Present Mixed in the Past

Chapter 51| Trial Three

"I haven't seen any spell or potion that could heal those types of injuries. Nothing." Hermione glanced over to Ron, who had been released early from Madam Pomfrey's care.

Despite how brutal Harry had attacked him, the only scars to show were a few claw marks on his face, changing his left blue eye to a shocking white with the once black pupil looking almost purple and slitted like a cat's. There were a few minor scars on his arms and hands, but there was no shaking or lack of mobility with his arms and hands. It was as if he didn't get mauled by a pissed off Creature and just got hurt by some other means.

"He could have an inheritance?" Fred murmured, looking to his twin.

"Maybe it could've healed him?" George gave a shrug.

Hermione shook her head, pulling at her fingers and rubbing her hands. She hated not knowing the answer to something, hated not being useful. Dumbledore always treasured people that were useful.

Hermione flinched as her shoulder was grabbed. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Granger," his voice was colder and crueler than Snape's ever has been, "I am beginning to wonder if you are purposefully losing focus."

The eyes of the others were on her instantly. Ron's were filled with disappointment and disgust. Ginny's were with anger and jealousy. Molly, a woman that sometimes acted like a second mother, appeared so disappointed she couldn't look her in the eye. She loved being needed and they needed her for this.

"I-I'm trying, I swear! It's just... Love potions? For Harry? He's dense, he doesn't need-"

"Dense? All he can seemingly think about is that Malfoy Snake!" Ron banged his hand on the table.

She flinched, rubbing and pulling at her hands. She would've liked to shift in discomfort, but despite Dumbledore's old age, he was strong. He didn't want her to move away from their looks, from their voices.

"Now, Hermione," his voice was sickly sweet, "this is for Harry's own good. For the greater good."

She slowly nodded, trying to fool herself into believing those words. It was for the greater good... It left a sour taste in her mouth.

"May I talk with young Granger alone?"

The Weasleys didn't question him. They never questioned him. They never stayed near to hear his twisted words or to see how tightly he gripped her shoulders.

"You took Harry's money. I promised you his ancestors' books and knowledge. You swore that you would help the Light, that you would help me. You're not taking back your word?" His voice shifted from calm to cold and then to deadly. His eyes were emotionless as if he would do whatever he would do to keep her silence.

Tears filled her eyes, her throat closing up. Quickly, she shook her head. He raised an eyebrow.

"You know how I feel about head shaking." He whispered.

Swallowing thickly, she opened and closed her mouth to get it working again. The grip on her shoulder grew more painful as his patience became thin.

"I'll keep my word, Professor."

"Owl." Hare's voice brought her back, her cool hands rubbing the older witch's shoulders.

The bushy haired girl sniffled, pressing her body into the other. The blonde laid her head on the other's, humming a sweet song.

The other Gods looked to the two with a confused expression, only Phoenix appeared worried. He was sure that what she had faced alone was bad, traumatic in its own right. Using his eyes, he could see Hermione's harsh thoughts piercing into her body. It was graphic looking.

"Do you need a moment?" He whispered.

The brown-haired girl took a moment to answer, shaking her head and sitting back up. She took several deep breaths, giving them a weak smile.

"I'll be fine... I just need to go to the library." She murmured.

"No." Luna was firm on that, grabbing her girlfriend's hand. "You need to take a break. You've been overworking yourself again." She cooed, cupping the other's face.

"But-"

"Break, 'Mione. What's another day?" Harry joked, reaching over and placing a hand on her outstretched hand.

Her eyes flitted around his face, desperately trying to see if that was the truth. His face was kind and gentle, everything that Dumbledore claimed to be Harry was. It helped relax her, her terrified smile becoming sweet.

With that, talk shifted to the final trial. It was going to be somewhat easy for the God of Life to escape the maze, however he wasn't sure he wanted to try and win. After all, they didn't need the money nor the fame that came with the winnings. Besides, it would mean more if the true champions were to win.

It soon was quietly agreed upon that they would let the true champions win. Whichever one that may be.

The trial, thankfully, went as planned like before with Cedric giving Harry that classic Hufflepuff grin and offering to share the reward.

"Just the fame." The Lion joked, his hand posed and ready.

The Badger laughed, nodding.

"No money for the twins?"

"Like they need it."

The two gave a quick laugh before grabbing the Portkey, feeling that disgusting feeling of going somewhere else. Opening their eyes, they were met with shouts of joy and happiness, Hogwarts quickly grabbing the two and putting them on the strongest shoulders. Soon, the ravenet was pulled from the shoulders and given a firm hug from his Death.

He grinned as he wrapped his arms around him, only pulling away to give his boyfriend a sweet kiss. The blond tensed before relaxing into the kiss.

Watching the two kiss was a very angry red-head. Violent jealousy grew inside of him as the snake forced his lips onto him. It was clear to him that his angel was being poisoned by some means. He was sure that a pureblood like Malfoy was some sort of Veela, forcing himself onto the sweet Harry Potter.

He would save him. He would make sure that Malfoy never got to touch Harry again. All he had to do was listen to Dumbledore.