Chapter 76

Stepping back to stand at the foot of Hermione's bed, she said to them, "Well; Miss Lovegood is, again, correct. Your original two bonds are now stronger. And, you've definitely initiated the third bond. Further, the new bond looks like it is linked to the original two bonds, which are helping it establish. It is really quite extraordinary."

"Can the girls expect urgent Ministerial and Gringotts owls to suddenly show up?" Harry asked. "I think both girls would much rather this be kept quiet from the rest of the school population."

"Yes," Hermione fervently said. "Definitely." And Daphne nodded in agreement.

"I have no idea," Madam Pomfrey replied. "Therefore, I suggest the three of you remain in here for a little while. Besides, I'll be able to rescan the three of you before you leave, to see if there's been a change in the strength of the three bonds."

"You expect it to?" asked Hermione.

"I have no idea," the medi-witch replied. "However, the healing community would take back my Mastery if I didn't take the opportunity to find out."

Daphne shot her a sudden look of concern as Harry was glancing across at her. Knowing why Daphne reacted the way she did, Harry said to the medi-witch, "Umm... Madam Pomfrey?"

"Yes, Mister Potter?" she asked.

"We'd... rather you not make things public about our bond," he said. "We appreciate our privacy; and don't want to become the subjects or topic of medical debate. Please respect our privacy with this."

Madam Pomfrey nodded and said, "I cannot discuss your health issues with others without your permission, Mister Potter."

"Thank you," all three said.

Turning to Luna, Madam Pomfrey said, "Miss Lovegood? As you were working to assist me with this, the same applies to you."

"I know, Ma'am," she replied. "They're my friends. I won't breach their confidence."

About forty-five minutes later, just as before the scheduled time for changing classes, the medi-witch ran another scan over the three of them. No owls had arrived with notices.

"Well, the new bond has stabilised a little stronger than I would have expected," she said to them. "You're free to go to your next class.

"However, if you or Miss Lovegood notices any ill-effects, or you notice any feelings of unease or other illness, the three of you are to make your way to see me immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," they all replied.

"And, Miss Lovegood," she said, looking at the young Ravenclaw. "You're to send them if you notice anything, as well. If they can't come to me, you're to come and get me. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied.

And all four left the infirmary.

As soon as they were gone, the medi-witch moved to her files and began to update them with the latest information. She then put their three personal medical files together and bound them using a strong privacy charm and alert charm.

"And that should stop Albus from nosing around," she muttered as she moved to file them in her office filing cabinet.

Once they'd left the infirmary, Luna wished them a safe day as she headed off to her COMC class; as the three bondmates headed for their single Charms class.

After Luna left, and before they arrived in the more popular corridors of the castle, Harry turned to them each and kissed them; first, Daphne, and then Hermione. Hugging them both, together, he softly said, "I'm proud of you both," before they separated and continued on their way, hand in hand.

At lunch, the three went and sat at their usual part of the Ravenclaw table. They'd beaten Luna to their seats, as the younger girl would likely have needed to clean up after handling stuff in COMC.

The three were happily eating their lunches when Luna arrived and sat opposite. "How are you three holding up?" she asked.

"Good," said Harry. "Thank you for asking, Luna."

"I feel... satisfied... complete... like a missing part has been found," said Hermione, clearly thinking about it.

Daphne paused for a few moments in deep thought before she said, "Hermione's right. And, definitely a lot calmer." She seemed to think about it for a while longer before she went on to say, "At least, since... well, since the 1st of September.

"I feel amazing," she continued. "And – loved. I think this is what Della was hinting at, when she spoke with me."

Before Luna could ask any sticky questions, Harry asked, "What do you have on this afternoon, Luna?"

"A double in Transfiguration," she replied, starting to build a sandwich for lunch. "What about you? Potions, right?"

"Potions," he confirmed with a nod. "A double."

"Professor Snape has been a lot nicer these past couple of days, hasn't he?" she asked. "Do you know why?"

"I know the Headmaster has had a very stern talking to him," Harry replied. "As has Professor McGonagall as Deputy Headmistress."

"Mmm," she said, "That may have done it."

Before they finished lunch, another fourth year 'Claw, Su Li, handed Daphne a copy of the assignment given to them by Professor Binns for History of Magic; to which Daphne thanked her very much.

The afternoon was another surprisingly enjoyable Potions lesson, after which the three made their way back to their apartment.

After they entered and shucked their over robes - they were not needed to be worn for anything but class and the important feasts - the three sat down to make a start on their homework. And, working together, they knocked off two of the assignments in quick succession before making their way down for dinner.

Just before they entered the Great Hall, Harry said to both girls, "Don't forget, you can invite your friends to come and pay a visit in the evenings."

"You should invite Neville," said Hermione. "Building a friendship is one of your tasks, isn't it?"

With a sigh, Harry replied, "You're right. I've forgotten him since we were re-sorted."

"How about we make it a standard invitation for Neville, Luna, Tracey, Blaise and Horace for Fridays," Hermione suggested. "But not for next Friday. I want that just for the three of us so we can talk."

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