"I understand," Harry said and he did since he'd faced the same circumstances with Hermione's parents. "I di…I mean I wouldn't want Hermione to have to choose between her parents and me either. Just take a break ever so often and if you ever want to talk, you know where to find us.
"You're an old married couple now?" Fleur asked as her face relaxed into a smile. "Giving advice on relationships?"
"Something like that," Hermione grinned. "Like I said this morning, I can use friends and would like to think you're one of them."
"You don't think I'm going to steal your 'usband?" Fleur didn't have many female friends either since they were all afraid their boyfriends or husbands would find her more attractive and desirable.
"No," Hermione replied as she glanced at Harry before turning back to Fleur. "Though I'm sure he finds you attractive, I know he loves me. Besides, if you're willing to put up with Molly, I know you're in love with Bill."
Fleur smile grew larger. "Oui, I do love 'im. Friends zen."
"Friends."
"I better go back downstairs for dinner, zey will be waiting for me."
"Thanks for bringing our food," Harry said.
"I'm glad I did," Fleur replied.
"Can you ask Sirius to come up?"
Non, 'e is gone."
"Where?" Harry asked suddenly suspicious that someone was clearing the way for Dumbledore to approach them without Sirius around to provide protection.
"Something about a friend and 'ow 'er review went I think," Fleur replied.
"Oh, that would probably be Marietta's mother," Hermione said.
Once Fleur had left the room, Harry and Hermione started on their dinner. As they ate, the conversation returned to Ginny and the Chamber of Secrets.
"I really think Ginny needed help then," Hermione said after a few bites. "Think about it; her mind had been wrenched open by Voldemort's soul. Think of that vision of you as she woke up? What it might have done? Remember what she said this morning, about you being there with the Sword of Gryffindor? 'I saw it, he was standing there with that sword and his wand, he'd slain the monster just to save me'," Hermione parroted Ginny as best she could before she continued. "Her mind was literally open to all and the image of you there and the Basilisk...it would have been like something from an epic story..."
"With her as the damsel," Harry added with a sigh.
"It would have been a powerful sight, one that would have fused deep within her damaged psyche."
"And she probably got no help separating the fantasy from the reality," Harry said. "Dumbledore."
"Most likely," Hermione agreed. "That was also the summer Mrs. Weasley mentioned the love potions she gave Mr. Weasley. Something else that might have lodged in her damaged mind," The rest of the meal passed in continued conversation. When they'd finished, they loaded up the tray with the dishes and Harry put it outside the door. As he closed and locked the door he heard Hermione gasp.
"What is it?" Harry asked as he whirled to face his wife. Thoughts that the food might have been tampered with after all raced through his mind. He had already pulled the Bezoar from his pocket when Hermione shook her head that it wasn't necessary.
"I just had a thought…about Dumbledore and why no one can contact him. What if he went after the ring?" Hermione face showed the concern she felt. "What if he did and we changed enough for Snape not to be able to help him this time?"
Harry thought about that possibility, of Dumbledore succumbing to the dark magic, of the Headmaster lying dead somewhere, maybe even in his own office. Frustration swept through him as his eyes hardened. "Go back to your house and have Dobby and Winky go to Hogwarts and…and check his office," Harry's eyes swept the room as he thought. "I…I don't know where the Gaunt home is but maybe Madam Bones…" He stopped speaking when they heard the locked doorknob rattle and then a familiar grandfatherly voice was heard on the other side of the door.
"Harry, Hermione may I have a word?"
A wave of relief flooded through the two teens. Though they definitely had no love of Dumbledore after what they had learned, they both knew he was still important in the fight against Voldemort. Harry had started back to the door to open it when Hermione's voice in his head stopped him. "Don't. He might recognize the cabinet if he comes in here," She warned.
"I should have thought of that," Harry replied as his eyes moved to the large cabinet. "We'll be downstairs in a minute sir."
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