Harry x Hermione: It started early

Chapter ten

Chapter 10: Bonds Tested

As the months passed at Hogwarts, Harry, and Hermione's bond deepened, their shared experiences and unwavering friendship becoming a beacon of strength amidst the challenges they faced. Together, they had conquered mysteries, faced fearsome creatures, and unraveled the enigmatic threads of magic that wove through their lives.

One evening, in the quiet of the Gryffindor common room, their conversations took a somber turn. The whispers of Voldemort's return had grown louder, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their world.

"We can't just sit back and do nothing, Harry," Hermione said, her voice tinged with determination. "We have to find a way to stop him."

Harry nodded, his expression resolute. "You're right, Hermione. But how? Voldemort is powerful, and he has followers who would do anything for him."

Their eyes met a silent understanding passing between them. They needed a plan, a strategy that would allow them to stand against the rising tide of darkness.

Their research led them to the Restricted Section of the library, where ancient tomes whispered secrets of magic long forgotten. Hours turned into days as they pieced together fragments of knowledge, a puzzle that promised to reveal a way to confront Voldemort.

But as they delved deeper, the answers remained elusive. Frustration crept in, their determination giving way to a sense of helplessness. One evening, after hours of fruitless searching, Hermione slammed a book shut and buried her face in her hands.

"We can't give up, Hermione," Harry said, his voice gentle but firm. "We'll find a way. We have to."

Hermione looked up, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. "I know, Harry. But it's just... it's overwhelming. The weight of what's at stake."

Harry reached across the table, his fingers finding hers. "We're in this together, Hermione. We'll figure it out. And until then, we'll keep learning, keep trying, and keep each other safe."

Their hands remained intertwined, a tangible reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared. But as the days turned into weeks, a new challenge emerged—one that would test their resolve in ways they had never imagined.

One evening, Dumbledore called Harry and Hermione to his office. The gravity in his eyes spoke volumes, a sense of urgency hanging in the air.

"Harry, Hermione," Dumbledore began, his voice measured, "I must discuss a matter of great importance with you both. Voldemort's return poses a threat not only to the wizarding world but to your safety as well."

Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance, their hearts racing with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

Dumbledore continued, his gaze unwavering. "It is imperative that we take precautions to keep you both safe. Harry, you are to stay with your aunt and uncle, the Dursleys, during the summer months. Their blood connection to your mother offers a form of protection against Voldemort's influence."

Hermione's brows furrowed, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and disbelief. "But, Professor Dumbledore, the Dursleys treated Harry horribly. How can you ask him to go back there?"

Dumbledore's expression was grave, his eyes holding a weight of sorrow. "I understand your concerns, Miss Granger. But it is a sacrifice we must make for Harry's safety. Voldemort's power is growing, and we must take every measure to ensure he remains untraceable to you."

Hermione's eyes welled with tears, her voice breaking as she spoke. "But it's not fair! Harry deserves so much better than that. He deserves to be loved and cared for."

Harry's hand found Hermione's, his grip gentle but reassuring. "Hermione, it's alright. I've been through worse. And right now, we have to focus on finding a way to stop Voldemort. It's the only way to truly keep everyone safe."

Hermione's tears spilled over, her emotions raw and unfiltered. "I... I can't bear the thought of you going back there, Harry. It's not right."

Harry's gaze held hers, his voice steady but filled with empathy. "Hermione, I promise you, I'll be okay. We'll find a way to end this, and then I'll never have to go back there again."

Dumbledore's voice cut through the emotional haze, his tone carrying a mixture of compassion and urgency. "You have each other, and you have the strength to face what lies ahead. Your bond is a powerful one, and it will guide you through even the darkest of times."

As they left Dumbledore's office, Hermione's tears had dried, replaced by a sense of determination that burned brightly in her eyes. The weight of the world rested on their shoulders, but their friendship remained unshakable—a force that had withstood the tests of time and adversity.

And so, with their hearts set on a future where Voldemort's darkness would be vanquished, Harry and Hermione embarked on a new phase of their journey—one that would test their limits, challenge their convictions, and reveal the depths of their courage and love.