Dances with wounded dragons

@Anon: thanks :D this means so much to me. I am always thinking about what you guys will think when you are reading this story. So here's another chapter, I hope you like it and if you do please review :D

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Hermione’s hands were clasping the spines on the back of the white dragon. The beast was clawing its way through the caves underneath Gringotts. She hadn’t had much time to think when she decided the dragon would be their way out, but now, it seemed like the most reckless plan ever. Harry and Ron were also holding on to the dragon. Hermione saw the ceiling approaching and she pointed her wand to it. “bombarda!” she yelled and the ceiling exploded into a million pieces. The dragon burst through and was met by the goblins. Hermione yelled at them to run, but some of them were baffled by the spectacle in front of them. They didn’t run from the fire that came out of the mouth of the white dragon. Hermione closed her eyes, no longer willing to witness the deaths that she had caused. The dragon flew through the glass dome and Hermione felt shards of glass cut her face. And then it stopped and took a deep breath. She realized that this was probably the first time the beast had taken in free air. But the jinxes were already flying around her ears and she used a spell to startle the animal. It took off, taking some rooftops along with him. Finally, they were flying away from the city. As she looked down, she saw the streets and houses turn into fields and lakes. “We’re dropping” Harry yelled.
“We need to get off before it notices that we’re here” Ron added.
“I say we jump” Harry yelled.
“When?” she asked.
“Now!” and the three of them let go and landed into a big lake.

Hermione felt the water engulf her as she landed in the lake. It felt like a thousand knives, it was so cold. She kicked for the surface and it seemed like hours before she finally reached it. She swam towards the shore and saw that Ron and Harry were already there. Ron noticed her and ran towards her, picking her up and carrying her out of the water. He ran his hands over her bare arms to get them to warm up. She was shivering. Ron pulled her into him and wrapped her in his arms. Harry muttered spells that got them dry again. Hermione pulled away from Ron and took some dry clothes out of her bag. She handed the boys their clothes and asked them to turn around while she changed into dry clothes. After a couple of minutes Harry muttered something.
“What?” Hermione asked.
“He knows” he said again.
“Who?” Ron asked.
“You know who, he knows we’ve been hunting horcruxes. And there is more, one of them is at Hogwarts” he said.
“Then we have to go there” Ron added.
“We can’t just pop up at Hogwarts, we’ve got to plan” Hermione protested.
“When have our plans ever actually worked out?” Harry asked. She had to give him that.

As they walked through the narrow tunnel after Neville, Hermione wondered what she might see. Would Hogwarts still be the same school she left? Of course it wouldn’t be. Which of their friends would still be there? Neville talked about all the things he had gone through this year. He talked about Seamus and Luna and some of the others. Hermione was only listening to hear one name. Would Draco Malfoy be there? Would he have returned to Hogwarts after their meeting in the manor? Would she see him again? What would happen if she did. She felt someone grab her hand and entwine his fingers with hers. She looked at Ron.
“We’re nearly there” he whispered. She nodded and smiled slightly at him. He squeezed her hand. “We’re nearly home” he said. It felt that way. Hogwarts was like home for them. Neville told them to stay back as he smiled and walked into the room. He announced that he had a surprise and cheers arose when the Golden trio emerged from the darkness. Hermione let go of Ron’s hand. She now realized where they were . They were standing in the room of requirement. Memories came rushing in to her mind. Memories of a boy with silver hair and stormy eyes. Memories of the feelings she had for him, memories of the love that was never meant to be. She remembered how it had felt to touch his marble skin. She remembered the first night they spent here together. She remembered the way he smelled, the way he tasted. The memories were suddenly pushed to the back of her mind when two arms were swung around her neck.  She was hugged by several of their classmates. “We knew you wouldn’t let us fend for ourselves” someone yelled. After a little while it grew quiet and the entire group was looking at Harry.
“What do you need?” Seamus asked.
“Well, we need to find something” Harry added.
“Okay, tell us more.” The others inquired.
“It’s an object, small, easily concealed and it will have something to do with Ravenclaw” Harry told them.
“That could be anything mate” Dean stated the obvious.
“I realise it’s not much to go on” Harry apologized.
“That’s nothing to go on” Seamus answered.
“I might now of something” Luna whispered and all eyes turned to the little blonde haired girl.  
“Rowena Ravenclaw’s lost diadem” she explained.
“Yes, but Luna, no one has seen the diadem for centuries” Cho added. Suddenly, someone came bursting in. The small red haired girl stood frozen, looking at Harry. Hermione could almost see the sexual tension in the room. “He knows,” she said “Snape knows Harry was spotted in Hogsmeade”.