CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE –
Alliances and Celebrations
Harry dropped his suitcase on the floor, and fell onto the couch, near tears. Okay... I am never going to go on holiday with her again! He groused. He knew, however, that he was lying, and would happily go again next year. Hell, next week, if it's a chance to spend time with my Hermione.
With a sigh, he hauled himself to his feet, grabbing his suitcase, and heading to the bedroom. He opened his laundry hamper, and threw in the dirty clothes from his trip.
This is one of the best Wizarding inventions ever. The hamper was far more than just a storage basket for dirty clothes. It actually washed them, ironed them, and aired them, so they were ready for use again. It took less than an hour to wash and dry every piece of clothing he owned.
While he was waiting for the wash to be finished, he lay lazily on his bed, watching the hamper, and cast his mind back over the trip.
He sat down on the bank, letting his legs dangle in the breeze. Next to him, his girlfriend sat down daintily, not wanting to let her skirt ride up. She took his hand, and rested her head against his shoulder.
"This is nice, Harry." She murmured.
The two had been walking along the River Seine, hand-in-hand, for several hours, looking at the various sites and attractions. Hermione's hand hadn't left his, unless she was pointing something out, or gesticulating wildly as she educated him with regards to something French. It had come as a shock to the Grangers when they found out Harry spoke fluent French. (He actually didn't, he just knew a really useful translation spell, which allowed him to switch between languages instantly.)
"It is." He said back to her, squeezing her hand gently. "Thank you, Hermione."
Her head tilted slightly as she looked up at him. "What for?"
He kissed her forehead softly. "For thinking of me. For arranging with your parents to share your family holiday with me."
Hermione smiled warmly, and snuggled back down next to him. Somehow, I think you may end up as family, Harry. Or, at least... I hope you do. She thought, as the two watched the sun begin to set.
For two hours, they watched the sky darken, before turning gold, then a deep red, before the stars came out. The two sat together, under the stars...
Harry pulled the first load of washing from the hamper, puttering around his bedroom as he put it away. Christ, I hate this part... He bitched to himself, and he started pairing up his socks. As he carried on the mindless task, another memory surfaced...
Hermione's scream was loud in the alley. The L'Allée Commerciale Magique (Magical Shopping Alley) was larger than Diagon Alley, but not nearly as populated. However, it linked in to several magical wildlife preserves, allowing the residents and tourists in magical Paris to use the LCM as a base for tours and shopping.
One of the creatures of Le Centre d'Etude de Créature Magique Dangereux (Dangerous Magical Creature Study Centre) had managed to break free, and began a rampage through the LCM. Harry heard Hermione's scream and instantly turned and ran towards the sound, irrespective of the possible danger. She was his, and he wouldn't let anyone or anything touch her!
As he turned the corner, he saw the problem; a Lethifold. The dark creature sailed over the floor, heading straight for the panicking Miss Granger. Harry charged forward, placing himself between Hermione and the Lethifold.
"Harry, run!" Hermione cried out. "It's a Lethifold!"
I know! Harry thought. He quickly glanced over his shoulder, seeing his girlfriend cower, and it stoked the fires of rage in him. Nothinghad the right to make Hermione cower. He winked at her, and cast a wandless Somnus charm on Hermione, causing her to fall asleep. He didn't want her to see the next part. As soon as her head slumped, Harry looked round, seeing the area was clear.
He raised his wand, aiming it at the Lethifold. "Prongs!" He shouted, summoning his Patronus. He'd long abandoned shouting the traditional incantation, since it was six syllables long, and often that could be the difference between forming a Patronus, and being kissed by a Dementor or eaten by a Lethifold.
Prongs erupted from the wand, the Lethifold instinctively stopping when it sensed the powerful protector. "Get it!" Harry shouted at the stag, which charged forward, spearing the dark creature with his antlers, before turning back to Harry for orders. Above him, Harry heard a shriek, as his familiar entered the Alley, preparing for battle.
"Take it down there!" Harry pointed at the path that led to Le Centre. Prongs charged forward, running the creature back to it's home. He turned back to Hermione, casting an Enervate on her, to wake her up.
She opened her eyes in panic, before she noticed the Lethifold was gone. "Harry? What happened? Where did it go?"
Harry pulled her into his arms, comforting her for a few moments. "It's gone, now." He said softly. "Some kind of... of glowing animal pushed it away." It wasn't, after all, a lie.
"It must have been a Patronus." Hermione said. "I've read about them. It's the only thing that can repel a Lethifold. Did you see who cast it?"
"No." Harry replied. "Must have been just out of my sight." Which isn't a lie. I can't see myself. "Still, it's gone now. I think we should be getting back to the hotel."
Harry threw the socks into the drawer, and bundled the next lot of washing into the hamper. It groaned for a moment, before the clothes started churning their way through another cycle.
"Well, what do you think of Paris so far, Harry?" Dan asked, leaning back in his chair.
"It's brilliant, Mr. Granger." Harry replied earnestly. "I've never been on holiday to France. Thank you for including me."
"Oh, we couldn't leave you behind, Harry." Emma said, glancing slyly at Hermione, who blushed prettily under her mother's gaze. "Hermione would've been miserable the entire time."
"Mum!" Hermione whined, glancing at Harry and smiling apologetically.
"No, seriously, I'm really grateful that'd disrupt your holiday for me." Harry said, smiling shyly at the adult Grangers.
Dinner came, and the foursome sat eating, drinking, laughing and just enjoying each other's company. It was a memory that Harry would treasure for a long time...
Harry made himself some dinner, a Steak and Kidney pie with real gravy and mash, before settling down with one of Lockhart's books, which he knew he'd need for the next year.
Hedwig barked upon her entrance, telling him that she had mail. Harry looked up, seeing his familiar enter the flat. "Hey, girl. Good hunting?" She hooted at him. "Well, don't bring it back, please. Mice and rats are one thing, but I don't wanna see any dead frogs, understand?"
She hooted again mournfully. "Stop it." He moaned. Hedwig hooted smugly. "Yes, I know I'm wrapped round your bloody talon. You don't need to make a big deal out of it."
With the suspicious bark/snuffle hoot of laughter, Hedwig held out her leg for her minion to remove his post. "I am not your minion." Harry replied. "Remember, I'm the master, you're the pet?"
She snuffled at him. "Okay, familiar, not pet. Happy, now?" Hedwig hooted in satisfaction, before flying out of the window. He shook his head, before glancing down at the letter, in the spiky writing of the goblins. He glanced at it; a reminder that his metal was available, and 1,287 galleons had been removed from his vault, 287 for materials, and the 1,000 tip he'd offered for quick delivery.
He sent a letter back, instructing the goblins to wait a day for him to reinforce the floor of his flat, and then he'd pop into the start shifting it by Portkey. He quickly made the changes to the expansion charm on the building, allowing it to hold the immense weight of his new alloy.
He'd send it back with Hedwig when she returned from her excursion. While waiting for her, he tinkered with the expansion charm, deciding to add himself a balcony. It required little time and effort, and the inherent magic created the railing and changed the wall and window into an appropriate patio door.
He'd go tomorrow, noticing idly that it would be July 31st. The date didn't mean anything for him.
His visit to the goblins went smoothly. They'd start moving the metal tomorrow, making sure Harry could begin his work on his Portkey research quite quickly. He ambled along Diagon Alley, popping into shops to see if there was anything that struck his fancy. Nothing did, so he carried on home.
He opened the door, clambering the stairs slowly. He yawned as he climbed, feeling particularly lazy and lethargic. He opened the door, stepping into his flat."
"Surprise!" A cacophony of voices yelled in unison. One nanosecond later, his wand was in hand, and a bright red wave of energy flooded into the room as he dived for cover behind the couch.
When the flash blindness cleared, Harry looked at his victims. "Shit."
"You know," Emma said dryly, "when people gather for your birthday, leap out of nowhere and yell 'surprise', it's not meant to be an instruction, Harry." After seeing what looked like half of Hogwarts lying unconscious in his living room, Harry had sheepishly enervated them.
Harry lowered his head. "I... I didn't know." He said softly. "A group of people leap out of nowhere at me screaming... what was I supposed to think?"
"Well, you're supposed to think it's a surprise party for your birthday, Harry." Hermione said from his side.
"Oh." Harry looked at his hands. "I'll take your word for that."
"Haven't you had a surprise party before?" One of the twins asked.
Harry shook his head.
"Oh? Did the Dursleys always tell you beforehand?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, sir. The Dursleys have never celebrated my birthday. I didn't even know when it was until I was seven."
Harry could almost feel the frosty glares being bandied about the room. "What about presents?" Hermione asked him. "Have you got presents before?"
"Just one." Harry replied, a note of happiness in his voice.
"What was it?" Asked a harsh-sounding McGonagall.
As if on cue, the fluttering of wings announced Hedwig's arrival, as she sailed into the flat, landing neatly on Harry's shoulder. "Hey, baby." Harry said, reaching up to scratch her chest.
"Just 'er, Harry?" Hagrid asked. "Just the gift I bough' ye?"
"Yes." He looked up at Hagrid for a moment. "Don't take this the wrong way, but how did you get in, Hagrid? You're too tall to fit through the door."
"Professor Dumbledore raised it up for me." Hagrid replied. "So, let me un'erstand... the Dursleys never bought you a present, or a cake, or anything like that?"
Harry nodded. The sounds of a scuffle and a squeal caught Harry's attention. Glancing round, he saw McGonagall and Pomfrey dragging Dumbledore by his ears to the small landing at the top of the stairs, before shutting the door. Harry grinned at the thought of the 'greatest wizard in the world' being reamed out by two grandmother-types.
"You've never even had a birthday cake?" The other twin asked.
"Yeah, I have!" Harry replied, again looking at Hagrid, who promptly burst into tears.
"Moving on..." Hermione said, passing a napkin up to the half-giant, wincing as he blew his nose. The noise startled poor Hedwig, who jumped six inches into the air, before landing neatly on Harry shoulder. The door from the landing opened, with McGonagall and Pomfrey coming back in, followed by a chagrined-looking Dumbledore. "Anyway, let's light the candles, and sing the song." Emma reappeared from the kitchen, a large slab cake on a tray in front of her, with twelve burning candles.
The group, comprising of Professors Flitwick, McGonagall and Dumbledore, Madame Pomfrey, Fred, George, Dan, Emma, Hermione, Blaise, Neville, Padma, Susan and Tonks, began to sing heartily. Harry winced as the twins mangled the birthday song into something unintelligible.
When they finished, Harry stared at the cake, the candles burning merrily, before he looked up. "Er... what now?"
Muttering under her breath for a moment, Hermione took his hand. "Blow out the candles, Harry. Just before you blow, you make a wish."
"Oh. Why?" He asked her.
"Just do it, Harry." Hermione said warily. "It's tradition."
Harry took a deep breath, blowing out all twelve candles, before gabbing the serving knife and neatly slicing the cake.
Hermione cleared her throat. "If no-one has any plans for the rest of the afternoon, I propose we go and find some suitably rusty garden tools and eviscerate his relatives. Any takers?"
McGonagall, Pomfrey and Hagrid immediately raised their hands, followed by the elder Grangers and Susan.
"There's no need for that." Harry said reprovingly. Hermione glared at him. "I'd much rather peel their skin off and cover them in salt." Hermione's glare vanished, to be replaced by a warm smile. "Seriously, it's done with. I'm out of there." He noticed the sombre mood. "Anyway, this is supposed to be a birthday party!"
The group smiled at his boyish enthusiasm, but faltered at his next words. "What now?"
"Presents!" The two Weasleys shouted, before throwing a package at him. Harry, fully aware of the Weasleys predilection for pranks, ducked neatly out of the way, allowing the package to sail past, before he snagged it with a levitation charm.
"Don't you trust us, Harry?" Fred asked with mock-hurt.
"That's hurts, 'ickle Harrikins." George added, sniffing loudly.
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "When it comes to gifts and/or food, lads, I trust you as much as I trust Snape. In a fight... I'd trust you with my life." He replied simply. The twins blinked for a moment, before grinning maniacally at Harry. He looked at the floating package for a moment, before flicking his wand, vanishing the wrapping paper.
Inside the box was a collection of Video tapes. He inspected closer; a series of comedy stand-up videos, as well as several how-to-prank tapes. He looked up at the Twins and nodded, smiling warmly. "I'm sure we could find a use for these, gentlemen."
He received a bulkier package from the Grangers, and ripped off the wrapping paper. Oh, my... Inside the box was the pinnacle of gaming technology; a Sony Playstation. There was another package, handed to him by Hermione, which contained a game. He ripped open the packaging to find Time Crisis, and a pistol controller. "Cool!" He said, wrapping Hermione in a hug, before turning on her parents. A tight hug from Emma, and a manly handshake from Dan later, he turned to find tiny Professor Flitwick holding out another package.
"I hope you don't have this one." He said. Harry took the package, ripping off the paper. Inside was a thin, flat plastic case.
"Ooh, a DVD." Harry said impressively. He looked closer at the title. "Goldeneye!(1) Thanks, Professor!"
"According to Minerva, it's only been released on that... thing, for the last couple of weeks." Flitwick said. "Do you have one of those DDV players?"
Harry shook his head. "No, sir."
"Thank goodness." McGonagall said, passing over yet another package. Harry looked at the tag, noting that this was a combined present from McGonagall and Pomfrey. Ripping off the packaging, I could really get used to being a kid again... he thought to himself, he saw a boxed-up DVD player. "This is brilliant!" He wrapped the startled McGonagall into a hug, before attacking Pomfrey. "Thank you."
Neville cleared his throat nervously, before handing over a large, unwrapped box. "I-I was told you lived alone, so I thought this would be nice for your house." Harry tore open the box, stepping back as something tried to grab him.
"It's a Venomous Tentacular." Neville said. "As long as it's kept fed, it's quite harmless."
Harry looked up uncertainly, before nodding. He'd have to set a ward around it to make sure it didn't try and kill him in his sleep... Blaise, Susan and Padma passed him yet another package. "This is from all three of us." Susan explained.
Inside the box was a set of Quidditch goggles, a pair of high-resistant arm guards (Guaranteed to stop a Bludger, or your money back!) and a Quidditch support strap, designed to protect male anatomy while riding a broom. "Cool." Harry said, smiling at his friends. "These, combined with the armour Hermione got me for Christmas, should make me the best protected player on the pitch!"
Tonks passed over a small package. "'Cause I'm going in for Auror training, I was told to get one of these. You should have one, too." Inside was a wand holster, and a tube of polish.
Harry couldn't help himself. "Thanks, Tonks. Are you saying I should polish my wand more?" He grinned cheekily at her. She blushed, her hair turning red.
Hagrid was next, passing over a very familiar photo album. "I was gonna give that to you at the end of the term, Harry, but I was still waiting for a couple of people to respond. It's an album of your parents." Harry opened the book, seeing his parents looking up at him, waving and smiling as they held a tiny baby.
He looked up. "Thanks, Hagrid." Harry said in a thick voice. "You... you don't know what this means to me."
"Harry, my boy, I have your last present." Dumbledore said, passing over a thick package. Harry opened the paper, revealing a heavy book, A History of Dark Wizards and their Downfalls. Harry looked up at the old man. "I do believe you and your parents are mentioned in that book."
Harry thanked everyone again, gathering up the presents and taking them to his room, so they could be put away properly. While in there, he sat on his bed, a few tears leaking from his eyes. Even with his extra century of life, he'd never felt so touched as he had by all these people providing him with gifts.
"Hey." Hermione came into the room, and set next to him, wrapping him in a hug. "What's wrong, Harry?" She asked softly.
"It's... I've never got presents like this, before." He replied, equally softly. "I'm..."
"Shh..." Hermione whispered. "Come on, let's get back to the party."
The afternoon wore on with pranks from the twins, jokes, conversations, laughter, joy, and a seemingly endless supply of lemon drops from Dumbledore.
Harry took a few moments to himself, stepping through the patio doors onto his new balcony, watching the people amble about in Diagon Alley. The Fidelius charm extended out here, so he could watch them, while they could not see into his flat. Hedwig had followed him, sitting on the railing while she watched her pet wizard.
In the background, someone had put on his wireless, leading to the ladies dancing, while the gentlemen sat and watched, drinking Butterbeer.
"Harry?" A voice called from behind him. "Are you okay?"
"No." Harry replied, his voice much lower than usual. "There is a storm coming, Emma... a black and terrible storm. The Flight of Death will return, and death will stalk the land." He turned round, his eyes glowing a bright green. Hedwig, still sitting on the railing, turned to face the room. Even more shocking than Harry's eyes were Hedwig's, which were also glowing.
"H-Harry?" Emma stammered, noticing absently that every eye in the room was locked onto Harry and Hedwig. The music vanished from the background.
"The Flight of Death will return." He repeated. "The Snake Lord will gather his flock, and launch the Second War."
"Is this a prophecy?" McGonagall asked Dumbledore quietly.
"No." Harry said, drawing back all the eyes in the room. "This is a memory, a history of things yet to come."
In a castle in Northern Scotland, a woman, sitting alone in the top room of the tallest tower, stared into a crystal ball. She stiffened as destiny and fate spoke through her. "My prophecy stands, the Chosen One walks amongst you, yet he cannot fight alone. The seven must unite as one. Six stand together, yet the Moon child's visions will complete them."
Trelawney shook her head, clearing her throat. "I need a cough drop." She muttered, as she stared into the ball.
Harry's eyes faded. He looked around the room. "Er... hi?"
"What was that?" Hermione asked instantly.
"I don't know." Harry lied, before he looked at Emma. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Granger. I shouldn't have called you by your first name."
"Not a problem, Harry." Emma said uneasily. "At the moment, I don't care. What was that? A vision?"
"Of sorts." Harry replied. "Voldemort's not dead, is he, Professor?"
"I don't believe so, Harry." Dumbledore said heavily. "He was only banished that Halloween, not killed. I do believe his return to be inevitable."
"So, what do we do?" McGonagall asked. "Albus, what do we do?"
"We have two options." Harry said firmly. "We can run away, hide until it's all over."
Dumbledore watched Harry, knowing instinctively that the boy wouldn't do that. He was far too much of a Gryffindor to considering running.
"Second option... we fight." Harry watched Dan and Emma pale at the thought of their baby girl involved in a Wizarding war. "Me... I'm gonna fight."
"Fight." Neville said firmly.
"Fight." Padma added.
Susan looked around before sighing. "Fight."
"Fight." Blaise spoke quietly, but just as firmly as Neville.
"Fight." Tonks said. "I'm gonna be an Auror... I can't just walk away.
"He'll be coming after our family." Fred and George said together. "We'll fight."
"Fight." Hermione concluded.
"Hermione?" Dan asked. "This is dangerous. You're too young to want to fight."
"I don't believe it will be a case of 'want' to fight, Mr. Granger." Dumbledore said. "Voldemort has never concerned himself with the age of his opponents. His trying to kill Harry as a one-year old baby proves that. If a second war starts, everyone will be involved, regardless of their ages. Voldemort does not take prisoners."
Emma asked the question no-one else was really prepared to ask. "When, Harry?"
Harry's, and Hedwig's, eyes glowed again for a moment. "We have time. Not much, but a little." His eyes faded. "We will, however, need training." He turned to his friends. "Do you trust me?" They nodded as one. "Then, we'll begin when we get back to school."
"Training, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. "What training will you be giving?"
Harry slumped back in his chair, Hedwig settling onto his shoulder. "I think starting with Occlumency will be a brilliant start."
"You know Occlumency?" The old man asked.
"Yes, as well you know, Professor." Harry retorted. "It'll also help keep Snape under control." He sniffed. "Greasy bastard thinks he should be able to rummage around in my head." He muttered to Hedwig, who hooted comfortingly.
"How developed are you?" Dumbledore asked. "Can you repel a full-strength attack?"
Harry grinned. "Why don't you come and take a look?"
Dumbledore's wand was in hand in an instant. "Legilimens!" His eyes glazed over as his mind vanished from his body for a moment. "Astounding..." He said after a moment, his eyes twinkling furiously. "Where is your mind, Harry?"
Fred and George opened their mouths to comment, before realising that pissing off the powerhouse known as Harry Potter was not the smartest career move they could make, and their jaws clamped shut.
"I could not find your mind. All I could see was stars..." Dumbledore finished.
"Where better to hide your mind than the infinite abyss known as space, Professor?" He grinned cheekily. "I have a full mindscape set up. Snape tried to attack me before the end of term, but he couldn't do anything."
McGonagall's lips thinned for a few moments. "I'll be having a word with Severus..."
Harry just shrugged. "Anyway... this is a party! Let's leave the depressing stuff alone for a while." He grabbed a Butterbeer, and waved his wand at the wireless.
The party had resumed, but it was still a tense group. Harry's 'prediction' had thrown a bit of a downer over all concerned. Fred and George, in an attempt to cheer the group up, had offered to hold some pick-up Quidditch games at the Burrow, inviting everyone.
The group had left, except for the Grangers, who were trying to help Harry clear up his flat.
"Harry?" Hermione asked quietly, holding the bin bag Harry was tipping rubbish into.
"Yeah?"
She fidgeted for a moment. "Can we win?"
"You wouldn't accept anything less, My Only." Harry replied. "We will win." He promised. "Nothing is guaranteed, but I promise, I'll win for you."
She smiled at him, and went back to cleaning up.
The following day, Harry decided what he wanted to get Hermione for her birthday in September. He wasn't sure it would be available at the present time, since she hadn't originally got it since third year. He made his way to the Magical Menagerie, stepping in tentatively.
He glanced around, looking for a particular animal. Not seeing him, he made his way to the counter. "Help you there, bud?" A gruff voice asked.
Harry looked up to see a very pretty young lady stood in front of him, the source of the gruff voice. Odd... "Er... yes, you can, actually. I'm looking for a pet for a friend of mine."
"Girl?" The gruff voice asked. Harry watched her for a moment, wondering how the hell a pretty girl sounded like a fifty-a-day Canadian male smoker, but just nodded.
"Yeah. She likes cats, so I was wondering if you had any cats or Kneazles available."
"No Kneazles, boy." The woman replied. "Got a half-Kneazle. Powerful ugly creature, though."
Ah... must be Crookshanks. Harry thought, nodding at the weird storekeeper. The girl sighed heavily, before walking to the back. Harry glanced around the store absently, before he heard an angry hiss, and cussing from the girl. "...little bastard! Get back here..." An angry mew announced Crookshanks' capture, as the girl stomped out angrily, a large scratch down the side of her face.
Harry looked at the struggling creature in her arms, noting happily that it was indeed the formidable Crookshanks. As soon as the animal saw Harry, he settled down. He knew that this ugly little human was going to take him to where he needed to be.
"How much?" Harry asked.
"You can have the little bugger for free if you get it out of my bloody shop!" The sales assistant said bitterly, near-throwing the part-Kneazle onto Harry.
"Does he have a name?" Harry asked, picking Crooks' up carefully, resting him on his arms.
"It's called 'Crookshanks'. Don't ask me why, I don't bloody know, or care, really. Now, please take it away!"
Harry left the store with Crookshanks in his arms, heading straight back to his flat. "What do you say, boy? Get you some tuna and a comfy pillow?" Crooks mewed happily. Harry could almost hear the cat in his mind. Finally, a human who knows how to treat a cat.
After dropping the cat off at his flat, and spending almost forty minutes reassuring Hedwig that he wasn't replacing her, the cat was a gift for Hermione, he popped out into Muggle London, heading for a pet store to pick up the necessaries, including a carrier.
Upon his return to his flat, Harry repaired both couches and three sets of curtains, which had been used as a scratching post by the cat, Scourgified the puddle of pee off the floor, and picked up the Venomous Tentacular, which had been upended, and was flailing about trying to hit Crookshanks.
Harry opened the carrier, putting in some Tuna, in an attempt to lure the evil animal inside. Crooks, on the other hand, just looked at Harry, as though saying do you really think I'm that stupid? Harry just levitated the cat inside, slamming the door behind him. Crookshanks turned round and pressed his face against the bars, looking pitifully at Harry.
On her perch, Hedwig snuffled loudly, laughing at the poor feline. Harry growled at her until she shut up, then headed to the communication mirror on the wall.
"Hermione Granger!" A few moments later, his girlfriend's face was in front of him.
"Hey, Harry. What's up?"
"Hi, gorgeous." Harry replied, watching her blush in embarrassment, as she did whenever he said that to her. "I was wondering if I could pop over today. I've got you a birthday present, but I need to deliver it straight away."
"It's not my birthday for another seven weeks, Harry." Hermione replied, grinning at him. "But, I suppose if you must get me a present..."
"Would you like me to take it back?" Harry asked.
"No!" She replied quickly, before smiling. "Not at all, Harry."
"I'll be over shortly." He blew her a kiss, grinning as she blushed again.
Harry had grabbed the carrier and the bag containing the supplies, and apparated up to Hermione's house, landing in the back garden. He walked towards the door, but didn't even get the chance to knock as it was flung open by a bushy brown-haired missile, who flung herself onto Harry.
"Hello." Harry gurgled into her hair, as she attempted break his ribs by excessive hugging. She looked up at him, and planted a chaste kiss on his lips.
"Hi." She said shyly, before unwrapping her arms.
"Like I said," Harry said, holding up the carrier, "I picked out a birthday present for you, and I get the feeling he'd rather be with you than me."
Hermione pulled him into the house, setting herself onto the couch in the living room. Harry gleefully passed the carrier containing the spitting Crookshanks, who looked decidedly annoyed at being confined.
He opened the door, letting the irritated half-Kneazle rush out, before looking around the room, and leaping onto Hermione's lap. Hermione, predictably, fell instantly in love.
"Oh, he's so cute!" She squealed.
Dan came into the living room, and stopped in his tracks when he saw the cat on his daughter's lap. He sat on the other couch, next to Harry. "Afternoon, Harry."
"Hi, Mr. Granger."
"What's that?" Dan asked, pointing at Crookshanks.
"It's a cat, Mr. Granger." Harry said slowly, looking at his soon-to-be-father-in-law.
"Huh." Dan replied, leaning back on the couch. "You picked it out for her?" Harry nodded. "Couldn't you have found a cat that actually looks like a cat?" Harry, wisely, said nothing. "I mean... god damn, that's one ugly animal."
Crookshanks looked up and hissed at Dan.
"He's actually only half-cat. The other half's a creature called a Kneazle, and they're very intelligent. To the point of understanding human speech. And his name's Crookshanks."
Dan shrugged. "Still a bloody ugly animal."
"Stop it, Dad." Hermione said, pulling Crookshanks closer for a hug. "He's very pretty, aren't you, Crookshanks?"
Harry glanced at Dan and shook his head minutely. It was a look that was recognised by men all over the world, and it said one word: 'women'. He shrugged, and picked up the bag. "Anyway, got all his bits here, food, bowls, toys," he glared at Crooks, "scratching post, young man."
"Oh... did he damage something at your place?" Hermione asked, still not looking up from the ugly little critter.
"Both couches, three sets of curtains, the new plant, and he peed on my floor." Harry replied.
"I'm sure he was just nervous, weren't you?" She cooed to the cat, who grinned smugly at Harry.
"Be nice, Crooks." Harry said sternly. "Don't forget, I rescued you from that bloody pet shop." He glared at the cat, before looking at Hermione. "Want to try something, Hermione. Concentrate on your magic, let it fill you, then look at Crooks."
Hermione closed her eyes, concentrating on feeling her magic, before she opened her eyes and looked at the animal. She felt... something tickling at the back of her mind. "What's... Harry?"
"I thought so. He's starting to bond with you as a familiar. He won't just be a pet, but your magical partner."
"Huh."
Harry apparated Emma, Dan and Hermione to the border of the Weasley property, opting to appear at the end of the drive, instead of near the house.
Perched on his shoulder was Hedwig, while Hermione held the evil hissing demon... er, Crookshanks, in her arms. As soon as the quartet landed, Crookshanks wriggled until he was put down, upon which he charged forward, presumably going to pick on the gnomes that frequented the Burrow.
They started walking up the path, making sure to talk loud enough so that people would hear them approaching, the three newcomers to the Burrow looking at it oddly.
"How is that building still standing?" Emma whispered to Harry.
"Magic." Harry grinned.
Upon knocking on the door, the group found themselves bustled into the kitchen, being offered tea and cake from Molly.
"Well, look at you!" Molly said to Harry. "You look an awful lot like your father, Harry. Apart from the eyes. You've got your mother's eyes."
Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. In his long life, he'd heard that bloody phrase so often, he was utterly sick of it. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. You have a lovely home."
"Oh, thank you." Molly blushed. She started pouring the tea for her guests. "Now, Fred and George said that they'd invited you round for some Quidditch." She looked at Hermione. "Will you be playing too, dear?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes. I'm not very good, though."
Molly just smiled. "That doesn't really matter, dear. Just as long as you have fun playing."
The Weasleys had quickly gathered themselves upon hearing the announcement of a Quidditch game. Percy had decided to join in, since he hadn't played for quite a while. When Ron entered the kitchen, though, he sneered at Harry.
"Potter, what are you doing at my house?"
"Ronald!" Molly chastised.
Harry looked up coolly. "Fred and George invited us over for some Quidditch."
"Well, don't think you're using my broom!" He snapped, before turning away, and stalking outside.
"Charming." Hermione deadpanned.
"I'm sorry, Harry, Hermione." Molly said. "I don't know what's got into him."
Jealousy, rage, feelings of inadequacy... you name it. Harry thought. He looked up as he heard a squeak. Ginny. Good, let's keep up the crush and embarrassment, and save us both a load of trouble. She saw him looking at her, and dashed up the stairs.
Molly looked over at Harry, blushing. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with everyone today."
"It's fine, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said. "Anyway, if we can get one more person, we could get a three-on-three going, or even four-on-four if the Grangers want to play."
"Could we?" Dan asked. "I didn't know Muggles could fly brooms."
Harry nodded. "They can, because the magic's in the broom, not the person. But, with all due respect, you wouldn't be able to fly as well or as fast as a magical person, 'cause their magic augments the broom's magic."
"Really?" Molly asked. "I've never heard of that."
"Yeah." Harry replied. "Say, for example, my broom's top speed is 100mph. I could probably squeeze 105, maybe 110 out of it. Same for Hermione. But, Mr. and Mrs. Granger may only get 85 to 90 out of it.
"Cool!" Dan drained his tea, before standing up. "I will admit, I've been wondering about this. Hermione told me about your games, but I didn't think I'd ever see it, never mind play it."
"Fred?" Harry asked. "Do you think you could get Ron or Ginny to play?"
Fred glanced at George, who shrugged. "Probably not, mate. He doesn't really like you, and Ginny doesn't play Quidditch."
"Ah." Harry turned to Molly, who glanced at her hands, before looking up.
"It's been a long time since I played, Harry." She said slowly. She noted the pleading expressions on Fred's, George's and Percy's face, along with a warm smile from Harry and Hermione. "Oh, all right."
The group of eight piled outside. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wooden case, about the size of a packet of cigarettes. He pulled out a tiny broom, about three inches long, which he passed to Hermione. He did the same for Dan and Emma, then pulled his Nimbus out. With a tap of his wand, all four brooms became full size.
"Where did you get these from?" Hermione asked.
"I rented them from Quality Quidditch Supplies this morning." Harry replied. "I'll take 'em back tomorrow."
"Teams!" Fred shouted, before he thought. "Are we having Bludgers?"
"Best not." Harry replied. "Don't want to chance it. Quaffle and Snitch?"
The group of eight quickly divided into two teams; Harry, Fred, Hermione and Dan vs. Emma, Molly, Percy and George.
The group ran through some basic exercises, teaching Dan and Emma how to control their brooms, then how to play a basic game of Quidditch. Percy decided to play seeker opposite Harry, while Fred and George went in goal.
"First to 200?" Harry shouted, getting generally favourable responses.
The game lasted for several hours, earning a couple of rude shouts from Ron Weasley's bedroom whenever one of the slower players floated past.
After Harry caught the snitch, earning his team 150 points, the group landed, and head back inside the house.
"That was fun, Harry!" Dan exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. "We have to do that again sometime!"
"You're welcome to come round whenever you want." Molly offered. "Maybe this weekend, when my husband's home."
"No!" Fred and George shouted together. "You can't!"
Molly's eyebrow arched up. "And why not, young men?"
"Because, Mum, Dad'll nag 'em to death about being Muggles. Don't you remember his latest crusade? 'What's the function of a rubber duck?'?"
Harry snorted. "It's a sex aid, chaps." He could feel Hermione's glare, but couldn't help himself. "It's used to enhance sexual pleasure for females. That's why it's usually ribbed."
Dan and Emma discretely hid their smiles and giggles, while Hermione grimaced. She just knew that the pranksters wouldn't be able to resist passing on that little bit of wisdom to their father.
"Really?" Fred asked. "'Cause Dad's got about a dozen of 'em in the shed."
"Yeah," George added, "he's out there playing with them all the time."
Harry's face scrunched together as he tried to avoid laughing. It really wouldn't do well to tell them the truth now. "That's... er... that's interesting, fellas." He couldn't stop the next comment. "Just make sure he washes his hands when he's finished with them, though."
They nodded seriously, before sharing equally revolted looks. Percy raised his nose, sniffing at the twins. When they looked away, though, Harry saw Percy grin at him and wink, before marshalling his expression. Devious little bugger... I didn't think he had a sense of humour. Making up his mind to hideously contort the timeline, Harry gathered up his power, and cast a long-term compulsion charm on the snobby Weasley.
Compulsion charms were curious things. They could be used to make someone tempted to do something, or act a certain way. They were used by medical professionals to make sure people didn't do silly things, and were instrumental in helping people give up bad habits, like drinking and smoking.
Harry's compulsion charm, however, was both more insidious, since it would control Percy's life, and more benign, since it would change his life for the better. The compulsion slammed into Percy's brain, immediately setting itself up in the frontal lobe, interfacing with his prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls higher reasoning. It was a simple message, only six words: Family; it's the most important thing.
Satisfied with his interference, he sat back, drinking his tea and eating Molly's biscuits.
Returning home from the Weasleys', with offers to return anytime he wanted, he headed into his bedroom. The goblins had delivered the metal shipment he'd ordered earlier in the summer holiday, along with the tools he'd need.
With a sigh, he got to work, slowly assembling the object.
Hermione opened the letter, reading through the booklist that had been sent. Gilderoy Lockhart! She squealed in her brain. She read through the titles, noting absently that it was his complete published works.
She made her way over to the bookshelf in her bedroom, taking down the library trunk Harry had given her for Christmas. She tapped her wand onto the jewel on the lid, specifying each book. She found the complete set in her trunk, even his autobiography, Magical Me. With a happy sigh, she opened the book, noticing the utterly gorgeous wizard on the front.
Harry had spent two days solid welding and soldering, before adding an immense space expansion charm on the object. The heavy work was finished. He showered, and collapsed into bed, sleeping for a straight twenty-four hours.
When he awoke, he shrunk the console he'd made earlier in the holiday, and dragged the heavy thing inside the new box. He told the soldering iron and started to carve a pattern into the floor. It took him nearly an hour, causing him to sweat a lot, but it was soon finished.
"I hate this part..." He muttered, as he pulled a small knife from his waistband, slashing across his wrist. Using his finger, he traced blood into the pattern, making sure the entire thing was covered with his blood. As soon as it was complete, Harry tapped the blood-filled pattern, causing it to light up with an unholy light.
He quickly manhandled the now-enlarged console into place, before adding the most powerful sticking charm he could. The combination of sticking charm and blood-rune anchored the console into place.
With a happy grin, Harry started to add the floor layering, since the console itself was almost twenty-feet high.
The grating covered the floor quickly, as Harry adjusted the space expansion charm, lowering it so the console was now at the correct height when one entered through the doors.
"Well... that's the basics done. Now, just need to get the power systems up and working." With a grunt, he got back to work.
Hermione was engrossed in her seventh Lockhart book, smiling dreamily as she thought of this amazing and powerful wizard.
Emma stuck her head round the doorway of her daughter's bedroom. She noticed the smile on her daughter's face. "Thinking about Harry, sweetie?"
"Hmm?" Hermione looked up, seeing her mother grin knowingly at her. "Sorry, didn't hear you."
"I could tell." Emma replied. "Were you daydreaming about Harry?"
Hermione shook her head. "No, I was just reading about Gilderoy Lockhart. Whoever our Defence teacher this year is has assigned Lockhart's books as textbooks."
"And... that needs that dreamy smile?"
"He's so amazing, Mum." Hermione replied. "He's done so many wonderful things. He's powerful, and look!" She held the book out, showing the Wizarding photo of Lockhart on the back. "Isn't he handsome?"
A warning began to sound in Emma's mind. This could not bode well... "Er, sweetie... do you think it wise to be fantasising over this Lockhart chap?"
"Oh, it's harmless, Mum." Hermione replied dismissively. "I doubt I'll ever meet him. He is handsome, though, isn't he?"
She glanced down at the book her daughter has passed to him, noting the smug, cheesy grin the man had. I don't like him. She thought.
Harry's mirror chimed, drawing his attention. He stepped out of the box, heading into the living room, while wiping his hands on a rag. He tapped the rune on his mirror, accepting the call.
"Hi, Mrs. Granger. What's up?"
"Hello, Harry." Emma sounded uncharacteristically downbeat. "Er... you remember at Christmas, when you gave that trunk to Hermione, filled with books?"
"Yeah?"
"There's a set of books from a man called 'Lockhart'. What do you know about him?"
Harry looked at her, puzzled. "Er... well, he's written quite a bit about Defence Against the Dark Arts and more specifically about Dark Creatures. Don't rate him too highly myself, but according to his books, he's supposed to be quite good. Why?"
"Well..." Emma looked pensive for a moment. "Hermione seems to be quite... taken with him."
Ah, yes... that stupid bloody crush over the idiot. Harry remembered Hermione's actions in the original timeline, where she drew little hearts over Lockhart's lessons on her schedule. "Is she?"
"Yes. Quite taken with him, Harry."
He could read the underlying reason for Emma's call; she was worried about her daughter's relationship with Harry. "I wouldn't worry about it, Mrs. Granger. Hermione's a smart girl. I'm sure she'll make the right choice." He grinned. "Lockhart's actually doing a book signing tomorrow. Hermione could actually meet him, get her books signed by him, if she wanted to."
"Are you sure that's a good idea, Harry?" Emma asked.
Harry just nodded, waving his hand dismissively. Bloody marvellous... a relationship test at twelve years old. Just what I don't need."I'm sure it'll be fine, Mrs. Granger. Really... I'm not worried." And I'm getting better a lying, too. "It's at Flourish and Blotts. Starts at twelve-thirty. I could come and get you, if you want. I think the Weasleys are coming to the Alley tomorrow as well."
"O-Okay... if you're sure, Harry." She smiled warily at him, then vanished.
Hermione, I do hope you don't make a fool of yourself...
Harry collection the Grangers at 12pm, Apparating them to his flat one at a time. As soon as Hermione arrived, she started bouncing up and down, and inched towards the door.
"Hermione, dear, it doesn't start until half-twelve." Dan said softly, motioning for her to sit down on the couch.
"I know, Dad, it's just... it's Gilderoy Lockhart! He's so famous!"
And such a fraud. Harry thought. He had absolutely no plan of letting Lockhart sucker him into another bloody photograph, just to boost his own popularity ratings.
"Coffee?" Harry offered, getting up to make the Grangers some refreshments.
At 12:25, Hermione had got up, grabbing the bag with her books in, and rushed to the door. Harry, bemused, followed her out of the door, across the Alley, and into Flourish and Blotts. Unlike last time, however, Harry loitered in the doorway, trying to keep out of the way of the pompous git.
As he waited, he saw the Weasleys come in, Ron glaring at him as he passed, while Ginny squeaked and darted away.
Christ, I really hate this. He thought viciously. How can she be so... so Ginny about her bloody crush? 'Perfect husband', my arse! She can't even talk to me. Which, when I think about it, is actually quite a good thing. He watched Hermione shuffled forward in the queue, her face a mask of concentration. If I wasn't totally in love with Hermione, I'd find someone else to flirt with, while she's lusting after Flophart. Damn it...
Harry inched forwards, keeping an eye out for the photographer, as he made his way towards Dan and Emma. "Mr. Granger?"
Dan looked down at his daughter's boyfriend. "Yeah?"
"Er... it's a bit crowded in here, and I suspect there's a photographer around her somewhere. I'm gonna go back and wait at my flat. Why don't you pop back up when you're done in here?"
"Harry," Emma whispered, "is it really a good idea to just-"
"I'm sure it'll be fine." Harry said confidently, wishing he felt that way inside. He left the bookshop, rushing home, to get his Omnioculars. He'd be able to watch what happened closely.
Sitting on the balcony in the warm Autumn sunshine was actually rather pleasant. He had a large mug of tea, sitting in a Stay-Warm™ mug, Hedwig sitting on the railing, keeping an eye over her domain, with a small stack of owl treats she could help herself to.
Harry watched through the Omnioculars, seeing the elder Malfoy enter Flourish and Blotts. He jabbed the 'record button', zooming in. He saw Malfoy face off against the elder Weasley, until Weasley threw a punch. Ooh, that'll sting in the morning... He chuckled as Weasley and Malfoy went at it hammer and tongue, until Hagrid waded in, pulling the two men apart. Shame... that was quite enjoyable to watch. He saw the elder Malfoy slip the Horcrux-diary from his cloak, jabbing it into the ancient Transfiguration book Ginny would be using, before he thrust it into the girl's cauldron. And there it is. He quickly set up a replay on the Omnioculars, making sure he'd capture the moment for posterity.
Excellent... He chuckled evilly. I'll be coming for you soon, Malfoy. It'll be a pleasure ending you.
A half-hour later, the Grangers were back in the flat. Hermione was sitting on the couch, petting her books dreamily, checking them every few moments, presumably making sure that the signatures hadn't disappeared.
"Have fun, Hermione?" Harry asked, his tone neutral.
Without looking up, Hermione nodded. "Yes... he's an amazing man... And he signed my books."
Harry nodded. "Right." He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, triggering the apparition. The two vanished in a trail of smoke. Harry was back ten seconds later, taking both adult Grangers back at once. As soon as they had landed, Harry vanished again, returning to his flat.
Dan looked at his daughter, wondering if she'd noticed that she'd been brought home. "Hermione?"
"Hmm?" Hermione still didn't look up.
"Shouldn't you put those away now?" He asked.
"When we get home, Dad." Hermione replied dreamily.
"We are home, Hermione."
"Hmm?" She looked up, noticing that she was in the living room at home. "How did we get back here?"
Emma looked crossly at her daughter, struggling to contain the bollocking that was trying to force its way out of her mouth. "Harry brought us home." She said tightly.
"Did he? When?"
Growling, Emma stalked out of the living room, heading for the kitchen so she could make herself a nice, soothing coffee (not as good as Harry's, of course, but needs must...) without shouting at her daughter's silliness.
"When did Harry bring us home?" Hermione asked her father.
Dan sat down on the other couch, staring intently at his daughter. "Let me ask you something, Hermione. Do you like Harry?"
She nodded quickly. "Of course I do, Dad. I thought you knew that."
He just nodded. "And do you like this Gilderoy Lockhart more than you like Harry?"
"No! Don't be silly, Dad. I don't even know Lockhart."
"Hmm." Dan nodded. "So, tell me something, daughter dearest... why didn't you notice when Harry left the bookshop? Why didn't you notice when we got back to Harry's flat? Why didn't you notice the rather hurt expression on Harry's face when he saw you caressing those books? Books, I might add, that Harry bought for you?"
"Eh?" Hermione looked confused. Truly, not a good look for her...
"Harry left the bookshop shortly after we arrived. Didn't want to get caught by a photographer. Why didn't you notice he'd left?"
"Er..." Hermione began to feel a little silly and a lot guilty. "I... I was just waiting for Lockhart to sign my books." She replied in a small voice.
"And when we got back to Harry's flat, you just sat there, staring at those damn books, sighing like a silly little girl with a crush."
"Er..."
"You didn't see his face, Hermione." Dan said sternly. "You'd rather spend time with a bunch of books written by a cheesy bloke than your boyfriend. How do you think he felt?"
"I see." Hermione said, dropping her books on the table, and racing up to her room, grabbing her communication mirror. "Harry Potter!"
Back on the balcony, Harry flicked idly through his copy of Gadding with Ghouls. He glanced up at Hedwig. "You know, babe, this really is a marvellous work of fiction. The silly bugger didn't even bother to check his facts. He's got himself defeating a ghoul by hitting it with a Reducto. They're incorporeal! How's that gonna work?"
Behind him, Harry heard his communication mirror chiming for attention. Correctly guessing it was Hermione, Harry ignored it. Hedwig hooted sternly at him. "What? She'd rather spend her time having smutty dreams about a glorified faker than spend time with me." He defended himself to the bird. "I think I'm entitled to make her sweat a little bit."
She hooted again. "No, I'm not being silly." Harry replied. "Remember how you acted when I brought the demon cat back?" Hedwig cocked her head, before hooting again, much quieter this time. "It's the same thing. You thought I was replacing you. Snubbing you."
The mirror chimed for attention again, still ignored by the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. Hedwig hooted mournfully. "No, I'm not gonna dump her. I love her, even though she can be a little silly at times. It's just... she's still twelve. I may look twelve, but I'm 113 inside. I can see Lockhart for what he is, even if others can't."
Hedwig hooted again, sternly. "No, Hedwig, I'm not gonna make her suffer." He thought for a moment, then corrected his statement. "Not for too long, anyway."
He took a swig from his tea, ignoring the chiming of his mirror, which was growing more frequent.
Hermione raced downstairs, rushing into the living room. "Dad, he's not answering his mirror!"
"Can you blame him?" Emma asked archly. "Honestly, Hermione, I'm disappointed in you. Harry's a great boy, and you just snubbed him."
Hermione slumped onto the couch, tears in her eyes. "You know... he asked me to be his girlfriend at the end of last term." She said morosely.
"We know." Dan and Emma said together. Dan carried on. "And less than two months later, you're lusting after a wizard old enough to be your dad. What's wrong, Harry not famous enough for you?"
"What?" Hermione's head shot up. "No!"
"Not handsome enough for you?" Emma asked.
"He's very handsome." Hermione replied quietly, blushing.
"So... you have a famous, handsome wizard, who asks you to be his girlfriend, then you start lusting after another famous, handsome wizard." Dan shook his head. "You know, it's things like that that could get you a reputation."
"What do I do?" Hermione asked mournfully. "I mean..." She trailed off, not sure what to say.
"Wait until Harry answers his mirror, explain it to him, and go from there." Dan said. "There's not a lot else you can do."
What have I done? The question reverberated through Hermione's head.
After having a nap on the balcony, Harry woke up and stretched, knocking Hedwig from her perch on Harry's stomach. "Why do you have to sleep on me?" Harry yawned. "You have big sharp talons, you know. They're not comfortable."
Hedwig gave a hoot which roughly translated to 'piss off, you're comfortable', which made Harry chuckle as he stood up. He head back into the living room, throwing Lockhart's book onto the couch, before heading towards the mirror. Better get this over with. He made sure his expressionless mask was in place. "Hermione Granger!"
The mirror was instantly answered, Hermione's anxious face appearing right in front of him. "Harry?"
"Hermione."
"Are you okay?"
"Define 'okay', and I'll answer."
"Er... I'm sorry, Harry."
"Are you? For what?"
"For ignoring you when we got to your place. For fawning over Lockhart. For not noticing you leave the bookshop. Ignoring you when we got back to your flat. I'm sorry."
Harry nodded, his mask still firmly in place. "I see."
"I... I was excited, by the thought of meeting Lockhart."
"I see."
"Harry... how can I make it up to you?"
Ooh! Blackmail opportunities! No... behave yourself, Potter. This is serious. "Are you prepared to do whatever I want to make this up to me?"
She nodded, clearly not considering just how easily that statement could be abused. "Whatever I need to do, Harry. You're important to me."
"Okay, here it is; don't do it again."
"What?"
Harry just shook his head. "Hermione, please understand. You're very important to me... hell, you're probably the most important person in my life. I don't want to lose you, but to be perfectly frank, I won't be dicked about. If you don't want to be with me, just say so. I haven't lied to you, Hermione, or tried to lead you on with stupid games. I don't like it, and I won't stand for it."
"I understand." She replied meekly.
"All those people who play little games with their significant others, testing to make sure they're loved or loyal. Flirting with other people so their partner will come over to stop them. I won't play those games, Hermione. If you start lusting after someone else, I'll assume you don't want to be with me, and end it. If I do end it, then we're done. Are we clear?"
She nodded quickly, looking remarkably similar to Dobby. That reminds me... little bugger hasn't turned up yet with his warning. He pushed it to the back of his mind. "I understand, Harry. I promise, not again."
"Not even when you see Lockhart again?"
"How do you know that? He announced it in the bookshop."
"I have eyes and ears everywhere." Harry replied. "He's our new Defence professor, isn't he?"
"Yeah. He's looking forward to meeting you. He was hoping you'd be at the bookshop. Wanted to get a photo with you."
"I guessed, which is one of the reasons I left." He decided to twist the knife a little. "Also, seeing my girlfriend drooling over the fop didn't help, either."
"Again, Harry, I'm sorry. I... I didn't think how it would make you feel." Harry's mask cracked a little, showing Hermione a world of pain. She gasped when she saw it, and her guilt doubled. The mask was repaired, but the damage had been done. "How can I fix this, Harry?" She whispered. "How can I make this better?"
Harry smiled weakly. "Don't do it again, Hermione. Please." He sighed, running his hands through his hair. "We'll be okay, Hermione. I promise."
"Y-You promise?" She stammered.
"Yes." He replied firmly. "Just..." He trailed off.
"I promise, Harry. I don't want to lose you."
I seriously doubt you could. Harry thought. "Anyway... going back to Hogwarts, soon. Need to start packing."
"Do... do you want me to come over? Apologise in person?"
Harry, perpetually dense when it came to the female of the species, could easily see what she was actually asking. "That's not necessary, Hermione. Seriously. Tell you what, I'll meet you at King's Cross at 9:30 on Tuesday morning. We can discuss it in person then."
"O-Okay, Harry. If you're sure."
"I am, Hermione. Don't worry about it, seriously. We'll be okay."
"Okay, Harry. Good night."
Harry jabbed the mirror, idly wondering why he'd just turned down a guaranteed sexual encounter with his once and possibly-future wife. I'm too bloody noble for my own good. That, and I doubt it'd work well enough to make it truly enjoyable.
A loud crack from behind him made Harry spin round, his wand flying into his hand. Stood before him was a tiny creature, dressed in a dirty pillow case.
"Dobby." Harry greeted the tiny creature politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Harry Potter knows of Dobby?" The elf's squeaky voice replied. "Dobby has heard of your greatness, sir, but to greet an elf by name... I is honoured, sir. Truly honoured."
"Dobby, before we talk further, may I ask you a question?" The elf's head nodded vigorously, his ears flapping against his face. "While an elf is in another wizard's residence, does he have to follow the rules of that wizard's house, provided they don't contradict any orders from his master?"
Dobby had to work his way through the sentence for a few moments, before he nodded again. "Oh yes, Harry Potter. Dobby will obeys any orders you gives, but can't go against family orders, sir."
"Good. Dobby, you will not harm yourself while in this house. I don't care what you say; you will not punish yourself."
The tiny creature looked uncertain, but nodded slowly.
"Now, I believe you're here to warn me about a terrible plot that Lucius Malfoy is attempting to plan at Hogwarts this year. You've also come to tell me that I can't return to Hogwarts, since this plan may kill me. You're also prepared to restrain me in my home, so that I cannot go to Hogwarts. Am I correct?
Dobby nodded, his jaw hanging open.
"I understand your mission, Dobby. But, I have to go to Hogwarts. I'm the only one who can protect the students there, and end this plot from happening."
"But, sir, you-"
"I have no choice!" Harry barked. "If I don't go back, hundreds of people will be killed. I can't stay away, Dobby, I simply can't!"
"There is danger, Harry Potter! Terrible danger! Dobby must protect Harry Potter!"
"No!" Harry bellowed at the little elf. "I'm sorry, Dobby, but I cannot stay away. I will not stay away. If you try to stop me, you will become an enemy. I don't want that, but I can't let you interfere with my mission."
"Dobby understands, sir. Dobby is used to death threats. Dobby gets them ten times a day at home. But Dobby must stop Harry Potter from returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, sir. Dobby must!"
"You do what you've got to do, Dobby. Just as I will." Harry said, turning his back on the diminutive little creature.
"Very well, sir." Dobby said, before clicking his fingers and vanished with a crack.
Shaking his head, Harry made his way into his bedroom, and entered his new travel arrangement. Hmm... I guess it's a good job I got this finished in time. He tapped the keyboard on the laptop, before opening his journal file. He'd written down a lot of the 'history of things to come', as he'd called it, but knew he'd been making changes.
He started a new file. Let's see... how about I call this one, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'?