Susan & Harry
A/N: The world of Harry Potter belongs to JKRowling I'm just playing in her sand box and make no money from this.
Rating is mature for future language, violence and mature subjects. This story does not follow the JKR timeline and adventures will be quite different.
Ships: Susan/Harry. Neville/Hermione
Genera: Drama, Romance.
Chapter 2: Christmas and Investigations
As the Hogwarts Express pulled into Kings Cross station, several things happened at once. Amelia Bones thought she had things under control but a green spell rocketed down the platform just as Harry and Susan appeared.
Eye's wide, Harry did a foolish but brave thing; he pushed Susan to the ground, falling on top of her. The killing curse passed inches from their heads and found a target in an unfortunate wizard that had been just behind the pair.
As screams filled the air, more curses were cast until Amelia called on her back-up Aurors who had been carefully surveying the crowd. Unfortunately in the ensuing panic, the perpetrator managed to escape by portkey.
Gasping for air, Susan managed, "Harry! Are you all right? OOF, get off me Harry," she finally grinned when she noticed how they had landed, his face was bright red as he fumbled to rise. He had landed between her legs facing her knickers, her most private bits an inch from his nose.
Panicking only made it worse as she rolled the same way as him and she wound up sitting astride his face. "Oops, sorry Harry," and she abruptly stood up.
Harry was mortified, he was sure he would die of shame, but part of him wasn't so sure about that as a reaction set in that he had no control of. "Aagh!" he yelled, standing up as well, only to come face to face with Susan, who was equally red-faced.
"S-sorry," they both exclaimed at the same time.
Fortunately, Amelia had not witnessed the awkward encounter as she was cursing loudly at the unfortunate end to a carefully planned event. She had hoped to pick up Susan and Harry quietly and whisk them to Bones Manor before anyone noticed. Quickly making her way to the pair, she noticed the dead wizard that had been just behind them. "Kingsley, Cordon off the area, lock it down and call in the investigative team. I want a full report on this cock-up! Susan, Harry, are you all right?"
Getting an affirmative from both preteens, she hustled them away and side along apparated them to Bones Manor. "Susan, I have to go back and investigate this. I'll be back when I can. Meanwhile, you can show Harry to his room. Sorry about this Harry, but I told you that the wizarding world can be dangerous. You'll be safe here.
Miles away a wizard was cursing his luck. He was sure that he'd be able to kill Harry Potter, but the boy proved to be too fast. He'd tried several times, but people kept getting in the way. He'd almost got the daughter of his most hated enemy, but that was not to be either. Harry bloody Potter had protected her just in time. He'd killed, but it wasn't his chosen target. Well, no matter, one less mudblood to sully the name of wizard-kind.
But it wasn't a muggleborn, it was a pureblood and it would raise a storm of indignation and protest. He'd killed the young son of the Minister of Magic!
Meanwhile at Bones Manor, The-Boy-Who-Lived and the girl who almost died were just recovering from the adrenaline rush of their narrow escape from death.
"H-Harry, you saved me," Susan said shakily. "Thank you," and she kissed him forcefully on the lips, wrapping her arms around him.
Harry, taken aback by the sudden show of emotion, stuttered his reply; "I-I did, but I couldn't stand for you to be hurt or killed.
She'd pulled her head away, blushing furiously, but Harry had quite liked her soft lips on his. It was his first kiss, and although it was a bit clumsy, he wondered what it would be like to have it happen again. Then he stopped wondering as she hadn't moved away, moving closer and capturing his lips again. This time, he responded, tilting his head until they reached a comfortable position. His arms found her waist and back as they snogged for the first time.
Susan was in heaven. She'd dreamed of someday kissing Harry and now she was; and gloriously, he was kissing her back. At first it was awkward and clumsy but they soon found just the right position and wrapped their arms around one another, Susan running her hands through his messy hair and Harry shivered at the contact. It was an electric moment and although it seemed to go on forever, they both soon broke for air.
Grinning madly, Harry whooped for joy. "Whooee! What a kiss!" he exclaimed. Susan could only match his mood and held on, burying her flaming cheeks in his chest. Harry was stroking her luxurious hair, marveling in the softness and deep rich colour.
Susan sighed in contentment, forgetting for the moment what they'd just been through at Kings Cross.
Harry was wondering what had just happened and seizing on the most logical thing, blurted out; "Susan, w-would y-you be my girlfriend? I know it's a bit sudden, but I've liked you from the moment I met you."
"Harry," she squealed, "yes! I've liked you since the same moment."
More kissing ensued and by the time Amelia returned, the pair were still wrapped around each other, dreamy expressions on their faces.
Amelia had returned home to an unusual sight: Susan and Harry kissing. She quickly took a moment to record that before the inquisition began. Here was prime blackmail material against her niece.
"Ahem!" but that failed to get their attention. Every few seconds the pair would kiss and sigh. "Susan Amelia Bones!" she fairly shouted. That got their attention and they flew apart, cheeks flaming brightly in embarrassment. "What's going on? I leave you two alone for an hour and, and, just what are you two up to? Have you even shown Harry his room? Forget that, it looks like…never mind."
"Sorry Auntie, I, that is we, erm...Harry'smyboyfriendnow," she finished in a rush.
"Susan," Amelia warned, "you're both a little young to be thinking like that."
Harry had not recovered his composure but decided to keep quiet, he did manage to nod in agreement with Susan and waited for the storm to subside.
Susan was stubborn and like the Hufflepuff she was, pushed forward. "He saved my life Aunt Amelia, so I kissed him. One thing led to another and, well, we're boyfriend and girlfriend now. We connected at school, but this is much deeper. Auntie, please don't be mad?"
Amelia had missed the part where Harry had saved Susan, being distracted by the sight of the killing curse flying into the crowd. "Really? Harry, I'd like to see a pensieve memory of that, if I may?"
Harry wasn't about to show her that! "Erm, can't I just tell you? It's rather embarrassing."
"Oh? Why would that be Harry? Susan?"
Susan was even more reluctant to share the memory. "Ah, Auntie, it's because of the position we fell into when he saved me. Please don't ask for that."
Amelia thought she understood and sighed. "Nevertheless, a young wizard was killed and I'd like to see all the evidence. Cornelius Fudge's son was the unlucky receiver of the killing curse."
Both Susan and Harry gasped at that. Reluctantly, Harry gave the memory, after Amelia explained the process.
Examining the memory closely, she saw the wizard that had cast the spell. She ignored the aftermath, choosing to revisit it at a more appropriate time. Clearly Harry and her niece had developed a relationship, and Amelia figured that was a good thing. It was a shame that the minister's son was killed, but here was an opportunity to, at the very least, sever the close ties that Fudge had with Lucius Malfoy. That little bit of evidence would be tricky to handle though. The word of an underage wizard would not be taken seriously, even with a penseive memory. The-Boy-Who-Lived, however might prove damning to the right people. She'd think about that before she began to plan how best to present it and to whom.
"Susan, I think you'd best show Harry to his room and then come back down here, I'd like a word."
Susan knew that tone and hoped it wasn't as bad as it sounded. "Yes, Auntie, come on Harry, I think you'll like your new room," she replied brightly.
Harry could sense that Susan was worried what her aunt might say, so he decided to talk to her before she joined her aunt. When Susan showed him his room, he smiled. This was nothing like Privet Drive. Soft plush carpet in a neutral blue accented by a light blue for the walls. There was a generous sized desk and comfortable chair along with a large bookcase in a rich oak finish. A small walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom completed the room. Harry managed to hold in the gasp that almost made it to his mouth. It was more than he'd ever seen before. Even the Hufflepuff dorms weren't this luxurious. Of course he'd missed taking in the rest of the manor when Susan began snogging him, but that was to be expected when his higher brain functions shut down. 'Gods could she kiss', he thought. He thought about what else had happened and his face grew warm as he tried to shunt that thought aside.
"Susan, I think we should talk. I don't want your aunt to be angry with you, so could we be careful in her presence. I really like you and it's brilliant kissing you, but maybe not in front of her."
Susan winced at what her aunt may have seen in the penseive and not mentioned. She knew her aunt would be supportive of a relationship with Harry, as that's all she talked about in her letters. "Harry," she sighed, "Aunt Amelia knows I like you, so the only problem might be the penseive memory. I think I can explain that it was an accident, but know this Harry, it excited me. When we're older, I think I'd like to be a bit naughty." She blushed at that admission and turned away.
Harry's eyes widened. Was this witch teasing him? If not, then he was in for the ride of his life (metaphorically speaking). Suddenly it was hot in the room and Harry tugged at his collar to let some of the heat escape his rapidly flushing face. It didn't help that another part of his body reacted as well. Squirming, he tried to surreptitiously adjust his trousers, but it was a losing cause. Turning away, he squeaked a good night and rushed to the loo.
Watching Harry, Susan quickly figured out his problem, that plus the brief view of his impressively tented trousers had her giggling to herself. Oh this was going to be such fun.
"I'll be back to say goodnight, Harry," she singsonged. Making her way back down to the lounge, her aunt bade her sit. "Now, Susan, I'm not going to scold you for kissing Harry, but we really need to talk about that wanton display I saw in the penseive. I can't believe you'd torture the poor boy like that! Have you no shame?"
"I-it was an accident Auntie, it happened so fast, I barely had time to think."
"No, Susan, I know you better than that. You were deliberately egging him on! I'll have none of that from now on, missy. You're both way to young for those shenanigans."
"S-sorry, Aunt Amelia," and she meant it. "I don't know what came over me. You know I've liked Harry forever. You even told me we used to cuddle as babies before his parents were k-killed. I think I love him Auntie. I know we're young, but I won't give him up!" she replied stubbornly.
Amelia sighed, she knew Susan and Harry got along like a house on fire, but propriety must be maintained. "I know Susan, and I'm not asking that. Just, just take it slow. He's not ready, I don't know when he'll be ready. Right now both your hormones are starting and I know how that can affect rational thinking. Give it time, he's still a damaged soul. The things I've seen in him and the effects of a lifetime of abuse I can sense, you'll have to tread carefully. I want to learn as much as I can from Harry, not from that old meddling headmaster. Did you know that Harry should have gone to me as a third choice if he was orphaned? Sirius Black was their first choice, followed by Neville's parents, and then your parents or me. Since Sirius is in Azkaban and Neville's parents are in the long term spell damage ward at St. Mungos, I was the next choice, but Dumbledore sealed the Potter's Wills, stating that they hadn't written one. The Wizengamot believed him and he was shunted off to his aunt and uncle. I need to confirm a few facts, but the goblins acknowledged that there is an existing Potter Will but would not let me read it. They did give me a verbal overview of who Harry was to go to and it most certainly was not his aunt and uncle. They wouldn't tell me who they were or where they lived, but Harry can provide that. With that information, I can pry Harry away from them and the manipulations of that evil old man."
Susan gasped in shock at what her aunt had just revealed. Harry could have grown up with her! "Harry," she breathed, "what have they put you through?" Tears formed in her eyes and she let out a strangled cry. "Oh Harry!" she sobbed.
"Now remember, Susan, Harry will need you to be strong for him. If he tells us about his life, and I'm not sure he will, be strong for him. Even the first day I met him, he flinched. That is not a normal reaction for a cared for boy. I'm positive he's been mistreated. You've brought out something in him that has been absent his whole life: love. Nurture it, but don't let your or his hormones rule. He'll heal with time and then you can pursue your naughty dreams." She smirked as her niece blushed scarlet.
"AUNTIE!" she said, horrified that her aunt would say what was really in her heart.
The lead up to Christmas was a busy time in the Bones household. Their house elf Misty, had done all the hard stuff, cleaning and cooking, but gift shopping proved to be a chore. Amelia couldn't let Susan or Harry shop in Diagon Alley after what happened at Kings Cross, so Hestia Jones was pressed into service to act as go-between, doing the children's shopping for them. First one then the other would confide in her what to get for each other plus Amelia.
Amelia was busy as well. It took a few days, but she had finally talked Harry into revealing his life at the Dursleys. Now that she knew where he lived, she opened an investigation on the family. What she learned shocked her to the core. Amelia vowed those monsters would regret laying a hand on that sweet boy. The neighbors had found it hard to believe that the boy was treated so shabbily. True, they thought something was off, but never suspected that the Dursleys were anything but proper neighbours. They did see young Harry toiling in the garden and he seemed a dab hand at it, but never suspected that he did all the work around the house, including the cooking, washing and ironing. Harry had broken down one evening and under Susan and Amelia's gentle guidance and urging, had told of his life. He wouldn't show Susan his back, but Amelia almost gagged when he showed her. Scar tissue upon scar tissue, long and ropey in some cases literally covered his back and legs. He had admitted that they rarely fed him more than scraps and left overs and he'd lived in a cupboard under the stairs with mops and other detritus for most of his life. The verbal abuse was worse, as it drove him to attempt suicide once, but his body magically healed itself before he did any real damage. It was a wonder he was still sane, much less a decent boy and not a criminal as most children would be under those circumstances.
Amelia would not let Susan know the worst and most degrading things that Harry had suffered. Susan had comforted Harry when the memories had been too painful, but Amelia had interviewed him away from Susan one night and found the stuff of horrors in his memories. She had taken the memories and bottled all of them and locked them in her safe to her own personal key code. She would use this in private to send those animals to Azkaban. Never mind that muggles were never sent there; those two would be when certain well positioned people found out. She would make sure they were warned that they would be obliviated afterward to prevent word being leaked to the general public.
Meanwhile, she was still working to take Lucius down, but it would be hard.
Finally, Christmas was upon them and Harry seemed much happier after sharing his pain with whom he now felt as family. The tree had been trimmed and that was an adventure all in itself as Harry had never been allowed to enjoy any part of Christmas with the Dursleys. He had always been locked in his cupboard and fed scraps. Susan had broken down and cried when he told them. Amelia, now knowing the depth of depravity the Dursleys were capable of, could barely hold back her own tears.
Christmas morning, Misty was up preparing breakfast and a sleepy Harry was awoken when Susan jumped on his bed, tickling him until he woke.
"Wake up Harry, it's Christmas! Come see what Father Christmas brought."
Harry was ready to hex Susan until she said the magic word and he remembered he wasn't at the Dursleys. Excitedly he jumped out of bed, dumping a startled Susan on her bum and onto the floor.
"Ouch!" she complained. "Jeez, Harry, I didn't expect…" and she trailed off, realizing that Harry had probably never had a happy Christmas.
"Sorry Susan, I forgot. I got presents?"
"Of course, silly; what do you think Hestia went shopping for?"
"Oh, err um, yeah. It's just that I've never…"
Susan put a finger over his lips to silence him. "I know, but that's all changed now, love."
Harry considered the word Susan had just used. Love. He tested the word and found it gave him a warm feeling. He had never been loved before, but now… He broke out in a wide smile and pulled her to him, kissing her firmly. The kiss turned into a full snog when the startled girl responded enthusiastically.
"Ahem! You were supposed to just wake him up, young lady," Amelia interrupted the pair.
Susan grinned wickedly and replied, "But this so much more fun!"
Amelia huffed and rejoined, "Let Harry get dressed and meet us in the dining room."
"Yes, Auntie," they both replied at the same time, with a smirk.
Later, after a wonderful English breakfast, they turned to opening presents.
Susan was set to tear into hers when Amelia reminded her, "Guests first, Susan."
Susan blushed and handed Harry his pile, making sure her gift to him was on top.
Amelia distributed the rest of the presents as Harry waited patiently for Susan to open his. Amelia gave her a slight nod and she squealed in delight as she tore into the gaily wrapped package. "It's beautiful, Harry." Harry had gifted her with a fine gold necklace with a small heart pendant. Noticing a split in the side of the pendant, she carefully pried it open. Inside were a pair of carefully fitted wizarding photographs of Harry and Susan. "HARRY! Wherever did you get those?" Her eyes shone with happy tears as she gazed at the two photographs. Photograph Harry was reaching across to kiss photograph Susan.
Amelia smiled as she answered. I took the photos on a wizarding camera when you two were snogging each other last week," she admitted. "At first I was going to use it as blackmail to get you to admit you fancied each other but then I knew that wouldn't work when the kissing continued much longer than I expected. Harry came to me wondering what to get you and I suggested this."
That earned Harry another heated kiss. "Open yours, Harry," Susan begged suddenly shy.
Harry's gift from her was a wizarding photograph of him and Susan hugging each other as babies.
Susan answered, "This was in my room that my aunt gave to me years ago as a memento of when we stayed together at your parents place before they went into hiding."
Harry opened the final package. It also revealed a wizarding photograph, this one of his parents at their wedding reception. They were dancing and tears of joy ran down his cheek. "Where did you get…?"
"Well, of course I was at the wedding, so I took a few pictures," Amelia replied. I have a few more that I've started in an album for you two. You won't get to see it for a couple of years yet, as I have to talk to more people that knew them. Also, I'll add you two when I get more.
Susan opened her present from her aunt and found, much to her surprise, a pair of gold earrings to match her necklace. Finely crafted of goblin gold they were enchanted with tiny protection runes, almost invisible, but Amelia assured her they would protect her from all but the deadliest curses. The necklace also had fine runes inscribed on the back, providing a link from the photographs to the pair of them.
I have one other gift for Harry," Amelia stated as she presented him with a bracelet with the same runes and the same fine goblin gold. "The runes on this one are tied to Susan's necklace and both will heat up if the other is in danger. Oh, and there is a hidden link on the inside with a photograph of the two of you kissing," she grinned, watching the pair blush.
"This is great Auntie, Susan beamed, while Harry joined in with the pair hugging Amelia.
The dinner was excellent, a truly great testament to the creative magic of their house elf Misty.
The next day, Hannah asked if she could come through the floo and an hour later Neville was granted access as well. Both brought presents and Amelia had made sure that Susan and Harry had bought presents for them as well, along with Hermione. She would get hers when they returned to school. All were happy with their presents, with Hannah eyeing Susan speculatively when she noticed the locket and Harry's matching bracelet. "So, Susan," Hannah grinned, "anything you'd like to share?" she giggled as Susan smiled sweetly, knowing that Susan couldn't keep a secret like that for very long.
Susan and Hannah quickly disappeared into Susan's room and much giggling could be heard. Neville raised his eyebrows at this and Harry clued him in to his new girlfriend.
"I think Hannah suspected and just got confirmation that we're a couple now," Harry said with a grin. "I'd like to keep it quiet between our group though. At least until we're older. I'll tell Hermione, of course, but that's all. No sense in attracting trouble."
"Uh, yes, about Hermione," Neville said quietly, "I find her quite attractive. Do you think she would be interested in me?"
Harry blinked in surprise. "She's scarily brilliant, Neville. Do you think you can handle a girl that will probably be the brightest witch in school?"
"Oh, that doesn't scare me, I like smart people, plus she's the first girl that would even talk to me, apart from Susan, and I know Sue really likes you and always has."
"Then yes, I think she would. Hermione has the same shyness issues you have, so I think it might be good if you pursue her. Be aware that Terry Boot might give you competition though. He's definitely thinking about her."
"Damn," Neville swore softly. "He's almost as smart as her plus he's in the same house."
"Don't sell yourself short, Neville. I don't think she's paid any attention to him yet. She's too focused in studying. That could be your in; study with her and pay attention to her. She'll notice, I guarantee it."
Neville sighed and relaxed slightly. "I'll give it my best shot. I just hope I'm not too late."
"Neville, we're only eleven, well Hermione's twelve; I assure you it's not too late!"
Later that evening, after Hannah and Neville had left, Susan joined Harry on the couch in the lounge. Amelia had gone to the office to check in, hoping that there were no new problems.
"Harry," Susan started, "I was talking to Hannah and I think she's interested in Neville. What do you think?"
"Oh, boy! I had a talk with Neville and he's definitely interested in Hermione. I've talked him into pursuing her. Hannah won't like that."
Susan grimaced at that. "No, you're right, Hannah won't like that. I guess we'll just have to see how it all works out," she sighed. "Hannah has been my best friend for years. I thought Terry Boot was interested in her, at least he hangs around Hermione enough."
"I've never got the impression that she pays much attention to him though," Harry replied. "Neville's certainly the smartest person in Herbology and Hermione is always asking him questions. She's still too focused on studies though, so either one may have a chance if they're serious. I think Neville will try harder though, so my bet is on him. Maybe we could get Hannah interested in Terry," he added.
Susan thought a minute and finally agreed. "Hannah will be hurting when she finds out Neville likes Hermione, maybe I can do a bit of matchmaking."
"That's my girlfriend," Harry said as he kissed her. A kiss that soon turned into a full out snog.
"Jeez, you guys, give it a bit of a rest. You've been at it all day," came from a suddenly returning Amelia. The smile on her face belied the strict voice, as both preteens laughed.
The time between Boxing Day and New Years was quiet and the pair fell into a study routine, knowing that they would have to be sharp to maintain top placing in their year at Hogwarts (along with Hermione of course). Hermione was still the leader and although Harry and Susan came close, they could never beat her. Hermione had near perfect recall (eidetic) and once learned, never forgot anything. Neville was very good with plants and the group used his knowledge and expertise to good advantage. They, of course, helped him in his weak subjects. Potions remained the problem for the group. By this time, Professor Snape had ceased trying to taunt and upset Harry, as he never responded. With Susan monitoring him very closely and reporting to her aunt, Snape became wary of her and her friends. The Slytherins continued to be favoured and Draco Malfoy continued to taunt, but the ever present Hestia Jones deterred any overt actions by Malfoy and his goons. Malfoy had apparently learned his lesson when Hestia caught him sabotaging Susan and Harry's potion that they had been brewing in Snape's class one afternoon. He was frog-marched out of the class, despite the objections of Professor Snape, swearing to arrest him for complicity in a potion that could have proved fatal. Snape saw it differently and complained to Dumbledore, but Albus found his hands tied when Hestia produced the evidence of sabotage. Draco was given a strong warning and served detention for a week. His protestations of "When my father hears of this,,," earned him a death glare from Hestia, who actually meant it. Draco shut up, shivering at the wand pointed at his throat. As an Auror, attached to Amelia Bones, she was safe in her position and took no shit from anyone. She was one of the very few people that Amelia trusted completely.
In any case, although taunting still continued, Draco was very careful whom he taunted.
As the holidays neared an end, one other troubling thing happened; the escape of the notorious murderer Sirius Black. Nobody knew how he escaped, but everyone seemed to think Harry Potter was in danger, including Amelia. So, of course she took precautions.
The minister of magic, afraid of the public backlash if the Potter boy was killed decided to supply Dementors to guard the school. Amelia was furious. What was the man thinking? Those foul creatures could not distinguish the good from the bad and would be attracted to people like Harry that already had nightmares. Albus Dumbledore was also outraged, but his public posturing seemed not to affect Cornelius Fudge, who felt they he had to be seen doing something.
Amelia had shown Harry and Susan the Patronus Charm, but didn't expect either to be able to produce it. She knew that Hestia was able and she assigned Kingsley Shacklebolt as added protection until they reached Hogwarts.
Harry had fully understood the charm, but was unable to practice it at Bones Manor. Susan, likewise understood, but knew she'd be unable to produce it yet. That was about to change.
The platform at Kings Cross was filled with returning students that were hurriedly ushered onto the train. Susan and Harry found an empty compartment and were soon joined by Neville and a smiling Hermione.
"Hi guys, did you have a nice holiday?" She noticed the grim looks on Susan and Harry. Even Neville wore a frown. "What is it? Has something happened? I haven't kept up with the news…" She trailed off as the mood seemed to darken.
"Harry's being hunted, we think," Susan started to explain. "My aunt thinks the mass murderer Sirius Black may be after Harry to finish what V-Voldemort tried to do. He was supposed to be the one who betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort. He just escaped from Azkaban prison, and no one has done that before."
"What? I've read about that in 'Infamous Wizards of the Twentieth Century' but, but how?"
"Nobody knows how he escaped, but the Ministry has sent Dementors to guard the school," Susan replied disgustedly.
"That's bad, I've read about them. Why would they send those creatures to a school full of children? You know they won't be able to differentiate between innocent and guilty. They could wipe out half the school before anyone could stop them."
"Hermione, have you heard of the Patronus Charm?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but it's supposed to be really hard to learn. I think they only teach that in seventh year and it's not a required charm for testing unless you want to become an Auror. Most people can't cast it."
"I think we should try to learn it," Harry suggested. "It could well save out lives."
"We're just starting Hogwarts, Harry, we'd never be strong enough to cast it," Hermione stated, with nods from Neville and Susan.
"I watched as Susan's Aunt Amelia cast it to demonstrate it. I think I'd like to try," Harry replied with confidence. "First you have to find a really happy memory and pull that to the front of your mind. The incantation is simple enough, 'Expecto Patronum' and a sharp jab with your wand." Concentrating, Harry remembered the kiss Susan gave him the first time. "Expecto Patronum," he yelled with a sharp jab of his wand. To his and everyone's amazement, a strong whitish vapour appeared, and slowly coalesced into a shape of some kind. Harry's jaw dropped and he lost focus and the form dissipated.
"Wow," Neville exclaimed, clearly impressed. The others were speechless.
"Y-you did it!" Susan exclaimed. "Harry, that was amazing. Tell us how you did it."
"But, but I already told you. You need to find a really happy memory and, well, follow what I did."
"What memory did you use?" Hermione asked.
Harry blushed and Susan immediately knew. "He used the memory when we first kissed I bet."
"Y-you kissed? When did that happen and why?" Hermione prodded.
"Oh, that's right, you don't know. We became a couple over the holidays. I kissed him after saving me at Kings Cross at the start of holidays. Some idiot tried to kill us with a killing curse."
Hermione gasped in shock. "Do you know who it was?"
"Oh yes, Harry got a good look at him. It's not admissible in court, but it was Draco's father. Aunt Amelia is building a case against him, but he's got powerful friends."
Neville had heard this story and relayed it to his grandmother. Madam Longbottom was incensed, to say the least.
"Okay, now you try it, Susan," Harry prodded his girlfriend. "I'm sure you can come up with an appropriate memory," he teased with a grin.
"Shut it you," Susan responded, but she already knew the one she wanted, their first snogging session when Auntie caught them. She concentrated and spoke the words forcefully and with a jab of her wand, a solid Badger form appeared. It lasted a bit longer than Harry's, but it was definitely there.
"Amazing!" was heard from the other three. "Susan, I'm proud of you!" Harry exclaimed pulling her to him and kissing her hard.
"Wait, what?" Hermione exclaimed. "I seem to have missed the part where you said Harry and you were boyfriend and girlfriend. Aren't you two a little young for that?"
"Well, Auntie claims it's just the hormones kicking in early, but I know I've liked Harry since we were babies," Susan explained.
"You did? How did you know Harry that young?"
"My Aunt Amelia and my parents were friends with his mum and dad, and they would let us play together before they went into hiding and were killed. My mum and dad were killed a year later. I've always known Harry, but he seems to not remember that. We think Dumbledore may have removed his memory of us. Auntie was furious when she found out some of the things Dumbledore did to Harry. He should never have been placed with his relatives. He was supposed to go to Neville's parents, but they...sorry Neville. They weren't able to take him and his godfather Sirius Black was first on the list with Aunt Amelia third. Harry could have grown up with me."
Eleven o'clock came and the train departed. The four preteens sat and talked about their holidays. Hermione's trip to France turned into a ski vacation. Neville questioned her closely about that, never having heard of skiing before. Harry had never been even swimming, much less skiing, so he paid attention too. Susan had been to Switzerland and had learned to ski and promised to take him at the next opportunity. "You'll love it," both girls enthusiastically agreed. Neville wasn't sure, but if Hermione liked it, he was game to try it.
"Maybe we can all go next winter break," Susan suggested.
They all agreed that it would be a great idea.
Hestia stopped by for a quick check, before joining Kingsley, patrolling the train.
Neither Hermione nor Neville were able to produce a full patronus, but at least they both got silvery vapour out of their wands. Hermione didn't quite have a strong enough happy memory and Neville had less than that, but still was able to produce a wisp.
Harry smirked and whispered in Neville's ear, while Susan whispered in Hermione's. Both blushed, looking at the other uncertainly, before Neville proved brave enough to pull Hermione into a passionate kiss. Hermione was startled at first, but found the experience quite enjoyable. Maybe that wouldn't produce a strong enough feeling, but it felt really good the longer their lips met. And then Hermione did something that she'd read in one of her mum's paperbacks that she'd discovered recently. She deepened the kiss and used her tongue to urge Neville to open his mouth where she promptly invaded it. Neville had never felt such a heat rise in his body and mind as he responded, not quite sure if he was doing it right, but Hermione grabbed his head and full out snogged him, much to the surprise of Neville, Harry and Susan. After they had broken for air, Harry noticed a glassy eyed Neville with a silly grin plastered on his face. Hermione seemed changed as well.
"Now, you two, try that Patronus again!" Harry demanded.
This time, Neville managed a large bear, while Hermione's was a very solid otter.
"Come on Harry, you've shown us how, let's see a better one this time," Neville prodded.
Immediately a new memory surfaced and Harry cast a giant stag that pranced around the cramped compartment before darting out the door and charging down a Dementor that had boarded the train unnoticed until Harry felt their presence.
Meanwhile Hestia and Kingsley had noticed the intruder, but before they could form their own Patronus, a giant silvery solid looking stag gored the foul creature, causing a hideous screech, before it turned to black ash.
Speechless, the pair just stood in amazement, wondering what had happened.
"It came from Susan's compartment," Hestia finally figured it out.
"But who cast it?" Kingsley asked.
"Let's find out." The pair quickly made it down to Susan and Harry's compartment to find an unconscious Harry and Susan fussing over him.
"Who cast that Patronus? Kingsley asked.
"Harry," Neville replied. "I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it," he breathed. "It was solid. I could feel it, it was weird. Sort of like a furred animal, but not."
"It felt like electricity," Hermione suggested, "but softer, it gave me a slithery fuzzy feeling when I touched it. Then it galloped away and a minute later Harry collapsed. I think it really drained him. He was grinning like mad when he cast it though."
"That's impossible," Hestia argued, realizing that she'd made an absurd statement since she saw the result. "Well, it shouldn't have been possible," she corrected herself. She knelt beside Susan who was whispering to him, urging him to wake up.
"Get some chocolate, Kingsley. That should wake him up," Hestia suggested.
A few minutes later after forcing Harry to eat a small slab of dark chocolate, Harry coughed and tried to sit up. "What happened? I feel like someone ran over me with a lorry."
Hestia and Kingsley looked at each other and then at Harry. "Who taught you that, Harry?" Hestia asked, surprised that he had done something thought to be impossible.
"Amelia showed me and explained how to produce one, but didn't really believe I could do it," Harry replied groggily.
"Harry showed all of us, and we can all produce a Patronus, but not like that!" Hermione stated flatly.
"Really? You all can produce one? Not just a wisp, but a fully corporal one?" Kingsley asked, not really believing it.
"Well, not at first, but Susan did and then Harry told us how…" Hermione blushed at how he'd managed to goad them into producing a really happy memory. She'd have to talk to Neville about that, 'Neville,' she thought. 'Who would have believed it? He's a really good kisser too.'
The rest of the trip was uneventful, but an angry Albus Dumbledore awaited the returning quartet.