Huge thanks to all my reviews and readers and those who put me on their alerts. I know it has been a long time and I'm sorry. This chapter is dedicated to cittagazze-dust for sending me messages and encouraging me to update…I know this is still late but without you I would have taken a lot longer to update. You helped me realize that I love writing and I can't stop. This past year has been difficult and I forgot why I was writing. But now I have found it again, all in thanks to you.
Disclaimer: If only I owned Harry Potter and all the characters…but at last only in my dreams will that happen.
Bound By Time
Last Time:
As Hermione was walking towards her Muggle Studies classroom, suddenly someone grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into an empty room. The person quickly covered her mouth, so as to stifle any screams she might have, while keeping a tight grip on her. They closed the door and locked it. Out of the corner of her eye Hermione caught a glimpse of black, but she was still feared whoever this was. Lots of people had black hair and she couldn't assume this person to be safe, because for all she knew they were a death eater that Voldemort had sent after her.
Next she was spun around to face her capturer, who she hoped to be Harry, and in fact it was him staring at her in disbelief with those sparkling green eyes of his. "Hermione...what happened to you?"
"I th...think Draco an...and Blaise ar...are good." Hermione whispered and looked up at him uncertainly. "Do you believe me?"
"I don't think it's a question of belief, Hermione. I think it's a question of trust...and I do trust you and your judgement, so if you think they are good and you want to be their friends...then I support you one hundred percent!"
"Oh, Harry!" She shouted and hugged him with happiness. "Thank you so much!"
"You welcome...but Mione, just because I trust you, doesn't mean I like them or trust them, but I will try to help you and stick by your side." At this, she just hugged him tighter. "But if they hurt you, so help me-!"
"I know, I know, Harry. You'll make sure they pay, I've heard it all before."
Later On The Grounds With Seamus
She looked up in his face, and didn't notice they were breathing slightly faster than before, which wasn't due to just the running.
"Now what?" Hermione asked locking her eyes with his.
He leaned down closer to her. His face mere centimeters from hers. "I get to do this."
Chapter 8:
He moved down further towards her lips and she could feel his breath on her lips and immediately took in the scent of his cologne. Her raspberry vanilla scent filled his nostrils. Their lips were about to touch, Hermione closed her eyes, and his lips were on hers. His tongue explored her mouth as Hermione flipped them over, so she was now on top. After a few seconds she abruptly broke the kiss, and the only sound was their beating hearts mingled with their breathing.
"We have class." Hermione told him, their foreheads still touching.
Seamus grinned. "And your point is?"
"We have to go." Hermione said as she got up. Grudgingly, Seamus stood up and the couple walked hand in hand. They barely made it to Defense Against the Dark Arts on time, and quickly took their seats.
Hermione happily sat next to Harry, while Seamus went over by Dean. Harry gave her a questioning look and she smiled. He nodded and smiled, grateful that they were on good terms now. The class was learning about advanced shields. The splendis luminom spell was their main focus. When performed correctly, the caster would be engulfed in a golden shield, protecting them from most jinxes and dark curses.
The professor told the class to stand up and with a flick of his wand, their desks disappeared. "Now," he began, "Since we have gone over the theory for the first part of class, I would like you to practice the incantation for the second part of the class. Remember you must concentrate and be calm. If you aren't composed the spell won't work."
Immediately the class began to practice. For some of the less competent students, such as Ron, nothing at all was happening. They would flick their wand and say the spell, but they just couldn't concentrate long enough. Harry managed to get a glowing golden ball to appear above his head, but it refused to spread out into a shield. He continued to give the ball the evil eye and Hermione giggled.
Gracefully, Hermione flicked her wand, "Splendis luminom." A golden ball appeared above her head. Harry was looking quite smug, until the ball spread into a shield, engulfing the brown haired witch. Childishly Harry stuck his tongue out at her and Hermione let out another round of ringing laughter, but this only made her shield expand. Then Harry realized the classroom had suddenly gotten quiet, and he could no longer see the windows. All he could see around him was a golden glowing wall.
"What the…Hermione, I'm in your shield!" He let out excitedly. "Wait how are you doing this?" He asked turning around to face her.
She had the biggest smile on her face. "I'm actually not sure, Harry…but thanks for your help. Couldn't have done it without you!"
"Of course," Harry rolled his eyes. "I attempt to distract you and it only makes your magic stronger. That is so ridiculous." He laughed. "But seriously this is really cool, Mione." He felt the magic pulsing around him from the shield, like nothing bad would ever happen to him in here. He turned his back towards Hermione to examine it further.
"I know…but it's weird. This isn't supposed to be able to happen. Only the caster is allowed in the shield, yet it let you in." She frowned and began to ponder how this was possible. "…but I did everything right…the wand movement, the incantation, I was composed…it can't be my magic because it's just not possi-"
Suddenly Harry saw the classroom again. The shield had just disappeared. "What happened?" He turned around, and saw one of his best friends laying on the floor. "Hermione!" He rushed to her side, as did Professor Cartwright.
"Professor," Harry asked quickly. "What's wrong with her? What happened?"
"Calm down Mr. Potter, I don't know what's wrong with her. I saw the shield she created and then after a few minutes she was just on the ground…but we need to get her to the hospital wing now." His voice was urgent.
Harry scooped Hermione carefully into his arms and stood up. He was aware that the whole classroom was staring at him in curiosity and confusion. The dark haired boy ignored them and walked quickly to the door. He made his way to the hospital wing in record time, barely breaking a sweat. He kicked open the door and rushed inside. "Madam Pomfrey!"
The nurse briskly walked over to a bed. "Bring her here Mr. Potter. What happened to her?"
He stuttered, "She…in defe-defense class…shield…floor, help!"
"Mr. Potter calm down. Please just take a deep breath and tell me what happened in a complete sentence." The nurse patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"She collapsed during class…" He began and then was panic struck again. "Please Madam Pomfrey, you have to help her!"
"I'm afraid you are going to have to go into more detail. I can't help her unless I know as much as possible." She told him, seeing the stress of Hermione's unconsciousness on his face.
"Ok…Well we were in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Professor Cartwright told us to practice the splendis luminom spell. Hermione said the incantation and a glowing golden ball appeared above her head. Then it spread into a shield around her. I tried to make her laugh, hoping the shield would go away, but then she laughed and the shield expanded…around me…"
"…But that's impossible. That spell is only supposed to protect the caster; it shouldn't have been able to expand at all…" Madam Pomfrey told him.
"Exactly, that's what Hermione was trying to tell me right before she collapsed!"
"So she let the shield down and tried to explain what happened, but then fainted?"
"No! I'm saying me and Hermione were in the shield together and she was mumbling to herself, checking to see if she made some sort of mistake when casting it because she didn't understand the shield letting me in. But then her voice broke off at the same time the shield disappeared from around me and I turned around. She was on the floor and that's when I picked her up and came straight here."
The nurse looked at him stunned and asked sharply. "Are you saying Ms. Granger collapsed while in the shield, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes! That's what I've been trying to say, can you help her?" He asked breathlessly.
She took a deep breath. "I will try my best. Why don't you take a break and go for a walk or something?"
"No! I'm staying right here, until I know she's fine." Harry pressed stubbornly.
"Just come back after I inspect her and begin treatment." Madam Pomfrey pleaded.
Harry roared, "I'm not leaving her!"
"You can come back in a little while, but I have to examine her and thoroughly check her for any curses or dark magic. It's a full body inspection and her clothes will be removed. You aren't allowed in here for that, so I suggest you leave before I send for Dumbledore." Madam Pomfrey snapped threateningly.
Fuming, Harry stormed out of the hospital wing, making his way towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Class was still in session and he was again given curious glances as he walked into the room. He gathered up his and Hermione's things, and informed the professor he was going back to the hospital wing.
He made his way to the Gryffindor common room, still upset. Then he dumped their things in his dormitory and made his way down to the lake. He threw a rock on the black, glossy surface and watched it skip along, eventually sinking into the water. Harry continued to do this until an angry grindelow came to the surface, affronted by the disturbance.
The dark haired boy apologized and dropped the rock he was holding. He then turned around and began walking back towards the castle. Slowly, he made his way up the staircases.
When he got to the hospital wing, he quietly peeked his head in. Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen and Hermione was unconscious on the bed, where he had left her. Harry went over and sat on the edge of her bed, grabbing her hand. "Mione…"
"Mr. Potter," Harry looked up, and saw Madam Pomfrey.
"Did you figure out what was wrong with her?" He asked anxiously.
"Well, it seems that Ms. Granger is perfectly healthy. She has been eating and sleeping well, there is not a trace of dark magic in her system, and in fact there is nothing wrong with her."
Harry frowned. "How can that be? When a person just goes unconscious that is not healthy or normal."
"It seems Ms. Granger must have gone unconscious from exhaustion or stress, which is perfectly normal. I am positive, Mr. Potter, nothing is wrong with her. She will wake up soon though, and advise you take her to her dormitory and watch her for a little while. Don't let her do too much activity, after the day she has had. Ms. Granger needs rest." Madam Pomfrey told him.
He nodded and turned back towards Hermione. She began stirring and her eyes flickered a few times. "Har…Harry?"
"I'm right here, Mione." He squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead. "How are you feeling?"
She looked confused and slightly disoriented. "I feel alright…my head hurts a little though. What happened?"
"You collapsed during class." He told her.
"What? No I didn't…"
"Yeah you did. We were practicing the splendis luminom spell in Defense Against the Dark Arts and you managed to produce a strong shield. Then you laughed and your shield expanded…over me. Then we were talking and you were saying it didn't make any sense. Next thing I know you're on the ground…you passed out, Mione." Harry told her, looking into her eyes.
"I don't remember any of that…" There was panic in her chocolate eyes. "What's wrong with me? This isn't right…"
He pulled her into a strong hug. "There is nothing wrong with you, Mione. Madam Pomfrey says you went unconscious from exhaustion or stress. And in your case, it's probably both. She said you need to rest and to take it easy, but she assured me that you are perfectly healthy."
The brown haired witch looked slightly relieved. "Ok, thanks Harry."
"No problem." He gave her a brilliant smile. "Now let's get back to your common room."
When they arrived at the portrait of the three snakes Hermione said, "Secrets." The room opened up and the pair walked inside. They were surprised to see Draco and Blaise on couch, doing their homework.
"Hey, Hermione," Blaise said looking up and then nodded at Harry. "Potter."
"Hey, Blaise. Hey, Draco." Hermione replied.
Harry nodded back evenly, "Zabini. Malfoy."
Malfoy fixed his attention on them. "Potter. Hermione."
Harry and Hermione stood there awkwardly, before Hermione decided she wanted a snack. "I'm going to get a snack, she said walking into their tiny kitchen area. Do you guys want some?"
"Sure."
"Yeah, that'd be great."
"A snack sounds good."
She laughed at the boys. They would never turn down food. "Dobby," she called gently. A 'pop' resounded throughout the room.
"Miss Hermione!" He said with excitement. "What can I get you?"
"Can you please bring me a bowl of raspberries, a bag of lime tortilla chips, a bowl of salsa, and a pitcher of sweet iced tea?" Hermione asked politely.
"Yes! Anything for you, Miss!" And he hurriedly 'popped' away.
Hermione walked back into the common room, to find Harry sitting on the other couch. He was talking with Blaise about quidditch. "Boys…" she muttered, as she plopped down on the arm chair. She then swung her tan legs over the side of the chair and grabbed the t.v. remote. She flipped through the movie channels and began watching Pirates of the Carribean.
Blaise and Draco gave her very puzzled looks, as Harry exclaimed, "Pirates of the Carribean, I haven't watched this in forever!"
"I know me neither, I love it though! The first is the best, although it's really cool in the third one when Elizabeth becomes pirate king. She's so B.A." Hermione replied.
"Can't argue with you there, Mione." Harry said grinning.
"What-" Draco began.
Blaise cut in, "Is-"
"That?" The blonde finished smoothly.
"It's a television." Hermione responded. "You can watch shows and movies that muggle stars have acted in. They are very popular in the muggle world."
"Oh." Draco said.
"It looks like magic…" Blaise said.
The two Slytherins stared at the screen, enthralled with the foreign technology. Hermione heard a 'pop' and went into the kitchen. Dobby had his hands full, balancing a pitcher and a tray with the food.
"Thank you so much, Dobby!" Hermione exclaimed, taking everything and putting it on the table. She pulled two galleons out of her pocket, "And these are for you."
"Two galleons, Miss? How can Dobby ever thank you?" Tears of happiness were shining in his eyes.
"No thanks needed. You worked hard for them." She grinned.
Dobby was speechless. He ran to Hermione and hugged her leg. He then smiled up at her and disappeared with a 'pop.'
The satisfied witch poured the tea in four glasses. She then levitated them and the tray with snacks onto the coffee table in their common room.
"Chips and salsa! You're the best, Mione!" Harry said excitedly.
She giggled. "Your welcome, Harry."
"Thanks, Hermione." Blaise said warmly.
Draco tacked on. "Yeah it looks great."
"No problem, guys."
They munched on the food and watched the rest of Pirates of the Carribean. After they did that, Harry got their bags from Gryffindor Tower. The four of them then worked on their homework, helping each other out as they went. Harry helped mostly in D.A.D.A., while Draco was really good at Potions, Blaise had a knack for Charms, and Hermione helped with everything else.
Around seven o'clock there was a knock on the portrait. Draco got up and answered the door.
"Hi?" Said a timid voice.
"Yes, Finnigan, what do you need?"
"Well me and Hermione kind of had plans…could I come in?"
He stepped through the portrait hole. "Oh crap! Our date! Seamus I am so sorry I collapsed in class and then I was doing my homework and we lost track of time. I'm not even ready…"
He laughed. "It's fine, Hermione. How about you meet me in the Entrance Hall in an hour? Does that give you enough time?"
"Yes, thanks!" She said with relief. Hermione walked him to the door and gave him a peck on the cheek. "See you soon!"
With that, Hermione went upstairs to prepare for her date.
Tada! That's all of that chapter. I know it's not quite what I was expecting to write or what you guys were expecting to read, but it just came to me and sort of flowed. I'm not sure what I think of it just yet. Feedback is appreciated. Review please! Thanks!
xxSlytherinHottie15xx