Love On Risky Ground

Love On Risky Ground

Chapter 15

Visitors

"How is he?" Sirius asked as a Healer poured a potion into a glass. Sirius stood behind him, waiting for answers about the condition of his godson. He - they desperately needed to know that he was going to live. It was a horrible night for them all at the cottage, especially for Sirius - seeing Harry like that just made him even more protective of him. He wished to act like the Cerberus at the gate of Hades, to stand guard over his boy and let his three sets of canines growl at any danger that passed. Sirius growled in frustration. Minutes after they had entered the house, Harry was in a critical phase between life and death and they needed to get him to St Mungo's hospital. Dumbledore charmed a chair into a portkey and they were transported without any hitches. Now they waited in hope that he was going to be fine.

The Healer gave Sirius a slightly belligerent look, adding a spoonful of orange powder to the potion, making it instantly fizz. "Sir, if you keep pestering me ... I cannot concentrate on making Harry better."

Sirius narrowed his eyes; he was about to throw a series of insults at the Healer when Dumbledore touched his shoulder in an effort to calm him down. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. Yet, Sirius ignored the Headmaster, continuing to stare at the Healer.

The Healer sighed, becoming intimidated, not only because of the stare but, Sirius guessed, it was his ex-conviction of murdering thirteen people that still plagued the air. "When we stabilise him, someone will tell you of his condition." The Healer vanished behind a large blue door where Harry was receiving magical care.

Sirius' eyes didn't move from the door but he soon found his feet moving him towards it. That was, until Dumbledore stopped him in his tracks.

"Sirius, take a seat. Relax! Have a hot cup of tea and let the staff do their job," Dumbledore said quietly.

Sirius turned and took Dumbledore's advice. He sat down and sombrely watched Hermione who was being hugged by her mother, tears streaming down both their faces. Across the corridor Ron sat with his own mother and father, clearly distraught and withdrawn.

Sirius shot up and began pacing the bland corridor of the hospital. He saw Remus stride forward, dripping wet from the heavy rain pouring outside.

"Albus," Remus said, removing his cloak. "Kingsley told me that Aurors have been placed at designated spots and protection has been tightened all over the hospital."

Dumbledore inhaled deeply, clasping his hands together. "Good, good. We don't want the same mistake to happen again. Nice to have the Ministry do something else right for a change."

"Hestia and Tonks have notified Richard Broden's wife about his death at the cottage."

"I shall talk to her as soon as I can. He was a good hard working wizard and it is a shame..."

Sirius listened on. Richard had only started out in the Order a week ago, and then killed by Voldemort. The new member, full of vigour to fight against the Dark Side, was the third member in the second war to be killed and soon others may follow. Hagrid was the first. Then Snape. Sirius grimaced, feeling his jaw stiffen in anger and grief.

"Anyone else injured?"

Remus shrugged. "A couple of broken bones and cuts, nothing more tragic than losing poor Broden."

Sirius rubbed his eyes. The talk about losing members soon drifted back onto Harry. "I want to know what's happening!" He hit his hands on the wall, releasing his bottled rage and anger toward the whole situation - the unfairness of it all.

***

Hermione jolted at Sirius' torment. She sniffled, glancing at Ron for a slight moment before lowering her eyes, thinking about Harry. She was so scared that he wouldn't make it. She didn't know how she'd cope if he passed on. Hermione wiped her tears away and forced herself to think positively. Harry is going to make it! she thought with determination. She felt love for Harry that she had never experienced with Ron. It was more fulfilling. She couldn't explain it, and Ron might never understand the change in feelings.

Hermione braved a second look at Ron as her mother rocked her, feeling her pain. Hermione raked her brain for information. Yes, she loved Ron, but he was different from Harry. Harry's love went further; he understood her and who she was on a different level, something which Ron struggled a little with.

But, Hermione cried silently. She would have never loved Harry, were it not for the traumatic events of the summer. Perhaps she might have fallen in love with Harry differently, but she was sure if they had done it differently, they would have betrayed Ron. It was all spawned by the need to get away from the torments of reality, and the desperate need to find solace within each other. Harry's desire to love her had inadvertently triggered her love for him.

Hermione sobbed quietly. Their love had ruined their friendship with Ron. She had to give Harry up for the time being to think things over ... it just wasn't as stable for her to have a relationship with Harry, with Ron heartbroken and angry with the two of them. Hermione needed to think about her next course of action more thoroughly, so they could be together again. She thought it over for a few silent moments. Yes, she wanted to bury her feelings for Harry for the time being.

Hermione closed her eyes. She tried to make her love for Harry neutral, but it didn't work. Whatever the summer had caused, her love for Harry was going to stay.

***

Ron lifted his sore eyes and locked his vision onto Hermione - the girlfriend, the best friend he had once loved and still loved. Thoughts of betrayal trickled back and he had to look away in disgust, realising that nothing will ever be the same again.

He wasn't sure if he could look at her again. He wasn't sure he would be able to see Harry ... and he wasn't sure if he would be able to forgive them.

But then Ron had betrayed Harry as well.

Ron shook his head, feeling his own mother's warmth as she comforted him. Damn the Imperius Curse! he thought bitterly. He was fighting it off, until Malfoy doubled the effect. Ron shook his head, wishing that it wasn't true ... wishing that he had tried harder to fight the curse - and now Harry lay dying because of him. The guilt! He knew Harry wouldn't blame him for what had happened, but Ron still wasn't sure if he could forgive Harry for what he did. He snuggled tighter in his mother's arms.

"Shhh, it wasn't your fault, Ron." Mrs Weasley whispered, kissing his forehead while she stroked her youngest son's fiery hair.

Ron looked up. He sensed that his mother knew that something was going on between his friends and him. But she wasn't asking questions, and Ron was glad she didn't.

***

In deep distress, Sirius passed Mrs Weasley. He couldn't handle it anymore! He needed to know. Just as he was about to curse at the night air of the silent hospital, a Mediwitch walked out, clasping her hands. She spotted Sirius and ushered him forward. Her eyes were without any hint of expression, without any forewarning emotions. Sirius could not tell what she was feeling - or if she was feeling anything at all.

"Are you the boy's guardian?" she asked.

Sirius nodded, his eyes wide. "What is it? Tell me. Why won't you people say anything?"

The Mediwitch raised her hands, looking around her. "Sir, please, calm down ... there are people resting."

Everyone stood and grouped together, all wanting Harry to make it through.

"Mr Black, Harry is going to be fine." The Mediwitch looked at the worried people in turn. "We've stopped the bleeding, and though he is not out of danger yet, he is doing quite well at the moment..."

"Is he awake?" Dumbledore questioned, before Sirius could say anything further.

The Mediwitch nodded. "Yes he is, but he needs his rest. He knows you're all here and he wants you all to know that you shouldn't worry and that he is ... sorry. You can see him tomorrow, Mr Black."

The Mediwitch then left, returning back into Harry's room and closed the door behind her.

***

Harry slept for many days, but when he woke, he knew Sirius was by his bedside. As he rested his eyes, his sensitive ears heard a door opening. He could sense light drifting in from the curtained windows. He had been so exhausted from the loss of blood and trauma - but he was regaining strength. Harry groaned and wanted to turn over, glad for whatever potion had taken his pain away. He cringed in agony, not of pain, but of the memories from the cottage. He remembered Ron yelling at him and Hermione, Ron stabbing him, Voldemort, Hermione crying as Lucius tormented her, and lastly, Sirius begging him to hang on to the thread of life which he had. He shook his head, wanting all of it to go away.

"Harry," someone said in the room.

Harry took in a deep breath and blinked at the blurry vision of a figure wearing black. Harry closed his tired eyes - and felt a warm hand on his forehead, comforting and soothing.

"It's me ... Sirius. Remus is here as well," Sirius whispered.

"Professor Lupin?" Harry smiled sheepishly.

"Just call me Remus, Harry."

Harry moved his eyes to another figure who stood beside him. Sirius. Harry felt glasses being put on his face and instantly his vision sharpened, and he saw Remus and Sirius' pale and worried faces. Their eyes were significantly bloodshot from all the emotions they had experienced.

"Are Hermione and Ron OK?" Harry questioned, concerned about everything they had gone through.

Sirius nodded. "They're fine except for some bruises and scratches. Mentally, I don't - they're all outside," Sirius said, changing the subject midway.

Harry was stunned; they didn't need to stay for him. "They should go home and rest," he said quietly.

Remus sat down. "I doubt they would, Harry. They'll be here for you no matter what. Are you in pain?"

"No," he said, putting on a brave face. "Is- is Ron here too?"

"Yes he is," Remus replied, turning around to see a Mediwitch walking in. Harry didn't notice her step forth, for the thought of hurting Ron and the anguish Ron had received from Voldemort greatly affected his mind. Harry was surprised Ron was even outside the room.

"Mr Potter, you need to take your potion," the blonde plump Mediwitch said. She held up a smoking goblet and Harry cringed.

Sirius helped lift Harry's head up and the nurse gently poured the potion into his mouth. Once he had drunk as much as he could, Sirius let his head meet the pillow.

"Thanks," Harry croaked.

"You're welcome, Harry," Sirius started.

With a woeful expression, Harry blinked at him. "Yeah?"

"The Dursleys have given me your guardianship. You'll be living with me."

Harry already knew that he was going to stay with him. He had just guessed it. He simply nodded appreciatively. "I can't wait to move in," Harry croaked.

Harry heard Remus chuckle to himself and wanted to know what was so funny. At last Remus spoke. "Sirius, you should tell him what you did to the Dursleys. That should put a smile on his face ..."

Sirius cleared his throat and stared at the ceiling, leaving Harry to wonder what had happened. "Oh, go on ... tell me." Harry urged, his haunting recollections disappearing from his mind.

"Moony ... I did nothing! My wand had a mind of its own ... I swear," he lied, shrugging at his best friend.

"Maybe you should snap it in half and get a new one then, eh, Snuffles?" Remus replied with sarcasm.

Harry wanted to know. However, he had to hand it to them, they were making him feel better.

"Padfoot, Moony ... My nickname is Padfoot," Sirius replied, shaking his head. Harry grinned.

Remus sighed. "I was getting used to your new alias." He stood up and walked over to the large window, where he kneaded his forehead.

"You know, that old neighbour of yours called me Snuffle-Wuffle-Fluffle once. It was quite embarrassing," Sirius said bitterly. Remus snorted in the background.

Harry had to stop laughing; he was clearly torn between pain and amusement. "Oh go on, Sirius, tell me what happened with the Dursleys."

Sirius took a deep breath and started the story. "Well by Ministry law, which coincides with Muggle law in family matters - although, I must say it is rather outdated - I had to legally transfer your guardianship to me, as well as get your stuff. And -"

Harry listened attentively to everything that happened when Remus and Sirius had gone to the Dursleys. He silently laughed when Sirius finished. "Nice prank!" Harry said, smiling. He was glad the he would never see the Dursleys again. After all these years, ever since the brief flicker of hope in third year when Sirius had asked him to stay with him before he was captured, he was happy.

"You should say that again! Your godfather got a whopping fine from the Ministry when some Muggles saw a couple of the household items walking and doing some strange stunts on the street."

"I hope it wasn't too much," Harry chortled, ignoring the pain.

"Nah ... it was nothing. We've had worse times with Filch actually. But I have to tell you, Harry, the Ministry's paper work on the wardrobe snapping your aunt shut in it was just priceless," Sirius said, trying not to laugh. Harry had tears in his eyes and Remus had to sit on the foot on the bed, laughing softly.

After a minute of two, Sirius sighed. "Well, I think the Healer will be back in a bad mood, seeing the fuss I've caused."

Harry didn't want them to leave. "Please don't leave. Not now," he pleaded.

Sirius bowed his head in silence. "All right, I'll stay here and keep you company. I don't know about Remus -"

"I can't! I've got to keep in contact with the you-know-what members," Remus replied with a whisper. He strode over to Harry and grasped his shoulder firmly. "You'll be fine, I know you will. I'll see you tomorrow."

Harry relaxed; he was tempted by sleep again, put his mind to rest and get rid of the horrible flashes he was starting to see again. Harry was about to ask for a Dreamless Sleep Potion, but the Mediwitch had almost read his mind, bustling in with yet another potion. He drank it and watched Sirius as he sat deep in thought. Harry wondered what he was thinking about. The atmosphere of the room had changed from a bright and calming mood to melancholy again.

"I'll tell the others that they can see you tomorrow, then," the Mediwitch said before leaving for another patient.

"Rest now," Sirius finally said, gently squeezing Harry's hand in a paternal manner. Harry closed his eyes, hearing Sirius' last words before he dozed off. "I'll be here."

***

Harry awoke the next morning to bright sunshine, the heavenly warmth spreading over his body. He was feeling much better. He put his glasses on and spotted Sirius sleeping rather uncomfortably on the chair, with a blanket thrown on top of him. He gently prodded Sirius awake. However, Sirius woke slightly startled.

"Sorry," Harry said gently, propping against his bedpost. Living in Azkaban and worrying about getting caught had proved to have a bad effect on Sirius.

"Not your fault. Hey, Harry, I'm just going to freshen up." Sirius rubbed the stubble on his chin and yawned.

"Say hi to everyone ..." Harry gulped.

"Will do." Sirius winked and left him alone.

By mid morning, the Healer had come in and examined Harry and a Mediwizard had changed the wounds' dressings. Harry remained alone, thinking about Ron and Hermione. He was more worried about Ron. Harry wanted to talk to Ron, to apologise for what had occurred between him and Hermione and for what Voldemort made Ron do. But as he stared at the ceiling, Harry could not forget the love, the completeness he felt when he was with Hermione.

Echoing footsteps made Harry turn his head immediately. He saw Hermione enter the room, her parents following. She flung her arms around Harry.

"Oh, Harry!" she wailed. "We thought we were going to lose you," she cried.

Harry rested his head on her shoulder; glad she was there to hold him after all that had happened. "Hermione, I'm not going anywhere," he stated, reassuring her. "Have a seat."

Hermione and her parents sat down. Mrs Granger placed her hand on Harry's arm, watching him timidly. After a moment of peace, she asked, "How are you feeling?"

Harry took in a deep breath. "I'm feeling better, thank you," he replied rather gloomily, watching Hermione sink into her seat, looking a bit withdrawn.

"We were so worried when you and Hermione went missing. We thought you were captured or -" Mrs Granger couldn't bear to say the word. "... And then this happens, even though you two were protected."

"I know we were. I'm sorry Hermione had to be in the middle of it." He shook his head. "I wish -"

Harry had trouble expressing what he truly felt, not with Hermione watching him and listening. He just wished he never went to the Grangers' in the first place and fell in love with Hermione. Then again, if he didn't, he would've died at the hands of Death Eaters for sure, and he possibly would never have felt the happiness he had when he kissed Hermione.

Mrs Granger sighed. Harry knew she had something else on her mind. "Honey ... Harry, Hermione whatever happened in the cottage, I don't really approve -" Mrs Granger started.

"Hermione, what your mother is trying to say is that we all made mistakes in the past and we can all try to make it better. Things do change and we respect whatever decision you will make in the future." Mr Granger stated. He patted his wife's hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

Hermione nodded. "Mum, Dad, I need to talk to Harry alone now, please."

"OK, we'll be outside if you need us. We hope you get better before school starts, Harry." Mr Granger said, placing a gentle hand on the top of Harry's head before leaving with Mrs Granger.

Once the door closed, Hermione began, "I told Ron everything, Harry. That I was sorry for what happened." Hermione looked at him. "I told him that I was breaking up with him. I think we shouldn't get together, just until we've had the time to think things over and start again," she said with quivering lips. "I want to start again with all of this in the past."

"I understand." Harry swallowed. He felt a hard lump form in his throat and he couldn't get rid of it.

"I've broken his heart, Harry. We've betrayed his trust. He is really hurting. He didn't even speak to me. For Ron's sake we need to think about what we are doing and where we go from here."

Harry stared into her eyes, searching, feeling the pain she was feeling. Stunned at what he had heard, he tried to calm her - but he resigned himself, knowing that she was doing the right thing.

"Hermione ... you're right." Harry paused, dispirited. "Let's just put this behind us for now and be friends. Try and patch up our friendship with Ron and then ... then we'll think about our relationship later." He hurt. Saying it truly made Harry want to run away. But it was the right thing to do.

"Nothing will be the same ever again, Harry. Do you think we can be best friends again, the way we were before? We can just try to make amends." Hermione bit her lip.

***

Harry had spoken to Dumbledore and Kingsley as he recovered. The Ministry needed to know what had happened to him. So the old Headmaster sat with twinkling eyes, listening, with Kingsley behind him writing everything down for the Auror Investigation they had to conduct.

Harry sighed. "With the three of us there, the Death Eaters wanted to get some information about the Order before they killed us. They tortured me, to mentally break us so one of us might tell them. But we didn't tell them anything, even stuff they probably already knew of."

"And Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked.

"He Apparated later on," Harry said. "Sir, is the Headquarters still at the same place?"

Dumbledore nodded. "For now it is, but we will be changing its location shortly. We can only Apparate into the house or floo there, so you were lucky to have not gone there. Death Eaters were patrolling around the area in disguise. They know we are there, but can't find us, since I am the Secret Keeper."

When Kingsley had left, Dumbledore sat peacefully, talking to Harry, wishing him well. It was comforting for Harry. Dumbledore felt like the grandfather he never had, even though he had past grudges against the old Headmaster.

"Harry," he began, tapping his long fingers.

"Yes, sir?"

"I apologise for what you had to go through this summer." He breathed deeply. "I should have put more people in charge of Privet Drive when Mrs Figg went to visit her sick friend, besides Mundungus. It is amazing how history repeats itself." Dumbledore shook his head. "You would've been protected in the Muggle hospital otherwise."

"Sir, I'm not blaming anyone," Harry said. He shut his eyes; it was no one's fault, except Voldemort's desire to vanquish him. "I still would've fallen from the roof and lost my ability to talk. And if I never went to the cottage I would never had spoken again."

"Hmmm, true," Dumbledore thought out loud. "But perhaps not."

Harry felt slightly ill. "But if I hadn't gone, people wouldn't have had to die." He cringed, letting a few moments of silence flutter by. He had learnt from Remus that a new member had died, and soon Harry remembered fondly the first time he had met Hagrid and the last time he had ever seen him. He turned his face away to wipe away his tears. Now Snape was dead too, he thought.

New questions formed in his mind. "Er ... who is the new Potions Professor, sir, now that ... that Professor Snape is-is gone?"

"Still searching ... it seems people are not willing to take on any Hogwarts positions in fear that they are jinxed. I might have to look abroad ... we'll find one eventually. Professor Snape was one of the best Potions Masters. He might've been harsh, but his skills were quite impressive. However, I wouldn't be surprised if she follows - " Dumbledore stopped in mid-sentence and his eyes twinkled, leaving Harry with a confused look. "You'll find out."

Harry nodded. Dumbledore observed him as though he could see quite deep into his soul.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I do hope you will patch up your friendship with Ronald Weasley," Dumbledore said finally.

"I hope so too," Harry replied rather gloomily. He turned towards his cabinet where there lay several get-well cards, flowers and food. He felt a little depressed and thought that a chocolate frog would do him some good, and he picked one for himself and another for the old Headmaster.

"Chocolate Frog?" Harry asked, holding the little package out. He needed to change the conversation in fear that he might drown himself in sorrow.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he graciously accepted the box and opened it. Harry's frog leaped onto the bed, frightening the Healer who was looking at his chart, but Professor Dumbledore caught his frog with his wizard hat (it fell right into it after its first jump).

"Ahhh ... finally!" Professor Dumbledore said happily, his moustache quivering as he looked at the card with wide eyes.

Harry gulped his last bit of chocolate, forgetting about his own card. "Who is it, Professor?"

"I have at last completed my card collection." He held up the card and looked at the old wizard on the cover who was nodding at him. "I've waited seventy years to get this card. This wizard had always seemed to escape me," he replied with relish. He gazed at Harry, who sat wondering who it was. "It is the Great Wizard Vainanoimen." He handed the card to Harry.

Vainanoimen.

A powerful wizard from Finland. Renowned for his explorations, magic and the production of a magical talisman, which gives its wearer power and strength.

He also established the Order of Vainanoimen in his native Homeland and when he had retired set out on a long worldly holiday in his favourite boat.

The wizard loved sailing, fishing, camping, botany and Magizoology, and had dearly loved his mother.

800- 1001

Harry looked at the wizard's image. His eyes were dark and mysterious, yet held great power and knowledge. His beard rivalled Professor Dumbledore's, but it was more tangled and dirty from all the years he had explored the world.

"He was my inspiration while growing up ... he and Merlin." Dumbledore clapped his hands together and Harry smiled. Dumbledore looked at the card once more and chuckled to himself. "He loved to fish ... I wonder if he met Vedas."

Harry laughed, but Vedas reminded him of something. "Sir, would it be possible to give St Mungo's the speech potions, so nobody else in the wizarding world has to go through what I went through?"

Dumbledore smiled. "It's your decision, Harry," he replied. "It would mean a great deal to the people who haven't talked for many years," he said. "A wonderful gift."

"Thanks, sir. I wouldn't have gotten through without that fish."

***

The visit that Harry dreaded was seeing the Weasleys. He did not want to know how they reacted when they found out about Harry falling in love with Ron's girlfriend, their best friend.

Mr and Mrs Weasley sat down quietly one afternoon in silence. Harry gulped, a little uncomfortable with the atmosphere of the room and the heavy rain outside didn't help.

"Is Ron outside?" Harry questioned, looking at their pale faces.

"No, he went home," Mr Weasley said, putting down some flowers that he had set in a vase.

Harry ran his fingers through his hair. "He ... he doesn't want to see me, does he?"

Mr Weasley shook his head. "He doesn't right now. I told him that you are his best friend no matter what, and you need his support, but he took off. I think he also feels horrible for what he did to you."

Harry turned away, avoiding their eyes, especially Mrs Weasley's. She looked as though she was biting back some words. "Please tell him that it wasn't his fault." Harry desperately pleaded.

"I hope you are feeling better," Mr Weasley croaked. "Be back at Hogwarts before the new term begins."

Harry nodded. "I hope so as well." He fiddled with his bed sheets, and continued, "I think they'll let me out soon enough; maybe in a week."

"Excellent, that's great news ... don't you think so, Molly?" Mr Weasley nudged his wife who had been staring out of the window for most of the visit, trying to get a response from her.

She bowed her head, eyes red with dark circles lining them. She had obviously been crying and concerned, but deep down she was fighting other feelings. Emotions she wanted Harry to know. "Harry ..."

"Mrs Weasley ... I'm sorry, I really am," Harry spoke hastily, instinctively guessing what she was about to say.

She sighed. "I'm grateful that you are, Harry; you had gone through a terrible traumatic summer. I realise that strange circumstances can change a person's feeling towards someone in a time of desperate need. But you've broken my son's heart, and he'll never forget what happened."

"No ... Mrs Weasley," Harry was going to tell her the truth that he had been in love with Hermione before the accident had taken place. He had kept his emotions hidden and he was not going to justify his actions with excuses. "I have loved her for a long time."

Mrs Weasley's eyes bored into Harry's, her eyes blazing with strong emotions. "You and Ron - he loved you like a brother, Harry, and you -" She stopped, controlling herself. "I really thought better of you."

Harry felt sick, damning himself for even falling in love. "I guess you hate me now ..."

Mrs Weasley was taken aback in shock. "Harry, no! I didn't say that. I don't hate you. You're like a son to me. I can never hate you. I'm just very disappointed in you and Hermione right now," she quickly said. "And although you can't change the past, I say this now ... try and make amends with Ron, because it is very important that you do."

Harry rubbed his tired eyes. " I know, I know. I really am sorry."

"I'm glad that you are," Mrs Weasley said, pushing his fringe away. "You always know that I love you and you can always come to me for advice, now more than ever."

"Yeah," Harry said, his throat feeling very dry.

Mr and Mrs Weasley stayed with him for a while, but in the back of Harry's mind, he really wanted to speak with Ron, and it was troubling him even more by the second, scared at the thought of never being friends ever again.