This is Oso Yo. Chapter 7 is quite a bit longer than usual not to mention out a lot faster. I wanted to get the summer holidays out of the way quickly, next chapter will be the beginning of year 5.
As always reviews are welcome, please keep tasteful. Any and all criticism is welcome as well. Any questions or ideas please PM me and I'll PM back... Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 7
Save a dance for me.
The past three weeks at the Dursley's had been much different than those before it. With his heightened senses and enhanced strength and speed now mostly under control his cousin was even less of a threat than he was before. In fact it was even less fun taunting him now that he could easily dodge the punches thrown at him as if his cousin was moving in slow motion.
Not even a week after getting back Dudley and his gang had attempted to corner Harry in a dark alley. He hadn't even tried to fight them back however. He had beaten them simply by dodging them repeatedly until they were too tired to continue to try and pummel him. Occasionally one goon would accidently hit another that was near Harry as he avoided the attack.
After that rather humiliating defeat, they had stuck to either childish name calling or plain avoiding him all together. Dudley had even grudgingly held a small amount of respect for his cousin, not that he would ever tell him that. He couldn't even bring himself to run to his father and complain about the little freak. Yes the summer was turning out to be a much more peaceful one for Harry.
Alas all good things must come to an end eventually. The days approaching the full moon were some of the hardest mentally Harry had ever had to deal with. The closer he got to his inevitable transformation the more his temper flared, his senses sharpened further, and his strength increased. All to the point he was becoming more and more worried. If he wasn't extremely careful he could end up really hurting someone, whether he meant to or not.
Of course the letters he was receiving from his friends were helping significantly, especially those from Hermione and Cho. Both girls said similar things in their letters, telling him to keep his head down and his temper under control. Cho would tell him how much she missed him, and how she was looking forward to seeing him again. Hermione would tell him how things were going on her end, and that her parents were eager to meet him. He wasn't sure why that made him so nervous, but he thought it had something to do with her father.
It wasn't until the day of the full moon that things went south. Harry had told his aunt and uncle that he would be leaving that afternoon for the summer, and would not be returning until the beginning of next summer. Vernon was all too happy to see him go.
"Good riddance, we didn't want to have you or that ruddy owl lounging around all summer anyhow." Vernon said with a snarl. Getting no reaction from his nephew, he pushed on. "Where will you be staying if you aren't coming back here?"
"I'll be staying with one of my father's best friends." Harry said indifferently, the last thing he needed was to lose his temper around his relatives.
"A no good drunk I suppose, birds of a feather and all that." Vernon said, not seeing the look of anger creeping across his nephews face. "I hope he doesn't expect us to be paying for your little vacation. Or will he be trying to freeload like your useless father?"
A glass on the counter shattered and Vernon turned to harry a look of outrage on his face. "LOOK HERE YOU LITTLE FRE…" he stopped dead as he saw Harry's. His blood had run cold as terror flowed to the very marrow in his bones. Harry no longer looked like Harry at all. His teeth were now long and vicious looking; his eyes were black clouded with dark blue. The rage pouring off the young man was nearly palpable. And Vernon was paralyzed with a fear that threatened to suffocate him.
"You will never speak that way about my father, my mother, or me ever again." Harry said in low growl, his voice too had been altered; it was now beastly and menacing. He had Vernon by his throat in an instant. "Or I will rip your throat out." He could feel the rage welling up inside him, threating to spill over and lay waste to the cruel and pathetic man in front of him. There was a voice in his mind commanding him to shred the mortal before him, devour his flesh and drink the warm blood coursing through his veins.
It was then that a second voice whispered soothingly to put the man down, that he was not worth it. The second voice was much softer and gentler, it had the same calming effect that Hermione had always had and that Cho was beginning to develop.
"STUPIFY!" A voice shouted from the door and Harry released his uncle, who fell to knees and attempted to crawl away. He failed as he slipped in the pool of his own urine. He looked up at the face of his savior, only to find a wand pointed directly at his face.
Xxxxx
Vernon Dursley sat on his recliner in front of his television, and for the life of him he could not remember how he had gotten there. The last thing he could recall was the little freak telling him that he would be leaving for the rest of the summer.
"PETUNIA!" Vernon shouted. She walked from within the kitchen, gloves on, spray in one hand and a damp cloth in the other, looking scandalized. "Did the boy already leave?"
"Yes, he has been gone for nearly an hour." Petunia said as she walked closer to her husband before stopping abruptly and covering her nose. "Vernon, why do you smell like you pissed yourself."
Xxxxx
"Remus, calm down and tell me what happened." Albus Dumbledore said soothingly.
"It's like I said Albus, he was partially transformed." Remus said in near hysterics. "I had just arrived at the Dursley's house when I heard Harry yell. I opened the door, and there was Harry holding his uncle by his throat, threatening to rip his throat out if he ever talked a certain way about him or his parents again."
Dumbledore sat in contemplation, "Then what happened?"
"Then I stunned him. He dropped his uncle and fell to the floor. I stunned and obliviated his uncle before I turned Harry over." Remus said now, a terrified look crossed his features. "Albus he was partially transformed without the aid of the full moon. I have never heard of such a thing before, only Fenrir Greyback had ever accomplished something so terrible."
There was a silent pause as Dumbledore went over the events in his head. After a few moments he came to a conclusion. "It's rage Remus. I do not believe that Harry had any intention or control over his transformation. I think that perhaps he is more like Greyback than you yourself are."
"How is that even possible? Was he not infected the same way?" Remus asked, worry evident in his voice.
"Perhaps not Remus. It may be possible that something happened differently with Harry than with you or any of Greyback's other victims. Or perhaps it is in his blood that made this change. It could be a number of possibilities, each as possible as the one before it."
"What should we do? If anger is the trigger to his transformations, even without the full moon, how can he possibly go to school? It's bad enough that he has to live everyday with the knowledge that an incredibly dangerous mass murderer is after him. Now he'll have this hanging over him."
"The first is easily dealt with; a simple overpotent calming potion should be more than enough to keep him from losing his cool while at school." Dumbledore said eyes twinkling merrily. "As for the transformation themselves, I think you could help us there, as well as a certain 'Black' dog."
"But I would only be able to help him when I'm at Hogwarts or Hogsmeade weekends. And Sirius would hardly go unnoticed roaming the halls." Remus said both relieved and anxious.
"With Hagrid attending to his duties as a professor, he has consequently neglected his duties as grounds keeper. I daresay it is high time for a new one, wouldn't you agree Remus." Dumbledore said cryptically, "And there are no rules in place that state a member of staff cannot have a pet. I have Fawkes, though he is not quite a pet as much as a familiar. And Hagrid has Fang, so I see no complications arising there."
Remus was rendered completely speechless. "I shall take that as your acceptance."
Xxxxx
Harry opened his eyes slowly, feeling groggy and sore. "What happened?"
"We were actually hoping that you could tell us?" a voice came from beside him. He turned to look into the face of his headmaster.
"Professor? How did I get here?" Harry asked confused
"Ah, that would have been my doing, Harry." Remus said from the other side of Dumbledore
Getting more and more confused by the sudden appearances of people around him, Harry just nodded his head. "Ok, so how did I get here and where exactly is here?" Harry asked looking around. He didn't recognize this place at all, though it was painfully obvious that a Gryffindor had once occupied it. It was the voice that sounded next that surprised him the most.
"This was my parents' house." Sirius said bitterly, "But I'm the last Black left, so it's mine now."
Harry was stunned and elated to see his godfather once again. "You look much better than the last time I saw you Sirius." Harry said smiling.
"I wish I could say the same for you." Sirius said with a smirk. "Mind telling us what happened that caused Moony here to resort to stunning you?"
Harry looked uncomfortable for a moment before he began what had happened all the way to point that he was hit with the stunner.
"You actually refused the wolf?" Lupin said stunned, "Even if you were only partially transformed, it should be impossible to retain control. The moment the transformation begins the wolf takes over."
"Well as I said the 'wolf' wasn't the only voice talking to me. And even without the second, I still felt mostly in control." Harry said again looking uncomfortable.
"That is indeed worth further analysis and study, but for now let us prepare for the full moon, shall we." Dumbledore said.
"Where will I be transforming Professor?" Harry said looking to Dumbledore for guidance.
"In the same place as last time my boy." Dumbledore said, "Ah my apologies, you didn't actually see anything but the room that the cage was placed in, did you?" Harry shook his head in confirmation. "Sirius, if you could lead the way please."
"Of course, how about a little tour Harry?" Sirius said gesturing toward the door. "The bed you were just laying on was once mine. This was my room before I ran away from home." Opening the door he pointed just across the hall, that room once belonged to my younger brother Regulus. Before the idiot went off and joined up with the Death Eaters, he was murdered soon after. Come let's go down to the basement, but stay quiet."
As they crept silently down the stairs Sirius whispered more details about his family home, some of which Harry found rather appalling. The wall lined with the heads of old house elves for one. All through the house were obvious signs that dark wizards lived here. Harry pushed those thought to back of his mind for now. That would be an awkward conversation for another time.
After going down what He hoped would be the last flight of stairs, Harry walked into an all too familiar looking kitchen. The only thing that seemed to be missing was the giant cage he had inhabited the last time.
"This is where I'll be spending my summer transformations then?" Harry asked
"Yes, I will also be here to help you along as best I can. But you must understand that you are rather… unique. I don't know if I will be of much help, if any at all. But I will do what I can." Remus said in subdued but determined voice.
"Let's not forget about me now." Sirius said cheerily, "After all I did help Moony here back at school, and It couldn't hurt having someone around with a clear mind."
"What? No! Sirius you are not going in there with us. It took you and my father to subdue Remus, now there will be two of us in there. That's just too dangerous and I won't risk hurting you!" Harry said in horror.
"Ah, but that is where you are wrong Harry. You see there will indeed be two werewolves, however Remus will be in full control of himself. We have already prepared Wolfsbane Potion for the both of you. We do not know how it will affect you however. It may work the way it should or it might not work at all." Dumbledore said sagely "However with both Remus and Sirius with you, I feel that tonight will go more smoothly."
Dumbledore removed a tiny cage from his robes and set it in the far corner of the basement that was clear of any furnishings. With a complex wave of his wand, and a silent incantation the cage began to grow, after a few seconds it had taken up more than half the basement.
"Remus the potion is in the kitchen, remember that that cage cannot be opened once it has been closed until the sun has risen tomorrow morning. I shall return then to let you all out. I am currently late for a meeting with Cornelius." Dumbledore said, then with a pop he disapparated.
Remus went up to the kitchen and walked back down holding two goblets full of potion, and handed one to Harry. "Bottoms up." He said before downing his own in one go. Harry attempted the same feat but barely managed a single mouthful before he felt like puking.
"I told you it was awful stuff." Remus said grinning.
Xxxxx
"Educational Decree Number Twenty-two?" a rather annoyed Amelia Bones asked irritably. "What rubbish is this Cornelius?"
"It is not rubbish at all Madam Bones, it is for the betterment of the education of our young minds." said the sickly sweet voice of one Dolores Umbridge.
"I believe I was addressing the Minister." Amelia snapped at the toad like woman who scowled.
"I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister!" Umbridge bellowed.
"Yes, but you are not the Minister." Amelia said backhandedly. "Now Minister Fudge, what is this rubbish about the ministry interfering at Hogwarts."
"Now see here Madam-…" Umbridge began angrily, before Fudge wisely chose to intervene.
"That is quite enough Dolores." Fudge said effectively silencing the toad woman. "This, Amelia, is simply a way for us to ensure that the best available, ministry approved, instructor will be placed in the school, should Dumbledore be unable to find one in time."
"And who might this 'Ministry approved' instructor be Cornelius?" Dumbledore said politely causing Umbridge and Fudge to flinch at the sudden arrival.
Immediately Fudge began spluttering and twisting his bowler hat in his hands. "D-Dumbledore, w-why are you here?"
"I believe I was invited here Minister." Dumbledore said with a deep bow to Amelia who smiled. "And as it is in regards to Hogwarts I believe the invitation should have come from you. But it is understandable that such a simple matter would slip your mind."
"Y-yes, indeed. Slipped m-my mind." Fudge stuttered out, completely flustered now. "W-where was I again?"
"The instructor, Cornelius, the Ministry approved one." Amelia said in no mood for games.
"Oh, y-yes of course." Fudge said managing to get some of his composure back. "The ministry has decided to appoint, in the chance that you are unable to find a proper instructor, Dolores Umbridge as Defense against the Dark Arts Professor."
"Really, and just what qualifications does she possess that someone in my own department does not have in spades." Amelia asked coldly. "Surely an Auror would be a much better choice than her."
Silence met her bold declaration. Umbridge was fuming and Fudge felt his plan failing before it ever began.
"Well said Madam Bones. I would be honored to have a fully trained Auror teach at Hogwarts." Dumbledore said a twinkle in his eye. "Surely the Ministry would have no complaints about someone hand-picked by such a revered Department Head. Not to mention the Current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Who better to choose a candidate to teach our children how to defend themselves from dark forces, than the very person in charge of protecting us from said forces?"
"I fully agree Dumbledore. I can have a list of candidates ready by Monday. That should be well within the time limit, wouldn't you agree Minister?" Amelia asked steel in her tone.
Fudge was sweating now, there was no way he would be able to turn the tide in his favor now. He could simply decline and attempt to push his idea on them regardless. However, contrary to popular belief, Cornelius was not an idiot. He didn't become Minister of Magic by bumbling his way through everything. He knew that to go against Amelia Bones would mean the end of his Career. Everyone in the Wizengamot held her in very high esteem, and knew that she was firmly on the side of Justice. Any attempt to discredit her would be wasted, not only that but the entirety of the Auror force was incredibly loyal to the woman who had once been amongst their numbers.
The only option he had left to him was to go along with the plan and try to influence whoever she selected. Hopefully it would be one the few that were more loyal to him. "I completely agree Amelia, someone from your own office would be a much more suitable option." Fudge declared looking utterly defeated.
"Cornelius, surely you must be j-…" Umbridge began, anger radiating off the woman in waves.
"Very well, it has been decided." Amelia said abruptly cutting Umbridge mid-sentence. "Now there is no need for this Educational Decree Rubbish." She got up from her seat, and swiftly made her way to the door that Dumbledore was now holding open. "Albus I will owl you on Monday with that list, though I daresay the best choice would be Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"I couldn't agree more Amelia." Dumbledore said politely. "Minister, Madam Undersecretary, good evening to you both." With that both Dumbledore and Madam Bones were gone, leaving one flabbergasted Minister and one enraged Toad alone.
Xxxxx
Remus Lupin watched in awe and fear as the creature before him stood on its hind legs. His instincts were screaming at him too flee and yet the wolf inside him was cowed by its very presence. This was the same breed of monster that had made an entire race of cursed men follow and obey. He couldn't stop himself from whimpering as he crouched near the beast, his head low, submissive.
Xxxxx
Sirius Black in his animagus form was slightly larger than the average Werewolf and just as strong. However, witnessing the transformation of his godson had sent chills of terror through him. He could honestly admit to never being afraid of a werewolf, but this was no werewolf. This was something he could only have seen in his nightmares. Before him was a towering beast of rippling muscle, menacingly sharp and powerful claws and a snout wide enough to cleanly rip a man's head from his shoulders.
He whined as he watched Lupin humble himself before it, and nearly yelped as the beast lowered itself and sniffed at the lesser monster beneath him. Then he crouched low, ready to flee when the monster turned his piercing gaze toward him. That was when he felt himself freeze. The eyes looking at him were the same startling green as his godsons. There was also something there that he didn't expect to see, humanity.
Xxxxx
Harry was amazed, during his first transformation he been completely unaware of everything happening until the next morning. According to Lupin that was completely normal. The first full moon was generally that way for all of their kind. The second time it was more like a ride along, where you were vaguely aware of what was happening, though you had no control.
Yes it had been just as painful as the first time but as soon as it was complete he felt so elated, so powerful, it was intoxicating. That was when he smelled something that made him feel sick. The room reeked of it and it automatically had him on his guard. He looked down at the werewolf cowering before him, he bent down and sniffed, the scent was coming off of it in waves. But there was another scent there as well, one he recognized, one that was comforting. Remus.
Then a whine caught his attention, he looked up and saw his Godfather in his Animagus from. He was quivering, and looked as though he were ready to flee. He too reeked of the smell that was slowly filling up the cage they were in. that's when it hit Harry like a bludgeoning curse. It was fear, they were afraid of him.
He immediately moved from above Lupin, unable to communicate properly he nudged his old professor with his muzzle. He heard him whimper again sounding much more afraid than before. He tried once more, much more gently this time. Lupin lifted his head, looking Harry in his eyes, and then tilted his head to the side, as if to ask 'Harry?' Harry nodded.
A tense moment later and Sirius was bounding toward them yipping happily. Tail wagging nonstop. Tonight might not be so bad after all.
Xxxxx
Cho sat in her room gazing sadly up at the full moon through her window. Harry had yet to respond to her letter, but she didn't expect him to so soon. That didn't stop her from wishing he had though. She missed him more than she could really justify to herself. She wasn't sure why she felt that way. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that she wasn't sure whether or not she would see him before the start of term.
She was also anxious for the meeting between him and her father. She was more than willing to defy her family and be with Harry regardless, however if she had her father's blessing it would make things so much easier. She moved away from the window, and lay down on her bed. From under her pillow she pulled out Harry's letter. She scanned the many lines for he ones that brought her the most comfort. 'I miss you.'
Those three words, as simple as they were, made her heart flutter and her eyes tear up.
He was thinking about her, and he wanted to be with her again, even after what she had put him through. She still felt sick about what she had done to him. She had given up so easily, so quickly. She had nearly placed him in the hands of another woman without so much as a fight.
And yet he had forgiven her just as easily, he accepted her back. He hadn't run off with Fleur or Hermione, even though neither of them would have hesitated should he have only asked. She knew that his best friend was just as crazy about him as she was, if not more so. As for Fleur, she had made it no secret that she would gladly take Harry as her own if he wished. And the bond they forged during the year made that a very real possibility.
Deep down, she knew that Hermione would always be there. She had been his greatest and most loyal friend since his first year, and she doubted there would ever be a Harry without Hermione. Somehow that didn't bother her as much as it she thought it would. She had been there when the younger girl had refused to believe that Harry wouldn't make it. She had seen the love shining in her eyes, heard it in her voice. She knew, without knowing how she knew, that Hermione would do anything to make Harry happy. Even if meant letting Cho have him.
Yes, Cho knew that a relationship with Harry Potter would be a difficult one, and that was putting it lightly. And now with the threat of Voldemort looming over their heads, and the possibility that she could very well be a target, just made things that much harder. And yet she couldn't bring herself to regret her decision.
It was at that moment that she realized what she was feeling. Cho Chang was in love. She held the letter a little tighter.
Xxxxx
"Sweet heart what's wrong, you've barely said anything all night and you haven't touched your dinner." Mrs. Granger said in a worried tone.
Hermione was silent for a moment, debating whether or not she should tell her parents what was bothering her. "Well mum, you remember my friend Harry?"
Mrs. Granger gave her daughter a knowing smile and nodded her head. "How could I forget, you hardly speak of anyone else."
Hermione blushed slightly but pressed on as if her mother hadn't spoken. "Well the thing is, shortly before the summer holiday began, something happened to him." Hermione said as tears began to form in her eyes.
Mrs. Granger gasped and held her hand over mouth. Mr. Granger however looked at his daughter in a whole new light. There was something more in her eyes than tears. He had seen it many, many time before, in his wife's eyes.
"Mum, dad, there are such things as werewolves. In my third year we had one as a professor." Hermione said attempting to ease her parents fear. "He was very kind and by far the best teacher I've had for that particular subject."
Hermione saw her parents connect the dots. Her mother looked horrified and her father had his jaw tightly clenched.
"During a tournament..." Hermione went on to explain what had happened last year. "... and Harry was bitten. Tonight is his second full moon, and there's nothing that I can do to help him." She finished as she began sobbing.
A short while later after calming their daughter down, the Grangers sat in their living room looking distressed.
"So not only is my little princess' best friend a werewolf, but he's also being hunted down by a powerful and dangerous nutter. Who might very well come after her to get to him. And to top it all off she's in love with the boy. No not just a crush but actual love." Mr. Granger silently ranted to his wife.
"That's the gist of it, yes." Mrs. Granger said soothingly pulling her husbands head onto her lap and running her fingers through his hair, effectively calming him. "And from what she tells us, Harry is quite powerful himself, and more than willing to protect our little girl."
"We should pull her out of that school straight away." Mr. Granger demanded suddenly shooting up. "Then Hermione won't need to be protected."
"You would break your own daughters' heart by pulling her away from the only friends she's ever had?" Mrs. Granger asked sounding disappointed.
Mr. Granger looked ashamed as he shook his head, "No, of course not. Although she will probably get her heart broken anyway. It sounds to me like that boy already has a girlfriend."
"Yes, she did mention that. But time can change many things. They're still so young, anything can happen." Mrs. Granger said wisely.
"That's what I'm worried about love." Mr. Granger said sadly.
Xxxxx
The sun rose slowly over the horizon, painting the sky in the warm colors of dawn. The pure light poured through window and into the cage currently holding Harry Potter.
Taking a deep calming breath, and allowing his muscles to relax, Harry rested his head against the enchanted bars.
Remus Lupin had a great deal more experience with the change than Harry. He was already back on his feet though still exhausted, and getting his clothes back on. Sirius Black had no such trouble. He lazily stretched out still in his dog form, and almost tauntingly phased back into his human self, effortless and pain free.
"Well gents that was one hell of a night." Sirius said with a broad smile on his face.
"Only you would consider last night a good time Padfoot." Lupin said grinning slightly.
"You can't honestly tell me that you didn't enjoy yourself a little Moony? It was the first time in ages that you had company during a full moon." Sirius said with a smirk.
"I suppose it was a nice change, but I still wouldn't call it a good time." Lupin said shrugging in defeat.
"Good enough." Sirius said patting his friend on the shoulder. "What about you Harry? How are you feeling?"
"Well, I could use a shower. And you could definitely use one as well Sirius." Harry said managing a small grin. "You smell like dog urine."
"Yeah you do Padfoot, had a little accident last night did we." Lupin said eyes glinting mischievously.
Sirius flushed with embarrassment. "Well, I was bloody terrified. I thought that perhaps the potion didn't work and Harry was going to rip us apart." He then turned and looked at his godson in concern. "I've never seen a werewolf like you before. You were huge and completely terrifying."
Lupin nodded in agreement, "He's right Harry, yours was a very unique transformation. I've never encountered another like you. I have heard a few rumors going around the underground. Most of them in regards to the now missing Fenrir Greyback, the self-proclaimed Alpha of the werewolf community."
"Do you think I'm dangerous?" Harry asked before looking at the amused looks on their faces, "More dangerous I mean! You saw what happened at my Uncle's house. You saw what I almost did! Is it even safe for me to continue going to school like this? What if I were to lose control around my friends, or around Cho?" He finished with horror in his eyes. "I-I can't go back, I could never…"
"Don't worry about that Harry, Professor Dumbledore, Sirius and I have already spoken about this and we have a plan." Lupin said in a soothing yet confident voice, "What happened at your Uncles house was caused by rage. With a few potent calming potions you will have nothing to worry about."
"A cheering Charm every now and then wouldn't hurt either." Sirius said effectively easing his godson's tension.
Harry sighed, "This is going to be a long year. At least we'll be taking steps to prevent anything bad from happening." Then an idea struck him, "Sirius when we get out of here can you give me some ink and parchment, I have a few letters to write."
xxxxx
It was in the middle of the day when Mrs. Granger heard a pecking at the kitchen window. "Hermione, I believe you have a letter." She called out to the house, a few moments later she heard her daughter running down the stairs and rushing into the kitchen.
Her face lit up when she saw Hedwig, "It's from Harry." She took the letter gently from the owl and read through it quickly. Her face went from happy, to confusion, to complete delight. "Mum he's coming here tomorrow! He says he has a gift for us but he needs you're permission first."
"A gift? What kind of gift dear?" Mrs. Granger asked hesitantly. The question only caused her daughters smile to widen further.
"It's the kind that only someone like Harry would give." Hermione said close to tears now, "He wants to give you both his protection."
Her statement only confused her mother further, but in the end she nodded her head in agreement to meet with Harry. "I'll let your father know so he can be here." This earned her a bone crushing hug from Hermione.
"Thank you Mum, you don't know how much this will help me." Hermione said.
Xxxxx
At Exactly Eleven O'clock the next day the doorbell rang at the Granger residence. Hermione rushed to open it but was beaten to it by her father.
"Uh… er… Good morning Mr. Granger." Harry said nervously looking up at the stern looking man. "Umm… I don't suppose Hermione told you that I would be coming by?"
Mr. Granger glared down at the young man before him. He certainly had grown from the timid and skinny looking boy he had met nearly three years ago. "She did." He said briskly.
"Ah… well... D-do you mind if come in?" Harry asked feeling rather uncomfortable.
"Of course you can come in Harry dear." Mrs. Granger said stepping around her husband and taking Harry's shoulder she led him into the house.
Before Harry made it into the living room however his vision was completely obscured by bushy brown hair.
Mr. Granger looked at his only beloved daughter nearly tackle the young man in a greeting that was far too, in his opinion, intimate. He nearly popped a blood vessel when he saw the boy's greasy, undeserving hands wrap around his princess and pull her in closer to him. No doubt trying to subtly cop a feel, or something just as underhanded in order to taint his precious little angel.
Clearing his throat loudly, he was about to interrupt their little reunion when his darling wife stamped on his foot. He glared at her as well before paling at the look that promised many lonely nights on the sofa.
"Harry, please have a seat." Mrs. Granger said gesturing for him to sit on the love seat near the book case.
"Thank you." Harry said feeling much more comfortable talking to Hermione's mother. He sat down and Hermione sat next to him, much to her father's displeasure.
"So please tell us Harry, what you meant by you wanted to give us your protection." Mrs. Granger asked kindly, giving the shy boy an encouraging smile.
"Well you see… uhh… H-has Hermione told you anything about me?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"She has talked of nothing else since she got home." Mr. Granger said reluctantly.
"Oh well, has she told you about Voldemort?" Harry asked looking directly into his eyes.
"She's told us all about your involvement with that Dark Wizard, and I must say I don't exactly approve of the danger you are putting my little girl." Mr. Granger said crossly.
Harry's eyes darkened for a moment and could no longer meet anyone else's. "Neither do I sir. But Hermione took that choice from me a long time ago. She has never abandoned me, and I will never abandon her. For as long as she wants to remain my friend and be at my side I will let her. And if she is ever in any danger, I will be there to protect her." He finished with a look of fierce determination, though his voice remained calm.
Mr. Granger was left speechless, his wife was beaming at the young boy and Hermione was close to tears.
"That actually brings me to why I came here. I have a gift for your family, if you'll allow it that is." When no one responded he continued. "I would like to have your house completely warded. I would also like you two to have these." Harry said as he pulled out two boxes from his pocket. He handed one each to Hermione's parents. They opened them to see identical lockets of a fine silvery material, and then looked up at Harry questioningly.
"These are no ordinary lockets, they are very special portkeys." Harry said further confusing the Grangers, but understanding lit up in Hermione's eyes immediately. "A portkey is an object that will transport you from one place to another almost instantly."
That they understood perfectly, "And what is so special about these?"
Harry brightened considerably as they didn't already reject the idea. "These are barrier charmed so that if any spell is cast at you within ten feet, it will automatically activate and take you to a safe house. It will also activate if anyone with a Dark Mark comes within ten feet of you."
"Oh Harry!" Hermione whimpered as she hugged him tightly. "Thank you, thank you so much."
"You're welcome." Harry said bashfully returning her hug.
"These sound reasonable enough, now what were you saying about having our home warded?" Mrs. Granger asked curiously.
"Oh yeah, with your permission of course I would bring a friend of mine here to place protective charms all around your house. It would make it nearly impossible for any of Voldemort's followers to find your home, and he would place defensive spells and curses in case they do."
Mr. Granger was hard pressed to keep his mouth from falling open. This boy, who was the same age as his daughter, was doing all this just protect them. The lockets would have been more than enough, but to go the extra mile. He was truly impressed with this young man, and he hated it.
He could see why Hermione was so head-over-heels for him. He had just sworn to protect her no matter what, and had gone out of his way to insure her parent's safety as well. He also seemed to be a noble and humble young man, the kind that any father would want for his little girl. That only made it worse considering the fact the boy was already spoken for.
"And how much is this going to cost exactly?" Mr. Granger asked.
"It won't cost you anything." Harry said as though the idea of them paying for his gift were preposterous. "This is a gift for Hermione and for you."
"Surely there must be something in it for you." Mr. Granger said provoking the young man.
"I assure you sir, the only thing that I would gain would be Hermione's happiness and safety. And there isn't anything that I wouldn't give for that." Harry said slightly impatiently.
"Good, in that case we accept." Mr. Granger said with a smirk, "When would you like to have all of this done?"
Taken aback by the sudden mood change, Harry was at a loss for words. "Uh, er… whenever would be an ok time for you, but preferably before we go back to Hogwarts."
"Well I can free up some time this weekend, how about Saturday?" Mr. Granger said all business now.
"That would be wonderful." Harry said a bright smile lighting his face as he looked from Mr. Granger to Hermione who was positively beaming.
"How about we all go have lunch?" Mrs. Granger said pleasantly.
"That sounds great mum. Will you come too Harry?" Hermione said taking his hand in hers.
"Yeah, that sounds great Hermione. Thank you Mrs. Granger." Harry said bowing his head slightly in her direction.
"No need for that Harry, anyone who would do so much for our little girl will always be welcomed in our home." Mrs. Granger said as she stood next to her husband who nodded approvingly. "Now let's go before we hit the midday rush."
Xxxxx
August couldn't have arrived more quickly for Cho. She and Harry had written each other nearly every day so far, but tonight was the night he was to come and have dinner with her parents. She wasn't exactly thrilled about the dinner itself, but about spending some time with him after weeks of being apart. She couldn't wait to look into his eyes again, to feel him hold her hand. She began blushing when she thought about kissing him again.
"Cho, your guest has arrived." Her father said from the other side of her door.
"I'll be right down." Cho squealed excitedly.
Before he had even turned to go back downstairs his daughter was already out her door and halfway down the stair case. When he reached the bottom she was already in an embrace with the respectful boy he had allowed into his home. Already he was regretting that decision.
Cho in her excitement almost literally jumped into Harry's arms. She had thrown herself at him with enough force to knock them both over, however he caught her easily and slowly lowered her to her feet. She felt his hands on her waist and threw her arms around his neck, her lips were almost on his when her father spoke up, "Cho Chang, have you forgotten your manners?"
Feeling ashamed and rather embarrassed Cho let go of Harry and turned to her father before bowing slightly. "Forgive me father. This is my boyfriend, Harry Potter." She said as she turned to him, "Harry this is my father."
Harry bowed his head to her father in a very polite and respectful way. "It is an honor to meet you sir, Cho has told me a great deal about you."
"And I have heard a great deal about you as well." He looked lovingly at his daughter, "Dinner will be ready in an hour, please make sure you're not late. I doubt I will be able to save either of you from your mother's wrath if you are."
Cho hugged her father quickly, "Thank you father. Come on Harry lets go for a walk."
Without waiting for an answer she dragged him past her father and out the door. She didn't stop until they had reached the end of the block. When she suddenly stopped and rounded on her Harry the fire in her eyes told him all he needed to know. Without hesitation or restraint, the young couple kissed fiercely. After what seemed days of realizing pent up emotions of longing they allowed their lips to part.
"I missed you Cho." Harry said breathlessly.
"I missed you too." Cho said resting her forehead against his cheek. "How has your summer been so far?"
"Not nearly as good as it is now." Harry said with a broad smile, "How has yours been?"
"It would have been better if you were here." Cho admitted shyly, "I've really missed you Harry."
Hearing the sincerity in her force left Harry no other choice but to kiss again, which Cho returned in earnest, leading to anot5her short passionate make out session.
"C'mon, let's have that walk now shall we." Harry said playfully as he pulled away for breath.
Cho nodded her head as they began walking hand in hand around her neighborhood. All too soon it was time to return to her house, and though they walked rather slowly, they managed to get back with a few minutes to spare. And now came the part Harry had been dreading the most, Dinner.
Xxxxx
"So Mr. Potter, how did you manage to enter the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Mrs. Chang asked unashamedly.
"Mum!" Cho protested, but was silenced by Harrys giving her hand a reassuring squeeze under the table.
"I didn't actually enter into it myself, Mrs. Chang." Harry answered politely, "But if you would like to know the details of how and why, I would be delighted to share them with you." seeing that he had her full attention Harry continued, "It started…" he went on to tell his tale of how Crouch Jr., impersonating Moody, entered and attempted to guide him through the Tournament. "I barely managed to escape that graveyard with my life, though I wasn't unscathed." Harry finished in a somber tone almost half an hour later, unconsciously rubbing the shoulder where he was bitten.
"My youngest brother was bitten when he was only eight years old." Mrs. Chang whispered as she stared at Harry with sadness. "He was attacked by a monster named Fenrir Greyback. My mother refused an advance from him rather aggressively."
"He's the same one who bit me." Harry said looking her directly in the eyes. "Where is your brother now, if you don't mind my asking?"
Mrs. Chang smiled sadly, "He died about a year before You-Know-Who's downfall." She said anger dripping into her voice, "He was murdered by Death Eaters for trying to bring more werewolves to Dumbledore's side."
"I'm sorry. If it's any consolation, I believe your brother died a hero." Harry said sincerely, Mrs. Chang smiled weakly but nodded her head at him.
"If what you say is true and You-Know-Who has returned, where does that leave you?" Mr. Chang asked with an unreadable expression.
Harry's eyes turned hard as he looked at the man, Cho could feel the power rolling off of him, and from the look of her parents they could as well. "There is no 'If' sir, he is back. There is only one path left to me and sooner or later it will cross with his. And either I will die by his wand or he will die by mine." Harry said with more conviction than anyone should have about their own possible demise.
The room fell silent, until a teary eyed Cho finally spoke up. "And where does that leave me Harry? Where does that leave us?"
Harry was unable to meet her eye or respond. "Harry, answer the question. What happens to us when you start down this path of yours?" Cho asked actually crying now. When he still refused to respond she stood and slapped him across his face.
"Cho Chang!" Her mother and father shouted at the same time. But before either could do more than yell she had already raced up the stairs in tears.
Shocked silence was all that could be heard around the dining room table. Slowly Harry stood up and bowed to Cho's parents. "Please forgive me, but I think it's best if I leave now." He turned and made his way to the front door, but before he could turn the knob Mrs. Chang touched his shoulder.
"Go talk to her before you go. It wouldn't be polite to leave when your girlfriend is in such a state." Mrs. Chang said with a sad smile. Mr. Chang, who was standing next to his wife, agreed and led him to his daughter's bedroom.
"Just be sure to honor my house." Mr. Chang said warningly. Harry took the hint and nodded before Mr. Chang unlocked the door magically and allowed him to walk through.
Cho was curled up with a large pillow on her bed. When she felt her bed shift from extra weight, she looked up with red eyes. "Go away Harry, I don't want to see you right now."
"I'm not going anywhere until you hear me out." Harry said stubbornly. "I honestly don't know what is going to happen to us." Cho looked up angrily at him, but he continued. "I know what I want to happen. I want to be with you Cho, for as long as I possibly can. But I don't know if that will be possible. I don't know if I'll even be alive at the end of this stupid war."
"Don't say things like that Harry!" Cho yelled, "I don't want to think about a world without you in it. I don't want to imagine a world where you're not with me."
"It's the truth Cho! Voldemort wants me dead and he wants to kill me himself." Harry pleaded taking her hands in his own, "I know there's nothing I can do about that, but I can stop him from hurting and killing countless others. Especially you, I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you, I love you too much. It would destroy me; I wouldn't be able to bear it." Harry said completely oblivious to his slip up.
Cho stopped crying when she heard it, those three words that she hadn't even had the courage to say yet. "I'll stay at your side Harry. Wherever you go I'll follow you. I'll fight with you, but I won't wait at home and not know where you are, or if you're ok. I won't sit on the sidelines and watch you fight alone." She said determined.
"Cho?" Harry said, "I can't let you do that, it's too dangerous."
"You can't and won't stop me." Cho said fiercely before she kissed him with all the love she could put into it. "I love you too Harry Potter and I'm staying with you." Harry was breathless and speechless.
Xxxxx
Mr. and Mrs. Chang heard the whole conversation from the other side of the door. Both were worried about their daughter but knew it was already out of their hands. She had chosen her path and all they could was support her the best that they could.
Mr. Chang held his wife closer to him as she wept silently for her daughter. The path she had chosen to take along with Harry was a dark and dangerous one, he just hoped it didn't end the same way as James and Lily.
They went to bed shortly after and didn't bother to ask the young man to leave. Cho would need him tonight, and he trusted her not to anything she would regret. Little did he know the young couple was already fast asleep in each other's arms.
