Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I wish I owned Hermione Granger, but oh well.
A/N this story is completely unbeta'd. If there's a Brit, or someone comfortable with Britishisms that would be willing to beta this for me I'd appreciate it greatly.
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The next morning, Harry had gotten up early to make a thank you breakfast for the Granger family. As the smell of cooking bacon wafted through the house, the Grangers woke up, and began to make their way down to the kitchen. Hermione entered the kitchen first, wearing a robe over her pyjamas, and gave Harry a good morning kiss on the cheek before taking the offered plate and sitting down.
As Dan and Emma entered the kitchen to see Harry finish plating the breakfasts, Emma said "Harry, you didn't have to make us breakfast, but thank you."
Harry shrugged as he replied "I just thought it'd be a nice way to say thank you, for letting me stay with you over the Holidays, and for letting me come with you on vacation. That and I don't mind cooking."
As everyone settled around the table and began eating, both Dan and Emma raised their eyebrows at the quality of the food. "Harry, this is delicious, where did you learn to cook like this?" Dan asked.
Harry blushed a little, and then muttered "The Dursley's. I've been cooking since I was 4."
Dan and Emma flushed at this, and then Emma said "Well Harry, you don't have to cook for us, and we don't expect it."
Harry shrugged again, before replying "I don't really mind doing it for people that appreciate it. And I do know some good recipes."
After everyone had finished breakfast, Harry gave his wand a wave, and with a muttered incantation, the dirty dishes floated into the kitchen sink. Dan and Emma's jaws dropped. "What was that?" Dan asked somewhat in awe.
Hermione giggled and replied, "The levitation charm right Harry?"
Harry just grinned, before following the dishes and starting to wash them.
An hour later, a small *crack* was heard from the back garden, followed by a knocking at the back door.
Harry and Hermione made their way to the back door to let Professor Dumbledore in.
"Ah Harry, my boy, good to see you." Harry said as the two opened the door. "I spoke with Professor McGonnagall before coming here. She said that she has managed to get your classes changed. She also mentioned that the second time you asked her you seemed rather out of it. I'm guessing that was after Poppy gave you the potions?" The headmaster continued.
At the comment on Harry's apparent mental state, the raven-haired boy blushed, and his girlfriend giggled.
The headmaster gave a kindly smile as he clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Yes well, no need to be ashamed, I've said a few things under the influence of Poppy's potions before. At least you didn't burst into song."
Leading the way into the house, Hermione showed Dumbledore to the sitting room, whilst Harry went to get his trunk. Thankful that he could finally use magic, he cast a lightening charm on the trunk before hauling it down stairs.
When he reached the sitting room, Dumbledore shook his head a bit before saying, "Harry lets try this, it'll make things easier." and casting the shrinking charm on the trunk. "Now remember Harry and Ms Granger, it's reducio with an inward spiral to shrink something, and engorgio with an outward spiral to enlarge it again.
Hermione's eyes brightened at this, those were spells that wouldn't be learned until 3rd year and they were already learning them. Dan and Emma were both shocked at this new display of magic. This could make packing a lot easier.
Harry nodded, then practiced the spells until both he and Dumbledore where sure he had them down properly.
"Well it looks as though we're ready Harry, if you'll take hold of my arm, I'll appearate us to Gringotts. This will be a bit uncomfortable for a moment, but it is one of the quicker forms of transit we have." Dumbledore said as he held out his arm for Harry.
Harry gave Hermione a hug and chaste kiss before shaking Dan's hand and holding out his hand to Emma. Emma ignored the hand, and gave Harry a hug. "Take care of yourself Harry. We'll see you in a few weeks." she whispered in Harry's ear.
Taking Dumbledore's arm, he felt himself being forced through a small hosepipe before reappearing in Gringotts.
Walking up to an open Teller whilst Dumbledore took an open seat in the lobby, Harry was surprised to see that it was a goblin he had seen before. When the goblin looked up Harry asked. "Griphook his that you?"
"Why yes Master Potter, I'm surprised that you recognized me. Most of your kind finds it difficult to recognize individual goblins." the somewhat surprised goblin said.
"Well you were the first goblin I met, I guess it's no surprise that I remembered you" Harry said with a shrug. "Anyway, I was wondering if my vault held a copy of the Potter House customs and rules? If possible I'd also like to withdraw some money and convert it to pounds for use in the muggle world." Harry continued
Griphook nodded, and snapped his fingers. A few moments later a medium sized book appeared on the counter between Harry and the goblin. "Here we go Master Potter, your copy of House Potters customs and traditions. It also contains the usual information about general pure-blood customs and traditions." Griphook said while handing the book over to Harry.
Harry took the book and noticed, that it was bound in crimson dragon-hide with crest embossed on the front. A crenelated shield supported by two golden Griffins rampant, and the motto Audaces fortuna iuvat on a ribbon beneath.
"Now Master Potter regarding your request for Muggle money, something you might consider, especially as a member of one of the Most Ancient and Most Noble houses, is this." Griphook said holding up a small piece of plastic about the size of a playing card. "This is something that our counterparts in the muggle world are using. It's called a debit card. With a drop of your blood we can tie it to your vault. It's usable in both worlds. The muggles will see it as a bank card, and the wizarding world will see the Gringotts symbol and accept it. Now since it would be tied to your blood if you lost it, it would return to your pocket if you ever lost it." the goblin continued.
Harry decided that this would make things a lot easier on him, and offered his hand to the goblin to draw the needed blood. After receiving the new black and gold card, Harry stuffed it in his pocket, and putting the book into a small knapsack the goblins sold him for a few sickles so that only he would be able to retrieve the book, Harry returned to where Dumbledore was waiting.
"I'm ready now Professor" Harry said. Dumbledore stood up and the two made their way to the appearation point before Harry again felt himself forced through the tiny hosepipe and appearing outside of Number 4.
Before the two approached the house, Dumbledore said quietly. "Harry since your Uncle is going to Azkaban, you'll need to know a few things. First of all I have arranged for your aunt to be paid a modest stipend so that she will be able to continue to pay the mortgage and taxes. Second, I've expanded the room that you'll be staying in, and have placed a muggle repelling charm on the door. You and Ms. Granger will be the only ones able to enter the room. In addition the wards will keep any magical being that intends you harm from entering the property. This doesn't mean that you can not be attacked when you are off the property, this is one of the reasons I obtained the licenses for both you and Ms. Granger. If either of you feel in danger do what you must to protect yourselves." The Headmaster finished before leading Harry to the house.
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Harry sat on his new bed in his greatly expanded room. The meeting with his Aunt and cousin had been less than pleasant initially. Seeing the looks of anger directed his way, made Harry grateful that Dumbledore had gotten him permission to use magic outside of school, but there was no way he was going to eat anything cooked by his aunt. Far too great a chance it would be poisonous.
"Dobby" Harry called.
A few seconds later the odd little house elf popped into the room and said "Master Harry called for Dobby?"
"Yes my little friend. Could you bring me some dinner Dobby?" Harry asked with a smile at the little elf.
"Dobby would be happy to do so Master Harry." the little elf said before popping away. A few seconds later he returned with a large platter of Shepard's Pie.
"Thank you Dobby." Harry said as the little elf conjured up a dining table with flatware and pumpkin juice.
As Harry started eating, he started writing a quick letter to his Hermione.
Hermione,
I made it to Durzkaban just fine, I'm eating something now. Don't worry, I had Dobby bring it for me. I managed to pick up the family book, and yes you can read it when you come over tomorrow. I'm going to get started on my homework after dinner so you don't have to worry about that. Tell your parents I made it here safely, and that I said hello
Love always,
Harry.
Harry handed the letter to Dobby and asked him to deliver it to Hermione, and the little elf popped away.
After Harry finished eating, Dobby popped back in, and cleared away the table. Harry had settled into a small loveseat that Dumbledore had transfigured from some of the trash that had been in the room, and started on his homework.
The transfiguration work was mostly going over the theory that they had learnt that year, including Grants first Universal law, regarding permanent transfiguration between inanimate objects, and the beginnings of animate transfiguration that they would learn in third year.
Now that Harry didn't need to hide his intelligence, he was sure that there would be a number of surprised people at school. Teachers and students alike.
Seeing that it was nearly midnight after he finished the 2 foot essay that he had finished, Harry decided to go to bed.
The next morning Harry woke up around 8 am. Knowing that Hermione would be portkeying over around 10, he had a quick shower and called Dobby for breakfast. After he finished, Harry decided to start working on his Herbology work.
Re reading the section on the effects of dragon dung on muggle plants, Harry decided on a small experiment, and with a mischievous grin, sent Dobby to get some of the magical fertilizer.
Shortly after the little elf returned with a smallish bag of the potent substance, Hermione whirled into existence next to Harry's bed.
"Hello love" Harry said as he was tackled by a bushy-haired missile.
After the two broke for air, and picked themselves up, Hermione replied "I missed you Harry. I'm glad we've not got to spend whole days away from each other again" with a blush.
"I missed you too 'Mione love." Harry said, squeezing Hermione in a tight hug.
"Oh, I finished my Transfiguration homework last night, would you mind looking it over?" Harry asked holding the scroll of parchment to his girlfriend as she looked around his new room.
"Hunh? Oh, of course Harry." Hermione replied with a stunned look on her face. "This is quite a nice room."
"Yeah Professor Dumbledore did some good work on it. He enlarged it, and transfigured some new furniture for me. He also told me that there's a muggle repelling charm on the door, so only the two of us can get in here." Harry said with a smirk.
Hermione blushed for a moment, then started looking over Harry's work. The look of shock on Hermione's face deepened as she read the novel extrapolations of the first universal law and possible implications as regards permanent transfigurations between two inanimate objects.
"Sweet Mother Morgana Harry! Why aren't you in Ravenclaw?" Hermione asked as she finished reading the essay.
Harry chuckled, before replying. "Um well I'd say at a guess because I'm dumb enough to go after a basilisk with only Ron as backup" Harry replied
Hermione had to stop and let her brain reboot for a second at that, there were some odd conflicts here. Harry was obviously intelligent, nobody stupid could come up with those extrapolations, there were even a few that she hadn't thought of, though hers had some Harry hadn't explored either. On the other hand he was right, there was that aspect where he would throw himself into harms way without a thought to the consequences if someone was in danger. This would take some more thought.
Shaking her head, Hermione asked "Well you're already ahead of where I thought you'd be Harry. What do you want to do today?"
Harry grinned and replied "Well I was reading over the Herbology work and found something interesting. Want to try an experiment?"
Hermione's eyebrow rose to near her hairline "What kind of experiment Harry?" she asked
"Well in chapter 50 it said that dragon dung fertilizer will help Muggle plants grow a lot bigger and will keep most muggle pests away. I had Dobby pick me up a small bag and I was wanting to see how it would effect the roses." Harry said with a smirk.
Hermione grinned and nodded, this could be interesting.
The two made their way outside and Harry set to work while Hermione watched as she hadn't worn clothes for gardening. As Harry started working on the plants he began to whistle a tune that he had always enjoyed while working on the plants.
Hermione heard Harry's whistling and felt calmer and happier than she had since the train station. It almost felt like Harry was holding her in his arms, keeping her safe.
As Harry finished his gardening and turned around, he noticed that Hermione had a look of peace and contentment on her face. Walking over to his distracted girlfriend Harry stopped his whistling and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
Hermione came back to herself as Harry kissed her. Looking around Hermione noticed that the position of the sun had changed, even though it had only seemed a few seconds had passed since Harry had started.
"Back with us love?" Harry asked a little concerned at the look of nervousness in Hermione's eyes.
"Harry, how long were you working?" Hermione asked.
Glancing at his watch Harry replied "About 3 hours why?"
Hermione's eyebrows strove to reach her hairline. "Because the last thing I remember was you starting to whistle. I felt your arms around me, and didn't notice anything until you kissed me just now."
Harry's own brows struggled to reach his hairline. "I wonder..." he said before a glint flashed in his eyes.
Harry started whistling a tune he had heard once on the radio while his aunt and uncle had been out for a bit. The tune had seemed a bit 'frisky' at the time.
As Harry started to whistle, Hermione felt Harry's arms around her again, though they were not just holding her this time. No this time they seemed to move with a purpose.
Seeing the blush rise on Hermione's face, and an odd look appear, Harry stopped whistling.
As the phantom hands faded, Hermione returned to herself. Seeing the questioning look on Harry's face, Hermione's blush deepened.
Before her boyfriend could ask, Hermione just said "Don't whistle that again Harry, we're so not ready for where that one will lead" Then with a wicked grin "Well not for another year at least"
After the teens returned to Harry's room, Hermione said "So the basilisk venom cured your eyes, well and changed them. I'm guessing that the Phoenix tears caused your whistle to change too. I wonder if its just whistling though?"
Harry shrugged then replied "Not sure, my singing is horrible, and I've no intention of subjecting either of us to it as a test."
Hermione giggled then nodded "Okay Harry. Now you said you got your family book?"
Harry nodded and opened the knapsack the book was in, and handed the book to Hermione.
Inspecting the book, Hermione took note of the crest.
"A crenelated shield means a warrior family of some sort, defenders probably, supported by Griffins dor rampant, means it's a noble family that won their nobility in battle."
Harry looked confused "Griffins dor?"
Hermione looked up, then replied, "Sorry, Daddy's big into Heraldry. A Griffin dor is the proper term for the gold Griffin. Gold is usually the color for nobility or royalty, and griffins are one of the warrior symbols. And this line on the ribbon is your family motto, Audaces fortuna iuvat. That's Latin, Fortune favor's the brave I think. That defiantly fits you Harry, all those wild stunts and all the danger, and yet you live and win through. Guess that's a Potter trait."
Hermione chuckled for a second, then continued. "You should see ours. Maybe Daddy will show it to you when you come back in a couple of weeks Harry. It's a crossed plowshare and sword, our motto is Fidelis usque ad mortem. It means Faithful even to Death. Daddy said that our family were always among the first to volunteer back in the middle ages whenever our liege lord had to levy troops. It's one reason he joined the military, and went into the SAS."
Harry thought about that for a bit. "Fidelis usque ad mortem, Faithful even unto death. That does sound like my 'Mione alright. And she's right, I always do seem to find myself doing something that should get me killed, and I somehow not only live but come out on top."
Harry shook his head. "We've done enough homework today don't ya think 'Mione. It's a beautiful day out, why don't we go for a walk. There's a park not too far away, we could relax and enjoy the weather."
Hermione grinned and rapidly agreed, but only if Harry took a shower first as he was still a little whiffy from the gardening. Harry picked out some clothes and took a quick shower while Hermione started glancing through the Potter House book.
The two teens made their way down to the park, and cuddling together on one of the benches began to read the book of Potter customs and traditions.
Over the three weeks Harry was at Privet drive, this became their routine. Hermione would portkey over in the morning. The two would work on some bit of homework or another, then walk down to the part to study the Potter book. The Sunday ending the first week, Hermione brought her copy of that morning Daily Prophet.
"Harry look, the Weasley's won the Daily Prophet's yearly drawing." Hermione said excitedly as she showed Harry the paper. There on the front page was a picture of the Weasley family, all of whom were smiling and waving. Occasionally Scabbers would stick his head out of Ron's pocket before ducking back down. The paper talked about how the Weasley family, most of whom were friendly with the famous Harry Potter and his muggle born girlfriend Hermione Granger had won the drawing and would be using the money for a vacation to Egypt to visit one of their sons who was a Curse-breaker for Gringotts.
Harry grinned, he knew the twins would be planning something, and that Ginny would enjoy the visit. Hermione had told him about how much Ginny loved her brother Bill.