Ch 5
Arthur Weasley was sitting down to dinner when he received a letter from a Hogwarts owl. He opened it to read:
Dear Mr. Arthur Weasley,
I am writing you today regarding your son Ronald Weasley's schoolwork. Ronald's grades have never been extraordinary or even average but they are dropping drastically. I have inquired into this and been informed that your youngest son has only ever studied or completed his homework when forced to by Miss Hermione Granger, a former friend of his.
Upon discussions with Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and your other three children I've come to realize that without Miss Granger's help Ronald very likely would have failed out of Hogwarts already. I must also inform you that your son's bad study habits were diminishing others' grades. With Mr. Potter and Miss Granger no longer spending time with your son Mr. Potter's grades have soared this term.
Normally I would not discuss another student's academic progress however Mr. Potter permitted me to do so to illustrate to you that the distractions Ronald is causing are detrimental to others' educations. At this rate, Mr. Weasley, your youngest son will fail out of Hogwarts before Christmas break. He currently has a T in all courses and has handed in little to no homework in all of his courses this term.
Further, Ronald is taking great pleasure in verbally sniping and berating Miss Granger and Mr. Potter at every opportunity. They have both made complaints to multiple teachers about it and Ronald has been given detentions and warnings but ignores them all. Miss Granger and Mr. Potter do not engage him in any way; in fact they quite obviously ignore him which apparently serves to only irritate Ronald more. Perhaps you can emphasize that he not continue to poke the bear? I fear that one day either Miss Granger or Mr. Potter will snap and very little will be left of your son if that happens. His magical abilities are not even close to theirs.
In other news the twins and Miss Ginevra Weasley are all doing well and the twins seem to have turned their love of pranking into something more constructive. They are even promoting unity during this tournament and it is a pleasure to see.
I look forward to your efforts to deal with Ronald.
Minerva McGonagall
Gryffindor Head of House
Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts
Arthur rubbed his face and handed the letter to Molly as he got a glass of firewhiskey. "I thought Ginny and the twins were overreacting," she whispered. "Did I coddle him too much Arthur?"
"Molly you've been telling Ginny she'll marry the boy-who-lived for years and yet when Harry and Hermione became a couple her letter home was exuberant and she went on about how perfect they are for each other. I do not believe for a minute that you can be blamed for this. I do share Minerva's concerns. Harry and Hermione could take Ron out before he even drew his wand. And he's never been one for schooling even when you were teaching him. He was eight before he could read."
Molly nodded and cast a glance toward the recent letters from the twins and Ginny. They were filled with joy from being with their friends and both letters were protective of Hermione being a Veela, almost daring their parents to say something negative about the revelation. It was nice that Harry and Hermione didn't hold Ron's behavior over the rest of the family. "What should we do Arthur?"
"I would never take away an education from my children but if Ron isn't putting in the effort then why should we continue to pay for it? With the money we save on his schooling we could buy the others new robes and clothes or better brooms for them. Ginny wants to play quidditch we could get her a decent broom to play on the house team next year."
Although Molly wanted to argue with her husband because she wanted all of her children treated equally, she could see Arthur's point. Ronald's scores had never been good and when she asked the twins about their brother's scores after his first year they'd both said what Minerva had in the letter; without Hermione he'd have failed out. "Perhaps we should give Ron an ultimatum? If his scores aren't improved dramatically by the end of the year he will return home."
The school year was already paid for. Arthur nodded his head in agreement with his wife's suggestion, "We'll both have to tell him this in person. I'll write Minerva tonight to arrange a visit."
Harry sat in the Gryffindor common room after dinner, Hermione in his lap as they read their History of Magic book together. Dean sat down on the sofa near the chair the couple was sitting on, "Okay why is it that the book is so interesting but all we ever hear from Binns is goblin rebellions?"
"To hear him tell it we shouldn't even bank with the goblins," Neville agreed.
Hermione looked at Harry before looking at the boys, "Why don't we draw up a petition and see how many students will sign it? Maybe we can force the headmaster to give us a real history professor."
"That's brilliant!" Harry looked to see Angelina Johnson and the twins grinning, "Why has no one else ever thought of that?"
"Because my Hermione is the most brilliant witch in the school," Harry said, kissing her gently.
Fred and George faked gagging sounds which saw them being hit with pillows by the three chasers. Ginny got the conversation back on topic, "So how does this petition work?"
Hermione vacated her spot on Harry's lap and got out a long sheet of parchment and began to work out the wording of the petition so that it was clear and concise. With assistance from their fellow Gryffindors Hermione soon had the wording perfect:
We the students of Hogwarts feel that our education is sorely lacking in History of Magic. Our textbooks are more informative and interesting than Professor Binns, who is forever stuck on goblin rebellions and is incredibly monotonous in his lectures. We demand that our education be taken seriously and a new professor of history be hired.
Hermione then signed the document. Harry took the quill and followed suit and one by one every Gryffindor, save Ron who was upstairs in his room pouting, signed the document.
"We can always duplicate the parchment right? To send it to the Board of Governors too?" Ginny asked.
"We can present it to the headmaster and if no action is taken take it to the Board of Governors," Angelina Johnson said.
"We can duplicate it easily," Hermione nodded.
The next morning once the Great Hall was full Hermione finished her breakfast and walked over to the Ravenclaw table, explaining the petition. In no time at all every claw had signed it. Hermione was glad she'd chosen a particularly long parchment. With Ravenclaw finished sooner than expected she went to the Hufflepuff table where they quickly all signed as well.
By that point Slytherin was curious and a few of them went to see what was going on. No sooner had Hermione said, "A petition to fire Binns and get a real history professor," the snakes were lining up to sign. Ironically this willingness to sign made Hermione late to History of Magic, not that Binns noticed.
At lunch the entire school was eagerly waiting for Hermione to walk up to the head table. When she stood and walked up the entire hall's attention was on her. Hermione walked up to the head table right in front of the headmaster, "Professor Dumbledore, on behalf of the student body I present this petition to have Professor Binns removed from his post and to put in his place someone to properly teach us. Our parents don't pay for us to learn from a book." She unfurled the long parchment and the professors watched the parchment roll down the steps, "Almost all the students in this school have signed this petition and we are prepared to also send it to the Board of Governors."
Albus Dumbledore had never heard of the entire student body writing a petition. The school could never fully agree on anything. That they did was outstanding to him. He accepted the parchment from Miss Granger and read the short paragraph at the top. He was well aware that the entire hall's attention was on them. He finished reading the paragraph and gazed at Hermione Granger. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention Miss Granger. I will take immediate action. Twenty points to Gryffindor for your initiative."
"Thank you sir," she said before walking back to the Gryffindor table. Harry smiled as she sat down next to him. "What?"
"You're just so incredible," he said, kissing her sweetly.
"I'm rather aware of that Harry," she whispered, "you say so every night." He grinned in response.
That evening at dinner the headmaster made the announcement that Binns had crossed over. The students cheered. The other Hogwarts ghosts would be filling in for the position until a suitable replacement could be found. Only Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy were displeased; Malfoy because Slytherin had stood behind the Veela mudblood and Ron because as usual Potter and Granger were getting all the attention.
Draco Malfoy was not having a good year. First he got entered into a tournament somehow and then Pansy had had their betrothal terminated. His father wasn't helping him and neither was his godfather citing that it was 'against the rules'. While most of Slytherin was impartial regarding supporting Malfoy no one was leaping up to help him. He had Crabbe and Goyle still but that wasn't anything to brag about. They were utter idiots and really only good as henchmen. He tried to bait Granger but she responded in kind and then his godfather had pulled him aside and told him that he needed to quit harassing her. On the plus side, Weasley was incredibly easy to rile up and that was fun.
Ron had been sure his forgiveness of Harry and Hermione becoming a couple would work. When it hadn't he'd gone back to verbally berating them every chance he had. He'd also publicly attacked Hermione, saying among other things that Harry was only with her out of pity. He'd also been publicly ogling the blonde Beauxbatons champion. She was Veela and Veela were really beautiful. He'd lament that there weren't any Veela at Hogwarts and so on. When Hermione had publicly admitted to being a Veela Ron had been outright shocked. He'd scoffed at the idea so she'd sent a targeted blast of allure at him. The resulting reactions had furiously embarrassed him in front of Gryffindor. He'd tried to then get her in trouble only for his classmates to point out that he'd brought it on himself and McGonagall to tell him to 'not poke the bear,' whatever that meant.
Now his parents were on his case. Potter and Granger must have whined. He didn't understand why Harry was with Hermione. She was a Veela so that could be the reason but Ron had called dibs on her. Admittedly he'd never told Harry that but to Ron's mind that was just a formality. He'd showed his feelings for her by the constant fights they had. It was obviously sexual tension. And they'd even gone on dates in third year! Although Ron had never considered Hermione's feelings, spent most of his third year blacklisting Hermione over a broomstick and a rat, and never asked her out on a date. Those weren't relevant anyway. The best part was that then Harry would be jealous of him for a change. But now Potter was with her and Ron was without anything. He'd just have to work out how to get revenge on the traitors.
The first Hogsmeade weekend arrived the weekend before the first task and Hermione was excited. She was finally going to get Harry new clothes. He was letting her dress him only if he could dress her with him footing the bill for their new wardrobes. Hermione was loathe to refuse her lover and had agreed reluctantly weeks ago. Now she was actually eager for the day.
At breakfast the whole school was abuzz with excitement for the Hogsmeade weekend. Some of the younger students approached the older ones asking for things from Honeydukes and Zonko's shop. Harry looked at Hermione, "Excited for today?"
"Well I always look forward to time spent with you," she smiled.
"Smooth," Harry chuckled. "New clothes are exciting to me. I've never had clothes that actually fit me before."
"My poor Harry," Hermione said, running a hand through his hair.
"Do you need help dressing Harry, Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"I think I can dress him well," Hermione said, "my concern is when it's his turn to dress me."
"I'll make sure he doesn't do anything weird," Ginny promised.
"Hey! I can dress Hermione!" Harry said indignantly, pouting when the other girls laughed at his statement. "Well I could," he mumbled.
Hermione squeezed his thigh, "I know you can Harry." She leaned in to whisper, "You can pick out all of my underwear. Just accept Ginny's help with the outer clothes okay?"
He grinned and nodded. "If Harry weren't immune we'd think you used your allure," George teased.
"You do seem to perk him up easily," Fred cut in.
"Hermione just always knows what to say," Harry said, kissing her cheek.
Hermione and Harry walked down to Hogsmeade with everyone else. There was always an excitement to the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year. As soon as they were down there Harry was dragged into a clothing store and Hermione proceeded to dress him like a mannequin. Harry was in for a very long day.
Ron entered his head of house's office to see his parents. "Why're you here?"
"To deal with your stupidity this year," Arthur said, "sit down Ron."
There was an edge to his father's voice that had Ron obey. Molly showed him a parchment, "Why are your grades so poor?"
Ron quickly thought up an excuse. "It's Granger's fault! Her being a Veela is distracting!"
Molly felt a flashback to Ron at nine years old blaming Ginny for him not having his homework she'd assigned. Accepting blame was something Ron couldn't do. "Yet you spend no time with her so there's no reason for her to 'distract' you as you put it Ronald."
Ron flushed, "W-well I mean Harry! Yeah, it's Harry's fault! He steals my work and gets my grades! He stole my girl and stole my homework!" Arthur rubbed his brow. This was going to be a long day.
Draco Malfoy was not amused. At the wand-weighing the Daily Prophet reporter Rita Skeeter had ignored him and focused on the other champions. To add to his bad attitude Delacour was a Veela. He was competing with a half-breed! On the plus side when he won it would be obvious that the purebloods were superior in every way. Krum and Diggory were both blood-traitors. He was the only real pureblood in the competition. He knew the first task would prove to all that he was the superior being.
Cedric Diggory, Fleur Delacour, and Viktor Krum had all become friends of a fashion. Karkaroff and Maxime had told their students the first task was dragons so they'd shared that information with Cedric and practiced together. Krum was rather pleased with his friendship with Harry; the younger man was happy to practice flying maneuvers with him and with help from Fleur Hermione had learned to control the transformation into a harpy and her ability to cast fireballs in that form helped the three champions practice dodging flames. Although initially bringing the harpy out had meant that Cho, Cedric's girlfriend, had to hang all over Harry in order to properly enrage Hermione. Poor Harry had not enjoyed it in the least and Cho seemed to find it as hard. Still it was to help the champions and with Fleur whispering things that would enrage the Veela into Hermione's ear the transformation happened.
The transformation was immensely frightening for Cedric and Cho the first time they saw it. Harry knew that it was still Hermione and while she was more part-woman, part-bird at that point he still thought she was beautiful. Fleur could also transform so she wasn't surprised and Viktor's mother was a Veela so he was aware of the transformations. Hermione was good at casting the fireballs and Harry and the twins set up obstacle courses for testing the champions' agility and accuracy while Hermione blasted at them with Cho having a stopwatch to time each run. They had plenty of practice.
Harry sighed as Hermione made him try on yet another outfit. When he exited the dressing room and Hermione's eyes lit up with lust, though, Harry decided it was worth it. If him wearing better fitting clothes made Hermione happy then he was going to happily try on as many clothes as she wanted.
Hermione knew Harry didn't like the constant trips to the dressing room but it was necessary to get his sizes right. Once she had them she went through the store quickly, gathering an assortment of clothes. Harry was left to get his own socks and underwear and he made sure to get some particularly garish looking socks for Dobby to have for Christmas. Dobby was of the opinion socks should never match so Harry got three pairs for Dobby to mix and match to his heart's content, Hermione picking out three other pairs for him too.
When it was Harry's turn to pick out things for Hermione Ginny helped him pick out shirts and jeans and whatnot before Hermione let him loose in the lingerie section with her measurements. With help from a saleswoman Harry soon had all the things he wanted Hermione to wear. Ginny told Hermione she was brave but Hermione waved it off. Harry wasn't like Ron who would have no clue. Harry knew what he wanted to see her in and she was confident in his abilities to dress her; especially in their bedroom.
After the shopping trip they shrunk their bags and put them in their pockets before heading off to the Three Broomsticks for lunch. They ate alone, enjoying the privacy. At least, they did until a woman with ridiculous glasses approached them, "Well well, Harry Potter. And who might this be?"
"The young woman I'm trying to eat lunch with," Harry said, "And you are?"
"Rita Skeeter, reporter with the Daily Prophet," she said, sticking her hand out. Harry didn't shake it. He'd read the Daily Prophet Hermione received and knew that Skeeter was more suited to gossip columns than actual journalism.
"The Daily Prophet. The paper that publishes quotes from me without ever having spoken to me," Harry said.
Skeeter's smile vanished in an instant. Hermione was good at controlling her emotions so she didn't laugh but she definitely wanted to. Harry squeezed her hand under the table. Skeeter's voice became sickly sweet, "Well Harry if you gave me an interview you could put that to rest. Why with my Quick Quotes Quill it'd be over in no time."
"Those quills are notoriously unreliable," Hermione said, "they don't take dictation they write fiction and change people's words."
Skeeter's eyes narrowed at her, "And you are?"
"More than willing to hex you if you even think of pulling that notepad and Quick Quotes Quill out of your pocket," Hermione answered, her eyes hardening.
It was Harry's turn to avoid smirking. That was difficult. Hermione looked ready to blast Rita out of the restaurant with a fireball. Rita Skeeter's eyes narrowed, "I don't know who you think you are, little girl, but I can ruin you."
"Well you can try," Hermione said. "You could write nasty things about me being Harry's girlfriend, about me being Veela, about a great many things. But we have something that you don't, Ms. Skeeter. I have a very good friend whose father is the Minister of Magic in France. Harry goes flying regularly with an international quidditch star. And they are just the friends we have on the continent. You know, Ms. Skeeter, I looked up animagi my first year after I saw my head of house transform into a cat. Your name is not on that list of registered animagi and I understand failure to register can lead to time in Azkaban. Now you could subvert that but then all of your stories would come under attack as people learned how you get your scoops and charges of trespass would swiftly follow."
Skeeter's eyes bulged. Harry had thought Hermione was going off on a tangent but it looked like she hit the mark perfectly. "Not much is known about Veela Ms. Skeeter," Hermione continued, "but one thing is very much known. Enraging a Veela does not end well for you. My aim with my fireballs is quite good."
Harry smiled, "She's great for quidditch practice."
Hermione wanted to reprimand Harry but was too happy to see Skeeter beginning to sweat, "The Daily Prophet has long arms."
"Generally I hate my fame," Harry said, "but I'm happy to use my fame to protect myself and my girlfriend. Yours is not the only source of news and I'm sure WWN would love an exclusive. As would that other paper, The Quibbler."
Skeeter didn't like to admit that she was beaten. But neither of these two looked like teenagers at the moment. They both looked like people who were ready to fight. She'd hoped to embarrass the boy into a story and then she could let her readers go after this girlfriend of his. Instead they seemed to hold all the cards. She was very much aware that the entire pub was quiet. Rosmerta walked over, "Leave my customers alone Skeeter." She took the opportunity to flee.
Harry thanked Madame Rosmerta for getting Skeeter out only to have her respond, "You two cleaned the floor with her. I will enjoy that memory for years to come. About time someone stood up to her. Lunch is on the house dears."
"Thank you," Hermione smiled.
Ch 6
Ron Weasley was still in McGonagall's office. His parents had just spent the past three hours lecturing him. Ron tried to tone them out but it was hard to do. They kept going on about how he was throwing away his future and that they were disappointed in him and that he had already thrown away the best two friends he could have ever had. Ron didn't see how having two traitors around was a good thing. When he was tired of his mother going on about ruining his friendships he snapped, "She was supposed to be mine! Everyone knows we fight all the time like a married couple! It's sexual tension!"
Arthur decided to try a different tactic. "Ron when have your mother and I ever fought?"
Ron frowned, confused. Molly picked up her husband's train of thought, "We are well aware of the fights you've had with her. And we're also aware that you enjoy making her cry and bullying her. That isn't love Ronald. That is something far more negative. Dislike, hatred even." While Molly and Arthur hadn't known before, the twins and Ginny had both written home about them when they sent letters asking their children about Ron's behavior at school.
Arthur shook his head, "Ron, do you even like Hermione?"
"Harry shouldn't get her!"
"So you're jealous of Harry," Molly sighed. "Oh Ronald, that poor boy has no family. It's obvious that his aunt and uncle doesn't dress him well or care for him and you're jealous of him?"
"He's rich and gets all the best stuff!"
Arthur looked at his son. "Harry is rich because his parents are dead. Now I'm done with this Harry Potter envy you seem to have. You're coming home now. If you finish all of your homework I'll consider letting you return to Hogwarts," he used the fireplace to floo-call the headmaster and tell him his decision. Ron was rather pleased. He wouldn't have to see blasted Potter and his girlfriend and he'd get all of his parents' attention. And no more classes? That was just the icing on the cake. Mmm, cake. Maybe he'd whine to get his mum to bake him a welcome home cake.
Harry and Hermione went to a few more shops after lunch, ending with a trip to Honeydukes to get some candy before they went back up to the castle with everyone else. Dobby took their clothes to clean before he'd place them in their new trunks. Harry had insisted on getting them both special trunks that were easier to organize and that could shrink. Sirius had sent Remus to Gringotts on his behalf and took out the money to buy the two trunks for the teens and then sent them to Hogwarts. Hermione loved the organization with the different compartments and levels. They decided to leave their school trunks at the end of their beds and their new trunks Dobby wore around his neck.
After some begging on the elf's part Hermione and Harry had agreed that Dobby should bond with Harry. For Dobby it was a dream come true but he took his duties very seriously. Since the new trunks would hold all of their new clothes Dobby was happy to guard them for his master and mistress during the day and leave them in the Room of Requirement each night.
Hermione smiled as she looked into her bag to see the odd colored socks they'd bought Dobby. He'd love the Christmas presents they got him. "Today was fun," Harry said.
"I think so too," she squeezed the hand she was holding and he pulled her to him so he could wrap his arm around her waist. "So what are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Today is all about you and me," Harry said, "nothing else."
"Sounds good to me," she placed her head on his shoulder, "Ron's going to be jealous of your new clothes."
"Ron is always jealous of me. Lately I've been wondering why he even became my friend. I think he just thought I'd give him free stuff. He's never given me a Christmas or birthday present. His parents have but he never has."
"That doesn't surprise me," she said. "I never get anything from him either."
They entered the school with Harry feeling content. Since ending his friendship with Ron the year had dramatically improved. Still, Ron was being a rather massive pain in the arse with his constant insults and efforts to bait them. When Harry entered his dorm it was to see that Ron's bed was empty. His trunk was gone and all of his stuff had vanished. Harry returned to the common room, "Ron's stuff is gone."
"Correct Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "Mr. Weasley's parents have decided to withdraw him from Hogwarts until such time as he showcases a proper change in attitude and an improvement in his grades."
"I don't ever see that happening," Harry muttered under his breath.
"If he doesn't even pass his O.W.L.s his wand will be snapped," Hermione said. "That's good motivation."
"Yeah but this is Ron," Harry said. "He's more likely to dig his heels in and only realize too late that he's screwed. And then it'll still be someone else's fault."
"I think Harry's right," Ginny said. "That's definitely Ron."
Hermione nodded in agreement with her mate before shifting to sit on his lap, "It'll be easier to eat at mealtimes." Laughter followed that observation.
That evening Harry insisted on Hermione modeling his choices. Hermione wished for a changing screen and finally looked at Harry's choices. They weren't bad. A few choices surprised her; particularly the thong, but she wasn't about to tell him that. Harry had looked hopeful when she said she'd go try them on and she wouldn't want to disappoint him. Hermione slid into a black lace bra and panty set and exited the screen, "What do you think Harry?"
Harry didn't have to answer. His mouth had dropped open and his pants looked to be incredibly tight all of a sudden. "You are so beautiful," Harry whispered.
She walked over and kissed him, "Thank you Harry. You have good taste."
"I'm glad you like them," he said before watching her walk back behind the screen, "I think asking you to model them has inadvertently turned into a torture session."
"Well I won't make you suffer too long," she promised, sliding out of the underwear and putting them back in her trunk. She slid into the thong and exited the screen.
Harry's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. Her exiting topless could have had something to do with that but when she turned around she actually heard him growl. She smiled and turned back to find him directly behind her. "Hermione you're the most beautiful woman on the planet."
"I'm about to be the most beautiful woman on top of you," she said, feeling the familiar pull of lust that she often felt with him when they were alone. Harry took that as permission to kiss her and they made their way toward the bed as her hands easily removed his clothes.
Ron Weasley sat on his bed in the Burrow. His mother had taken down all of his posters and all of his comic books and toys had been removed. In their place was all of his schoolwork and textbooks. There had been no cake. The Burrow was a warm home but at present Ron felt alone. His parents had jumped down his throat when they'd heard him mumbling about getting revenge on Potter. His mind begrudgingly went to what his parents had said. His father had told him that a date was only if the two people involved knew it was a date and one person asked the other person out. And then there was his parents' words about relationships.
Ron could let the whole thing with Hermione go. After all while she might be a hot Veela she was still…Hermione. She was a bookworm and a know-it-all and a nag. But he was still angry with Potter. Potter who had it all. Selfish bastard that he was.
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Worn out?"
His eyes opened to see his lover offering him a cheeky smile. Harry grinned, "I'm always up for another round with you."
"I'm glad to hear that," she kissed him sweetly. "I love you."
"I love you too," he pulled her into a hug, "I'm sure that our friends will do well at the first task but I'm so glad I don't have to compete." She nodded her head in agreement. Harry fighting a dragon did not appeal to her. "Think Malfoy will survive?"
"Part of me hopes he doesn't," Hermione admitted. "Watching someone die would be horrible of course…"
"But he is a git who is constantly trying to hurt you."
"Yes," she nodded before gently kissing his neck. "I don't think I'd ever admit that to anyone but you Harry."
"Part of what's so brilliant about you," Harry said. "I'm glad I'm taking Ancient Runes with you now. If Trelawney predicted my death one more time…and worse Ron was getting this glint each time my death was predicted like he was plotting something."
"Ron? He's not one to plot unless it's about food."
"Still I don't trust him. I'm just glad we won't have to spend time with him anymore," Harry kissed her, "I don't look forward to being apart this summer."
"We don't have to be," Hermione shifted to look into his eyes, "you could stay with me."
Harry's eyes glazed over at the thought before another thought had them clearing, "Your father will kill me."
"Harry it's a biological urge. And anyway, it's not my father's business. You and I are together, we're safe, and that's all there is to it." Harry knew it wasn't that simple but he liked the fantasy. "How come your dormmates haven't noticed your absence?"
"I live with boys. They don't notice much."
She chuckled and leaned down to kiss him, "Would you want to spend the summer with me?"
"More than anything," Harry nodded. They kissed again and his hands traveled over her body.
"Harry…" She closed her eyes in pleasure. He smiled and turned them so that he was on top and she kissed him. The pull of the Veela could be strong, the urge to mate overwhelming. That was why she did her best to show Harry her feelings for him with the kisses, the caresses, the snuggling. The Veela urge was primal but she didn't let it win out in their encounters. According to Fleur the near-constant lust would vanish after a year or two. Harry certainly wasn't complaining about the frequency of their encounters or how aggressive she could become; he seemed to actually enjoy it when her aggressiveness was increased.
Hermione knew that she was lucky; Harry was incredibly understanding about the difficulties of being a Veela, the few that they'd discovered. And to his mind an intense sexual appetite filled by him wasn't a bad thing at all; nor was her generally aggressive nature which became even moreso at times.
After a very intense climax Hermione and Harry snuggled together, "Good night love," she whispered.
Harry sighed and pulled the blanket up to cover them better, "Good night beautiful."
"I never thought this would happen when I found out that I am a Veela. I'm so glad you're you, Harry. Otherwise I wouldn't be this happy."
"Funny, I was thinking the same. I was so scared about being your boyfriend; that I wouldn't be good enough for you, that I couldn't make you orgasm, that you wouldn't want me when you can have any man you want…but I guess I was most scared that you might not love me. That I really wasn't worthy of love just like the Dursleys have always said."
"Harry…"
He quickly continued before she could correct him, "But you've proven that I am worthy of love and I don't think I could love anyone more than I love you."
Hermione ran her hand over his chest. "I will punish those people."
"They're terrified of magic and were handed a magical child. They might have abused me but I don't think they had a choice in taking me in. I mean, they don't want me so why not put me in an orphanage?"
"Dumbledore forced them to take you in and keep you," Hermione realized. "Can I punish him?"
Harry chuckled, "Go right ahead my gorgeous girl."
"You're staying with me this summer no matter what Harry, understood?"
"What are we going to tell your parents?"
"The truth. I'm a Veela, blessed by a god. And as a Veela I have an increased sexual appetite. But I'm not getting pregnant until I'm in my thirties so they don't have to worry about any grandbabies happening too soon. Finally, you are my mate and I'm going nowhere without you."
That sounded pretty good to Harry. "Okay I like that. It's honest and pretty explanatory. Will your parents understand though?"
"That their 15 year-old daughter is classed as a magical creature and having regular sex with a 14 year-old boy? Probably not," she answered.
"I wouldn't call the sex regular," Harry pouted. She smiled.
"I meant the frequency not how adventurous we are," she elaborated. Harry perked up at that and kissed her. "But if they don't understand then we'll just figure something out okay?"
Harry nodded and shifted to snuggle her better. Hermione closed her eyes as he kissed her jaw, "Sounds great. Now we need sleep."
"Definitely," she yawned, "good night my love."
"Good night beautiful," he said, closing his eyes.
Ch 7
The day of the tournament arrived sooner than expected and Harry and Hermione made their way outside with the rest of the students. They climbed into the stands, sitting with Ginny and Cho on one side and the twins on the other. Cho was noticeably nervous and no one could calm her down. Hermione understood. If it was Harry she'd have been just as upset. Upon seeing the first dragon enter the stadium Harry gave a sigh of relief. He didn't think he could get past that thing.
Draco Malfoy stood in the champions' tent. The other three were nervous but he expected them to be. They were lesser beings, after all. His victory today would be one for the pureblood agenda. It would be glorious.
Moody, aka Crouch Jr., was still trying to work out how to get Potter into the third task. He knew the lad wouldn't help Malfoy out but he seemed to have a friendship with the other three champions. So long as one of them was in the maze he figured he could get Potter into it and to his master. At least, that was what he'd assured Voldemort. Truthfully Crouch wasn't certain it would work. Potter's Veela scared him. Still, Voldemort was not someone to confess uncertainty to; although his master had been in a much better mood since Potter had ceased being a horcrux he was still happy to cast the Cruciatus first and ask questions later. As he sat in thought his mind drifted back to seeing Hermione Granger's Veela powers first manifest in self-defense.
-Flashback-
Dumbledore had given him permission to cast the Imperius curse on the students. Even as a Death Eater that perplexed Crouch. Willingly subjecting students to Unforgivables? It was unconscionable. But then, he was Dumbledore. The old man could get away with anything. He could, in a way, understand casting the spells on spiders to show what they did. But to cast them on children? Even Death Eaters went straight for the killing curse. Well except Bellatrix but she was utterly insane.
Crouch cast the spells on each of the spiders and he ceased the Cruciatus when Granger called his attention to Neville. The boy looked ready to either faint, vomit, or some combination of the two. Actually from where Granger was standing with Potter as well it was obvious that they were what was keeping Longbottom upright. He ceased and pulled out some chocolate from his desk, breaking off a portion of the candy bar and handing it to Neville, "Here you are lad. Your parents were excellent aurors. Incredibly brave."
Neville just nodded mutely. Crouch then went into a lecture about each of the three Unforgivables before casting the Imperius curse on each of them. Potter broke the curse and that impressed Crouch. He moved his wand to Hermione and cast the spell. He knew she was a Veela, the whole school did at that point, but Veela were not common in Britain and it was unknown what would happen when he cast it on her.
The result was painful, pleasurable, and deadly. She had blasted out a potent dose of targeted allure that rendered him paralyzed. The complete paralysis Granger had had him under was shooting so much pleasure over his body it actually was hurting. His nerve endings felt like they were on fire as his body was overwhelmed. The rest of the class was at first unaffected before a few moans could be heard. Those with the weakest minds like Ron Weasley were responding to the leaking of the allure from her body even as she continued her assault of Moody/Crouch. Not even five seconds had passed as Hermione transformed into the harpy that was so feared and launched a fireball in an arching motion toward him. At the last second Crouch saw her hand freeze. The blackboard behind Crouch had been left a smoldering pile of ash. Harry wrapped his arms around Hermione who transformed back easily and leaned into his touch even as Harry drew his wand and pointed it toward Moody/Crouch.
Crouch leaned against his desk, "And that is why Veela are often feared. Fifty points to Gryffindor Miss Granger."
"For what? The blasted mudblood creature nearly killed you!"
"That's right Mr. Malfoy," Crouch said, "she nearly killed me. I was at her complete and utter mercy after inciting the Veela to protect itself and Miss Granger regained control enough to decimate the blackboard instead of me. Surely many of you saw the movements of her hand? She brought it to a stop before it was over me. That takes tremendous control and force of will. Thus the fifty points. Magical creatures and part-creatures have the best forms of defense against mind magic and she has just demonstrated why you never want to attack a Veela."
Upon the point awarding Harry lowered his wand and sat down with Hermione again. He looked rather proud of her. A feeling Crouch could understand. One thing was certain. He never wanted to piss off Hermione Granger again.
-End Flashback-
That day had been educational for Crouch. Harry hadn't been affected by the allure, meaning he was probably her true love or mate. Little was known about Veela but upon learning Granger was one he'd read a few rare books on the subject. He knew enough to know that if Voldemort drew his wand against either of the couple it would without a doubt be the last thing he did. The Veela would make sure of that and he was certain Granger wouldn't stop the fireball's course that time.
Ludo Bagman entered the tent, "Now then this first task is simple. You will get past a dragon and get the golden egg!"
Draco was too busy fantasizing about his victory stance and checking his hair to listen to Bagman. He vaguely heard, 'get the egg' but didn't even register it as he continued to work on his hair.
They drew from a bag with Fleur going first. Krum and Cedric both stopped the blonde fool from reaching in first with a mumbled 'ladies first'. In the end Cedric would go first, then Krum, then Fleur. Draco was going last. 'Why is it a dragon?' He thought, 'Oh because it's a dragon's egg. Of course. Probably some sort of obstacle course.' He vaguely recalled hearing that Potter and Granger were working on an obstacle course for the champions to practice on. 'Pathetic cheaters need a mudblood creature and a stupid fame-seeker to practice. Just wait until I show them.'
When Cedric came out Cho was squeezing the bench so hard that Ginny wasn't sure if she'd hurt herself or the bench if she squeezed any harder. Cedric transformed a rock into a dog and cast a spell to have it run the opposite direction that he did. As the dragon's attention turned to the dog Cedric sprinted to the egg. He grabbed it just as he heard a roar. He glanced up to see the dragon's firebreath coming at him. Hermione Granger's fireballs had been instantaneous. She cast with speed that had repeatedly singed his clothes until he got better and better at dodging them. That training swiftly kicked in as Cedric dived to the ground and twisted to see the fire blast miss him before the dragon's head began to move. Cedric sprang to his feet and ran out of the enclosure before that could happen. As soon as Cedric was out of harm's way and looked unharmed Cho visibly relaxed.
Next up was Krum. Over the past weeks Harry'd become close to the older boy. He was a good friend and seeing him face a dragon worried him. He held Hermione's hand and squeezed as Krum entered the enclosure. Krum's idea, and one he'd practiced with Harry, was to summon his broom and use his skills in the air to get past the dragon. Harry thought using a broom to get past a dragon seemed utterly insane but Krum was confident.
Krum's Firebolt flew into his hand and he was off like a shot. Krum soared vertically up before whizzing around the dragon's head, weaving up and down to avoid the fire blasts, and then suddenly diving straight down. It was a fantastic Wronski Feint as Krum picked up the egg with one hand and flew out of the arena not wasting any time. The stadium erupted in applause as the young man landed with his egg. He watched the scores being given. Full marks meant he tied with Cedric.
Harry looked at Hermione, "I still think it was crazy to do that."
"I agree," she nodded. "I hope Fleur does well."
The friendship of Hermione Granger and Fleur Delacour had surprised and baffled everyone in Hogwarts at first. All save for Harry. It wasn't just their shared Veela-ness (Harry still wasn't sure how to phrase that), it was their similar interests. Both girls loved the beach, books, and disliked quidditch. They were both incredibly intelligent and neither was quick to make friends. They traded books to read and would sit and talk about them or about their lives in their respective countries and about being Veela. Fleur invited Hermione to visit France that summer and promised that with her own mother's help Hermione's parents would understand what being a Veela meant in no time.
Harry was elated they were so close. Hermione's only other real close female friend was Ginny and the youngest Weasley just didn't get Hermione. She liked her very much but Ginny's interests were a stark contrast to Hermione's. Harry was certain that at their wedding Fleur would be maid of honor. The two simply clicked in a way neither had experienced before. It was a friendship that would last a lifetime.
Hermione was very worried for her friend. She didn't want Fleur to get hurt competing against a dragon. Fleur meant almost as much to her as Harry did.
-Flashback-
Hermione was sitting with Fleur out by the Black Lake. Harry and Krum were off flying again. "So I'll change more?"
"Yes but not as noticeable as the initial changes," Fleur nodded, "and over the years you will age very, very slowly. Which my muzzer says is a very good thing," her English had improved greatly as they became close. "Do your parents know about you and 'Arry?"
"They know we're dating. I don't think telling them my libido is like a forest fire that can't be put out unless I'm with Harry is a great way to introduce him as my boyfriend. My daddy can be a bit overprotective. How did you cope?"
"Toys mostly," Fleur answered. "My mother also prepared me for it and taught me to meditate. Eet helped very much. Also I am a part-Veela. The desire ees not as strong for me as eet ees for you."
Hermione smiled, "I love being with Harry. It feels like we're so much closer since figuring out just how deep our love goes for each other."
"You two are very cute togezher," Fleur smiled, "how do you spend time togezher though?"
Hermione grinned, "We have a special room in the castle. It shifts to become our bedroom. We have our new clothes hidden too so no one can intrude."
"You suspect someone would?"
"Every summer Harry is sent back to the Dursleys, muggles who are afraid and frightened of magic. They made Harry live in a cupboard under the stairs for ten years. They never bought him clothes and only got him glasses when the school informed them Harry needed them." Hermione sighed, "Headmaster Dumbledore placed him there and forces him to go back every summer. He knows but does nothing to stop it. Harry and I have talked about it and decided we don't trust him." Fleur nodded in understanding. "Then at the announcement of the champions we saw it. He wasn't surprised the fourth slip of paper appeared but he was utterly shocked at the name on it. He thought it would be Harry's name."
"Zat ees not a good zhing," Fleur shook her head, "at least Apollo granted your request."
"I've thanked him many times since," Hermione smiled. "If it weren't for him my Harry…well he could have been hurt or worse."
"I do not think you should worry too much. You can control the harpy and no one could stand against ze 'arpy for long."
Hermione smiled at the thought of the Defense class where that had been shown. Hermione pre-Veela would have been horrified. That hadn't been the case when it had happened. Harry had been outraged that Moody had seemingly wanted what had happened to happen. Still, it had successfully shut up Malfoy. If anything every time he tried to say something about her he became the one mocked and teased; Hermione had asked him once if he wanted to know if fried ferret was a delicacy. The Weasley twins had heard this and immediately it was spread around the castle. Occasionally you could hear him being asked in classes or the hall if he would rather be charred or lightly broiled.
"Harry will be spending this summer with me," she gazed at Fleur, "would Harry be invited to France?"
"Of course. I would not want to separate you. My muzzer will make sure zat you 'ave connecting rooms."
Hermione smiled at that thought, "We talk about my love life all the time. Now we get to talk about yours." Fleur flushed in protest only for the two of them to get lost in a laughing fit. The blonde was single and the desire of almost every boy in school. She had to turn down boys every day. The proposals and flirting were varying degrees of hilarity.
-End Flashback-
Fleur was the first girl she met that she could just be herself with and let her guard down. Hermione leaned into Harry who slid an arm around her as Fleur entered the stadium. "She'll be fine Hermione. She's probably better off than the boys."
"Well of course she is," Hermione said, "but it's still a dragon Harry." Harry just rubbed her back.
Fleur entered the arena and noticed that the badges on the students had all changed to her name. She smiled. Hermione had made them and she was sure she'd spelled them all to do that. When the signal to begin went off Fleur immediately went into action, casting fireworks from her wand which served to distract the nesting mother. Unlike Cedric she moved slowly to avoid detection until she was close to the nest. She plucked the egg straight out and then cast a spell to send birds out of her wand. The birds circled the dragon's head and the dragon snatched them out of the air one at a time, giving Fleur a chance to escape.
Hermione was standing and cheering as her scored came out. Like the other two, she received full marks. "How do you think Malfoy will do?"
"Not sure," Harry said. "Dead or nearly dead I think."
Draco Malfoy stood in the tent, his wand drawn and at the ready. He'd heard the commentary but it wasn't descriptive enough for him to know what was to come. He had to prove his supremacy to the half-breeds and blood traitors. He'd show them all. Especially his parents.
-Earlier that day-
Draco was eating breakfast when his parents arrived. He looked up to see them entering the Great Hall, "Draco," Lucius Malfoy said, "Are you ready for your first task?"
"Of course I am. I'm superior to them. Krum is a blood-traitor and he has creature blood in him. Diggory comes from blood-traitors too. And then there's the Veela…"
Lucius pinched the bridge of his nose, "Draco they are chosen competitors. You cannot discount their skills. The cup has clearly identified them as qualified champions."
"They aren't worthy of the title."
Lucius glanced at his wife who closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Draco, dear, you really must control your words."
"Why should I kowtow to them?" Lucius Malfoy was speechless at his son's words. And grateful that the boy was out of their hair for nine months of the year.
-End of earlier that day-
He heard his name announced and he exited the tent, strutting into the ring confidently to see the meanest looking Hungarian Horntail dragon ever. His eyes widened in terror. He had to get around THAT? Those others must have cheated! Still, he had to prove that he was superior.
Draco pulled out his wand and cast a stinging hex at the dragon's nose. That would work. Unfortunately Draco's aim was quite off and instead the stinging hex went into the dragon's eye. This served to royally piss off an already angry nesting mother dragon. An angry nesting mother dragon who was also of the most aggressive dragon species in the world. And she had one blonde human in her sights. She growled and blew fire onto the blonde to watch him run around the enclosure like a human match stick. She waited until he was in just the right spot and WHAM! the large spiked tail swung home with perfect timing and astonishing power and Draco Malfoy was sent flying out of the enclosure with a scream and into the Black Lake.
The entire stadium fell silent. Even Ludo Bagman had nothing to say. Harry zoomed in on his omnioculars and Hermione followed suit. They watched as Draco landed in the lake and then they suddenly saw him being held aloft by a very familiar tentacle. A tentacle they had often tossed fish and bread to. And it was swinging Malfoy around not unlike how they swung the gnomes at the Burrow around before launching them over the hedge. Ginny and Fred, sitting on Hermione and Harry's other sides respectively asked what was going on. Given the silence of the crowd Harry's voice was clearly heard by all, "The giant squid has him!" Suddenly Draco Malfoy was flying through the air again as the squid released him, though this time he landed directly in the nest. He slammed into the golden egg head first and the dragon roared and blasted fire onto him again.
With a nod from Ludo the dragon handlers put Draco out and set about trying to control the dragon. They struggled but calmed the dragon down after around five minutes and led it out of the area. Draco Malfoy was unconscious. This was without a doubt a good thing. Sticking out of his arse was one of the poisonous barbed spikes of the dragon's tail. It was easily two feet long and Madame Pomfrey would soon discover it was actually lodged in his rectum. With help from Severus Snape Draco was removed from the arena. Fred and George were already whispering to each other.
Upon seeing where the barb was, and the dent in the egg from Malfoy's head's impact, snickering was heard. And as is often the case in group settings the snickers grew to become laughs and as one person laughed another joined. And then another. And another. Draco Malfoy had just been hit like a ping pong ball by two massive creatures. He had a two foot long spike embedded in his arse. And the laughter just kept coming.
In the tent Snape magically disrobed Draco to see where the spike had entered. He and Pomfrey both winced when they saw it. "He'll need an antidote Severus," she said. "Right away."
"I will dispatch an elf to get it immediately."
"We should probably talk to his parents as well. Let them know the extent of the damage." The damage, all told, was a ruptured rectum and colon, poison, lungs full of water, burns to his head and all of the hair on his head burnt off including his eyebrows, a concussion, and a large goose egg from the impact with the golden dragon egg which was dented beyond repair.
Back in the stadium Draco's scores were revealed. Dumbledore sent up a '3', Maxime a '1', Crouch a '1', Bagman a '2', and Karkaroff a '-3'. Hermione snorted. Out of a possible 50 points Draco Malfoy had received 4. He would never live that down. She closed her eyes and leaned against Harry as she offered up another thank you to Apollo. He had made an excellent choice to replace Harry. "Let's go down and see our friends," she said to Harry, who nodded and stood before giving Fred his omnioculars to replay the last event and watch it up close. He and George were mumbling something about new action figures to create.
Cho followed them down to see the three unharmed champions. She immediately attached herself to Cedric and the other four moved away to give them privacy. "You two did great."
"What happened to Malfoy?" Harry and Hermione looked at each other and burst into laughter as Hermione handed her omnioculars to Fleur who soon joined them in the laughter while passing them to Viktor.
Ron Weasley sat in his bedroom. His mother had let him listen to the first task. It sounded amazing. Krum's skill, the hot Veela, and Draco Malfoy embarrassing himself. He really wished he was there. "If you finish your homework, Ron, your father and I will consider letting you return to Hogwarts. So long as you promise to leave Harry alone." Ron thought to himself for a long while before picking up his books. He had thought coming home would be fun. It wasn't. His mum was making him do all the chores and he hated it. And he was lonely. Even when no one was talking to him at Hogwarts he still had other people his own age around him. Ron decided doing his homework was a better option than staying at the Burrow with his mother. Often he'd wished he was an only child. Now he hated feeling like one.
Ch 8
Lucius and Narcissa had spent very little time visiting their unconscious son before they had to go home to hide in their embarrassment. Draco Malfoy would spend the next week inside of the hospital wing lying on his front because he couldn't sit on his arse. Throughout that week George, Fred, Hermione, and Harry were at work on a new product. Or, three products. A giant squid action figure, a Hungarian horntail action figure, and a Draco Malfoy action figure which also turned into a hairless ferret. They also sold a small net and the squid and dragon would then play ping pong with Malfoy. The dragon would also breathe fire at him and then Malfoy would run around the table until the squid put him out with a blast of water. You could buy the entire set for one galleon and fifteen sickles and they sold out of them almost immediately.
It wasn't just that most people wanted the set. It was that everyonewanted the set. Ginny began making a list of preorders with help from Colin and people were happy to pay in advance for the sets which they had Hedwig help deliver as well as Winky who Dobby had found drinking heavily during the first task. The little elf had then asked his master and mistress to please take Winky on too. Hermione understood that house elves needed to have a master and she reluctantly accepted it. Knowing it was a requirement didn't make it feel any less like slavery to her. Winky was her elf and happy to deliver the toys once they were made.
It was the day that Draco Malfoy was released from the hospital wing that McGonagall made an announcement, "Every time that the Tri-Wizard Tournament has been held there is a ball thrown over the Christmas holidays. It is called the Yule ball and there will be formal dancing. Lessons are of course offered. Only fourth years and above can attend however if you wish to ask a younger student that is acceptable. It is also the only way third years and lower can attend."
Once McGonagall released the class Harry looked at Hermione, "I don't know how to dance Hermione but will you go to the ball with me?"
She smiled, "Of course Harry," she gently kissed him, "I'll teach you."
Neville smiled at his friends. "I think I'll ask Ginny. No offense girls," he said to their classmates, "but this way she can attend."
"None taken Neville. It's a good idea," Parvati nodded. "Maybe I'll ask Colin Creevey so he can come too."
Draco was standing in his godfather/head of house's office, "What do you mean I have to still compete?! I was nearly killed!"
"Yet you're alive," Snape said. "You are required to attend the Yule Ball and to finish the tournament. Now, champions open the ball dancing with their dates. Do find someone. Embarrassing your parents is not the way to go in this Draco."
"I didn't know it was a dragon!"
"Did you even try to find out? Of course not. You did no training, no preparation. The other three did so and received perfect scores. I would hope you can learn from your mistakes." With that Snape excused him. Malfoy walked away slowly; it was how he had to walk since the task. Who was he going to ask to the dance?
Hermione and Fleur sat talking in the Room of Requirement on the beach Harry had first created for his lover's birthday, "So how many boys have asked you?"
"Seven," Fleur admitted.
"And do you have a date?"
Fleur gave her friend an appraising glance before answering, "I do have a date. 'Owever I do not wish him to be asked to duel so I will not be saying who he is."
"Not even to me?" Hermione pouted.
The blonde laughed, "Not even to you. You will find out ze night of ze Yule Ball."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at the secrecy of her friend before asking, "Do you like him?"
"Since meeting him here I have come to appreciate him," she said carefully, "and he is a gentleman."
"That's not an answer to my question."
Fleur sighed. "Oui, I like him. It is hard to like someone when you are a Veela."
"Not if they are understanding. Being a Veela isn't a bad thing. We just attract more jerks."
"Oui that is true." Fleur settled back on the towel, "He will protect me from ze jerks. Not that I need ze protection."
"Neither do I but for boys it's an ego thing. They like to try and defend their girlfriends whether we need it or not."
"Fragile male egos," Fleur joked.
"Without a doubt," Hermione sighed, "they're such drama queens." The two girls dissolved into giggles at that.
Harry rubbed his forehead, frustrated. "What's wrong Harry?"
He looked up to see Neville looking at him concerned, "I have to get a Christmas present for Hermione."
This confused Neville, "She loved her birthday present."
"Yeah but that was before…" Harry stopped. Only Fleur knew that the pair was sexually active. He changed course, "before our relationship became so serious. I don't want to blow it."
"You can't blow it. She loves you." Harry gave Neville a half-smile and the boy walked off. Harry sighed. Everyone just assumed that he and Hermione had a perfect relationship and that it was all so easy. Granted very few people knew about his past with the Dursleys but for Harry, being in a relationship with Hermione had terrified him. And at times it still did. Only Hermione knew it.
-Flashback-
Harry sat on their bed and sighed. "That's your self-deprecating sigh," Hermione said, sitting next to him and pulling him into her arms. "What's wrong?"
"I love you so much Hermione," Harry began, "and I am sure that this conversation is not starting well even based on my limited knowledge of relationships."
"Which is why you're worried about something," she kissed his jaw gently, "what is it?"
"Well Remus and Sirius sent me this book about relationships and it said that people who come from abusive families…"
"Harry I have two parents in the medical profession. I am well aware that studies indicate that people raised in abusive families often become abusive."
The look on his face was nothing but fear, "What if I hurt you?"
Hermione gently kissed him on the lips, "Harry Potter I can turn into a half-bird, half-woman harpy that shoots fireballs that can destroy solid objects. I am also the top witch in my year and quite able to fight off any attackers magically as well as physically. My parents sent me to self-defense classes when I was six."
Harry smiled at that and she rubbed his arm gently, "Harry you are nothing like those people. Those same studies also say that people from those homes can come out well-adjusted in spite of their upbringing. You are that group Harry. Despite those Dursleys and one headmaster I'm debating roasting, you have grown to be an amazing man. You're loving, compassionate, supportive, brave, thoughtful, always willing to offer a helping hand, and you've not let yourself be swept up in your fame or in your sorrow for what's happened to you and the ones you love."
When Harry smiled again there was a sincerity to it that had been missing the first time. She cupped his cheek, "Harry, just the fact that you're worried you might hurt me tells me the kind of man you are. I love you."
"I love you too Hermione," he said before returning the hug and resting his head on her shoulder as a few tears escaped.
"Harry, you have been a fantastic boyfriend. My birthday was amazing, the things you picked out for me in Hogsmeade were perfect, don't doubt yourself. When it comes to me you haven't failed me once and you seem to always do the right thing even when you're not sure."
"What if one day I don't do the right thing?"
"So long as you love me Harry you can't," she promised.
-End Flashback-
Harry grinned at that memory. He knew what to do now. He got up off of the couch and headed up to the owlery. He had a letter to write to two dentists.
It had not been a fun time for Draco Malfoy since the task. He still couldn't sit down and the hair-regrowth potions couldn't be taken until his burns healed. His burns were incredibly severe and his head was covered in purple paste and bandages. The school was full of people laughing at him. 'Ferret Mummy' and 'Roasted Rat' followed him through the halls. Jokes that he was dragon roasted and Granger would be happy to char him if he wanted to be more well-done got old quickly but everyone always laughed. The toys created by the Weasley twins and Potter and Granger were incredibly popular. Pretty much every student in the school had them and there was cheering and laughter as the squid and dragon played ping pong with him.
Now Draco Malfoy was dateless. No one wanted to go with him to the Yule Ball. Complaining to his father had gotten him nowhere. The girls all laughed at him, even Bulstrode. After the task Slytherin en masse bought the buttons and the toys from the four people making them. Distancing themselves from him seemed to be an agreement throughout the house. Even Crabbe and Goyle were keeping away from him. Draco really hated the way his life was going.
Fred was finishing up an order of the ping pong set when George came into their dorm, "We need to get Harry and Hermione something for Christmas. Without them we wouldn't be so successful. Our Canary Creams are finally ready to be sold thanks to their help creating and selling other products."
As he often did, Fred smile as his mind drifted to the memories of their help.
-Flashback-
Fred and George were working on their Canary Creams when Harry and Hermione entered the common room, "I think we could do it Harry. The spellwork is tricky but I'm good with charms."
"Brilliant. It'll be a great way to build unity among the schools and all of the students. Should we put on something insulting Malfoy?"
"The Hufflepuffs tried that already," she reminded him, "it was poor at best. They might as well have said 'Malfoy Stinks!' It would have worked just as well."
Harry could imagine Malfoy coming up with badges that said 'Potter Stinks' if Harry'd ended up in the tournament. "Yeah. How much should we sell them for?"
"Well I can't make them all and even with your help it'll be hard to fill the orders if they sell like I think they will."
The twins could no longer take not knowing what they were talking about, "Sell what?"
"Are you two planning a business?"
"Well sort of. Did you see those buttons some of the puffs were wearing at breakfast?"
"Yeah," George nodded.
"Harry thinks we should make some with all three champions names. You know, 'Support Cedric Diggory', 'Support Viktor Krum', 'Support Fleur Delacour'. We want to encourage an air of goodwill as regards this tournament. I could charm some buttons to do it but it's a ton of work."
"We can help!"
"We can share the money we make."
"I don't need the money guys," Harry began.
"Nonsense it's your idea and Hermione's surely got the spell. We'll go in with you guys."
Harry looked at Hermione as the two had a silent conversation. It fascinated most people or freaked them out a bit. Not Fred and George. They had long communicated with just a look. "Okay we'll do it."
The twins quickly made room at the table for their friends to sit and Hermione drew her idea on a sheet of parchment with a pencil she kept in her bag. The twins added in some ideas; Cedric would be in yellow, Krum in red, and Fleur in light blue to further distinguish them. Hermione decided to spell them so that at the tournament when it was time for that champion to go all the names would be static and shift only when it was someone else's turn. So long as she had a button that could control the others they would be fine.
-End Flashback-
"Those badges were brilliant."
"Yeah but I think the action figures are easily the best things we've created so far."
"Right so what do we get them for Christmas?"
"Something special that is just for them," George answered. "Not that I know what that is but I think that's what we should work on."
"Agreed," Fred nodded, putting the figures in a box and onto the pile of boxes to be delivered.
Emma Granger was surprised to see a snowy owl sitting on her counter, "You're that owl that comes when Hermione writes to Harry aren't you? I think Hermione calls you Hedwig."
Hedwig offered her leg out and Emma took the letter off and unfurled it to read:
Dr. Granger,
Hello. I'm Harry Potter. I asked my owl Hedwig to deliver this to you. See, I want to get Hermione a perfect gift for Christmas and I was thinking of getting her some jewelry since we're attending a ball and she graciously accepted my invitation. I was hoping that you might have a jewelry catalog or something that I could look at and order from. I have friends who can get through the muggle world as easily as the magical and they can make my order and pick it up for me.
I don't know how much Hermione has told you about our time together but I love your daughter more than I ever thought I would and I feel so lucky to have her in my life. She says she's the lucky one but I assure you, I am. I'm thinking about buying her a necklace. Maybe you could get matching earrings for her? I want her to shine at the ball like the beautiful young woman she is.
Hermione says she wants me to spend the summer with your family. I'd be quite delighted. Anyplace that isn't the cupboard under the stairs at my aunt and uncle's house is great to my mind.
And I promise I'll be a gentleman at the ball. I have a friend who takes pictures and he can make them muggle or magical. I'll be sure you and Hermione's father get a couple.
Thank you for any help you can offer. I don't want to screw up my first real Christmas with my girlfriend.
Harry James Potter
Emma had a smile for most of the letter until she got to Hermione's desire for the lad to stay the summer. She knew her husband wouldn't go for that. Then he mentioned living in a cupboard under the stairs and Emma understood why Hermione was so protective of Harry. She'd often wondered why the boy didn't visit and why his clothes were so big. Now she knew the answer. Still, this might encourage Dan to calm down about his daughter's boyfriend. Harry they knew of from Hermione's letters and if there was one thing that riled Dan up more than anything it was child abuse. She'd just have to wait until Dan came home from the footy game he'd gone to watch.
Harry hoped that the Grangers would help him. He'd do anything to soften their opinion of him before finding out about the Veela thing and sleeping together every night destroyed their opinions of him, their daughter, and quite possibly the magical world as well. He really hoped Fleur's mother could break the news gently and to explain it as more than two horny teenagers.
Hermione was waiting for him in the Great Hall. He kissed her, "I had to send a letter."
"To who?"
"Can't tell you or it will ruin your Christmas present," Harry said, winking.
"Ginny got a letter from home today. Apparently Ron is returning." Harry groaned and frowned. "That's my opinion. Apparently he's really upset he missed seeing Malfoy embarrass himself and missing Krum on a broom."
"And drooling over you and Fleur," Harry added.
She rolled her eyes, "Regardless, he's done his homework and the Weasleys have agreed to let him come back."
"I'm sure Ron can't wait to see you two at the ball," Neville agreed. "Probably ask you."
"Silly me hoping he'll come back a better person," Hermione sighed, "if only to leave me alone."
"If not then you can serve up some barbecued weasel to go along with the dragon roasted ferret," Harry grinned.
Classes ended one week before Christmas. A Hogsmeade visit was scheduled and Hermione was glad. Mrs. Weasley had picked out green dress robes for Harry. He'd returned them along with Hermione's dress robes. He knew Mrs. Weasley meant well buying his robes but he wanted his robes to match his girlfriend's dress so he had returned the green robes and Hermione's since hers would no longer fit her given her body's changes. The money had been put in his vault for both and he'd written to Gringotts to ask that the money be sent to him.
He handed Hermione the pouch they'd sent, "I'm not picking out my own robes."
"Smart man," she kissed his cheek. "Ready for our day in Hogsmeade?"
"Yes but who is helping you pick out your dress robes?"
"Fleur," she smiled. Harry chuckled. He should have seen that coming. "I intend to make your jaw drop when you see it."
"I look forward to it," he kissed her sweetly.