Hello all. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read and review my story. After rereading it, I decided that it needed some cleaning up before I finalized the posting. I hope that you enjoy the rewrite; it reads a little easier and I like it better, if that is any indication.

As always, no characters belong to me. I am only responsible for the story idea and situations. With that being said, I understand that there are mountains of great stories dealing with Hermione's petrifaction. It is not my intention to plagiarize these pervious stories in any form. If there are similar thoughts to my writings from other authors, please let me know. It is quiet difficult to research all stories to avoid these types of mistakes, and is not intentional. In addition, I have twisted a few facts from cannon to my advantage, I hope that everyone doesn't mind.

Please enjoy the story and as always reviews and comments are welcome.

Chapter 4- Release

May 24, 1993

Where is Harry? Usually he is here by now. At least I think that he is usually here by now. Nervousness seeped into her stone body as her concentration drifted between Harry entering into the forest and his last words to her - I love you, Hermione.

The opposite side of her brain kicked in boldly to begin the bipolar banter that she was using to keep her mind occupied. What are you carrying on about? Do you not like my company?

Frankly, honestly, no I don't. You bring up things that are either irrelevant or inconsequential. You berate me for my feelings and my views. In short, you drive me barmy at times.

I try not to berate your feelings or your views, but I do try to give you a gut check on issues. I provide opposing views to your opinions. You have never disliked a sound argument, even if you are unable to argue against it. My thoughts provide differing angles that you have not explored fully. The opposite side of her mind stated smugly.

Yes, and I appreciate those views that I have not explored, but some of your views and things that you tend to discuss, are not valid.

The subjects that I wish to discuss need to be discussed; to be faced.

Not all of my feelings need to explored. There are some that will never be reciprocated; therefore, they do not need to be brought up.

Such as what? Your feelings for Harry? They have always been there since you have known him, but when I bring them up, you dismiss them quickly with very little thought or consideration.

But that is exactly my point. Those feelings are mine alone. I cannot imagine Harry returning my feelings.

He has already said that he loves you. You must face the facts and realizations, that he does fancy you. Your arguments against it are not valid in this case.

Yes, they are! Harry cannot possibly love me. Hermione paused slightly, calming herself. It was a moment of weakness for him. He was vulnerable at the time. Harry was telling me about…his Uncle beating him.

Ok, let me ask you this then, what would you do to his Uncle if you ever met him?

I really can't imagine what I would do to him. It would not be very pretty though. I dislike the idea of his Uncle doing that to him. Harry deserves better than that, and he should not have to return to that home this summer.

Granted his physical violence is inexcusable, but what feelings are invoked in ourselves? Remember that I know of these feelings as well as you do.

Antagonism. Rage. Resentment.

Correct. But what feelings do you have toward Harry?

I don't know really.

Let's examine this from another angle. What do you feel when Harry is here or when you think about him?

Love. Kindness. Humanity.

Correct again.

I agree with you on my feelings for Harry. I love Harry. I will not argue with you on this fact. I am stating that even when he said that he loved me, he truly does not understand the meanings of his words. Harry has never known love in his past. He hasn't had the example set forth for him like mum and dad did for us.

So would you say that a person couldn't learn to love? That once a person has been exposed to violence or to an unfortunate situation, they would be forever scarred and never love again.

No, love is…human nature. Love is one of the few natural acts that everyone has instilled in them. A puppy, for instance, will provide love and comfort the day that you bring him home.

Exactly, Harry has the instinct to love. Even if he has never known love, he understands what love is.

Ok, I understand that. I…even agree with you. Harry will be able to love someone; but that someone is not I. How can he love me? I am just Hermione, a bookworm, and a know-it-all. I am not one that he could or will love.

I understand why you say that, our past experiences have lead us to believe that, but Harry is a different person. I can tell that he genuinely loves us.

But there are so many others that he can have. Ginny adores him and his image. He is her white knight. Her role model.

She is not in love with Harry Potter. She is in love with Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived. She knows the stories that are associated with him and his defeat of Voldemort, but you know the person. The person who Harry wishes to be.

I…I just know that I love him, and he deserves the best.

Then let him make that decision. He will pick us. I know it.

-000-

"Mione." Harry's voice broke the stillness that was a constant in the infirmary.

Harry, thank God your ok. I was so worried about you. Where have you been? Hermione felt his warmth move into the customary position next to her stone body. Trembles radiated from his body as he began the retelling of his journey into the Forbidden Forrest.

"I'm sorry for being late, but Ron and I followed the spiders. We followed them into the Forbidden Forrest."

I know that this will not be very good. I can't imagine what you found.

"We took Fang with us, but it didn't matter much. He ran as soon as we got close. There's a giant spider in there. It's huge, and has hundreds, maybe thousands of offspring. It was going to kill us, but the Weasley's Ford Angelina showed up and we got in to make our escape. I still can't believe that we made it out alive. Ron probably will never forgive me for dragging him out there."

What did you find out?

"Aragog, that was the giant spider's name, said that Hagrid hatched him inside Hogwarts while Hagrid was still in school. Hagrid was indeed framed by Tom Riddle for the killing of a student. I knew that Hagrid would never do anything to harm or kill an innocent student. I know that now, but I need more proof to free him. Aragog went on to say that currently there is a great evil in the castle that he is afraid of and that we should be afraid of as well."

Yes, it's a basilisk Harry. It's in the Chamber of Secrets somewhere in the girl's second floor bathroom.

"I just don't know what it is. Maybe you can tell us what happened when you are…you know, returned to normal."

Yes, I will tell you the entire story after the potion is finished and I am recovered. Merlin, I wish that I wasn't like this. Her mind paused in thought before continuing. Why did you say that you love me Harry? At that moment, she felt his rough hand intertwine in hers basking the stone hand in his warmth. Immediately the question was lost in a cloud of emotion that fogged her mind.

-000-

"Hey Mione. Good news. McGonagall told me that Snape is finishing the potion today. It's been what… three weeks since this happened." Hermione felt the warmth overpower the coldness that gripped her body as he slid into the bed. "I will be glad when you aren't like this. At the same time, I will miss the time that I have spent with you. I have grown so much closer to you over the weeks. I…I am afraid that no matter the time that we have spent together, it will go back to being the same way it was before."

No Harry. A lot of things have changed since that time. I have enjoyed the time that we have spent together, even if I have not carried my weight in the conservations. The mind was willing, but the body unable.

"I will not regret the time I have spent with you, no matter the outcome."

"Mr. Potter." Hermione's ears immediately recognized McGonagall's voice that carried throughout the infirmary. She felt Harry's body warmth disappear from her upper arms and shoulder as he sat up in the bed.

"Professor McGonagall."

"Glad that I found you. I was beginning to worry for your safety. Another attack has occurred."

"Who was petrified?"

"Not petrified, but taken… into the Chamber of Secrets. I have accounted for all of the Gryffindor students except for Ginny Weasley. Currently no other heads are missing students."

"What…how do you know she was taken?" His voice was rattled. Hermione felt the affectionate warmth of his hand grip her cold one.

"It was written on the wall where the rest of the messages were written. All students are confined to their common rooms until further notice."

"I will go to the common room then." His voice was both deflated and defeated.

"Not without an escort Mr. Potter and I will not be escorting you at this moment. Professor Snape should be bringing the Restoration Draught shortly. He was finishing the potion this morning before the apparent kidnapping of Ms. Weasley. At least these students will be returned to normal soon. Maybe we can determine what has happened to them. Do not wander off Mr. Potter. I will be conferring with Madam Pomfrey.

Oh my. That is terrible for Ginny and her family. But how did she know how to get into the chamber? She must be the one who has been opening it and sending the basilisk to attack the students. It doesn't make any sense. She's not the heir of Slytherin; at least… I don't think so.

"Ron will be devastated at this news." Hermione felt him shift on the bed, spreading his warmth to a larger area of her body. "I can't imagine how everyone will take it. I have to find out what is happening."

Please don't Harry. I'm scared what might happen to you.

"Potter!" Hermione heard the nasally drawl of the potions master. The young witch felt Harry's body stiffen. "What is your purpose here? You should be in your common room."

"I was visiting Hermione when Professor McGonagall told me what happened. She wanted me to stay here until she could escort me to the tower. She is talking with Madam Pomfrey." His voice was firm, unyielding to the Snape. The tone was to the point of insolence, but with the respect that the professor demanded.

"Very well, make your self useful. Apply this paste to any exposed skin of the petrified students. Be careful to not waste it. It takes considerable time to brew."

"Eighteen days," Harry mumbled.

"What did you say?" Snape demanded.

"I said that it takes eighteen days to brew the potion," Harry stated louder in his deepening voice.

"Well, you seemed to have learned a little with me in potions. However, it does seem apparent that you only did this for the resident know-it-all, for your girlfriend." Snape drew out the last few words like a knife.

"Yes, I found the potion and read how to brew it for Hermione, for my girlfriend." His voice was defiant at this point. The quality was both loud and boisterous, willing Snape to add to his demeaning comment. "At least I hope that she will be." His following statement was the complete opposite in all manners. The soft, pleading nature to his request struck Hermione directly in her heart.

Yes, Harry, I will be your girlfriend.

"Be careful of your cheek, Potter. You will regret it latter on." Hermione could almost hear the swish of the cloak as Snape's shoes lightly tapped on the stone floor as he turned and left.

"Prick."

I am proud of you for standing up to him like that Harry. She felt his hand pressing lightly against her cheek apparently applying the paste to her high cheekbones and chin. The touch was careful and loving she thought. She could feel him working across her forehead, then to her neck slathering the potion onto her exposed stone. Thank you for being so kind to me Harry. I will never be able to repay you for all that you have done for me. The warmth that was pressed against her sides escaped as Harry rolled the shirt to the side so that he could access her arms. Cautiously he continued applying the paste over the hand and lower arm that he had held onto for the time she had been petrified. After finishing with her side, he draped the warm covering back over before switching sides.

"What's this?" Hermione felt a tug in her hand that was clutching the mirror and the page of parchment from the book. "Why would you be using… you did know how the students were being petrified. I knew it. I knew that you could figure it out." She heard a rustling of parchment that could only be the unfolding of the page she had taken from the library. "A basilisk." The statement was almost a question. "This explains a lot. That's why I could hear the voice; it was in parseltounge. That's why Hagrid's…

Yes, Harry. I think that is what is happening. I also think that it is hiding in the chamber of Secrets inside the girl's bathroom on the second floor.

"…roosters disappeared or were killed. But where is it hiding? The Chamber of Secrets, it's hiding in the chamber. But where is the chamber at?" She could feel him reapplying the paste to her arm and hand before he stopped again. "It's in the girl's bathroom. That's why you went there." Harry's voice was near mute as the words came from his mouth. "Professor McGonagall," he called out in the room.

Seconds latter she could hear the Scottish transfiguration professor's voice return, "What is it Mr. Potter?"

"Hermione figured out what is happening to the student's."

"Explain yourself."

"I just found a parchment from a book and a mirror in her hand. She figured out that a basilisk is what is attacking the students. The morning that she was petrified, she went to the library with Penelope…"

"Potter, a basilisk kills its victims. It does not petrify. How could you be so ignorant in your accusations?" Snape interrupted in his most demeaning tone that he could muster.

"Severous, shut up and keep your comments to your self." McGonagall directed to the potions master. "He is correct though Mr. Potter. A basilisk kills."

"I don't know why it did not kill anyone, but since Hermione was using a mirror she must have figured it out. If the basilisk is in the Chamber of Secrets, and it was responsible for attacking students, then it explains a lot of things. All of Hagrid's roosters have been killed or disappeared. It says that the mortal enemy of the basilisk is a crowing rooster. I also think that the basilisk could have killed Moaning Myrtle. "

"That is very thin Mr. Potter. You will need more evidence to convince me of your idea."

A long pause swept into the room. Go ahead, Harry. They need to know about the voices.

"I have also heard voices this year," he replied weakly to start. "Every time someone has been attacked, I have heard the voice seemingly travel in the walls of the castle. Since I am a parselmouth, I can hear the snake talking."

"That makes a stronger argument." She paused while to collect her thoughts. "Even if the petrified student's testimony confirmed your deductions, without the location of the location of the Chamber of Secrets we have no method of protecting the students. Therefore, I am afraid, that the school will have to close due to the circumstances. I want you to stay here in the infirmary while I confer with Albus and the minister. Please come with me Severous."

Hermione heard their soft footsteps falling into the distance. "I'm sorry Hermione, but I can't let the school close while I am still standing. I will not return to the Dursley's for a life to live in the conditions that I have been exposed to in that house. I have to try to put an end to this." Hermione felt the weight of Harry's shirt drape itself back across her exposed arm returning the warmth. "I don't know if I can even find the chamber, but I have to at least try. I will be careful, I promise. I'll even try not to get expelled." She could see his smile widen in her imagination at the memory of their first year. "I love you Hermione."

And I love you too Harry. For the second time in her young life, she felt his lips press to hers in a passionate kiss. No matter how much she tried to respond, to embrace, to savour the kiss, she could not. Harry departed quickly, leaving in his wake, longing, love, and emptiness.

-000-

How long has it been? Ten, twenty minutes, maybe an hour. I can't stand this.

Harry knows how to take care of himself. He will be ok. The opposite side of her brain joined in the one-sided conservation.

I don't know. Hopefully he will not even find the entrance. That should keep him safe.

You know how to open the entrance.

No, I have no idea how to open it. I have never done it.

Think about it for a moment. If you were Slytherin and built the Chamber of Secrets, how would you protect to opening?

Parseltounge. But shouldn't there be some type of phrase or word protecting the entrance.

Maybe, maybe not. How many people are parselmouths? The phrase may be as simple as open sesame.

That is only in fairy tales.

Yes, but how different is this from fairy tales with everyone performing magic.

I see your point. But the basilisk may kill him.

It is certainly possible, but Harry is a strong, resourceful person. That is why you love him the way you do. Besides he doesn't have to fight the basilisk, he simply has to rescue Ginny… if it's not too late.

Please be careful Harry.

-000-

This itching is making me insane.

Well, if you wish to return to the land of the living, you must endure it. In addition, that is not the real reason you are nervous. At least our fingers and toes are not as cold as they have been. It seems that the potion is working.

Please don't remind me of Harry's situation. I am worried sick about him and what is going on.

It shouldn't be much longer now. I think that we will find out soon of the results.

-000-

I can move my fingers. At least I think I can.

Yes, they and your toes are moving now. It shouldn't be much longer now.

Where is Harry? I want to know what is…what is that? Footsteps. I hear footsteps coming in this direction. Harry!

"I think that he should make a total recovery Minerva. Alas, I have my reservations about Mr. Lockhart's chances." Dumbledore's warm voice announced his arrival. "Currently his mind is in total disarray."

"You scanned him, didn't you? You old coot." McGonagall's voice was serious, with a side of playfulness served with it.

"Of course, I did. I had to see what had happened. Madam Pomfrey, could you please join us. Please put Mr. and Ms. Weasley on the other side, Minerva." Dumbledore chuckled slightly. "Apparently his greatest magical feat of his life has come with the use of memory charms.

"That doesn't surprise me that much. As soon as I met him, I knew that there was something fraudulent about him. I am worried about Mr. Potter though."

"His body has taken a shock, but his soul and magic are strong. They will provide him with the necessary strength to overcome."

"Headmaster, I am so glad that you…Harry." An audible gasp erupted from the throat of the medi-witch. "I apologize Headmaster. I was saying that I am glad that you have returned. Please do not be offended at that remark Minerva."

"I am glad that he has returned as well. I am a teacher, not a headmaster."

"Ahem, excuse me, but Mr. Potter has been attacked by a basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets while rescuing Ms. Weasley. It seems that he convinced Mr. Weasley and Mr. Lockhart to join him in the rescue operation. However, a cave in caused by Mr. Lockhart while using Mr. Weasley's broken wand to perform a memory charm separated them. Harry went on rescuing Ms. Weasley from certain death. Ms. and Ms. Weasley seem to be exhausted, but functioning normally. Currently they are under a mild sleeping charm. Mr. Lockhart's mind is in horrible disarray, which I doubt that he will recover from, but he is sleeping as well. However, Mr. Potter was bitten by the basilisk." Hermione tried to draw a deep breath at the news, but was still unable to do so. "Fawkes was there during the battle, and applied his tears to the affected area, neutralizing the affects of the venom, but I am still worried about him. It is vital that we do everything to ensure his survival."

"Certainly Headmaster." There was a slight pause that indicated that the medi-witch was examining Harry. "No broken bones anywhere. His heart rate and breathing are normal. All of his vital signs and internal organs are normal. His magical levels are elevated though. This could be a result of he his increased adrenaline during the battle. I am sure that he will make a full recovery. He has a lot to live for, he does."

"I presume that is Ms. Granger's responsibility."

"What do you know about that?" McGonagall questioned.

Dumbledore chuckled before responding, "I will only tell you that it was instinct. I assume that he spent a great deal of time here during my absence."

"I found him sleeping next to Ms. Granger on many a nigh' while making my rounds. I alerted Minerva, but she assured me that it would be acceptable."

"I couldn't see waking him from a comfortable sleep."

"Minerva, please don't chastise me for my decisions from this point forward then." A light teasing tone filled his voice. "How are the recovery efforts proceeding, Poppy?"

"According to plan. Not a great deal of activity at this moment, but the potion hasn't had the time to work properly."

"Very well, please check the status of the rest of our adventurous crew."

"Yes, Headmaster."

"Was it the Fat Friar again?"

"Of course not. It truly was instinct, Minerva. Harry, Ron, and Hermione have created a special bond between themselves. Harry and Hermione have the greatest amount in common, so that makes their relationship more familiar, more involved."

"I will trust your judgement Albus." Minerva paused slightly before continuing. "You said that it was vital for him to survive. Why did you say that?"

"Tom Riddle is an ever present foe. With the discovery of the diary, I am more convinced of this. One day he will return to power to challenge Mr. Potter and the rest of the wizarding world."

"I dread the day if that occurs."

"I have no reason to believe that it will not happen. When it does, our trio will play a large part in his defeat."

"They have faced so much in their short lives, it is dreadful to believe that they will face more challenges in their future."

"Enough of this. There is time before that happens. The best that we can do from now till then is mentor them and provide a solid basis for their development." Hermione could hear the nearly silent footfalls approach her location. "I think that our discussion may be upsetting to our patients. Ms. Granger, are you able to hear me?" She tried to speak, but no words escaped her mouth. Frantically she began moving her fingers rapidly in an attempt to signal to the professors. "Very good Ms. Granger. I am going to put a mild sleeping charm on you until the potion completes its work."

-000-

Hermione stood in front of a full-length mirror staring at the image in front of her. Surrounding the mirror stood the treasures of her past. A reading lamp flanked a large worn leather chair and her opened travelling trunk. Beside them a wall of shelves overflowed with books. The other side of the mirror opened into a bay window with curtains fluttering in the breeze floating through the open window. On the opposite wall sat a sturdy oak desk with a matching straight-backed chair. Behind the desk hung pictures of Hermione through the ages on the walls.

Hermione was dressed in a long white silk dress. Behind her a flowing train stretched across the glistening oak floor to the scarlet and gold rug. Drawing her eyes closer to her body, she could see ivory leather shoes covering her feet with a moderate pedestal underneath her heal. Moving upward, allowed her to view long, slender legs through a slit in the side of the dress. Her arms were bent slightly at the elbows, perched in front of her holding a small bouquet of light blue lilies that rested just below her waist.

Continuing up her body, she could see the dress stretched across her chest and torso with a form fitting appearance. At the edges of the dress, sparkling gems with a milky appearance bounced the soft light that flowed through the open widow in millions of directions. A string of pearls danced around her neck with identical pearls dangling from her ears. Her face was thinner slightly, but chocolate eyes were surrounded by an expanse of flawless porcelain skin. On top of the loose ringlets that dropped past her shoulders, stood an ivory veil folded back. A soft knock on the door drew her attention and caused her to answer. "Come in." Hermione's voice was pleasingly soft, almost giddy.

The door swung open effortlessly to reveal an older man standing at the threshold dressed in a black tux. Distinguished would have been a word for him, except for the reddened and puffy eyes. His face was smooth with a strong jaw except for the frown lines crossing his forehead and the smile lines radiating from the corners of his mouth. Hints of grey peppered his wavy, dark brown hair at the temples.

"Daddy, there is no need to be sad." Hermione stepped toward the man wrapping her sleeveless arms around her neck. "I will be great. I know that he will take care of me."

She felt a shiver travel down his body. "Don't get me wrong sweetheart, I love him. No one could care for my little girl more." He paused to wipe the dripping tears from his eyes. "It is just a father thing, that is all." She could see his bright hazel eyes twinkling, observing the sight in front of him. "You are beautiful. He is a lucky man."

Hermione could feel the warmness rush her cheeks at his compliment. "I guess that it's time?"

A simple nod from her father was all that he could manage as the flood of emotions filled his heart. She captured the crook of his arms with a lacy glove, exiting the door into a large living room decorated with flowers sitting on every available open space. Intermixed with them stood various sized boxes wrapped with muted toned paper and large bows. Sliding between the boxes and flowers, the pair made their way toward the French doors opening onto the patio and backyard.

Pausing at the door, Hermione's father turned to face her. "I am so proud of you for everything that you have accomplished in your short life. Your decision to wait till you finished university before marrying him did not affect him at all, but it did surprise both your mother and myself. You two have so much in common, you mother and I thought that after graduation a marriage ceremony would soon occur." Again, the man paused to wipe the tears from his eyes. "You have a fine man waiting for you in the garden in hopes that your will marry him." He could see the tears beginning to well in the corners of her chocolate eyes as he spoke. "If you don't know, he would have waited till you were on your deathbed to marry you if that is what you wanted to do."

"Daddy," she choked out between the tears.

"Let's not keep him waiting any longer," he said with a large smile on his face.

"Wait," Hermione leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "I love both you and mum."

"We love you too." Releasing the embrace, he turned toward the door and swung it outward.

The sudden soft wave of roses and fresh cut grass washed over the pair; immediately following the scents was a wave of music. The Wedding March filled their ears. Hermione turned her eyes up to see a plush carpet of scarlet and gold stretching to a simple wooden alter covered with flowers and green vines. On either side of the isle were people sitting in their finest dress clothes and robes beaming bright smiles and nodding their heads at the bride. To the left of the alter were two women dressed in elegant emerald green dresses that reached to their ankles. Ginny and Luna were delighted to be her wedding party. On the other side stood a handsome man with messy black hair dressed in a black tux. To his side stood two more men also dressed in black tuxes. One of them had bushy red hair while the other had neatly parted brown hair; Ron and Neville were standing by Harry on this day. However, the only one she had eyes for was the raven haired one, whom she was going to marry.

Slowly crossing the carpet was an exercise of her patience. Time seemed to stand still as she walked the carpet. Arriving at the alter, she lightly kissed her father on the cheek before turning her attention to the man waiting for her.

"Your beautiful, Hermione. I love you."

"I love you too, Harry."

-000-

Hermione opened her eyes slightly allowing the bright sunlight to flow slowly into her sight-depraved mind. Turning slightly, she stretched the sore muscles of her arms and legs that had not moved in weeks. A deep breath allowed her to sense the fragrances of evergreen and musk. Harry?

Opening her eyes wider, she saw Harry sitting on the edge of her bed. "Hi Hermione. I hope that I didn't wake you." Harry's voice was warm and soft just as Hermione remembered it. A slight grin was mixed with scratches and cuts on his face. His emerald green eyes betrayed his face and allowed her to see the great relief that swept from his soul once Harry knew that she was ok.

Quickly she sat up in the bed and wrapped her weary bones around his neck and shoulders relishing the strength that they contained. Cautiously, she felt his arms encircle her as well, returning the embrace.

"Did you…" Hermione's voice was dry and weak as she tried to speak.

"There's a glass of water beside the bed if you need it. I thought that it might be helpful."

Unwilling to let go of him at the moment, she cleared her voice before she pushed on, "Did you mean what you said?"

"Uh, what do you mean?" His voice was quivering similar to water logged sand. Slowly he pulled away from her grip, to look into her eyes. Nervousness spread across his face while his eyes told Hermione that he meant everything that he said to her.

"It's ok, Harry. I love you too. I don't know when it started. I never even really thought about it, but you mean the world to me." She reached out to clasp her hands in his feeling the warmth and love in them that she had become conscious of and needed in the past weeks. Slowly she leaned into his body and pressed her lips against his absorbing the emotions lingering on their smooth surface. Breaking their contact, she pressed her forehead against Harry's before saying, "your love warmed my stone heart."

The End

Again, thank you to all who have read my words. I hope that you have enjoyed my story and again thank you.

May someone always care for you.