Chapter 8
Boxing Day at the Burrow found Padma and George happily packing up their things to leave with Percy and Penelope. Molly had insisted on Christmas dinner being made with her daughter-in-laws. Padma had in turn insisted on making three specific Indian dishes, quite irritating Molly and making George bite back laughs. Mostly because while Padma wasn't ignorant of the culture of the country her parents came from, she didn't exactly celebrate it or eat the cuisine all that often. That she went back to her roots just to annoy Molly had him barely resisting falling off the chair with laughter.
What George and all the Weasleys knew, and knew well, was that Molly loathed other cultures. The English, to her mind, were superior. French, Spanish, German, Italian…George had never had food from any of those cultures before Hogwarts. But at Hogwarts there were students who knew those cultures and the house elves knew how to make almost anything. George had experienced many new foods thanks to friends at Hogwarts. But at the Burrow anything not English was deemed inferior. Which George had explained to his wife who had then suggested several traditional Indian dishes. Penny had then chirped in that she'd love to try them and Molly had been left looking very sour the rest of the day.
She was most displeased that they were leaving the Burrow but George was standing firm on his decision and Molly was looking quite angry when they finally left, George taking Padma along via side-along apparition. Once they were settled in their room at Percy and Penny's apartment (there were only two bedrooms so they would be sharing again) they sat in the living room, "After yesterday you are quite possibly one of my favorite people Padma," Percy smiled.
"She's my wife back off Perce," George smirked, wrapping an arm around her, "you were fantastic yesterday." Padma smiled. She'd quite enjoyed annoying Molly. The older woman was so fixed in her ways that it was easy to rile her and after being subjected to her efforts to browbeat them into following her orders the desire to annoy her was irresistible. Watching the older witch purse her lips as the smell of Indian cooking filled her kitchen and then the horrified look in her eyes when George had said it smelled great had been a great pleasure for Padma and Penny.
Ron finished his potions homework and sat it aside, rubbing his eyes. A yawn followed that action and he stretched before moving to his bedroom. Harry's elf friend Dobby had requisitioned a second bedroom so that Ron had a proper bed. Ron had felt very grateful and vowed to get Dobby the gift Harry suggested, socks. Though Hermione said they had to mismatch which made no sense to Ron but if that made the elf happy he saw no reason to complain.
Millie had spent the day in the library with Victoria. Draco (it was weird to not call him Malfoy but he was working on it) had dragged Harry and Ron out to the quidditch pitch to help Ron practice being a keeper. A snowstorm had kicked up, stopping their practice after about 40 minutes. They'd trudged inside the castle pouting when Hermione found them and pointed out that the Room of Requirement could transform to a quidditch pitch for their efforts. When they found out it in fact could Harry and Draco both looked sheepish. Ron was amazed by the room and what it could do.
What Hermione had spent her morning alone in the Room of Requirement doing Ron had no idea. He did notice, though, that Harry had been curious and confused that she'd been there that morning. Actually, that was odd. Hermione and Harry were practically attached to the hip. They told each other everything. Still, it was Hermione. Not like she'd do anything crazy.
Hermione brushed her teeth as she prepared for bed. Harry had repeatedly asked her what she was up to but she didn't want to tell him. There were so many inequalities in the magical world but what she'd noticed most since she'd entered it was how unblinking the adults were. They all simply plodded along like sheep and followed the shepherd with the biggest stick. They were told what to think, who to trust, and what was true.
The previous year at Hogwarts she and Harry came face to face with the reality of that when Molly Weasley sent her a howler calling her all sorts of names and accusing her of using a love potion on Harry. While she and Harry had been horrified and angry they'd learned a lesson; even those they knew were not willing to question what they were told or read. Their own personal experiences were inferior to believing what they were told. They hadn't spoken to Molly Weasley since.
She knew how hard it was on Harry to have ceased all contact with Molly and Ron. At first it'd been easy because he'd been angry but afterwards she'd sensed he was disappointed in what their actions had led him to do. His sense of guilt for his attitude toward them had made her question his childhood and that had led to Harry finally confessing to her what happened at the Dursleys throughout his life there. Never had Hermione felt such rage in her entire life.
With this new insight into Harry she'd made it her mission to show him real love; not the vileness of the Dursleys or the manipulations of Molly Weasley but sincere love. Admittedly, she'd rushed some aspects of their relationship but seeing how starved of affection Harry was she found it hard to resist his or her urges.
She'd hoped this year would be easier. And since they weren't having their relationship torn apart by ministry manipulations, in a way it was. But then she saw the purebloods she'd come to know and befriend and she felt as she did with house elves. Something had to be done. And if past experience was any indication, she and Harry were the only ones to do it.
December 31st saw Harry wake up next to his lover. He knew she was hiding something. And truthfully it was bugging him. They shared everything about themselves and their plans…to not have a clue what she was up to annoyed him. "You're upset," he looked to see Hermione's brown eyes gazing at him in concern. "What's wrong?"
"You're keeping quiet about something," Harry said. "I…well I don't like it."
She nodded in understanding, "I'm sorry Harry. I guess…you're always in the middle of things and this time I wanted to keep you out of it. Give you a free year, a normal one."
"If it involves you, it involves me," he said, rolling on top of her. "Hermione I'm not saying you're not permitted secrets but I have always had you on my side. You never shied away from me no matter the pressures to do so; you never let me take on any of my struggles and fights alone. How could I do the same to you?"
"Harry…" She gazed up into his eyes. There was love there; not that that was surprising. It was always there when he looked at her. But there was also a determination that she was very familiar with. She saw it in each of their previous four years at school. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you Hermione," he responded, closing the distance between their lips and luxuriating in the feel of her arms pulling him flush against her. He'd never known the love she had for him before but he was certainly never letting it slip through his fingers because of a wound to his pride or her desire to protect him. Just as she wouldn't let his desire to protect her keep them apart.
"What exactly is the plan you're working on?"
Hermione kissed his cheek, "Someone has to run for the position. I've been working out who we know and can trust to run for the position and their chances of winning."
"That doesn't sound like something to keep from me," he said, frowning. "What aren't you saying?"
She blushed, "My name is on the list Harry."
His eyes widened, "But…we're still in school!"
"The ministry has been around longer than Hogwarts so there's no schooling requirement to be the minister."
Harry frowned, "Really? But don't you need OWLS and NEWTS to be a ministry employee?"
"Not really. It's not an official requirement. I think that's because they've always relied heavily on nepotism. And since some purebloods are damn near squibs…"
"That means they can't be held to any standards," Harry nodded in understanding. "The longer I'm in the magical world the more disappointed I am with it."
Hermione nodded in agreement with him. "We have two options Harry; we leave it or we fix it."
Harry sighed, "Why does it always come down to us?"
"Because everyone else is content with the status quo or refuses to enact change," Hermione answered. "How many people who are in positions to help make up excuses about why they can't?"
Harry suddenly buried his head in her neck, "When will it ever be enough, Hermione? As a baby I stopped Voldemort and lost my family in the process. My mum, dad, godfather… that wasn't enough. My first year at Hogwarts I nearly died playing quidditch and also stopping Voldemort's return. That wasn't enough. Second year I'm accused of being a dark lord because I can talk to snakes and then to boot nearly killed by the stupidity of an eleven year old who wrote in a diary that contained the bastard's soul as she nearly caused the deaths of four of my classmates, including you. And then there's third year in which a mass-murderer was discovered to be sleeping next to my bed. I found my godfather and my father's friends only to have the two of them taken from me again while the third was found out as a traitor and a murderer. Then fourth year I lost all my friends but you as I was set up to be killed in a tournament I was too young to compete in." Hermione stroked his hair in silence as he spoke, letting him get it all out. "I would have lost it last year but for you. And then when we became romantically involved…you gave me this wonderful reason to live and stay here."
"I'm glad you didn't leave me here alone Harry," she whispered.
"I could never leave you behind," he said, earning him a kiss from his beloved, "Hermione I don't think it will ever be enough. They want me to forever be the hero, to always come in and rescue them. I…" Harry swallowed, "Hermione I can't be that anymore. I have you and to think that I could have you taken from me by them…"
Hermione kissed him again before letting him resume his position against her neck, "You won't lose me Harry."
"Fourth year showed me I can lose it all- friends, family, and I handled that. But if I lost you…Hermione that would destroy me." She felt tears on her neck.
She hugged him tightly to her. Harry let the tears out as she held him and she calmed him down. "Harry I…I didn't know I meant that much to you. That I mean that much to you."
"I don't mean to sound needy," he said, sniffing back the tears. "But you really do Hermione."
"You've always had to be self-sufficient Harry," Hermione caressed his cheek, "You're allowed to be needy at least once."
This was the side of Hermione he'd first been attracted to; the comforting, caring (almost mothering at times), side. That first memory of her when she'd smiled softly at him and fixed his glasses for him…it wasn't the first time he'd been shown kindness but it was the first time he'd been shown kindness by a stranger. For Harry, it showed just how good she really was. There were few people he'd met that would be so kind to an orphan boy who they didn't know was famous. Harry calmed himself down slowly and when his breathing had evened out Hermione asked, "Harry why the sudden outburst?"
"I can just imagine how this situation could turn. You run for minister, you get in and we put our lives, our futures, all on hold to help those who refuse to help themselves. Who want the white knight riding in on his horse to save them while they do nothing to fix that which ruined their society in the first place," he said.
"I understand that," Hermione said. "Harry if I was going to do something like that, run for minister, I would talk to you about it. We're a couple. We make big decisions like that together." He smiled at her and she got up out of the bed and pulled him to the bathroom. They needed to get ready for breakfast.
Hermione decided they should take a bath instead of a shower. Once they were settled together in the tub she spoke, "I don't think it will ever be enough for them Harry. I think they will always demand more from you. And truthfully when I saw the law I was terrified they'd somehow work out a way to tie you to some pureblood family, demanding your life belong to them because you'd saved them before; that I'd lose you because of their bizarre claim of ownership over you and your story. So I think this comes back to my question. Do we fix it or say to hell with them and leave them on their own?"
"The latter is really, really tempting Hermione."
"I know it is Harry," she turned to look him in the eye. "What about a motorcycle trip through Europe? Or we could get a boat…" Harry didn't hear Hermione after that as he felt his mind wander to Hermione pressed against him on the back of a motorcycle as they headed down the road. And then the fantasies shifted to his lover sunbathing on the deck of a boat. "Harry?"
He blinked, "Wh-what?"
"You didn't hear anything after the boat suggestion, did you?"
"Uh, no," he conceded, blushing.
"I had a clue when this," she gave him a squeeze, "got rock hard all of a sudden. Whatever will I do with you, my love?"
"Shag me rotten in the bath?" Harry offered.
She rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek, "You weren't paying attention to me so I refuse to reward your bad behavior." Harry tried the pout but Hermione didn't budge. She finished cleaning her body and exited, leaving Harry to clean up on his own. She wasn't mad at him, he knew that, just a little annoyed that he'd not listened to her when she'd talked to him about what she was planning. Back in her bedroom she was dressed and his clothes were lying out. He started to put them on and she spoke, "I was saying before, we could work on doing something this summer. Sirius would leap at the chance and I think my parents would approve. Remus could come as our tutor for the next year."
Harry liked where Hermione was going with this idea. "That sounds brilliant! You're such a genius Hermione." She smiled somewhat at him and stood to leave. He pulled his jumper on over his head and moved to her to kiss her, "I'm sorry I wasn't listening. I think my hormones just got the better of me and…well the images in my head of us on a boat and on a motorcycle…"
She kissed him to shut him up. "You're forgiven Harry."
George watched Padma cook breakfast. He'd tried to help but she'd told him to sit down and let her do it. Not that he didn't understand. Percy and Penny lived in an apartment and the kitchen wasn't very big; not enough for them both to be in it certainly. The past four days they'd spent there and George was coming to learn much more about Padma. She liked to laugh and he'd pranked Percy just to hear her laugh more. She didn't have that giggly laugh like her twin sister. She had an actual laugh and seeing her smile made him very happy. She also liked to cuddle him in her sleep. George was pretty sure that sleeping at Hogwarts was going to become very hard. He was getting used to having Padma against him every night. Hearing her breathing and her heartbeat was a way to help him fall asleep. Not to mention her body's warmth.
He was brought out of his musings about his wife by her voice, "George can you get out the milk and juice?"
"Sure," he got up and walked to the icebox to do what she wanted.
The tight quarters, though, meant that when he moved to place them on the counter Padma was pressed flush against him. "George what caused that thing that's pressed against me?"
He blushed, "I…I was…thinking of you. Of how great it is to sleep next to you and…" His erection twitched and George fell silent.
She smiled shyly and kissed him on the lips, "George I enjoy sleeping next to you too. I think at Hogwarts that can continue." He grinned in response.
Luna gazed out as a blizzard picked up. Greg had gone along with her and her father on a trip to find the Crumple-Horned Snorkack in Sweden and the forecast of a snowstorm had changed to a blizzard. Greg had left over four hours ago to get food, water, and more blankets. She just hoped he'd come back soon. Her father was in his own tent so she found herself alone against the howling wind and the violent snowfall. Hour five was rapidly winding down and leading into hour six and Luna was beyond worried. She was getting scared. What if something happened to him? What if Greg was trapped and died? What if he was stuck in town and some other woman who was beautiful and not 'loony' came onto him? Luna was used to having that which she treasured most taken from her. But she couldn't handle losing Greg. He was not just her savior, he was her lover, her husband…she wanted a future with him. With Greg she saw a happy future ahead for them both.
A loud noise outside the tent had her jumping. A rustling was heard as it forced the tent open and she found herself relieved to see Greg enter with a big backpack full of rations. She waited only until he closed the tent flaps again before she was on him, her lips fused to his. "Luna?" He blinked in surprise as he tried to get the backpack off of him while she attached herself to him, her legs around his waist and her arms tightly around his neck. Greg dropped the backpack after some struggle before he managed to get his hands to Luna's body, holding her upright. "I missed you too," he said, "but I'm freezing right now and I could really use a warm bath."
Luna released her hold on him and Greg removed his outerwear with some help from his bride. She ran the bath while he peeled off his wet clothes. He slid into the tub and sighed at the feeling of the hot water. It was so cold out. He closed his eyes. It wasn't until Luna slid into the tub and sat on his lap that he noticed her. "Sorry I took so long I had a hard time finding my way back. Everything is covered in white."
"I thought I'd lost you," Luna whispered, laying her head on his shoulder. "That I'd never see you again."
"Nothing can keep me from my Luna," he promised, kissing the top of her head. "You're mine and I'm yours." She gave a small smile as she pulled her head back to look him in the eye, "I love you Luna." Her eyes watered and she buried her head in his neck as she cried in a mixture of joy and relief.
Freud sat down opposite Ron, "How has your winter holiday been Ron?"
"Pretty good," Ron answered. "Millie's friends invited me to spend Christmas with them and I'm even invited to their study group."
The older man nodded. "How are you and Millicent getting along?"
"Pretty good. She got me a really expensive Christmas present. All I did was stand up to my mum and say we were staying at Hogwarts but she calls that a great Christmas present."
"Do you understand why she thinks that?"
"Not particularly," he admitted.
"Have you been working on your flaws?"
Ron nodded his head rapidly, "Millie helped me work out how to work on some of them. I'm focusing on getting on the quidditch team so I have to get my grades up. School's easier when you have a goal."
Freud nodded and looked at Ron. He did look better. A little more relaxed, a bit more confident in himself. "How about your relationship with her friends?"
"It's weird to not call Draco by his last name. And he seems really different from how he used to me. Victoria's alright I guess. Harry and Hermione are nice to me but I don't think they'd call me a friend."
"You did betray them."
"I know. I don't expect them to like me. They invited me to join them on Christmas because I'm Millie's husband. But I'm not losing my temper with them and I think I'm alot less jealous of them now."
Freud was pleased to hear that. Ron's temper and jealousy were his two worst problems and that he had worked out how to handle them was impressive. "It sounds like you're doing well Ron. I'm glad to see that."
"Millie gets alot of credit. And all the time I've had to think lately," Ron said.
"How is your relationship with your family?"
"Well I haven't seen them since they left for winter break. George sent me a letter saying our mum doesn't like that I stood up to her for Millicent and that she doesn't like Padma, Penny, or Millicent. Angelina seems more like our mum than anything so she likes her but the other two she was rude to over Christmas."
"How does that make you feel?"
"It reminds me of my mum saying Hermione was using a love potion on Harry last year. And I'm pretty proud that I stood up to her for Millie although I wish I'd stood up for Hermione last year. My mum was being rude and mean to try and get her way and I just let it happen even if it meant she insulted my friend."
After his time with Freud Ron walked down to the library. He was almost finished with his homework. Millie had gone over the stuff he'd finished with him to make sure he understood it and was doing everything right. There was only his History of Magic essay left. He had to do research in the library. Hermione had taught him how to use the card catalog and that made the library much less intimidating. He sat down to get to work. He had a goal and he needed to achieve it.
Draco rubbed his chin. Replacing the minister was the easy part. Picking someone to replace him was the hard part and he had no idea who it could be. Victoria knew few adult magicals so she was no help in that regard; maybe Hermione and Harry had some ideas. He was utterly lost as to who to choose.
Chapter 9
After Greg had warmed up in the bath Luna pulled him to the bed where she snuggled under the covers with him. "I missed your warmth," she said softly, pulling him on top of her. Since arriving in Sweden they often slept that way, Greg's body serving as an extra blanket to keep her warm.
"You're so thin," he whispered, "what if I crush you accidentally?"
"You don't Greg," she promised, "you always feel warm and safe and good."
He bit his lip, "Well if you're sure. I always want to make my Luna happy." Luna smiled and kissed him gently. Greg closed his eyes as she tugged the blankets into place. He was certain they looked quite the odd couple. Greg was broad shouldered and strong. His baby fat had become broad muscles from his time as a Beater for the Slytherin team. He was also tall, standing at just over six feet tall at the age of fifteen.
Luna, in contrast, was beautiful and thin and fragile looking; calling her waif-like was an accurate adjective. She wasn't all that tall either, standing at about five feet, two inches. Their wedding night he'd been afraid he'd break her but Luna was stronger than she looked. Although one day walking into their rooms at Hogwarts to see her completely nude and working on her homework had been shocking, Greg liked the innocence of her carefree attitude. And her lack of shyness. The slight confusion on her face when she'd seen his erection from his view that day had been awkward but Greg had always been blunt. Bluntness definitely helped when it came to Luna.
After a nap Luna made him sit down in front of the fire while she made dinner for the two of them. They had talked to her father Xeno through the fire when they first woke and he'd decided to stay in his own tent. Xeno was quite odd and there was a disconnect between him and Luna; Greg had seen pictures of Luna's mother Maia, and wondered if it was because mother and daughter looked almost identical. According to Luna, Xeno had taken her mother's death very hard and they weren't as close as they once were. Greg was certain that Luna's attachment to him was in part because she felt so alone after her mother's death. He knew he'd always be there for Luna. He would be her rock just as she was his angel.
Hermione leaned into her boyfriend. They'd spent a large portion of the day with their friends but the evening was being spent alone. Since they didn't have their own rooms they had decided to stay in the Room of Requirement. "I think we should leave next year," Harry said.
She stayed still and closed her eyes before asking, "Why?"
"Well on the one hand, you and me on a boat means you in a bikini," Harry said, imagining Hermione's eye roll at his words even though he couldn't see her face with her sitting in front of him, "and there's also the fact that I just…I can't do it anymore. I can't be here. Hermione it sounds cold but our friends need to save themselves this time. We can't do it for them anymore."
"So long as we're here they won't do it on their own," Hermione agreed. Draco was an example, seeking their choice for minister. "They'll be upset."
"Yeah but for our own piece of mind I think we need to do it. We deserve to just be teenagers and we can't be that here."
Hermione turned and straddled his lap, "I agree. So what say we start planning our mode of transportation?"
"I say a boat. That way your parents and Sirius and Remus can come with us."
"Boats are expensive Harry," she said, running a hand through his hair. "Really expensive."
"I can imagine that but I have more money than I thought I did anyway," Harry said. "Gringotts sent me an end of year statement. They did a full audit of the Potter accounts," he pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Hermione.
Hermione unfolded it and her eyes widened. "Harry…"
"Evidently fifteen is the age of full inheritance for magicals."
Hermione looked up at him, "Harry this…in pounds you'd be…"
"A billionaire, right?" She nodded and he dropped his hands to her waist, "I was stunned too, Hermione. And the amounts just grow each year. Apparently my parents were really savvy investors. The goblins have looked after my accounts since their deaths. They don't even charge for it. It seems that they really liked my mum."
Knowing how the conversation could go after that Hermione decided to stay on the path they were on previously, "Well then I guess the boat is doable."
"Yeah," he smiled, "I'll pay our way. Sirius will pay Remus to tutor us. We'll have a blast."
Hermione looked at Harry. He looked so excited. "Well I suppose I can agree to that provided that I choose your new wardrobe."
"Anything you want," he promised.
"Good boy," she teased, leaning in to kiss him. "But you know, if my parents come our wardrobes will have to be a bit less…revealing."
"Hermione you could wear a barrel and I'd think you're stunning."
"Very good boy," she responded, kissing him again. "Okay, I'm in. But we'll have to learn how to pilot the boat so we'll need lessons okay?"
"I'm okay with that. We definitely can't let Sirius pilot it. We'd be aground in seconds even if we were in the middle of the Atlantic with no land around us for days." Hermione laughed at his characterization of Sirius. He'd been arrested at such a young age that he'd kind of missed the growing up he should have experienced as he became a young man; that meant that Sirius was still finding himself and the Sirius they knew was still a giant kid.
"Sounds like we have a plan then," she said, resting her head against his, "now what should I do with my wealthy boyfriend?"
"Love him like you did before he was a billionaire?" Harry suggested.
"You'll always be that cute boy with the broken glasses that I met on the train on my way to Hogwarts to me, Harry," she promised, kissing him sweetly.
Aboard the Hogwarts Express Padma watched George as she read her book. He was frowning at a piece of paper he'd been scribbling on. "If you keep your face like that too long it'll freeze that way," she said after several minutes. George gave her a half-smile and she put her book down. "What's wrong?"
"I can't work out how to make this gag," he said, rubbing his face with his hands. "It's a Canary Cream. You turn into a canary after you eat it but only for like five minutes."
"George that's really complicated work," Padma said.
"Well yeah but it's all in fun," he said, frowning in annoyance.
Padma sat down next to him and leaned close to look at his diagram and recipe. George fell silent as she pressed her body against him. She felt so good. "You worked out the hard part; the transformation. The time duration seems to be your problem. What about smaller amounts?"
"H-huh?" He blinked, trying to pay attention.
She licked her lips and looked at him, "If you used smaller amounts of the ingredients key to transforming that should fix your problem."
"Y-yeah I thought of that," he said, "but then the transformation doesn't work."
Padma looked at the recipe, "And you have to be careful so you don't impact the taste."
"Exactly," he nodded, swallowing when she reached across him, her chest pressing into his arm, as she took a book on the magical properties of various plants from his bag.
"Are you okay George? You look flushed."
He looked at her to see a smirk on her lips. "Vixen," he growled before closing the distance between them and kissing her. Padma smiled into the kiss, her free hand running through his short hair.
They shared a brief but satisfying snog and when they parted she whispered, "Sage and thyme are both herbs that can, when combined with your other ingredients, impact the time duration of a spell."
George kissed her again, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she said, moving back to the other side of the compartment to resume her reading. George smiled as he went to work on reading about the magical properties of sage and thyme. Their relationship had grown around the new year. At midnight Percy and Penelope had been kissing in their living room near the fire and George hadn't felt comfortable possibly imposing himself on Padma. They hadn't shared a real kiss since Christmas. But Padma had pulled him to her by his shirt and kissed him. After that kiss, when they went to bed that night, they'd talked about their relationship. There was obviously a mutual attraction and Padma had confessed wanting to see where their relationship went. George certainly wanted the same thing and said as much.
Since then they'd found themselves getting closer and sharing kisses and even snogging one another. George was quite enjoying the change and he could see that Padma did too; she had power in their relationship and she obviously enjoyed having that ability. George wondered about her family dynamic; his family was a matriarchy so having Padma lead the relationship made sense to him. It was normal.
Still, she liked having the control and he didn't mind giving that to her; not in the least. He worked on his calculations. He'd always planned to have this business with Fred. Now he was going it alone but George was determined that his dream come true. Padma had promised to help and she just had. George liked that.
Greg re-entered the compartment, his arms laden with snacks. "Any Nargles about?"
"No they don't like trains," Luna said, accepting the Cauldron Cake he handed her, "thank you love."
"Quite welcome," he said, kissing her cheek as he sat down next to her after laying out his purchases on the table, "any other creatures I need to worry about?"
"No we're safe here," she leaned into him, "I'm sorry we didn't see the Crumple-Horned Snorkack."
"I got to spend time snuggling in a tent with you," he smiled, "that was worth the trip on its own."
Luna smiled. Greg was so great, believing her in all of the animals she told him about. He never questioned her, never challenged her, never belittled her for her bizarre animals. It was an aspect of him that she loved. "I love you Greg," she settled against him, "I was surprised when you asked me to marry you. I just never thought anyone would want me."
"You don't know how wonderful you really are Luna," he said, his head resting against hers, "I'm just glad you said yes to me." She smiled and kissed him.
Percy looked at his wife, "So we're agreed?"
"We're going to help George with his business," Penelope nodded, "He'll be delighted."
"Yeah. He always wanted to open it with Fred but I think we can help him. Maybe not with the inventions but the financial side I can certainly help with," Percy smiled.
"I think Padma might be more help for George than you might expect," she said. "There's something to that girl I think George can unlock."
Percy raised an eyebrow, "You think he can make her a prankster?"
"Maybe not that far," Penny said, "but if you think she won't help him make his ideas a reality you'll be very surprised."
Percy grinned, "With her intellect and his imagination we'll be rich, Penny."
"I'd imagine so," she nodded. "I pity the professors of Hogwarts."
It didn't take long for Harry and Hermione to agree to keep his billionaire status quiet. They were also keeping a lid on their desire to just escape for a while. They kept up with their prefect duties, focusing mostly on the younger students since the older ones were now spread throughout the castle. "Who will Draco try to convince to run?" Harry asked her as they did their rounds the evening everyone had returned to the school.
"I don't know," she said. "He doesn't know anyone who could be trusted to repeal the law."
Harry sighed. Getting the law repealed was important. But who was to be trusted? They could think of two people; neither of them would get elected. Remus was a werewolf and Sirius wouldn't be caught dead as the minister. Beyond those two they had no ideas. "Hermione I don't think this route is going to work out."
"I'd have to agree with you," she said, squeezing his hand. "I wish it would, though." They walked in silence for a bit before Hermione suddenly stopped and Harry looked at her, confused. "Harry I know what we can do."
"What?"
"We need to find out a few more things about the Ministry. But I'm certain I'm right and we'll change the magical world forever," she said, taking him up a staircase toward the Room of Requirement. They had research to do.
Classes resumed two days later and Ron turned in his homework feeling very nervous. Before he'd never really cared so this was a new experience. Millie was very supportive, though, and it was nice to have her at his back. Although he didn't really understand why she was helping him. She wasn't his type and he wasn't hers. But then, he didn't know what Millie's type was. For the first time Ron wondered what she wanted in a romantic relationship; certainly not what they had. Was there someone she'd wanted but never had the courage to get?
Millicent gazed at the stars as she shivered drawing the constellations required for Astronomy. "Here you can share my blanket," a voice said. Millie didn't even have time to look up before she felt the warmth pressed over her shoulders. A young man sat down next to her and pulled it over his shoulders too, "Why can't they give us these assignments when it's warmer?"
"I can't fathom it," she said, looking at the handsome blue-eyed muggleborn Ravenclaw. His eyes were as blue as the badge on his robes. A rich blue that Millie quite liked. "Why are you up here at this time of night?"
"I could ask you the same question," he smirked. "Millicent, right?"
"Yes," she nodded, "and you are Gary."
"I am indeed," he smiled. "You have beautiful eyes Millicent."
She flushed red and looked back at the sky, "Nothing about me is beautiful, Gary."
"I would dispute that," he said. "I am an artist and I can assure you, your eyes are beautiful. Beauty is everywhere, Millicent. It just requires the right eye to view it."
"The right eye?" She questioned, curious about what he meant.
"Everyone can concede that a rose is beautiful, that a tulip is delicate. But when it comes to human beauty our tastes compete with our sexual desires," Gary explained. "Beauty in humans is subject to hormones and our imaginations. There are some viewed to be beautiful by most but even then others look at them and disagree. Your friends Victoria and Hermione are both examples."
"They're quite different."
"Exactly," he nodded, "that is what makes judging human beauty so complex and full of bias. A nude painting of a woman who is thin is judged beautiful now; that same painting two hundred years ago would have been deemed sad. But if the painting was of a nude, full-figured or even plus-sized woman, it would have been regal and sensuous. Tastes change with the times."
Millicent returned to her drawing. The conversation, though interesting, shed no light on the handsome young man she'd first become attracted to a year ago. She finished her work and looked at him. The way he concentrated when he drew…it was intriguing. She knew that he had the nickname 'Sketch' and that he always carried his sketchpad and pencils. He looked at her, "I've been wanting to sketch and paint a female but I've found no one who I'm particularly interested in. I'd love to sketch you, Millicent. Will you be my model?"
She was speechless. A boy who had many attractive options was asking her? "I…it's not nude, is it?"
"Not usually, no," he answered. "I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable," he added.
Millicent paused before answering, "I should talk to my husband first."
He blinked, "Right, your husband. I forgot you were married."
"I don't blame you for that," Millicent glanced at the wedding band on her finger, "I often forget as well." She suddenly offered him a small smile, "I'll talk to my husband and think about it before getting back to you."
"Sounds good," he said, smiling at her. "Reckon I'll stay out here a bit, finish my work."
"I'm headed inside," she said. "Good night Gary."
"Good night Millicent," he said, watching her leave the roof.
Millicent wasn't even halfway to her rooms before she'd decided she would do it. Gary was harmless enough. She didn't need Ron's permission. Their relationship was at best a friendship, nothing more. She returned to her rooms and prepared for bed; a certain blue-eyed brown-haired boy would be in her dreams.
Chapter 10
And that's why we have the best Man United team we've had in ages right now," Gary said as he drew Millicent into his sketchpad. He looked up when she didn't respond, "You don't have a clue what I've been saying, do you?"
"Not a word," she conceded.
Gary chuckled, "I suppose my last name wouldn't mean anything to you either, would it?"
"No it wouldn't," she said. "Charlton just sounds English."
"My grandfather is probably the most famous Manchester United player ever," he licked his lips, "Sir Bobby Charlton."
"No clue what Manchester United even is," Millicent said. "I'm assuming it's a muggle thing?" Gary stared at her, wide-eyed, and launched into an explanation of the game of football and the club he'd grown up seeing as a part of his family.
Two hours later Millicent was amazed at what Gary had told her; his family sounded pretty important in the muggle world. Truthfully she'd never thought of muggles as even being important. Gary was a window into a world that she hadn't seen even through Harry, Hermione, and Victoria. And it was fascinating. Gary shrugged it off, "I guess we're important to some. But not to all. I'm just a lad who hopes to measure up to his grandfather."
"So you want to be a football player?"
"My mum has an arrangement with the school. I get to practice in a room that Professor Flitwick has charmed for me to practice in every day. It's unconventional," he conceded, "but they've also got me a time turner to make up for the time I've spent here. I can train with the youth squad at United. This will be my last year, though. Once I get my OWLS I can train back home with the lads. Maybe do my grandfather proud," he grinned at that.
Millicent blinked. "You'd give up magic for the muggle world?"
"You've been forced to marry a boy who you don't even like at 15. You're required to have a child before you're 21. You have no personal autonomy and no one in power seeks to redress that issue. In fact, no one seems to be taking action for it. No mass protests, no riots in the streets. Such a violation of human rights would never happen in the muggle world. I love that world. It's a good world with many flaws, admittedly, but it seeks to correct them, not blindly follow them because change is scary. Yeah, change can be ridiculously slow sometimes. But it still happens. Those in power that repress their people fall every time. Dictators cannot last forever. In the magical world, they're the norm. And I don't like it." Gary licked his lips, "I'm not giving up magic. Just the magical world. Since I've been here I've been verbally harassed, attacked, and made to feel unwelcome. So I'm leaving. Once I have my OWLS they can't touch me or take my wand or make me forget that I'm magical. I know that and I won't be afraid to let them forget it." Gary smirked suddenly, "And I'd love it if they tried and found themselves facing the English government."
Gary leaned back in his chair, "I guess from where I'm sitting, Millicent, the magical world doesn't seem like much to give up."
Millicent certainly could see his points. "This world is all I know. I guess if I grew up outside of it and was brought into it I'd think it odd too," she conceded.
He smiled at her and resumed his drawing. Millicent had a question, "I thought you loved drawing. Why do you want to play football then?"
"I love football. Drawing is what I do when I can't play. Magicals don't grasp a game with one ball and played with your feet, running along the ground. Why play on the ground when you can fly? Quidditch, though physical, is a very lazy sport. The balls go to you. You don't go to them. The quaffle is the only exception." Gary looked out the window, "You get picked on for loving a muggle sport so long you start to shut up about it. But that doesn't quash your love for it."
She got to look at his drawings; apparently he'd drawn Luna Lovegood a few times, clothed and nude. "Luna was great. She doesn't really care if she's clothed or not and she's not uncomfortable either way," he smiled. "I gave her copies of a couple of them." There were some beautiful drawings of Hogwarts, some in colored pencil, others in gray. They were mesmerizing. There were many other girls, all nudes with a few clothed, and she recognized all of them: Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis…even the Beauxbatons champion from the previous year, Fleur Delacour.
"You've had many models," she said.
"I think girls trust me," Gary said, gazing at the last one, Fleur's, fondly. "Fleur saw me drawing the dragon from memory and asked if I could do a sketch of her. I said sure because…well what heterosexual guy wouldn't want to see her naked? She was nice, too. Most of my models talked about themselves but Fleur and Luna were the only two to actually talk to me. About my life, what I liked to do. Fleur is a talented penalty kick taker. Even gave me some tips," he smiled at the memories.
Millicent felt a little duped. "So many beautiful women," she whispered.
"Lavender and Parvati aren't my taste, apologies to Padma but I'm just not that interested in their body types. Daphne Greengrass has to be the most conceited, snobbish girl I've ever met in my life and that includes Lavender Brown, Cho Chang, and Pansy Parkinson." Millicent smiled at that. There was truth to that statement. Gary was certainly perceptive. "Tracey was more interested in Daphne's portrait than anything else; some unrequited lesbian thing I pity her for. The only woman Daphne will ever love is herself. Fleur and Luna were the only two I was actually interested in. There's just something about girls who have a passion for something; Luna and her animals, Fleur and her surprising knowledge of footy and photography…they're interesting. I think most guys are either looking for a vapid bombshell to put on their arm to brag about their penis size/wallet size or they want a girl who has passions and goals. In other words, either they want a prop or a partner."
Millicent suddenly remembered something, "You were Fleur Delacour's date to the Yule Ball last year!"
"I was," Gary nodded. "And I was under the lake for her too. Never thought my girlfriend would save me from trouble but I didn't mind. Warming up was pleasant enough when we were alone in a room in the carriage." He closed his eyes and smiled at the memories. He opened them again, "She intends to move to England this summer. I certainly can't complain, having her close to me would be a dream. She's decided to go the muggle route too; be a fashion model. My mum and granddad both like her and fortunately for his sake, he's immune to the allure. My grandma would kill him otherwise," Gary chuckled at the thought. "A formidable woman, she is."
Millicent put the drawings down, "Why ask me to model for you if you're dating someone?"
"I wanted a new model, you're different from the girls that usually take on the job," he looked at her, "and honestly I wanted to build your self-confidence. It looks like it needs the help. To be clear I've only ever slept with one model and that was Fleur; she modeled for me after we were intimate the first time, not before. And I in turn modeled for her and her camera," he added. "You're married, Millicent. I'd never violate that agreement even if it was forced onto you."
Millicent bit her lip and sat down. Gary sat down opposite her, "I'm sorry if you thought I was intimating something between us. I figured since you were married and I was in the headlines last year…"
"I completely forgot you went to the ball with Fleur," Millicent said, feeling herself get worked up. "I just…I want what Hermione and Victoria have! I want to be loved and desired and have someone look at me like their boyfriend and husband look at them! Why can't I have that?!"
She looked at Gary, tears streaming down her face. He pulled her into a hug, "You'll get it, Millicent. I'm sure you will. But unless you get a divorce from Weasley you're going to end up asking any love interest to be in the shadows. I don't like how magical society is but even muggle society doesn't take kindly to shacking up with a lover when you're married to someone else."
Gary proved a great shoulder to cry on and eventually she pulled herself together and returned to her rooms. She just wanted a hot bath and some chocolate. While he was not an option for a love interest, he'd been a good option to let out all the frustration and self-doubt and everything that had plagued her lately. She certainly felt safe with him; even moreso with the realization that his relationship with Fleur was very serious.
She felt a bit foolish. The first boy to show her any kind of attention and she'd completely misread the situation and his intent. The walk back to her rooms felt longer than usual. When she returned Ron was finishing up his homework. He glanced up, "How was your time with that artist dude?"
She blinked. "You knew?"
Ron shrugged, "I saw you talking to him and I recognized him as the guy who took Fleur to the ball last year. Don't reckon I'd forget a guy I was jealous of. Lucky bastard, he is."
Millicent was surprised, "And you're not jealous of him now? Or angry that I was his model for the evening?"
Ron sat up and shrugged again, "Why should I be? I asked Hermione about him and she said he's dating Fleur still. And lots of girls have been his model. Last year Parvati and Lavender were all giggles about him drawing them. He never tried anything with either of them. He's got a pretty sweet gig, actually. See girls naked and draw them and they all trust him. Dunno what it is with you girls trusting artists but for some reason you do."
Millicent was far too shocked at his response to say anything at first. She finally spoke, "And you're not upset that I didn't talk to you about it?"
Ron tilted his head in thought. "I guess…well we haven't really been like a couple have we? We've only had one kiss, slept together once. You've hugged me but it's not really all that different from when Hermione's hugged me a couple times or when Victoria did that one time. Our relationship isn't romantic. Since it's not I guess I don't see why I'd even be jealous."
"That's…that's really mature, Ron."
Ron shrugged. "Hermione accused me of having the emotional depth of a teaspoon. And I guess I've been thinking about that alot lately. Admittedly when I first saw you talking to him I felt a little jealous, thinking you're mine. But I thought about the teaspoon remark and tried to think about the situation rationally. Neither of us wanted to get married and neither of us has ever indicated we want anything more than friendship between us. If you did I reckon you'd tell me. I don't think I'm ready to even date yet. I'm just not there, emotionally. Reckon I won't be for another year at least, maybe two."
Millicent was amazed at Ron's sudden honesty with himself. He'd been making strides but this insight…it was…it was impressive. Had Ron been so angry and jealous he'd had to take a deep breath and gather himself? That was…interesting.
Hermione glanced at Harry, who adjusted his neck tie. "Nervous?"
He gave her a small smile as she smoothed her dress, "You look so beautiful."
"Deflection doesn't change the question," she said, "but thank you."
Harry's smile grew at her scolding, "Yes, Hermione. I'm a bit nervous."
"Voldemort doesn't faze you, the Minister of Magic doesn't faze you, but an older woman does?"
"You mean to tell me that you are not nervous?"
Hermione smiled at him, "Well of course I am. It's not every day that you meet the queen. But I take great comfort in the fact that we're both nervous. Besides, since when have we been unable to tackle a problem together?" Harry couldn't disagree with that. He squeezed her hand and they knocked politely on the large door in front of them.
Lying in the cupboard under the stairs at the Number 4, Privet Drive had seen Harry have many fantastical dreams. But not even they could have included having tea with Her Majesty, the Queen of England and talking about the magical world and its Ministry of Incompetence. Or was it incompetents? Both were true. "You tell a dark tale, young ones."
"I wish we didn't have to," Hermione said, "but truthfully, Your Majesty, we could think of no other option."
"Perhaps for too long we have let the magicals be on their own, governing themselves. They are required to give us reports but according to the Prime Minister they are not particularly detailed. Still, flexing the might of the monarchy is something we do not do lightly. Not anymore."
"But you'll do this?" Harry said. He then blushed, "Uh, I mean Your Majesty, will you correct their corruption and stupidity? Sorry."
She smiled at him, "I quite like your honesty, Mr. Potter. It's refreshing. Of course we will act. There is a special department within MI-5 that is filled with magical people much like yourselves; raised in the non-magical world. They act in almost utter secrecy but they are highly trained. The magical detectives, aurors they're called, have nothing on our Magical Investigation squad." She glanced at a young man in a suit and nodded. He left without a word. "Our investigators speak highly of both of you. What are your plans?"
Hermione and Harry exchanged a glance, "Well after we finish out our year at Hogwarts and take our OWLS we intend to go on an extended vacation," Hermione said.
"Magicals count on the two of us, me especially, to get them out of trouble. We just want to be normal teenagers and enjoy what remains of our teenage years. We've never been able to just be teenagers. While I'm certainly not looking for other girls to date, since I've already found the very best girl on the planet," Hermione blushed at that and the queen smiled though it was unnoticeable to the two teens, "I'd like to have some relaxing days on a beach admiring her body while her dad glares at me."
"You'll definitely get that wish if I wear the bikini you picked out," Hermione said softly. Harry blushed.
A soft chuckle caught their attention and they both glanced at Her Majesty, who sat her teacup aside and spoke, "I wish you both luck on your endeavor. Perhaps we can relieve this burden on your shoulders."
"They'll want to fight against your rule. Those in power are highly bigoted."
"We have the Magical Investigation unit for a reason, dears. They cannot resist for long."
Hermione smiled and stood, "Thank you for your time and assistance, Your Majesty. You were our last hope."
"I ask only for one favor, children," she said, standing and taking both of their hands, "Do inform me when you get married. I'd like to be able to send you a wedding gift."
"Yes ma'am," Harry nodded, "uh…"
"Like I said before, Mr. Potter," she squeezed his hand, "I find your relaxed nature refreshing."
Harry and Hermione took their leave, exhaling when they exited the room and the door shut behind them. "You're so brilliant Hermione," Harry said, turning to face her. He leaned in to kiss her.
When the kiss risked deepening she pulled away, "We are not shagging in Buckingham Palace. Come on we can portkey back." He pouted and followed her. She looked good in that dress. On the plus side, Harry got to watch her walk. He really liked that dress.
While Harry and Hermione knew that action would be taken, they weren't sure when. They kept quiet and more to themselves as January turned into February. Ron had made the Gryffindor quidditch team and his first game would be in March. Aside from quidditch training Harry and Hermione saw little of even their friends. Plotting their summer filled the time they weren't spending doing their prefect duties or focusing on their studies. Hermione had been to France before but Harry had never even seen the ocean, creating a wealth of opportunities to explore to Hermione's utter delight.
There was an exuberance as they made their plans of traveling down the coasts of Portugal and Spain. Harry was elated and excited to travel to the Mediterranean. After spending their summer there he wanted to head toward the Americas, to the Caribbean. The Blacks had an island there that Harry wanted to see. Hermione agreed. Working out their path was a bit difficult but aside from making a list of which cities to see they worked on looking at boats. Sirius and the Grangers had gathered acceptable boat options that all had the minimum requirements for what they wanted. While Harry's wealth surprised the Grangers (though they weren't told the exact figure) they had taken it in stride. Harry was pretty sure that ability was what helped them deal with Hermione being a witch. For him, it was an admirable quality.
Valentine's Day at Hogwarts was usually a quieter affair than Halloween. But Hogwarts seemed to have gone all out to celebrate the holiday. "A galleon it's because of the marriage law," Harry said to Hermione as they sat down for breakfast.
"No bet; of course it is," she responded, taking the platter of heart-shaped pancakes, "please tell me there is no heart-shaped toast."
Harry reached for a piece, "Well it's not heart-shaped, per se," he showed Hermione. There was a heart burned into the toast like a stamp. She rolled her eyes. Harry just reached for the butter.
As they sat at breakfast and ate Harry regarded other couples doing the same. You could spot the newer couples; they were awkward and overcompensating for the newness of their relationship. Then there were the couples that were couples solely because of the law. For them it was palpably uncomfortable. The sickeningly sweet couples were nauseating and he looked away. The remaining couples (a very, very small group) were like him and Hermione- an understanding was between them.
Gary Charlton sat down opposite them at breakfast. "It's hard to have a girlfriend who's a Veela," he said.
"Oh?" Harry asked. "Why?" He didn't know Gary very well but he'd got to know him during the tournament. He had some very interesting relations.
"She's inundated with 'gifts' today," he sighed, "but she says that her father has tightened the wards denying entry to all but family and myself."
"That should make today easier then, right?" Hermione asked.
"Easier than last year," he answered. "Bad memories of last year." Harry nodded in understanding. That had been surprising and disturbing in almost equal parts. The table had nearly buckled from all the things 'secret admirers' had sent Fleur. He could understand Gary's bad memories re-surfacing. The anniversary of Molly's letter calling Hermione a slag, whore, harlot, and other synonyms for those words had left him with some disturbing memories and nightmares. Hermione being by his side when he woke up certainly helped; Gary shouldered those bad memories alone.
"What did you get her?" Hermione asked to take both boys out of their dark moods.
"She hates getting flowers so I sent her a football." Harry laughed. "Hey she told me not to send her flowers. Made me swear I wouldn't. So I figured, why not have some fun at her expense?" Hermione raised an eyebrow and he raised his hands in surrender, "It opens up like a music box and plays her favorite song. But it's completely round. No base. It'll open only when she holds it in both hands."
"Well done sir. She'll like that."
"If she doesn't I'll be glad to be in Scotland while she's in France," he smirked. "What are you two doing today?"
"Well Hermione's not big on Valentine's Day."
Hermione sighed, "Second year."
"Ahh the poem from Ginny Weasley. That was…disturbing," Gary nodded.
Harry flushed and conceded, "The Great Hall did look ridiculous."
"Like several florists and card companies threw up," Gary cut in.
"Regardless of Hermione's feelings, I do have something planned. And I won't be telling you."
"So secretive Harry," Hermione squeezed his arm and leaned close, "when do I get my present?"
"Tonight," he answered. "And that's all I'm saying about it."