Harry chose to lie in his bed until dinner. Hermione seemed to sense that he needed some alone time. "I'll be in my room. I'll leave the door open, so you can call me if you want," she said.
Harry felt thankful for her consideration. He no longer doubted her intentions, but he needed some time with only himself to come to terms with all he had learned earlier, and what would probably happen the next day. He had never imagined that he would have so much more than he could ever spend in his lifetime. He had never thought that having lots of money would seem so overwhelming either. Wasn't he supposed to be joyful and just use whatever he had? An uninvited thought about Malfoy popped into his mind, and he shuddered. Draco Malfoy lacked no money but seemed to lack all that made life worth living. In a way, he even pitied the blond ponce. Yet having assets was also a responsibility. People got their living by working in various businesses that Harry partially or fully owned. He felt responsible for their well-being and for the businesses remaining profitable and able to pay salaries.
And then, there was the looming medical treatment. Could it heal his scar? Wouldn't it be extremely painful? What else would the healers find? He really wished that Hermione could stay with him, yet most healers wouldn't let non-family stay with their patients, even the muggle ones.
Harry was almost surprised when he heard Jean call from downstairs, "Come down! Dinner is ready!"
He rubbed his eyes and came to the door, almost bumping into Hermione. "I wasn't sure you heard. I thought you may have fallen asleep," she said.
"I almost fell asleep, but my mind was too busy thinking about all that happened today and what will happen tomorrow. Have you rested?"
She lowered her eyes. "I was also thinking. I'm not sure now. Wouldn't people think I've become your friend just because of your money? I hope you don't think so."
Harry sighed. "I thought about it. I know you became my friend long before any of us knew about my wealth. Others may think whatever they want. It shouldn't matter to you. It doesn't matter to me."
Hermione seemed relieved. "I don't mind the opinion of others too much, but it can turn very unpleasant if everybody's against you, like it happened during our second year."
Harry shrugged. "I survived. We can do it again, if necessary. Besides, we don't need to speak about it. Most of our schoolmates don't mention how much money they have. Not even Malfoy, usually."
Hermione nodded. She then grabbed Harry's hand to go down for dinner, finally seeming content.
Dinner was pleasant, with just a bit of small talk. Jean asked about their lunch, and Hermione only said that Gringotts served them lunch while in the account manager's office, making Dave raise his brows, but not say a word.
"Do you need any preparations for tomorrow?" Jean asked after dinner.
"I wasn't asked for any special preparations. My account manager only said I should be there by ten and that it may be a lengthy procedure. In some cases, it may take up to a day, he said. If I need to stay overnight there, I think Hermione could come back safely using the Knight Bus. I hope she can inform you of whatever happens. I think there's a public phone not too far from the Leaky Cauldron."
Jean frowned a bit. "I'll make sure she has enough coins for the phone. Are you sure it's wise to take this treatment?"
Harry shrugged. "I really want this scar to be removed, and nobody else offered me such a treatment, so…"
They spent the evening leisurely, watching some television and reading. At ten, Jean urged them to bed. "You need to be there on time, so you can't sleep too late. Make sure to dress well, as the weather is forecast to be quite chilly and rainy, despite the season."
After saying goodnight, both Harry and Hermione mounted the stairs to the bedrooms. They stopped in front of Hermione's door. "Don't I get a goodnight kiss?" she asked, fluttering her eyelids and trying not to giggle.
Harry laughed at her antics and engulfed her in a tight hug, which she reciprocated. He then kissed her lips briefly. She was not content with such a quick kiss. She grabbed his head and kissed his lips hungrily. Harry couldn't stay indifferent. He responded in kind, making the kiss turn into a full-fledged snog in almost no time. Hermione didn't let them lose themselves in the kiss, though. She reluctantly moved back after a while. "We really need to go to bed already. Do you want me to join you tonight?"
"What about your parents? Won't they object?"
She smiled. "I spoke with Mum when helping her with the dishes after we ate. She said it was alright, as long as we are cautious, and she'll make sure to tell Dad."
"Cautious? What do you mean?"
Hermione felt like giggling again. "Harry, she suspects we're going to have sex, eventually. She only wants us not to make her a grandmother too soon."
Harry blushed crimson. "But we…"
"I'm not sure I'm ready for that myself, and you don't seem to be ready either, but eventually we'll both be ready. I told Mum that all girls were taught the contraceptive spell during the second year, so I'll be protected, whenever we decide to do it." Hermione blushed a bit at that.
Harry thought for a moment, trying to control his blushing at the same time. "I think I'd rather sleep alone tonight, or I may be too excited to sleep at all. We may try it after my treatment, I believe."
Hermione seemed only slightly disappointed. "That should be fine. Goodnight then."
"Goodnight, dear."
They parted with a quick peck on the lips. Harry was still bothered by the thought of sharing a bed soon. It was enticing and frightening all the same. And then, she had also hinted at having sex in the near future. He wasn't sure he could do it. He wasn't sure he could perform satisfactorily, and he just couldn't bear disappointing Hermione whenever she chose to go that way. He would do his best for her or die trying.
Gradually, his thoughts calmed down. He no longer thought of sleeping together or having sex. He just saw Hermione's concentrated expression, her smile, her laughter, and the taste of their kiss, which led him to sleep.
–..–
Harry woke up feeling warm and cosy. It took him a moment to realize that he wasn't alone in bed. Snuggled at his side, Hermione seemed to also be waking up. She stretched, making her breasts more prominent, almost visible through the sheer nightgown she was wearing, and then opened her eyes and smiled at Harry. "I just couldn't fall asleep. I then crept into your bed and fell asleep immediately, sleeping much better than usual. Did you sleep well enough?"
Harry felt a bit confused by her almost naked presence, which made his "morning wood" almost painful. "Yes… I think I slept just fine," he managed to blurt. "I didn't even notice when you came in," he added.
She smiled hesitantly. "I tried not to wake you up. You needed to be well-rested for today, I believe." She then turned fully, moving her head to his and capturing his lips in a sweet kiss. "Shouldn't keep you in bed, should I? Now, go get ready. I'll go to my room to change. We should then go down for breakfast."
Harry felt thankful that the bathroom was on his side of the bed, allowing him to turn his back to Hermione, hiding the tenting in his pyjama bottom. Despite her talking about how their relations might change in the future, he still felt this was not something he wanted her to see.
Hermione waited for him to close the bathroom door before getting out of bed. Her nightgown had moved in her sleep, making her practically naked. She also didn't think it was right to expose herself to Harry at this stage. She was sure he would panic, or worse.
A few minutes later, they were both in the kitchen. Breakfast was waiting for them in the microwave oven. Hermione used it to heat up the food while Harry boiled some water for tea. They ate breakfast silently and then washed the dishes together.
"I think we can use the train. It's still early enough," Hermione said.
"Sure. I would have skipped breakfast if I thought we would ride the Knight Bus," Harry replied with a smile.
They were both wearing sweaters, jeans, and leather shoes, suitable for rain. Each took a rain-proof overcoat and stowed their wands in the inner pockets. Hand in hand, they left the house, making sure to lock it.
As expected, they arrived at Gringotts with some time to spare. Quickill welcomed them. "I'm glad you're a bit early, so I can give you some information about the treatment. You're first going to get a full health scan. That may take up to half an hour. Don't expect the healers to tell you much, though. Depending on the results, you may need some preliminary healing before your scar is dealt with. The ritual to remove your scar may take anything from an hour to six. Once this is over, you'll need to rest for about an hour. Any additional treatment you may need will be given at this time or after you rest. I'll stay nearby and try to let you know as much as possible about what will be going on. I'm sorry, but your friend will only be able to join you after your scar is dealt with."
Harry grimaced at that. "Can you give her some books to read while waiting? I'd also like to keep her informed of the progress."
Quickill nodded. "I'll give her some books. They're quite old, I believe, but I hope she'll still find them interesting, and I'll make sure to keep her informed at every step. Now, let me bring the books and summon the healers."
He left the office, returning almost immediately with two heavy tomes that made Hermione's eyes sparkle. Two goblins in light green robes followed him. Quickill introduced them. "This is Master Healer Breakbone and Healer Bloodspill. They are heading the team that would make sure that you leave the bank in much better health than you came in."
He turned to Hermione. "I'll send you some snacks and drinks in another hour. You may make yourself comfortable, as this is bound to take a few hours, at least."
Hermione gave Harry a short hug and a quick kiss. "Get well!" she told him. The goblins left the room with Harry following them. Hermione sighed and sat down. She took the top book and opened it. Scanning the title page, she got really excited. She turned the page, almost forgetting everything else.
Harry was led through numerous corridors, deeper and deeper into Gringotts, until he reached a large room with four beds, all sporting light green sheets, the same colour as the healers' robes. "Take off everything and lie on this bed," the older healer said. Harry tried not to think about the healers' names, as they didn't make him feel secure. He still followed the instructions. Feeling quite exposed, he settled on the bed.
By that time, a few more green-clad healers arrived. They formed a circle around the bed and started waving their hands and chanting various spells, one at a time. Harry thought he saw some foggy forms appearing above his body and disappearing moments later. After a while, the head healer told him, "Turn around!"
Harry felt less exposed this way. He knew it meant nothing, really. He had already been treated by Madam Pomfrey, and she had certainly seen everything, as he was unconscious most of the time, when she had to remove his clothes and dress him in hospital robes.
"You may turn now. You may also put your shorts on if you like." Harry felt thankful for that.
The healers seemed to have a heated debate. Harry could understand nothing of it since they spoke in their own language. Quickill seemed to try to follow the discussion, but Harry wasn't sure he was doing any better.
Occasionally, one of the healers would come and cast another spell at Harry, mainly at his scar, but some also at his eyes, his arms, or other parts of his body. After a while, they seemed to come to an agreement. The head healer approached. "We shall first give you a potion to strengthen your body. While it takes effect, we shall remove the tracking and other spells cast on you. Neither the potion nor the treatment should cause any pain. You should also drink at least two glasses of water after taking the potion. An hour later, assuming all goes well, we'll take you to the ritual room to deal with the binds cast on you and the dark magic in your scar. Do you agree?"
His agreement seemed to be part of the formalities. "I agree," Harry said.