Chapter 1
Picture this: Hogwarts, Harry Potter's 4th year. Halloween Evening. After the Champions' names have been read out. Got it pictured? Good. Read what happens next below :D
Harry sat on his bed. Ron had decided that he was no longer speaking to Harry, which suited the young man just fine. He sighed as he lay back on the bed. He was stuck in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. His supposed best friend didn't believe him. That thought had him wondering about Hermione. Did she believe him? He had to know. Harry took his cloak and snuck down to the common room but Hermione wasn't down there. He frowned. He had to know right away. He needed someone on his side and if Hermione wasn't…well he really needed to talk to her.
Harry took out his Firebolt and opened the window of the dorm carefully before flying out the window. He found the girls' tower easily but he wasn't sure which dorm window was Hermione's. On a gamble he moved up to the fourth floor window and flew close enough to see inside to find Hermione sitting on the windowsill with a book. He gently knocked on the window and her head snapped up before her eyes widened. She checked to be sure she was alone and then grabbed her robe to open the window, "Harry what are you doing here?" She whispered harshly.
Harry gazed at her hopefully, "I just…I have to know, Hermione. Do you believe me?"
She softened, "Harry, of course I do. If you say you didn't put your name in then you didn't." She cupped his cheek and smiled, "Now then, you crazy boy, go back to your dorm and go to sleep. We can talk in the morning."
Harry smiled, "Thanks. I just…I had to know. If even you didn't believe me…"
"Harry I always believe you," she pulled him to her and gently kissed him on the lips, "we'll talk in the morning."
The grin that followed that kiss threatened to split Harry's face in two. "Okay but only if that kiss is met with another one."
"Of course it will be," she promised, watching him pull away and fly back toward his dorm room. "Boys can be so stupid," she sighed as she shut the window and went to bed. "Flying to my window? Really Harry," she shook her head. "Patience is a virtue." Still, she was rather pleased that she'd finally taken the risk to show Harry how she felt and seen that Harry had quite enjoyed it, even possibly felt the same. Unlike him, though, she could wait until morning.
The next morning Harry rose early and quickly readied himself for the day. He needed to see her soon. After that kiss Harry had found himself having some very happy dreams about the two of them. He walked downstairs and waited, eager to see Hermione again. Last night had been Harry's first kiss and he was quite keen for another. After his return to his dorm he'd spent some time thinking about their relationship. Hermione was the prettiest girl he knew; true, she wasn't a stunner like Cho Chang. But Hermione had more depth than the other girls. The other girls in their year were mostly interested in boys and fashion. Harry's fame was important to them because they wanted to be famous too. Hermione didn't care about his fame and she wasn't swayed by his money either. Hermione genuinely liked him for him. And Harry found her quite attractive anyway. He'd become very much aware that Hermione was a girl the previous year and that had led to a good many embarrassing dreams. Although after that kiss Harry thought they weren't so embarrassing after all.
Harry gazed up at the girls' staircase and grinned as he saw Hermione coming down. No sooner was she off the last step than Harry was kissing her. Hermione smiled into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Harry's hands moved to her waist as the kiss continued. When they parted she smiled at him, "I take it you liked the first one?"
"Very much," he breathed, smiling at her. "I was wondering if you might have an opening for a boyfriend?"
She tilted her head in thought, "Well I suppose I do Mr. Potter. Do you intend to apply for the job?"
"I'll fill out the forms in triplicate if you ask me to," he said, resting his forehead on hers.
"That's not necessary," she gave him a quick kiss, "but more kisses are expected and maybe some snuggling too."
Harry grinned, "Sounds good to me."
She pulled back from him, "First, we need breakfast and I don't think after last night we should go anywhere near the Great Hall."
Harry nodded in agreement. "We can get some food from the kitchens," he suggested.
"That's not a bad idea," she released her hold of him and took his hand, "let's go get some breakfast Harry. Then we can work out how to get you out of this tournament." Harry grinned at her words as she pulled him toward the portraithole.
In the kitchens Dobby quite happily served them food while Hermione and Harry talked about their new relationship. Once they'd had their fill talk turned to getting Harry out of the tournament. "But Moody said that magical contracts force us to compete," he said to her.
She took his hand and squeezed it affectionately, "Harry did you submit your name?"
He frowned, "Of course not. Hermione I thought you believed me!"
"I do Harry," she kissed him softly, "my point is that the three Champions are held by magical contract, yes. But you aren't because unlike them you didn't enter your own name. The contract can't go off of a name; if that was the case then a first year muggleborn could be the victim of a vicious attack by a blood bigot like Malfoy by being stuck in a competition that they're unprepared for."
Harry's eyes widened in understanding, "So I can't be held responsible for the actions of someone who no doubt wants to see me die."
"Exactly," she smiled. "The contract is between the cup and the person who submitted it. The paper with the name on it is to affirm the contract between submitter and the cup itself," she said.
"Well then what do we do now?"
"We tell your godfather the truth of what happened and we start training," Hermione said, very much aware of their audience.
A familiar elf grabbed Harry's sleeve and tugged on it, "Excuse me Harry Potter sir but Dobby would be happy to be youse elf. It would be greatest honor to work for Great Harry Potter Sir, friend of house elves."
Harry looked at Hermione. Upsetting his new girlfriend wasn't an option. Plus, whatever Ron and other purebloods said Hermione was right. It was enslavement. The purebloods got so wound up over that word that they missed Hermione's point. She wasn't out to free all the elves (they needed the work and a few questions to Dobby had revealed that they needed to be bonded with a family to live) but rather to give them free agency. The ability to choose a new master if one was abusive and to defend themselves from attackers. That was a cause that Harry was firmly behind. Hermione looked thoughtful about it so Harry spoke, "Only if you understand that I'm paying you Dobby. I won't own any slaves. You're my friend."
The other elves stared at Harry in awe. Hermione beamed at him proudly while Dobby's eyes filled with tears, "D-D-Dobby is the Great Harry Potter Sir's friend?"
"Of course you are," Harry smiled at him, "you did everything you could to try and protect me, even if it meant harming yourself for speaking against the Malfoys. You're a good friend Dobby. The only friend I value more is my Hermione."
The little elf burst into tears, "Dobby is honored to be Great Harry Potter Sir's friend! Dobby is happy to works for his friend!"
"How does one day off a week sound?" Harry asked.
"Oh no Dobby is happy with one day off a month. Dobby cannot take wages from a f-friend either," the elf argued.
"Two days off a month and no wages but you get an allowance each week that you can use to buy yourself or me or anyone else anything you want."
Dobby thought about the terms before nodding his head eagerly, his ears flapping against his skull. "Dobby accepts!"
With Dobby off to give Sirius a letter the couple walked near the Black Lake. "So for the tournament, the solution is simple. You refuse to compete."
Harry looked at her. "I thought you said we'd train."
"All of those elves report to Dumbledore, Harry," Hermione said. "We have to keep this to ourselves."
He nodded in understanding, "so how do I refuse, exactly?"
"Don't perform at the first task," she said. "We can train and learn new magic together to keep people unaware of what we're doing. And I suppose some snogging could become a part of all that training."
Harry grinned. Snogging Hermione was a very appealing idea. Supplementing that with training and studying was fine with him. "Can we start on the snogging now?"
She smiled and pulled him to her, kissing him, "I think that's doable."
They learned quite a bit together leading up to the First Task, and not just about snogging. They mastered plenty of charms and Harry taught Hermione how to cast a Patronus, using one of their many memories together to create the playful otter. They filled a classroom with pillows and used summoning charms and banishing hexes to have a pillow fight. Hermione had many inventive ways to teach him how to cast spells and he enjoyed her ideas and activities. He was pretty sure everyone would learn better if Hermione was their teacher; no offense to Flitwick or McGonagall but his girlfriend was more fun. Although given that their lessons always ended in snogging maybe he was a bit biased.
Hagrid told Harry to meet him one evening and Harry went only because Hermione promised to go with him. They saw the dragons and exchanged a horrified glance. They were going to pit a 14 year old wizard against a dragon?! When they returned to their private classroom they warded it, Harry having found the study of runes more interesting than he'd thought they'd be. Hermione was a good tutor with that and Harry quickly picked them up. They always warded their training room, which was filled with pillows and other comforts. Harry collapsed on a pile of pillows, "Dragons. They're setting us up like the Romans did the gladiators."
"On the plus side, my handsome boyfriend, you're not competing," Hermione said, falling back into a pile of pillows near him, "and you have your girlfriend alone in a classroom filled with pillows."
"Banishing hexes it is then," Harry smirked, rolling out of the way as Hermione tried to smack him with a pillow.
"It's war now," Hermione said, sending three pillows his way.
"Bring it witch," Harry said, licking his lips as he sent four at her.
After they collapsed into the pillows, tired, they snuggled close together. "Hermione what will happen when I say I'm not competing?"
"Well some people will try to stop you," Hermione said. "But you've never been afraid to stand by your convictions. I'm sure after we get you out of the tournament then there'll be more stupid whispers about you being a cheater and a coward but they're all idiots anyway."
"Yeah that's true," Harry sighed. The betrayal of his fellow Gryffindors didn't hurt as much as he'd thought it would. Certainly not as much as the stinging and tripping hexes constantly being sent their way. Or the many 'pranks' of the twisted twins in which he and Hermione were hurt or nearly severly wounded while Gryffindor laughed at their misfortune. The bubotuber pus was one of the worst. "Hermione if their treatment of us gets worse what do we do?"
"Well Professor McGonagall isn't much help," Hermione mused. "I guess we should look through the school rules and find out what our options are. There are copies in the library. We'll just pick up one tomorrow."
Harry nodded. That sounded like a good idea. Gryffindor had become a house of bullies with him and Hermione their targets. He closed his eyes and settled into the pillows. It was pretty comfortable. He could sleep like this, Hermione in his arms lying on a floor of pillows. He opened his eyes, "Hermione? We really warded this room. What if we just slept in here together? We could make the one closet a bathroom and the other one a dressing area and a place for our clothes and stuff."
"If it means I don't have to get up from my comfy spot I'm all for it," she mumbled, nuzzling his neck. "You're too comfortable Harry Potter."
"Not sorry about that," he said, closing his eyes again.
When they woke the next morning Harry smiled and kissed her forehead, "Is there anything you can't do Hermione?"
"All I did was sleep Harry," Hermione said, pulling back to look at him. "What do you think I did?"
"Last night is the first time I haven't had a nightmare ever," he answered.
"Oh Harry," she hugged him, "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay Hermione."
Her problem-solving brain was already kickstarted though. She sat up and looked at him, "Are your nightmares always the same?"
"Usually it's my mom screaming as Voldemort kills her but other times…recently it's been you he kills," Harry admitted quietly. Hermione hugged him tightly and he returned it.
"And you always feel guilty when you're happy too," Hermione said before pulling away and tracing his scar with her finger, "Harry I think your scar is related to both of those things. I think we need to look into books on magical scars and dark curses that can cause them."
Harry nodded in agreement. That actually sounded like a good idea. He kind of wondered why he hadn't done that before.
"My Lord, Barty Crouch says that we have a problem."
"What is it Wormtail?"
"The Potter boy is the most hated boy in the school. Only his mudblood friend remains on his side. Killing him now would do nothing for our cause."
Voldemort was silent as he pondered Wormtail's words. He had a point. Potter's death would be most powerful when he was loved by everyone. But how to make Potter a hero again? That certainly wasn't his specialty. This would require some thought and careful planning.
They had to sneak back up to their dorms to shower and change. They both packed up their trunks and shrunk them once their dormmates were gone before meeting in the common room to go to breakfast. "What say we stop somewhere?"
"You owe me a snog anyway," Hermione smiled. Harry grinned and took her hand, lacing their fingers as they left the Gryffindor common room. If they had their way, they wouldn't be returning.
Harry offered Dobby four pairs of socks if he could attach a bathroom to the classroom he and Hermione called home. Dobby actually suggested a special room within Hogwarts he called the Come and Go Room that could change to become whatever they wanted. He showed it to them and Harry and Hermione were amazed at the room's abilities. But it wouldn't maintain its look for them and so they asked Dobby if there was an old dorm room somewhere with a bathroom attached. He volunteered to look for them during classes that day.
The first task was on Saturday, leaving them with four days until the task. Just to keep him aware of things, Harry wrote to Sirius about how Gryffindor was treating him and Hermione and how they were sleeping outside of the tower for their own safety. He also told him about Hermione's ability to keep his nightmares away and their theory that his scar was behind them. The one thing Harry didn't say a word about was their plan for the tournament. Keeping that a secret was paramount.
Hermione and Harry finished their last class of the day and were on their way to their training hideout when Dobby found them. He smiled, "Dobby has found perfect place for Harry Potter Sir and his Hermy-knee." He led them up a couple floors to a set of rooms. "These used to be professorses roomies. But is not being used for long times and just needed cleaning up."
Hermione grinned. That meant they had a bedroom, bathroom, living room, mini kitchen/dining room, and plenty of room for their belongings. "This is perfect Dobby, thank you."
"Dobby is glad youse is approving," he bowed to them so deeply his ears touched the floor. "Dobby and Winky is cleanings it up for youse twos."
Winky appeared, looking at the floor and wringing one of her ears in her hands, "Winky is glads youse is likings it."
Harry and Hermione exchanged a look, "Winky we were going to give Dobby some new socks as payment. Can we get you anything?" Harry asked.
"Winky is just wanting family," the elf mumbled quietly.
Harry looked at Hermione, who licked her lips and knelt down in front of the female elf, "Winky, Dobby is bonded to us but as a friend. I understand you want to work and belong to a family, but I think slavery is wrong. If you work for us it's as a friend. You'd get time off and an allowance each week."
"Youse is not setting Dobby free with socks?"
"Of course not," Harry said. "Dobby bonded with me as my friend, not my servant or slave. Dobby would rather have socks than payment and if that's what he wants, that's what he gets."
Winky thought about this, "I is not wanting wages or days off."
"Dobby has two days off a month and you get the same," Hermione said. "And instead of wages, you get an allowance. That way you can buy things for your family with your own money."
Winky contemplated Hermione's conditions while Harry and Hermione put their trunks into the bedroom and put their things away. "A bed instead of pillows," Harry said, looking at her, "Reckon we can survive without our nest of pillows?"
"We'll make it work," she said, pulling him into a hug, "this is so much better than Gryffindor Tower."
"Agreed," he nodded, closing his eyes as he enjoyed Hermione's embrace. She was the first person to ever hug him that he could remember. And she was also his favorite. Molly Weasley felt suffocating when she tried to hug you. But Hermione's hug was warmth and acceptance and he enjoyed each and every one.
When they exited the bedroom together hand in hand Winky was standing up, "I is agreeing to youse rules."
Hermione smiled at Dobby leaping for joy that his friend had a job. He was a special little elf and almost impossible not to love. Harry grinned at Dobby's actions before looking at Winky, "Welcome to the family then Winky," he said. The little elf hugged Harry's legs and then moved to Hermione, hugging her too.
Hermione looked at Harry, "We actually have a task for the two of you. We need to look into why Harry's scar is always giving him nightmares, making him feel guilty for being happy, and why he can sometimes get visions from Voldemort. We know the killing curse was cast that night, so maybe look into that and various dark arts rituals. Killing Harry was important and he did it on Halloween which is an important day for magicals. Books about those things aren't accessible to us here at Hogwarts so you might need to get some dark arts books."
Dobby and Winky both wrote down what Hermione talked about and nodded before vanishing on the spot. Harry looked at her, "What say we do our homework and then I get to snog my girlfriend on our couch?"
"I think your girlfriend might be up for that," she smiled.
Sirius Black sat in the cave, re-reading his godson's latest letter. He was very nervous about the tournament. Dragons! What was wrong with Dumbledore that he was setting Harry up to face down a dragon at the age of 14? And the way Gryffindor was treating Harry and Hermione made him furious. He felt ashamed to have ever been a Gryffindor. Harry and Hermione's theory about Harry's scar made sense but he had no clue where to even start to help them figure out what was up with the scar or how to stop it.
Sirius was certain of several things. Dumbledore was an enemy to him and to Harry. Hogwarts in general was not a good place for his two favorite teenagers to be. Something was definitely up with Harry's scar too and hopefully those two could work out just why. He felt quite powerless, being unable to help them and just serve as someone for them to vent to. When he finally could help them he vowed to do everything he could for them.
Chapter 2
And yes, Harry and Hermione are not like their canon selves. Hermione because with friends you're different than you are with others but Hermione doesn't seem to be in the books. Harry because I don't like how he rolls over and takes whatever dark lords and headmasters do to him.
This Voldemort is like a cartoon villain. He has a very specific plan for Harry and if it isn't going off just the right way…well we'll get there later. And just a reminder, Voldemort didn't just want Harry's blood 4th year. He wanted to kill him too (remember the wands joining saving Harry's life?)
P.S. it is impossible to write about the first task in a more realistic yet lighthearted way. Hopefully I didn't make it too dark; not going into the details of each Champion's progress prevented it from ceasing to be the lighthearted story I'm going for to my mind.
P.P.S. The first part of this chapter probably dances toward an 'M' rating but I don't think I crossed the line to make it an 'M'. If anyone disagrees please let me know.
The morning of the first task Harry woke snuggled with Hermione as had become the norm. He took a deep breath. He felt so nervous. But he knew Hermione would be by his side so that eased his nerves a bit. "Relax Harry," Hermione whispered.
"You know me too well," he blushed. "Today isn't going to be fun."
"No but maybe we can at least get one thing off our plate," she said, kissing his cheek. "Do you want to shower first or should I go?"
"You go ahead," he sighed. "I think I'll just lie here for a bit."
Hermione looked at him for a moment before climbing out of the bed and entering the bathroom. She was worried Harry would do what he often did; let his fears overwhelm him with bad outcomes. But how to stop him from worrying about that day? Hermione's solution had her feeling a bit cautious. She looked in the mirror. It was for Harry. She'd do anything for Harry. "Harry can you come in here?" She called out.
Still lying in bed, part of Harry said to stay. But he wasn't one to refuse Hermione. He got out of bed and opened the bathroom door, "Do you need something Her-" his girlfriend's name stuck in his throat as his mouth dropped open in shock.
His Hermione was standing in front of him without any clothes on. His mouth moved but no sound came out, making Hermione giggle at his expression. She had satisfactorily distracted him from his internal struggles. "Harry get in the shower."
He still seemed unable to speak but he did awkwardly remove his pajamas and quickly enter the shower, his hands covering his genitals. Shaking her head at his modesty given the situation she entered and hugged him from behind, her breasts pressing into his back, "Harry we're not going to do anything. I just want to keep your mind off of the task and what we're about to do to get you out of it."
Lust-addled and utterly confused though his brain was, Harry still smirked at her saying 'we' instead of 'you'. Hermione was always in everything together with him. There was no 'I' or 'you'. It was 'we' and 'us'. He pulled himself together enough to say, "Thanks Hermione."
"You're welcome Harry," she moved him forward a little so that the spray would hit her, "start soaping up." Harry obeyed her order and grabbed his shampoo.
Harry's two words were all he said during the shower as Hermione had to command him to clean himself. He obeyed her words and was certain by the end of it that Hermione nude was a better way to control him than any Imperius curse could ever be. When they exited the shower Hermione wrapped a towel around her frame and kissed him on the lips, "We can do this Harry. We've faced worse. You've faced worse. Today's nothing compared to a basilisk or a werewolf."
Harry nodded and smiled. She was right. They had been through worse than today. Tonight he'd be snuggled up to the same girl he'd woke up that morning with. And damn Hermione was gorgeous. "Just for the record Hermione, you're beautiful." She blushed as he exited the bathroom to get dressed. She'd rendered him speechless and thoughtless for about twenty minutes that morning. Mission accomplished.
After breakfast McGonagall approached Harry and Hermione where they sat alone at the end of the Gryffindor table. "Mr. Potter it's time for the champions to go down to the tent for the first task."
He just nodded, not trusting himself to say anything in response to the witch he no longer had any respect for. Hermione squeezed his hand in support and he squeezed back, relieved she understood his dislike of the Gryffindor head of house; although he knew Hermione had lost any respect for people in authority after the past three years at Hogwarts. He stood with Hermione and they exited the Great Hall hand in hand. Hissing was heard as they exited.
The walk down to the arena that had been constructed on the grounds had Harry feeling surprisingly confident. He felt a little taller when he saw a big shaggy black dog skulking in the shadows of a few trees. "He'd be better off not being here," Harry said.
"He's here to support you Harry. Enjoy that," she looked around, "Winky."
"Yes?" The elf appeared next to her, "Cans I help youse?"
"That big black dog that looks all shaggy and uncared for is Harry's godfather who was wrongly imprisoned in Azkaban and broke out," she said softly, "can you see about getting him some clean clothes and a way to bathe, shave, and maybe get him a basket of food from the Hogwarts kitchens?"
Harry smiled. He'd not thought of that but the elves could definitely help Sirius out. "He is part of family?" Winky asked.
"Yes he is," Harry nodded.
"Winky will do her best," she said before popping away from them and over to the dog who gave a soft bark at them before vanishing with the elf.
"I should have thought of that sooner."
"We both should have," Hermione corrected him, "but we have alot on our plates right now Harry."
That was probably an understatement, but it was the truth. Harry nodded and they continued the trek to the tents. "Don't leave me?"
"As in stop being your girlfriend or don't leave your side while you destroy someone's plans to harm you?"
"The latter but both preferably."
She smiled and kissed his cheek, "If dark lords and basilisks couldn't take me from you I don't know what could." Harry laughed in spite of his nerves. The tent already had the other three champions. They all barely glanced their direction. Harry stood in a corner with Hermione as they held hands and she whispered words of encouragement to him.
Rita Skeeter attempted to enter but was caught by Bagman and Crouch. Harry was glad. That woman was obnoxious. Bagman looked around the tent and then at Hermione but didn't say anything. He explained the task and then held out the bag to Harry. Harry stepped back from the bag, "No. I refuse to compete."
Bagman's eyes widened. The other champions stared at him. Crouch frowned. "Mr. Potter your name was drawn."
"I didn't submit my name," Harry said. "I didn't ask anyone to submit my name. Since I didn't submit my name I don't have to compete. I don't want to compete, I don't need to compete, and I am not going to compete."
"Mr. Potter, Harry," Bagman tried.
"I said I'm not competing and that's it. End of story."
To Hermione's amusement the tent was soon overcrowded with three headmasters, a deputy headmistress, and the original occupants. Dumbledore spoke, giving his kindly grandfather look to Harry, "Harry my boy what's this nonsense about you refusing to compete?"
"Nonsense? That's rich coming from the man whose wards can't even protect underage students in his care," Harry scoffed. The arrogance of the adults in the tent only served to make him angrier. And with Hermione's constant presence he'd become very able to articulate himself and not let his anger rule him. "Your special cup seems to be awfully easy to fool if anyone can walk up and place some kid's name in it. Since you, Headmaster, claim to have put special wards on it obviously your magic is flawed or an incredibly powerful individual overrode them. So which is it? Are you inept or is there a dark wizard out to kill me yet again while you sit by and do nothing to help me until I'm at death's door? I have a growing list of contradictions you toss out each year headmaster. I'm old enough to face Voldemort. I'm not old enough to know why he wants me dead. I'm old enough to face down a basilisk, save your job and Hagrid's life in the process. I'm not old enough to go to Hogsmeade without a permission slip from the abusive muggles you left me with on a doorstep on a chilly November night. And of course the kicker. Despite being too young to know why my parents died and I lived I'm old enough to face a bloody dragon for the amusement of an entire school that hates me and wishes me dead!"
Hermione gave a small cough and Harry took her hand in his, "Sorry love; a whole school minus the most brilliant witch to ever be in it."
Dumbledore was speechless but the entire tent felt ready to erupt in anger, though Hermione couldn't tell where most of it was directed. She decided to keep the focus on Dumbledore, "Harry asked you a question Headmaster. Are you inept or is there a dark wizard out to kill him yet again while you sit by and do nothing to help Harry or stop the murderer?"
"Miss Granger that is no way to speak to the headmaster…"
"Let him answer the question!" Harry yelled at McGonagall, silencing her. He glared at the old witch.
Hermione looked at Dumbledore, "You knew a student who was of age could cross your age line and submit Harry's name. I would bet that if we looked at the cup itself there's no way for the cup to know that the name written is the name of the person submitting the paper. Which means you were setting Harry up to again be in a deadly situation. Do you get your jollies watching a pubescent boy risk his life for the amusement of the idiots currently waiting to watch people die? You're worse than Voldemort," Hermione concluded, "you wrap yourself in this cloak of goodness but you're just a Machiavellian monster."
You could have heard a pin drop in the ensuing silence. "I, Harry James Potter, son of the late James and Lily Potter, godson of the innocent Sirius Orion Black, and boyfriend of the beautiful and brilliant Hermione Jean Granger refuse to participate in this death trap you call a tournament." With that Harry took Hermione's hand in his, "Come on Hermione. Let's get out of here."
Hermione turned to face the champions when they were in the mouth of the tent, "Good luck and try to avoid the typical results of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Those results, you might be interested to know, are that over 3/4 of the winners died or were maimed before or during the final task. In many years all three contestants died and no winner was awarded. And then there're all the contestants who died during the tasks. A solid 2/3 of all contestants have died during the tournament." Harry pulled Hermione out of the tent and found Dobby waiting for them. He smiled and took their hands, silently popping them away.
Harry was glad Dobby could pop them directly to their room. He needed to just snuggle with Hermione. She pulled him into her arms. Dobby had moved their furniture and turned their living room into wall to wall pillows. "Being angry is draining," Harry muttered into her neck.
"It definitely is," Hermione agreed, rubbing his back, "how do you feel otherwise?"
He was silent for a moment before he answered, "Free. I feel free. I've wanted to say those things to Dumbledore in some cases for years. It felt good to let it all out."
"I enjoyed doing that too," Hermione smiled. "Do you need anything?"
"Just you," he whispered. "I just need you." Silence fell between them for about five minutes before Harry spoke again, "Hermione I love you."
She smiled and kissed the top of his head, "I love you too Harry."
"I'd do anything for you. I mean anything."
"I know Harry," she whispered. "I would too." Harry sighed, inhaling the smell of her bodywash. This woke up very visual memories of his Hermione nude in the shower and he felt his pants tighten. Hermione smiled. "Having some sensory memory problems my love?"
"Kind of," he conceded. "I'm sorry Hermione. I can't help it."
"I don't mind. Do you need to take care of it?"
"No it'll go down on its own." Harry mentally added a 'hopefully' to that statement. He wasn't so sure it would with his body pressed so tightly against hers and her smelling so good.
After Harry and Hermione left the tent chaos erupted within it. Angry voices were raised at Dumbledore by several people accusing him of setting it up so that Harry would be chosen as champion and that being his plan from the start when he suggested the Tri-Wizard Tournament begin again. After ten minutes order was restored. They had no other choice than to tell the truth about Harry's refusal to compete. The three champions drew their lots and the order was decided. Viktor first, Fleur second, Cedric third. Cedric had drawn the Hungarian Horntail. The fourth dragon brought in for the fourth champion.
Bagman, sitting a bit from the judges, cast sonorous and spoke, "We have an announcement. Harry Potter, the fourth champion, has refused to compete in the tournament." Shouts of 'coward,' 'cheat,' and other slurs echoed around the stadium along with boos and hissing. "Now that being said, we still have a fantastic event to watch! Best of luck to our three champions. Their task is to get the golden egg from the dragon's nest. Our first contestant is Viktor Krum of Durmstrang!"
"Harry?"
"Mmm?"
"I want to snog you."
He lifted his head, "Well I'm definitely up for that."
"I know," she kissed him softly, "I can feel just how up you are as you press into my thigh."
"If I were the big spoon then you'd be feeling me pressed against your arse," Harry said, shifting to be at the same height as her, "I love you Hermione."
"I love you, Harry," she smiled, pulling him against her in a searing kiss.
"Ooh that'll sting for a few days! We'll just clean up the mess and then it'll be on to the next contestant!"
Sirius Black sighed as the hot water rained down on him. Showers were very much underappreciated. Winky had taken him to a house on Potter property. He had clean clothes waiting for him and he'd shaved and then Winky had cut his hair for him, leaving him with short hair for the first time in a decade. But Sirius did have to ask about his godson. "Winky?"
"Yes Harry Potter's godfather?" Winky said, popping into the bathroom.
"Did Harry get out of that tournament?"
"Oh yes," she nodded her head, not that he could see it. "Dobby took him and mistress to their room in Hogwarts. They is together and safe. No one can gets to them. We is helping them with the wards ourselves."
"That's good to hear," Sirius said, rubbing shampoo into his hair. "I just needed to know that."
"I is going to makes you lunch now," Winky said before popping out.
"Our second contestant is Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons!"
Harry and Hermione ceased their snog to ask Dobby about Sirius. "Winky is keeping him in Potter Manor."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and then at Dobby, "Potter Manor?"
Dobby nodded his head, "Potters was big magical family. Very rich and big. Fortunes grow but peoples die. Harry Potter sir is last Potter but he has all the properties of Potters including grandparents' home Potter Manor."
"Is Sirius safe there?" Hermione asked. "Can the Ministry find him there?"
"Oh no Potter Manor is very safes," Dobby promised. "We cleans it up and puts foods in its too."
Harry felt pretty relieved. But he had a question. "Dobby how many homes do the Potters have?"
"Five in Britain and eight in Europe," Dobby answered.
"Which countries?" Hermione asked.
"Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Belgium, and Switzerland."
"Quite the collection there Harry," Hermione smirked.
Harry chuckled before a thought hit him, "If we got Sirius to one of those countries, could we get him a trial and freedom?"
Dobby nodded his head, "Oh yes Harry Potter sir. Dobby suggests Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland in particular. They is not on bestest terms with British Ministry of Magic."
Harry and Hermione shared a grin. "Can we floo between Potter properties Dobby? Or take portkeys between them?" Hermione asked.
"Harry Potter sir and his family can floo between all Potter properties."
"Good," Harry said. "Where do you want to visit or live the most, Hermione?"
"I am partial to Spain," Hermione said thoughtfully. "Why?"
Harry grinned and looked at Dobby, "Tell Sirius that he needs to go to the Potter home in Spain. Are there house elves there?"
"Oh yes sir. Each Potter home abroad has one," Dobby answered.
"Good they can take care of him and get him back to proper health while we deal with everything going on here," Harry said. "He won't be arrested if he leaves the house will he?"
"No sir," Dobby promised.
"That sounds like the best option then," Hermione said. Harry nodded in agreement and Dobby popped out.
"One more problem taken care of for now," Harry said, wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist, "how would you like to snog your problem-solving boyfriend who stood up to the oafs in charge of the tournament and is making sure his Spain home is prepared for his loving girlfriend?"
Hermione turned and kissed him, Harry's eyes closing as they kissed. When he was hit by a pillow he opened them to see her smirking, "Winner gets snogged."
"You're on Granger," Harry said, grabbing for his wand only to find himself without it. "Where is it?"
He whirled around looking for it only to see Hermione twirling it in her fingers, "Looking for this Potter?"
"It is so on now," he said, leaping at her to get his wand back. Hermione laughed as they tumbled into the pillows.
"Oh oh no. Oh no no no… Medics! We need medics on the field!"
Sirius listened to Dobby's message from his favorite teens and he agreed with them. In Spain he could petition the government and things would finally happen for him, legally speaking. After he was fed and prepared Dobby gave him the name of the house in Spain and he flooed away.
"Welcome, Harry Potter's godfather," Sirius heard as he dusted himself off.
He looked to see a house elf wearing a uniform like a matador. "Thank you," he said. "And your name is?"
"I is Raffy," the elf said. "Welcome to Spain. Can I get youse anything?"
"Do you know how to contact the Spanish ministry? I need to have a chat with them about my unlawful imprisonment in Britain."
"Oh Raffy can helps with that," the elf said. "What does Harry Potter look like Mr. Harry Potter's godfather?"
"Call me Sirius, Raffy," Sirius said. This elf reminded him of Dobby. "I'll tell you all about Harry after we've contacted the Ministry. I've been waiting thirteen years to be a free man. I don't feel like waiting a minute longer." Raffy nodded his understanding and found him some appropriate clothing for their trip to the ministry. He had so many questions about Harry Potter and he hoped Sirius would report back that Raffy had done a good job caring for the house.
"We are now ready for our final champion, Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts!"
Harry pinned Hermione down, "Your ability to lift my mood or distract me from bad things never ceases to amaze me."
"It's an art I have a bit of practice in," she said, wiggling underneath him, "let me up."
"No can do," Harry smirked, "you stole my wand. You must suffer the consequences."
"Harry I'm not afraid of you," Hermione reminded him.
"I don't think you should be but I can still get revenge," Harry grinned before tickling her sides.
"Harry!" She squealed, trying to escape.
"Someone stop that dragon! Get it out of the ring! We need medics immediately! Prepare a portkey to St. Mungo's!"
Even though Harry and Hermione weren't talking to anyone within Hogwarts they learned all about the task at lunch. Viktor Krum had obtained his egg but at the expense of half the eggs in the nest being destroyed. He had cuts and burns all over his body but they weren't too severe. The worst of it was two cracked ribs and a sprained ankle. Fleur Delacour's injuries were burns that, while initially looking incredibly horrid, weren't severe. Her Veela heritage had a natural inclination towards fire which saved her from serious injury. She had been blasted full on by the dragon's firebreath but aside from her clothes being burnt and partially destroyed she was in one piece with plenty of scratches, bruises, and pain. However she did get the egg and even faster than Viktor.
Cedric Diggory had not been as lucky as the other two. He'd drawn the Hungarian Horntail, who was known as the most violent and dangerous dragon species for very good reason. Cedric's distraction by a transfigured dog had only wetted the dragon's appetite. The dragon had gone after Cedric before he could even blink. While lucky to escape alive, he escaped without his egg and fifth degree burns over 85% of his body. His hair that girls swooned over was all gone. As was his left arm. The dragon had bitten it clean off.
Cedric was taken straight to St. Mungo's and Cho Chang was seen crying about how Cedric had been maimed by the dragon. Viktor and Fleur were up in the infirmary where they were to stay overnight. Hermione was incredibly relieved that Harry hadn't participated. These were seventeen year olds who had a wide knowledge of spells and they'd all been hurt badly. If anyone could be more relieved than Hermione regarding his escape from the tournament, it was Harry himself. He squeezed Hermione's hand as they ate their lunch. He and Hermione were below the radar after the morning's excitement and that suited him just fine. He knew it wouldn't last but it was nice while they had it.
After lunch they immediately snuck back up to their room. Their homework was finished so they decided to play card games with Hermione's muggle deck of cards. "We could gamble using our clothes but that would give me an unfair advantage," Hermione said, smirking at Harry's blush at her suggestion.
"You're very devious, witch," he mumbled.
"I am," Hermione nodded. "I should have been a Slytherin." Harry nearly choked on his butterbeer (Winky had supplied it for their kitchen).
They decided to stay in their room the rest of the weekend but Dobby and Winky delivered news about the Champions Sunday evening for them. Fleur and Viktor were out and about though a little tender still. Cedric was still in St. Mungo's and would be for some time.
Harry looked at Hermione, "If I had competed in that tournament what are the odds that I'd have got that dragon?"
"I don't think odds are required Harry," Hermione mused. "I find it suspicious that the fourth dragon, included because there were four champions, was the one Cedric chose. Why didn't they just remove that particular dragon from the task? Instead the Welsh Green, the most docile of the dragons, was removed."
"Meaning what?"
"I think the bag could have been charmed so that the last participant would get the Hungarian Horntail. You would have drawn last."
"But Bagman offered the bag to me first."
Hermione shook her head, "Fleur was ready to get between you and that bag. I don't think Viktor would have a problem out-muscling you to grab second and Cedric is not the gentleman everyone thinks he is. You would have drawn last by the time they were done shoving past you. Imagine the headlines: Youngest Champion 'Boy-Who-Lived' Faces World's Most Dangerous Dragon! The press and public would eat that up."
That was an incredibly disturbing thought but Harry could totally see the ministry and Dumbledore setting it up like that. He was more relieved than ever that he'd refused to participate.
Chapter 3
Monday morning conversation turned from the injuries to the champions to what had happened to Professor Moody. He'd been found gagged and bound in his office with no memory of the previous four months. Voldemort, meanwhile, found himself with two bad servants. One was Wormtail, who was (mostly) reliable but a cowardly fool, and the other was Barty Crouch Jr. who had become a squib at the end of the first task. However, knowing Potter refused to participate had given him five hours to arrange things before he'd taken an emergency portkey to his master's side. Just in time for him to lose his magic. Crouch's involvement in the tournament and survival of Azkaban would remain unknown as he'd obliviated Moody so that he couldn't remember the past several months, not just the last few.
Squib though he was, Barty reported the news. Potter quit the tournament and worse, everyone booed him and called him a coward and a cheater. Voldemort was annoyed. How the devil do you make someone popular and loved so that you can kill them? Stupid airheaded magicals.
In Spain, Monday morning saw Sirius Black being given Veritaserum and then questioned about the deaths of the Potters. His answers saw Spain declaring him a victim of British stupidity and promptly offering him citizenship. After some paperwork passed between Dobby and Raffy for the Grangers and Sirius, Sirius found himself with guardianship of both teens. It was amazingly fast at the Spanish Ministry of Magic. Although, the whole imprisoned without a trial thing might have helped spur things along.
He promised the Grangers he wouldn't do anything big without their knowledge, and certainly not without Hermione's okay unless it was a life or death matter. His guardianship was primarily for the magical world as the dentists knew that Sirius was in a much better position to understand whether Hermione was safe or not than they were.
Sirius knew the magnitude of what the Grangers were doing. His high opinion of their daughter certainly gave them comfort and he was determined to be a responsible guardian. Except for the teens sleeping together. Their relationship was innocent so far, even if there was romance, and Harry's scar and Hermione's ability to cancel out whatever was going on with it precluded them sleeping apart.
After Transfiguration they were asked to stay behind by McGonagall. The couple exchanged a glance and held hands, offering a squeeze of encouragement to each other. "It's my understanding that you are no longer living in Gryffindor Tower."
"It's taken you this long to figure that out?" Harry asked.
"We've not been sleeping there for going on a week," Hermione said.
McGonagall pursed her lips, "Yes well I want to know why you aren't staying in Gryffindor Tower."
Despite Harry being the one with the anger problem it was Hermione who had to bite her tongue. Harry spoke in a tone not unlike the one he'd used with Dumbledore in the tent at the first task, "You don't even know what's going on within your own house to explain our behavior. If you want to know why we left just ask the Gryffindors."
McGonagall was surprised at their anger. "You speak as though you aren't Gryffindors. They are your house, your family."
"Then we want a divorce," Hermione said. "The way they treat us is worse than the ways the Malfoys treat their house elves." The couple exited the room without a backward glance.
That evening they sat down with the books Dobby and Winky had found on various dark rituals that could leave Harry feeling as he did or make his scar have some sort of power over him. With the four of them pouring over the books, constantly looking at the list of symptoms Harry and Hermione had written, they were sure they'd find it sooner rather than later.
After an hour Harry looked at Hermione, "Find anything?"
"Not yet. There are many disturbing rituals but nothing that seems plausible yet."
Harry looked at their list, "Maybe we can narrow it down more. I mean, Voldemort is obsessed with immortality. Are there dark arts rituals that come with immortality of a sort? I mean, he lived somehow."
Hermione reached over the table and kissed him hard, "Harry you're brilliant."
"I've never heard that before," he said. "Usually it's you who's being brilliant."
She smiled and squeezed his hand, "All this studying is making you a contender for the word."
"Not fully Hermione. I mean, yes I'm studying because I want to not die but I wouldn't be as focused when I study if I didn't have you tutoring me and thinking up creative ways to learn. My success is really your success too."
"Remind me to snog you later," she said, "we have to find out what could have caused your scar first." With a renewed focus and eagerness they went through the books and dark arts rituals to find what it could be.
It was after dinner that Hermione stumbled upon the word 'horcrux'. It was referred to as 'the darkest of the dark arts' and that was it. "I think we need to look into horcruxes," Hermione said. "That word has come up twice and even these dark arts tomes seem afraid of it."
A few minutes later Winky spoke excitedly, "Winky is finding it! Winky is finding horcruxes!"
Two elves and two humans crowded around the book to read the description. "That has to be it," Harry said. "Right?"
"But Voldemort can't touch you…" Hermione bit her lip in thought at that. The description certainly explained a great deal but if Harry was a horcrux he possessed a part of Voldemort's soul in his scar. Yet Voldemort couldn't touch him. This was a paradox. "Voldemort couldn't touch you so he can't possess you through the horcrux but it still shares a connection to him. Maybe your mother's protection prevents you from being overtaken by the horcrux…but that doesn't make sense either because it should have prevented him entering your body in the first place."
Harry could see Hermione didn't think a horcrux was what was wrong with him but didn't know what it could be. "Maybe it's not a physical piece of Voldemort," he suggested. "Maybe it's something else. I don't think we should box ourselves into one option when it's not a good fit," he said.
"You're right Harry," Hermione nodded. "Maybe you're not a horcrux but I think he wanted to make one that night. Halloween is such a powerful magical holiday. Pettigrew probably blabbed right away so he waited until that night for a reason. He wanted the power of Halloween. What if the ritual went awry? What if when he tried to kill you and it backfired that combined with the horcrux caused something to happen that was unexpected? A sort-of meshing of two dark arts spells combining when they both backfired."
That actually made sense. "Okay so how do we work out what happened to me?"
"We need someone who can scan your scar. And I can't think of anyone we trust enough to do that."
"Not that could do it anyway," Harry agreed. "Maybe we go to Spain for winter break and Sirius will know someone by then who can help us?"
"I think that's our best option," Hermione conceded, frustrated she couldn't help him immediately.
Harry could see that and hugged Hermione to him, "Hermione the effects of whatever happened to me that night are alot more diminished with you by my side every night and your kisses and touches every day. Even if we don't know how to fix it right now, I know we'll figure out how to eventually."
"I just don't like the thought of failing you in any way," she said softly.
"You could never fail me Hermione. I never even thought my scar was behind my nightmares before you put it together. How could that mean you failed me?"
She smiled and kissed him. "Thank you Harry. I needed that."
He squeezed her tightly, "I wouldn't be standing here today in one piece and unharmed without you. You've done so much to keep me alive over the years. Don't ever forget that."
"I won't," she promised.
"We've made progress. We know which two spells were cast that night and we know they reacted badly to my mother's sacrifice. That's more than we've ever had before. This is something Sirius can really feel useful to us looking into so not only have we made progress we'll make him finally feel like he's actively helping us." Hermione knew how much that would mean to Sirius so she agreed and they decided to have Dobby get the books to Spain with their notes on what they thought so that he could investigate further.
The obvious problem at Hogwarts was the lack of the Defense instructor. Moody's mysterious memory loss made him unable to teach and so far into the school year had the school facing problems. Dumbledore addressed that at breakfast Wednesday of that week, "As you all are aware, Professor Moody's incapable of teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. However I have called upon a former instructor. Horace Slughorn will be taking up the Potions course and Professor Severus Snape will take over the Defense courses."
Harry inwardly groaned. On the plus side, he and Hermione were both very impressive at defense so Snape couldn't call them incompetent. On the negative, it was yet another Death Eater in the position. He and Hermione had a theory about Moody's sudden 'lack of memory' and it came from the thought that a Death Eater could have taken the old auror out, bound and gagged him in that trunk in his office, and using polyjuice taken his place. The Death Eater could have submitted Harry's name, which would explain the abrupt finding of Moody bound and gagged with no memory of the past three months after the task in which Harry had refused to participate in the tournament. After all, someone had made a contract with the stupid cup and it wasn't Harry; he was unharmed after the task was over.
"He's going to be worse than ever," Hermione sighed.
"I can't wait for Christmas," Harry said.
"That makes two of us," she agreed.
Hogwarts was full of talk about the first task for the next several weeks, particularly about Cedric's condition. Dragon fire burns were so severe it was a miracle they fell short of sixth degree burns given the sheer intensity and how magic was embedded within the dragon's fire. Cedric was subjected to magical skin grafts and more potions, salves, spells, and creams than seemed imaginable to prevent amputation of his remaining limbs and simply keep his body alive. The magic of the dragon's fire, which did more than burn the skin, muscles, nerves, and even bones, meant that he'd be hairless for the rest of his life and he'd be highly sensitive to the sun's rays. His eyesight was diminished. His hearing was a bit hampered. His quidditch career was without a doubt over. For the Diggorys, their son just pulling through would be an amazing accomplishment. All day and night they sat in his room.
St. Mungo's called in experts to try and reconstruct an arm for Cedric to use but they had thus far been so focused on keeping him alive and his other limbs attached that that would, if it could, happen after Cedric was able to move his body again. For one whole week after the task Cedric's condition was listed as critical. Harry and Hermione often heard how it should have been Harry who got hurt instead of Cedric, how he was the reason Cedric was hurt. How Harry himself had ruined Hogwarts' chance at victory in the tournament.
Cedric's condition stabilized, though, and it was obvious the Hufflepuffs were relieved. The Diggorys, initially relieved, swiftly became terrified. Cedric being alive meant he had to continue to compete in the tournament. Amos Diggory was spitting mad but despite his tirades and blustering Cedric had to compete. The contract was binding.
It was nearly time for Christmas break when Minerva McGonagall found herself faced with the outcome of her investigation into Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's problems with Gryffindor house. It was, in a word, disturbing. Their bath products switched out with bubotuber pus and concoctions that induced itching, welts, and warts. Tripping and stinging hexes everywhere they went. Spells to make their bookbags rip open on the stairs. The list went on and on to her utter horror. And the whole house were offenders. Some people were obviously encouraged, maybe even coerced, to act but when her 'brave' lions were given the chance to do the brave thing and not bow to the whims of peer pressure they had all gone along with the group. There had even been physical assaults on Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. Every single student was of the opinion that the pair 'deserved' such treatment because Mr. Potter was a traitor, coward, and cheater (this boasted by his supposed 'friend' Ronald Weasley) and Miss Granger did not 'know her place' within the house and was a traitor to Gryffindor for her relationship with Mr. Potter. Never in her sixty years of teaching had Minerva come across such aggressive and dangerous bullying. How had she missed it?
Perhaps that was easier to answer than she might have hoped. Minerva was never one to look at internal bullying in Gryffindor. Slytherins picking on Gryffindors would have her right there in her cubs' corner. But Gryffindors picking on Gryffindors? Most of the internal bullying in houses was judged by the other heads of house and Albus Dumbledore as simply children being children. That it was good for them. This…this felt like the inevitable climax of that policy. She would have to write letters home to the guardians of Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. She pulled out their files to see who to address the letters to to find that both had the same name. Sirius Orion Black. The address listed 'Potter Estate' in Madrid, Spain. Hogwarts only accepted legal guardians. So McGonagall wrote one rather long letter rather than two long letters regarding the treatment of the two teens and possible courses of action that could be taken.
Sirius was just returning from a date with a particularly attractive curse-breaker (who said you couldn't mix business with pleasure?) when Raffy appeared with a letter in his hand, "Master Sirius you is getting mail from Hoggywarts."
Sirius looked at his date, "Forgive me Daniela but my godson and his girlfriend go there and anything could have happened…"
"I understand Sirius," she gave him a warm smile. "I can wait a few minutes."
"Thank you," he said, kissing her quickly before taking the letter from Raffy, "It's from their head of house. What…oh." He read the letter and then folded it up, "It's not anything I didn't already know. I can examine it later."
"If you're sure," she said, looking at him curiously. "Hogwarts is the school that has been so dangerous for them?"
"Yeah. I've got it all planned out. Harry's house elves can get them to Potter Manor as soon as they leave Hogwarts' wards. From there they can floo here. The only problem is what to do with their schooling. I haven't exactly been here long."
"Well Spain has three magical schools. They're so good students from abroad attend them. But I suggest Vogora, School of the Arcane. I went there and it's an excellent school."
Coming from a land with just one magical school for four countries- Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Sirius was stunned. "Three? Why? What's the difference?"
"Location, prestige, and sports. Quidditch and fútbol are big in our magical world. All three schools are highly competitive in both sports. One school, Gluserra- School of Wizardry, is closer to the Atlantic coast. As the name implies, it's an all-male school. Isedia- School of Witchcraft, is closer to the Mediterranean. Vogora is the only mixed gender magical school. It's younger than the other two, obviously, but all three offer excellent educations. Vogora is not far from Madrid and isn't a boarding school. I will get you a brochure," she promised.
"One from each please," Sirius said. "I want them to make the decision even if I know they won't want to be apart."
"Of course," she smiled. "Can our evening continue now?"
"If by continue you mean will I show you the bedroom then yes, of course I will." Daniela laughed and Sirius leaned in to kiss her, picking her up. The letter could wait until morning. Harry and Hermione had told him to have fun. Daniela was very fun.
Later that evening after Daniela was asleep Sirius read the letter. It offered no surprises for him by way of the bullying and abuse heaped on Harry and Hermione. That he already knew. It was why, without their knowledge, he was arranging to get them out of Hogwarts. What surprised him was McGonagall's suggestion. She thought it would be best if they were re-sorted to another house.
For Sirius, it was the last straw which confirmed the one thing he'd feared. Dumbledore had full control over McGonagall and Hogwarts. Harry and Hermione weren't spending another day there with that old man. He looked at Raffy, "I want them out of Hogwarts now, Raffy."
"Raffy will tell Dobby," the elf said before popping to Potter Manor.
Harry and Hermione soon found themselves awakened by the elves who had already packed up all of their belongings, "Master Sirius says you is leaving now."
"Dobby what about my parents?" Hermione asked.
"Winky is going to gets them once we has you out of Hoggywarts," Winky said. "Dobby is taking you to Potter Manor. Youse can floo with youse parents from there."
Harry and Hermione got dressed hurriedly and Harry pulled on his invisibility cloak. Hermione joined him under it and with the Marauders Map and Dobby and Winky disillusioned alongside them they slowly crept out of Hogwarts. Once they were in the tunnel Harry and Hermione sprinted toward Hogsmeade hand in hand. They were careful, climbing into Honeydukes' cellar. Winky and Dobby, free from Hogwarts preventing them popping the teens out of the school, took to their jobs. Winky vanished to get the Grangers and Dobby took the teens to Potter Manor.
Sirius was waiting. Harry hugged him, "Why the rush?"
"McGonagall wrote a letter about the bullying. Her solution was to have you re-sorted. As if that would stop it. It was the last straw, as they say," he answered, hugging Hermione too. "When the Grangers arrive we'll go straight to Spain. Daniela's connections have taken care of the legal hoops."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Daniela? Did Sirius have a girlfriend? They were brought out of these thoughts when the Grangers appeared. "Mum! Daddy!" Hermione hugged them both.
"Hermione sweetheart," both parents hugged her and Emma Granger looked up at a nervously shifting Harry. "Come here Harry." Harry didn't need to be told twice, especially when his girlfriend pulled him into the hug. He knew the Grangers knew that they were dating. Hermione had written home that news. He just worried they wouldn't like him.
When they separated Dan Granger took Sirius' hand, "Thank you for getting them out of that damn school."
"I wish I could have done it sooner," Sirius said.
"It's fine Sirius. Hermione and I had our own rooms that we stayed in for meals and everything but classes. We were safe."
"Besides you're still a criminal here even if your innocence was proven in Spain," Hermione added.
Emma hugged the Marauder, "We don't blame you Sirius. We couldn't pull Hermione out ourselves and even if we could we wouldn't have left Harry there alone. I know what he means to Hermione and I can see that she means the same for him."
Hermione decided it was best to be honest with her parents after that ringing endorsement. "Mum, Daddy, Harry and I have been sleeping together for several weeks. Not in a sexual way," she added hurriedly while blushing, "but Harry's scar always gives him nightmares. Horrible ones that were about his mum being killed by Voldemort and then after we became a couple I became the person being tortured and killed by Voldemort in his nightmares. The only way to keep them at bay is if we sleep together cuddled close."
Dan and Emma exchanged a look. "Well I can't fault you for being honest dear," Emma said. "We can talk more about this in the morning since I suspect there's something you're not telling us."
So relieved to be out of Hogwarts Harry wasn't even nervous about the potential for that conversation. Sirius explained the floo to Dan and Emma and then he had Harry and Hermione go together, and Sirius took Dan and Emma with him.
Raffy was elated to meet Harry in the flesh but could see he was exhausted so he led the four new guests to their rooms, trying to contain his excitement. Harry and Hermione barely looked around the room they were so tired. They stripped down to their underwear, Hermione swiping his t-shirt before removing her bra and sliding into the bed. It took less than ten seconds to get into their 'comfy position' before they fell asleep again. Down the hall in their own room the Grangers also swiftly fell asleep.
Sirius returned to his bedroom and undressed, crawling back into bed with Daniela. "Sorry I had to leave."
"Family first Sirius, I understand," she said, turning and kissing him. "I look forward to meeting them in the morning. The way you describe Harry and Hermione has made me most interested." Sirius smiled and settled against her, a hand around to hold her against him. Sleep came easy to the old marauder this time and he drifted off with a smile on his face.
Random question. Does anyone else find it odd that the house elves never saw Scabbers and realized he was an animagus? I was writing earlier and that thought just came to me. Within canon (not just fanfic) house elves are very powerful so I started to wonder.