About Harry

Hermione

I wake up with a jolt. He is shouting my name.

I hear him thundering up the stairs.

A second is all I need. I take my wand; I jump out of bed and I'm ready. I'm always ready. My job thought me that. It's already three years that I left my law enforcement position but there are things that, once learned, you don't forget. I do a brief assessment of my enemy (because right now he is my enemy); he is stronger and fitter than me, he is skilled with magic, he has an Auror training, but his mind is obfuscated, he is not completely himself. He is probably going to rely only on his strength. I need to show him that I'm stronger than him. I need to treat him like a wild animal. And they smell fear.

He is banging to the door violently 'HERMIONE LET ME IN, I KNOW YOU ARE IN THERE! LET ME IN!' he yells.

I try to decide what is best to do but it's no easy while, by the noise, he is kicking and ramming into it.

'Go away!' I shout shrilly, fear pushing it out of me despite my effort to remain calm.

'IF YOU DON'T OPEN THIS DOOR, I'LL BRING IT DOWN'.

He is totally capable of it.

I'm just considering my options when the ramming ceases, instead, after a couple of seconds, a weary knocking takes its place.

'Hermione' he says almost in a wail, almost in a sob 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry to have shouted but you must open the door. You are my best friend after all. I only want to talk'

Oh God, what should I do?? I'm still close to the bed, my heart pushing me with an unsuspected strength to the door, my brain ordering to stay put. All my body tingles with this internal scuffle.

'Hermione, please, I need your help...'

Those words proclaimed a sure winner between the colliding parties. I dart to the door, my heart exploding with love, ready to give him all the help he needs.

But just as my hand is on the handle there is a bang that makes the whole door tremble and me jump.

'HERMIONE, OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!!'

I lunge myself far regaining my wits quickly, hoping to have learned a precious lesson for the future, and just as I'm casting a protego spell, the door slams open; he managed to unhinge it by dint of kicks and shouldering.

He charges me straight away; the strength of the spell propels him backward. Not expecting it, he loses his balance but nimbly, with a flip, he is on his feet again. He is not an Auror for nothing.

I keep my wand steady. He looks at me ominously albeit studiously. He is probably doing the same assessment I've done. We received the same training.

I can almost hear a growl coming from him reminding me of a tiger ready to sprint on his prey.

'What did you do with my potions?' his voice low and gravelly.

'You are not going to take them anymore'

'I want you out of here'

'I'm staying'

'I SAID I WANT YOU OUT OF HERE' he shouts.

'Harry, you can shout as much as you like. I'm not going anywhere, and I won't allow you to take those potions anymore.' I reply keeping my voice down and staring intently at him. I endeavour in not lowering my gaze. I must stand up to him.

'And if you try to attack me, I'll fight back. You worked with me long enough to know what I'm capable of.'

He does know it. And I can see my words sinking in, his eyes become two slits full of hatred.