn't stop him," she sobbed. "They
attacked us from behind!"
Matthias stood looking at Daphne for a few moments
before he asked, "What's the diagnosis, Mister Potter?"
"She's going to be fine," replied Harry. "Madam
Pomfrey is taking her time in healing the wound so she
doesn't end up with a wide scar. She's just sprayed
something on it and wants that to sit for about
another... twenty-odd minutes before she continues.
"As to what happened, Hermione and Daphne were
walking back to our new apartment next to the
Ravenclaw common room entrance when Marcus Flint,
I believe, plus a few others came upon them from
behind. Daphne was hit by... whatever that curse was
he used... that slashed her from above her left shoulder
blade down towards her lower back on the right. It was
pretty deep and opened up nearly an inch wide at the
widest point. It could have easily killed her. Another
few inches to the right at the top, and it would have
severed her jugular vein on that side. She'd have been
dead in seconds.
"I have no idea who came upon them and revived
Hermione... or brought both of them here... but they
have my gratitude. One of my elves, Dobby, popped
into our apartment and let me know Daphne had been
hurt. I think Hermione sent him. I raced here as fast as I
could.
"As for what was done after that," said Harry, his voice
dropping into almost a growl. "Dumbledore came in
and tried to say there were no witnesses so nothing
could be done. Hermione quickly disabused him
of that notion. She saw Flint cast before she went
down.
"Dumbledore and I had heated words where I
demanded both you and the DMLE be contacted to
investigate the matter properly. The old fool tried to
brush it under the carpet, trying to keep it as an
internal matter. That then led to me being given
detention, to which I refused it until Daphne's released
from here one hundred percent healed and healthy.
Chapter 93
"Both Hermione and I have been here, ever since. So, I
have no idea what Dumbledore's done other than
contact you, since you're here."
Matthias stood staring at Daphne, nodding his head a
little, before he obviously came to a decision. He
turned to Harry and said, "You've done your job... and I
thank you for that... now I do mine." He turned to
Deece where she was comforting Hermione and said,
"According to Harry, Madam Pomfrey will return in
about twenty minutes. In the meantime, I'm going to
have words with our so-called esteemed Headmaster."
And he strode from the room.
From where he was sitting Harry looked at Deece when
she turned back from watching her husband leave; and,
feeling quite ashamed for himself, said, "I've failed you
both, Ma'am. And, for..."
"Nonsense!" she interrupted. "No one expects you to
stand bodyguard for either of the girls; especially here,
in Hogwarts.
"No. The fault lies entirely with the staff and the culprit.
Matthias and I both know that."
With a sigh and a resigned nod, Harry had no choice
but to agree.
"Now," said Deece. "Have either of you eaten?"
Harry replied, "No, Ma'am," as Hermione shook her
head.
"Then the two of you had best head down to dinner,"
she firmly ordered. "I'll remain until you get back."
"Thank you," both quietly said, unwilling to argue. And,
together, they left the infirmary.
Up in the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore was
'entertaining' a very irate Matthias Greengrass.
"I take it the aurors have been and removed young
Mister Flint from the school, Albus?" Matthias snarled
at the Headmaster.
"There's no need to involve the aurors, Matthias..."
tried Dumbledore.
"The bloody Hell there isn't!" barked Matthias in
sudden obvious fury. "My daughter could easily have
died, you old fool! Now call the bloody aurors to have
them fully investigate this matter; or, I will!"
"I've already investigated the..."
"You're not a bloody investigator, Albus," Matthias
again interrupted. "That's not your job; and
you're certainly not qualified to investigate such a
serious matter! You have ten seconds to call them,
Albus; or, again, I will!"
"Now, Matthias..."
"Nine!"
"Let's not be..."
"Eight!"
"There's really no..."
"Seven!"
"Matthias, plea..."
"Six!"
Dumbledore sighed.
"Five!"
The Headmaster began to rise from behind his desk.
"Four!"
"Alright, Matthi..."
"Three!"
Dumbledore finally hurried to the fireplace.
"Two!"
He collected a pinch of Floo powder and threw it into
the grate. "Aurors!" he firmly called, kneeling.
As soon as the flames turned green, he stuck his head
in. "Good evening, Albus Dumbledore here... Yes... I
wonder if I may trouble you to send a couple of your
finest to talk to us about the assault of one of our
students... Yes." Sigh "Yes, I'm actually asking for the
aurors to visit... Yes... When you have time."
"Now!" roared Matthias.
"Yes," said Dumbledore as he flinched. "That was the
father of the student... Matthias Greengrass... It was
his eldest, Daphne... Yes." Sigh "Yes, I'll open the
connection. One moment."
The old man pulled his head from the flames, allowed
the flames to die out, and opened the connection for
the aurors to step through.
A couple moments later, two aurors stepped from the
fireplace in a flash of green flames.
"Ah, said Dumbledore. "Master Auror Scrimgeour and
Senior Auror Shacklebolt. Nice of you to join us."
"What's this about a student being attacked,
Dumbledore?" Scrimgeour asked with a frown.
"There was a small altercation..." he tried.
"Hippogriff dung!" barked Matthias. "My daughter
was attacked from behind by... allegedly... Marcus Flint.
Also attacked was her bond-sister, Miss Granger. I want
the matter fully investigated and the perpetrators
hauled before a criminal sitting of the Wizengamot!
She's still undergoing treatment within the hospital
wing even now!"
Scrimgeour glared at Dumbledore and asked, "Is this
the matter you refer to as a 'small altercation',
Professor? A serious assault by one student upon
another than landed the victim in the hospital wing
undergoing significant treatment for their injuries?"
"I have twice spoken with the young man
responsible..."
"Why?" growled Scrimgeour, cutting him off.
"Pardon?" asked Dumbledore, surprised by the
question.
"Why did you speak with the person responsible?"
asked the Master Auror. "You're not a qualified
investigator. You've not been trained in how to conduct
such interviews. Why did you speak to them other than
confirming they were somehow involved?"
"I am the Headmaster," Dumbledore tried.
"That's irrelevant," snapped Scrimgeour. "Being the
Headmaster does not qualify you as an investigative
interviewer. In future, you will leave all such matters to
us. If you do not, you will be considered to have
interfered with an auror investigation and a formal
complaint of such will be forwarded to both the
Wizengamot and the School Board. Stay out of such
matters other than to contact the DMLE."
While Dumbledore appeared shocked to his curly
pointed slippers from having been so thoroughly
reprimanded, Shacklebolt asked, "Where is Mister Flint
now?"
Dumbledore spluttered a little before he replied, "He
should be now, or in a little while, in the Great Hall for
dinner."
Chapter 94
Both aurors nodded and turned for the door. They'd
gone about three paces before Matthias barked out,
"Aurors!" and both turned back.
"The witness to these events, Miss Granger, is currently
sitting with her bondmate in the infirmary standing
vigil over my still unconscious daughter."
Both aurors nodded and turned back to the door. A
moment later, they were gone, on their way to the
Great Hall.
Turning back to the Headmaster, Matthias said, "You
should have done that immediately and in the first
place, Dumbledore. You may be the Headmaster of
Hogwarts, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and
the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW; but, you are not a
God. You are not above the law. You do not get to make
decisions that are outside your authority; as this clearly
was.
"The next time you make such a stupid decision, I'm
putting forward a formal complaint against you for
abuse of authority. Do not make the same mistake
again."
Then, he too strode from the office. He left a
shell-shocked Albus Dumbledore in his wake.
When Matthias returned to the infirmary, Deece was
sitting where the two teens had sat and was watching
over her eldest.
As he walked up to her, he asked, "Where's Harry and
Hermione?"
"I sent them to dinner," she softly replied. "They've
been in here since the attack."
"Mmm," he said, sitting in the second chair. He patted
his wife on the leg and said, "Good idea. I have no
doubt both children will be returning to our daughter's
side as soon as they've gulped down as much food as
their stomachs can hold."
Not a truer word was spoken. Both Harry and
Hermione were sitting at the Ravenclaw table with the
intention of eating their fill as quickly as they could. If
that meant they'd not be sitting, waiting for dessert,
then that would be the case.
While they were waiting and praying for the meal to be
served, Harry, who'd been talking to Luna about
Daphne's injuries and who caused them, was bumped
shoulder to shoulder by Hermione. When he turned to
see why she'd interrupted him, he saw her point
towards the front of the Hall. There, they saw two
aurors standing and watching the Slytherin table and
main doors.
"They're here for Flint and his cohorts," said Luna,
noticing the actions of the two.
Harry turned back and said, "Good. So they should be."
Harry went back to telling Luna about Daphne's injuries
while keeping a weather eye on the aurors when,
during a time Luna was telling Harry it wasn't his fault
and he shouldn't shoulder the burden so much,
Hermione nudged him again to indicate the aurors.
Harry looked up and watched as the pair of them first
headed for the doors before rounding Hufflepuff table
and walking over to the Slytherin table. Walking up to
Flint, who had just sat down, they stood either side of
him. The man with the lion like mane of hair -
Scrimgeour, Harry and Hermione recognised - bent
down and spoke softly in Flint's ear.
Flint appeared to go a little white before he stood up
and stepped back over the bench. Shacklebolt - as
again both Hermione and Harry recognised him -
forcibly turned the young man to face Scrimgeour
before patting him down. Another few words from
Scrimgeour and Flint slowly pulled a wand from his left
sleeve. Shacklebolt practically snatched it from his
hand.
Standing behind the repeated seventh year,
Shacklebolt clearly cast the prior incantation charm
upon the wand before he looked over Flint's head at
Scrimgeour, caught the other man's eye, and nodded.
Snape, as soon as he saw the aurors 'request' Flint
stand up, came hurrying down from the head table,
robes billowing away. He clearly seemed to ask a
question of the aurors before he was curtly dismissed
by Scrimgeour; and left standing there, ignored, and
quite irate.
Shacklebolt pulled a wand evidence bag from his robes
and dropped the wand within. Then pulled out a set of
magical suppression handcuffs and cuffed the young
man, right there, in front of everyone. Flint was then
marched from the Hall.
As he passed the end of the Ravenclaw table, both
bondmates could see Flint's face was still white as a
sheet and he looked ready to pass out. As they passed,
Shacklebolt noticed Harry and Hermione and caused
their little procession to halt for just a moment.
Shacklebolt quietly said something to Scrimgeour, who
gave a sharp nod of his head back.
Shacklebolt came over to the Ravenclaw table and
stood behind Hermione and Harry, before bending
down with his head between theirs.
"Could you two please step outside for a moment?" he
softly asked.
Both nodded and rose from the table, following the
large dark-skinned auror from the Hall.
Just out in the Entrance Hall he turned back to them
and said, "Miss Granger, I believe you were a witness to
what happened, this afternoon, to Miss Greengrass?"
"Yes, auror; I was," Hermione firmly stated.
With a nod, Shacklebolt said, "Thank you, Miss Granger.
Two of our fellow aurors will be stopping by after
dinner to interview you and... hopefully... Miss
Greengrass. I take it you'll be in the infirmary at that
time?"
"We will," she replied. "We have no intention of
leaving Daphne alone."
With another nod and a soft smile, Shacklebolt said,
"Then I shall let our investigators know. Thank you for
talking with me."
Knowing a dismissal when they heard one, the two
teens headed back into the Great Hall to return to the
Ravenclaw table just as the meal was served.
As soon as they could, the two quickly left the
Ravenclaw table to head back to the infirmary. As they
anticipated, they left before dessert was even served.
When they walked in, it was to see Madam Pomfrey,
once again, working on Daphne's back. This time Deece
was aiding her as Matthias, once more, was standing at
the foot and back a little.
"How's it going, Matthias?" Harry softly asked.
Almost startled, Matthias turned to look at them both
and replied, "She's healing nicely. Madam Pomfrey
does good work. For now, she's keeping Daphne asleep
because the work she's doing would be a little painful
for Daphne to undergo if she was conscious."
Chapter 95
"I'm grateful Madam Pomfrey is putting in the effort
with Daphne to ensure any scarring will be minimal
and easily dealt with with the scar banishing salve,"
said Hermione "Daphne is quite proud of her looks. I
don't blame her for that. I wish I had them."
Turning and somewhat confused, Harry asked, "Why?
You're as beautiful as she is."
Hermione blushed and muttered, "You're just biased."
"No, I'm not," Harry said a little irritated. "Hermione;
you're gorgeous. You're the only one who doesn't see
that. Please, stop putting yourself down."
"He's right; you are," said Deece. "Ask Poppy to fix
your front teeth at some time, and I'll organise a
proper potion for your hair. That's all you need."
With a sigh, Hermione said, "Thank you."
It was about a half hour later when Madam Pomfrey
declared she was done with Daphne's back. Coming
forward, they could see that the large gash that was
there not that long ago now was a somewhat wide red
line. And that was only the red of new skin and slight
scar tissue.
She placed a jar of new skin balm and another of scar
tissue salve on the bedside table and instructed both
teens on how to apply it.
Turning to Harry she said, "And you, Mister Potter...
while the two of you are treating Miss Greengrass for
her scar... should also be treated for some of those
scars on your own body. I'm sure both lovely young
ladies will love to rub the scar tissue salve into the
scars on your back, for a start."
She then turned to Hermione and said, I have the
energy for this, so I'm going to do it now. Miss Granger,
is it your desire for me to adjust the size of your front
teeth?"
"Yes. Yes, please; Madam Pomfrey," she replied.
"Then pull your top lip back in a grin and hold your
mouth open, please," instructed the medi-witch.
Following the instructions, Hermione tilted her head
back a little and bared her top teeth. A few quick
muttered incantations from Madam Pomfrey while she
pointed her wand at Hermione's top teeth and
everyone could see them shrink.
When Madam Pomfrey pulled her wand away,
Hermione smiled at the others. "Just beautiful, my
dear," said Deece.
When she grinned at Harry, he shrugged his shoulders
and smiled. "I thought you were beautiful as you were.
However, I also recognise how self-conscious they
made you feel. If it makes you feel more beautiful, I'm
all for it."
Deece almost unconsciously patted him on the head,
and muttered, "Good boy."
The Greengrass adults left a little later, but not before
Astoria came in to check on her big sister. Tracey, Blaise
and Horace were with her. She had a short time
catching up with them before they had to leave.
"How is she?" asked a concerned Tracey.
"Healing," sighed Harry. "Madam Pomfrey's done really
good work. With the aid of her healing charms, new
skin balm and scar tissue salve it shouldn't be too long
before she doesn't even have a mark to show for the
amount of damage that was inflicted upon her.
"Madam Pomfrey used Daphne's own magic to heal
the wound, augmenting it with her own. That's why
she's still asleep. She wants her to sleep to help her
recharge her magic reserves, and to stop her doing
damage to the work that's now been completed."
Once they saw Harry had finished his explanation,
Tracey said, "Flint's been taken away. That happened
just before dinner was served. Two aurors came back
as dinner was finishing up and took away Beauregard
Derrick and Henrietta Vaisey. But, this time, Professor
Snape went with them.
"Flint was legally an adult," explained Harry. "Derrick
and Vaisey, on the other hand, are still minors.
Therefore, they can only be questioned when a parent
or guardian is with them. As Snape is their Head of
House, he acts in loco parentis for them."
"But why did he attack Daphne?" complained Tracey.
"To get to me," Harry sighed. "Now that it's known
we're bonded, it makes both girls a target of those who
intend to support Riddle, if he comes back. They get to
me, through them."
"The Headmaster tried to bury the whole thing,"
Hermione grumbled. "He tried to make it look as if
there were no witnesses to what happened. Therefore,
there was... as he put it... nothing he could do. He
forgot, or didn't want to know, that I witnessed it. Even
then he didn't want to call the aurors. Harry tried to
force him to; but, it was Mister Greengrass who finally
forced him to make the call."
"I just hope that now," said Harry, "that seeing
someone, or more, taken away by the aurors for
committing assault on another student, we'll see a
reduction in the number of students cursing or being
cursed by another."
The three Slytherins left a little while later taking
Astoria with them. Harry and Hermione, however,
stayed in the hospital wing until near curfew; when
Madam Pomfrey came out and ordered them out of
the wing. She also put up wards around Daphne's bed
to stop anyone trying to approach her without the
medi-witch's knowledge or consent.
While they were there, two other aurors entered and
took Hermione's statement as to what happened; plus,
took away a copy of her memory of the event.
"Thank you, Miss Granger," said the female auror of
the two. "We'll let you know when you need to attend
court."
Hermione nodded back and the two aurors left again.
Back up in the apartment, both teens decided to just go
to bed. Their homework could wait.
Harry was just heading for his own bedroom when
Hermione plaintively asked, "Harry? Even though
Daphne isn't with us tonight, can I still join you?"
"Of course you can, love," he replied. "I'd like that, too.
I really don't want to sleep alone, tonight."
"Me neither," she admitted. "I'll just get my things and
join you."
After his evening ablutions, Harry climbed in to bed
just as Hermione came back in. She was carrying some
toiletries and walked into his ensuite. A few seconds
later she came back out, shucked her clothes and
climbed in to bed.
Harry was now used to seeing both his bondmates
nude, so seeing her naked no longer had the effect on
him it did the first few times he'd seen either or both of
them, undressed.
Hermione slid into 'her' side of the bed and rolled on to
her side. "Cuddle me, please Harry," she softly asked.
Harry just rolled to his right as Hermione slid her back
to him until they were spooning. "We'll go visit her
again before breakfast; alright, love?" he asked.
"I'd like that," Hermione softly sniffled.
Hearing her softly cry again, Harry pulled her extra
firmly against himself and used his right hand, under
her head and neck to softly run his fingers through her
hair by bending his arm at the elbow and folding it
back.
It took them both a little while to drift off to sleep.
Harry even forced himself to stay awake until she'd
drifted off first.
Chapter 96
The next morning Harry was, again, having a very
enjoyable teenage dream when he felt very slight
repetitive movements coming from the witch in his
arms. Not moving, even though 'he' was very
interested and tucked between said witches legs, he
wondered if Hermione was crying. However, her
movements belied that.
With his left arm wrapped over her waist he could also
feel the inside of her left forearm gently and
repetitively rubbing on the back his own. Then she very
softly moaned.
From there, it took him a few moments to realise what
was going on; and it caused his breath to hitch in shock.
The sudden cessation of his breathing was enough to
alert the girl to Harry being awake. And both lay frozen
for a few moments.
'No,' he thought. 'This is natural; and she needs this.
Merlin, I help myself often enough.'
Gently, so as not to cause the witch in his arms to panic,
he began to breathe again. Then he bent his right arm
around and lightly grasped her left breast, lightly
tweaking the already erect nipple; and snuggled in
closer.
Gently moving forward, he raised his head slightly and
kissed her on the neck directly below her left ear,
breathing on the same area of neck as he slowly pulled
away and laid his head back on the pillow.
"It's alright," he whispered. "Please, Hermione. Keep
going."
Hermione didn't move for a few long moments before
she asked, "A-are you... sure? You're not... disgusted
with me?"
With a smile in his voice, he replied, "No. It's natural.
Just let me hold you in my arms while you allow
yourself release."
Still, Hermione didn't move. So, Harry slipped his left
arm out from under her arm and reached around it to
lay his hand on hers, where it rested near the junction
of her legs. Then he began to slowly move her fingers
for her.
"Go on," he encouraged. "Think about my arms around
you while you do."
When he felt her hand begin to move again, he pulled
his own back and rested it on her hip.
Slowly, at first; then, with more intensity, she began to
move. Once she was moving freely and without
hesitation, Harry again moved to kiss her neck under
her ear. "I love you," he breathed.
It did not take too long after that.
Not too much later, Harry headed for the shower. He
had to walk carefully because 'he' was still not
behaving 'himself'.
He'd just entered the shower when he heard the door
open behind him. Thinking Hermione had left
something within the ensuite he was surprised when
she followed him into the shower stall.
"Another first?" he asked with a smirk.
"One of many," she replied.
He was about to reach for the soap when she beat him
to it. So, he ducked his head under the stream wetting
his hair before reaching for the shampoo. But he didn't
get the chance to even gloop some into his hands when
he felt her hands on his back.
Thankfully, he was starting to settle down as Hermione,
instead of using the soap on herself, started to lather
Harry's back. "Ooh! That's nice," he said, putting the
shampoo bottle back.
Instead of replying, Hermione worked quicker and with
more confidence. It was if she was unsure whether
he'd push her away when she first started, or not. Once
she'd washed his back from the neck all the way down,
'He' had settled right down again.
After washing his calves, she commanded, "Turn
around."
He turned around with a smirk and leaned his upper
shoulders against the cold tile wall, while taking a good
stance to maintain his balance. Hermione's movements
were firm and vigorous so he had to 'brace' himself as
she scrubbed.
First, she started at his neck and throat. Then she
moved down to his upper chest and down each arm,
front and back. Then down to his lower chest and
upper abdomen, before stopping at his belly.
Dropping to her knees again, she then started to work
up from his feet, up each leg until she was almost, but
not quite, touching 'there'. And, as she stood up again,
she was back to washing his lower belly, the top of his
thighs and all around his groin.
With his eyes closed and enjoying her ministrations, he
didn't see her stand looking into his closed eyes while
nibbling on her bottom lip. If his eyes were open he
would have seen her reach her decision.
With her soapy hands still washing his lower belly she
stepped forward and placed a light kiss on his lips;
which - though surprised - he eagerly returned,
gripping her upper arms near her shoulders, as he
opened his eyes.
Stepping back, just a little, her soapy hands dropped
just that couple of inches lower, and grasped him. She
enjoyed the look of shocked pleasure that suddenly
came over his face as her hands moved to wash that
most private of places.
And 'he' quickly perked up as if to say, 'Hello!'
By the time they both climbed out of the shower they
knew they'd have to hurry if they wanted to visit with
Daphne. After Hermione had finished washing Harry,
and then some, Harry insisted on washing Hermione.
He never did get the chance to actually wash his hair.
Walking in to the infirmary together, both immediately
saw that Daphne was sitting up in bed and picking at
an early breakfast and looking quite morose. As soon
as she saw them, though, her expression perked right
up.
The two walked over and moved to stand either side of
the bed. Harry leaned in and quickly kissed her
lips-to-lips. To which Daphne expressed her pleasure by
immediately deepening the kiss and bringing her hand
up to cup his face as she did so.
When Harry pulled away, she looked back at him for a
moment in pleasure, before she turned to Hermione.
What she did not expect was for Hermione to lean in
and do the same lip-to-lip kiss. But, it was Hermione
who raised her hand to cup her bondmate's face.
When Hermione pulled away Daphne sat there in a
little shock, but pleased, as Hermione's hand continued
for a few moments to brush her thumb against the
other girl's cheek.
"Wow!" Daphne softly exclaimed. "Now that's a nice
way to be greeted in the morning."
"You were hurt pretty bad, love," explained Harry. "We
could have easily lost you."
Both teens pulled over chairs to sit down and rest their
arms on either side of the bed.
Chapter 97
"Madam Pomfrey told me you were here all night until
she chased you off just before curfew," confessed the
blonde girl. "She also told me you had an argument
with the Headmaster when he tried to claim he wasn't
going to do anything because he had no witnesses."
Hermione snorted and said, "I put paid to that. He tried
to ignore how I was with you, at the time. He was
shocked when he found out I saw Flint cast the curse. I
think he wanted to think I was already unconscious, at
that time. Then Harry forced him to call your parents
and tried to force him to also call the aurors."
With a sigh, Harry explained, "I succeeded in the first
but not in the second. It was your father who tore
further strips off him and forced him to call the aurors
in. They took away Flint, first; then came back and got
Derrick and Vaisey."
"Two other aurors came and interviewed me as to
what happened about an hour later," continued
Hermione, "and I also gave them my memory of the
event. Flint, at least, we won't be seeing back here for
quite some time, if ever. He's legally an adult and,
therefore, entirely responsible for his actions."
"Huh!" exclaimed Harry. "I wouldn't put it past
Dumbledore to convince the... whatever... to free Flint
because 'he was sorry for what he did'."
"You're being fatalistic, Harry James," Hermione
scolded him. "You don't know that, for sure."
"It's a pretty fair bet," Harry defended himself. Then,
with a pretty fair impersonation of Dumbledore said,
"Ah! You must learn to... forgive! Twinkle, twinkle,
twinkle!"
That had both girls snorting and giggling. "That's not
bad. Can you do Professor Snape?" asked Daphne.
"Well, I can get the sneer down; and I'm pretty sure I
can get the droll-like manner of speaking. But, I just
don't have the voice to... get the depth of his hatred."
The two stayed for as long as they could before they
each kissed their bondmate again and dashed down to
get breakfast.
After breakfast, they hurried off to class and got it out
of the way, with homework, before hurrying back to
the apartment to grab Daphne's book bag, spare
parchment, quills and fresh ink. Once they gathered up
everything they needed, they dashed back down to the
infirmary.
Together, the three set to working on their homework
until it was time for lunch. However, instead of going to
the Great Hall, they called Dobby; who made up and
excellent lunch for the three of them. They ate their
meal while continuing to talk and work on
assignments.
Both Harry and Hermione thought about skiving off the
single class they had in the afternoon - much to the
surprise of Harry and Daphne - but thought, as Harry
already had detention, attended it to get it out of the
way. They returned immediately afterwards.
"Are you two going to get a nap in before you have to
go to Astronomy?" Daphne quietly asked.
"That's a class we can skive off," stated Harry. "It's all
about memorising stars, star clusters and formations,
anyway. We can do that without attending, and just
grab the night's notes off another 'Claw."
"That depends," said Hermione turning to Daphne.
"Has Madam Pomfrey given you any indication when
you can escape this place?"
"Tomorrow morning," she replied. "I just had to be a
'good patient' today, and she'd let me go tomorrow. I'm
pretty sure she'll have no complaints."
"There's still time for me to be disappointed," said the
medi-witch, as she came around the corner of the
screen. She was carrying the jar of new-skin balm.
"Sit forward please, Miss Greengrass," she ordered.
Dutifully, Daphne sat up straighter before she leaned
forward, a little.
Miss Granger, Mister Potter, other side of the bed,
please," instructed the medi-witch.
Harry and Hermione went around to the other side
where they could see Daphne's bare back. She was
wearing one of those hospital gowns that open at the
back and were only tied together.
However, the gown was already loose, and Daphne
only needed to drop the gown slightly off her left
shoulder for Madam Pomfrey to have access to the
entire length of the now, much reduced, mark.
Madam Pomfrey showed both how to apply the balm
and lightly massage it into the skin. "Not too firm,
now," she said. "You're only after spreading the balm
over the affected area in a thin layer."
Once she's finished, she said, "It'll take a minute or two
to dry. And, once it's dry, you can cover the affected
area back up."
"How often do we need to apply it?" asked Hermione.
"Twice a day," the medi-witch replied. "Once after a
shower in the morning; and again in the early evening.
Just make sure you keep the jar sealed at all times
when it's not in use. Otherwise, it'll dry out within the
jar and become useless."
After the balm was given the minute or two to dry,
Daphne recovered her shoulder and sat back. And the
other two teens moved back to their seats.
"Now, I'll give you more complete instructions for the
balm and the salve tomorrow morning," offered
Madam Pomfrey. "I take it you'll both be here before
breakfast?"
"Of course, Madam Pomfrey," answered Hermione, as
Harry nodded. Turning to Daphne she said, "We'll bring
you a fresh uniform down with us tomorrow morning,
alright?"
Nodding, Daphne said, "Thank you, Hermione."
"Off to class, you two," Madam Pomfrey demanded.
"Go on, now."
So, after a quick word that they would see her soon,
Daphne watched her two bondmates leave the
infirmary.
After their single class the two headed back to their
apartment and collected some more books. They'd
both decided to just pick up some advanced text books
and took them back to the infirmary to read with
Daphne in companionable silence.
At dinner, they left their books with the other girl,
apologising that they'd be trying to get in an early nap
before Astronomy that night, and made their way to
dinner.
At dinner, just as she did during breakfast and lunch,
Luna kept grinning at them. Finally, Hermione had had
enough, sighed and asked, "Alright, Luna; what has you
so excited. It's the bond, isn't it?"
With a rapid nod of her head, the younger Ravenclaw
leaned forward and quietly said, "It must have been a
really good night for you, two. Your bond has
strengthened up a lot."
Chapter 98
Both blushing, it was Harry who leaned forward and
quietly said, "This morning, actually."
"I'm happy for you," she said. "But, now you have to
bring Daphne up to join you. You need balance."
With a sigh, Hermione said, "We'll ask her; when she's
out of the infirmary. It's just..."
Suddenly switching to a stern but sad expression, Luna
said, "She's been hurt. Not physically, I mean; that
curse. She's been hurt deeper than that... in her heart;
to her soul.
"You'll need to help her and guide her. You'll need to
get through this, together. Her soul is healing but she
needs comfort from you both as she does. She trusts
you both but it's a fickle thing. You need to show her
that you can be trusted, but you also need to give her a
little push every now and then lest you stagnate."
"Damn, Luna!" whined Harry. "I get what you're saying,
but... Yes, Daphne was hurt; but, I don't want her to... I
don't want to cause a relapse by pushing."
"Not pushing... guiding," she disagreed. "Lead her
where she needs to go."
Harry and Hermione turned to look at one another
before they both looked back at Luna. Hermione asked
her, "How did you get so wise, so young?"
Luna just sadly smiled back.
Like a moth to a bug zapper, Malfoy chose that
moment to saunter over with his two ape bookends.
"So, Potter," he sneered. "I heard your blood traitor
Greengrass got herself cursed into the infirmary. That's
what you get for turning your back on purebloods."
With an overly dramatic sigh, Harry said, "Malfoy, just
how stupid can you get? You've just stated, to all and
sundry, that a pureblood will curse you in the back. In
other words, you're admitting... on behalf of
purebloods everywhere... that purebloods are a bunch
of back-cursers. And, therefore, are not to be trusted."
With a snicker at the now red-faced blonde boy, he
continued, "Go away, Malfoy; before you shove your
foot even further in your mouth. You're just far too
easy for me to bother dealing with."
With a snarl of, "You'll get yours, Potter," Malfoy
scuttled back to his own table, bookends in tow.
For neither their early nap nor their proper sleep after
the Astronomy class, did the two do more than cuddle
once they climbed into bed before falling asleep. Both
were wondering how they could help Daphne with her
problems.
Early the next morning both were up and hurried down
to the infirmary. As promised, Daphne was receiving
her last health check before being released. She
greeted them both with a wide smile and happiness in
her eyes; and was very appreciative of Hermione's
efforts when the other girl dropped a folded set of full
school robes, socks, shoes, hair clips, Daphne's small
makeup purse and underwear on the bed.
"All clear, dear," said Madam Pomfrey when she
stepped away. "You're free to go once you get
dressed."
The medi-witch then placed the two jars of the balm
and the salve onto the bedside table and said, "Don't
forget what I told you and showed you about applying
the balm. For the salve, the same rules apply, except it
needs to be massaged into the scar tissue to get deeply
within.
"So, a light coating for new skin with the balm; and a
deep massage for scar tissue and the salve. Got that,
dears?"
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," the three dutifully replied, as
Daphne climbed out of bed to get dressed.
Though, they were no longer worried about their
modesty between the three of them, now; Harry still
turned about and watched for anyone coming in. It
took only a short time for Daphne to get dressed and
be ready to go down to breakfast.
"Do you want to go grab a shower, first?" asked
Hermione. "I'm sure we can put another coating of the
balm on afterwards, if you want to."
"No, it's alright," replied Daphne. "Madam Pomfrey
woke me to have an early shower so she could pat dry
my back. I'd only just got back into bed, and Madam
Pomfrey applied the balm, when you two walked in."
"Right then," said Harry, happy to have his 'first'
bondmate back on her feet. "Breakfast?"
"Breakfast," they smiled back.
After a healthy breakfast where Luna advised Daphne
to open her heart and allow it to be free to live - which
Daphne didn't reply to at the time, but later said she
thought it a strange thing to say - the mail owls came
streaming in. Hermione received her morning edition
of the Daily Prophet, as did Daphne.
Harry had considered getting one for himself but
decided it was a waste, seeing as both his bondmates
would not hesitate in showing him anything of interest
or importance contained within if they saw it. Instead,
he alternatively read over both girls' shoulders.
While they were receiving their morning papers, Harry
received a small package borne by an owl he'd not seen
before.
As surreptitiously as possible he scanned the owl and
package before relieving the bird of its burden and
offering it a slice of bacon. Instead of waiting the bird
practically snatched the bacon out of Harry's fingers
and took off again.
"What do you have there, love?" asked Daphne, as
Hermione was too deep into reading the newspaper.
He leaned over and whispered into Daphne's ear. "If it's
what I think it is, it's part of the birthday gifts for
Friday."
Because of Astronomy the night before, they had a late
start to classes, this day. Their first period was free, but
they were in DADA for the second period.
All three knew that Barty Junior wouldn't be making a
move against them under his master's orders; so felt
quite safe. Harry just wasn't looking forward to the
class coming the next week, where faux-Moody taught
them the three Unforgivables.
He wondered if he should fake being Imperiused.
Later, he managed to find the time to duck into a boys'
bathroom and unwrapped the package that had arrived
that morning. Inside he found a single ring box and,
upon opening it, he saw the three rings he'd ordered.
'Wow!' he thought. 'That was fast!'
He dropped the ring box back into his pocket and
rejoined the other two out in the corridor, where they
were waiting for him.
That evening the three quickly settled in for the night.
They knew Daphne needed the balm for her back; so,
while they were getting their homework out of the way,
Harry lightly applied it to her fading scar while she sat
forward on the edge of the couch and between his legs.
Chapter 99
However, she then insisted Harry strip himself to the
waist while the two girls began to massage the scar
reducing salve into his many scars from his waist up
and on his arms. When they were done he thought
that's when they would prepare for bed. Instead, they
then insisted he remove his pants so they could work
on the ones lower down.
Most of his scars were from the rare times he was
whipped with a belt by his obese uncle; or, had
suffered an accident - almost always caused by his
obese cousin. However, there were also a few scars
from when his cousin and his friends engaged in 'Harry
Hunting'.
Lastly, Hermione insisted on applying the salve to the
scar on his forehead. "Now that the soul fragment is
gone," she explained, "We know the scar is no longer
going to ever open up and bleed again. That means we
can work on getting rid of it."
As well as the massage being soothing, Harry could also
feel the effect of the salve as it was massaged into the
skin. Each scar now felt a little warm, as if someone
had used a Tiger Balm or similar on each and every one
of them.
It was a ritual they continued for months afterwards
with dedication until told to stop by Madam Pomfrey
when she checked the scars.
When the three readied for bed, they convinced
Daphne to lie in the middle with the excuse that they
both wanted to be able to cuddle her and ensure
themselves that she was back with them.
Daphne was pretty much ordered to lie on her right
side as Harry spooned up behind. Hermione lay facing
her and the two witches stared into each other's eyes.
After a few moments Hermione was running her
fingers through Daphne's hair and telling the other girl
just how happy she was that the blonde was back while
Harry snuggled in behind.
"We have something to tell you," Hermione said.
"Oh?" asked Daphne.
"Harry and I have progressed to 'permitted' touching in
certain situations," she replied. "Would you like it if we
did that with you?"
Daphne laid there for a little while, her heart beating a
little quicker. She thought she was bordering on a panic
attack. However, she also felt she wasn't. She thought
about what Hermione said and decided she'd see what
she meant.
Gently she nodded her head a little, a little fearful.
Seeing the slight distress on their bondmate's face,
Hermione explained, "We only go as far as you allow.
Any time you want to stop, or just slow down, you
decide. Say so, and we stop."
Daphne relaxed a little and nodded again. A little surer
in the situation.
With his right arm under Daphne's neck, Harry moved
it to how he had held Hermione's breast; but did not
touch. He held his hand slightly away.
Hermione then reached her right hand over to his and,
looking the other girl in the eyes, gently pushed Harry's
hand onto her bondmate's breast. After a few
moments, Harry began lightly rubbing his hand on the
curves of the boob before he shifted his hand lightly
until his thumb was lightly teasing the nipple. He gently
tweaked it and felt it harden under the ball of his
thumb.
As Daphne began to relax and enjoy the sensation,
Harry moved his left hand to lightly capture her left.
Then eased it down to the junction of the girl's legs.
He did no more than that, but it was a great start when
Daphne didn't fight his grip. Hermione, smiling, leaned
forward and placed a kiss on the tip of the other girl's
nose. And softly said, "Nice; isn't it?"
Daphne shyly nodded, and relaxed even further.
They continued that way for a while as they all drifted
off to sleep.
The next morning, Harry woke up still cuddling Daphne.
His right hand was again caressing her breast. But, now,
his left hand was between her legs, gently stroking the
hairs.
Thinking that was going a little too far he began to ease
his hand away when her left hand shot down and
grabbed his, pushing it firmly back. "Please," she softly
whined.
With a light kiss to the back of her neck to let her know
he'd heard, Harry began to gently massage her. He
allowed his fingers to lightly massage the top of her
crease on her 'button'.
After a while she began gasping and trying not to make
any further noise; but, it was enough to wake
Hermione who was lying with her back to them.
Their other bondmate gently rolled over and looked at
Daphne's face, curious as to the sounds. However,
smart as she was, it still took her a few moments to
figure out why the blonde was making the noises she
was. And her eyes widened in surprise, and not a little
happiness.
As she lay there, just watching, Daphne was staring
back, flushed.
"He..." Daphne tried to whisper.
"I know," smiled Hermione. "Relax and enjoy it."
By the time Daphne followed Harry into the shower, on
Hermione's suggestion, she was one happy witch. Her
trust in both had, at first, taken a little downturn.
However, they proved to be both trustworthy and
didn't take things too far.
As she looked back on the events of the morning, she
realised it really was a logical next step in their efforts
to reach the sealing of the bond. They were just playing
with each other, after all. And she trusted Harry not to
take it too far, too soon. Having Hermione there was
also a great comfort to the still mentally scarred witch.
Harry had just climbed under the spray when Daphne
simply walked in and stepped straight into the shower
behind him.
"Did you and Hermione do this, too?" she coyly asked.
"We did," he replied.
"And did you do anything in the shower?" she asked.
"We washed each other," he replied with a slight shrug
and small grin. "All over, and well."
"Hmm..." she said. Just as Hermione did, she reached
for Harry's soap and began to lather it up. Moments
later, she was washing his back.
She had just started washing his lower legs when
Hermione stuck her hand in the stall and placed
Daphne's bath soap and cloth on the shower rack.
"Your towel's on the rack and a fresh uniform and
underwear are sitting on Harry's bed," she said, before
she left again.
When the two came out of the bedroom some time
later, Hermione smirked and said, "I was about to come
in and hurry you two up. We'll miss breakfast,
otherwise."
"I need to put on..." started Daphne.
Chapter 100
"Your make-up purse is in your book bag. You can put it
on after breakfast and before class," Hermione
interrupted.
Daphne smiled back with a light blush and said, "Thank
you. But, I also need to put on the balm."
"We can do that at the same time you put on your
make-up," Hermione smoothly replied. "The jar's also
in your book bag. I'll do it for you in one of the girl's
bathrooms after breakfast and before class."
"If everything's organised, shall we go?" asked a very
contented Harry.
With a nod, Hermione smiled and replied, "Lets."
"Thank you, you two," Daphne softly said.
Hermione looked back with a big smile and said, "No
need to thank us. We're in this, together. We're there
for each other."
When they sat opposite Luna, she grinned at the three
of them and returned her attention to her breakfast. "I
wish they served pudding at breakfast," she mused.
Harry chuckled and said, "You'd only ever eat pudding,
if that's what they served."
Luna just happily grinned back, as if to say, 'I know'.
When the mail arrived, Harry was happy to see Hedwig
delivering a letter for Hermione from the Grangers.
Hermione had written to her parents about the harm
that had befallen Daphne, and to assure them that all
three of them were fine.
When Hermione read the letter she'd received back,
the letter indicated her parents were grateful she'd not
been hurt, that Daphne was alright and would soon
recover, and that the perpetrators had been taken from
the school by the 'magical police' in restraints.
"That reminds me," muttered Harry, as he turned to
Daphne. "We need to find out from Matthias how the
hunt for a professional magical creature renderer is
going. I want those skins so we can get armour made
for the three of us."
Nodding, Daphne softly said, "I'll write him this
afternoon."
After class, Daphne wrote her letter and Hedwig was
happy to take it. Harry had the feeling his owl didn't
think he worked her enough.
"How goes the start on my mail backlog, ladies?" Harry
asked, suddenly remembering his fan mail.
"Well, before Daphne was hurt, we had everything in
place except for actually approaching the people we
want, to make a start on sorting everything," replied
Hermione. "Now that Daphne's back on her feet, I
think we can start approaching folks on Saturday." She
looked at Daphne and asked, "What do you think?"
Daphne nodded and said, "Saturday's our best option,
considering tomorrow is Hermione's birthday. Plus, we
know people aren't madly scampering about working
on assignments for most of the day."
"Good," Hermione nodded. "Saturday, then."
Once homework was complete, the three chatted for a
while before they had to head down to the Great Hall
for dinner.
The next morning, after a night without any 'bond
strengthening' activities other than just cuddling, Harry
woke and immediately rose from bed without waking
the other two. He quietly padded over to where he'd
hidden the gifts he had for both his bondmates and
returned, wearing a pair of boxers, to sit on the foot of
the bed with his legs crossed. He placed the gifts on the
bed before himself.
He watched as both witches, in their sleep, noticed the
lack of contact and slid under the sheets until they
were lying cuddling one another. His heart leapt with
joy just seeing it, and knew he had another powerful
patronus memory he could use.
Hermione was the first to waken and notice she held
Daphne in her arms. She looked around and saw Harry
sitting on the foot of the bed smiling back at her.
"Harry?" she asked, a little confused. "Why are you up
and sitting on the foot of the bed?"
"Good morning; and Happy Birthday, my love," he
replied.
Her sudden movement in sitting up woke Daphne, who
grizzled a little about being woken up. "Wha?" she
asked.
"Good morning, my love," Harry said to her.
Wiping the sleep out of her eyes, she muttered, "Good
morning. Now, why are you up?"
"Because it's Hermione's birthday and I have presents,"
he calmly replied.
That took a moment to sink in before she, too,
suddenly shot up to be sitting up in bed. "Careful of
your back, love," he admonished her.
"Sorry," she muttered with a little wince of pain.
Harry stared for a moment back at the two beautiful
witches who were sitting with their breasts uncovered
to his gaze before he snapped himself out of it.
However, not before Hermione noticed where he was
staring and looked back, amused.
Offering them matching gifts each, he waited until
they'd unwrapped them. Hermione looked a little
puzzled before Daphne gasped and said, "Hit Wizard
wand holsters!"
Hermione was quite surprised.
Staring back at Harry, Daphne asked, "Harry, where did
you get these? Only Hit Wizards and Unspeakables are
supposed to be able to get hold of these."
"From a little shop I remembered from our last
go-around," he replied. Tossing another one to each, he
said, "Here's a second one for the other arm. I bought
two each based on your father wanting to take us out
to get second wands each. Otherwise, it's a spare
each."
"You bought them illegally?" asked Hermione.
"I did," he admitted. "However, you know why and we
need to practice using them. At least, I'm pretty sure
Daphne does."
Daphne slowly nodded while she moved the holster
about in her hand giving it a careful once over.
He gave them a bit of time to admire their gifts before
he picked up the last, small gift before him. "Now," he
said moving closer to the head of the bed and kneeling
on the bedding sitting on his haunches.
He then opened the little ring box and turned it so both
could see what it contained.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone