Chapter Three: Solicitors and Snakes

The all important Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or affiliated characters, places, and things. They all belong to J.K. Rowling and affiliated companies.

A/N: Okay this chapter has been redone, and the original Authors note had no bearing anymore, so her I go again! I am editing all the original chapters cause I found way too many errors in them myself, so her I go fixing things again. So keeping in mind what I had done in later chapters any conflict of plot will/has been resolved. I know have a new laptop so hopefully things will flow smother now. This fic will be worked on, but it will not be at the top of the work list. I love the reviews keep them coming. Cheers! This means the Potter's will, the Bloodline test, and words of a god or goddess to a mortal mind; and this means parseltongue.

Harry had been studying the animagus book for thirty minutes when he heard the Floo network come life for the fourth time this morning. Harry looked up from his textbook, and towards the fireplace. Standing in front of the fireplace was a nervous looking man with black hair and a well-pressed suit. Odd for a wizard really, but given how much this wizard hated traditional wizard social norms it made sense. His clothes may have been nicer than when Harry first saw the man, but he looked a hundred times more frightened now then he did then. Closing his book Harry walked towards the man. It took Sirius a couple of seconds before he noticed Harry.

"Sirius Black?" he asked walked nonchalantly.

"Harry my god…" the man tentatively walked. "You look so much like your father except for your eyes…"

"Yeah, I know they're my mother's," Harry said as he shook the man's hand. It seems this was too public of a place for Sirius to give him the hug Harry knew his godfather wanted to give him. "I get told that a lot." Harry shook off the sense of déjà vu. "Why don't we take this to the room I've been staying in there something you need to know that is a little too... personal for everyone else to know." Harry looked around the room keeping his eyes out for a blonde witch with red-rimmed glass and green robes, or a water beetle. When he was satisfied she was nowhere around he started walking up the stairs. Sirius was looking at him like had gone round the twist, but Harry was hoping what he was about to tell the man would make him think he was loony. Once in the room, Harry shut the door. "Sirius there is something you should know about me."

"Harry I think there is more I need to tell you…" Sirius rustled around in his coat then a phial. "I know it has been in the Daily Prophet for the past few days, but I am willing to take this if you want me to. Do you know what Veritaserum is Harry?"

Harry smiled at this point. This would make what he was wanting to do so much easier. Yes, you could resist this stuff, but if he suppressed his training and gifts then it should work on him. "No Sirius I don't think you," Harry smile twist into one of mischievous delight, "...need to take it Padfoot. I will wager that I will need it more than you."

When it registered to him that Harry used a name he shouldn't know Sirius squinted at him. "How did you know that name?" His eyes held in a narrowed glare.

Harry sighed at this point. Either Sirius would believe him, or call him a liar. The worst that could happen is that he would think that the 'real' Harry had been kidnapped and he was an imposter. "You might want to give me the Veritaserum Sirius."

"Why are you wanting to do this shouldn't you be wanting me to do this?" Sirius asked this with a worried look on his face. He kept looking between Harry and the door. Hopefully, the man wouldn't run out the door screaming that Harry had been kidnapped or had gone mad at the end of all of this.

"Trust me, Sirius, what I am going to tell you needs it and the privacy charm cast." Harry reached into his pocket and slowly drew out his wand. "What you need to know would be hard to believe any other way than this. I know this extreme, but given the other options this is the safest one." Harry put his wand done on the dresser. "You might also wanna silence the door, mirror and window. What I am about to tell you is super secret, and unlike Dumbledore, I will not keep you in the dark as to what it is 'For The Greater Good'. What I know you need to know." Harry started praying to all the gods and goddesses he could think of that things went the way he was hoping they would.

Sirius kept looking at him with this serious expression on his face. He looked once more at the door, and then back at Harry. After a couple of seconds he sighed and cast a spell at the door, mirror, window, and after a couple seconds, hesitation cast another at the floor. He then handed Harry the phial and just kept staring at Harry. Harry took the customary three drops required for the potion to work and waited for it to take effect. It was a weird feeling really. It felt like the effects of the Imperious Curse was taking effect except he wasn't 'in' a blacked out room listening to someone. Instead, he could see everything around him just fine, but there was this feeling of a need to answer any question asked of him honestly. It was at this point Sirius started asking him questions. Who are you? Why did you want the potion if you are my godson?

"I am your godson Harry James Potter. I have travelled from the 5th of December 2002 to the 27th August of 1993. I have only come back mind and soul because my adult body started shrinking, and then when it was the height you see how I started to fall. I was sent backwards through time with my fiancè to correct the problems caused by Albus Dumbledore and Voldemort." Sirius looked like he was going to say something, but the potion caused Harry to go further. "I wanted the potion because I knew of no other means to tell you this."

Sirius looked stunned at this for a couple of seconds before he started doing all kinds of spells to see if Harry wasn't under some other kind of magic. Once he was certain that Harry was transfigured to look the way he did Sirius started casting spells specifically at his head. Probably looking for mind control spells. Once that was done he asked. "Okay, Harry how did you travel back in time in this manner. The only ways I know of to do this only have a short range jump in time. Anything more than that is both difficult and illegal."

"Hermione and I were pulled out of a bullshite trial by Zeus himself, and then taken to Mount Olympus. The two of us were dumbstruck that we were actually in the presence of the Gods themselves, and then we were given the option to come back in time to fix this mess. We were also given the option to have someone we hold dear be sent back with us. Even though I care deeply about you Sirius I knew Hermione's mum and dad would have a harder accepting this, so we chose them instead."

Sirius seemed stammered by all of this. Once again he started casting all kind spells to see if Harry wasn't under some kind of mind control, and then he started checking to see if the potion was working. Once he was satisfied that it was he continued. "What were you on trial for Harry?" Sirius asked with a shaky voice.

Harry winced at this one. "The murder of someone I used to call my best friend. He was beating my fianceè when I arrived home 2nd of November 2002. I tried to stun him, but he dodges it as if the had of Fate was in his favour, but when he went for the exit I managed to block his path. The fight really broke out once Ronald was able to draw his wand. I don't know how long it last. Maybe a couple of minutes, maybe half an hour."

"Okay that's a good reason to kill someone, but you didn't use the Killing Curse did you?"

"No, I used a cutting charm. I was aiming for his wand arm, but because of a weird fluke of fate or just Ron being stupid he moved in a way that causes him to bisected." Sirius cringed at this probably thinking of the fights he's had with Death Eater and their leader. Harry sighed at the memory. "He died within a matter of seconds."

"Well that's good I guess..." Sirius said as he thought about what he had just been told. "So, why was he beating on fianceè?"

"Because he couldn't accept that she wasn't interested in him romantically. He had been told to stop his action by everyone in his family except Percy." Harry wanted to leave it at that, but the potion made him continue. "The two seemed to feed off each other's ego. Ronald became Percy's go to Auror as Minister of magic."

Sirius had this confused look on his face. "Percy Weasley? The son of Arthur and Molly Weasley?" Sirius asked more than a little shocked.

"Yes."

"How could he become Minister in by 2002 he'd be only..." Sirius looked off in thought at the moment. Had it not been for the potion Harry would be laughing right now. "He would be only twenty-seven years old. That too young to be elected into the office! How did he get the job?" Sirius asked this more shocked than anything else.

"I have no idea Sirius, and to be honest I don't want to know. Originally in 1997, it seemed to be a shoo-in for Shacklebot. Yet all of sudden all of the votes being turned in said, Percy Weasley. They tried to put other people into the office. Shacklebot at first, but they all either died like Shacklebot or were kicked out due to corruption. By 1999 we the people gave up, and let Percy have the job." Harry said in the monotone voice the potion made some speak in, but he could feel his anger building.

"So after this nothing happened until you were sent back in time?" Sirius asked sounding more than a little concerned at this point.

"No. The next thing I know I'm being shunted out of the Auras and into Muggle Affairs. I don't know how or why these things were allowed to happen, but the Ministry was slowly being changed. Percy Weasley stripped away power from certain Ministry organizations, and replaced them with 'Better Once'. Even though this took about a year for him to do the first thing to go were the Aurors. They were replaced by a group that while they upheld the law they were nothing more than thugs under Percy's control. This happened across the board. The only hold outs were the Unspeakables, and they were the ones wanting me to lead a Rebellion. I don't know why they wanted this, but it was something they said needed to happen. I agreed with them, but before we could do anything Ronald attacked Hermione." Harry wanted to skip something, but again the potion forced it out of him. "They knew that my fianceè and I were getting ready for our wedding which would be happening in two weeks. Ronald attacked Hermione one week before our wedding. We knew given the way things were going we would be arrested, so we ran. Unfortunately, we were only on the run for a couple of months." Even though he wanted to sigh the potion would not let him do this. "By the time we were on trial, the Wizengamot was just there for show. I'm sure everyone in the room wanted to kill Percy, but he had his guards standing right beside each and every one of the members of the Wizengmot."

"So even if they wanted to do something they could do nothing without getting killed." Harry nodded at this the look on his face was one of pure rage. Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out the antidote for the truth potion. "This is the last question I wanna ask. Why did Ronald do this?"

"As I said earlier he was still having a hard time with Hermione and I being together. He kept hitting on her or dragging his latest 'girlfriend' in hopes of agitating Hermione. He was doing this all because she told him that on point she did think of him in that way. All thought of him being a possible boyfriend changed during our trip to find and destroy the things keeping Voldemort alive. Even though we didn't tell him until a year later Hermione and I started 'dating' a week after he left us." Harry laughed at the memory of Hermione talking to him about this latter. "He even tried to kiss Hermione after they destroyed one of the things keeping Voldemort alive. She shoved him away and told him about our relationship thin. Needless to say, he didn't like it." Harry took three drops of the potion. It didn't take it long to cleanse his body.

Sirius chuckled sombrely at what he had been told. "So the Gods sent you back in time to stop whatever Dumbledore and You-Know-Who are doing, and keep Percy Weasley from becoming Minister?" Sirius was shaking his head at the question he just asked.

"Yes and no. Apparently, nothing of what I just told you, the bad things anyway, were supposed to happen. I don't know what was supposed to happen, but I know there is no way that Percy Weasley at the age of twenty-seven would have been ALLOWED to be Minister, but from that point forward none of it was supposed to happen. We weren't told this exactly, but that is what Hermione and I think is what upset the Gods so much." One look at Sirius told Harry the man wanted to know more, so he decided to explain a little more. Well, at least the parts of what was going on that he knew about. "I don't know which one of the Gods found out what was going on, but the solution to this problem was sending me and a few other back in time. So that would be me, Hermione, her father Jack, and her mum, Lisa. I don't know who the Gods have chosen, but I am hoping it is at least someone who we can call a friend." Given what they had been talking about the moment Harry said 'friend' a memory was pulled up. This caused him to smile. "In a way, I do have to thank Ronald Weasley for turning what used to be the sadist day of the year into one of the happiest."

Sirius had this puzzled look on his face at this moment. "What do you mean? I thought you were enemies or something?"

Harry laughed as he thought back to that day. "Not originally, but he became one. That all changed in what would have been our seventh year. We had been hauling around one of those things keeping Voldemort alive for over a month," Harry noticed Sirius flinched. It was now that he remembered how bad things used to be. "...and it was making us all miserable." Harry didn't want to dance around this, but until he knew how strong Sirius Occlumency was he had no other choice. "So we took turns being the one who had to carry the damn thing. Well on October 31st during Ron's turn to carry the damn thing became hostile because Hermione and I were 'flirting'. He kept glaring at Hermione and me as we were walking down the road. I only know this cause I would catch him doing it occasionally. That night we were listening to a wireless broadcast of an update on the fight against Voldemort, and a list of the missing and deceased."

Sirius it seems couldn't help himself from asking. "How bad was it?"

Harry cringed at this. "Bad enough that it wasn't uncommon to hear a list of twelve to twenty people missing or dead daily. I knew at least twelve of them." Harry sighed thinking once more about Tonks' father. "Anyway the issues with Ronald didn't start until late in the afternoon..."

XOXOXOXOX

Harry was trudging through a dreary October day. Harry didn't know if this is what Dumbledore had wanted them to do while looking for these things, but they really didn't have any other choice at this point. Yaxley had been dragged along with them as Hermione apparated them to Grimmauld Place. Thankfully for all of them in her purse of wonderment Hermione had placed the Weasley's tent. Had she not done this they would have needed to nick a tent from a muggle store, hope they don't get caught, and then spend hours helping Hermione enchant the damn thing. She also knew enough about living in the outdoors to help the forage for food they didn't have, so they weren't too bad off when it came to food.

Just thinking about her made Harry look off to his left once more at his friend. She was walking beside him looking down at the ground once again. She had told him last night how she had protected her parents. She had told him last night while Ron slept that she had modified her parents' memories, and sent them to Australia. Harry knew this had to be hard for her. If they won she would have to explain to them why she did it, and if they lost at worst they would never know they had a daughter. After that, she had spent the next thirty minutes curled up on her bed just crying. Harry had tried to console her, but he could think of nothing to say to her. It wasn't like he could say: "Don't worry when we're all done we will fix that in no time!" There was a really good chance that they might not make it through this ordeal. If they weren't killed they unquestionably would not be leaving this without mental scars.

The sound of someone kicking a rock behind them grabbed Harry's attention at this point. He looked over his right should at Ron who was bringing up the back end. Harry didn't know why, but Ron had fallen about twenty feet behind them within the last hour. The way he was looking the two of them made Harry more than a little concerned. He knew that the thing's evilness had a way about it. It crawled into your mind and made you think about things in an unsettling way. Harry knew that it made himself have a really short temper after just having it one for half a day. They had learned he could wear the thing for almost seven hours, and that was on a good day. Hermione could have it for almost twelve hours, but even she started getting moody after eight-teen hours with it. Then there was the man he was looking at now. Originally he could wear it for a little more than Harry, but now it seemed like this was a bad idea.

"What's wrong Harry?"

Even though she had said this a little above a whisper the suddenness of it caused Harry to jump. "Nothing," he said quickly.

Hermione took on her 'I'm not joking' face. "Harry James Potter, what is going on?"

Harry held up his hands in defeat. "Nothing I swear. I'm thinking that Ron might not need to be part of the 'rotation' for the next couple of days."

Hermione looked back at their friend. "I think he's doing fine."

Harry looked at Ron again, and the red-head looked a little upset, but nothing more than that. Maybe what Harry had seen was a weak moment for his friend. "Your right Hermione maybe for once I'm overstating things."

Hermione smiled at him. "For once?" She light pushed Harry away from her. "Harry I've known you now for six years, and you do two things very well. One of those things is 'Overstate things'. I have never heard you describe something as mundane. Hell, you described a homework assignment as 'apocalyptic' once." Hermione said this all matter-of-factly with this sweet smile on her face.

Even though he was smiling Harry said in protest. "That was a four-foot History of Magic assignment thank you."

Hermione shoved him once more her smile growing bigger the longer the conversation went one. "That you would have had finished if you'd stated it two weeks before you actually started. Which if I remember correctly, and I always do, was THREE DAYS before it was due."

Harry was smiling brightly at this point. He hadn't been this happy for weeks now. Harry was liking this if he was being honest with himself. For the first time, Harry asked himself 'Am I attracted to her?'. The way her coat and shirt hugged her torso as she pushed him backwards drew his gaze. For the first time, Harry couldn't help but keep his eyes ever so briefly on her chest. 'Not bad.' It was at that thought that Harry blinked. 'Well that answers the question, but I shouldn't be so crass.' He chastised himself. Within the next few seconds, his eyes were once again scanning his friend's figure. Her jeans were doing to her legs and backside what the shirt did for her chest and midriff. As he tried to right himself as he stumbled backwards Harry wondered if he could use this to his advantage. Ron had had his chance. Once he stopped stumbling backwards Harry took a couple of steps forward and threw his arm around Hermione's shoulders. Even if things went pear-shaped it would be moments like this that kept them going. 'The road less travelled right?' Harry thought to himself when Hermione didn't shove him away.

"This is true, but I am not the one who is so dedicated to learning new things that I take EVERY CLASS the school offers the first chance I get!" Harry said this as he pulled Hermione closer.

Hermione blushed slightly as she wrapped her right arm around his waist. "Well yes that was rather reckless of me, but unlike you, my 'recklessness' has good results," Hermione said this with a coy smile.

Harry chuckled as he nodded. "This is true, and for that, I will always be grateful."

"I know," Hermione said as she looked up at him with this smirk helping light up her eyes. "You want to know the second thing you always do?"

Harry looked down at her with this puzzled look on his face. This didn't sound good at all, but it couldn't be that bad. Could it? "And what is that Hermione?"

Hermione's smile went from ear to ear at this point. "Underestimating me," Hermione said this as she pivoted to her hip so Harry was being pulled towards the ground as she used her leg as leverage.

"Oh shite!" Harry said as he fell to the ground. He was laughing as he pulled Hermione down with him. The two of them started rolling around on the ground in the leaves, mud, and rooks. Hermione would have normally been yelling him for doing something like this, but at this moment she seemed to be enjoying it. At one point where Harry was the one on top as they rolled around, he started tickling Hermione. She started laughing pretty hard at this point, and then she started doing the same to Harry. Harry tried to keep a straight face, but alas he couldn't hold out long. The 'tickle fight' ended after about five minutes had passed. As Harry helped Hermione to her feet he looked once more at Ron.

His best mate did not look happy at the moment. It was like he was upset about something, but before Harry could say anything Ron stormed off ahead of them. Harry looked at Hermione hoping that she knew something he didn't, but the girl just shook her head. They asked him if he wanted to pass the locket over to one of them, but he said he was fine and just kept walking. The two of them looked at each other once more before following their friend. They had been doing this for a couple of minutes before Harry noticed he was still holding Hermione's hand. When he tried to change this Hermione tightened her grip on his hand. He looked over at Hermione, and she just smiled which he happily returned.

The rest of the day went by rather uneventful. They managed to stumble across a small hamlet as they trekked through the forest. They were able to buy some real food for the first time in days. They didn't stay there long though. They were back on the road before the sun started to set. Hermione said they should go a little deeper into the woods before they set up the tent. Harry agreed, and the only answer they got from Ron was a grunt. Once the tent and protective enchantments were up Ron made his way inside. Harry held open the tent flap for Hermione. She thanked him and made her way inside. Hermione made her way over to 'her' chair and once again started reading up on Horcruxes. He also wished that Dumbledore had given them that pensieve so Hermione could take a look at all those memories for hints at the where the other ones might be. Harry was hoping that she would glean some hidden knowledge about the damn things that would let them destroy the one they had.

Harry took out the bacon, bread, eggs, ground beef, and lettuce that they bought. He went to put the eggs in the magical refrigerator but stopped. 'Why not make this meal big. It has been a while since we've had a decent sized meal.' Harry thought as he placed the eggs back on the counter. Harry pulled out the cutting board, knife, frying pan, spatula, and a tray. Harry walked over to the stove and oven turning them on. He grabbed some pieces of bacon and placed them on the cutting board. He put the remaining pieces of bacon of the side away from the other food. He cut the twelve pieces of bacon in half, an started making them into four cross-hatch pattern. He walked over to the sink and washed his hands before grabbing the pan and putting on the burner. He set the stove to four, and the oven to three-hundred and fifty degrees. He placed six pieces of bread on the tray. He then turned to the pantry and was thankful that Mrs Weasley had help Hermione get this tent prepared. Harry was certain that he could make just about anything taste good. After he placed the pan on the stovetop Harry checked the oven. The temp was there but it would take longer to do the rest the meal than toast the bread. Harry then reached over with his clean hand and turned on the wireless. Hermione tuned it into POTTERWATCH. As Dean's voice filled the tent started Harry started frying the bacon.

Greetings once again to all of our listeners! I wish I had good news to give you all but alas I do not. Last night it was discovered that the McKinney family had been murdered. A friend of the family was going to check on them because they hadn't shown up for a planned dinner. When they arrived at the residence they found the Dark Mark floating above the house. When they went inside they found Conner McKinney, his wife Alice, and their sons Timothy and Jacob on the floor dead. We have Rapier and Romulus here with more on the matter and some other disturbing news.

Romulus: Yes River we have even more grim news about the matter. The McKinney family was targeted because they adopted a muggle-born witch who is at the moment missing along with her sister. The young ladies who are missing are Bethany and Sally-Anne. We know that there is a chance that they are hiding somewhere safe with friends, but at this moment we do not know.

Rapier: Yes Romulus we can only hope for that. One of my friends says that they know one of the places both of the McKinney ladies might go to if they were in trouble, but I haven't heard back from her yet. I will be trying to get a hold of her at some point tomorrow.

River: One can only hope at this point Rapier. You said that you had other more dire news for our audience before we went on the air?

Rapier: Yes, sadly I do. I just learned an hour ago that the McLaggen family has been attacked by Fenrir Greyback and his pack of werewolves, and that there are possible survivors from that attack as well. I will be passing any information about this to you River.

River: Thank you Rapier, and we still have no news on Harry Potter correct?

Romulus: We haven't heard anything since he broke into the Ministry. Harry if your listening don't let this bring you down. We all know what these animals want, and we won't let them get away with it. You don't need to do everything. You keep doing whatever it is your doing and let us look for these girls.

Rapier: Right you are Romulus. Keep at it Harry we're with you. And Romulus I'll have my friends looking for Sally-Anne.

River: Just so that our listeners know Bethany has red-hair, blue eyes, stands about five feet and five inches tall. She was last seen wearing a green turtle neck jumper, and a pair of muggle trainers with the Ravenclaw insignia on them. Sally-Anne McKinney, formally know as Sally-Anne Perks, has light brown hair, green eyes, is about five feet and seven inches tall. She was last seen wears a blue pair of glasses, a red jumper, light brown t-shirt, black skirt, and black boots. Both girls are Caucasian and have light tans. They also have unique bracelets relating to their original friendship it contains the insignia of their Hogwarts Houses.

At this point, Harry stopped flipping the bacon that was in the pan. He looked over at Hermione and Ron. Hermione looked more than a little concerned about this than Ron. Harry understood why though. Hermione had been roommates with this young woman for the last six years. He even remembered when she was gone for three days during their second years to talk to some muggle official about Hermione. He just forgot that it was the McKinney family that adopted her. He didn't know how Sally-Anne and Bethany knew one another either, but he did remember seeing them studying together a lot in the library. He would ask Hermione about this later. He looked at Tim and thought it best to put the bread in the stove.

River: Thank you for that information River. Harry, we will handle this. We know that you've been given a task to do against You-Know-Who, and this shouldn't distract you. We can take this challenge, and we know you have one that is more important than ours. As I said folks if you know ANYTHING about the McKinney girls let us know, and to prove you are an ally to POTTERWATCH tell the people we've said you can trust what you know, along with something that only Harry or Hermione would know about Sally-Anne, or what Hermione would know about Bethany. Do we have any other news Rapier?

Harry listened as POTTERWATCH started listing off the known dead for the past three days. In the muggle, it was assumed that the Death Eaters killed fourteen people. The dementors were suspected of attacking sixteen people. Then they said that twenty-four people in addition to McKinney and McLaggen. Then they listed off the fourteen people who had varying degrees of exposure to dementors. It was hard to think about those vile things while cooking so he started to tune out the wireless. He focused his attention on the food and quick glances over at Hermione. Inside the tent with a closed entrance and an active oven Hermione was able to remove her coat. Her blue short sleeved shirt was hugging her torso so well she almost looked like a model posing for a picture at this moment. Her blue jeans were hugging her legs so tightly Harry was wondering if she was wearing these clothes to get Ron's attention. If she was it was failing, but she definitely was getting his attention.

Harry placed the last bit of bacon on the plate and cast a warming charm on it. Harry placed the pan on the cold side of the stove. He scorgified the cutting board, and magically dried it. He walked back and grabbed some more seasoning for the hamburgers. He pulled out garlic salt, lemon pepper, pepper, onion powder, and salt. He then walked over to the cabinet and got a couple of bowls. For the eggs. He sat one aside to hold the scrambled eggs and the other to mix them. Harry opened the packet of ground beef, and star sprinkling the seasoning across it. He flipped the beef over and asked for Hermione's help. She closed the book and walked over to him. He asked her to season the meat again. She asked him to tell her when to stop seasoning. Once this was done she asked if he would need her help again. He thought about it for a moment the said: "Yeah when I'm done making the patties can you Scorgify my hands?" Hermione nodded, and Harry went back to making the patties. Once he was done making the patties he walked over to the sink. Hermione cleansed his hands and rinsed them before going back to her book.

Harry just sat there watching her walk away for a moment. He shook his head of the thoughts he was thinking at this moment and went back to cooking. Once the pan was back on the heat Harry looked over at Ron to see how he was doing. He looked rather placid at this moment. He was reading the muggle newspaper that they had picked up with the food. Harry looked at his watch. It was 5:30 PM. All Ron had to do was endure the cursed thing for another thirty minutes. Harry turned his attention back to the meal. Harry placed the patties onto the frying pan. He then turned his attention to the eggs. He cracked open three eggs and put them into the bowl one by one. He added salt and pepper then started mixing the eggs. Harry knew that he and Hermione preferred scrambled eggs, but Ron preferred sunny-side-up eggs. Harry would fix Ron's last. Harry turned his gaze back to Hermione and found her staring at him. She blushed then looked away from him. Harry smiled and looked at the hamburger patties. They were turning a light grey on the edges. He knew it wouldn't be much longer before they needed to be flipped. He was hoping they would like this. This wasn't anything special, but at this point, this would be eating like royalty. After he flipped the patties he cast his gaze back at Hermione. His gaze travelling up and down her body. She was sitting with her legs crossed, and the book sitting on top of her thigh. His gaze flowed up her body focusing once again ever so briefly stayed on her chest. When he finally got to her face he found her smiling at him. It was his turn to blush and look away. Even though his attention was focused on checking the temperature of the patties Harry could feel someone looking at him, and it didn't feel right. It was almost felt like they were wanting to kill him. This was silly no one in the tent right know wanted to kill him. Right? Harry looked at Ron once more, but he was still reading the paper.

Harry shook his mind of these thoughts as he put the patties onto the other plate, and put them under a warming charm. Harry walked over and searched for a clean cloth. Once he found one he used it to clean the frying pan of grease before he put it back on the stove. Harry tossed the rag at Hermione with a smile. She patted it away laughing at him. He checked on the bread. It wasn't quite done, so he turned his attention back to the eggs. He then put the first batch of scrambled eggs into the frying pan. Harry watched the eggs carefully. He moved them around to ensure they did not get stuck to the pan. He knew there had to be a charm to prevent this, but he didn't want the chance of magic messing with the taste. Once these eggs were done he placed them in the bowl. Harry broke open three more eggs placing them in the bowl. He applied salt and pepper then mixed these up, and then placed them in the frying pan. He once again monitored the eggs. Once they were done he placed them in the bowl. He once again cast his gaze over at his friends. Ron looked angry, and Harry didn't know if it was the locket or the list of names being read off on POTTERWATCH of the missing. The paper he was reading looked crumpled in the areas he was holding it. Harry wondered why he was reacting this way. Could it be the way he and Hermione had been acting this afternoon? Had he seen the way he looked at Hermione a second ago and vice-versa? If so this was something they were going to have to talk about later. Preferably while Hermione was off taking care of personal matters. Ron's gaze seemed to be on the paper, but Harry didn't know if he was actually reading the damn thing. Harry looked at him for a couple of seconds, Ron's eyes didn't move. He had to test if the locket was getting to Ron, and he knew an easy way to do it.

Harry looked over at Hermione once more, and like last time his eyes moved across her body. This time he went from the top down. As he got to her waist she moved around a little bit. She seemed to be feeling a little uncomfortable. It was like her bum was feeling more than a little uncomfortable at the moment. She lifted the book and placed her left leg back in the chair. Hermione was holding the book just at her waistline, and Harry's gaze was drawn just below there. Hermione shifted around once more and shifted in the seat so that Harry got a decent view of her backside again. Harry blinked at this and looked back up at Hermione. She was smiling and cast a glance at Ron. She then blew-out the briefest of kisses to him. Harry returned the gesture, but maybe before doing so, he should have done what Hermione did.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Ron screamed as he stood up throwing the paper to the floor.

"Nothing." Harry and Hermione said as one.

"Bullshite!" Ron said storming up to Harry. "I saw you checking Hermione out just now. Here you are acting all high and mighty with all this false nobility and shite, but I now see who you really are Harry! I cannot believe I actually let you date my sister!" Ron pushed him back towards the stove.

Harry caught himself on the oven handle. "What the Hell is your problem, Ron?!" Harry screamed back.

"I've been watching you two all day, and you've just been fooling around with one another. I know why she pulled you into that muddy road! She just wanted to get you all excited for what she is going to suggest you two do while I'm asleep!" Ron said as he stomped his foot to the floor.

"Ronald that is ridiculous!" Hermione screamed as she slammed the book shut, and stood up. "Listen to yourself, Ron. Do you think that I would be so foolish?" Hermione said as she walked over to him. "Ron I think this is the Locket messing with you your head. You need to take it off now." Hermione then held out her hand.

"I've still got five minutes to go Hermione, but if you want it to take." Ron said as he took off the locket. He then looked between them. "You two are something else you know that. I offer you MY help on this 'quest' of Harry's, then I aid you both in this crazy idea to steal form Umbitch in the Ministry, and now I've spent nearly two months wandering around the countryside carrying this damn thing." Ron threw the locket at Harry. Harry watched it clatter to the ground. When he looked back up at Ron the young man's nostrils were flaring. "What really has broken my nerve is the two of you listening to POTTERWATCH like nothing is wrong! It's like you don't care that one day it could be my mum, my dad, or heavens forbid GINNY'S name gets read on that list!" Ron pointed to the wireless as another missing person's name was spoken.

Harry flinched at those suggestions. He then just glared at Ron soon after that though. "Ron you think I DON'T care about your parents or siblings?! I hate to break it to you mate, but they are as much family to me as they are to you, and I know Hermione feels the same way!" Harry said heatedly. Ron punched at him after he said this. Hermione screamed, and Harry ducked underneath Ron's fist. "What the Hell was that for?"

"For even thinking the two of you can feel like I do right now!" Ron said glaring at the both of them. "Potter you're a bloody orphan, and Granger you fucking wiped your own existence out of your parent's minds, and sent them to Australia." Hermione gasped at that. "Hey, I was listening to you guys the other night. Your crying woke me up." He looked back at Harry. "So how many times has she shagged you since telling you that story?"

Once again Hermione gasped, but not because of Ron. Harry charged forward knocking Ron to the ground. When they hit the ground Ron started punching Harry in the back. Harry started punching Ron in the ribs. Both of them were screaming profanities at one another. Harry didn't know exactly what Ron was saying, but he was certain that he had been called a 'Bloody Mother Fucker' at some point. He didn't know how long this had gone on before Hermione hit him with levicorpus. Before Ron could do anything Hermione spoke. "Ron if you know what's good for you, you'll walk out of the tent, and cool off."

"No you little bint! I wasn't kidding when I said I was going to leave. Let's see how well you do without me." Ron said as he walked over to his bed and grabbed his backpack. He then put his sparse belongings that weren't in his pack in the expanded section of it. He then started marching towards the door.

"A lot longer than we would with you!" Harry screamed as Ron got to the door of the tent. "I know you are going to be running back to your mum and you'll start gorging yourself on food while we starve trying to end this damn war before it kills us all!" Harry screamed as Ron reached the door. Ron gave him the two-fingered salute and walked out the door. Hermione only lowered him to the ground after they heard a soft popping sound outside the tent. "I hope he splinches himself." Harry said gruffly.

"No, you don't Harry." Hermione said as she helped him up. "Now put that damn thing in Ron's drawer, so it can't affect us."

"Language Ms Granger," Harry said as he picked up the locket. "Why don't we keep this thing in here all the time again?"

Hermione sighed. "Because I think that it would have the same effect on the person carrying the bag as it does when we just wear it. Also, we don't know what it will do to the stuff in my bag."

"Good point. This is some pretty serious dark magic here." Harry said as he closed the drawer. "Hermione could you pull out the toast and get the mayonnaise."

Hermione nodded as she turned to the stove. "I'll get the lettuce as well." Harry nodded then walked outside and looked around. He checked the enchantments, and when everything passed he went back into the tent. He walked into find Hermione putting a new plate stacked with toast on the table. There were no tears flowing from her eyes, but you could tell that she was not happy with what had just happened. Harry walked over to the magical refrigerator and pulled out two butterbeers. This left them with twelve to go. He then took them to the table. Hermione said thank you and took one. They sat down and started making their burgers.

"Why the eggs Harry? I thought those were for in the morning." Hermione asked as she was putting the lettuce on a piece of toast. She was acting like there was nothing wrong. Like their closest friend for the last six years hadn't just walked out on them.

Harry smiled slightly as he was placing the bacon on his sandwich. "I was thinking that we haven't had a real meal in days, so why not splurge this once. It might be the last time we get this lucky. I mean the old man behind the counter even called the local school to see if we were truant students. So we should celebrate not being arrested."

This caused Hermione to laugh. "That was funny. I guess we were lucky that Ron was too distracted by the magazines behind the counter. Had he heard this he might have blown up sooner, and we would have had to run for it." Hermione finished putting her hamburger together and smiled at Harry. "You know what we forgot?"

"No, what?" Harry said as he took a bite out of his burger.

"Cheese," Hermione said after swallowing her bite.

Harry picked up some eggs with his fork. "Damn let me apparate back there and steal some."

Hermione just shook her head as she chewed on some eggs of her own. They kept conversation to a minimum while they ate. Only talking about meaningless things. Well, as meaningless as they could be anyway. They talked about Sally-Anne and Bethany, and how the two became friends. Apparently, Sally-Anne had been looking for a library book back in their first year, and it just so happened to be the one Bethany was taking off the shelf. They struck up a friendship off Bethany offering to help her with the assignment. Hermione didn't know when, but at some point, Bethany learned that Sally-Anne was an orphan. Bethany had told her parents, and they invited Sally-Anne to stay over for a few weeks in the summer of '93 if the orphanage would allow it. Once that was Sally-Anne was allowed to do this they talked about when it would happen. Well while she stayed with the McKinney's Bethany's parents started thinking about adopting her. They talked to Sally-Anne and Bethany about it and they were overjoyed. They then started the process of adopting Sally-Anne the day before she went back to the orphanage.

"So those three days she was absent from school?" Harry asked as he looked at what would have been Ron's burger.

"Something to do with having to talk with a social worker about how she felt about the McKinneys and had anything inappropriate happened while she was there," Hermione said after she took another sip from her butterbeer. "That was a little bit of the first day, and then they had to go to the courthouse, sign paperwork, and then go and change Sally-Anne's name."

"Huh, so that's how that is done," Harry said as he sipped his drink.

"There's a little more to it than that, but yes that is the short version of what you need to do. Anyway, after that Sally-Anne was taken shopping for things to put in her new room, and this devolved into buying a new wardrobe." Hermione said with a smile. "Which is what we need to do with you when this is all over."

Harry looked up from the hamburger. "You're kidding, right? Overstretched hand-me-downs are the highest point of fashion these days." Harry tried to say this with a straight face, but alas he knew he was failing.

"Prat," Hermione said as she followed his gaze. "What are you wanting to do with that burger Harry?" Hermione asked with this foe worried look on her face.

Harry knew she was trying to put off talking about what had been happening today for as long as possible, and he couldn't blame her. "I was thinking about transfiguring it into a bunny, but now that I've said it out loud the idea sounds silly." Harry looked back at Hermione and smiled. She raised an eyebrow at him and gave the slightest smile. "Actually I was thinking we should split this one." Harry started thinking about what they could with it, and he was coming up with that many options. He looked at the stuff they had used to make the burgers with. An idea started crawling across his mind. He didn't know how Hermione would take to it, but it was better than nothing. "Here's what I propose. You make one half your way, I make the other half the way I do, and then we switch the burgers."

Hermione tilted her head a little bit to the right and smiled a little bit more. "And why would we do that Harry?"

Harry smiled. "To see whose layout of components in the burger is better. I noticed that you put the lettuce on the top, while I put it on the bottom. So we prepare our half the way we usually do, but we eat each others burger." Harry at that moment realized what the phrasing of that sentence might mean.

"The way you just said that makes it sound sillier than it actually is. This actually if you exclude the bullshite that Ron claimed we did." Hermione said with a slight chuckle. "Did you say that with deliberate stupidity?"

Harry chuckled. "No, of course not," Harry said with a smile. "I may have my moments of deliberate stupidity, but honestly I'm suaver than that. Maybe that's why Ron said what he said." Harry tried to say this with as straight of a face as possible.

"Uh huh, Harry... I believe that about Ron, but you being suave... I don't know." Hermione said light-heartedly. It wasn't long though till Hermione's smile collapsed. "Harry I think we are both trying to avoid talking about what's just happened."

Harry sighed, and looked down at the plate. "Between us or what happened with Ron?"

"Both," Hermione said sombrely. Hermione was looking down at the table, and had her hands together there was this look of concern on her face. "...but I don't know if what I'm about to say is going to upset you."

Harry reached out and took hold of Hermione's hands. "Hermione I don't think there is anything you could say that would upset me." Harry squeezed her hands. "You know this right?" Hermione nodded her head. "Okay then lets cut this toast in half do the same with everything else, and get started on this. Once it's done let's go sit on one of the beds and start talking."

Hermione looked up at him with this confused look on her face. "Why one of the beds?"

Harry smiled. "So that we might be able to cuddle?" Harry asked as he raised his eyebrows twice.

Hermione swatted his hand with a slight smile on her face again. "Harry Potter you cad."

"Well, at least I try." Harry said as he took the bread and cut the pieces in half. "I'm Sirius did try to teach me how to interact with women."

Hermione looked momentarily shocked. "You mean he taught you how to do this?"

"No," Harry said as he handed her half of the toast. "I try to be a gentleman."

"You arse," Hermione said as she took the toast. She looked thoughtful for a moment to be for saying in a calm voice. "I know you said we were going to talk about Ron later, but getting that out of the way should make the next part a little bit easier. First I guess is do you think Ron will actually stay gone?"

As Harry put the mayonnaise on the bread he thought about his friend. Ron was many things, but a deceitful bastard was not one of them. Was he deceitful? Yes, but his reasons were for the same reason Harry did those things. Ron did think he was more important than he actually was, and he liked to exaggerate his involvement in things. Like when he made himself out to be a hero in the rescue of Gabrielle Delacour during the second task. Granted that all stopped when Hermione yelled at him for doing it. He also remembered how long he stayed away from him because of the bullshite of the Triwizard Tournament. From October thirty-first till the twenty-fourth of November he didn't talk to Harry. That thought at this moment was disheartening.

Harry sighed as he finished his half of the burger. "I think so, and before you say anything remember he said he didn't want to see me from the moment I got back from being selected as a Champion." Hermione nodded at this. "There is also that thing he 'kind of' talked me into because of the Firebolt. Before you say anything I am not ragging on you about it again. I am saying that I was wrong to do what I did, and in retrospect, I shouldn't have been as upset with you as I was." Hermione smiled at this point and nodded her head. "So given what he has done in the past like in our third and fourth year, I don't think he's kidding. Ron may go back home, but I don't think Molly is going to be with happy with him as for the why of it all." Harry said this with a smile.

Hermione laughed at this. "I think Molly might chase him out of the house, with a frying pan."

"That's if he is lucky. If he is unlucky Fred and George will be there when that conversation is happening. That would mean the next thing we hear on 'Pals of Potter' will be," Harry then did his best imitation of Lee Jordan voice. "...'Now listeners I have some bitter news to share with you this night. It seems that Ronald Weasley has gone round the bend. He has abandoned supporting his longtime friend Harry Potter simply because he was infatuated with someone who had lost all interest in him. We were informed by the same people who gave us this news that he was taken to St Mungo's last night. He has the world's biggest knot on his head. He is also suffering from several unknown charms and curse as well. I would love to be able to tell you more than this, but Rapier's source told me that the curses on him are unknown, and sadly it will take the people at St Mungo's a long time to figure out what is going on. Just before this dark moment occurred Ronald was able to till his Mum, Fred, George, and Ginny that Harry and Hermione are now in a relationship. Though why he would then insult Ms Granger's integrity is beyond us. We here at Pal's of Potter would like to extend our congratulations to Harry and Hermione."

By the end of it, Hermione was laughing hysterically. She was so hard that she was holding on to her ribs. When Hermione could finally breathe she looked up beaming at Harry. "If that doesn't happen we'll call it an Act of God." Hermione then got back to making her hamburger. "Honestly I don't think we can avoid talking about this whole thing Harry."

Harry just stared at her for a moment. "Yes I think we can't really, but the big stuff we need to be cuddling in my personal opinion," Harry said this with a straight face as he cut the hamburger in half. "Honestly I won't deny that today I haven't thought about you in a romantic way and before you ask no nothing as crass as Ron suggested." Harry then turned his attention to his burger at this point and started tending to it. Once he was done Harry looked over at Hermione. She had this hopeful look on her face. "That happy about eating my food for the third time tonight?"

"No, you arse." Hermione said as he swatted her on his arm. She then held out her burger. "I still say that mines going to be better." Hermione had this imposing look on her face.

"We'll see," Harry said with a smile on his face. Harry held out his burger. "To the victor go the spoils."

"And those would be?" Hermione asked as she took Harry's burger.

Harry thought for a moment. "If I win you have to send a Patronus message to POTTERWATCH telling them that we are fine and that I am the most awesome wizard ever."

Hermione squinted at him. "I'm serious Harry. Not that I won't do that if it is what you want, but I don't think the magical community needs THAT as breaking news..."

Harry laughed at this. She wasn't wrong, but that was news that public at large NEEDED to know. Especially in times like this. "Fine, fine, if I win we'll have to look for another store, and then use some of that money of yours to buy more food. Now, this does not mean we go somewhere that we'll be found by the Death Eaters, but we could go to somewhere like France."

Hermione laughed before she took a bite out of the burger. Once she'd swallowed her bite she told Harry. "Okay say we do that, why do you want that?"

"To get enough food for a couple weeks maybe, and if so teaching you how to cook." Harry said after taking a bite out of his burger. "Now what do you want if you win?"

Hermione took about her third bite of the burger. "If I win you will have to take me out on a really good date. Perhaps in Paris." Hermione said with an evil grin. "And if it is a draw both things happen."

Harry thought about this. "Sounds fair." Harry then finished his burger half. "Honestly I do like your way, but I think I'll still do it my way, and you?"

"Same," Hermione said as she wiped her mouth. "So looks like we're going to Paris."

Hermione laughed at this. "While I'd love that Harry you know that we would stick out like sore thumbs there right?"

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, so we go back to the store in the village, and get more things."

Hermione smiled as he reached out to take hold of Hermione's hand. "The date's going to have to wait though unless you count this as the date?"

Hermione blushed as she followed Harry to the bed. They sat down close to one another. Hermione looked down at the mattress for a bit. She then drew out her wand and expanded the twin bed into something big enough for two. Harry didn't know what she was thinking right now, but he was not going to try to force her to do this if she didn't want to.

"Hermione, what is going on?" Harry asked with this worried look on his face.

Hermione sighed, and then looked back at Harry. "Harry I was going to do this even if Ron hadn't bailed on us like that." Hermione then looked at their conjoined hands.

"So this has nothing to do with Ron, and everything to do with what we've done today?" Harry asked with a quizzical look on his face. How long had she been planning this? Harry knew Hermione well enough to know that she never did anything half-arsed. She had plans, and she generally stuck to them. Even when she did things off the cuff they weren't done in the worlds dumbest fashion. So, whatever she needed to say she's been wanting to for a while and given what she just did it might not be bad.

"Yes." Hermione took a couple of deep breaths before looking at Harry once more. "Harry since Bill and Fleur's wedding I've been seriously thinking about who I'm attracted to. I'm not interested in Ron as much as I used to be. Yes, I did love him, but that was more of being in love with WHO he could become, and I don't know if I can wait for him to get there. That may take years, and honestly, I want kids at some point."

Harry laughed at this. "You probably also want a career that doesn't involve cleaning up his mistakes?"

"Absolutely," Hermione said as she got closer to Harry. "Back to what I was saying about the wedding, I was looking at everyone. I thought you and Ginny would be staying closer together, but you spent as much time apart as you did together. Then I started noticing HOW you two interacted. You were keeping Ron distracted as she was off talking to a girl that she brought to the wedding. It was then I realised that she never REALLY loved you, but the idea of you." At this point, Harry was starting to sweat just a little. Ginny had told him what Hermione was hinting at only after he broke up with her. Harry was stunned, but offer to be someone to talk to should everyone else abandon her. "Before you say anything: No I don't care that she's interested in girls, in fact, I'm glad she has come to terms with that about herself. I've had my doubts she really loved you for a while now."

"Then you noticed her with her girlfriend at the wedding?" Hermione nodded. Harry sighed in relief. "Yeah, she and I had about an hour conversation last day of school. We went to the Room of Requirement, and she told me everything about why she put on that show of being infatuated with me. She's afraid that her family won't like her if she tells them." Harry said this looking sad at the moment. "The only one who would be upset with will probably be Ron, but I doubt it will be an explosion of Volcano Ron, but you never know. What else did you learn at the wedding?" Harry asked as he squeezed her hand.

Hermione looked him dead in the eye. She took another deep breath. "That I am in love with you Harry James Potter."

Harry breathed out a sigh of relief and then smiled at Hermione. "Well, that explains today very well for the two of us." Hermione went to say something, but Harry put his index finger on her lips. "I'm talking about what we both did. I don't know what you were thinking, but I know what I was, and I was loving every minute of it."

Harry started leaning in as he got to the end of the sentence. Once he said the last word his finger was off Hermione's lips. Harry's lips met Hermione's and his world exploded. Kissing Ginny was good, but this was fucking fantastic. It felt like at this moment everything was right with the world. He felt something brush against his lips, and he didn't want to resist this. He deepened the kiss, and it only stayed that for about a couple of minutes, and had it not been for a need to breathe they might not have broken the kiss. Harry rested his head against Hermione's. They just stared at each other for a couple of minutes. Hermione then looked over at her purse and summed it to her hand. She summoned up a pink potion and downed it in one go. She then stood up. Harry thought she was needing a drink, so he stood up and took a step towards the kitchen. Hermione stopped him and pushed Harry back on to the mattress when he tried to stand up.

"No lover boy. I need to go to the bathroom and freshen up. As for why I widened the bed I was wanting to sleep with you, and honestly, I don't want to die a virgin." Hermione said this as she took off her shirt. "Before you say anything I don't know why I am wanting to do THIS right now, but I know it is what I WANT right now." She looked down at Harry with these lust filled eyes. "I highly doubt you'll complain about this. Secondly, I don't know how I know this, but it just feels like what I SHOULD be doing."

Harry just sat there dumbfounded for a couple of seconds. He then started kicking off his shoes. It was long after that that he looked up to see Hermione kicking off her shoes, and getting ready to drop her jeans. Harry was mesmerized as she did this. He watched as Hermione walked out of her jeans. He was captivated by the sway of her arse. The only thing the broke him away from it was the sound of her giggling. Harry looked back at Hermione's face to see her beaming at him. Harry didn't know what god or goddess had done this for him, but they had his thanks for sure. As Hermione closed the door to the loo Harry realised what day it was. This would be the first time October 31st ever did anything good for him. Harry shook his head of these thoughts and started getting undressed. He kept boxers on just in case Hermione changed her mind about doing this. He was not about to force her into doing this. Just thinking this made him think was he ready for this? They had just become a couple, and even though they had been almost inseparable for years but this felt like coercion. He was starting to think that maybe they should do this. That it was something they shouldn't do this, and that they would be okay. Harry shook his head of these thoughts they would have to talk about this before they did anything.

The sound the door to the loo closing grabbed his attention. When he looked over to find Hermione tossing her bra at him. After his arm left his line of sight Harry jaw just fell open. Hermione's breast was on full displayed to him in all their wondrous glory. They were not the biggest amongst his classmates, but they weren't the smallest either. He was broken out of his stupor when Hermione's breast moved downward. Harry's gaze followed her down as she removed her knickers. As she stepped out of her nickers Harry could feel his anticipation building. As Hermione stood back up Harry's gaze wandered down her body. Harry was mesmerized by the way the curves of her body complemented her intellect far more than any accolades she could make would ever be able to challenge. Her neither region was trimmed neatly. It didn't look like the stuff he had heard Dean and Seamus talking about in the dorm as they bragged. There were definitely some things that the muggle world had better than their magical counterparts. 'I will no longer complain about her long shower time.'

When his eyes finally made their way back up to her eyes they found Hermione smiling broadly at him. "Do you like what you see Harry?" Hermione asked this as she straddled his legs.

"Yes, I absolutely do Hermione," Harry said as he leaned in and kissed Hermione's lips lightly. Once the kiss was over he looked Hermione in the eye. "Are you sure you want to do this... my love?" Saying that both felt weird and inspiring.

Hermione chuckled as she kissed Harry lightly on his lips. "Yes, Harry I do. Honestly, I don't know if it's my hormones doing this, or me just wanting to do this before we get killed or worse in this wore." Hermione chuckled as she said the last point.

Harry laughed at this point. "Why is it always 'death or worse' for you?"

Hermione smiled. "It's just the way I think. Death is far more agreeable than say being mind controlled into robbing a bank. There would be no way to disprove it in the muggle world, and here the goblins will just dispel it. Or kill you, but that is a minor issue." Hermione leaned in once more and kissed him more passionately. This kiss lasted longer than the earlier kisses did. Once she was done Hermione looked him in the eyes. "Are you not want to do this Harry?"

"No, I just didn't want to force you to do it. The word 'no' is a thing for me." Harry said as he started shimmying his boxers off. "Just so you know Hermione you look amazing."

Hermione blushed at this. "You're just saying that Harry."

"No, I'm serious Hermione. I think the reason Pansy hated on you so much is that you make her look average." Harry's right hand just ran up Hermione's side. He was amazed at how her skin felt so smooth. It was almost like silk. "I am going to enjoy this for sure."

Hermione reached out and took off his glasses. She then set them down on the nightstand next to the bed. She then turned all her attention to Harry, and for what felt like an hour Harry was experiencing thing he knew Ronald would love to be doing this right now, but for whatever reason Hermione's attention had shifted from him to Harry. 'Well, you reap what you sow they say.' Harry thought as he laid down after their interaction. They had taken it slow at first because of Hermione's virginity, and Harry was hoping this didn't cause her too much of a complication tomorrow.

When Harry woke up in the morning Harry found himself lying next to a naked Hermione. 'So, that wasn't a dream.' Harry thought as he leaned in and kissed her lightly on her head. She moved around a little bit. Harry could feel his 'morning issue' brush ever so slightly against Hermione's leg. As Harry tried to move around he could feel Hermione moving around. The next thing he knew his glasses were being slid on his face. Once his vision cleared he could see Hermione smiling at him. The darkness that had been looming over them for the past few months at this moment seemed to vanish. This was not something that Harry thought would ever leave them until Voldemort was dead. But right now it would matter to Harry if Voldemort was standing outside the tent screaming at the top of his lungs. Harry would probably tell him to shut up and get back to snuggling with Hermione.

"Good morning Harry." Hermione purred to him.

"Good morning Hermione. I hope you were able to sleep well?" Harry said with a smile.

"I was able to sleep wonderfully Harry." Hermione kissed him lightly on the lips. "Care for round three, or do you want to take a shower?"

Harry chuckled just thinking about a 'round 3'. "While I'd love a round three I really need a shower right now." Harry nuzzled Hermione's neck.

Hermione purred as Harry kissed her neck. "Is it to shower off shame, or the odour from last night?"

Harry stopped kissing her neck and smiled at Hermione. "Well, it is definitely not the shower of shame. There is nothing that happened last night that I'm ashamed of. In fact, I am looking for a future round three."

Hermione stood up at this time and started walking towards the bathroom. Harry was once again became captivated by her body's movement. Thankfully she was holding on to his hand as she made her way to the bathroom. They took a shower taking the time to wash each other's backs. Harry tried to keep the tomfoolery to a minimum, but he was the son of Prongs. As he was washing her back Harry moved his hands further down and squeezed her backside lightly. This caused her to both giggle and swat his hand. When it was her turn to wash his back she did the same in turn. Harry just looked over his shoulder and just smiled. When they were done the two of them started drying off. It was then that Harry noticed his wand was close enough to grab. The thoughts that were going through his mind right now. When he noticed she wasn't paying that much attention to their wands Harry started reaching for his wand. Once he had it his smile grew.

"Auguamenti!" Harry said firmly. He was trying to control the flow of his magic so that it wouldn't come out like a raging river. If he had to describe it the force of the water was more akin to a water hose.

"DAMN IT HARRY JAMES POTTER!" Hermione screamed as she tried to get out of the way. Harry was laughing hysterically as all of this was going on. He wasn't trying to embarrass her, he would move it away from her, but the moment she went for her wand he would her with it again. "WHEN I GET MY WAND YOU ARE A DEAD MAN!" Hermione said this as she lunged for her wand. Harry tried what he had been doing the last couple of minutes, but this time he missed her. She grabbed her wand turned around to face him, and even though there was a smile on her face Harry knew he was screwed. "AUGUAMENTI!"

"OH SHITE!" Harry said as Hermione's jet of water hit him squarely in the chest. Harry tried to move around, but they were in an enclosed space so there was nowhere he could hide. So he just started moving around trying to get back in the shower for cover, but Hermione was not letting that happen. "This will go as long as you don't surrender."

"Bring it flyboy! My father and I did this for fun!" Hermione screamed stepped to the left of his shot.

"I accept that challenge genius." Harry said as Hermione took a hit to her backside.

"You will lose!" Hermione said she hit him. "From here on out whoever gets hit ten times loses!"

"Sounds fair," Harry said as Hermione just barely avoid his shot. "Damn almost had you."

"I'm good at this," Hermione said with a smile. For the briefest of moments, she stood still in confidence.

Harry took this small window of time given to him to take his shot. "Auguamenti!" This one hit her in the chest. "Ha, I got you!" Harry said with laughter, but this was a mistake he would soon regret.

"Auguamenti!" Hermione said ten times in rapid succession. She hit him twice in the chest, once in the buttocks, three times in the back, twice in the right leg, and twice more in the abdomen. "I win!"

Harry stood there dripping wet once again with this shocked look on his face. "How?"

Hermione chuckled as she dried herself, Harry, and the rest of the room off. "I took the time since our DA time to increase my spell-casting speed," Hermione said with a smile. She then started walking towards the door. She looked over her shoulder at Harry. The look on her face was one of joyful mischief. "And Harry the next time you do something like this the consequences will be dire."

A chill just ran down Harry's spine at this moment. Voldemort be damned right now the one he was absolutely terrified of was staring back at him with this sweet smile on her face. "You do realise that I love you right?"

"Yes, and I love you as well." Hermione said with a slight chuckle as she took a couple of steps. "Also I do expect you to prank me every now and then you are Prong's son."

Harry laughed as he followed her out of the bathroom. The two of them got dressed, Hermione took the locket, once they were sure they were done they walked outside of the tent to look around. Once satisfied they were not being watched they then started taking down the tent, and the enchantments protecting this space. Hermione handled taking down the enchantments, and Harry magically took the tent down. Once all of this was done the two of them made their way back to the small hamlet they had been at the day before. They kept their eyes open for threats relating to the dictator they were living under now. It just sucked living in this kind of personal hell. Had Harry been anyone else he and Hermione could be hiding away somewhere without worrying about Horcruxes and being among the top three people on the Undesirable list. Harry felt Hermione take his hand. When he looked over at the young woman Harry found her smiling at him. It was almost like she had some kind of sixth sense that he was feeling down. She squeezed tightly on his hand once more before starting to talk with him about the odds of Sally-Anne being okay.

This carried on until they reached the hamlet once more. They walked to the store and bought some more food and other supplies. The old cashier asked about Ron, and they told him that Ron had left for home this morning. He seemed curious about why the boy would do this. "I mean it's not like he is leaving you Ms Granger defenceless, but to just up and leave for home when the three of you have been planning this since your graduation."

Hermione chuckled as she stepped on Harry's foot to keep him from saying anything. "I know we saved up all this money, and some more was given to us by our folks. I can tell you this his mother and father will not be happy when he shows up at home."

"I can imagine." The old man chuckled as the door opened once more. "Welcome to Martin's Quick Stop."

Harry instinctively turned to look at who had entered the store. When his gaze fell on the two young ladies who had entered the store his breath was taken away. It was Bethany and Sally-Anne. They looked ragged and very tired. The bags under both their eyes were proof that they had not slept much since their escape. It didn't take long for the girls to notice Harry as well. A sharp intake of breath let Harry know Hermione saw them as well. Once the girls heard that they looked at the two of them, and their jaws fell open. Harry held up his hands as he slowly walked towards. "Hi, Sally-Anne long time no see. How have you been?"

Sally-Anne and Bethany kept their hands in their pockets. Sally-Anne spoke first. "We've been fine Harry. What are you and Hermione doing out here?"

"Just camping the two of us and Ron had been planning this for months, but apparently my cooking is up to his mum's, so he bailed on us this morning."

There was the slightest smile in this moment from Sally-Anne. "So is it like the time he... got drunk and told everyone he had fought off... a hoard of mermaids?" It seemed Sally-Anne was trying not to hint at magic at this moment.

Harry chuckled and went along with it. "Yes, and it really bugs me that he stuck with for like four days. I mean had he not ruined my swimming 'tryouts' I might have been on the team. I mean in a way this is a good thing. We no longer have to by double the food to feed a human waste bin."

This caused both girls to smile. Bethany asked the next question. "I am having a hard time remembering when was that 'try out'?"

Hermione looked over at Harry and smiled. She then looked to the store clerk. Harry looked at the man as well. He looked curious at this point. He would be quiet and let the girls handle this. "Our friend Ron has a tendency to tell wild tails. To cut a long story short when we were fourteen someone snuck some beer into the school and he got drunk. This was the night before the 'tryouts', and the story he came up with was that Harry here," Hermione wrapped an arm around his waist. "...should have no problems getting on the team 'cause the two of them had fought off an army of mermaids to save a little girl once."

The old man started to laugh. "Well hopefully he learns from this, and if he left for the reason I'm thinking of the boy is a fool." The mirth in the old man's voice was more than enough to make Hermione blush. "Well, how can I help you, two young ladies?"

They looked at one another, and then at Harry and Hermione. "We were wondering if you had a tent or anything for camping outdoors?" Bethany asked.

The man looked heartbroken for a minute and then winced for a second before heading into the back of the store. Sally-Anne and Bethany went to the food section of the store and started getting some things. Harry looked once more at Hermione. His girlfriend just smiled at him it was almost like she knew what he was thinking. It was odd to think of her as his girlfriend, but that's what she was now. He brought Hermione into a tight hug, and the two stayed like this for a couple of minutes. As they stepped apart they were rejoined by the clerk, and shortly after that Bethany and Sally-Anne rejoined them. Their arms filled with the essentials. Hermione noticed they were missing a few things, and ran off to grab them. When she returned she had a few sanitary essentials for ladies. The man rang up their total, and Harry was surprised at the total. He was expecting to come out around a hundred quid, but the total was £24.36. Harry looked at the man with a little shocked, and then he noticed the man emptying his own wallet.

Before they could ask a thing the old man spoke. "I once did nothing for someone trying to get out of a bad situation, and you young ladies look like you need the help. If you need a safe place to stay and can find nowhere else come back here, and talk to me."

Bethany and Sally-Anne looked at one another then back at the old man. "Thank you, sir." They said this as one.

"Now off with you before my wife finds out what I've done, and end up in even more trouble than I already am." The old man said with a smile.

"Yes, sir." They all said before walking out of the store.

Harry asked if they were hungry. The girls looked at him as if he was pulling their leg. "Harry we haven't eaten in almost two days," Sally-Anne said looking more dreadful. "Why would you ask that Harry?"

Hermione said something before Harry could even think of a response. "Because he is a damn good cook. The one thing about him living with his relatives is it caused him to become a damn good cook."

Bethany looked at him more than a little surprised. "You can cook?"

"Yes, and to be fair I did learn a lot of it from my aunt so she wasn't too horrible," Harry said with a slight smile to his face. "Besides Hermione is way better at enchanting than I am."

Hermione lightly hit him on the shoulder. "You prat." The four of them broke out into light laughter. They continued making their way into the woods past the spot that they had camped at last night. Once they were a little deeper into the forest Harry said they should camp here. Hermione then pulled out their tent and asked Harry to set it up. Harry took the tent and started casting the spells required to set it up. While this was being done Hermione walked around setting up the enchantments. Once this was all done they walked into the tent Harry noticed the girls had drawn their wands. They had been with them for a little over an hour, and they hadn't taken any drinks, so Harry knew they weren't under Polyjuice Potion. That didn't wipe out the possibility of them being under someone's control though. This, however, was unlikely because of Barty Jr.'s training. Once inside Harry slowly turned around.

"Girls, what's the problem?" Harry asked once was facing them.

Sally-Anne was the one who answered him. "Harry while we want to believe you I think we both need some extra confirmation after what we've been through."

Harry thought on this for a couple of minutes. He then noticed a galleon sitting on the table. This made him smile there was one way he could prove he was Harry Potter. "Sally-Anne I am going to reach into my pocket, and pull out my wand and a coin. If you are Sally-Anne and Bethany you will know what this means." When they both nodded Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand, and his DA coin. He then slowly tapped his wand thinking of what he wanted the coin to say. The words slowly formed on the edge of the galleon. 'I AM HARRY POTTER'. Harry watched as both girls felt around in their pockets, and when they drew out their own coins. They read them and then looked at Harry. "Do you believe me now?" At that moment both girls charged him and engulfed him in a bone crushing hug. He told them that everything was going to be okay. He noticed Hermione moving around them she was casting a few spells. Harry thought she was making sure they were not being tracked. Once she stopped casting she nodded at Harry. Harry stepped back and looked at both of the girls. "Are you two okay?"

Bethany nodded. "Yes, our parents bought us some time to get away. The boys ran back to help mum and dad. We tried to stop them, but they wouldn't have any of it. They knew it was Sally-Anne the Death Eaters were after, and they didn't want to split us up."

Sally-Anne picked it up at this point. "We tried to stop them, but Timothy brought up some kind of crystalline wall and told us to run. We could her mum screaming, and though I wanted to help them I knew I could break the barrier down, and still have enough in me to fight them. So, we ran. My orphanage used to camp out in these woods, so I apparated me and Bethany here. We've been wandering in the woods ever since. So is there more to the story that you told the clerk?"

Harry nodded his head and looked over at Hermione. "Should we tell them?"

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Ron got jealous of us yesterday of Harry and I. Granted we were goofing around with one another in a romantic way, so it caused his inferiority complex to super flair up yesterday." The other two girls at that moment rolled their eyes. "While we were listening to POTTERWATCH yesterday he finally lost when they were talking about you two, and the death of the McLaggens. He then threw at us that Hermione had used magic to protect her parents, and that I was an orphan as a reason why we could never feel what he did during stories like that."

"Your forgetting that also said we could never feel the fear he did when they read of the list of the dead and missing." Hermione said with a look of 'thank you' clear across her face.

"That's just so stupid." Bethany said with a look of disgust on her face. "He is a heartless bastard if he thinks you two can't feel his pain." Bethany gestured to Sally-Anne and Harry. "I now know what the two of you must have felt like when you found out you were orphans. It's depressing, and if it weren't for Sally-Anne I don't think I'd be here right now." The venom in her voice made Harry glade Ron wouldn't be coming back any time soon because if he showed up right now he might get hit with more than a few curses, and Harry didn't think he would protect his friend at that moment. Well, he might if the reward from Hermione was good.

Harry was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of Hermione's voice. "Okay, let's start working on this tent."

Harry knew that what the girls were doing would probably take a while, so he wanted to make them something that took just as long, and tasted good. He decided to store the Sally-Anne and Bethany's food before starting on the meal. Thankfully they were three separate colours so they could distinguish between them. Harry placed their meats in the blue container with a permanent cooling charm upon it, in the green one he placed the fruits and vegetables, and the purple one he placed dairy and eggs. Once this was done Harry turned to the thing he and Hermione had picked up. Harry gave the three containers a once over before sealing them and setting them to one side of the sink.

Once that was done Harry thought on which of the two things he had narrowed it down to he was going to make. He glanced up at the clock and saw that it had only taken him twenty minutes to take care of the food. So, he decided to take a chance and make something he had never made before. He checked the fridge and pantry to see if he had what was needed for a Cornish Pasties. He was surprised that they actually had all of what he'd need. He went back to where dishes and pulled out three bowls. He had to enlarge all three of the bowls so that there was enough room. He then pulled out the things he'd need. He placed the skirt steak out off to the left side of the counter. He then got out the skirt steak, seasoning, flour, cold butter, rutabaga, salt, and pepper.

Once all of that was done he washed his hands. He then measured out the flour need for the dough, then added two cups of cold butter, a pinch of salt. He then started mixing it. Once it was where it needs to be Harry made a well in the middle of the bowl and magically added the ice cold water. He then magically mixed the dough. This was the one thing he really wouldn't mind having muggle things for in his home. There was nothing like doing all of this by hand. Once the dough was fully formed he stopped the mixing, and pulled the dough out of the bowl. He then conjured up a piece of plastic. He wrapped the dough in the plastic, and placed it in the refrigerator, and tapped it with his wand. He would let this rest in there for a while before trying to do anything more with it.

He then turned his attention to the other parts of a Cornish Pasty. He pulled out a cutting board, chef's knife, and a paring knife. He placed the cutting board next to the skirt steak. He then reached for the potato. He rinsed it off, checked for eyes, and then skinned it. He then cut it into quarter-inch cubes and placed the cubes into one of the bowls, and then he grabbed the rutabaga. He then rinsed, skinned, and cut the rutabaga into quarter inch cubes. He added these to the potatoes. He quickly rinsed the knife, and then reached over and turned on the oven. He set the temperature to 425° Fahrenheit. He went back to the cutting board, and before he even touched the onion he stopped. He didn't know these girls that well, so they might actually be allergic to some of the things he has added to the meal. He would have to check on this. He set the knife down and made his way over to the tent.

"Sally-Anne, Bethany are you allergic to anything?" Harry asked with a little bit of worry in his voice.

"No," Sally-Anne said back.

"Yes," Bethany said. This caused Harry to sweat a little. "I am allergic to stupidity."

Harry laughed at this. "Well then I guess it's good Ron isn't here anymore."

"Your damn right!" Bethany said sternly. "The last thing I need is to break out in hives!"

Harry continued to laugh as he made his way back to the counter. This was going to be a good change. Though they would have to be doing some explaining to the girls when it came to the locket, and he didn't know how they were going to do that.

XOXOXOXOX

"So you two just jumped right into it?" Harry nodded with a smile. "Did he ever return?"

"Yeah months later," Harry said with a sour look on his face.

"So did you two continue the 'nightly dance'?" Sirius said with a sheepish grin.

Harry could feel himself blushing at this point. "We weren't stupid about it, but we did keep taking time to be alone with one another. I don't know if my dad had this problem, but you do not want to know how difficult it is to hide an ongoing intimate relationship from someone when all three of you are sleeping in the same tent." Harry knew that Sirius believed a majority of what he said, but he didn't know how much of it he believed. "What's wrong Sirius?"

Sirius sighed. "I am just having a hard time believing that I am allowed to know this and Albus isn't. The man could help you, Harry."

"No he wouldn't, and I'll tell you why." Harry tried to stay calm, but now just thinking about what Dumbledore would do with these memories upset him. "He knew you were an innocent man in the old timeline since June twenty-second, and instead of helping you, and forcing Snape to tell the truth of what happened he let that bastard's lie stand, and force you to live as a fugitive for the next two years. One of those years you were being forced to live in your mum's old home. You died because of it actually. Even though he played a part in it I don't blame him for your death anymore. I used to though. Bellatrix holds that 'honour', but had he let you get out to enjoy yourself you might not have been so reckless in that battle."

Sirius' face went bleach white as Harry told him this. He shook his head trying to clear his head of the thought of dying because he was being himself. "Is there anything GOOD that you can tell me?"

Harry cracked a smile. "You mean aside from the fact that I got laid at seventeen by my best mate?" Sirius just shook his head as he chuckled. Harry joined him in the laughter. "Fine, there is some good news I can tell you. The Marauder's Map is in good hands, and being used well. In fact, the two young men who are using it idolize you."

Sirius' head snapped up, and he stared at Harry for about five minutes. "Bullshite Harry, bullshite." Sirius had his arms crossed in front of his chest.

"Okay, I tell you what Padfoot, let's make a bet. If I can prove to you what I said was true then you help me and Hermione become animagus, and if I am wrong I will help you clean 12 Grimmauld Place with a toothbrush."

"You have a deal." Sirius stuck out his hand. "And you will use your toothbrush." The wicked smile on the man's face made Harry sweat a little.

"Let's go I need to find the twins." Harry went to the door.

"Twins are they pretty?"

Harry laughed at this. "They are. Just asking, but are into men?" A look over his shoulder at Sirius made him laugh. Sirius was shaking his head 'NO'. "Well, then I guess you just want their names not there measurements huh?" Sirius swatted Harry on his shoulder as Harry laughed. "There names are Fred and George Weasley, or Gred and Forge take your pick." Harry then walked out the door, and went to look for the Weasley's who he assumed would be there by now. It took Sirius a couple seconds to catch up with him. Harry assumed he was removing all the Silencing Charms he'd placed in the room. As he made his way down the stairs Harry could hear Tom talking to someone who sounded very concerned that Sirius was here. Harry wanted to laugh at this though because this was the same woman who proved he was innocent. As he got to the bottom of the stairs he saw Mrs Weasley talking with Tom. When Tom pointed at him Harry smiled at a worried looking Molly. "Mrs Weasley I am okay, and so you know he is perfectly harmless."

Molly ran up to him and gave him a quick hug. "Oh, Harry I was just worried that…"

"He would prank me into oblivion… Nah he wouldn't." Harry grin at the Weasley matriarch.

"I am not worried about that," Molly said with a stern look in her eyes.

"No," one of the twins said as the stepped in and shook his hand.

"...Mum," The other picked up as they shook his hand.

"Is worried

About you

Becoming like

Us," the twins finished their seesaw-like conversation together as usual, but this time it was Harry who had the wider grin on his face.

"Just the two young men I was looking for." Harry pulled them close and threw his arms over their shoulders. "Could you fellows follow me please." Harry guided them to the stairs. As he made his way up them he looked back at Molly. "Mrs Weasley we will be right back I have something I want to talk with these two about in private for a moment if you don't mind. Thanks." Harry said this as he pushed the twins up the stairs with Sirius bring up the tail end. He could hear Molly say they need to keep this brief because they still had shopping to do. When he closed the door behind him Harry cast a privacy charm like he had asked Sirius to do earlier. He then turned around to face a very confused set of twins. They were looking between themselves and Harry. Harry smiled before he said "Okay boys I want the map, and before you ask me how I know about it all I will say is that it involves a very long conversation about time travel. Before you ask for proof about how I know about the Marauder's Map I would like you to meet Mr Padfoot." With that, he gestured to Sirius.

"Where are Prongs, Wormtail, and Moony?" The twins set the question on the stereo.

"Prongs was Harry's father, Wormtail is Peter Pettigrew, and Moony I hear will be a teacher soon." Sirius looked at Harry. "I don't think they believe you."

Harry looked at him and smiled. "They will if you make it work Padfoot." Harry looked back at Fred and George. "Boys present the map, and I will give you a short answer as to how I know this."

Fred and George looked at one another before they knelt before one of their heroes. The one on the left pulled the Map out of his coat pocket, and let the other one take hold of the end he wasn't holding. They then lifted up the map up to him as if they were presenting it to a king. Sirius was laughing at all of this as he took the hold of the map. He then drew out his wand. "It has been years since I've done this." He tapped his wand to the map and said: "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." With that said the map started revealing itself to them all. Fred and George were looking at him with a dumbstruck look on their faces. Harry guessed they were thinking he was pulling a fast one on them. Once Sirius was satisfied with what he was looking he said: "Mischief managed." The map returned to its 'normal' parchment state. "Hopefully you've been putting this thing to 'good' use?" Sirius asked the twins.

"We have." They said as one.

Harry smiled at the three of them. "While this is cool and all we will need to leave before Mrs Weasley breaks down the door, so, Fred and George, the short answer is I'm a time traveller I'll tell you more tomorrow there are others that will need the information so to prevent myself and Hermione from saying the same thing multiple time we are gonna do with everyone we think we can trust at the same time." When the twins nodded in shocked understanding Harry looked over to his godfather "Now Sirius can I see the map?"

Sirius held up the map. "You see with your eyes not your hands young one."

"Ha Ha, very funny Sirius give it." Harry held out his hand.

"And why should I do that Harry?" Sirius grin was getting bigger by the second.

"Because Hermione and I plan to restart the Marauders this year, and I need you to brew the potions mentioned in this book."

Harry handed one of the idols of Fred and Gorge the book that he and Hermione purchased earlier. After the trade, Sirius looked through the book. "Harry you know I am… what do you say now, pants?" After a nod from the three teens, Padfoot continued. "I am pants at potions."

"Well Moony will be teaching Defence this year, and even if he wasn't a traitorous bastard I would never let Pettigrew brew anything." Sirius was laughing as he hands over the map. Harry then walked over to his backpack and pulled out the Hogsmeade permission form, and walked back over to Sirius. He points to the table with the quill and ink. "Now I need you to sign this." Once that was done Harry walked over and put it on his nightstand. He turned back to the other and said. "Now we really need to go because not only do I have to see a solicitor Hermione has a heritage test to do. Two of them actually one at Gringotts and the other at Ministry."

"Why does she need to do that?" Fred asked looking more than a little confused.

"I don't know, but I was told last night that it was something that needed to be done today," Harry said with more than a little worry in his voice.

"Who told you, Harry?" Sirius asked.

"It was a woman with long black hair and silver eyes." Harry paused for dramatic effect. "Who is also one of the goddesses who is one of our, meaning mine and Hermione's, patrons." Harry said as he made his way to the door.

"Your personal deity?" The twins asked as one.

"No," Harry said as he walked out the door. He looked around to make sure they were alone. "I am the champion of deity. The same goes for Hermione and someone else that we know. Who that is I don't know yet, but I will find out tomorrow."

"What else could they have done? They saved your lives, sent you back in time, and helped free me. What more could they have done?" George asked looking more than a little worried.

"They have done more than that George, but I really don't know. She also said this was the final gift." Harry said this as he started walking down the stairs.

"Enough said. I highly doubt annoying a goddess is a good idea." What shocked Harry is that it was not Sirius who said this but Fred.

"Well put young Mr Echo. Your brother shall now be known as Origin." One of the last Marauders spoke with mirth and a wicked grin on his face. "Now I'm going back to remove the Silencing charms that someone forgot to remove," Sirius said this as he made his way back to the room.

"Yes Lord Padfoot!" the 'twin speak' was in full swing once again.

Once they were downstairs Harry noticed that Hermione and her parents had arrived. As he took his last step of the stairs Harry was run into by missile that went by the name of Hermione. He used her momentum to spin them in a circle for a little bit. He could hear Hermione's father laughing in the background. Harry looked over and saw

After the group exchanged greetings the large group left for Diagon Ally. Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs Weasley went to Gringott's while the others went to Flourish and Blotts. There was idle chatter about what they did over the summer, and a few innuendos made by little Ginny about Harry and Hermione staying in the Leaky Cauldron. Her mother was not happy about those comments and reprimanded the girl, but by the grin on her face showed that Ginny didn't care.

The group as a whole went to their vaults. The first stop was Hermione's, then the Weasley's, and finally Harry's. Harry still felt bad about letting the others see his vault, but being as Hermione had already seen his family vault which held considerably more money among other things. Nothing outlandish like what the Malfoys probably had, but nice things none the less. Harry was only taking money out so he could have some spending money for Hogsmeade and to Sirius for the potion components.

As they walked through the Alley Harry was looking for Sirius, but could not find him. While he hoped he didn't get himself into some kind of trouble Harry continued to 'shop' for school supplies. Around one o'clock Hermione told him they should head for the solicitor's office. Once there Harry noticed a gathering of people outside. The flashing of cameras and the sounds of reporters rang throughout the air.

"Minister Fudge is it true that Peter Pettigrew has escaped custody?" a woman shouted.

"While there is speculation of this nature we are uncertain as to whether its source can be validated or not. The guards were killed yes, but it seems so too was Pettigrew. I assure you that all resources of both the Ministry of Magic and our Egyptian counterparts are at work in this matter. As soon as we have any information we will be providing it too you. Thank you and have a nice day."

With that, the Minister of Magic walked into the solicitor's office. Hermione leaned over to Harry and whispered. "This is going to get dicey."

A blonde haired reporter the teens both reviled and respected (if only as far as one could spit) turned and saw Harry. "Mr Potter, what do you think of the events of the past few days?"

Harry squeezed Hermione's arm before answering. "I am uncertain ma'am, but if you do not mind I have a meeting to get to."

The crowd parted as he walked by, but more than Rita Skeeter were hurling questions at the couple. When they finally made it into the solicitor's office the couple was seeing spots from the number of camera flashes they had to endure. Harry immediately focused on Sirius standing beside Professor Dumbledore. Harry became worried that the old man would know about what the two had discussed in private. He knew the old man knew Legilimency and could read the surface thoughts of a person. He just prayed that Sirius kept that in mind.

"Harry, Sirius tells us he has already spoken to you?" the old man asked his eyes twinkling like the stars in the night sky.

"Yes I wrote to him earlier today, and we discussed the matter of my living condition."

He was cut off by Dumbledore before he could say more. "Harry we have discussed this. Your aunt and uncle's home is the safest place for you."

"That place professor has never been my home, and it never will be again if I can help it." At that moment Harry felt his magic flare around him and heard the sound of something breaking. "What was that professor?"

"Don't worry about Harry m'boy I am sure it was nothing." The minister said. "You took a risk Mr Potter yesterday at your relatives why is that?"

"Well, Minister Fudge my 'relatives' seemed to have ignored the fact that I am a human being, and treat me as if though I am some kind of toy to be discarded when I am no longer useful." At the odd look on the minister's face, Harry decided to clarify. "I am treated worse than one of the Malfoy's house elves sir."

At that moment the solicitor, a man with jet black hair and grey eyes, glared at Dumbledore. "You told me he was in the best of care Professor."

"Well he was Jacob, but I was not completely sure he was treated equally to the couples own son." The headmaster was trying his best to show he was in complete control. Harry decided to cut the puppet strings.

"Professor Dudley is the equivalent to a beached whale, and my uncle is a walrus in human form. They eat a majority of the food in the house while I am left to pick up the scraps." Harry tried to hide the venom in his voice, but at the moment didn't really care if it showed.

This information caused an argument between the other men in the room. It ended when Jacob threw his hands in the air. "We will discuss this later. Right now we have the will to go over." The man walked into his office and pulled what appeared to be a pensive. "They, or more aptly James, said you would know what to say to activate it." Jacob was pointing to Sirius at that moment.

Harry didn't need to guess what was being said: it would be the Marauders oath. 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.' With those simple words, the pensive came to life and projected a four-foot tall image of Harry's parents. Before he could ask anything the images started to speak.

I James William Potter of sound mind and body declare this as my last will and testament.

I Lilly Evens Potter of sound mind and body declare this as my last will and testament.

It was his father who continued from this point.

Harry if your hearing this it means we failed to protect you as best we could. I don't want you to feel alone Harry because you're not. Your mum and I will always be there, and my friends Sirius and Remus. Sirius look after him, will you. I know Dumbledore has some kind of plan in case we don't make it, but I don't know how the two (or three) of us dying would help anyone. If the worst happens don't let Lilly's sister get him, and if you can't stop it make sure her fat cow of husband understands the Marauders wrath.

JAMES!

Sirius, I leave you the house in London. It will be better for you than rebuilding in Godric's Hollow. That place will be too sorrowful now to live in. And for the love of God don't go to your parents' old place unless you have to. Also as I said above you are the primary caregiver of my son Harry James Potter should Lilly and I die. Under no circumstance unless absolutely necessary is Harry to ever be left in the custody of Petunia Evans Dursley and her family. That spiteful woman will probably kill him at worst and at best leave him in an orphanage.

His mother's image moved closer to his father. The man appeared to be stroking her back before continuing.

Remus, I am leaving you Lilly's potion journal. She was working on a surprise for you and I hope it works. If it doesn't I leave you twenty thousand galleons and whatever remains of Lilly's potion lab. Find someone who makes you happy my friend. Remember Moony you are family to us.

His mum spoke next.

Remus, you are not a monster. A monster is someone who embraces the disease you have and does whatever they will to others. I am sure there is someone out there for you. Sirius, I swear to Merlin that if you turn my son into a miniature version of yourself I will come back from the dead and hex you where it counts.

Sirius winced while Jacob and Harry laughed. Harry looked over at Hermione and she just had this wicked grin on her face.

Harry my little boy I wonder what you look like now. I wonder if there is a new Mrs Potter or at least a woman in your life. Or at the least someone who makes you happy. I do not know the man you are I only know the little baby that is sleeping in a crib in the room next to us. I hope our sacrifice is not in vain, and that you live in a better place than we left.

To whoever holds my little boy's heart. Treat him well, and keep him safe. If he is anything like his father he has no doubt caused more trouble than Peeves with a bucket of paint. If he hasn't then he has no doubt taken after me in which case you are a very lucky person.

Hey!

To Elisabeth Greengrass, my friend and my sister I leave my copy of the pendants we purchased in Diagon Ally on the eve of your wedding.

Harry, we leave everything else to you.

His father looked over at his mum before the two of them nodded. His father spoke the words that would seal a man's fate.

Lastly, if we are dead it is Peter Pettigrew who was our secret keeper. I hope he rots in Hell for what he has done to us.

With that, the images faded away. Harry could feel a tear falling down his cheek, and a soft finger came up to wipe away the tear. Hermione pulled him close to her, and let him cry tears that had been two decades in the making. He was reminded of all the lives lost during the final battle. Collin Creevey the little first year who wanted to take his picture, Fred Weasley dead in the corridor, Tonks and Remus' dead bodies lying next to one another in the Great Hall, and the countless others whose names would never be known that were killed by the Snatchers.

The sound of a drawer closing brought Harry back to the here and now. Jacob had a beautiful sapphire pendant in the shape of a raven in his hand and a book no bigger than Hermione's schedule book. The man set them in front of Sirius. "I believe you know who these go to?"

"Yes, I do. Harry if I can use your owl I would like to send a letter to Elisabeth Greengrass. She will want this." Sirius held up the pendant.

"Of course Sirius, but if you don't mind I would personally like to give it to her." Sirius just nodded. "Jacob is there anything else."

"Aside from the key to the house in London no, and I already gave that Sirius." Harry nodded. "Now if you will excuse us I think there is something that the headmaster, Minister Fudge, and I need to discuss." The man didn't bother to conceal the hatred in his voice.

With that Harry, Hermione, and his dogfather left the room. The group went back to the Leaky Cauldron where Sirius wrote a letter to Lady Greengrass. Harry went to talk to the twins while Hermione was talking with Mrs Weasley about romance. Harry was talking with the twins about how Molly found out about Pettigrew. The boys said that their mum had talked with a woman whose descriptions sound eerily similar to Lady Hecate's saved for her eyes. The woman had raven hair, was thin with a slightly athletic build, and had green eyes, and every night after that the twins would hear their mum wake up screaming. It got downright scary. Their dad thought she had come across a curse or something, and finally, she asked Fred for Scabbers and cast a charm on him revealing him to be Pettigrew. The Weasley Patriarch quickly stunned him and took him to the Ministry's diplomatic office in Egypt.

After Sirius sent off his letter he took Harry, Hermione, and Mrs Weasley to the Department of Records within the Ministry of Magic. In contrast to everywhere else Harry had been within the Ministry this place seemed to be a bookworm's paradise. Shelves meters tall with untold numbers of parchment within them, and tomes that looked to give the muggle novel "War and Peace" a run for its money.

There were six lines the longest of these was Domestic Disputes which Harry assumed was akin to the Domestic Abuse area of the muggle police department, or a divorce filling area. By the sheer number of people in line, he was going for number two. The first line was the one they need the Magical Blood Lines Dispute Department. There were only three people in the line, and none of them looked pleasant. The old man in front of them kept complaining about his sons stealing his inheritance and something about proving he was not their father. The first two people in line went by quickly, but the man in front of them complained about what felt like thirty minutes until some Ministry officials came to escort him to a different area.

"Yes how may I help you?" the woman behind the counter asked, and it sound like today was not one of her best days.

"Yes, my name is Hermione Jean Granger I was told to come here to do a Lineage test." Hermione was back in her 'old' work mode. No emotion in her voice, and just giving the facts. It scared Harry sometimes when she did this.

"Please prick your finger and place three drops of blood on this parchment please." The woman's nasal voice was kind of annoying Harry.

Hermione proceeded to do as she was asked. After the tree drops were applied the paper started to glow an orange colour. Once it died down the 'teller' looked at and let out a scream that would make a Banshee proud. The woman started calling for her boss. When the man arrived he asked what the commotion was about. When he looked at the parchment he looked first at Harry then Mrs Weasley.

"Are you Ms Granger?"

"No sir, I am Ms Hermione Jean Granger may I ask what the problem is?" Hermione huffed.

"You may want to look at this ma'am." He then handed Hermione the parchment. Harry along with the other two with them looked over Hermione's shoulder.

Father: Jacob Bill Granger (Muggle)

Mother: Lisa Kelly Granger (Muggle)

Ancestors:

Hector Dagworth-Granger (Pure-blood) (Inheritance partially claimed Dagworth line)

Salazar Slytherin (Pure-blood) (Inheritance unclaimed)

Claim to Slytherin vault valid.

Reason: Parseltongue

Claim to Dagworth-Granger Vault (England) valid.

Reason: Magical

Harry looked at Hermione who uncharacteristically had her mouth hanging open. He used his forefinger to close it. Looking back at the woman behind the counter saw her walking up with a stack of parchment in her arms. She sat back down and instructed Hermione to sign all fifteen of the forms she had brought with her. Once all that was done the woman shrunk all fifteen forms and told them to head to Gringott's immediately because there was another man who was seeking a claim to the vault. When asked who the name that was given made Harry laugh: Lucius Malfoy.

The group left the Ministry as quickly as they could. Lady Greengrass and her daughters were there. Sirius told them that they might want to wait, but Hermione seemed reluctant to go to Gringott's.

"Why would a witch be afraid of the goblins?" Daphne asked.

"Well, it seems a Muggle-born is the heiress of Slytherin. Looks like the monster from last year attacked the wrong girl." Sirius said all of this with a smile on his face. The two Slytherins in the group had these shocked looks on their face. "Not to mention she is in GRYFFINDOR."

Harry just rolled his eyes at Sirius' high jinks while Hermione was hitting him on the shoulder. "Well the reason we wanted to talk to you is this." Harry pulled out the pendant and handed it to his mother's old friend. The woman had a sharp intake of air.

"Where was this?"

"She left it with the solicitor who did my parents' will."

The woman sank into a chair and started to sob. Harry told her he would be back in a few minutes if she wished to know more. Molly told them to go on that she would remain here and inform Mrs Greengrass about what had been in the will. Daphne was better known as the 'Ice Queen' decided to follow them, and out of respect for his mother, Harry did not wish to cause problems with the Greengrass family.

As the quartet made their way to Gringott's they garnered a few stairs. Most of them were from Harry's classmates. When Theodore Nott tried to say something he was silenced with just a look from Greengrass. Hermione it seems was more focused on finding out what was in the Dagworth-Granger vault than anything else, but once she found out Daphne was with them she raised an eyebrow to Harry. He waved off her concerns for later. When they made it into the bank Harry could see Malfoy arguing with a goblin, and it seems he was trying to access a vault which was not his.

"Stop right there Malfoy!" Harry shouted.

The man spun around and glared at Harry. "You have no business listening in other people's conversation Mr Potter." The arrogance and anger in his voice were not even concealed by the man.

"Actually we do. Hermione here," Harry gestured with his left hand. "… is the heiress of Slytherin, and we bring the documentation to prove it."

Harry looked over to the other Slytherin in the group to find her mouth hanging open. The goblin teller spoke up next.

"Well, Mrs Potter if that is the truth we will need to see the papers and take three drops of your blood."

Hermione brought out the parchments. "It's Granger."

"How do we know these are factual documents?!" Malfoy screamed.

With a wave of his hand, the teller made the documents both enlarge and glow blue. "These are factual documents, Mr Malfoy." He did the same gesture over Malfoy's documents, and the glowed violet. "While the documents you provided are false." At that moment two goblin guards surrounded Malfoy. "Your account will be penalized fifty-five thousand galleons, and all account transaction from this date forward will be overseen by goblin overlords."

"You are a bothersome prat Potter!" Lucius screamed over his shoulder as the two guards led him out of the bank. Harry noticed other patrons in the bank were staring at Malfoy and then there gaze wondered over to Hermione.

Harry looked to his girlfriend and saw her face was a deep shade of crimson. The goblin hands her two keys and told them to follow him. When Daphne followed Harry went to say something, by with a shake of his head Sirius silenced him. As the cart moved along Daphne said she would stay in the cart while they examined the vaults. To which the other three humans acknowledged with a simple nod. The conversation was kept to a minimum during the ride with only Sirius talking to Daphne, and Daphne trying to get information out of Harry about the Chamber of Secrets. At this point, Daphne started cussing in Parseltongue. Harry noticed Hermione turn around and glare at the raven-haired Slytherin. Before Hermione could say anything the cart stopped in front of the Dagworth-Granger vault number seven hundred and two.

"Key pleases?" The goblin asked.

When the vault door opened all Harry could say was "By the gods Hermione…"

Sirius let out alone whistle to its contents.

Hermione's response was just two simple words.

"Shut up."