"Stop!" Yelled Dumbledore coming out of the shadows. "You have nowhere to go Tom."
Quirrell spun and quick-cast AK at Dumbledore who blocked it with a conjured stone. The stone shattered and Dumbledore transmuted the fragments into knives throwing them at Quirrell who had raised a shield. The duel continued for a bit while the three children went back through the door and hid in the doorway watching the fight.
It quickly became apparent that Quirrell didn't have any staying power, as he rapidly became magically exhausted fighting at this level. Soon enough, Dumbledore used a ribbon curse, and cut off Quirrell's wand arm. He then immobilized Riddle with conjured wolves, holding his left arm and legs. Dumbledore finally summoned Quirrell's wand to his left hand.
Dumbledore took a deep breath, "It's over."
Quirrell yelled back "It's never over!" And started saying words in a language the kids didn't recognize.
Dumbledore yelled at Quirrell, "Don't! That is forbidden!" When it was obvious, Quirrell hasn't stopped, Dumbledore apparated over to the kids and cast an Atlas Shield over them, solidifying the air around them…and supporting the roof and walls. There was an explosion which destroyed part of the other room, but the shield held. Once he was sure the room wasn't collapsing around them, Dumbledore dropped the shield.
Hermione asked, "What happened?"
Dumbledore sighed, "He detonated his core. Fortunately, he was magically exhausted, or that could have been much worse. Either way, he is gone."
Hermione asked plaintively, "Why did he do this? He kidnapped and hurt me! All to get the three of us to play some stupid game? What was the rock he said was a fake?"
Dumbledore glanced at her and replied, "Alas, I'm not sure. The rock was a trap for someone else."
Harry interrupted, "Tom…you called him Tom. Tom who?"
Dumbledore's head snapped up at that, but he quickly smiled and gently replied, "It's not important anymore, he's gone. The stone's destroyed. The trap failed."
Harry glared at Dumbledore, "What aren't you saying?"
Dumbledore looked frustrated and replied, "I'm not saying many things. Many things you are too young to understand!"
Dumbledore then with twinkling eyes and a small smile, modulated his voice back to calming tones, removing the emotion from it. "Let's get the three of you to Pomfrey, I'm sure she will want to take a look at you."
Harry just glared at him and said nothing.
In the infirmary, Master Pomfrey insisted on keeping Hermione overnight, and explained to Harry what she was doing and the reason she needed to keep her in the infirmary where she had appropriate alarm charms and was nearby. The injury involved her airway, as Hermione suffered some damage to her throat from the strangulation. Pomfrey assured her, she would be fine by morning. The boys were released, after some quick spells, and 2 potions each. Hermione was getting a few more, through the night.
Harry then asked, "Can I spend the night, and watch over Hermione? Learn the monitoring charms?"
Pomfrey looked at him and could see his concern. She gently replied, "You are two new to your training to watch over someone you love with objectivity. You are also too young and not yet betrothed to be trusted to sleep with someone you have deep feelings for and not get up to trouble. Sorry."
Harry sighed and didn't argue. He then went and retrieved their study materials. On reentering the infirmary, Master Pomfrey asked, "Is something wrong, Heir Black? You still can't spend the night, so don't ask unless you want my paddle."
With a slight bow, Harry replied "No Master Pomfrey, your care was as meticulous as ever. I have returned with Protectee Granger's study materials and the two of us will be studying here as you have sentenced her to durance vile."
As Hermione gave a small giggle, Pomfrey said, "You scamp! Very well, you may stay and study together. Keep quiet and reserved or you will be evicted!"
Harry bowed, "It will be as you command." He then started setting up a study table for the two of them next to Hermione's bed. He was soon sitting next to her, on her bed, arranging their study notes. Pomfrey just looked at them…frowned and quickly checked the records of their potions...and her ward. Good they were up to date! She shook her head and removed herself to her office while they, with their heads together, were quietly talking.
Latter that evening after Harry had brought desert for Hermione (Pomfrey tended to forget desert for meals in the infirmary), they were continuing their studies. Dumbledore appeared.
Dumbledore quietly asked, "Heir Potter, may I have a quick word?"
Harry just looked at him and nodded. He turned back to Hermione, "I'll just be over there Hermione. We should review those dates for history of magic, next." Hermione nodded and started pulling out their history notes.
Harry came over to Dumbledore who cast a sound dampening charm.
Dumbledore then said, "I was sure you would not want to discuss this in front of others, as I am offering you a deal."
Harry looked irritated, but continued to listen, saying nothing.
Dumbledore then offered, "I will not protest your home and guardian change, if you drop the charges against me."
Harry snorted and replied bitingly, "Why should I? You have little chance of interfering with Lord Black. Indeed, your further interference with just make my case more obvious."
Looking angry, Dumbledore decided to change tactics, "That is true. What about Miss Granger? Despite Protectee Grangers new status, she is still a valuable first-gen. She should be betrothed to a 4th generation, like Malfoy and four others I can name off the top of my head. You as a half-blood or 2nd generation, should bond with a another 2nd, or 3rd generation yourself. As her guardian, I would have to insist."
Harry looked absolutely furious, "You would be so vile?"
Dumbledore said with a shrug, "The blood must be kept powerful and clean. Most would agree with me on this. If you wished to have her so much, after she popped out a couple of brats for her lord, I'm sure he would look the other way, if the two of you were discrete."
Harry looked like he wanted to kill Albus, "If you give your oath, you will not interfere with Dowager Countess Longbottom becoming Miss Hermione's new magical guardian, and your oath to not interfere with any betrothal's I perform in the future…I will drop the charges."
Dumbledore looked magnanimous, "I Albus Wulfric Dumbledore, swear to not interfere in the change of guardianship of Protectee Hermione Granger, and the personal relationships of Heir Harry James Potter Black." Magic swirled around him indicating he would keep the oath.
Harry then with eyes full of hate replied formally, "I Heir Black swear to drop the charges against Albus Dumbledore if he meets his aforementioned obligations…" Magic swirled around Harry indicating the truth of his oath. "Oh Professor, you get to explain to Mr. Weasley why he can't regain his honor." Harry smirked and walked back to Hermione while Albus looked slightly disgruntled and left the infirmary.
Harry arrived in the common room just as curfew closed. He saw Susan and Neville studying together with some others.
Harry went over to Susan and asked, "Susan, could you go get a change of clothes for Hermione? In the morning, I will bring them to her in the infirmary so she can get ready for her day and make breakfast."
Tonks being Tonks, had to add something to the equation. She said with a smirk, "Don't forget the panties, she does still wear them, doesn't she Harry?"
All the first years turned varying shades of red while Susan squeaked and ran upstairs. Harry sighed and replied with some exasperation, "Our relationship has not advanced to the point where I can say anything about Protectee Grangers state of underwear. Though being a proper witch, I am sure she is wearing all clothes necessary to provide proper decorum."
Shortly, Susan came down with a bag and handed it to harry. "Everything she should need should be in there."
Harry took it without opening the bag, and said with a smile "Thank you, Susan."
Tonks then said, "Harry, aren't you going to check to see if everything needed is in there?"
Harry said with more irritation, "I am sure Heir Bones has completed the task with due diligence, and before you say anything more, You know our relationship has not advanced to picking out each other's underthings."
Tonks just laughed and went back to studying.
Harry put the bag away and went back to studying. In the morning, Harry brought the bag to Hermione in the infirmary. Master Pomfrey was examining Hermione's neck and throat. Harry went over to watch.
Pomfrey seeing Harry arrive, quickly explained her exam and what she was looking for. She then turned back to Hermione and ordered, "Say AH again….good….swallow…..fine. Well, it looks like you can get on with your day." Turning to Harry, she asked "What are you doing here so early?"
Harry showed her the bag, "I had the ladies gather appropriate clothing for after Hermione's morning ablutions." He then handed it to Hermione.
Poppy smiled and said to Hermione, "So considerate. This one's certainly a keeper!" Then pointing to the shower/changing room, "You know where to get ready", and she walked back to her office to finish the parchment work.
Hermione came forward, "Thanks Harry." and kissed him on the cheek. Then with wide eyes, "Wash my back for me?"
Harry was floored and she started to snicker. Harry then got that look in his eye and before she could move, spun her around and smacked her bottom. SMACK! "Ouch!"
Harry with fond exasperation then ordered Hermione, "Go get yourself ready, Mine. We need to make breakfast, as we have a full day. Testing starts tomorrow."
Hermione went into the room with a big grin, while rubbing her tush.
Review went well, and the next morning Harry and Hermione waited for Neville and Susan to go to breakfast. Harry noticed Hermione was a bit jittery, slightly nervous, and obviously thinking about the exams. Making a decision, he commanded "Hermione!" As she turned his direction, he took over his lap and spanked her, through her robe, 10 times.
After he sat her back up in his lap, she asked angrily with some tears in her eyes, "What was that for? That hurt!"
Harry looked in her eyes, and very seriously replied, "That was to help you remember the rules. Just because we are taking exams doesn't mean Professor Snape will not have you paddled if you go over appropriate, and requested length on essay questions!"
Hermione eyes became really large, as that had completely slipped her mind.
Harry paused for a second and grabbed her bottom, before continuing "I want your bottom sore enough to remind you what is at stake! Don't forget!" Harry released her bottom and kissed her on the cheek. He then said warmly "Relax, you will be marvelous, Mine!"
Some of the older girls smiled, and shook their heads…then looked at the older boys with a frown, and sniffed looking away.
Cedric just shook his head, "Harry…you are really starting to make the rest of us look bad."
Harry, who was still holding Hermione in his lap, just grinned.
The next morning, the group again saw Harry grab Hermione, throw her over his lap and smack her bottom 10 times, again through her robe.
After Harry sat her up again but still hugging her, Hermione whined, "Harry? Why did you do it again? I didn't make any mistakes yesterday!" Rubbing her bottom a bit.
Harry holding her tightly in his lap, replied, "We have History today followed by Potions. I just know Professor Snape will have a trap for you in that test. I need you very aware of the risks for rambling." He kissed her brow giving her a big hug before he let her go, "I know you can do it. You are the best!" The older girls just sighed and the boys frowned. Neville and Cedric both sighed. Harry was ridiculous.
Susan had noticed that Hermione was shifting a bit taking the exams, an obvious sign of a sore bottom. After the last exam, Susan asked her, "Did it really hurt to take the exams after Harry spanked you?"
Hermione sighed, "No, not really. It was a dull ache and a bit uncomfortable, which actually helped center me. It also reminded me a couple of times when I started writing too long!" She then looked at Susan and blushed, "Just don't tell Harry that his spanking really helped, and probably saved me from Snape!"
Susan asked with some disbelief, "Do you really think he doesn't know?"
Hermione smirked and said, "I'm sure he has an idea, but Tonks did say to always keep boys guessing, if possible." Susan smiled in response.
Since their exams were before the OWLs and NEWTs, they received their grades before going home. To no one's surprise, Hermione was 1st student, and Harry was 2nd student. What was surprising was Greengrass was 3rd, Malfoy was 4th, Longbottom was 5th, Bones was 6th. Needless to say, Flitwick was very disgruntled the top six spots had no Ravenclaws! McGonagall didn't have anybody until 15th! Sprout and Snape were seen grinning about the first years at the head table more than once.
The next interesting thing happened after the last potions class. Snape had just given the summer assignments and sent the class out. As Hermione went to get up, Snape asked, "Miss Granger, please stay."
Harry paused, "I will be waiting outside the door. Remember, you are doing great!" and kissed her forehead, walking out.
Snape pretended he did not see or hear anything, and waited until just the two of them were in class.
Snape looked at her calmly and explained, "Miss Granger, I expected to catch you out, on that second essay question. You would need an extra 2 inches to properly answer it. How did you avoid the trap?"
Hermione blushed, and thought to herself, 'Harry was right!' She then answered, "Well Sir, Heir Black has been coaching me on my essays since...that day. He told me there would, likely, be a trap designed to get me to write overlong in your test. Then he gave me a bit of a reminder that morning, of the consequences of failure. The dull ache in my bottom, kept me centered and aware of the risk."
Snape with an inscrutable look, "Was it his idea, or your idea, to create this protection from the essay penalty?"
Hermione looked down obviously embarrassed. She then looked up and explained quietly, "Professor, I was too scared to think straight. It was all Heir Black's idea, and implementation, to give me the breathing room to adjust to the new parameters…without suffering the full consequences."
Snape frowned and asked, "What do you mean full consequences?"
Hermione blushed again, before she explained, "Harry spanked me when my essays were too long…just not bare or with a paddle."
Snape snorted and just looked at her. He then stated, "The two of you make for an interesting team. He is nearly as brilliant as you, just intuitive where you are deductive. His solution allowed you to do very well this year. However, I strongly suggest you find a way to get over your phobia of nudity. The higher mysteries, when you learn ritual magic…many of those rituals are done bare. Certainly, all the fertility and growth ones are. As well, the possibility of you avoiding a punishment over the next six years is vanishingly small. You may go."
Not yet leaving Hermione asked, "Sir?"
With a threatening growl, "Yes…Miss Granger?"
Hermione wanted to bolt, but held her ground and politely requested, "Can you recommend any additional reading or assignments, for the two of us this summer?"
Snape looked at her and sighed, "You just cost me 20 galleons."
Hermione was puzzled at the change in attitude and statement. She asked "Sir?"
Snape with a frown stated, "Professor Sprout said you would ask that question. I said you would be too afraid to do so." He handed her a parchment with additional assignments on it. "Share this with Heir Black. Strangely, I find myself pleased she won. Get out."
Harry was waiting outside, looking concerned, "Mine?"
Hermione explained how the meeting went, "He wanted to know, how I avoided the trap in the exam. I told him it was your idea, and implementation. He didn't seem extremely surprised, as he told me you are as brilliant as I, just intuitive, where I'm deductive. He did warn me Ritual magic is often done Bare, and I need to resolve my nudity phobia."
Harry thought about it for a second and asked, "Anything else?"
Hermione then explained, "He gave me the extra assignments I wanted, and told me to share them with you."
Harry snorted, "I am a bit surprised to say it, but I'm rapidly coming to appreciate Professor Snape."
Hermione then answered, "He scares and confuses me, but I can't completely disagree."