Chapter one- The Grangers'
"Let me help you with that Harry," Mrs. Granger said taking his suitcase in her hand.
"Thank you again for letting me stay with you Mrs. Granger. The Dursleys' were driving me mad," Harry said pushing back his dark hair revealing the jagged scar on his forehead. "You're always welcome here," Hermione cried out taking Harry by the hand and leading him into her house.
It was early June and Hogwarts had just let out two weeks before Harry arrived at the Grangers'. It was the summer after their fourth year and all Harry wanted to do was forget what had happened that terrifying year at Hogwarts. He had hoped to find peace for once at the Dursleys' but of course it did not work so Harry tried to seek advice from Hermione who invited him to stay with her for the summer. He thought maybe with friends he could finally relax.
Hermione led Harry into the house and gave him a full tour of every room. It was a three-bedroom house, which was rather reasonable for a family of three.
"And this is my room," She said stopping in the upstairs hallway. Not to Harry's surprise Hermione's room was full of books. Except for the single bed in the corner and the fairly clean floor there were books all along her bedroom walls. "My dad made the bookcases," She said smiling, "I know what you're thinking. Silly Hermione always has her nose in a book." Harry smiled, "Actually I was thinking… I guess this is why Hermione is so smart." That made Hermione blush.
The last room they entered was the spare bedroom where Harry would be sleeping. He put down his suitcase and then lied down on the queen-sized bed that occupied the center of the room. For the first time all summer Harry felt at home. Hermione him for several moments and then lay on the bed beside him. The two of them talked for hours. They talked mostly about Hogwarts, their friends, and quidditch. They both felt complete as they spoke and listened to each other. They had not a care in the world. They did not linger on the horrors of the past or worry about what may lie ahead in the future. It was an all so perfect moment. But of course every moment has to end, as did this one when Mr. Granger called them down for dinner.
The dinner table was set for four and the kitchen air smelled of roast chicken and mashed potatoes. Harry took his seat across from Hermione as Mr. and Mrs. Granger sat at the ends of the table. Mrs. Granger was a remarkable cook so the food tasted fantastic.
"How's the food Harry?" Mr. Granger asked looking up from his plate.
"Brilliant," Harry remarked shoving another bite of chicken into his mouth. After dinner Harry and Hermione sat on the couch and watched television. As it grew later the two decided to go to sleep.
"Good Night Harry."
"Good Night Hermione."
The following morning Harry awoke recharged and well rested. Both him and Hermione rushed through breakfast when they were informed the Weasleys were coming to visit. Harry hoped Ron and him could practice Quidditch and Hermione was thinking about how she and Ginny could catch up on all the gossip coming out of the wizarding world. Since she lived in the muggle world. The Weasleys arrived not long after breakfast. Right away Harry, Ron, Fred, and George went out back to practice their Quidditch skills and Hermione took Ginny up to her room.
After a couple of hours the six teens rejoined in the kitchen for lunch.
"Quidditch is getting tiring," Ron said trying not to sound weak. Harry nodded, "Well yes we have been playing for two hours straight. It does get quite tiring after awhile."
"Wow Harry," Fred spoke up, "I didn't see you to be such a wimp." Hermione shot him a look. "Harry's not a wimp," she said, "And you're immature for saying that."
Fred shrugged his shoulders. "Anyway," Hermione continued, "Ginny I were thinking about going into Diagon Ally for a day of shopping if you wanted to come." The boys nodded. "Sure."
