They used the 'point-me' spell to pick their next turn and headed left. Stumbling upon an Acromantula was not how they wanted to continue their trip through the maze. Unfortunately they did. "All spiders hate fire," Viktor said before casting a spell and lighting the giant spider on fire. The scream it emitted was painful to hear and Cedric cast a spell to muffle the sound.
A blood-curdling scream from the maze had everyone jumping. "It didn't sound human," Hermione said.
"At least there's that," Harry said. Hermione used the omnioculars to try and see into the maze to no avail. They were left not knowing what was happening. "This is really, really annoying," Harry said. "I don't like waiting."
"Well aware of that love. You're not a patient man."
"Not at all," Harry mumbled.
"I like you as you are," she whispered.
He smiled at her and she shifted on his lap, giving him a very pleasurable feeling. The look on her face told him it was intentional, "Vixen."
"Maybe a little," she winked.
Draco looked at the timer. He had another 25 minutes to wait. Twenty-five minutes until he could show them who was the superior wizard. They would all bow before him.
Being chased by a burning Acromantula is not a fun experience. They're very large creatures and anything that is on fire and chasing you and is also deadly is not a good thing. Especially when said creature knows it's dying and wants to take everyone down with it. Terrifying would be an understatement. Fleur, Viktor, and Cedric ran back the way they came, occasionally turning to cast a spell. Cedric cast the leg-locker jinx only to have the monster begin rolling toward them. "I haf plan," Viktor said. "Cast blasting hex at ground," he yelled. They sprinted ahead and all three pointed at the ground where a hole appeared. The beast rolled right into it and they all cast incendiary spells to kill the very angry dying spider.
Once the spider was dead Cedric was first to climb over it. Fleur turned to Viktor and kissed him on the mouth, "That was brilliant Viktor."
The grin on his face after the kiss was matched only by how red his face turned. It was Weasley red. Fleur smiled and caressed his cheek before she climbed over the spider, receiving help from Cedric before they waited for Viktor. He calmed himself down, still partly surprised at having had his first kiss with Fleur, and climbed over the spider before they headed back toward where the Acromantula had been. That would take some time. All three were feeling cautious and could use the break to get their breath back.
The timer signaled and Draco marched confidently into the maze. Looking around he ran forward. Now, there was a feature of the maze that had not been explained to the champions. It had to do with the hedges. The organizers of the tournament worried people would just blast their way through the hedges so to prevent that from happening if something entered the hedge it was spit out at another random location. When the Chimaera had been blasted into the hedge by Viktor and Cedric the hedge had warped and spit the Chimaera out closer to the entrance. And the Chimaera was in the mood to mate after having tasted the allure of the Veela.
The beast's eyes zoomed in on Draco Malfoy, who stood frozen in fear as he gazed at one of the most dangerous beasts in the world. Before Draco Malfoy could utter a word or pull his wand out the beast lunged at him and Draco let out a scream as it knocked him to the ground.
After the long scream from the Acromantula had been heard the Ministry employees had cast silencing spells on the maze since the spider's scream had not ended quickly. They had not removed them. Outside the maze it was only silence and noise from the crowd.
Inside the maze the other three champions missed the sound of Draco's pain as they had come upon the trophy and all three grabbed it at the same time the Chimaera jumped onto Draco. The trophy immediately took them out of the maze and back to the start, all holding onto it.
Their appearance had people roaring for their victory. An Auror cancelled the spell on the maze and everyone heard a very human scream. Silence fell and the Aurors rushed into the maze together to find the fourth champion. The three champions of the tournament were being looked over by Madame Pomfrey who gave them clean bills of health, surprised but pleased. Then her gaze turned to the maze to wait.
Fleur, Viktor, and Cedric were led away and soon found themselves in the arms of their mothers. Fleur asked if the Chimaera had attacked Draco only for Apolline's eyes to flash and her gaze shifted to Madame Maxime, "Did you know about this?"
"Zey nevair said anyzhing about Chimaera," the headmistress of Beauxbatons promised.
Three school heads and five parents turned to Ludo Bagman, "Yes well we wanted it to be dangerous and you all said we could place the creatures."
Apolline Delacour looked angry. And it was a look that the few who'd seen Hermione transform recognized. "You put a deadly and incredibly violent creature into a maze for schoolchildren?! Are you insane?!"
"Well we thought it would be a good way to keep the champions on edge," Ludo said, wilting under Apolline's gaze.
"How did you three get past it?" Mira asked her son and the other two champions.
"Fleur pulled a Hermione and tried to speak to it creature-to-creature," Cedric said, smirking at the brunette Veela, "but that didn't work. Fleur blocked its fireballs with her own and then the thing launched itself at us. Viktor and I both banished it."
"It flew into the hedge," Viktor nodded.
Everyone turned to Ludo who mumbled that the hedge would randomly spit out things that entered them elsewhere in the maze. Hermione, meanwhile, was looking at Cedric, "Pulled a Hermione?"
The look on her face was enough to make Cedric pale as he stumbled over his words, "Well you're really nice to magical creatures and…" He stopped when he saw Hermione and Fleur chuckling. "You two like having a go at me."
"You're easy to tease," Hermione responded.
Lucius Malfoy suddenly appeared and was staring at the hedge. At that moment they exited with the caged Chimaera and Draco Malfoy, who was in the cage but looked unharmed. He had obviously soiled himself but to everyone's surprise there wasn't a mark on him. "Your son is very lucky Mr. Malfoy. The Chimaera was nuzzling him and preparing him to mate." The same Auror looked at the female champion, "You're Veela, yes?"
She nodded, "I released my allure toward a troll earlier in the maze."
"We found an unconscious troll about twenty feet away," the Auror confirmed.
"There's just one problem," another auror said, "we can't get him away from the Chimaera. He's rather fond of your son. He doesn't attack so long as we don't try to take the boy away."
"So what are you saying? Draco is to be the…sex toy for this creature?"
Harry barely managed to withhold a snort but it was a near thing. Hermione shot him a glare that helped to sober him up but he saw her lips were twitching. He wasn't sure what was so funny. Was it that the Chimaera wanted to mate with Draco, that Fleur's allure had ironically saved his life but possibly at the expense of…whatever happened when Chimaeras mated (they were one of the most violent creatures alive; their mating rituals were probably brutal), or was it the way that Lucius had come up with the phrase 'sex toy for this creature'?
"We need to see a magical creatures expert. Please come with us," he said. Lucius nodded, gazing at Draco as they walked off to portkey away.
Harry and Hermione headed up to the Room of Requirement for some privacy. "A Veela saved Draco's life," Harry said.
"Temporarily at least," Hermione corrected, "Harry think about how many species of animals mate so violently that the partner often dies during the act." Harry could think of a few. Seals, Quolls, and Otters. Not exactly the romantic types.
"Yeah I guess that's true. It's kind of funny," Harry chuckled, "I mean, it shouldn't be, but it just is and I'm not sure why."
"The sex toy line did it for me," Hermione admitted softly to him which had him cracking up, "Harry!"
"Oh come on Hermione. You know I won't judge you. It's funny. Let it out." And so, with just the two of them there, they laughed.
Fleur and Viktor got away from the celebrations to talk privately, "You kissed me," he said.
"I did," she smiled shyly.
"I liked it," he said.
"Me too," she ran her hand over his cheek. "Viktor if this," she waved her hand between them, "is to continue I need to ask that we take it slow. I was…"
She was interrupted by Viktor, "You don't have to say a word if you don't want to."
Fleur smiled at his gentleness, "Thank you, Viktor, but I think I need to say it. Hermione knows," she added, "Viktor when I was fifteen I was attacked by a gang of men."
Viktor's eyes grew dark and his jaw clenched, "Did they rape you?"
She nodded and then had to pull him into a hug to try and calm him down, "My father made sure they could never do that to anyone again and he put them away," she gazed at Viktor, "Thank you for wanting to protect me. And for being understanding."
"I care about you Fleur. Why would I not want to protect you or be understanding?" He asked, confused. Fleur kissed him in answer.
Ch 17
Harry Potter exited the Hogwarts Express incredibly nervous. Hermione pulled him into a full-body hug and he sighed but didn't relax, "They can't kill you Harry."
"They might try to," Harry said.
"Come on. Better to meet them now than later," she squeezed him and pulled back. Harry pushed the trolley and they exited the platform to find two dentists and two Marauders, all of whom descended on the pair.
"Hermione! You look different," her mother said.
"I had a bit of a growth spurt," Hermione answered; at least she'd grown two inches in height so she could at least attribute that to her growing. She and Harry were more nervous about other things that had changed but her parents didn't mention anything else as they all got into a car and headed toward Grimmauld Place.
"So any word on Malfoy?" Sirius asked.
"None he hasn't been back at school," Harry answered. "His trunk was taken away too."
"How were your sales?" Remus asked.
"Well the twins wanted to make a Chimaera-humping-Draco set but we refused," Hermione said. "We changed it to the Chimaera chasing Draco through the maze and once it corners him it leaps on him and begins licking his face like a dog."
"Still funny but without the penetration," Harry nodded. "And we made the Acromantula figure catch fire and roll through the maze chasing the champions. We sold out immediately and spent a large amount of time making more. But Hermione made sure we still studied."
"She wouldn't be Hermione if she didn't," Remus winked at her and Hermione raised an eyebrow before leaning into Harry who wrapped an arm around her out of habit. Their casual intimacy had Daniel Granger raising an eyebrow but a look from his wife kept him silent. He might have known about his daughter's relationship for nearing 11 months but he absolutely didn't like the thought of any boy dating his daughter.
Grimmauld Place looked amazing. Kreacher saw Hermione and promptly hugged her leg, "Thank you Miss Hermione thank you thank you thank you!"
"You're welcome Kreacher," Hermione said, patting him on the head.
"Great Miss Hermione knows Kreacher's name! Kreacher is humbled." Hermione glanced at her lover and the two Marauders who were obviously just shy of falling over with laughter. Dobby and Winky were beaming and she wondered just what exactly they were telling him about her.
"Kreacher I'm just glad that I could help you complete Master Regulus' last request." Kreacher beamed at her and she looked at the five others, "So how about a tour of this place. It's obviously well cared for." Kreacher stood up even straighter at the praise for his home. Harry loathed the hero-worship from Dobby but watching Kreacher react to Hermione he realized that it was rather amusing to watch. They made their way through the house.
The house only had four available bedrooms according to the elves. Hermione suggested she and Harry just share only to receive a glare from her father, "You are not rooming with a boy!"
Hermione looked at him, "Remus and Sirius have their own rooms and you and mum will obviously stay together. That leaves Harry and me to share. It's not a big deal. We've fallen asleep in the common room together before."
Emma helped her daughter out, "Dan it's for one night before we leave for France tomorrow."
"He's a boy."
"I'd hope so or I'd wonder why we're dating," Hermione said, earning a glare from her father, "Harry is my boyfriend and my best friend. I trust him with my life."
"I could sleep on the couch downstairs," Harry offered.
Dan Granger lit up at this idea but Hermione refused, "You spent ten years in a cupboard on a cruddy flat mattress. You're sleeping in the bed with me and that's the end of this conversation," she crossed her arms and glared at her father who flushed at her words. Hermione knew it wasn't exactly fair to bring up Harry's past to get what she wanted but she wanted to remind her dad that Harry wasn't just any boy.
"This isn't going so well so far," Harry told Hermione that night as they cuddled together.
"I'm just relieved that we only had to go through this tonight. My father won't dare say anything at the Delacour home." She kissed his jaw, "Are you excited?"
"Yeah. A little nervous and worried they might not respond well to you and then to our relationship but we've conquered dark lords so parents shouldn't frighten me."
"That's a good way to look at things," she said, her hand sliding down his torso.
"Your parents are in the next room."
"Silencing spells," she responded.
Harry gazed at Hermione for a moment and her hand stopped moving. He smiled. While the compulsion to shag was immense at times she never let it control her and he admired that. If their roles were reversed he was certain he would not have that same willpower. He turned to the other side of the bed and grabbed his wand, casting the silencing spells required. Hermione grinned and pushed him onto his back, "I love you," he said.
"I love you," she responded.
The next morning they woke and used the bathroom attached to their room to shower quickly before getting dressed and heading downstairs. Kreacher was making breakfast, "Oh Miss Hermione what is you wanting?"
Harry smirked and Hermione shot him a glare before answering, "Kreacher whatever you're cooking is fine."
The elf smiled and resumed his work. Harry kissed her, "I think it's cute that he cares what you think."
Hermione went for a subject change, "Are you excited for your first ever vacation Harry?"
"Very," he nodded. "Do you think your parents will kill me if I admire you in your bikini?"
"I'd personally be offended if you didn't," she smiled. Harry returned the smile as they sat down at the kitchen table together.
When the Grangers came downstairs they looked at the pair and again Daniel Granger's eyes darkened as he watched the closeness between the two. Emma elbowed him and he glanced at his wife who shook her head. He gave a heavy sigh as he sat down. "Good morning Daddy, Mum," Hermione said. She felt Harry tense and she squeezed his hand in support. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," Emma said, "Harry, please explain quidditch to my husband. He's very curious but Sirius and Remus couldn't explain it in such a way that he understood it."
"Sure," Harry nodded, "but I have tickets to a game while we're in France. Seeing it is different than hearing about it." Dan smiled at that in spite of himself. He really wanted to hate any boy dating his daughter but it was hard when Harry was so polite.
Sirius and Remus entered the kitchen and soon they were eating their breakfast and talking about how long it had been since they'd seen Fleur and Viktor who had returned to their schools a few days after the tournament was over.
After breakfast Winky, Dobby, and Kreacher took them all to the International Portkey Station where they were met by a French delegate who took care of arranging their luggage and taking care of passports and whatnot. They were herded toward the portkey point and Remus and Sirius offered up pointers for portkey travel to the Granger parents who looked quite frightened by the notion that they would not be flying on a plane. They all finally were given the all-clear and walked forward to take fold of the plastic hula hoop. Harry felt a familiar jerking sensation through his navel as they portkeyed away.
When they landed he stretched out his free arm and caught Hermione to help her maintain her balance. She leaned on him a bit but maintained her composure. "Thanks love," she kissed him as Remus and Sirius helped the two dentists upright.
"Everyone falls their first time," Sirius said. Harry and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Bonjour and welcome to France," an official said, "Your passports?"
Hermione handed hers over and the official smiled when he saw her name, "Ah Monsieur Delacour's party. Please, come this way. Your things have already arrived."
They followed the man to a car. Standing next to the car was Fleur and her mother Apolline. Hermione grinned, "Fleur!" The two Veela shared a hug while Harry introduced the Marauders and the Grangers to Madame Delacour.
Emma was struck by the beauty of the two women. On any conceivable scale of beauty the two were off the charts. Hermione released Fleur and Emma noticed that the changes in her daughter's body were not dissimilar to Apolline Delacour. Emma had not believed her daughter when she said the change in bust size was a push-up bra. She felt disappointed that her daughter would alter her body with magic, ostensibly for Harry too. She'd hoped her daughter had more self-confidence and pride in herself than she apparently did.
They got into the car, which was a stretch limo, and settled in to talk. Hermione and Fleur alternated between French and English and Harry, who'd learned quite a bit of French over the past year, was able to speak it as well. The parents and guardians spoke politely but Apolline carefully watched the two muggles. Both seemed suspicious and she wondered just what they thought about their daughter's rather obvious changes. She and Claude would talk to them once they were all at the mansion with Mira there to also help them. Hermione and Harry would need people on their side which Apolline could count on Sirius and Remus for.
Once at the mansion their things were taken up to their rooms. Fleur winked at the young couple when she spoke about placing their things in 'their' rooms. Harry's nervousness grew and saw Hermione had tensed as Apolline led them into a study to talk. Mira was there and greeted Hermione with a warm hug, "How are you doing?"
"Okay considering the circumstances," Hermione said softly.
"We are here for you child," Mira promised. "And your young man is without a doubt not going anywhere."
Hermione smiled. Harry walked over to her and squeezed her hand, "Okay I'm ready," Hermione said, taking a deep breath.
Everyone was sitting at Apolline's direction after introductions to Claude and Mira had been made when Hermione squeezed Harry's hand, "Mum, Daddy, there's something I need to tell you. Just please, let us explain it."
"Oh my god you're pregnant!" Emma gasped.
"No I'm not Mum," Hermione said immediately before her father could get worked up at the thought. "No it's something else. And it's not something I'm ashamed of in the least." Hermione looked at Apolline and Mira for help.
It was Mira who spoke, "I met your daughter at the Quidditch World Cup. She did not know until I told her but I could see it instantly. Your daughter is Veela."
Apolline took over, "Veela are creatures of pleasure, daughters of Apollo. He blesses us with unique powers and abilities and watches over us."
"And those we love," Hermione said, squeezing Harry's hand. Harry smiled at her and kissed her cheek.
"My daughter is a witch though," Dan said, wondering just what they meant by 'creatures of pleasure' but not wanting anyone to confirm what he thought they meant.
"She is," Remus interjected. "I'm a werewolf but I'm also a wizard. Being a creature doesn't diminish our magical ability."
"Think of it as Hermione having a bonus set of powers," Sirius said. "Granted some are good and others are bad but that doesn't mean she's a dangerous creature. Unless you tried to hurt Harry or her. Then you're in trouble."
Hermione smiled at the Marauders. Emma was gazing at her daughter, "So all those physical changes are because of you being a Veela?"
She nodded. "They began on my fifteenth birthday with just a few changes. Others have happened since then. Veela have the ability to use allure to draw men to them or to paralyze them with lust. And we can turn into harpies and cast fireballs from our hands if we're angered."
Mira took over again, "We come into our power at fifteen. Controlling the allure depends on the person but accidental blasts of allure aren't uncommon among young Veela. And there is of course the sexual component."
Emma looked at her daughter, expecting her to blush in embarrassment, but Hermione hadn't. Harry spoke, "When we got to Hogwarts we finally had a conversation and Hermione told me about how things would change on her birthday. I wanted to ask her out anyway but I'd been worried that she wouldn't feel the same. When Hermione told me she was afraid she'd use her allure to possibly rob the boy she liked, me though she didn't say so right away, of his ability to choose his own girlfriend I decided to just ask her out. I was afraid that she'd worry she couldn't get a guy just for being her wonderful self so I swallowed my fear and asked her out."
"Harry was very understanding about everything from the possessiveness of the Veela to the intense sex drive. But there is a perk to the intense sex drive," Hermione said quickly. Keeping her parents calm was important, "Veela don't become fertile until we're in our thirties."
Emma visibly relaxed. Not risking becoming a grandmother anytime soon was a relief. Dan was nowhere near calm but, remembering his rather infamous blow-up when he learned his daughter was a witch, kept quiet.
It was Claude who spoke next, "I'm sure that this is much to take in. Veela often are faced with fear and discrimination. Until your daughter Fleur has never had a friend; she's known about her heritage since she was young but in our experience Veela tend to have a problem with making female friends; whether they know they're Veela or not. And it's unknown why some women are chosen and others aren't."
"You say chosen like someone blessed my daughter."
"We are the daughters of Apollo; it is he that blesses us and claims us as his own," Mira said.
Harry looked at Hermione to see that she was looking nervous. "Want to go for a walk in the gardens?"
She nodded and Harry glanced at Apolline before he stood with her and they exited the room. Apolline smiled as they left, "It is frightening to be honest about ourselves. Rejection is a common occurrence and fortunately your daughter has not had to witness much rejection though she's certainly faced bigotry."
Emma wanted to go to her daughter but seeing how she leaned on Harry for support she thought it best to let him take care of her daughter. Harry and Hermione obviously depended on each other for support and while she missed being that support she had to admit that Harry was a good replacement.
"You okay?" Harry asked once they were outside.
"It just brought back memories," she said. "When we learned that I'm a witch…well let's just say my dad didn't take it well. He was upset. My mother was relieved that there wasn't something wrong with me but…Daddy didn't take it well."
"I'm sorry love," he said, kissing her on the cheek.
"He just…I could tell that he's upset about this and I just can't go through that again. Every year in the summer he asks if I'm sure I want to go back to Hogwarts and not because of what I've gone through but because he doesn't want me to go."
Harry hugged her. Hogwarts without Hermione wouldn't be Hogwarts. Harry was certain if Hermione hadn't returned to Hogwarts he would've left too. She was the reason he enjoyed Hogwarts as much as he did and he knew that. "Where you go I go," Harry said.
"Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have you?" She asked, pulling him to her and giving him quite the kiss.
"No but if I get kissed like that when you want to show me then I'm going to make a point of reminding you to mention it more often," he grinned. Hermione rolled her eyes and playfully pushed him away. Harry growled and leapt at her and they rolled in the grass, laughing and just enjoying their time together.
Inside the mansion Emma had questions and Apolline and Mira answered them, Claude and the Marauders jumping in when they could. What struck Dan was how protective the Delacour parents and Mira Krum were toward Hermione; almost like she was their daughter instead of his. He didn't like that. He also didn't like how his daughter was so attached to her boyfriend. Still, he kept his mouth shut. After the talk was over they were led upstairs to their bedroom. Dan finally let his opinions out, "I don't like it. Acting like she's their daughter and they know better than we do. Knew she should never have gone to that bloody school. Now she'll never want to leave."
Emma sighed. She loved her husband but she knew that Dan didn't get it. Emma made an effort to learn about her daughter and magic. She read Hermione's history books and her spell books and potions books. Dan never tried to and was constantly telling Emma each year that that would be the year she wanted nothing more to do with the magical world. Emma disagreed. If trolls and basilisks couldn't dissuade her, her father couldn't do anything to get her to return to living a non-magical life. "Dan whether Hermione went to Hogwarts or not she would still be a Veela and still be a witch. And let me make something clear. Right now our daughter has a house full of support and love. No one cares more for her than Harry and if you do anything against him she will never forgive you. Harry is devoted to her and loves her. Answer me this question- Are you prepared to give up your relationship with your daughter because she's a Veela and a witch?"
"She's my daughter!"
"And everyone here knows that," Emma pushed, "They patiently explained to us about Veela. The people downstairs were far more accommodating to us than the professor who came to explain about Hermione being a witch. They didn't talk down to us, they didn't disrespect us. They want us to understand that our daughter is still our daughter. But you refuse to see that she is still Hermione." Emma moved to the window and looked outside to see a sight that made her smile, "Dan, come here and look outside."
Dan obeyed his wife, unsure what she was showing him. To his surprise, and pleasure, Hermione and Harry, the two Marauders, Fleur and Harry's friend Viktor, two little children who looked to be related to Fleur and Viktor, and Claude and Mr. Krum were all playing a game of footy. "Come on then," Emma said, taking him by the hand and leading him outside where they stood away from the two mothers who were watching the teams- Hermione, Remus, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Claude vs Harry, Sirius, Viktor, Yosif, and Sergei (Viktor's father).
Dan felt his chest swell with pride when his daughter scored a cracking goal some twenty yards out with Harry's fingertips not even coming close to the ball as he lunged for it in the top left corner of the goal. "I taught her that form," he said.
Emma pushed home her advantage, "She'll always be your daughter. Stubborn to a fault but loyal, strong, and determined like no other. We always wanted her to have friends and just have fun. Live outside of her books for a change. She certainly has that now."
Watching Remus lift up Hermione and swing her around as their team celebrated her goal he couldn't argue with that statement. His daughter's penalty kicks had been extraordinary because she'd just never fit in. Yet here in a magical mansion and with magical people she fit in perfectly. The sulking of Harry and how his daughter then shouted a taunt to him only to have him stick out his tongue in response made Dan smile. So long as he didn't walk in on his daughter shagging her boyfriend he could handle it. Harry was a nice lad who obviously loved his daughter and given what they'd learned about Harry, from his letters to them as well as from what Hermione had told them over the years, the lad could certainly use all the love Hermione obviously had for him.
Ch 18
Draco Malfoy's summer did not start off pleasant. The Chimaera was rather impervious to magic. Only its belly was sensitive and even then it was difficult to hit it just right. While Draco was freed he was injured severely in the process. His wand arm was nearly torn free from his body and he had a large gash from the claws of the Chimaera which were poisonous and thus the large scratch over his face would not heal properly. He had a scar after that. The scar also impacted his eyesight, making him only able to see out of one eye. He wanted one of those magical eyes like Moody had but Lucius refused to pay for it, leaving Draco with a simple glass eye instead.
While Draco complained about it, Lucius' reasoning was simple. Severe wounds could go one of two ways for magicals. Their magic could compensate for the problem or their magic could weaken. Given the damage to Draco's wand arm, and his already weak magical skill, Lucius was concerned that his son would end up needing to work in the muggle world. Moody's magical eye was a rarity in the magical world because it prevented a person from blending in when among muggles.
At the Burrow Ron was relieved his brothers and sister were back home only to find that while they did have chores, he still had the lion's share. Ginny would help their mum gather up the laundry and hang them to dry; George and Fred were to wash the windows. Ron was not amused. When he suggested to his mother that they should do more she asked him if he was going to get a job. Ron went silent and his mother returned to her baking.
Molly really hoped Ron would turn his life around; but then she'd hoped that each time he got into trouble, especially the past year. Ron had a habit of squandering each advantage given to him. She was certain that even if he miraculously got to play professional quidditch he'd blow his opportunity. Hermione, Harry, the twins…if they got a perk they used it to its full extent. Bill and Charlie were in a similar way and she sensed that Ginny could do that too. Unfortunately Ron saw the gift as something he deserved, not the gift that it was, and was happy to blow it because another one would surely follow (1). When it didn't he resorted to complaining about his lot in life.
Neville's grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, went before the school board shortly after school let out with advice from her grandson, his friends, and Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. The History of Magic teacher subsequently hired was an Irish Muggleborn named Kyran McCabe. He was young, only 29 years old, and was well-traveled. The Defense teacher they finally settled on was a Scottish half-blood woman, Fiona Taggert. At 33 years old she was also one of the youngest Hogwarts professors, but the title of youngest went to Luther Bellamy, a 25 year old Black English Muggleborn. He was the new Muggle Studies professor and to the minds of his fellow new hires a definite need in Hogwarts. The last new hire, with Minerva McGonagall stepping into the role of Headmistress, was for Transfiguration. Carolina Farro, 27 year old Italian half-blood, stepped into the role. With the new hires being found so quickly they were relieved to prepare for the new school year. It would be a much changed Hogwarts that the students returned to.
Meanwhile, in France, Hermione's parents had begun to come around. Harry took Dan to a Quidditch game, just the two of them, for an afternoon to hopefully improve their relationship. Harry had his doubts but he wasn't about to let Hermione know; unknown to Harry Emma had made it clear that Dan was going to go and spend time with Harry or else. As they sat in the stands Harry explained the game to Dan in an easier to understand way, "Which position do you play?"
"Seeker," he answered, "the golden snitch is about the size of a golf ball. I catch it and the game ends."
"Doesn't that make it hard to know how long the game will be?" Dan asked.
"Yeah but most wizards don't seem to care about that," Harry said.
While Dan understood the rules, as the game began he was surprised about how violent the game could be. When someone fouled a seeker and the man nearly fell off his broom Dan was both horrified and concerned. That could have been Harry.
Despite the obscene amounts of violence Dan enjoyed himself, though he found he really didn't like the thought of Harry playing in such a dangerous position. "Have you ever fallen off your broom?" Dan asked as they left the pitch.
"Yes but not because of the game," Harry said. "In first year Hermione saved me when a professor jinxed my broom to try and kill me. She knocked him over and I was able to regain control. Second year a house elf jinxed a bludger and it became a Harry-seeking missile. That one hit me just as I grabbed the snitch and an idiot professor tried to heal me only to remove all the bones in my arm the bloody idiot," Harry said, frowning, "and third year a swarm of Dementors came after me and I could hear my parents fighting Voldemort before he killed them. I heard my mum's screams," Harry added. "That time I did fall off my broom and Hermione was really upset."
Seeing how much his daughter obviously loved Harry Dan didn't blame her. He wasn't even Harry's number one fan but he was worried about him. "Does playing make up for the near-deaths?"
"I love flying," Harry said. "Quidditch just gave me the chance to do that. I'd never play professionally and I won't be playing next year. Hermione loathes the sport and I got injured almost every game. And with all due respect sir I'd rather have a lie-in with your daughter than getting up in the dark to practice for the game in the pouring rain."
Dan couldn't blame him for that. Their return to the Delacour manor had Hermione hugging her dad and then pulling Harry away to kiss him. Emma came over, "How was the game?"
"It's bloody dangerous," Dan said. "I can't believe that he plays that game."
"Hermione said he won't be next year."
"That's what he said too. What a relief. Each time they fouled that seeker I saw Harry getting hurt. It worried me."
Emma smiled, "Why Daniel Granger do my ears deceive me or are you warming up to your future son-in-law?"
"He's an alright lad," Dan admitted, "very honest and obviously devoted to Hermione. Plus he has excellent taste in girls." Emma hugged her husband. She knew he'd come around but she'd worried it'd take the entire summer which would have driven a wedge between himself and the young couple.
"Thank you for not playing the over-protective father."
"Hard to do that with my daughter so able to take care of herself," he said.
The beach proved to test Dan's newfound approval of his daughter and her boyfriend's relationship. Especially when Hermione chose to go topless (something she'd never done before when at the beach). When Hermione asked Harry to apply sunscreen to her back Emma had to pull Dan to the side and remind him that breasts were on the front, not the back, and Hermione and Harry were already lovers. "She's still…"
"Dan, Hermione's nearly a fully grown woman. She's not a child anymore. She's planning a career and a life with her boyfriend." Dan knew that Hermione wasn't a child anymore but protective father came out quickly and robbed him of his senses temporarily. He nodded and they returned to the group, Dan instead focusing on a slack-jawed Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. "Besides we have bigger concerns than Hermione and Harry," Emma said, winking at him.
Emma had a point. Dan was impressed that despite never being on a topless beach before and very sheltered from the world in the Dursley house (he'd never call it a home), Harry's eyes never strayed to any woman beyond Hermione. If he was talking to Emma or the Delacour women his eyes didn't drop and he showed no interest in other women. His gaze remained firmly on Hermione and Dan had to admit, that was a good sign of the character of the young man who held his daughter's heart.
Sirius and Remus, on the other hand, both suffered multiple smacks to the back of the head from Hermione and Emma. Getting to know Sirius and Remus was important to Emma and Dan as those two men were the only real father figures that Harry had in his life and they had known Lily and James Potter better than anyone. For Harry, they were a link to his parents that was the best he could ever hope for and the Grangers were determined to have a relationship with the two men.
Harry was surprised that Dan didn't yell at him for ogling Hermione but grateful. Hermione took it as a sign that her dad was okay with them but Harry wondered if it wasn't that Sirius and Remus required babysitting given their shock at the topless women all about. Still, Dan didn't say a word about Harry and Hermione's closeness or their affections that day.
It was at the end of the first week of their three week vacation that Dan could see that every time he entered the room Harry nearly leaped off of Hermione, even if they were only holding hands. He could also see that his daughter was not pleased and Dan took Harry aside, "Harry, I appreciate you not wanting to make me uncomfortable but your girlfriend is ready to hex you if you keep leaping away from her like she's got the plague every time you see me."
Harry blinked, confused, "You don't mind sir?"
Wanting to teach Harry Dan asked him a question of his own, "Do you love my daughter Harry?"
"More than anything," he answered, "I need Hermione like I need air, water, or food sir."
The corner of Dan's mouth lifted in a half-smile, "All I've ever wanted is for Hermione to be happy and loved. Though I've been slow to say it I think she couldn't have found a better mate in life." Harry visibly relaxed at his words but Dan couldn't resist adding, "But if you ever hurt my daughter I don't care if you're a wizard, I will destroy you."
Harry gave a cheeky grin, "No offense, sir, I'm far more frightened of Hermione and her mum than I am of you. Granger women are scary when they're angry."
"Emma broke three bones in my hand when she delivered Hermione," Dan said, patting Harry on the shoulder, "so no offense taken." Harry paled at the thought and Dan laughed.
The second week the Grangers devoted to showing Harry France. He got to see the Louvre, which was Emma's favorite spot, and they had a picnic not far from the Eiffel Tower. Emma asked a question she'd pondered, "How do you two spend the night together at Hogwarts? Hermione's letters have said that the boys and girls dorms are separated and the girls' dorm has protections to prevent male entry."
"Well that's true but there's a special room in Hogwarts that changes to whatever we want it to. So we created a bedroom and we stay in it every night. Once we started sleeping together it was too difficult to sleep alone," Harry answered, "I don't think I could sleep without Hermione next to me anymore."
Dan frowned, "And no one has noticed you don't sleep in your dorms?"
"No," Harry shrugged. "We pop back most mornings to shower except in the winter; the room creates a bathroom for us to use and that way we don't freeze to death. It's ridiculously cold waiting for those showers to warm up." Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Not much for bedchecks are they?"
"They're pretty lax," Hermione said, "but we have our elves pop us out to our bedroom and then back to the dorms in the morning. I've always been an early riser and none of Harry's dormmates seem to think anything's odd about him getting up early too."
"They probably think I get up early so we can snog," Harry said.
"Who's to say we don't?" Hermione asked. Harry grinned.
As their third week in France came to a close Harry felt like it'd been not just a good vacation, but a good experience. The Grangers accepted them as a couple, Hermione being a Veela, and Dan hadn't killed him. If anything the two dentists seemed protective of Harry. He rather liked that feeling. It was a different feeling from the Marauders; Remus and Sirius still acted like immature teenagers, especially around each other. When they were apart Remus was far more mature but moving in with Sirius had reverted the pair to eighteen again. That was what made them good business partners, Harry figured. After all, Sirius blew money on a Firebolt for Harry so why not on a store for their business? Sirius and Remus were more like older brothers or fun uncles. The Grangers were more like parents and Harry had always wanted parents.
"What are you thinking about?" Harry glanced up to see Hermione's book in one hand and her attention focused on him as he had been lying on the grass with his head in her lap.
"Just that your parents are like parents to me. I've always wanted a family. Not like a million kids or anything," he added, "but I wanted parents, siblings, and whatnot. And I have that now. Sirius and Remus are the fun uncles," Hermione nodded in agreement, "Fred and George are like brothers to me and your parents…well they feel like my parents. They're really protective of me and your dad seemed really concerned about me playing quidditch. He looked relieved when I said I wasn't playing next year."
Hermione smiled, "So how does it feel finally having a family?"
"Brilliant," he grinned. "Wouldn't trade it for the world. Feels almost as good as the feeling when you told me you love me the first time." Not far from the young lovers Dan and Emma were laying out a picnic lunch for everyone. They smiled at each other. Dan had always wanted a son. As far as he was concerned this could only get better if Harry became an Arsenal fan
Ch 19
Sirius and Remus were excited when they got back to England. Kreacher, Dobby, and Winky had cleaned up the store that Sirius had bought with his compensation from the Ministry for his unlawful imprisonment while they were in France. It had once been a store that sold potions so there was a large lab in the back for them to work on products. But Sirius hadn't just bought the store; he'd bought the whole building. His intent was obvious; the twins and Harry and Hermione would need a place to live when they weren't at Hogwarts anymore and the building had two large flats above the store, both were identical. Two bedrooms, one bath, and a full kitchen, dining, and living room. To the two Marauders' minds it was perfect and would be a nice surprise for their new business partners.
They intended for Marauders' Mischief to open soon. Hermione already knew who excelled with what; she was best at charms and potions, Sirius was great at potions but outstanding in transfiguration. Harry was quite accomplished at transfiguration and charms, Fred was great at transfiguration and both naming products as well as designing the packaging. George was quick with potions and was the more inventive of the twins. Remus rounded out the list with his talent with charms and his ability to procure rare ingredients. With their strengths identified it'd be easy to work on products and make the great many they'd already created or needed to finish. The two Marauders were bursting with excitement about the business venture and couldn't wait for the grand opening. They decided to get some muggle products to sell too; there were many wizards like Arthur who were interested in muggle things.
The Marauders took the Grangers, Harry and Hermione, and the Weasleys to the store. The building looked decent enough. "We're going to have to work on the sign but we wanted your input with that," Remus said.
"This is awesome," Fred and George said at the same time.
Inside Hermione's brain was already working overdrive to organize the store and Kreacher appeared with a blueprint of the store and a pen. Hermione looked at the five men she was going into business with and they nodded. She proceeded to draw sections and write things like games & toys, personal care, sweets, pranks, fireworks, pets, muggle items, and (this one made Harry's eyebrow raise at the thought of testing them) sex & romance. "Did I miss the conversation where sex toys made an appearance? I reckon I'd remember that," Harry said.
"I'm thinking birth control potions and toys and things to help with romance. The only store that does that is in Knockturn alley. We could make a fortune just selling a few items and expanding the line bit by bit," Hermione said.
"We just can't let the Marauders help customers in that regard," Harry grinned, remembering how the two men had been tongue-tied at the topless beaches. Both of them stuck their tongues out at Harry while Hermione laughed.
Sirius pulled himself together, "Well arranging the store aside, there are two flats upstairs. You four will be living in them after you leave Hogwarts rent-free."
Harry, Hermione, Fred, and George were stunned before they grinned and hugged Sirius. "See Remus? I'm the favorite Marauder."
Remus rolled his eyes in response. "Come on, Dobby and Winky and Kreacher set up the whole building."
While the six business partners were talking Dan and Emma walked around the store to look at things and Molly wiped tears of gratitude out of her eyes. Sirius was giving her boys such amazing advantages. And with Hermione involved she knew the twins wouldn't do anything too outrageous. Arthur was amazed at the generosity of Sirius. He barely knew their sons and was offering them a place to stay after they graduated.
Ron, meanwhile, saw money. Yet again other people were getting what he deserved. He tried to work out he could get in on the free stuff.
They went up to the flats to see them. The two bedrooms had Ron thinking he could talk his way back into their friendship and then he wouldn't have to live at the Burrow with his mother demanding chores. After all, Harry and Hermione weren't paying rent so they couldn't ask him to. "Fleur and Viktor have a bedroom to stay in when they visit us," Hermione smiled at Harry. The red mist descended on Ron.
"WHAT? Why would you want to spend time with them when I'm here?"
Unfortunately for Ron, Hermione had a response, "Because unlike you, they're our friends."
There was a silent, tense moment that followed. No one moved. Suddenly Ron let out a roar and lunged at Hermione only to find himself on his back with Harry standing over him, his wand pointed between Ron's eyes, "You move and I hex you, you stinking git. I don't know why you seem to think that we owe you anything. You are a miserable arse. You're arrogant without reason, stupid beyond measure, and if it weren't for the fact that my future in-laws were here I'd blast you through this floor for trying to hurt Hermione."
"Don't hold back on our account Harry," Dan said. He felt like wringing the little bastard's neck for trying to hurt his daughter.
Ron shouted at Harry, "You lucky bastard you get everything that should be mine!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ron you're an idiot. Harry didn't 'get' anything. He earned his position on the quidditch team, he earns his grades, he earned his friendship with me."
"He's got a vault full of gold!"
"BECAUSE MY PARENTS ARE DEAD YOU MORON!" Harry yelled, his wand's tip glowing. "You are so greedy, so selfish, you're immune to just how good you've actually got it. You take for granted that you have a family that loves you, that has always done things to help you out. You just can't be happy that you always had food on the table, that you are surrounded by people that love you. No you just have to have more than Harry Potter. The first time I've ever heard anyone say they love me is when Hermione said it you bloody weasel. But no, you'd take that from me. You are not and have never been my friend Ronald Weasley. You have had chances handed to you and you've pissed all over them. Whose fault is that? Mine? Hermione's? Your parents? No, it's your fault. You screwed your life up. And now you get to live with the consequences."
With that Harry put his wand back in the invisible arm holster Viktor had given him as an early birthday present and felt Hermione pull him into a hug. Ron lay on the floor. He'd pissed himself when Harry's glowing wand had been pointed at him. His parents were frowning at him and his three siblings and the Marauders and Grangers looked ready to all kill him. Ron could see he'd get no help from anyone. Potter had turned his whole family against him. Just as Ron was about to open his mouth Molly yanked him up off the floor, "You are going straight to your room and remaining locked up there until dinner. I'm sick of this behavior Ronald Bilius Weasley! You might be my son but don't think I won't kick you out of the house!"
"Here Molly, Kreacher can take Ron back to the Burrow," Sirius offered. Kreacher appeared and looking distastefully at Ron, grabbed his shirt and popped them away.
"I'm so sorry for his behavior. We thought showing him what applying yourself can lead to would be a good idea," Molly apologized.
"No harm done Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, still holding onto Harry with his head buried in her neck. "Ron doesn't learn. Fleur and I used our allure to keep him away from us eight times over the course of a single week at one point because he kept coming near us. He never backed off."
"Thick is an understatement regarding Ron," Ginny nodded in agreement.
Harry let out a deep breath against Hermione's neck and then licked her. "Harry!"
He pulled his head back looked at her innocently, "What?"
"You know what," she said, fixing him with a glare.
"Really don't Hermione," he feigned confusion.
"You. Licked. Me."
Harry acted as though he was in deep thought before he spoke, "No I don't have a clue what you're talking about. I was just taking comfort by resting my head against my gorgeous girlfriend's neck."
"And then you licked me."
"I don't recall that," Harry said, a smile threatening to break through.
"Harry James Potter," Hermione's eyes were set and Harry flashed her a grin before he ran out of the room, "Come back here!" She ran after him.
Emma smiled, "At least they didn't let it get them down."
"I've got a galleon that says Hermione catches him in the store and is sitting on him when we get down there," Sirius said.
"A galleon that she corners Harry with her wand," Fred said.
"A galleon that her wand is aimed at his groin," George put in.
"I've got a galleon that says they're snogging on a counter," Dan said.
"Daniel Granger!"
"What? I'm not allowed to bet regarding my daughter?" Emma rolled her eyes.
Remus wrote down the bets, "Anyone else?"
Molly wanted to scold the twins for betting but then Ginny stepped in, "A galleon that Hermione licks Harry just like he did her."
Arthur chuckled, "Well then let's go see who won shall we?"
They arrived back in the store to see Hermione and Harry on the counter snogging. "Damn," Sirius cursed, pulling out the galleon to hand it to Dan. The three Weasleys grumbled about 'inside knowledge' as they handed over their coins but it was all good natured teasing for the dentist.
The couple on the counter parted and looked to see Dan being handed money, "Why are you giving my dad money?"
"He won the bet about what you two would be up to down here," George said.
"You bet on us snogging?" Hermione asked.
"I do know you both," Dan smiled smugly, "why not take advantage of that knowledge?" Hermione shook her head.
While the Grangers were at their practice during the day Hermione and Harry worked on the store with the Marauders and the twins. The elves and Ginny and Mrs. Weasley helped set up the store and stock the shelves once the products were made. Harry's birthday had been a small party at the store with the Grangers, the Weasleys minus Ron, and the Marauders. Harry got his wish of a pizza party and Mrs. Weasley made the cake.
The highlight for Harry, other than the food and company, was the presents. For a different reason than usual. These presents were perfect. From the Grangers Harry was given two pairs of indoor soccer shoes; a pair from Nike and a pair from Puma. He was surprised but grateful. Hermione got him a football with the Manchester United logo on it and he laughed. "Trying to tell me something love?"
"I would never try to influence you to make a decision," she said, smiling innocently. Harry laughed. "Daddy wanted to get you an Arsenal jersey."
"Way to throw me under the bus," Dan mumbled before winking at Harry.
From Sirius Harry got some books. Some were biographies of quidditch players and one was of the history of Puddlemere United (where Oliver Wood was playing) and he also got some biographies of footballers. "Thanks Sirius."
Sirius pouted, "Hermione vetoed what I wanted to get you."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione who glared at Sirius, "You are NOT buying him a prostitute!"
Dan and Emma both glared at Sirius who hid behind Remus who moved away, "You're on your own with that one Sirius. I told you she'd be happy to serve up barbecued dog."
"Okay, okay," Sirius raised his hands in the air, "I'm sorry I suggested it."
Harry rolled his eyes. Sirius often joked about Harry needing to 'play the field'. True love didn't seem to mean much to Sirius and Harry hoped that his godfather would grasp soon that for Harry it was only ever going to be Hermione. No one else could compare. From Remus he got a new school bag and some notebooks that belonged to his parents. There were ideas for pranks and inventions within them and Harry looked forward to looking through them. From Ginny he got a box of chocolate frogs and a set of gobstones. George and Fred gave him two action figures. One was him, the other was Hermione. "Don't let them be near each other alone," George warned, "they go at it like rabbits if you do."
Fred nodded his head and added, "But if you put them with the other champion figures you get quite the entertainment. Especially with a ferret."
"When they shag do their clothes stay on?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," both twins nodded. Fred continued, "We made sure all of them keep their clothes on. No one wants to see a naked ferret and we were not interested in working out what you two look like naked."
"Mostly out of fear," George cut in, "for what you'd do to us Hermione. Harry we're not afraid of we just didn't want to develop penis envy."
Harry blushed and spluttered when Hermione said, "Harry you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You keep me amply satisfied." If possible, Harry turned redder.
Hermione leaned in and whispered, "Harry you don't even blink if anyone mentions we're shagging but you're embarrassed about your size?"
"I've never compared it with others," he mumbled. "I dunno how big I am."
Hermione rolled her eyes. Boys and their penises. "The average is less than six inches," she explained quietly, "and you're at least eight." Harry smiled and she kissed his cheek, "And regardless Harry you know that you make me happy."
"Okay lovebirds save it for later. Time for more presents," Fred said.
Just for that Harry pulled Hermione into his lap and she nuzzled his neck. "Don't bait them Fred," Ginny scolded, "you should know better by now."
"This is why you're the less-intelligent twin," George said.
"I'm still the better looking one."
"Intellect is more important," Hermione said without even looking up. George pumped his fist in triumph while Fred pouted.
Harry's last present was from Molly and Arthur. It was a necklace and hanging from it looked like a fang of some kind, "Bill helped us with it. The fang is a dragon's fang and the leather is actually dragonhide. It's got all kinds of protection spells on it to protect you."
He smiled, "Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
Cake came next and Harry enjoyed himself with his friends and newfound family. When the party ended Harry found himself being pulled up to their flat. Sirius and Remus cast spells to lock the store down and protect the flats upstairs before taking the Grangers home and returning to Grimmauld Place.
Up in their bedroom Hermione pushed Harry against the wall, "Still feeling insecure?"
"Not when I have you in my life," Harry answered, watching as she removed her shirt to reveal a green lace bra, "I like that."
"Thought you might," she moved against him, "consider this evening the second part of your present."
"More bribery?" He joked.
Hermione pouted and let her hand move over his pants to rub against him, "Harry do you think I'd use sex to bribe you?"
"I think it depends on what you were trying to bribe me to do," he let out a groan as her hand squeezed, "Hermione I can't think when the blood all flows south."
Hermione pulled back and slid out of her shorts to reveal matching underwear, "Then how about we save this conversation for later?"
"I'm the luckiest man alive," Harry breathed, quickly removing his shorts and shirt before they crashed together and stumbled their way to the bed.
They opened Marauders' Mischief on August 1rst and the four teens agreed that Sirius shouldn't be the one manning the cash register. Harry wasn't above using his celebrity to attract customers, though when the female fans got too close Hermione was more than happy to lay claim to her lover. The store was booming with business as August wore on, especially when Hogwarts letters came. In them Harry and Hermione received Prefect badges. "Harry we're selling pranks; it seems hypocritical to then punish people for using them."
"Agreed," Harry nodded. "Plus it would cut into our cuddling time." She rolled her eyes at his words and they both sent the badges back, saying they were grateful for the trust placed in them but had other priorities.
At Ginny's birthday party in late August she found herself receiving a brand new broomstick. A Nimbus 2001. Ginny gazed at the broom in awe before looking at her parents, "But this is too much…"
"When we reworked our budget since Ron won't be in school we decided we could get all of you new clothes, robes, and whatnot for the year. George and Fred refused and said we should use our extra money to get you a good broom since you want to be a quidditch player. After speaking with Sirius and Harry the Nimbus 2001 was our choice."
Ginny hugged her parents tightly before hugging the twins, "Thank you thank you thank you!"
"Well we're making loads of cash with our business so we can buy our own clothes," George said, grinning at the joy evident on his little sister's face.
From Hermione and Harry Ginny received protective armor suitable for chasers and seekers, "Since Harry's not playing there will for sure be one position on the team available. This armor is pretty highly recommended."
Ginny hugged them both tightly and Harry wondered if squeezing until you feared your ribs broke was a genetic thing. Still, Ginny was obviously enthused and elated and it was hard to deny how happy she was at the presents. From the Grangers she'd been given some quidditch books about the Holyhead Harpies, her favorite team, and books by famous chasers and seekers. For Ginny it was a fantastic birthday. She might not get to play her preferred position this year but she'd definitely be able to next year and she looked forward to that.
Ron would probably have been jealous however, after his stunt with Harry and Hermione when they'd all gone to see the store before it opened, the Weasley parents sent him to his Aunt Muriel's home. Neither parent wanted to kick their son out of their house but found it difficult to live with Ron who just didn't get it. (1)
As the new Hogwarts term grew closer Draco Malfoy had a physical which confirmed what Lucius had thought might happen; Draco had, through the trauma, lost his magic and become a squib. The arrogant Draco had been replaced by a sullen, moody Draco haunted by his own words in his 14 years of life. That squibs should be drowned at birth. That squibs were good for nothing. Living as a muggle wasn't an option. They were dirty and common. But being a squib was an unconscionable thought.
Draco weighed his options. He would become a laughingstock at Hogwarts, which he could no longer attend. He didn't want to be compared to Weasley and given how he treated people there would be no sympathy coming his way. And so with his decision made he packed up what was his and fled Malfoy Manor. Draco Malfoy would never be heard from again. (2)
As September 1rst arrived and they arrived at King's Cross there was change in the air. Voldemort was all but forgotten and while the initial arrest of Dumbledore horrified magical society his actual crimes were worse. There had been changes; the Wizengamot made laws preventing one person from ever having as much power as Dumbledore had and nepotism and bribery were no longer how the ministry was run. Fudge and his toady Umbridge (appropriate since she bore a strong resemblance to a toad) were kicked out of office and Sirius pushed for Amelia Bones to run and Harry gave her an endorsement. Sirius was a busy boy, politically. He'd backed Augusta Longbottom to head the Wizengamot. His cousin Andromeda sat in the Black seat for him.
While the vote was yet to take place for the new Minister of Magic, in the years to come after her victory in November Amelia Bones would create laws to fully include werewolves with magical society and improve human-goblin relations. Their relations with muggles would also improve as would the working conditions of house elves.
Harry put Hermione's trunk up on the rack with his and sat on the bench, his girlfriend in his arms. "This will be an interesting year," he said.
"No Ron, no Draco," Hermione sighed, "we might just have a normal year."
"As normal as it gets at Hogwarts, anyway," he agreed.
Susan Bones knocked on their compartment door, "Hi, I just wanted to thank you for endorsing my aunt. Daddy (3) was worried someone with a dark agenda might get the position and he thinks with your endorsement Aunt Amelia will win in a landslide."
"Your aunt will be fair and I only made the endorsement after Sirius and I talked about it and about her. Sirius has a cousin that works as an auror and she said your aunt is great and fair. That's what we need in a minister."
Susan blushed, nodded, and exited the compartment. "She's really shy," Hermione observed.
"Yeah I've never really noticed her before," Harry agreed.
Neville and Parvati came by with prefect badges on their robes and a look of displeasure, "You two deserve these."
"No guys," Harry shook his head, "Hermione and I both decided it was best if we return the badges. We own a joke shop; how can we punish students for using products we created?"
Neville looked hesitant, "Are you sure?"
"Neville I'm sure you'll do a good job being a prefect," Hermione said.
While the Weasley twins were showing off some products and Ginny eagerly talked about her desire to get on the quidditch team with her friends Harry and Hermione settled into their compartment; Hermione snuggled into Harry and thought about their trip this time last year. Ron had been loud and going on about Viktor Krum's performance at the Cup while Harry kept glancing at her obviously frustrated they hadn't had any privacy to talk about what had been bugging her. Hermione had dreaded that conversation but in hindsight it was possibly the most important conversation of her life. It had inspired Harry to risk it all to ask her to be his girlfriend and knowing that Harry supported her had made it much easier to deal with all the changes. She glanced up at a snoozing Harry Potter and gently kissed his cheek, "I love you Harry," she whispered. A smile appeared on his lips and she quickly followed her boyfriend into dreamland, enjoying a few hours of peace and quiet before a new Hogwarts year began.
-End Story-