Chapter 7
A/N- Hermione's perspective about her relationship with Harry is almost an overarching theme of this chapter. Most of the time it's been through Harry's eyes up until now. This takes us through Christmas and is a quite long chapter. Sirius and Harry's relationship grows a bit and...you know what, I'm not giving anything else away.
Disclaimer- I still don't own HP and any IP relating to it, nor do I make any money from this fic. Just having some fun.
Harry Potter woke the morning after his awkward conversation with Hermione and realized instantly from the easy breathing of his bedmate that he was the first awake. Not able to move without disturbing her, he lay still and thought about a conversation with Dan Granger he'd had the exact same time Hermione had been off talking to Sirius.
-Flashback-
Harry entered the game room and gazed around it. That he had this beautiful house all to himself was amazing. He'd never had anything before. Dan sat down in a chair, "Now then Harry I think we should have a little chat. We gave Hermione 'the talk' a few years ago and I think it's a safe bet that no one ever did that with you."
Harry swallowed and sat down on the couch, "Uh, no sir. Just what I've heard in the dorms."
"Well boys lie," Dan smirked, "especially to each other. About their size, prowess, and about girls."
Harry blushed. "No offense sir but it's kind of weird getting 'the talk' from my girlfriend's dad."
"I can imagine," Dan smiled, "but Harry I find nothing is as weird as your nine year old daughter asking you about why 'manhood' would throb after she found her mother's secret stash of dirty books," Dan said, blushing at the memories.
That calmed Harry down alot; it had never occurred to him that it'd be as awkward for the adult talking to him about it or that Hermione might have put them in a situation to explain it that made them uncomfortable. Feeling a bit more assured Harry sat and had a conversation with Dan that was the first he'd ever had with a father figure in his life.
-End Flashback-
That talk had been about a week and a half ago. Harry was glad that Hermione wasn't as awkward about sex stuff as he was. Trying to talk about it would be incredibly hard then. His relationship with Sirius was certainly growing but Harry wasn't ready to talk to him about sex or birth control. They were still learning about each other and Sirius was quick to tease him and Hermione if he found them snogging.
Harry liked the Grangers. They were the kind of parents he'd always dreamed of having. Loving, occasionally embarrassing, protective, and supportive no matter what. Harry couldn't imagine being told your child was magical and would be attending a school that you couldn't even see. Trusting them was alot easier than he thought it'd be, but then they trusted him and Hermione sleeping together in their own room. Harry'd never had such blind faith placed in him before. He wanted to return that trust with his own and since the Grangers had raised such an amazing daughter it wasn't that hard to trust them to help him too.
Hermione tightened her grip on him and her head nuzzled his neck. He rubbed her back gently, "Good morning Hermione."
"Mmm, good morning Harry," Hermione said, stretching against him before leaning up to kiss him on the cheek, "Did you sleep well?"
"I don't think it's possible not to, sleeping in your arms."
"Smooth talker," she mumbled, carefully pulling away from him and sitting up, "have you been up long?"
"Not really. Besides I enjoy holding you."
"Harry if I didn't know better I'd say you're full of lines," Hermione said, kissing him on the lips. "Let's get ready for breakfast." He smiled and nodded.
Fleur Delacour carefully eyed the students at the Ravenclaw table. Viktor needed a date and she was determined to find one who wasn't an idiot like the rest of Hogwarts. Although with the disappearance of Hermione Granger that was looking like an impossible task. A platinum blonde girl wearing two left shoes drew her attention as she quietly sat down far from her classmates. It was the jeers directed at the girl that made Fleur's Veela blood boil. She stood and walked down to where the girl was sitting, sitting down opposite her. "'Ello. I am Fleur Delacour. I do not believe zat we 'ave ad ze pleasure of meeting yet."
The girl's large eyes grew wider at being addressed by her, "H-hello. I'm Luna. Luna Lovegood."
She looked as though she was afraid of her own shadow and that just made Fleur angry, although her tone was warm and kind as she spoke to the young girl, "Zey are quite rude and mean to you. Just like zey were wiz 'Arry Potter and 'Ermione Granger. Ees it zis way wiz all those zat are different?"
Luna just nodded. She wasn't ever spoken to like this. Well that wasn't true. That one time in the library she'd needed a book that was up too high. Luna was very small for her age. Hermione Granger had got it down for her and smiled at her, talking softly and warmly. Luna liked the older girl very much and was sorry to see that she had left Hogwarts, though she certainly understood why.
Fleur glared at the Ravenclaws before returning her attentions to Luna, "'Ow would you like to get revenge on zee bullies?"
"What do you have in mind?" The shy girl asked. Fleur smiled conspiratorially and leaned in to tell her. Luna was stunned at the other blonde's idea. But really intrigued.
Viktor was having a very difficult time. A boy for Fleur who wasn't a jerk, a bigot, or fame-hungry. He was so busy trying to think up who to recruit for Fleur's date that he ran right into a young Gryffindor boy in his bid to get to the Great Hall. "Sorry," Viktor said, helping the boy up. He looked to be in tears. "Are you alright?"
The boy stared at him, wide-eyed. "Y-you're Viktor Krum."
"Da," Viktor nodded. "Und you are?"
He blushed, "N-N-Neville Longbottom."
"Why are you upset Neville Longbottom?"
"M-my parents were kidnapped from St. Mungo's," Neville confessed.
Viktor's eyes narrowed, "Dat is horrible! What is being done to find them?"
Neville thought the larger boy was a bit frightening. "I-I dunno. I think this is my punishment."
"Punishment for vut?"
"For being mean to Harry and Hermione and helping make them want to leave. I never stood up for them or told the others to stop. And I would cast tripping jinxes on them in the halls. I just wanted to fit in."
Viktor was displeased to hear that he was party to the bullying. Viktor and Fleur had both suspected that Harry Potter had entered his own name, but they'd certainly never picked on him about it. Hogwarts was a very strange place. They didn't like it. "You were their friend, da?"
Neville nodded, looking very ashamed. "And now my parents are gone, taken from their hospital beds."
It was obvious how guilty the boy felt. "What do you intend to do about it?"
"I can't do anything," Neville muttered. "I'm as good as a squib."
"You're a coward," Viktor corrected, his anger showing. "You harm and betray your friends to make yourself more popular and when your parents are kidnapped you cry and hide. It is no wonder your two friends left without even a goodbye. Your parents are most unfortunate to have you for a son. They must be glad to be rid of you."
Neville suddenly glared at him, "They were tortured into a coma for me! They gave themselves to protect me! You don't even know what you're talking about!"
"You're afraid," Viktor pushed. "A housecat, not a lion."
"I am not! I'm brave!"
"You couldn't even stand up for your friends. You'll never stand up for your parents! You hide them because you're ashamed of them!"
"My parents are heroes!" Neville all but yelled at him. "They gave their lives for me!"
"Good!" Viktor said, smiling, "You can't find them right this minute. But you can make them proud of you. Seize that chance. Redeem yourself. Be the man you know you can be."
Neville was still huffing and puffing as the older boy's attitude suddenly changed. Then it hit him. Just like Hermione had done to him a few times over the years. Viktor was trying to break him out of his shell. Neville decided to seize this chance, "What do I do?"
"A better question is what would Potter and Granger do," Viktor said. "I know how you can start," he added, leading him into a classroom for a private talk.
Peter Pettigrew gazed at his new silver hand. Next to him Barty Crouch Jr. was digging a grave to bury the Longbottoms in. Their master had been reborn and immediately decided to go pay a visit to Lucius Malfoy. Barty was tasked with getting rid of the bodies and Pettigrew was to supervise. "What are we going to do for money?" Barty asked.
"He's Lord Voldemort," Pettigrew answered. "He'll find a way." Barty had his doubts but kept his mouth shut. He was now a squib and was not testing the dark lord's appreciation for his services.
Harry sat down at breakfast feeling really uncomfortable. Sirius was studying him and he shifted awkwardly in his seat. It felt like he'd done something wrong. Daniela entered the room, took one look at Harry and then at Sirius and walked over to her seat next to her boyfriend, smacking him in the head, "Leave Harry alone you idiot."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Why are you staring at Harry?"
Sirius opened his mouth but Daniela spoke before he could, "Because he's an idiot who doesn't know how to act in the presence of polite company. And he will keep his mouth shut and be respectful of other people's relationships lest his own suddenly meet an unfortunate end."
That shut Sirius up. He visibly wilted in front of the table. Hermione picked up the clues to figure out that Sirius knew about the birth control potion Daniela had made them. Harry looked visibly uncomfortable still so Hermione took his hand and kissed his cheek, whispering into his ear, "Harry I love you."
The change in Harry's mood was immediate. He went from uncomfortable, shy boy to happy young man so quickly it was nothing short of remarkable. And served to make Sirius feel particularly guilty. He never wanted Harry to feel uncomfortable in his presence. It also made him feel tremendous gratitude to Hermione for taking on the burden of dealing with Harry's insecurities and fears all on her own, never sharing Harry's issues with others. Harry was so private even her seeking out help might freak him out.
After breakfast Hermione and Harry went to the library to work on their studies. She'd drawn up a study schedule to keep them focused. Spain had no underage magic rules like Britain which meant they could practice freely. Harry though had a question, "Hermione?"
"Yes Harry?" She looked up at him immediately.
"Am I a good boyfriend?"
That question surprised her. She blinked, "What?"
Harry repeated the question, "Am I a good boyfriend?"
Hermione rapidly tried to think of why he'd even ask that question but came up short. She was always complimenting him and encouraging him. She had to because of how insecure Harry was (not that she wouldn't have anyway). "Harry you're a wonderful boyfriend. Don't you think so?"
"Sirius just looked so mad this morning," Harry said, looking down. Hermione hated when Harry reverted to the eleven year old so afraid and unsure of himself and his surroundings. It had been happening more and more since they arrived in Spain despite her and her parents' best efforts. "I thought I might be doing something wrong."
Hermione had always marveled at how well she knew Harry. She'd known to take the first step in their relationship. She knew that eventually she'd have to take the next step as well. Harry was, at his core, too shy and afraid of doing the wrong thing. She hoped most of it was the scar but she just knew instinctively that wasn't the case. This was his upbringing. She swallowed her anger at the Dursleys and Dumbledore (and a little toward Sirius for abandoning his responsibilities in favor of revenge) and got up, sitting on Harry's lap and hugging him, "Harry I think you're the best boyfriend in the world. You're sweet, loving, patient, affectionate, and oh so thoughtful. Don't you ever think less of yourself. I'm incredibly lucky to be your girlfriend."
Harry relaxed into Hermione's hug. She always knew what to say to calm him down. Harry sighed into her embrace, "I thought Sirius was mad that I'd done something."
Hermione decided honesty was the best choice in that situation, "If Sirius is mad at anyone, it's me," she said quietly. Harry's head whipped to face her, confusion all over his face. "I asked Daniela a while ago about brewing me a birth control potion. I wanted it to be one less thing for us to worry about if and when we eventually do become more intimate. Asking Sirius would have felt weird so I asked Daniela if she wouldn't mind. She made it for me. I guess last night she told Sirius and that's why he was such a pill this morning."
"I thought Daniela was talking about me," Harry muttered.
"I was the target Harry. And it's just a precaution. When we're finally together I don't think it'll be planned and I want to be prepared."
Harry was silent as he thought about her words. He thought it was better to be safe than sorry. He didn't think they'd be together anytime soon but he definitely agreed with Hermione that it would just happen when they finally did have sex. One thing really confused him though, "Why would Sirius be upset about that?"
"Harry I have over the course of four years come to understand you and how you are. I am pretty good at knowing what will upset you and what will just roll off your shoulders. But I have no clue when it comes to Sirius. Maybe he's worried we're growing up too fast. Maybe he thinks about what he and your dad would have done at your age with a girlfriend that they shared a bed with who was on birth control. And maybe he's jealous we didn't go to him."
Harry took in all of Hermione's suggestions and nodded. That made sense. He released her from the hug, "Thanks Hermione. You're the best." Before she exited his lap Harry pulled her into a kiss, "I'm the lucky one no matter what you say," he whispered.
It amazed her how much strength Harry drew from their relationship. How much confidence her touches and affections gave him. It also frightened her. There was tremendous pressure on Hermione's end to make the relationship work. She was Harry's lifeline, the only person to never betray him. As much as she loved him, she was concerned about being so important to him. It was a burden she couldn't share. Harry couldn't know about her own concerns and fears. She had to be strong for him. She just hoped she could shoulder the burden on her own, lest Harry's growth (however minor) halt or regress.
Voldemort gazed at the dead body of Lucius Malfoy. To vanish it or not to vanish it; that was the question. Lucius was a good minion to make an example of. Known by all the Death Eaters as a follower he would be recognized as such. Lucius wouldn't be vanished. But then the question became to cast the Dark Mark in the sky over the house or no? On second thought, no. It'd be interesting to see what the Ministry did in reaction to this death. He left the house. Narcissa would be in for a surprise.
Harry didn't know very much about being in a romantic relationship. But he definitely knew it wasn't easy being his rock. Between his scar and the Dursleys Harry was amazed that Hermione wanted to be with him. He felt like one big mess more often than not. Hermione had amazing patience and strength to carry the weight of his insecurities and emotional problems. So he wanted to get her a Christmas present to show her just how much he appreciated her. That led to the problem of just what to get her. Any other year he'd get her a book and that would be enough. But this year…this year there was so much more between them. And he wanted to get her something more than he'd already sent others to get.
After much thought he decided his best choices were the two people who knew Hermione better than him. Her parents. Harry explained his problem and Emma smiled, "You are in luck Harry. Hermione recently talked about some things that she was interested in. One of them is a library trunk."
"But we have a library," Harry frowned.
"I believe she is looking for a place to hide certain books of hers."
Harry's eyebrows furrowed in confusion before he caught on, "Oh! Oh well then I think I could arrange for something," he nodded.
"There's hope for you yet if you can catch on so quickly," Dan smirked.
Harry smiled at that. "Would Hermione wear jewelry if I got her something?"
"If it was from you, Harry, she'd wear anything," Emma said. While Hermione had never mentioned how Harry could be, it was obvious to both of the Granger parents that Harry had no self-confidence even when it was deserved. They tried to build him up without being too obvious about it.
Sirius took him shopping for a library trunk and then they went to a jewelry store to find something for Hermione. This part Sirius was determined to help with. Harry eventually picked out something and with Sirius agreeing that Hermione would like it Harry felt much better about Christmas.
While magical Britain was flailing and economic collapse was a certainty, it was felt mostly by the purebloods of Britain. Many half-bloods came from families with feet in both worlds and since muggleborns struggled to find gainful employment in the magical world most of them simply left Britain or went back to the muggle world to work. The economic disparity in magical Britain between the wealthiest families and the poorest had long hinted that one day the system would collapse, though no one in the magical world seemed to be aware of that.
So as the Yule Ball was nearly upon them it was the purebloods who were the quietest and saddest. The rest of the school was excited for the dance. Draco Malfoy had added problems. His father had been discovered dead in his study and his mother Narcissa was charged with his murder with zero evidence that she had done it. It was Christmas Eve that Draco saw the newspaper. Theodore Nott's father had been found dead in a manner identical to Lucius Malfoy. His wife was also charged with murder despite no evidence that she'd done it or even been home when it had happened.
Growing up Lucius had told tales of serving Voldemort. Draco was beginning to think that the Dark Lord might have returned and was killing those he felt betrayed him. Draco wasn't an idiot. With no wealth at his back and having disavowed the Dark Lord it would appear that his father's betrayal was not going to be permitted by the dark lord he had once served so faithfully. If the Dark Lord was killing the traitors to his cause so quietly…why was the Ministry just going along with it? They were purebloods! His father was a very important figure with Cornelius Fudge. His murder should be a number one priority. Draco wrote to the Minister, certain that action would be taken.
Christmas morning saw Harry waking in a warm bed next to a warm body. He sighed, content. Hermione moved and he kissed her cheek, "Happy Christmas Hermione."
"Happy Christmas Harry," she sighed, very content with her surroundings. "This is your first Christmas with family."
"Well they're your family," Harry pointed out.
"They're yours too Harry. My mum and dad love you. Do you think they'd let just any boy share a bed with me, innocent or otherwise?"
"I think you wouldn't care if they didn't like me," Harry said. "If there's one thing I've learned over the years it's that no one makes up Hermione Granger's mind for her."
She blushed at his observation and kissed him, "True though that may be, Mr. Potter, they still love you and think you're a good match for me."
Harry smiled before pulling away and getting out of the bed, "I wanted to give you these presents privately," he said, opening his closet and pulling out a large wrapped package. "Hermione I know it's not easy being my girlfriend. My scar, my history," he took a deep breath, "I'm a bit emotionally retarded. Honestly I've always known that. I've seen how other people interacted at Hogwarts. I know that my childhood was never normal. That I was abused and victimized," Harry took a shaky breath, "and I guess that's why I try so hard with you and worry so much about how I treat you and how you feel about me. Because you're the first normal thing I've ever had and you're not even normal. You're a superhero. You're brilliant, you're brave, you're ambitious, and you're so loyal to those you love. I know that I don't ever have to worry about whether you've got my back. You always have and always will. But I worry that I might demand too much of you. Too much of your strength, of your love. I mean, I'm a bit of a mess sometimes. And I'd never have had the courage to kiss you or ask you on a date if you hadn't made the first move." Harry smiled warmly at her, "I love you Hermione and I know it's not easy to love me but I can only hope to always be worth the effort. I'll always try to be. These gifts are to thank you for your love and strength."
Hermione rose from the bed and hugged him, "Harry I love you too. And I've always thought of you as worth the effort. Though I didn't think you knew how difficult it could be for me at times."
"Even I'm not that dense," Harry smiled.
She chuckled into his neck before giving him a kiss and opening the large package. "A library trunk," she whispered before turning scarlet, "Harry…these are expensive."
"You were worth every knut," he promised. "Once you activate the wards you can set who can open it."
"I suppose I can let you in on my dirty book collection," she said, "I still think this is too expensive."
"Too bad. This is another one of those moments where my stubbornness comes in handy," he smiled mischievously.
"You are finding a large number of those moments lately," Hermione mumbled, making Harry laugh. She kissed him on the lips sweetly, "Thank you Harry. I love it."
Harry grinned before producing another present, "This was harder to pick out but Sirius said I should just pick out what I liked and that would be enough for you."
Her curiosity piqued, Hermione unwrapped the much smaller box to reveal a small black box. Hermione opened the box to reveal a gold necklace with an H that had wings. She realized it was a take on the Wonder Woman logo, a W with wings that fanned out, and smiled at Harry, "Wonder Woman?"
"If you prefer that over Super Hermione," Harry said, searching her face for her reaction.
"I suppose I can deal with being compared to Wonder Woman," she smiled and kissed him. "Thank you Harry."
"Did I do good?"
"Very good," she said, pulling him into a hug. "You can put it on me after I get dressed."
Harry took his shower that morning feeling pretty confident. Hermione liked his gifts to her and she knew that Harry was aware of his problems and failings and appreciated how she not just comforted him but supported and loved him. It felt like their relationship was on even sturdier ground, if that was possible.
Sirius wasn't home that morning, having gone to spend the holiday with Daniela's family. That left Harry and Hermione celebrating Christmas with her parents and the house elves, all of whom presents had been purchased for. Harry and Hermione sat on the floor, Harry against the couch and Hermione sitting against him, his arms around her. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," she smiled, a hand moving to her chest to gently outline the pendant, "Harry I love my gifts. You did great."
"They were extra. There's one under the tree but it just didn't feel like enough. This year has really shown me just how much you mean to me."
Hermione tilted her head to nuzzle his neck, "Harry Potter you never mean to give me lines but you always manage to do just that. I'm so lucky that you're all mine."
Harry squeezed her in his embrace, "I still say I'm luckier."
"Keep it up and your Christmas snog comes sooner rather than later." Harry fell silent. He was looking forward to his Christmas snog, but the Grangers would soon be in the room and he didn't want an audience.
Emma sat down on the couch, "Good morning you two. Sleep well?"
"As always," Hermione answered, leaning into Harry a bit more. "Harry bought me a necklace."
Emma tilted her head to look and smiled, "It's very nice Harry. When did you get that?"
"Sirius took me," he answered. "I had it custom made. My Hermione is the best, so she gets the best."
"You have to be kissed for that," Hermione said, turning her head and kissing him. Harry nearly groaned into her mouth but kept his calm. When they parted she whispered, "And that's another line."
"I don't plan these things," Harry promised.
"I know Harry," she cupped his cheek, "I know."
When Dan joined them Harry called for the house elves, who were all surprised to receive presents but insisted that the four humans open theirs first. For Harry the most memorable part of the morning, aside from giving Hermione the necklace and trunk, was the look of shock in the elves' faces that they'd been given gifts from their family. Dobby found himself with enough supplies to make enough pairs of socks for every day of the year; Raffy, received brand new gardening supplies and his own little plot of land to grow whatever he wanted. The elf loved gardening so he was elated. Winky's gift had required the most thought. She was irreplaceable, in Harry's mind. He and Hermione had a photo album for Winky that had, on the cover, a picture of Harry, Hermione, and Winky with the words 'My Family' over it. Inside were a few photos of Winky with the two male elves and with each of the teens. They also gave her a camera that she could use to add more pictures to the album and they had placed an 'IOU' for a group photo of all of them to be taken after the holidays. Winky had tears in her eyes as she hugged the two teenagers she cared for.
For Harry Christmas was fantastic. Spending the holiday with the Grangers and the elves had him feeling more like a member of the family than ever before and while he appreciated that they got him gifts, Harry's favorite gift was the sense of belonging he felt in their company.
Sirius and Daniela returned that evening for a late, light dinner to enjoy and then they sat and watched Monty Python tapes that belonged to Dan Granger in the game room, Sirius quickly becoming a fan of the comedy troupe. Harry quite loved the comedy too and Hermione was glad that it looked like something else for Sirius and Harry to bond over with her dad educating them on all things Python. While her and her mother were both fans it was important to Hermione that Harry get bonding time with male figures in his life. Harry sighed, his arms wrapped around his girlfriend as they both recovered from laughing at a Python sketch. "Having a happy Christmas Harry?" She asked.
"The best Christmas of my life Hermione," he answered, smiling when she turned her head and he could kiss her sweetly, "the very best Christmas of my life."
Neville Longbottom was sure he was having the most frightening Christmas of his life. Who to take to the Yule Ball was easy for most of Gryffindor. None of them had a date outside of the house. Even Ron, an outcast, was taking his sister. Neville refused to say who he was taking, which just had others taunting him about not asking anyone out. The past week had been intense for him. His parents were dead; aurors had found them in a remote location and they looked to have been used in some kind of ritual.
Neville had never really known his parents. Only through stories of his father's greatness from his grandmother did he know anything about them. His grandmother insisted on her son being buried with his wand, which saw Neville being taken to get his own wand finally after the funeral, which he'd left the school to attend. The difference between using his father's wand and his own was substantial and it increased Neville's very small self-confidence, something that his date and Viktor Krum had been working on.
He wasn't sure why they'd picked him but he did know that it was his last chance to become a good person, the kind of person Harry was. The kind of person Hermione would be proud of. He hadn't been strong enough to stand up for them or for himself but he wanted to change and so he was willing to try his hardest and was grateful to Krum for the opportunity.
Neville snuck down to the common room and then out of the tower; he didn't want to be teased anymore about his lack of a date. They'd see. He'd show them.
Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour entered the main hall of Hogwarts together to see their dates. Viktor held Fleur's arm as they made their way to the two younger students. "Good evening Miss Lovegood," he said, bowing to the little blonde Ravenclaw, "and a Happy Christmas to you."
"Thank you Mr. Krum," she said, bowing slightly to him. He let go of Fleur's arm and offered Luna his, which she accepted.
"'Ow are you doing Neville?" Fleur asked.
"Pretty well," Neville said. "I'm really nervous though. Hopefully those extra dance lessons paid off."
"I will just have to steal Viktor if you are inadequate," Fleur said, batting her eyelashes at Viktor and making Luna giggle at the Veela's joke implying she could have any man she wanted.
Chapter 8
The Yule Ball was without a doubt the highlight of the year thus far. When Neville entered with Fleur on his arm he felt all of Gryffindor staring, jaws dropped. He knew what would follow. Every guy in Gryffindor would be trying to suck up to him to get a dance with Fleur. Just like with Harry, they kicked you when you were down and once you were the hero or had something awesome they all wanted to be your friend again. Neville certainly didn't want to be around them. He would have one dance with Fleur and that would be it; Viktor was her partner after that. Neville knew he wasn't a good dancer. And he certainly didn't deserve to have the beautiful woman on his arm. This was more about Fleur and Viktor keeping their allegiance quiet than anything else (not that Neville knew that, although Luna had figured it out).
Neville would obviously not do the greatest job dancing so if Fleur wanted to dance the only male champion available would be her only options. They still didn't know when Cedric Diggory would return to school. Cho Chang wasn't even there. She was spending the holidays in the hospital with Cedric. Neville had to admire the girl's loyalty. She wasn't wavering in her devotion to Cedric.
While Neville was feeling the shock of Gryffindor, Luna was delighted with the looks of envy and fear that she was getting. Fear from the Ravenclaws, envy from every witch in the school. It was a feeling she'd never experienced before but she quite liked it. As they sat down at their table the school, which had gone silent, suddenly sprang to life. Luna couldn't hear the conversations but given the glares coming their way she assumed it was about her and Neville being Viktor and Fleur's dates for the evening. It would certainly be an interesting Yule Ball.
The grin on Harry's face was impossible to get rid of, he thought. Snogging Hermione was just so brilliant. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too Hermione," he tightened his hold, "today was brilliant."
"Agreed," Hermione gently kissed his neck. "I have had many happy Christmases but this one was the best. Not only do I have my parents, I have you. And all to myself for once."
Harry grinned at that. Everywhere he'd ever been with Hermione prior to Halloween, he'd always been accompanied by others, even in Diagon Alley and the Burrow. Looking back, had Molly Weasley intentionally tried to keep them from being alone? Part of it could have been paranoia but the Weasley matriarch had told Hermione about using a love potion on her husband. Well, bragged about it. "Is it just me and my extreme paranoia or did Molly Weasley try to keep us apart?"
Hermione tilted her head in thought for several minutes. "I think she could have," she conceded. "After how we were treated I wouldn't be surprised. Ginny Weasley has long wanted to be Mrs. Potter." Harry shuddered at the thought and squeezed Hermione against him. She returned the squeeze, "I don't think we need to worry about it. We're together, out of Britain, and no one can come between us now. Not manipulative old monsters or dark lord wannabes," she kissed his cheek, "we will figure out your scar and we will go to a new, normal school that doesn't have trolls, dragons, basilisks, dark lords, or death eaters. It might not be perfect but it will be infinitely better than Hogwarts."
"That one school, Vogora…the one that we can both attend; it has a quidditch team and a footy team. I would like to play quidditch again but…I know how often I've been injured doing it so if you don't want me to play I won't."
Hermione gazed at Harry for a long moment. She licked her lips, "Harry I can live with you playing quidditch. But in exchange you can't say a word if I try out for the footy team. I used to play in a youth league and I kind of miss it."
Harry gazed at her, "My Hermione plays footy?"
"Harry, have you met my father?"
He laughed. Dan Granger was obsessed with football. Since their move to Madrid he'd been looking between the two big clubs of the city, Real Madrid and Atletíco Madrid. Leaving England meant leaving his team behind and he was obviously hungry for a new team to support. Not being able to return to Britain was, in that regard, a bit of a loss for the man but he was moving on. Hermione had a bet with her mother that he'd pick Real Madrid. Harry gathered himself, "Which position?"
"Promise not to laugh?"
"Hermione I would never do that to you."
"Harry Potter I know how you are. Now answer the question."
"Yes I promise not to laugh at you."
"I play as a striker."
Harry didn't laugh. But he was incredibly surprised. Strikers were far more flamboyant than he'd ever imagine his Hermione being. "I cannot imagine you celebrating a goal."
"You have obviously never played board games with me," Hermione smirked. "I've never really been into magical games, true, but I'm highly competitive at games Harry."
"I guess your surprising sense of balance and strength makes sense," Harry mused.
"I have good stamina too," she said, making her boyfriend blush. A satisfied smirk from her soon had them involved in a tickle war.
Sirius sat by the fire with a glass of firewhiskey in his hand. Christmas with Daniela's family had him in serious thought and contemplation of his own life. When he was in Hogwarts he thought he had his life all planned out. He and James would be aurors. They'd take out death eaters and fight Voldemort. With James attached and Remus a werewolf that left Sirius with all the girls he wanted. It had been a brilliant two years despite the dark times they lived in. When Harry had been born Sirius had been named godfather and he'd gone on about how he'd teach Harry all the right moves with women. Lily had been horrified but James just laughed. James always laughed. But then James and Lily had died, he'd chased Peter, and ended up in Azkaban. He had sworn to take care of Harry. He'd abandoned that responsibility the first chance he had in favor of vengeance.
He hadn't broken out of Azkaban for Harry. He'd done it for Peter. Again Harry Potter, his best friend's only child, was the furthest thing from his mind. He felt familiar hands squeeze his shoulders and run down his chest as she stood behind his chair, a gentle kiss being placed on his cheek. "I don't deserve to be in Harry's life."
She straightened and walked around the chair to face him, "Harry seems to want you in it."
"I marvel at what Hermione has done for him. He can smile, laugh, love…despite his upbringing."
Daniela sat on the arm of the chair, shifting so that she could face him, "It's hardly surprising. Hermione is a one woman army of love and support for Harry. She won't let him retreat into himself."
"Kind of like how you don't let me brood," he muttered.
"Yet you manage to do it anyway," she scolded.
"I never used to brood," he said. "Things rolled off my shoulders so easily. Azkaban," he sighed, "sometimes it feels like I'm back there."
"Sirius have you considered getting some counseling? Some sort of mental health help?"
He gazed up at her, "I don't…don't need that." Daniela raised an eyebrow at him and he blushed, "Okay maybe I do. I'm not that bad though. My nightmares aren't as frequent since I started sleeping with you."
"Sirius I don't help you like Hermione helps Harry and that's obvious," Daniela said. "Hermione's love drowns what Harry's scar is doing to him. Our relationship isn't the same and I'm concerned you have some form of post-traumatic stress disorder."
Sirius frowned. "I guess…I guess I could go one time." Daniela smiled. She'd won that battle easier than she'd thought she would. "What about Harry?"
"If Harry needs any counseling we'll need to determine that after the scar is removed. Its effects would mask any other trauma or exacerbate it; we're still not sure what it's doing to him." Sirius nodded his understanding.
"Please tell me you're getting closer to fixing that."
"We're doing everything we can Sirius. Research doesn't happen overnight."
"I guess I can take comfort in Hermione being able to quell what the scar does to him," Sirius sighed. "It just feels like one more weight on Harry that he doesn't deserve."
"If there's one thing I've learned about those two in the time I've known them it's that dealing with problems that they don't deserve or aren't their own is a specialty of theirs," Daniela observed.
Sirius smiled. That was certainly true. "I suppose you know someone I can talk to?"
"Several," she nodded, "vampire, werewolf, human…take your pick."
"I don't care so long as they're good at what they do," he said.
"Good answer," she leaned in to kiss him, "let's go to bed. You are brooding too much on Christmas and I can't allow that."
"Yes dear," he whispered, standing with her and going upstairs.
Voldemort was amused to no end. He'd killed prominent Death Eaters and their wives had been arrested for his crimes. The DMLE had long been a joke to him; when he entered the magical world he'd been told that the aurors were like detectives. That was very far from the truth. There was no investigation in the DMLE. Jack the Ripper would have had a field day in Diagon Alley. While magicals had better ability to determine the identity of a criminal and locate them, they never used it. Never investigated it. They enforced the law; that was it. In truth, Jack the Ripper was probably more in danger during his time terrorizing prostitutes than magical murderers were in the present. The muggles would prosecute. They would arrest and give a trial and convict.
But magical Britain had a narrative. The ministry had control. They were never out of control. The Death Eaters were known to the ministry. But no one would make the connection. It was how Sirius Black was thrown in prison without a trial. No truth serum. No questioning witnesses. No gathering evidence. No piecing together how and why it happened. They just cast a spell at a wand (not even bothering to know who had the wand at the time because wizards never used another wizard's wand *eyeroll*) and in the event the wand was clean declared that a different wand had obviously been used and done away with. The ministry had control. It could do no wrong.
In Jack the Ripper's time you would need to be found killing someone or standing over the body covered in blood to get a conviction. Unless of course you were the wrong color, the wrong social or financial class, the wrong gender, religion, etc. etc. In that regard Ripper's muggle world and the present magical Britain were much the same.
What to do…he certainly couldn't appear before he gathered followers. He wasn't yet strong enough to break his most loyal ones out of Azkaban. Financially speaking they needed food but Wormtail was a gifted thief so that helped. He looked at the list Barty Jr. had procured for him. Some of the ones that were free weren't traitors. They'd never been fingered as Death Eaters. Perhaps he would gather them first. At the very least he had something to think on.
Dumbledore had plenty to think on. He'd abandoned getting to Harry. He couldn't enter a non-ICW country. Abandoning getting to Harry didn't mean he couldn't try to contact him though. What to say was what prevented him from doing that; did he plead ignorance? Offer up his theory that Voldemort had returned? This attempt at contact had to be brilliant and dead on, lest he lose Harry forever.
Then there was the disappearance of the Longbottoms. He figured they were now dead, which he saw as a mercy. Perhaps there was good in Voldemort after all, gifting Frank and Alice death. Neville would never measure up as a defender of the Light so using those deaths to inspire him seemed a fruitless venture. The Longbottom lad was not as appealing as Harry; Harry had been a hero but Neville was simply a victim.
Amos Diggory was a continuous headache. The man did not want his son participating in the tournament anymore but rules were rules, as they said. The contract was final; nothing short of death got you out of competing once you were a champion. That was the way the tournament had always worked and tradition was of the utmost importance to the magical world.
His next concern was the tuitions of students for the next year. Many purebloods would find themselves without the requisite funding to provide the schooling for their children. Scholarships had been abandoned after Voldemort's first reign; the purebloods who would have helped fund them had either been killed or refused all overtures to assist (the scholarships were to go to muggleborns and orphans who the purebloods deemed unworthy). Although the Weasleys had a payment plan, they still had to pay and Dumbledore could foresee many people needing such a thing. How the purebloods would pay for it…many didn't have jobs, those that did were the ones who hadn't been wealthy in the first place.
One thing was certain. This was not a happy Christmas for him. No Harry Potter to control, Voldemort possibly back…it wasn't looking good for the Light side. Of course, if Dumbledore thought a little harder and was more willing to see the flaws of the land that was his home he might have considered that the magical world of Britain was so insular, so outdated, and so exclusionary that it was only a matter of time before their economy had crashed. Harry's actions had simply sped it up a few years or so. He'd have seen that their culture and society had stagnated and created a breeding ground for dark lords.
But Dumbledore was blind to the failings of him and the 'Light'. And so he just sat, lost in self-pity and confusion as the students danced.
Boxing Day saw Hermione and Harry in Katabisi. The curse-breakers needed another look at his scar to determine what their options were in removing it. After several more tests Daniela sat them down, "We have a few options we're looking into. A potion and a spell are our two options that work the best."
"There are others?"
"Ones that I don't think you're ready for nor would I want you to have to experience," Daniela answered.
"What spell would you use?" Hermione asked.
"We are thinking of creating a new one, specially devoted to Harry's scar," Daniela answered. "For my money a potion is our best bet. Maybe a salve."
Hermione gazed at Harry, trying to see how he felt about it. "Will it stop the negative feelings?" He asked.
"That's our goal," the curse-breaker promised.
After their meeting with Daniela they went to visit Harry's accounts manager vampire, Raphael. The young vampire greeted them with a smile, "Mr. Potter, your scholarship fund is all arranged. Letters to young British muggleborns have already been sent out."
"They get to attend any non-ICW school, right?" Harry asked.
"Yes. The United States, Spain, and Italy have all agreed to offer citizenship to any pupils who graduate from their school. They also will make it easier for family to go over even if they aren't magical. While a Katabisi representative cannot enter Britain, each country is arranging for two people to be their ambassadors to explain things to the families."
Hermione smiled. "What are you calling the scholarship?"
"It's the Lily Potter Trust," Raphael answered, "as per your boyfriend's wishes."
Harry smiled at that and Hermione squeezed his hand. "Your mum would be proud Harry."
"I think so too," he whispered. "What about those businesses to reinvest in?"
"Mostly muggle companies but there's a few magical ones too. All of them will fund the trust fund so that it continues to grow."
"Perfect," Harry smiled. "What about Voldemort?"
"Sources within Britain indicate that he has returned. Again we are not permitted to enter the country but rest assured that we are watching over the situation. If that fool leaves Britain we will act immediately."
"He's not getting my Harry," Hermione said, squeezing Harry's hand. "It'll be okay. He won't come after us."
Harry nodded. Raphael spoke, "We've also come to learn that the remaining two champions that are unharmed, Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum, do not wish to remain in Britain or the tournament but really have no choice."
"How do you know that?"
"Both families have fled their native countries and moved to Italy with the mother of Miss Delacour contacting Katabisi about arranging their arrival after the tournament," he answered.
"That's interesting," Hermione said. "And understandable. They obviously weren't aware that you have to participate until you're dead."
"Gee I wonder why they'd keep that quiet," Harry muttered.
Raphael nodded his head in agreement with Harry, "Is there anything else I can do for the two of you?"
"What do you know of the magical school Vogora (mixed gender)?" Harry asked.
"An excellent school. It covers more subjects than Hogwarts and offers up non-magical education as well. Sort of an after-school project. It has two futból teams, one for boys and one for girls, and three quidditch teams."
"Why three?" Harry asked.
"To insure maximum participation- one is all-male, one is all-female, and the third is mixed gender. They play games with each other but also with the other two schools."
"But wouldn't they have one team of each?" Hermione asked.
"Actually no. Gluserra (all-male) has three teams for futból and three for quidditch. The same for Isedia (all-female). They are boarding schools and organized into three houses each."
"So like Hogwarts each house gets their own team. So then how do they play?"
"The school year is nine months, there are 9 quidditch teams and 8 futból teams. That's 1 quidditch game a month and the futból teams play the same rate but more in a scoring system. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss…at the end of the year the futból team with the highest score wins the cup."
"So that way all 8 teams are hungry to win and it's not just a school thing," Hermione nodded approvingly.
"Quidditch is given the same scoring system. So that there is no perceived 'home advantage' there is a national quidditch stadium that the schools use for both sports' games. It's very popular. Magicals and non-magicals alike attend the games and since non-magicals can use portkeys travel is very easy for parents of all students."
"Your parents can attend," Harry grinned. "That's brilliant."
Hermione licked her lips. She'd joined youth teams because of her dad but he'd made very few of her games because they always conflicted with his work. Since he was thus far unemployed he could this time not only watch her play but cheer for both her and Harry. That would certainly make Dan Granger happy. The man was obsessed with sports. "Raphael when do we have that tour scheduled?"
"Right after the new year," he answered. "School resumes January 15th, so you have some time and can go when your classmates return if it's to your liking."
"Thank you," she smiled. "And our book lists?"
"I will make sure you two have everything you need should you decide on Vogora."
"Thank you Raphael. You're the best," Harry grinned, standing and shaking the vampire's hand, "now I get to take my girlfriend out on a real date."
"Have fun you two," he smiled, bowing to them both as they left his office. He really liked them.
Chapter 9
Phoenix tears and unicorn blood," Daniela said, raising an eyebrow at her Japanese colleague, "You think that this will work?"
"If we combine both into a salve it should force out all the evil within that young man," the Japanese wizard reasoned. "For maximum effectiveness we need to slice open his scar, which I think needs to be done with a silver blade, and his head should be in Miss Granger's lap. She will quell whatever lies within him."
Daniela looked at the calculations. Phoenix tears and unicorn blood were the two most 'good' things in the world. "We can get unicorn blood from a unicorn easily enough. They are gracious animals. But how do we come by a phoenix?"
"I know someone who lives in Nepal, he rescues baby phoenixes. There are three staying with him at present. He can be here Friday."
Daniela leaned back into the chair. It would probably work. "Those two things will be the dominant ingredients in the salve. Everything else must either amplify it or have no adverse effects on them. Harry needs all the help he can get."
"I quite agree," the wizard nodded.
"I'll go tell the others, you write to your friend. We need everyone's help in working on the salve." With a nod the pair separated. Daniela couldn't fight the smile that came with the knowledge that Harry would soon be scar-free. She'd have to verify it was feasible before telling everyone in the house, but they were finally getting somewhere.
Dan Granger gazed around the stadium devoted to quidditch and futból for the three schools. It was quite massive. It reminded him of Wembley in terms of sheer size. This visit capped off their trip to Vogora that day. Getting to see the school his daughter would be attending, even if it was for magic, was delightfully normal feeling. He'd sent Hermione to Hogwarts only because she had begged them and promised to write every week. Then she'd made her first friend in Harry and for Dan that alone was worth it. Despite getting her into footy and various other efforts, Hermione had always been a loner. He didn't mind that, generally; his wife Emma was the same way. But kids needed to socialize and he wanted Hermione to do just that.
To his delight she'd taken quickly to the game and she was quite good at it. He'd missed being unable to see his daughter every day when she went away to Hogwarts. That this was a day school and he could still see her every morning and evening was a blessing and he almost regretted missing out on three years of her life. Harry was the only saving grace; he quite liked the young man. Despite all that had happened to him he was surprisingly well-adjusted and optimistic. Admittedly, he wasn't perfect. Harry certainly had issues with trust and seeking out support and help. He was an island and but for Hermione he'd probably have remained one. She was the bridge that connected Harry with others.
"What do you think Daddy?"
He turned to see his daughter coming up behind him. He pulled her into a hug, "I can't wait to yell my head off for you when you play."
Hermione smiled, "You and Harry both. Although he's never seen me play. I don't think he ever saw me as being athletic."
"Well those dowdy robes hardly showcased the beauty that is my daughter," Dan said.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Daddy…"
"I've known you were beautiful since you were very small dear. It was only a matter of time before some idiot boy would see it too."
"Harry's not an idiot," she defended. "He's certainly a gentleman. He's the only boy I've ever known who could sleep next to his girlfriend, not try anything, and still apologize the next morning for having an erection even if you say it's fine and just a natural reaction."
"Did not need to know that," Dan muttered.
"You started it," Hermione teased.
"I always forget you have my wit and your mother's temperament," he sighed.
Hermione laughed, "By now I'd think you would remember that."
Remus Lupin re-read the letter. Harry needed his help. He was confused, lost, and getting horrible advice. Advice that had bankrupted the magical world and saw the return of Voldemort. Dumbledore wanted him to go abroad and find Harry to bring him back. He needed Dumbledore's guidance. Remus could understand Sirius giving Harry bad advice; the man was obviously suffering from his time in Azkaban. That Hermione Granger would give Harry bad advice surprised him; but then Remus certainly couldn't explain Harry's actions. He definitely wasn't making good choices. Hogwarts was the best school in the world; Remus was so grateful he could attend it and then teach at it. To leave Hogwarts was an insane choice.
Nor could he understand Harry's betrayal of the magical world of Britain. It was the home of his parents, the home of his friends and their families. Harry was really close to Ron Weasley yet he'd shut off all contact between them. Remus couldn't imagine James ever cutting off contact with his friends, even for Lily. Something was seriously wrong with Harry.
Remus packed up his bag. He needed to find Harry and talk some sense into him. Albus said he had left England and his last address was Spain. He supposed he could try to start there, though he didn't like the thought of leaving the protection of the ICW. It wasn't safe for werewolves outside of its borders.
On January 10th Daniela sat the whole family down and announced the news. "We have the solution," she said. Harry's hand reached for Hermione's and gave it a squeeze. "It will be performed at Katabisi in a special chamber we're preparing." She went into detail about the procedure, mostly for the benefit of Hermione, whose opinion mattered the most to Harry and whose approval was most important.
When she finished she looked at the young woman for her opinion. "I'm certainly happy to help Harry in any way that I can."
"It'll be safe for Hermione right?" Harry asked.
"She will be very safe," Daniela promised, "No harm will come to either of you on my watch. If we do this today you have a few days to recover before you start school."
"Okay," he nodded. "Can the others come?"
"They can but they can't be in the room. It will only be myself, you and Hermione, and two other curse-breakers."
Harry nodded in understanding, "If you're sure then I'm ready."
"Me too," Hermione said.
Katabisi seemed quieter than Harry remembered it being but he was rather nervous so he put it down to that. Holding Hermione's hand tightly they made their way to the room with Daniela as their guide. Sirius, Dan, and Emma all hugged him before he entered the room. He and Hermione were introduced to the two curse-breakers, but Harry was so nervous he couldn't remember their names. He was to lay on a floor with a rune on it, Hermione telling him the rune was for amplification. She kissed him and whispered that she loved him before sitting on the floor and crossing her legs. Harry lay down with his head in her lap and she stroked his hair. He closed his eyes and tried to relax. He could certainly feel the love in the room, presumably Hermione's love for him. It was rather amazing how strong it felt. He felt the familiar feelings of unworthiness start to grow and he felt her kiss him on the lips, "I love you Harry," she whispered.
Instantly that feeling of unworthiness vanished. He smiled and she threaded their fingers together. The next thing Harry felt was the knife to his forehead as it sliced his scar open. He hissed in pain and Hermione's hands tightened and she whispered quiet words of love and devotion to soothe him. Then he felt the liquid being poured onto his forehead and heard a hissing sound. He tensed and Hermione's thumbs rubbed the backs of his hands to calm him down.
Once the pouring stopped Harry felt a cool salve being rubbed over his head. He then felt something he'd felt before on his skin. Tears. He opened his eyes to see a small phoenix crying into his scar. The phoenix sang it's song and Harry closed his eyes again. His scar was really starting to hurt. His whole body contorted in pain, Hermione holding him still in her lap with surprising strength. Later Harry would learn that Daniela had helped Hermione hold him still.
The pain ceased and when it did Harry felt incredibly different than he ever had before. Not that he could describe it properly. He felt Hermione's hands rub his arms and he opened his eyes to gaze up at her. Whether it was the amplification or their efforts had been successful Harry wasn't sure but he kissed Hermione with everything he had. She returned it with fervor and the couple found themselves being dragged out of the room.
Hermione pulled back, panting, and smiled at Harry, "You must feel better."
"Definitely," he nodded. He looked up at Daniela, "Did you do it?"
Daniela held out a mirror, "You tell me."
Harry stared. His scar was gone. He ran his hand over where it had been…it wasn't there. His eyes widened and then he smiled, hugging the curse-breaker, "Thank you," he breathed.
"You're welcome," she said, pulling back, "I think you should really thank your girlfriend though. Without her we couldn't have done it."
Harry pulled Hermione into his arms and kissed her again, "Hermione you're the best."
She blushed and smiled, resting her forehead against his, "I would suggest not kissing me like that again unless my parents are nowhere near the room."
He blushed. "Sorry."
"I liked it," she whispered. "So don't apologize to me." Harry grinned at that. She kissed him sweetly.
What was clear to everyone who really knew Harry was that the scar had caused him some major problems. Hermione now had a new goal, namely helping Harry to function. There was a new sense of freedom within him and she could see that he wasn't very aware of just how he was supposed to behave with people. She'd been stunned when he hugged Daniela. It was incredibly out of character for him. In their bedroom that evening she sat and talked to him as honest as ever about how he'd changed.
"I do feel really different," he confessed.
Hermione squeezed his arm affectionately, "Harry maybe you should see a mental health counselor. Someone who can help you with what the Dursleys did to you and how that scar held you back."
Harry swallowed, "Do you think I need that? Couldn't…couldn't I just talk to you?"
Hermione chose her words carefully, lest Harry think she didn't want him to talk to her. "Harry you can always talk to me about anything. But I don't think I can help you like a professional can. They know more about child abuse and things like that than I do."
"I just…I've only ever felt comfortable talking about that stuff with you," he whispered.
"I'm honored, Harry, but you need help and I don't think I can do what's best for you. What if I mess you up or say the wrong thing?" Hermione swallowed, "It would kill me to do that to you Harry."
Seeing how upset Hermione got just thinking about it made Harry feel like he needed to protect her. He hugged her, "Hermione I'll go see a professional. But for what it's worth you wouldn't make me worse. You definitely make me better. I'm really lucky to have you."
She smiled and kissed him. Kissing Harry felt much different from before. Previously she could feel how reserved and withdrawn he was, even if there was that underlying desire that she could feel in their snogs. Suddenly each kiss was hungry, passionate. Harry wanted her and it made her want to leap for joy. This was the teenage boyfriend he was supposed to be and while she loved him before, knowing that he was finally free of what had been done to him as a baby .
On his end kissing Hermione had always felt great. Suddenly it was even better and Harry, who before had certainly been aroused by his girlfriend, now felt that desire even stronger. They parted, panting, and he whispered, "Hermione I think maybe we shouldn't share a bed anymore."
She looked at him, surprised, "Harry?"
"I really, really don't trust myself alone with you in a bed," he whispered. "Not now. Not with all these new feelings going through me."
Hermione smiled. "You're still the same Harry," she said, cupping his cheek, "still looking to protect me. While you might be feeling things more strongly now you're still you, Harry. Don't ever forget that."
Harry smiled and she pulled him down onto the bed, "Do you really think I'm the same Harry?"
"Do you still love me?"
Harry stared at her, stunned that she'd ask that. "Hermione I love you so much. You mean more to me than anything and anyone. I need you."
She kissed him to quiet him, "Then you're the same Harry I fell in love with, just with amplified emotions now. We'll overcome this together, just like we always do."
He smiled. He could always count on Hermione to not let him retreat. "Together then."
"If it makes you feel better we can sleep in separate rooms but I rather enjoy snuggling up with you every night."
"I like it too I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable if I get…well…handsy."
Hermione smiled and shifted into her usual position, "I will not hold roaming hands against you. I know if I say stop you will." Harry's arms wrapped around her and he closed his eyes, smiling as he drifted off to sleep.
Remus Lupin watched as his passport was reviewed. He really didn't feel comfortable in Spain. He felt like looking over his shoulder for the werewolf bounty hunters he'd heard about. "What brings you to Spain?"
"Business," Remus said.
"What business?"
"That's not for you to know."
The guard raised an eyebrow, "You want entry to my country but refuse to tell me why? You will not step beyond this point without disclosing your purpose. Refusal to obey lands you on a portkey straight back to England."
"You cannot detain me from retrieving an English citizen," Remus countered, "and I will retrieve them immediately."
The guard didn't even blink, "And just how do you know the person you seek is an English citizen? They could have Spanish citizenship. Nor do I see any evidence of you working for the British government in any capacity so taking any citizen from our land, citizen or not, would be kidnapping."
Remus flushed, "I come under the authority of Albus Dumbledore!"
"Albus Dumbledore has no more authority here than a broomstick would," the guard glared. "You tell the old fool that his lapdogs are no more welcome here than he is."
Remus was stunned at this man's attitude toward Dumbledore, "How dare you! Albus Dumbledore is a great man, the greatest wizard alive!"
"Couldn't stop Voldemort could he," the guard scoffed, "your 'great wizard' is a coward and a fool. Your passport is not approved. Take this one to a portkey back to England." Two other guards grabbed Remus and led him away.
Within the hour he was dumped back in England and with a passport that stated he was not permitted entry into Spain. Sighing, he decided to write to Dumbledore. Maybe he could rescue Harry from that…place.