"Ah," he stammered. "I-I'm... sorry, about that... by the way."
"Not your fault," she firmly replied. "Besides, you didn't see anything inappropriate. I wear a great deal less than that at the beach."
"Errr... yeah," he muttered.
"Mum gave me a right fright right after you left, though," she explained. Then blushed slightly and said, "She came in just as I dropped my robe to get dressed."
After they finished looking at each other's new bedroom, they explored the rest of the apartment, together. Dobby and Betsy had been busy setting it all up for them. Even the pantry was stocked with groceries under stasis. Looking at the labels Harry knew it was all brand new, so wasn't there from years past or anything. Dobby had to have gone shopping.
However, when Hermione saw the office with all its empty bookshelves, she stared fixedly at them and softly said, "Harry, dear."
"Yep?"
"The bookshelves are empty, Harry," she firmly said. "I don't like empty bookshelves."
He smirked and said, "When I've got the chance I'll send Dobby to Pottermore to collect and bring back a selection of books related to the subjects we're studying. I'm sure there'll be enough to sufficiently populate these shelves for you."
She turned a familiar smile on him and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Good boy," she softly said.
'Now that was pure Monica,' he thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Saint Mungo's, Bones was pacing outside the Casualty wing; the emergency 'centre' of the hospital. She was muttering to herself as she did so, but not loud enough for anyone to overhear.
Moody and Robards were standing with their backs to the wall on opposite sides, Moody near a corner. Both were watching her and everyone else move about while protecting their Boss's back.
Pockridge had already been out once to update her. "It's confirmed," she sighed. "Dumbledore had a heart attack. A pretty severe one. They're working to stabilise him now."
A half hour later, a cardiac specialist healer came out.
"Madam Bones?" he asked.
"Yes?" she replied.
He took her to the side wall near Robards and softly said, "As Healer Pockridge informed you, Dumbledore's had what's commonly referred to as a heart attack. It was brought on by both his poor diet - too much sugar - and spending quite a bit of time trying to fight the effects of Veritaserum.
"You should know the extra drop did not cause this. We've also determined it is safe for him to be given five drops, just not for a while.
"He seems Merlin-bedamned to fight the serum and, if he does, he risks yet another myocardial infarction. Healer Pockridge has informed me it is imperative he be questioned and forced to speak truthfully. However, his own mulishness not to answer will kill him if you push too hard.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you can do to force his compliance to answer without risking further infarctions, or even death."
Frustrated, Bones muttered. "So close!"
The Healer just gave a shrug and said, "Perhaps a form of Veritaserum can be developed that also includes a calming component? Sorry, but it's not my area of expertise."
Surprised at the suggestion, Bones only gave a nod and replied, "Not your fault, Healer. And, thank you, for saving the old fool's life."
"You're welcome, Madam Bones," he replied. "Now. If you'll excuse me, I need to get back in there."
As the man began to turn away, she quickly asked, "How soon can I get in there to ensure he's properly secured. He's a flight risk."
"I assure you, he's not going anywhere," he firmly replied. "However, we should be moving him to the DMLE secure ward in about thirty to forty minutes. He'll remain unconscious well beyond our moving him there; probably at least until this afternoon, at the earliest."
She gave a pained sigh, pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and said, "Thank you, Healer."
"Again, you're welcome," he replied.
This time, she didn't stop him from re-entering.
When Pockridge came out thirty minutes later, she was leading the way with Dumbledore on the levitated bed and escorted by another Healer and two medi-witches. Dumbledore was, as she'd been warned, unconscious.
Without a word, Pockridge just gestured for Bones and the other two to follow.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they were descending the stairs of the grand staircase, Harry said, "By the way, after class this afternoon - or, first chance I get otherwise - I'll be asking Professor Babbage the opportunity to test to enter this year's Ancient Runes class."
In pleased shock she suddenly dove at him and gave him a Hermi-hug of old. "Harry!" she exclaimed. "That's wonderful!"
Chuckling, he held her for the moment and said, "I knew you'd be pleased."
When she pulled back she then planted a kiss on his lips, sighed and said, "We'd better hurry." Then proceeded to drag him down the last few stairs and along the fourth floor corridor.
He just grinned and allowed himself to be towed along.
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