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An owl had arrived early with a letter from McGonagall. She was asking Harry to return to Hogwarts for the new school year. This wasn't the normal school supply letter but instead a request for Harry to finsh off his studies.
There was one for Hermione aswell.
Harry knew Hermione would love the idea of finishing her school career and therefore he would be dragged into doing it aswell. It wasn't that Harry was against going back. It was just that he didn't want to go back to being stared at and talked about all the time.
Looking the letter over again Harry found that on seperate piece of parchment McGonagall promised to find a way to make the experience comfortable for them all. Harry hoped that included not staying in the dormitories. He wasn't sure he could stand being around that many people all the time.
When Hermione read her letter as they sat on the couch she didn't react as Harry had first thought she would. She didn't get up and jump for joy. Instead she turned and looked Harry stright in the eye before saying, "Are you going back?"
"I'm not sure." Harry said honestly, "I'm not sure I want to but I do know I should graduate as a full wizard."
"If you asked I'm sure McGonagall would certify that you are a full fledged wizard." Hermione leaned over to look at the letter Harry still had out before him.
"I don't want to get it just because of what we did." Harry shook his head and handed Hermione the second page of his letter, "I will go if I can return here as often as I want."
"I think that's a good idea. We should ask if we can do that." Hermione handed Harry back his letter before curling her legs under her, "It won't be the same."
"No, it won't." Harry agreed but the more he thought about it the more he knew he had to go back. There was no way around it.
"I'll send a reply with our questions." Hermione snapped Harry out of his thoughts, "Maybe we can set up the Floo so we can come straight from her office to here."
"That would be nice." Harry watched as she ran up the stairs to write out the letter.
Neither one of them had mentioned the fact that since they had both recieved these letters that meant Ron would have also recieved one. Also if they went back that meant that they would be in some of the same classes as Ginny since they had missed a whole year of school.
Hermione didn't mention either of those things when she came back downstairs but Harry was sure she had thought of them. Nothing got past Hermione Granger. She had even been the one to think about their mailing problem and solved it by buying an ordinary barn owl she called 'Smoke' at the begining of their summer.
"I don't know how I'm going tell mum that a muggle tv in a wizard house just won't work." Hermione said after a few minutes of silence.
"She didn't listen the first time." Harry smiled and was surprisingly pleased when Hermione leaned against his shoulder.
"I'll give it to dad to hide somewhere." Hermione sighed, "But with some batteries the radio will be a nice addition."
"I don't even know what type of music I like." Harry admitted, "I was never allowd to use the tv or touch the radio setting."
"That's horrible." Hermione tilted her head to look up at him, "When we buy batteries you can keep it in your room if you'd like."
"No, I think it'd be better out here." he didn't mention the fact that if it was in the living room then he would be able to sit with her for hours on end as they both listened to the radio.
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When Hermione's parenst came for dinner that Friday the Weasley's also came by. All of them.
Kreature seemed happy to housefull for dinner but Harry wanted nothing more than to avoid Ginny's glare, which she sent his way whenever she wasn't trying to stare down Hermione.
Dinner wasn't as loud as it usualy was but George was going on about Ron working with him in the joke shope and how hopeless Ron was when it came to trusting his older brother.
"I pulled the same joke on him three days in a row." George laughed and shot Hermione a wink when he heard her giggle behind her glass.
"I didn't think anyone was stupid enough to keep pulling the same pranks day after day." Ron said in his own deffense.
"But then again it is George." Harry smiled and caught Ron grinning as he looked away.
That right there made putting up with Ginny's looks worth it. Harry finaly felt like he was seeing his friend again and he hoped that once they were back in Hogwarts that Ron would smarten up a bit.
"We have to cancel the cook out." Mrs. Granger said to Hermione as everyone else chatted, "Your aunt's basement has flooded and we offered to help clean it up."
"Anything we could do to help?" Harry asked, causing everyone to look at him.
"Thank you for asking, Harry but we'll get it taken care of." Mr. Granger stretched, having had his fill and started talking with Arthur about the radio they had bought for Harry and Hermione.
"When were you two planning on picking up your books for the new school year?" Molly asked causing Harry and Hermione to look at each other quickly.
"Actualy we're waiting to hear back from the Headmistress on a few things before we make deffinate plans." Hermione said which surprised Harry. He thought she would go no matter what arrangements were made.
"I'm sure she will do whatever she can." Arthur said as he wiped his mouth on his napkin, "She's already agreed that Ron and Ginny could come home every weekend through her fireplace. They altered it so that only the Headmistress can use it or send someone through. Without her permission the thing just won't work."
"Also everyone is being held back a year because last year wasn't really about learning. Their whole plan was to keep everyone safe." Ron said before helping himself to more mashed potatos, "So we'll be seventh years with Dean and Neville and everyone else."
Harry was relieved. Having his friends around him would make things easier by far. Not to mention not feeling left behind would make it more comfortable for him during classes.
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Harry nearly killed himself on the stairs when he heard Hermione scream. He'd been heading up to use the bathroom when her scream had him bolting back down to the living room.
"What is it?!" he asked, sliding into the room with his wand drawn.
"It was my fault, Potter." a travel weary McGonagal stood in the the door way that led from the kitchen to the hall.
"She surprised me." Hermione smiled weakly at Harry, "I was going to get more water and there she was."
"Yes, well, I've just come from the Minister's office." the Headmistress strightened her hat and dusted off her sleeves, "Your fireplace is now connnected directly to my office to ease your stay at school."
"Thank you Headmistress." Hermione smiled at McGonagal, "That will work, right Harry?"
"Yes. Thank you." Harry was still trying to slow down his heart rate. He'd never been this scared as he had been when he heard Hermione's scream, not since the war.
"The only catch is that no one is to know that you two live together. We don't want rumors and the flood of press to distract the other students from their studies." Harry and Hemrione agreed at once so McGonagal went on, "Should any one ask, which they shouldn't, the story is that Miss Granger's parents have arranged to pick her up from here since her's is a muggle home and no floo network is allowd to connect there not matter what the conditions."
"That's perfect." Hermione beamed, "I was worried what other's would say. Not that I really care but it'd be easier if there was no gossip or distractions."
"You will be housed with your old room mates but you may return here whenever you think you need to. I woudl ask that you keep it down to only three nights away from the school, though. I want you both to stay ontop of your homework and get along with the other students."
"We will do our best." Hermione promised and Harry inwardly groaned. Somehow homework had never even entered the equation.
"Tomorrow I would like it if you would test out the fireplace. You two will always have my permission to use it but with the spells on my own fireplace you will need to go through twice before the start of school on Monday." Seeing the look on Harry's face McGonagal almost smiled as she added, "I have asked your house elf to pick up the book the two of you will need and he said he would be only too happy to help."
"Good." was all Harry could think to say.
"I'll fetch you around noon tomorrow." she nodded briskly before turning and disappearing back into the kitchen.
"Monday." Hermione said quietly, "Where has the summer gone?! I have to clean out my trunk!" she ran past Harry and up the stairs as Kreature poked his head around the corner.
"Thank you, Kreature." Harry gave the elf a smile, "It will help greatly for you to pick up our books."
"Anything to help, Master." Kreature bowed his old head, "Kreature just wanted to remind Master that Kreature is always at his service even within the walls of Hogwarts."
"I know." Harry barely remembered the time when he couldn't stand the elf, "You are truely a help. I don't know where this house would be without you."
Harry watched as Kreature blushed before hurrying back into the kitchen. It was fun to compliment the elf because no one had ever done so. Kreature was indeed a great asset to the house and to Harry himself. Even with all of his knowledge about cleaning and housework Harry never would have been able to take care of the entire house by himself. Nor did he want to try to.
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He heard his door open but it felt too early to be awake so he didn't even open his eyes, hoping it was just Kreature come to pick up after Harry. No matter how many time Harry told the elf he could clean his own room, Harry would wake to find things in their propper place.
"Harry?" so it wasn't Kreature.
"Hmmm?" Harry asked sleepily as Hermione sat on the edge of his bed.
"Open your eyes." Hermione prompted and Harry rolled onto his back and squinted up at his friend, "Now put your glasses on."
Harry did as he was told and looked back at Hermione to see her holding five month old Teddy.
"I said I take him for the day so his gram could have some time to herself." Harry took the sleeping baby and laid him in his lap, "Andromeda asked me last week if I would watch him."
"We said we'd go to Hogwarts today." Hermione reminded him and Harry found himself staring down at Teddy's aqua colored hair.
"He'll just have to go with us." Harry shrugged, "McGonagal won't have a problem with it."
Thankfully he was right. When the Headmistress showed up at 12:02 in the kitchen she smiled when she saw the baby in a sling across Harry's chest.
"The more the merrier." she sounded tired but that was all she said before directing them to Fireplace, "Nice and clear." she said, "Hogwarts Head Office."
They didn't even get soot on them. Stepping into the office Harry purposely looked up at Dumbledored portrait, turning so the painting could get a good look at Teddy Lupin. The portrait winked at Harry and gave him a thumbs up before they were led from the office and into the halls of Hogwarts.
"The teachers just wanted a quick word with you two." was all she said as they walked to the teacher's lounge.
Harry shot Hermione a look and she shrugged. Obviously she didn't know what was ahppening either.
Teddy cooed and giggled as walked into the full staff room. Not one person was unscarred but they all smiled when they saw Harry.
"Good to see you two!" Slughorn got to his feet slowly and extended a hand to wring Harry's hand and then Hermione's.
"Is that Teddy?" Sprout asked with a sad smile.
"Yes." Hermione beamed, "He's five months old now." Hermione took Teddy out of the sling and brought him over to the teachers.
Harry watched as Teddy ate up the attention, cooeing at all the right times and giggling whenever Hermione's hair tickled his face.
Knowing what was probably about to be said Harry cleared his throat and said evenly, "Severus Snape was on our side. Always loyal to Dumbledore and to us. I don't know if you all really believe this but it's true."
One by one they all nodded, mainly to themselves and McGonagal laid a hand on his arm, "Thank you for saying that. That is part of the reason why I brought you here. The other part is this." she handed him a paper.
"What's this?" he asked.
"A request from the Ministry and from us. We want to name the rebuilt part of the castle after you." Slughorn smiled, his pointer finger being held captive by Teddy.
"Why?" Harry was stunned.
"Because you are the reason the school is still here at all." McGonagal shook her head, "You can be modest all you want but we will have a part of the school called Potter Hall even if you refuse to the last."
Harry stood there thinking for a minute before saying, "As long as there is a Library wing named Granger, a part of the green house named after Neville and a Weasley Field for Quiditch."
"Done." McGonagal beamed, shocking Harry with how quick she agreed.
"Just like that?" Hermione said in disblief.
"Just like that Miss Granger." McGonagal said as voices could be heard in the hall, "Ah, the first train load had arrived."
"The castle is open to students and parents this whole weekend so they can see the rebuilt areas." Slughorn stood, "I should get down to my class room.
The other teachers also left to greet students as McGonagal suggested that Harry and Hermione go look at their dormrooms.
"The entire tower fell during the battle." the head of their house sighed, "It's been redone."
"We have time to go look." Hermione said as Harry nodded.
"Good." I'll meet you three back in my office at 2:00." she took off down the hall at a quick pace, students moving out of her way as they all greeted one another.
Seeing everyone there Harry felt himself freeze.
"It's ok." Hermione put Teddy back in the sling on Harry's chest and took Harry by the hand, "We'll just go hang out in the common room for a bit."
Harry nodded and let Hermione lead him down the hall. Nearly everyone stopped to stare at them in silence. As they were about to round the corner a cheer broke out behind them and Harry turned to see everyone clapping and shouting in joy... for him.
It happened in each hall with everyone they passed. Harry felt dazed but everything came into sharp focus when he saw a pale blond head heading his way with a purpose.
"Potter." Draco stopped about a foot away, "My mother says 'Thank you'."
"You are lucky to have parents who love you so much." Harry was well aware of all the people watching them, "Tell her I am happy she found you and that you are all well."
Draco didn't seem to know what to do but he managed a nod before walking away with a quick, "I'll see you around then."
"Was he just polite?" Hermione asked quietly.
"He was." Harry smiled at her, "Let's go see what other surprises await us."
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Neville and his gran were the first people they saw in the common room and Neville's smile was huge as he greeted them.
"So happy you've decided to come back!" Neville hugged Hermione and slapped Harry on the shoulder. The shy boy they had known seemed to have come into his self over the past year. He smiled more and held himself differently.
"Good to see you Neville." Harry really was happy to his friend too.
"Is that Teddy?" Neville asked, craning his neck to see the baby inside the sling, "Lupin's boy?"
"Yeah." Harry smiled, "I take him for a day or so every once in awhile so his gram can get things done. I am his Godfather afterall. It's the least I can do."
They talked and had an overall good time as people came and went through the common room. The conversation didn't stop untill Ron and Ginny walked into the room.
"Hello." Hermione who was cradling Teddy, feeding him a bottle, was the first to see them enter.
Harry who was seated as close to Hermione as he could get so Neville had room on the couch too, had to crane his neck around to see the two redheads.
"You two look comfy." Ginny sneered before walking off towards the girls dorms.
"Ignore her." Ron came over and sat on the coffee table, "Seamus and her broke up. She'll live."
"And you?" Harry asked.
"I'm better." Ron looked at the two of them and then at Neville and his gran before saying, "I was an idiot. I'm sorry."
"You're forgiven." Hermione handed Teddy to Ron, "And it's your turn to burp him."
"How is that fair?" Ron asked as Hermiona laughed.
"Just be happy his diaper doesn't need to be changed." Harry said seriously before holding his hand out to Ron, "Welcome back."
"Glad to be back." Ron took Harry's hand before tending to Teddy, "I can't stand being around Ginny lately. This year ought to be interesting."
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When school started on Monday it seemed that Ron wasn't the only one sick of Ginny's attitude. Ginny's own room mates looked like they were avoiding her.
"Do you know what that's about?" Harry asked Hermione as they headed to lunch. They had just passed by Ginny who was storming down the hall, headed for the dorms.
"The girls don't want to talk her." Hermione shrugged, "All she does is complain. I guess by not falling all over her you've insulted her badly."
"She'll live." Ron grunted, ignoring the fact that Hermione had linked her arm through Harry's. It was something so natural that Harry remember walking with her like that when they younger. Her arm linked with his just felt right.
"I hope she gets over it." Hermione said, taking the seat next to Harry at their table as people all around the hall turned to stare at them, "I mean, if she loses friends because of the way she's acting, that's sad."
Ron sat across from them and watched, as they all talked, the way that Harry poured Hermione's drink for her while Hermione gave Harry a napkin.
Quietly Ron said with a smile, "I can see you guys got use to being the only two in Grimmauld."
"Why do you say that?' Hermione asked as she started eating.
"No reason." Ron shook his head and gave his attention to his own food while noticing the way Harry and Hermione seemed to always be very close to one another. The way one of them would lean in while the other spoke or the way they would bump elbows when they reached for things.
"You two look like a couple." Ron said at last, not being able to hold it in anymore.
"We do not." Hermione laughed, "We're just friends."
"Sure you are." Ron rolled his eyes, "That's why I've been asked a million time about Teddy. People actualy thought he was your's" he pointed to the two before hjim and they both turned beat red.
"That's insane!" Harry felt like his ears were about to burst into flames, "No one would think that!"
"Well, they have and still do. It took awhile to convince people that he was your Godson." Ron gave Harry a wink and saw his face get even redder, "Even with the obvious hair differences."
"People are just silly." Hermione straightened her shoulders, "We're only..." she paused then turned to Harry, "We didn't celebrate your birthday!"
"It was two days ago." Harry shrugged, "I guess I forgot too."
"This weekend is a Hogsmead weekend." Ron said, leaning forward, "No one will be here. We should do something then."
"That's a great idea!" Hermione pulled out a quill and parchment and started writing things down, "Saturday we will have your birthday party."
"But your birthday is coming up too." Harry pointed out and she just shrugged.
"We'll celebrate when it comes." she beamed at him and kept writing.
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A/N: Just a quick word of advice - Don't laugh when you have coffee in your mouth. It's not a fun thing to have it come out of your nose. It burns and that is all you will smell for the next 24 hours.
Anyways, this one was longer than I had thought it would be and I already have some of the next one written as well.
As always, please REVIEW!