Harry and Hermione Start their Sixth Year

Chapter XII

Wednesday, September 4, 1996

Harry managed to drag himself out of the Defense classroom an hour later. All the Sixth year Gryffindors were waiting for him down the corridor.

"Blimey, Harry, you look awful," Neville stated.

"Thanks, Neville; I wasn't certain if I looked as bad as I feel," Harry grumbled.

Hermione started to embrace Harry, but he literally collapsed in her arms.

Hermione dropped him.

"Sorry, Harry," Hermione said, nearly in tears as she knelt and tried to gather him back in her arms.

"What did the bastard do to you, Harry?" Seamus demanded.

"We dueled, and I think he even pulled some of his punches," Harry said after he managed to open one tired eye. "I'm not hurt, just very very tired."

Dean and Ron, assured Harry wasn't hurt, pulled him up and held the shorter boy between them. "Prefect's bath?" Ron asked Hermione.

She thought and nodded. She leaned and whispered in Harry ear. He managed to nod.

"Come on, then," she said. "Neville, Seamus, go get Harry a complete change of clothes."

"Where are YOU going?" Ron demanded, shocked.

"Harry's got his boxers on," Hermione said with dignity. "We'll transfigure something into bathing suits for us." She looked at Lavender and Parvati. "If you'd care to come?"

"We wouldn't miss it," Lavender said with a grin.

Neville and Seamus went as fast as they could. When they arrived at the prefect's bath, they found Ron standing guard. "Go on in, Neville," Ron said.

"Wot about me!" Seamus protested.

"Lavender said something about not wanting to have to clean up your drool, and Hermione said we both suffered from too much testosterone," Ron grumbled.

"I'm not sure if I've been complimented or insulted," Neville said.

"Shut up and enjoy your ruddy luck," Ron told him.

Neville crossed his fingers and went on in. He came out five minutes later, smiled at Ron and Seamus, and then collapsed against the far wall with an even bigger grin on his face as he slid to the floor.

"Wot!"

"They were in the bath with Harry . . . Lavender and Parvati stood up . . . biminis. . . ."

"What?"

"I think he means bikinis," Seamus said. "Two piece bathing suits."

"Parvati is very pretty . . . but Lavender!" Neville cupped his hands well in front of his chest. "Wow! Hermione said it was a string bimini, and that's about all it was! String!"

"I thought you still wanted to date Ginny," Ron protested.

"She's with Luna," Neville replied. "I asked Parvati to the dance."

"Not Lavender?" Seamus and Ron asked together.

"Her too. We're all three going together." Neville grinned.

"You're a disgusting, lucky bastard," Seamus said. "I still haven't got a date." He turned to Ron. "Did you ask Henrietta, or is she available?"

"I already asked; she's going with me," Ron growled.

Harry had actually napped nearly his entire time in the tub. He was a bit embarrassed that he had created such a fuss, although he enjoyed seeing the three girls in their bikinis and getting massaged by all three plus Dean. Even Dean had said he wished he could paint the girls just as they were. The Gryffindors finally went down to dinner together a little late.

"So," Seamus asked just before they arrived, "did he keep beating you, or was it one long battle?"

"It was three fights, plus a little skirmishing," Harry said. "The last one went for almost forty minutes. And, just for the record, I won all three."

The group was very quiet as they walked into the Great Hall for dinner. It did not escape them that Law was missing that night.

Hermione talked with Susan and Blaise, arranging for a first meeting to go over the material for the Defense test the next morning. Harry was still tired after dinner, having expended a great deal of power in his dueling. Harry just sat in one of the comfortable, cushier chairs and watched his fellow students. Ginny stopped by and massaged Harry's still aching neck while they watched Ron beat Hermione yet again in chess. Finally Harry went to bed at 9:00.

He woke up feeling refreshed, and joined in the usual morning run. While Hermione had to go off to Runes and Arithmancy, Harry studied anatomy and prepared for the Defense meeting. Just before 10:00, Harry made his way to the Defense classroom. Two groups of First years were making their way in and out of class.

"Mister Potter," Professor Law acknowledged. "I hope you're not feeling many ill effects?"

"I was exhausted the rest of the day, but I'm feeling pretty good today," Harry answered.

"Ah, the resilience of youth," Law said with a smile. "I must admit I'm dragging today. I might even have to ask the nurse for another slight stimulant. You were most impressive yesterday. You have a fairly limited repertoire, but it's still more like I would expect of an excellent student at the beginning of their Seventh year, or even the end, than the beginning of their Sixth. But your power and talent are most impressive."

"Professor Dumbledore said we couldn't finalize any plans for the DA until after we talked yesterday, and we didn't really talk."

"True, we didn't. You have the practical knowledge; I'd like to see how you and Miss Granger do on the theory and background next week. When you both score a hundred, you may go ahead."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said. "Do you have any recommendations on . . . expanding my repertoire?"

"No," Law replied. "All things considered, it would be better to continue to improve your response times. For what needs to be done, that should serve you better at the moment, although we will diversify your blocking abilities."

"I understand, sir."

"Would you mind helping me demonstrate the blocks to the rest of the class?"

"No, sir; I'd be happy to."

Law smiled. "Then I wish you good day, Mister Potter. Classes are about to begin."

Hermione was happy with the Defense meeting, which only took a quick break for lunch. Ron had pointed out that, while they obviously needed to review, they shouldn't panic and neglect their other studies and obligations (by which he primarily meant Quidditch of course). Everyone felt they had demonstrated a good knowledge of the material they were likely to be tested on. They therefore agreed to meet again just once more before class the next week, on Sunday.

Harry and Hermione went off for their wandless magic lesson, and then joined in with most of the other Sixth years, doing their homework for the next week. They wanted to get as much done as possible, to leave their Friday free. Much of Saturday would be devoted to selecting the rest of the Quidditch team, Sunday morning Hermione had another patrol duty, and Sunday afternoon would be devoted to the Defense study group.

The pair did manage to finish their Defense essay that evening, but they both knew they would be devoting a lot of time to anatomy that term. As the Common Room slowly emptied, however, they persuaded Ron and Neville to bring Puffy and Trevor down to join their puffskeins. The Fifth years, already nearly overwhelmed by the first wave of O.W.L. material, were happy to take a break to play and pet the little balls of fluff.

Harry took the opportunity to talk with Colin. So far, Colin reported, no one had indulged in any gay bashing, although there had been a few mutterings about his 'animal nature' from some of the Slytherins. Considering their usual comments, they were being fairly restrained. Flitwick had taken one point for their comments, and even Snape had issued a warning.

Harry looked around the Common Room. It was a little after 10:00. The last of the Fourth years were just going up to their dorms, and the younger students were also gone. Most of the older students were starting to yawn and trying finish whatever paragraph they were working on.

Harry had never heard the Common Room as quiet as it had been that week -- the Weasley twins and Lee, Harry decided, had made over two-thirds of the noise all by themselves. Ginny and Hermione walked by and kissed him on the top of his head and headed up to their rooms. Ron, Dean, and Seamus were still writing away on their Defense essays, while the Seventh years were huddled together, sorting through their N.E.W.T. material.

Neville come and sat next to Harry. "You're looking thoughtful," Neville commented.

"Just thinking how quieter the Common Room is without the Weasley twins."

"That's true!" Neville agreed. "It's nice being able to snack on something around here without having to worry about turning into something or other!"

Harry smiled at the memories.

"Harry . . . could I ask you something?" Neville asked with a lowered voice.

"Sure."

"Ginny and Colin told me about the, well, the fairy fairie cakes. I've collected four; you don't happen to have your two, do you?"

"Actually, I do; why?"

"A trick on some Slytherins," Neville answered.

"Be careful, Neville," Harry warned. "We have a pretty precarious peace right now."

"I know . . . actually, Crabbe and Goyle claim they're going to use them on Malfoy, along with Pansy and Millicent. I don't know what they're going to do to him, and I don't think I want to know!"

Harry shuddered. "I don't either, but I can guess. Come on up. I have them."

Friday, September 6, 1996

"So, what do you two have planned today?" Ginny asked as the group finished breakfast.

"More anatomy study for the Medicine class," Harry said with a sigh. "We don't even start on the medical parts until we get most of this down. How about you?"

"Muggle Studies again," Ginny replied.

"We have to finish a short parchment for Herbology," Neville said. "We spent all the time doing that Defense essay."

"I'll drop all of ours off as soon as I collect Blaise's," Hermione said. "Let me go catch him."

While Hermione collected the last of the group's essays, Harry went back to his room to collect his copy of the anatomy texts. He also took the Marauders' Map.

Harry swung around the library, just as Hermione was coming towards the library from the other direction. From there, they walked together, talking normally, as Harry led them to the fourth floor.

As they approached a huge mirror on the end of a corridor, Harry checked the Map and saw there was no one nearby. "'Show us what is not shown,'" Harry quoted. The mirror slid aside. A row of torches sprung into light, and Harry guided Hermione inside. The mirror slid silently shut.

"Where are we?" Hermione asked, looking around her.

"This used to start a tunnel that ran all the way into Hogsmeade, near the 'Three Broomsticks.' The tunnel collapsed a few years ago."

"And?"

"And come down to the first floor." Harry held out his hand, and the went down the stairs together.

"Isn't this near the theatre?" Hermione asked.

"Exactly; under the seats, for the most part." Harry opened the secret door to the landing. "We have a classroom, an office, and a lavatory," Harry said. "This corridor would have continued on, until they built the theatre."

Harry opened the door to the classroom. Hermione took a deep breath out of shock. Harry had to admit, he was impressed as well.

The classroom had been emptied, cleaned, and polished. It was a long room, perhaps 15 feet wide by 48 feet. Along the far long wall and the far short wall, it was now all bookshelves. Dobby had left a note, explaining that the elves had scoured the castle, looking for lost books that did not belong to any current students. The best of the reference and text books were scattered throughout the mostly-empty shelves.

The chalk board had been refurbished, in case Hermione needed to use it for Arithmancy or her Runes. The teacher's desk had been polished. Twelve magical lamps, which could hold bluebell spells to provide light, were scattered throughout the room. Along the wall with the outside door, the elves had created a large faux window, with curtains that Hermione said had matched those in her now-lost bedroom. It could be set to show the outside conditions, bright daylight, or, as the default setting, early twilight. There were two stuffed chairs and a low table in front of the window, and a long library table going between the window and the bookshelves.

Harry took Hermione over to the door between the chalk board and the bookshelves. The former office was smaller, 15 x 18. There were three doors, the one they were standing in, one directly across the room, and an exit to the corridor to the right. Along the right wall was the exit to the corridor and then the large fireplace. Along the far wall was the next door and then a large canopy bed. Along the near wall was a huge dresser. The left wall, which ran between the two inner doors, was blank.

Harry escorted Hermione to the other inner door. Inside, the elves had extended the lavatory into a full bath, although the far wall sloped a bit to allow for the theater seats. There was a sink, toilet, and a large step-in bath, some 5 feet across by 9 feet long, with two showerheads and three faucets.

"Wow, Harry . . . this is an apartment!"

"It's a hide-away," Harry said simply. "Only me, Dumbledore, and the elves would know how to find you. I saw how hard it was for you to find quiet places to study last year. You'll need the quiet time even more with ROMP and such."

Hermione embraced Harry tightly, her head resting against his shoulder. She gave a contented sigh. Hermione wondered yet again why she hadn't gone through with her first inclination two years, even two and a half years, before.

Reality asserted itself -- Harry had certainly NOT been ready for any type of relationship until that summer. But that was seven weeks before. They now had a real relationship, far more sensual and sexual than she had anticipated having this early in her life, and one that had them even more spiritually and emotionally connected than she had ever hoped for. Harry hadn't swept her off her feet to start a romantic affair; but every day she felt she was now further off the ground. 'It's better to end up this way than it would have been to start,' Hermione decided.

She pushed Harry back so that he had to sit on the bed. She pulled off her robe. Hermione partially shut the door to the classroom, leaving the room in what she hoped was romantic shadow. Hermione slowly stripped off the rest of he school uniform, except for her long socks and shoes.

Hermione sat on Harry's lap. "Harry . . . we've never talked about it, but should we keep to magical traditions, since we're really Muggle-raised?"

"You mean . . . keeping your virginity?"

Hermione nodded.

"We both know what it's all about, right? I mean, the potions created from . . .the first night enhance the probability of male heir the first time we use it, which I don't care about, but it's also supposed to help increase the probability of magical heirs in general, which I think we would care about."

"That's true," Hermione admitted. "I just wondered."

"And you have to admit, we're having a great deal of fun without it," Harry said with a grin, rolling Hermione over on her back. "May I please please you first?"

"Please. . . ."

Thursday, September 19, 1996

A little after 5:00 pm, Ginny and Hermione were walking together towards the Transfiguration classroom. "So, did the last people finally pass their Defense test?" Ginny asked. "They should have been posted by now."

"Yes. Draco isn't going to live down the fact that it took his group two extra tries to get everyone to pass when we all passed the first time."

"Not to mention that it took him a second time to pass himself," Ginny agreed. "Did anyone other than you and Harry score a perfect score?" Law had said they had to score a hundred, which they had all feared meant a perfect score, but there were actually a hundred and twenty questions.

"No, we were the only two," Hermione said, proud they had done so on their first try.

"Not even Draco on his second try?"

"He's smart and talented, but so spoiled he doesn't understand that money can't buy everything. Sometimes, you really have to work hard."

"You seem to have been scarce these last two weeks," Ginny went on. "At first, I thought you were escaping with Harry to snog, but sometimes I see him around when you're gone."

"I've found some good hiding places," Hermione answered. "If only Harry knows where to find me, I can get some work done."

"Harry doesn't find you anyway?" Ginny teased.

"Sometimes, but even then he lets me work," Hermione retorted. Neither had used their tokens to stop the other from working.

"Ron couldn't stand not being the center of your attention," Ginny agreed. "I'm glad he and Henrietta's relationship is still staggering along. I really think he'd be hell on any girl in Gryffindor."

"It helps that Quidditch practice has started," Hermione pointed out. "Is he as bad as Wood?"

"According to Harry, no. Of course, Katie and Harry have seniority and know what they're doing. If we were all younger than Ron, I bet he'd be just as bad as Wood at his worst." They came to the Transfiguration classroom. "It's good of you to help Luna and me practice."

"I just hope she's already here. We don't have much time before dinner." Hermione opened the door.

"SURPRISE!" Luna, all of Hermione's Gryffindor yearmates, Eloise Midgen, Susan Bones, Henrietta, Colin, and several other younger Gryffindors whom Hermione often helped were all there, along with Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Lupin. There was a large sheet cake on McGonagall's desk which proclaimed 'HAPPY SWEET 16TH, HERMIONE'. Hermione saw Winky hiding in a corner, and she went to thank the elf for the cake, knowing Winky had made it on her own time.

Hermione quickly cut the carrot cake (her favorite). "What?" Remus teased, "No presents to open?"

"I don't need presents; I'm just happy you're all here," Hermione retorted. She had opened the presents from her parents that morning.

"Oh," Harry said, very disappointed, "does that mean I should take these back?"

While the group laughed, Hermione approached the four small packages warily. She was not surprised to see two pairs of earrings, which matched her ring, a small set and a larger set, in two of the three smaller boxes. The third small box had a pair of red gold ear studs. She opened the largest box, and found a necklace which matched her ring as well.

"I know we don't have any formal dances scheduled, but I thought we should be prepared," Harry said. The first informal dance would be that Saturday.

Hermione took out the small gold studs from her ears and replaced them with the red gold. "Thank you, Harry," Hermione said, kissing his cheek lightly. "I have to say, this is the best birthday I've ever had."

"I thought Harry would be a total bust as a boyfriend for any girl, after the Yule Ball," Parvati said that night as the three girls changed for bed. "I guess he just wasn't ready back then."

"No, he wasn't," Hermione agreed. "He has so much pressure on him, and, as much as it hurts and twists him, it just seems to . . . temper him in the long run."

"He's like a jewel," Lavender said. "The pressure hardens him, but it makes him all the more brilliant and precious. We just have to make certain it doesn't crush him along the way."

Hermione smiled at the pair. They hadn't always gotten along, but now they had a bit more in common. "It has been very quiet since late July," Hermione said seriously. "When things start up again, I really will need your help."

"Harry is going to save us all," Parvati said. "So we'll help you save Harry."

"Someone has to care for him," Lavender agreed. "And that will be all of us."