The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

Harry's Arrival

Carson and Hermione were sitting in their room, Hermione in her robe and brushing her teeth, as Carson was reading one of her books she had brought. They both were pulled from their task when they heard the hoot of an owl come from downstairs.

"Was that an owl we heard?" Hermione asked whoever was downstairs.

"Harry's. Haven't seen him, have you? Apparently, he's wandering about the house." Ginny called, as Hermione and Carson were taken aback.

"Really?" Carson asked Ginny.

"Really." Someone answered, Carson recognizing the voice.

"Harry!" Ginny, Hermione, Ron, and Carson all exclaimed, as they went downstairs to welcome him.

"But why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Mrs. Weasley asked, as she engulfed Harry into a hug.

"Didn't know." Harry shrugged, "Dumbledore."

"That man. But then, what would we do without him? Ron!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, turning to see Hermione with a bruise on her neck.

"How did you get that...." Ron asked, trailing off as he realized and moving to touch it.

"It is none of your business Ronald!" she screeched, smacking his hand away.

The four friends made their way up to the attic, which had been made into Carson and Hermione's room. They all sat down, and a copy of the daily prophet on the table.

"When'd you get here?" Harry asked the two, as Carson and Hermione sat very close to each other.

"Right after the funeral. Mum didn't want me there when she went through dad's things. She hasn't been the same really."

"About a month ago. Though... for a bit, I wasn't sure I was coming." Hermione answered, Harry sending Ron a confused look.

"Mum sort of lost it last week. Said Ginny and I had no business going back to Hogwarts. That it's too dangerous."

"Oh come on..."

"She's not alone. Even my parents...and they're Muggles... know something bad is happening."

"Anyway, Dad stepped in, told her she was being barmy. Took a day or two, but she came round."

"Mum didn't want me to go either. She's a bit paranoid these days. I don't blame her, she doesn't want to lose me like she lost dad. She knows what's going on. I convinced her with Professor McGonagall watching me everything would be fine, but she knows bad things are happening."

"But we're talking about Hogwarts. Dumbledore. What could be safer?"

Hermione, Carson, and Ron exchange glances before Hermione speaks up again.

"There's been a lot of chatter lately. That he's gotten... old."

"Rubbish. He's only...what?"

"A hundred and fifty. Give or take a few years." Carson answered, as the group burst into laughter."

The group split up for the night, Harry going with Ron to his room, Carson and Hermione staying in theirs. The two had a quick makeout session before they fell asleep in each other's arms.