Harry shut the door behind him and shut his eyes. I finally get a girlfriend like a normal boy but no, not even that can be simple. He clenched his hand into a fist remembering all the bruises covering Hermione's face and throat "He is going to pay for that… I will make certain he pays for every bruise he caused her...him…" Harry shook his head and walked into the yard "Tonks! Hey Tonks!" He hissed just loud enough to be heard.
"Wotcher Harry? What are you doing up?" The witch reappeared before his eyes "Is it Voldemort?"
Harry hesitated before he finally sighed "Yeah, but not how you are thinking. I need you to come inside with me."
"Ah Harry I'm touched but I'm afraid you're a bit young for me." She winked enjoying the blush that colored the boy's cheeks.
"I-I have a girlfriend already Tonks. Hermione and I started dating this year… Sirius…" He trailed off remembering how thrilled Sirius had been when he and Hermione admitted how they felt for each other. He forced the memory back remembering that his Hermione was sitting in the kitchen hurt and confused. "Hermione is here Tonks… Voldemort came to her house he...hurt her." He finally got out clenching his teeth in a snarl.
"Easy Harry. Hermione is here? Are you sure it's her, I mean…" She trailed off as Harry turned to head back inside.
"Trust me… It's Hermione. I'm sure you'll have your own questions when you see…"
Tonks frowned but hurried after Harry keeping her wand ready. She frowned as Harry shut the door behind them. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of the figure sitting quietly at the dining table. Silently Tonks cast privacy charms before yanking the teenager up from his chair and forcefully slamming them against the wall her wand under the far taller boy's chin.
"Get off her Tonks! I told you it's Hermione!" Harry reached to pull Tonks back.
"N-no Harry! It's alright I was prepared for this." Hermione looked into Tonk's shifting eyes. "I swear on my magic that my name is Hermione Jean Granger. I am almost seventeen years old and gir-bo-... Harry Potter's love." He winced as Tonks pressed too hard on some of his new bruises. "I can prove it… I was struck by a cutting curse just a week ago at the department of mysteries. I have the scar…"
Tonks yanked the boy's shirt up and her eyes widened her hair turned to a mousy brown and she pulled her wand back "Bloody hell… Hermione?" She looked up at the tall boy taking in his features. After a moment she let his shirt fall back. "You're a boy…"
Hermione nodded "I got home from visiting the library and Voldemort was waiting for me… Him and Wormtail. He… played with me. Told me he could never allow me to be killed… That I could leave protection for Harry if I did." Hermione felt Harry take his hand and lead him back to the chair Tonks had forced him out of.
Harry stood behind him his hands resting on Hermione's broad shoulders. "Hermione told me that Voldemort did this to her to make me turn her...him. Away. To make me revolted." Harry shook his head "He's a bloody idiot. Like a simple body, change would make me hate my Mione."
Hermione set his backpack on the table as Tonks sat down. Hermione saw Tonks open her mouth he shook his head "No, don't apologize. I'm glad you are so protective of Harry. I brought the clothes I was wearing and the tumbler he put the potion in. I haven't showered or even wiped away the blood."
Tonks nodded as she looked closer to see dried blood under his nose and the corner of his mouth.
"I haven't eaten or had anything to drink either." Hermione frowned as he felt Harry's grip tighten on his shoulders "Harry, I'm alright now…"
"Damnit Hermione you are not alright! Look at yourself! Covered in bruises and dried blood and that's ignoring the fact that the bastard turned you into a bloke!" Harry sat down hard next to Hermione. "I mean… What if… what if you can't be turned back… I don't want to lose you…I can't lose you!"
Hermione hesitated as Tonks stood up "I'm going to try and find Dumbledore. You two stay right here. I'll be back as soon as I can be." She walked back outside shutting the door behind her.
Hermione turned to face Harry who was glancing at the ground. "Harry what did you mean about you losing me?"
"Hermione… I know you don't believe me but you are beautiful. You could have any guy you wanted." Harry paused for a moment before shaking his head "But as a a...a bloke? God help me, Hermione, you are hot as sin. If you stay this way you're going to have girls falling at your feet!" Harry looked up to see Hermione frowning at him "How can I compete with that?"
Hermione glanced outside to make certain Tonks was gone before he took Harry's hand in his "Harry, I don't care how many girls fall at my feet my heart is yours a-and so is my body." A blush colored his cheeks as he bit his lip.
"Wha-what do you mean your heart and body Mione?" Harry frowned at how cagey Hermione was behaving before the boy finally groaned.
"Harry, just the thought of you has caused me… a situation in my jeans and it's not one that has been helped since arriving here and seeing you without a shirt on!" Hermione turned away his face bright red as Harry glanced down to see the slight bit of tenting in Hermione's jeans and remembered the hardness against his thigh.
Harry turned almost as red as Hermione as he swallowed "So you still find me?"
"Yes of course I do!" Hermione paused "Do you find me…"
Harry opened his mouth to answer to be interrupted by the sound of apparition. Tonks had returned and alongside her was Dumbledore and Snape. "Give me a raincheck?" Harry begged as Hermione simply nodded.
Dumbledore hurried in the door followed by Snape. Before either teenager could say a word Dumbledore had already cast a charm at Hermione before nodding at the results. "Miss. Granger, I cannot tell you how very relieved I am to see you. Not many can claim to have met Voldemort face to face and walk away from it." He smiled as the young man seemed to release much of the tension in his shoulders.
"Professor… I did my best. I fought as hard as I could."
"Now, now Miss. Granger, no one here will deny that fact. Tonks tells me that Voldemort made you take a potion?" Dumbledore frowned as he saw all the angry bruises left on one of if not the most gifted student he had ever had the honor of knowing.
Hermione nodded his head. "Yes Sir, It was a blue color and even though it had come directly off the fire it was as cold as ice. He also said an incantation." He shook his head "I'm sorry Sir I can't remember it." His eyes widened "damn...er excuse me, Sir, I just… I told Tonks I had not eaten or drunken anything after being forced to drink the ice blue potion… But I forgot that I took a pain potion." He looked down wringing his hands "I'm sorry I was just, in so much pain."
Snape simply nodded. "Most would likely still be unconscious simply due to the pain of growing so many centimeters." He fished out the tumbler and Hermione's bloodstained t-shirt. "I will take these and do what I can Albus." Snape turned to the Headmaster.
"Of course, of course, Severus, please do keep me informed." Dumbledore watched as Snape nodded before he disapparated.
Dumbledore turned his attention to Hermione smiling as Harry reached and took the boy's hand in his own. "Where are your parents, my dear?"
"Amsterdam Sir, they are at a convention. Won't be home until Monday." Hermione shook his head "Thank God…"
"I quite agree Miss. Granger, Voldemort is not one to care for the lives of muggles. Tell me my dear bo-er girl did Voldemort tell you why he did this?"
"You can refer to me as a boy Sir, I-I'm coming to terms with it...besides he called me Miss. Granger… I think I'd like a bit of time before I'm called that again." Hermione smiled gently as he felt Harry squeeze his hand. "He told me that he knew the full prophecy that he would have to kill Harry or that Harry would kill him using a power he knew not." Hermione paused "He knows that you think the power is love. H-he told me that he nor his followers would ever kill me. Even giving a Wizard's oath. He said I was too willing to die to protect Harry." Hermione paused a moment. "H-he said he'd never touch me again that Harry would do the work for him. That I'd revolt him...make him turn me away." He frowned biting his lip pushing away the pain of Harry's request of a raincheck on his feelings for him.
"And that's when he gave you the potion?" Dumbledore asked gently surprised by the boy shaking his head.
"No Sir, he brewed it right in front of me. I don't think it has much of a shelf life. I fought as hard as I could to not take it...I really did Sir." Hermione looked up as Dumbledore gently squeezed his shoulder.
"I know you did my boy, you did the very best you could." He sighed and leaned against the wall "But now we have a problem, Voldemort is fully aware of the prophecy and fully believes you to be vital to both it and Harry as well."
"Sir, what is going to happen to Hermione." Harry finally asked as he continued to hold his hand firmly in his own.
"Well, we will endeavor to return her to her true body of course. Professor Snape is one of the most gifted potion masters after all. I have much faith in his abilities." Dumbledore frowned after a moment "If however, that isn't possible we will, of course, strive to make the change as easy on Miss er Mister Granger as possible." He smiled gently at Hermione "Do not worry, your place at Hogwarts is secure my dear boy. While we've never had two male prefects I doubt it would cause too much of a problem."
Hermione shook his head "Thank you Sir, but if I am unable to...be Hermione again I don't feel it would be proper for me to continue in my role as prefect." He glanced down at his trainers "Ginny would be a solid choice to replace me though Sir even if she is a year behind."
Dumbledore stroked his beard while nodding "I will take your suggestion into consideration if it comes to that. For now, though I think the best idea is to get both of you to safety a bit early. Harry my boy I hope you don't mind leaving your Aunt and Uncle a few weeks early?" His blue eyes twinkled down at the boy who he was pleased to see still had a firm hold on Hermione's hand.
Harry grinned up at the headmaster "Not one bit Sir."
Dumbledore nodded "Very good, now would you happen to have your house key, Mister Granger?"
Hermione nodded "Yes Sir, I locked up when I left." He fished it out of his pocket surprised to see Tonks reach to take it. Puzzled he let her take it. Watching as the witch disapparated as soon as it was in her hand.
"Sir?" Harry asked an eyebrow raised.
"Ah, nothing to worry about my boy...s." Dumbledore shook his head watching as Hermione tucked a bit of hair behind his ear. "Tonks is just retrieving your school things and placing some wards to let us know as soon as your parents return. Mis-ter Granger, why don't you assist Harry in packing his things? I'm going to go and retrieve another guard to help make this a touch easier."
Hermione watched as Dumbledore vanished leaving him and Harry alone in the kitchen. He bit his lower lip before glancing down at Harry who still held his hand.
"Now where were we?" Harry smiled up at him "I don't know how long we have before Dumbledore gets back." He tugged at Hermione's urging the boy to follow him.
Quietly the two boys went up the stairs. Hermione frowned as he saw the six locks and cat flap on the door that Harry pulled open.
"Sit on the bed?" Harry suggested as he turned to his closet taking a breath in and releasing it. "You asked me… If I still felt you were attractive like this?"
"And you asked for a raincheck. I know Harry, d-don't worry too much about it alright? I'm sorry for pushing you for an answer. It was wrong of me." Hermione frowned even as he tried to sound neutral.
"Damnit Mione, You had every right to ask that… We both know." Harry paused as he placed a hand on his closet door clenching it into a fist. "We both know that Voldemort wouldn't have taken the time to do this to you… If…" Harry trailed off
"I know. God help me, Harry, I know… I keep trying to pretend… but…" Hermione shut his eyes tightly trying to keep the tears from escaping. He swallowed hard feeling how his adam's apple moved.
"Probably gave you a compulsion charm," Harry growled out. "So bloody sure I'd reject you that he made sure your only thought would be about getting to me."
"...It makes sense, normally I'd have taken a lot more time investigating what had happened but...I had to get to you, Harry…" Hermione opened his eyes to see Harry's bare back his shoulders tensed up. He bit his lip "Probably has something to do with the short shelf life…"
"Hermione, listen I…" Harry trailed off.
"No, i-it's alright Harry. I do understand you aren't attracted, t-to boys. I knew that… I know that." Hermione shook his head "But we can still be best mates right?"
Hermione jumped as he heard the sound of cracking particle board before Harry turned to face him his eyes wild.
"For the love of God will you just shut up for a moment!" Harry ran his fingers through his hair "Bloody hell It hasn't even been an hour since you got here!"
Hermione looked down quickly and Harry groaned. "Hermione… Mione, look at me please?"
After a few moments, the boy glanced up to see Harry looking at him with a searching expression.
"You're right, I've never found blokes attractive. I could obviously tell when one was handsome of course." Harry shrugged after a moment then shook his head "But the idea of a handsome boy never did anything for me. Not like when I saw a gorgeous girl. I remember the first time I played against Cho Chang… I'm amazed I was able to stay on my broom." He chuckled softly "But that was all before I realized what you mean to me. The day I realized how crazy your out of control hair made me feel. The fact I wanted to drown in your eyes and knowing that my day
was not complete without you smiling at me."
Hermione simply stared at Harry unable to speak unwilling to move. As Harry spoke the only sign that Hermione was listening were the tears that slowly rolled down his cheeks.
"I had a plan Mione, I'd defeat Voldemort with yours and Ron's help somehow. We'd finish Hogwarts together you as head girl and Valedictorian." He smiled. "I planned to propose to you in front of the entire school at graduation. That we'd have a small wedding neither of us wanting anything more than friends and family. After a few years, we'd have a few kids. And sometime a long time from now we'd die together unable to live without each other. That was my plan, Mione."
Hermione couldn't help it as a sob escaped his lips he closed his eyes as tears began falling at a faster rate before he felt Harry's hand gently touch his cheek. He opened his eyes to look into Harry's.
Harry smiled and wiped the tears away as they fell. "I've had to figure out a new plan in the last hour. Will you let me tell you?" His voice was gentle, quiet and for Hermione's ears only. He felt rather than saw as the older boy gave a tiny nod.
"I plan to defeat Voldemort somehow with you and Ron by my side. We'll finish Hogwarts together with you as head boy and Valedictorian. I plan to propose to you in front of the entire school at graduation. We'll have a small wedding. Just friends and family. After a few years, we'll start having kids. I'm sure our friends would love to help us." Harry smiled as Hermione began to cry harder a smile on his lips. "And someday… far in the future, we'll die together unable to live without one another." He pressed his lips lightly to Hermione's straddling his lap making certain that Hermione could feel how he affected Harry even if it wasn't visible due to Dudley's huge pajama bottoms.
Hermione moaned into the kiss his eyes fluttering shut as he felt Harry's erection press into his belly. Harry took advantage of the older boy's moan slipped his tongue past Hermione's lips playing and darting with Hermione's own. After a far to short time, both boys pulled away due to the need for oxygen.
Hermione was panting as he held Harry close as the boy continued to straddle him. "H-harry…"
Harry smirked before sliding his hands under Hermione's shirt teasing the boy's back with his fingertips. "Hermione, I love you and trust me when I say that I find you more than attractive."
Dumbledore was pleased to see both boys standing hand in hand with Harry's trunk between them. Hermione had a light blush coloring his cheeks and was glancing away while Harry had changed into a pair of jeans though to Dumbledore's amusement he remained shirtless. He must be enjoying Hermione's reaction. He shook his head fondly of long ago memories. "Well, my boys it appears you are all set."
"Sir? Th-there isn't much of a chance that I will be… I mean…" Hermione trailed off before he swallowed hard "What I mean to say Sir is that Voldemort would not have used a potion which could be easily undone."
Dumbledore sighed and shook his head "No my boy, I'm afraid not. If Tom was so certain that turning you into a boy would make it less likely that Harry could kill him. I do not believe there is a simple antidote to this. And I fear the longer you are like this the smaller the chance becomes."
Hermione shut his eyes before nodding "Harry and I believe the same, Sir. When I traveled here on the Knight Bus I had to give a male name. If I...am to remain a b-boy I should get used to a new name." He smiled down at Harry as he wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist. "After all as unusual as Hermione is for a name it is without a doubt the name of a girl."
Dumbledore nodded in thought "I agree that getting used to a new name is a good idea especially if it is as we believe and you remain as you are. Do you have a name which you have decided upon?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment before he nodded. "Yes Sir, I think I'll keep the name I used on the bus. Prospero. It's from A Shakespeare play just like Hermione is. Prospero Daniel Granger….My Dad's name." He smiled after a moment.
"A fine name choice Mister Granger. Fine choice. Now we've got Remus and Tonks waiting for us in the backyard. The Weasleys have already flooed over and are waiting." He cleared his throat. "Only Tonks, myself, and Professor Snape are aware of what has happened I leave it your choice my boy to choose who to tell and how much to tell them."
Hermione smiled sadly and nodded.
"Well as soon as you are both ready come on outside." Dumbledore walked outside to stand beside Remus and Tonks.
Harry smiled up at Hermione "So, Prospero huh?"
Hermione shrugged "It seemed the most likely choice that Mum and Dad would have named me."
"Well, I like it. Bit of a mouthful but so is Hermione." Harry grinned as he tucked Hermione's hair behind his ear "Prospero… My beloved Prospero hmm. Yes, I do like how that rolls off my tongue." He chuckled taking Prospero's hand in his before grabbing hold of his trunk having already sent Hedwig ahead.
"What is so funny?" Prospero asked squeezing Harry's hand.
"Oh, nothing really just trying to figure out what sort of nickname Ron will give you." Harry watched as Prospero wrinkled his nose. Standing on his tiptoes Harry captured Prospero's lips in a short kiss. "Personally I'm fond of the idea of calling you my Perry." Harry grinned as Prospero blushed.
"I wouldn't mind being your Perry…"
"Good, come on we better get out there or we're likely to walk out to Tonks searching for Remus's tonsils." Harry grinned and led the older boy out by the hand.
Perry grinned and willingly allowed himself to be led outside a light blush still covering his cheeks Merlin only knows what Ron will butcher my name into…