Disclaimer: You ever really wish that you owned Harry Potter and accordingly were rich and famous? Yes me too, but alas JKR owns it and not me.
A.N: Once again this is a repost of the earlier version, although starting around chapter 10 you'll see some changes to the plot.
Harry had to admit that a six hour drive on a motorcycle was something one should work their way up to as opposed to doing so for his first trip. In fact, if not for the amusement he derived from watching Hermione's ponytail flap out the back of her helmet it most likely would have been a very miserable trip. After a short stop just outside of Blackpool, the assorted group enjoyed a late breakfast at a roadside diner before hopping back on the M6 to begin the rest of the trip.
During their breakfast Harry asked, "So what exactly are we doing while we're here?"
Sirius smiled and replied, "Well, actually we thought we might take a portkey to Dublin for a couple of days by the weekend. But aside from that, relaxation and maybe try a spot of fishing. There are some nice restaurants in Stanraer that you can take Hermione to if you get that bored. But, seeing as how this is a muggle property no house elves, so we cook for ourselves."
Harry smiled at Hermione and said, "I think we'll manage just fine. I mean all those years with the Dursleys have to be good for something." Harry was surprised to feel none of the former bitterness he normally did. Hermione noticed and gave Harry an understanding wink as she finished the remainder of her breakfast.
The remainder of the trip went by quickly as one last stop for petrol was made before they crossed the border into Scotland, and eventually pulled into the small drive for Sirius' cottage. Of course, saying the house was a cottage would be like calling Hogwarts a big building. Simply stated, it would be an extreme understatement. The cottage, as Sirius called it, was actually a two story beach house that had plenty of room in it to wander around and still maintain a level of privacy from the other inhabitants of the room. If anything Harry was slowly beginning to learn that Sirius was the master of understatement.
As Harry dismounted the bike he realized just how tired and sore he actually was. Granted having the sidecar did take some stress off of his body, but he still was sore from having to use some very specific muscles that he hadn't used recently if ever. Hermione caught Harry's wince when he stepped off of the bike and with a concerned expression on her face asked, "Are you ok Harry?"
Harry smiled slightly and replied, "I'm fine, just a little sore is all."
Sirius chuckled and said, "Good thing we have a hot tub then kiddo. You and Hermione are more than welcome to try it out if you want to."
Harry waggled his eyebrows at Hermione, and she blushed slightly before she punched him in the shoulder and said, "Well let's go then, I have to change into my swimsuit if we're going to get into the hot tub."
Harry gingerly made his way into the house carrying their luggage that had been shrunk and walked up the stairs to find a bedroom to his liking. Hermione grabbed her luggage and enlarged it before taking the room across the hall from Harry's and shutting her door behind her. Harry slowly changed into a pair of swim trunks and grabbed a pair of towels from the bathroom down the hall before he encountered Hermione in a conservative but attractive bikini. Harry handed her a towel as well before they walked back down the stairs and out towards the room with the hot tub in it.
Hermione climbed in and covered a snicker as Harry slowly and gingerly made his way in as well. The look of pure bliss on Harry's face after he sunk himself into the water, which was enough to make Hermione giggle and Harry to crack open one eye and groan in response.
Hermione finally stifled her giggles and softly asked, "Does it really hurt that much?"
Harry shook his head as he maneuvered himself nearer to one of the jets underwater to massage his lower back. He finally said, "It doesn't hurt, I'm just really sore. It felt like how I feel after a long fly on my broom, but multiply that by three."
Hermione sighed and said, "Scoot over then, I'll rub your back."
Harry slowly slid away from the edge of the hot tub as Hermione sidled in behind him and wrapped her legs around him to hold him in place. Hermione's small and soft hands worked their magic on Harry's back and he felt the requisite reaction to being rubbed down by his attractive girlfriend in a bikini. Upon seeing Harry squirm in an attempt to stifle his reaction Hermione giggled and said, "You know, I think I can do something to help you with that."
Harry coughed and promptly slid underneath the water in shock. Hermione laughed even harder when Harry resurfaced with a completely bewildered expression on his face. Hermione leaned in and gave him a kiss before she throatily said, "Now about that problem." Nearly an hour later the thoroughly stimulated and satiated pair dried each other off before walking back into the house with a little extra bounce in their steps.
Sirius and Emmeline caught the grin and glow about the pair and Sirius asked, "Anything we should know about what happened in the hot tub?"
Harry shrugged and replied with a twinkle in his eye, "Hermione rubbed my back and I returned the favor." Sirius rolled his eyes but refrained from speaking further as Emmeline pulled him into a steamy kiss allowing the teens to escape and wash up before heading into town for a nice dinner.
Harry dressed up into a pair of khaki shorts and a short sleeved white button up shirt, which incidentally had a small lightning bolt, the new Potter family symbol, on the breast. Hermione came down where a nice blouse and skirt outfit as she shared a small private smile with Harry.
Harry quietly asked Sirius, "What kind of restaurants are there in town?"
Sirius smiled and replied, "I think I'll let that be a surprise for you two. Walking or driving into town?"
Harry yawned and replied, "Walking, figured I've had enough driving for the day." Sirius nodded as Harry took Hermione's arm and they walked down the drive and towards town for dinner and a walk.
Meanwhile in Prague
A meeting of the elders had not been called into session in nearly two centuries and yet here today they were called into session to consider a proposal from a potential ally. The power structure in the Czech Republic was considerably different from that of Great Britain. The oldest pureblood families in the country took turns ruling the magical community and a meeting with each head of all of the ruling families rarely happened for security reasons.
Jiri Moravec was the head of his family and after the obligatory ten year period for the current ruler came to an end, he would be leading his countrymen for his term. Being one of the youngest members on the board he was well doctrinated in the story of Harry Potter and his victory over Lord Voldemort. Therefore it came as quite a surprise when he was informed that Lord Voldemort was the special guest with the proposal to set forth.
Voldemort eyed the assembled group approvingly before he began to speak in Slovakian thanks to a translation spell. Voldemort regally said, "My friends, I come to you today in friendship and a promise of camaraderie."
Jiri watched skeptically well aware that Lord Voldemort never held any in esteem enough to be a friend. The trick of duplicity was what Voldemort presented and Jiri continued to listen with the dark lords game already found.
Voldemort continued as his red eyes scanned the room, "Many of you have heard of the defeats that the purebloods of Britain have suffered this year at the hands of Harry Potter. What most of you are unaware of is that Potter plans on moving on the purebloods of mainland Europe when he is done there."
Jiri had to stifle a snort listening to Voldemort spew his nonsense, and anyone with half a mind would be able to detect the lie in his words. Once again Jiri was surprised as many of the older members of the council appeared to be quite concerned at Voldemort's words.
Deciding that the mockery had went far enough Jiri raised his hand to make a statement and Voldemort motioned for him to speak before he said, "With all due respect Lord Voldemort, you must think us to be simple to accept your word as the truth. All of the purebloods that have died in the past year have solely been your followers. Surely that can not be construed as a war upon purebloods your Lordship."
Voldemort's red eyes burned intensely upon Jiri before the dark wizard brandished his wand and coldly said, "Avada Kedavra." Jiri dropped to the floor dead with his eyes staring off into space. Several of the council members faced Voldemort with their wands drawn upon seeing their future leader dropped for a disagreement.
Voldemort sneered and fired off several killing curses at the older wizards in the room felling them in an attempt to even up the odds. Voldemort looked at the remaining members of the council and sneered as he said, "I will remember this act of defiance. Your day of reckoning has yet to come." Voldemort vanished with a furious sounding pop leaving the remaining ten council members to pick up the pieces of what in essence became a mass assassination. If nothing else, Lord Voldemort's first attempt at consolidating power had proved to be an unmitigated disaster.
A Small restaurant in Downtown London
It was the lunchtime hour which meant one thing for the staff of the restaurant, lunchtime rush. Summer time was always worse for walk in customers so the manager Kevin have been forced to hire some new help. One of the new waitresses, a pretty redheaded teenager had initially struggled in her position but was coming in to her own in her second week of work.
Kevin noticed an unattended table and he called out to her, "Ginny, could you take table 10 for me?"
Ginny nodded as she bustled over to the table of teenage boys who appeared to appreciate her presence greatly. A dark haired boy asked, "Hey cutie, can we get some menus?"
By the time Ginny had been hit on by every boy at the table, she managed to receive a five pound tip. The summer had been a struggle in many ways, but for the first time Ginny had some money in her pocket and control of her own life. Things this year at Hogwarts were going to be different.
Berlin, the Ritz Hotel
Draco Malfoy was in a large conference room attached to his personal suite that he had rented out for the summer in the interest of keeping a low profile. Draco had received a letter from Voldemort asking for a private audience with him, and this is where he found himself now.
Finally, the door creaked open and for once Lord Voldemort the darkest wizard of the land entered the room as any muggle would, through the door. Draco had to admit seeing the dark lord walking into a room took a little bit of the shine off of him that his father had placed from years of teachings. Draco bowed as was expected of him as he murmured, "Thank you for gracing me with your presence my lord."
Voldemort nodded and in the warmest voice he could muster he looked directly into Draco's eyes and said, "You are well aware that it was Potter that killed your father. I come today with a rare offer for revenge against Potter by taking the closest thing to a father he has."
Draco frowned and asked, "You want me to kill Black my lord?"
Voldemort's red eyes narrowed dangerously and he said, "Remember your place young Malfoy." Draco nodded and Voldemort continued, "No, I do not want you to kill Black. The boy showed this year that he could weather the loss of his guardian."
Voldemort steepled his fingers and said with more than a hint of venom, "I want you to help kill Dumbledore."
Draco's eyes widened and he stammered, "But my lord, surely the defenses at Hogwarts are too great to breach."
Voldemort smiled maliciously and he said, "My new potions master has developed a 24 hour version of the polyjuice potion. I will supply you with the name of a student's identity you must assume and it will be your job to dispatch of him and still have enough of the potion to carry out your task."
Draco nodded thoughtfully before Voldemort said, "Very well, if you should succeed in this task you will join me and be marked as my greatest general."
Draco merely nodded once again, well past the point where words would sufficiently capture his sentiments, and Voldemort stood and swiftly left the room and with a wave of his hand the door shut behind him leaving Draco trying to pull his emotions under reign.
Draco let put a deep breath as he buried his face in hands and murmured, "From one prison to the next."
Stanraer, Black Cottage
The first four days of their vacation had been some of the best and most relaxing of many of their lives. Harry and Hermione continued their slow exploration into the more intimate details of their relationship, not having reached the ultimate end yet but quite content with learning the other subtleties in pleasuring each other. Sirius and Emmeline had likewise been treating the vacation like a honeymoon and despite the rather liberal use of silencing charms the occasional vibration made its way to the other occupants' senses.
Today however, the house was bustling with activity as they all packed for a short weekend trip to Dublin to take in a little bit of the wizard culture of Ireland. Amazingly, Harry was the first one finished packing and he sat out on the swing on the front porch patiently waiting for everyone else to finish.
After several minutes of just watching the wind blow the beach grass around the door softly opened behind him and revealed Emmeline looking at Harry warmly. Harry offered her the seat next to him and she took it gratefully. They sat swinging in silence before Emmeline asked, "Harry, do you want me to tell a story about your father?"
Harry turned to Emmeline and asked, "Did you know my parents?"
Emmeline's eyes widened and she asked, "I never told you about my days at Hogwarts?" Harry shook his head and she made a distressed noise before wrapping Harry into a tight hug.
After she composed herself she said, "I was your mum's best friend back at Hogwarts. I told Hermione my story, so I am kind of surprised she didn't tell you."
Harry smiled slightly and said, "We don't tell each other everything. In fact, I imagine she didn't tell me probably because she wanted you to tell me if I know her."
Emmeline smiled knowingly and replied, "Yes that does sound like her." She bit her lip for a moment looking remarkable like Hermione for a moment before she said, "How about I start with a short story?" Harry nodded and she spent a few more moments in thought.
Finally she spoke, "I met your mum on the train on my way to Hogwarts. She and a brunette were sitting in a compartment talking about the sorting. The brunette happened to be your friend Neville's mum."
Harry nodded and asked, "What was my mum like?"
Emmeline smiled as she leaned over and patted Harry's hand and said, "She was the sweetest person I've ever known. She had such a big heart and always helped people when they needed it."
Harry smiled as he thought about his mom so he asked, "So what did you talk about on the train?"
Emmeline seemed surprised for a moment before she said, "Lily was asking me if I had tried any magic before. She was so anxious to start using some of the spells she had read about in the books. I don't think I've ever seen a muggleborn know as much about magic."
Harry softly offered, "You didn't know Hermione then."
Emmeline smiled and continued, "She asked Alice and me if we had tried some of the spells she was talking about. She was complaining about the ministry's regulation on muggleborn students, she was about as precocious as they came back then."
Harry smiled at the tidbit of information and asked, "So were you all friends straight away?"
Emmeline nodded and murmured, "We were all friends, even after I was sorted into Ravenclaw and Lily and Alice were sorted into Gryffindor. We sat together in the classes we had together, and we studied in the library often. We didn't really branch out to many other people our first year, although I did get to know your father pretty well."
Harry's attention was rapt as he asked, "What was my dad like back in first year?"
Emmeline sighed and looked out down the drive in an attempt to gather her thoughts. After a moment she said, "James was a wonderful and infuriating person his first few years at Hogwarts. He had a huge heart, and then he would do something cruel just for laughs."
Harry frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"
Emmeline looked pensive for a moment before she replied, "Your father and Severus Snape would do awful things to each other. Initially it was simple stuff like regular house rivalry things. But, it quickly deteriorated starting their third year. Of course it didn't help when Lucius Malfoy and Sirius were egging it all on."
Harry nodded and asked, "What kind of stuff would they do?"
Emmeline furrowed her brow and after a moment she spoke, "It would be as simple as throwing hexes when they thought the other was looking, to as complex as spreading rather cruel rumors."
Harry frowned in thought for a moment before he nodded to himself and gave Emmeline a warm smile and said, "Thanks for telling me." He appeared troubled for a moment before he added, "I like hearing stories from Sirius about my parents, but sometimes I have to wonder if he didn't have an idealized version of my parents in his head. I like to know the good with the bad I guess." Harry ran a hand through his hair and looked right into Emmeline's eyes before he asked, "Does that make sense?"
Emmeline's breath caught as she saw James Potter reincarnate for a fleeting moment as Harry looked into her eyes. She took a steadying breath and patted Harry's knee as she said, "It makes perfect sense sweetheart." Harry nodded apparently relieved with her response and they lapsed into a comfortable silence both lost in their thought for the moment.
Hermione and Sirius both came outside a few minutes later and noticed the serene moment Harry and Emmeline were sharing. Sirius tentatively shared a look with Hermione who shrugged before he said, "Everything alright out here?"
Harry looked up startled and grinned sheepishly before he said, "Sorry about that, we just got lost in thought."
Sirius and Hermione shared a bemused look at the understatement of the day before Sirius pulled out the portkey he had gotten a week earlier. Glancing at his watch Sirius said, "Alright you guys we have a minute until the portkey activates. Make sure you have a good grip on it when it takes off or you might have a rough ride to Dublin.
They all shared a laugh at the thought of landing in the sea somewhere between where they were and Dublin. They all vanished in a swirl of color leaving the cottage in a cyclone of magic, destined to take them to Dublin for a weekend trip.
Harry's experience with portkeys had admittedly been poor in the past, but this time he landed lightly on his feet along with the others of the group. What he didn't expect were the two giggling girls that grabbed his arms and dragged him into town. Harry managed to see the rest of the group being given the same treatment and called out, "Paddy, what exactly is going on here?"
Sirius replied, "Must be a wizard's fair kiddo, just hang on for the ride."
Harry wasn't too comforted by the answer as the giggling girls finally stopped pushing him in the midst of what appeared to be a carnival of some sort. Harry sought out Hermione and asked, "What do you know about wizard's fairs?"
Hermione wrapped her arm around Harry's and then said, "I've just read about mentions of them in books, I honestly don't know what we can do."
Harry nodded and Sirius gave them a wave and pointed at his watch before mouthing eleven o'clock. Harry assumed that this meant to meet him back at this spot at eleven. Harry smiled down at Hermione as he glanced down at the party in the streets ahead and said, "Fancy a carnival then?"
Hermione smiled sweetly and replied, "I'd love to."
They merely browsed the carnival and tried to check out the various attractions for nearly an hour, and Harry was relieved to see that no one had recognized him yet. Feeling a little frisky Harry asked Hermione, "So, anything you want to do?"
Hermione smiled sweetly and replied, "I wouldn't mind seeing that Gypsy fortune teller."
Whatever response Harry had been expecting that most definitely was not it and he was only able to manage a garbled, "What?"
Hermione giggled and replied, "I know, I know divination is a wooly discipline and all. But, I've always wondered what it would be like." Harry sighed but didn't fight when she dragged him towards the tent with the flashing sign that read "Madam Muerte Teller of Fates."
Harry groaned as they entered to the overwhelming scents of various incense being burned. Harry had flashbacks to all of the times his death had been predicted in Trelawney's room. An old lady with wispy white hair greeted them and said, "Hello children would you like your fortunes told?"
Hermione smiled as she dragged Harry into the room through the beaded curtains. They both sat down on the ground as the woman sat on a bean bag with a small stand and a crystal ball. Harry barely refrained from rolling his eyes as the woman went into a trance. Hermione caught Harry's eye roll and swatted at his arm as the old woman finally began to speak.
In what most muggles would consider a foreboding voice she said, "I see times of struggle ahead for the both of you. But love will flourish in the dark times ahead. There will be death to many that are close to you, but you will persevere. Light times are ahead if your council is pure and true."
Harry and Hermione shared a look before Hermione asked, "Will I have children?"
The old lady was silent for a moment before she said, "You will bring much life into the world, but the lives you take will greatly outnumber it."
Harry sighed and whispered into Hermione's ear, "How many more questions do you have for Madam Muerte here?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and softly asked, "Is there anything else you can tell me?"
Madam Muerte replied, "Much has changed and much work remains."
Hermione nodded as she nudged Harry in the ribs as he handed the old woman the universal wizarding currency, a single galleon, before they exited the tent.
The remainder of the evening they spent in the games portion of the fair as Harry won Hermione a stuffed Hippogriff in the catch the snitch booth before they finally met back up with Sirius and Emmeline at the prescribed meeting point. Upon seeing the Hippogriff in Hermione's hands Sirius laughed and said, "Harry, Hermione and a Hippogriff, that brings back some fond memories."
Hermione squeezed the Hippogriff tightly to her chest and asked, "So what are the plans for the rest of the night?"
Sirius smiled and with a glance down at his watch replied, "Let's get checked into our hotel, and then we can go do a dance club I've heard about."
Harry arched his eyebrow and said, "Um, we're underage Paddy."
Sirius rolled his eyes and replied, "Trust me; you don't need to be of age at this club."
After checking into their hotel room and putting on the appropriate garb for a late night of dancing, Harry and Hermione knocked on the door to Sirius and Emmeline's room. After a moment of muffled noises the old witch and wizard walked out of their room.
Sirius smiled at Harry and Hermione with just a tinge of sheepishness and said, "You, um caught us in the middle of getting dressed."
Harry quietly mumbled to Hermione, "More like in the middle of getting undressed." Hermione giggled and Sirius turned around and eyed them suspiciously as they walked out of the hotel.
With a quick glance around Sirius said, "It's just a block from the hotel, so we should probably leg it."
After a ten minute walk they happened upon what appeared to be a small club with a flashing witch on a broom. Harry eyed Sirius suspiciously and he simply replied, "Sometime the best way to keep a secret is to keep it in plain view."
Upon entering the front door a large man that apparently was the bouncer stopped Harry and Hermione before he said, "You two got I.D.?"
They both manufactured their driving licenses and he slapped a pair of neon yellow bracelets on their arms before he said, "Just because you're Harry Potter, doesn't mean you're drinking tonight."
Harry nodded and said, "Just out for a dance with my girlfriend mate." The bouncer nodded and gave Harry an understanding smile as they entered the club which was a strange contrast in sights. It was obviously a magical club as the inside was much larger than it appeared from the outside, and some cleverly placed sound muffling charms separated the dance floor into two distinct halves. One half was playing typical dance club music as people gyrated against each other. The other half appeared to be a couple's dance of sorts as they swayed to the music played.
Harry looked at both sides impassively before Hermione pulled him down into the dance club proper as the strobe lights flashed and the beat of the music slowly began to filter into their ears the closer they got.
Hermione tugged on Harry's arm as they entered the dance floor and the throbbing beats in the background urged them to dance. Hermione turned her back to Harry as he wrapped his arm around her stomach. They slowly swayed to the music until the beat shifted and Hermione did a decidedly un-Hermione thing, she lowered her bum and ground up against him. Eliciting a quite moan from Harry she turned in his embrace until her face was once again pointed at his. With a smirk dancing on her face she pulled Harry down into a languid kiss as they ground against each other for several long minutes.
Finally they broke the kiss looking very flushed and pleased with themselves. After catching their breath Hermione tugged on Harry's arm and said, "Let's go slow dance and see how Sirius and Emmeline are doing." Harry merely nodded as she led them back away from the dance floor and across the room to the other dance floor.
They found the older couple swaying to the music as a love ballad played in the background. Harry smiled at the sight before he wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist as they began to sway to the music together too. By the time they left the club it was nearly three in the morning, but their first night in Dublin had been lovely in every way.
A/N: Sorry about the long time it took to update. I've had the chapter outlined for awhile, it just took awhile to actually sit down and type it. The summer will begin to move quickly over the next couple of chapters as we will continue to check in on Voldemort and some training for the gang that went to the ministry. Figure 3-4 chapters until we get back to Hogwarts, and then the sixth year can truly begin. Thanks to all of my faithful reviewers, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.