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Majors Should Marry
"Grandpa's here," Hermione called out to her parents as the old man's car pulled into the lot. "And he's wearing a uniform?"
"I'm sure he'll explain it to you if you ask him," Hermione's mother smiled. She always enjoyed her grandfather's visits.
"How's the prettiest girl in the world?" Smythe was dressed in pair of grey pants and an odd green uniform jacket with black facing and white piping. "I've got some exciting news for you."
"What's that?" Hermione smiled, being around her grandfather made her feel like a little girl again.
"Let's all go inside and I'll tell you," Smythe waved them in.
"Hello Grandfather," Hermione's mother opened the door. "How are you today?"
"Hello Jane, I'm better than I've been in the past forty years," the old man replied. "Now everyone gather round, I've got some great news to share."
"Have a seat," Hermione's father motioned towards the chairs. "And tell us what you have to share."
"Did you join one of those reenactment groups?" Hermione stared at the odd uniform.
"Better," Smythe grinned. "I'm back in the army."
"How?" Hermione couldn't figure it out, "you're almost a hundred years old."
"There's been a new regiment formed," the old man replied. "Full of us old men and well . . . there's something I should have mentioned about our family a few years ago."
"What's that?" Jane asked with a smile.
"Well," the old man gave a nervous smile. "For one thing, Hermione's not the first one of us to go to Hogwarts."
"What?" Hermione's jaw dropped, "you went to Hogwarts."
"No," the old man shook his head. "But my sister, parents, and grandparents all did."
"You're a Squib?" Hermione's eyes widened, "why didn't you tell me?"
"I keep planning on it," the old man shrugged. "But it was so amusing to watch you try to explain where you went to school and to keep me in the dark that well . . . I just didn't have the heart to give up one of my few sources of entertainment."
"Do I have any magical cousins?" Hermione perked up.
"No," the old man shook his head. "I'm afraid that you and I are the last of that family line."
"Oh," Hermione nodded. "If you come from a magical family then how come you ended up in the army?"
"It was dumping ground for unwanted sons," the old man shrugged. "For both magical families and non magical families."
"Oh," Hermione twisted her mind around this latest outrage from the wizarding world.
"On the plus side it does make you the sole heir of a minor pure blood family," the old man shrugged. "Doubt it'll do much for you but I'm sure you'd like to have the library, there are a couple of books of family spells that you'll wanna have."
"Family spells?"
"Lots of old families are known for specializing in certain things," the old man shrugged. "Or at least they were at one time, our family's specialization was spell research. The family spells are just things that never got put on the market for one reason or another."
"Oh," Hermione nodded. "Why are you going back to the army . . . and how did you get them to accept you anyway?"
"There's a lot of us old men that served the Empire after being tossed out of their families," Smythe explained. "The Squibs sort of keep in touch with each other, we have a club that allows us to be with our own kind. A few days ago a man walked into our club and told us he was forming a regiment to fight that wanker that's been causing problems for the wizarding world and tonight he swore us all in."
"How can you fight him?" Hermione was worried about her favorite granddad, "you can't do magic."
"The commander killed several of them without magic the other day," Smythe grinned. "There are plenty of ways to kill people without spells, magic just opens up new ways of doing it is all."
"Oh," Hermione had a sudden idea. "Would you mind talking to a friend of mine about this?"
"Soon as the commander says I can," Smythe promised. "And speaking of the commander, he can't be much older than you are . . . he's a good man and I think he'd make a good husband for you."
"What?" Hermione stared at the old man in shock.
"I just wanna look out for you," the old man shrugged. "I did it for your mother and I did it for your grandmother, now it's your turn."
"But . . ."
"You're growing up into a lovely young lady," the old man patted her on the head. "And there's all sorts of bastards out there that will try to take advantage of that." He refrained from mentioning that he'd cheerfully kill said bastards if they tried anything.
"I don't need help with my love life," Hermione couldn't believe the direction this conversation was heading.
"I just want you to meet him is all," the old man smiled. "Who knows, you two might hit it off."
"Just meet him?" Hermione nodded.
"Just meet him," the old man confirmed. "Then we can go talk to that friend of yours."
"Ok," Hermione nodded. She just hoped Harry would appreciate the sacrifices she was making for him.
IIIIIIIIII
Harry spent the day getting fitted for his new uniform by a proud Madam Malkin who insisted on doing the work herself.
"What sorts of charms would you like me to put on these?" She asked as she made the final alteration to Harry's first uniform.
"I don't know," Harry shrugged. "What do you suggest?"
"Comfort charms," she replied immediately. "At a minimum, these things are made of wool and I lined yours with silk to keep it more comfortable next your skin. It'll be very hot in the summer heat."
"Ok," Harry nodded. "Do whatever you think would be appropriate on this one and I'll try to get back to you on the rest."
"How about I just put every charm I can on it and you tell me what you like?" Madame Malkin smiled, "you've just completed my biggest order this year outside Hogwarts robes and if the stories my mother told are true then I'll be making more of these soon. I want to do something nice for you if I can."
"Ok," Harry nodded. "Thank you."
"Your boots should be up soon," Madame Malkin cast the last charm and handed Harry the new uniform. "Along with the other leather goods, black dragon hide and shined to a high gloss."
"Thank you," Harry couldn't believe how fast things were happening.
"No thank you," Madame Malkin replied. "For protecting us and for all the business you've given me today."
"Your boots are here Major," one of the old men walked in with a large package. "And there's a man here to see you."
"Who?" Harry looked up.
"He says he's here to talk about your sword sir.
"Ok," Harry nodded. Send him up.
"Yes sir," the old man nodded and took his leave.
"Put your uniform on please," Madame Malkin politely requested. "I'd like to get a look at you in it."
"Alright," Harry stepped behind a privacy screen and began donning his new clothing.
"Major Potter?" A small man with a large book walked into the room.
"Just a second," Harry replied. "And I'll be right out."
"Take your time," the small man replied.
"What did you want to see me about?" Harry stepped out from behind the screen.
"I'm from the blade maker that your men contacted and I was hoping to find out which pattern you intended to adopt for your new regiment." The small man opened his book, "if you'll look at these pictures."
"That one," Harry pointed at one of the swords. "Can you enchant them?"
"The Pattern 1796 light cavalry saber," the man nodded. "Excellent choice sir, and I regret to inform you that we can not enchant this for you. We can how ever provide you with a list of approved sub contractors that would be willing to do the work."
"Ok," Harry nodded. "That's fine."
"One more thing Major," the man paused. "Is this the sword that you will require your officers to purchase? Or do you have any specifications on what they may or may not use?"
"Not at the moment," Harry shrugged. "Whatever they want so long as it isn't too ornate."
"Thank you sir," the man picked up his book. "I'll have your sword here as soon as possible."
"Good," Harry nodded. "Thank you."
"The Sergeant Major is back sir," McLain entered the room. "And he's got a surprise for you."
"Really?" Harry nodded, "I don't suppose I'll be happy about this surprise will I?"
"I saw her come in," McLain smiled. "She's a very nice looking surprise."
"Great," Harry sighed. "I don't suppose there's any way out of this?"
"And have Smythe think you don't like his lovely granddaughter?" McLain was enjoying this far more then he should, "I'll just leave to give you some privacy."
"Send them up," Harry nodded.
"Yes sir," McLain nodded. Leaving the room with a grin on his face, McLain walked down the steps to great Smythe and his lovely granddaughter.
"Well?" Smythe asked with a raised eyebrow, "what'd he say?"
"The Major said to come right up," McLain smiled. "And I must say that it's a pleasure to finally meet your lovely granddaughter who you've talked so much about."
"You talk about me?" Hermione was surprised at the embarrassed expression on her great grandfather's face.
"All the time," McLain nodded. "It's always 'my lovely granddaughter is the smartest girl in the world' or 'my lovely granddaughter is the prettiest girl in the world' and one time it was . . ."
"She gets the picture," Smythe interrupted. "And we don't want to keep the Major waiting."
"Have fun," McLain watched the bets being placed out of the corner of his eye.
"Thank you," Smythe took Hermione's arm. "Let's go hon."
"Remember," Hermione said as they walked up the stairs. "You're going to help my friend after this."
"I remember," Smythe knocked on the door to Harry's office.
"Come in," Harry called out. "It's a pleasure to meet you . . . Hermione?"
"Harry?" Hermione stared at Harry's uniform, "what are you doing here? Why aren't you with your relatives?"
"You know each other then?" Smythe couldn't figure out if this was a good or a bad thing.
"Yes," Harry nodded. "She's my best friend, we go to school together."
"Oh," but he was leaning towards good. "I'll just leave you two alone then."
"Why aren't you at your relatives house Harry?" Hermione looked at him in confusion, "and why are you in that uniform."
"Haven't been reading the papers then?" Harry smiled, "or at least not todays?"
"No," Hermione shook her head. "What's happening."
"There was a death eater attack near my house," Harry motioned for Hermione to take a seat. "It was right across the street."
"Was anybody hurt?" Hermione bit her lower lip.
"Four death eaters," Harry nodded. "I killed them."
"Oh Harry," Hermione looked at her friend sadly.
"Then Dumbledore showed up," Harry continued. "And yelled at me, he said that they would never have a chance to change since they were dead and he compared me to Voldemort."
"What?" Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing, "are you sure you didn't misunderstand him?"
"I'm sure," Harry nodded. "I told him that I was more concerned about the victims. There were aurors and reporters and even Fudge. Dumbledore got me so mad that I'm afraid I lost my temper."
"What did you do?" Hermione was worried about her friend.
"I told them that they could save themselves," Harry laughed. "They were so stunned when I told them that Voldemort could have them and that I could care less what happened to them. I said that they'd have to pay me to fight for them after the way they slandered me last year."
"What did Dumbledore do?"
"He told me I couldn't quit," Harry snorted. "So I pulled out one of those fake wands we got last year and snapped it, you should have seen the look on his face when I did that."
"Harry," Hermione was scandalized. "How could you do something like that."
"He just got me so mad," Harry shook his head. "So I left, I went to the Leaky Cauldron and got a room and after a few meetings I've found myself the commander of a regiment made up of old men."
"I still don't understand how that happened?" Hermione shook her head, "how did you meet up with my grandfather?"
"I read his book," Harry pulled the offending item off the desk and tossed it to Hermione. "I killed the death eaters with my grandfather's pistol and I wrote him to learn more, next thing I knew I was a Major and you were standing in front of me."
"Hermione?" Harry's face nearly cracked open with the force of his smile, "I just want you to know that I'm really glad to see you. I was afraid that he was going to send in someone I wouldn't be able to stand."
"Oh," Hermione voice became subdued subdued. "I understand, dependable old Hermione, not some scarlet woman that Harry would have to deal with."
"What's wrong?" Harry looked at his friend in concern, "did something happen?
"I'm just worried about the fact that no one seems to realise that I'm a girl," Hermione shrugged. "It's nothing, how did you get mixed up in this?"
"I realise that you're a girl," Harry ignored his friend's attempt to change the subject. "And a very attractive one I might add, is there anything else bothering you?"
"Oh?" Hermione looked up.
"And I'd much rather have an attractive girl like you here than someone else," Harry smiled. "It's one of the reasons I broke up with Cho, she couldn't handle being around a witch as pretty as you are so she got jealous."
"Harry," Hermione asked quietly. "Do you love me?"
"Yes," Harry nodded. "And Ron and Ginny and all of you."
"That's not what I meant," Hermione frowned.
"I know," Harry nodded. "And the answer is I don't know, I know that I'm in love with the idea of being in love with you."
"What do you mean?" Hermione blinked.
"Of all the witches in Hogwarts, you're the only one I'd trust to love me and not the-boy-who-lived." Harry explained, "you've been my friend from the beginning. If I want a relationship then it's either you or some muggle that's never heard of the wizarding world."
"So you're being pushed towards me?"
"No," Harry shook his head. "What I am is extraordinarily fond of you, I find you physically attractive, and I like being around you."
"But you don't love me?"
"But I'm not sure what love is," Harry corrected. "From what I do know, the idea of falling in love at first sight is a fairy tale . . . I could be wrong but it seems to me that love should be based on a strong foundation and not dependent on the chance that one just happens to see the right person."
"I see," Hermione nodded. "What about Ron at the Yule Ball?"
"That was a healthy dose of physical desire," Harry snorted. "Something that I also experienced, if that was love at first sight then half the castle fell in love with you."
"Harry," Hermione turned away. "Thank you."
"You're welcome Hermione," Harry smiled. "Though if you don't mind, I would like to have an arrangement with you."
"What kind of arrangement?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"I just found out that I'm supposed to go to some . . . social events," Harry frowned. "Apparently it's one of my responsibility a an officer and a gentleman. I was wondering . . . well, would you mind going with me to these things? I'd rather have you along so at least I'll have someone to talk to and it'll give me a way of turning down invitations."
"Oh Harry," Hermione laughed. "Of course I'll protect you from all those mean girls that just want to use you. Harry Potter, he can face dark lords but runs away from dark ladies."
"It's not funny," Harry protested. "They have a saying, 'A Subaltern may not marry, Captains might marry, Majors should marry, and Lieutenant-Colonels must marry.' I'm a Major, just think of what will happens when Teen Witch finds out about this."
"Don't worry," Hermione was trying unsuccessfully to hide her amusement. "I'm sure your men will protect you."
"They're the ones most likely to tell Teen Witch," Harry muttered darkly. "A few of them have already dropped hints that I should find myself a wife."
"You make it sound like they have nothing better to do than to gossip about your love life." Hermione started laughing, "next thing you know they'll be buying Teen Witch so they can get the latest news."
"Can we get past this?" Harry's face reddened.
"It's ok Harry," Hermione cooed. "I'll protect you from all those interfering old men too, you don't have to worry about their schemes."
"You really think this is funny huh?" Harry smirked, "do I need to remind you why you're here?"
"Why do you have a green uniform?" Hermione changed the subject, "I always thought they were red."
"It's a rifle regiment," Harry explained. "Scouts and skirmishers, the story goes that they needed the green to help blend in to the surrounding background and do their jobs."
"So that's why they wore green," Hermione nodded. "I guess that makes sense."
"That's the official reason anyway," Harry nodded. "The Unofficial reason is that it was done so that the brass could pretend that all those unsporting irregulars were in a different army."
AN: Hermione in my opinion has very low self confidence when it comes to being a girl, she's just one of the guys or that bookish nerd. That's why I wrote her the way I did it the chapter, she needed assurance that she was pretty. Like it or not, I had to put a girl on Harry's arm, he's a field grade officer and traditionally he needs to have a wife for social reasons. He's also the commander of a on the cover ceremonial unit and will need a wife for that also, I seriously doubt that there will be a marriage in this fic but Hermione is going to be used as the female. I could have used one of the other girls but they didn't fit, I just can't see Tonks or Luna playing the part of an officer's lady for instance. I suppose I could have used one of the pureblood princesses but I don't feel like fleshing out one of the Slytherin girls, at least not in this stor and it would have been difficult to have them adjust to the Muggle world quick enough for the story.