Disclaimer……….. All characters are the copyright of JK Rowling

Time again chapter

Chapter Eight

Albus Dumbledore headmaster of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry sat in his usual seat at breakfast in the great hall, and watched the commotion as the female population gathered around the head of the Gryffindor table, the interest in Mrs Hermione Potters' wedding ring was causing quite a stir.

Albus Pondered on the meal the night before, it had been a most delicious meal and he would have to admit it had been expertly cooked; it was just another little hint about his favourite pupil Harry Potter. The past few months Harry had shown quite a great deal of power and knowledge for someone so young, then there was his so called visions that had lead to the defeat of Tom Riddle and four of his top henchmen. These facts alone had puzzled him but now he had something new to add to the collection, Harry's memory of Deloris Umbridge. It had been a real memory, not something from a vision or something made up, it had been real. The question was when could Harry have obtained such a memory, Umbridge had never taught at the school, and had never had the opportunity to wield the power of headmistress. 'Time, Time is what I need, indeed it's an odd thing time' he said to himself as a theory began to develop in his astute mind.

While Dumbledore pondered the new events, Harry and Hermione were the centre of attention, well Hermione was. Girl after girl came to admire her new rings, even the girls from the Slytherin house were queuing to take a look. Hermione was whispering to Ginny that her arm was beginning to ache with all the lifting to show the admirers, many oohs and aahs were heard around the table that morning.

The rest of the term was unremarkable as far as Harry was concerned; he had no more Dark Lord trying to kill him. No ministry trying to discredit him, in fact the most exciting thing that happened to him all term was while in potions. Professor Snape insulted Hermione and made a reference to her being Muggle born. Harry stood from behind his desk and approached Snape.

"Excuse me Sir, but you will not insult my wife, in fact you will in future be quite civil to her," Harry said quite boldly.

"I beg your pardon," Snape hissed at Harry "just who do you think you are talking too?"

Harry leant forward and spoke so only Snape could hear him "How would it look if memories of your love for a Muggle born witch were released, memories of you and your best friend, my mother," Harry asked quietly.

For the first time Harry could remember he saw Snape blush and he was sure he saw a tear in the normally cold black eyes. Snape was quite polite to most of his pupils from that day on, and did in fact begin to help his students instead of intimidating them.

Harry was convinced that Snape was actually enjoying teaching properly, although he never had proof of it.

Dumbledore thought the sudden change in Severus Snape was just another piece in the jig saw puzzle that was Harry Potter, and he was certain he had come to the correct conclusion, though how it had been done he was yet to discover. 'Time' he thought 'is the answer'.

Two weeks before the Christmas holiday began Harry called Dobby into his quarters and asked the elf if he could visit Potter House and check what needed to be done to prepare the house for habitation, and if it could all be done for the beginning of the holiday. Having given his small friend directions and a piece of parchment with the address on Harry joined Hermione in the bedroom.

Dobby returned before breakfast the following morning "Harry Potter sir," he whispered as he shook Harry awake, Harry shushed the elf and whispered for him to wait in the other room while he dressed. Five minutes later Dobby was telling Harry.

"Potter House is ready for the master, six house elves have kept the house ready for you Harry Potter sir, they all is looking forward to meeting you again." Dobby told Harry excitedly. "Would Harry Potter sir need another elf sir, for the holiday sir, Dobby is a good worker sir."

Harry could not resist the little fellows pleading eyes "Ok Dobby you can spend Christmas at Potter House with us, ok."

A letter to Sirius asking that he invite the Grangers and the Weasleys to spend the break with them at his ancestral home was sent by Harry as soon as Dobby had returned to the kitchen. He also asked Sirius if he could have the floo network to the house working by the holiday.

A week later Harry recruited Ginny to help with his plans for the holiday, she was to figure a way to get Ron and the twins into a limousine that would drive them to his home, she was not to let any of them know their destination and was also to keep it quiet from Hermione, who he told her, he was going to carry over the threshold, an old Muggle custom for newly weds when they first arrived home. Ginny with her Weasley sense of adventure agreed and enthusiastically went about devising all sorts of plots to get her brothers to Wales.

On the train ride to London Ginny failed to get the twins to sit in the same compartment they were in, which had Harry a little worried but Ginny never stopped smiling the whole journey. Hermione was expecting her parents to pick her up and was dreading being parted from Harry for Christmas. As his wife she wanted to spend this special time, their first anniversary with him.

Hermione was quite surprised when they arrived at Kings Cross and her parents had not shown up. Harry talked her into getting into the limo with him, though it really did not take a lot of persuading he just mentioned that maybe now that she was a married woman her parents expected her to be with her husband.

Ginny's plan to get the Weasleys in to the other Limousine worked perfectly, she had made arrangements for the driver to be holding a card that said Weasley family this way.

Their journey to Wales was uneventful; they were driven to a deserted lane just outside a large village by the name of Cerrig y Druidion. As the cars drove away two large gates became visible, with a word from Harry the gates swung open, a three hundred yard walk dragging their trunks behind them brought them in sight of Potter House, it was a huge ancient building in stone. Harry stood staring for a while, he had never visited before, never having found reason to, and had no idea the house would be so big. Finally pulling himself together Harry led the way to the large double front doors. Hermione on his arm and the Weasley boys wondering what was going on followed Ginny.

As Harry walked up the steps with Hermione beside him the doors opened and they were greeted by an old house elf dressed in a neat tea towel like toga, the Potter crest on the front.

"Welcome home master Harry, it's so good to see you after so many years," the elf welcomed.

Hermione noticed that the elf did not bow and was quite surprised by the fact. Harry suddenly swept Hermione into his arms and picked her up, one arm around her back the other arm behind her knees, walking forward Harry whispered in her ear "Welcome home Mrs Potter."

Hermione was totally surprised by Harry's move, she had never expected to be carried over the threshold but she was overjoyed by the unexpected move.

'Oh Harry, we have a home of our own' she thought as a small tear slid down her cheek.

Once in the foyer Harry placed Hermione carefully back on her feet. They were joined by the Weasleys, Ron gave a long loud gasp and Ginny let out a breathy whistle, "some place you have here," one of the twins said.

"Yeah," Harry replied as he looked around at the splendour of his home, 'Wow Hermione this is way more than I expected'.

As the teenagers looked around they were joined by Mr and Mrs Granger, who was followed by Mrs Weasley, huge hugs were held all around as the greetings were given.

Hermione having extricated herself from another bone crushing hug from Mrs Weasley looked around at her new home, they were standing in a huge foyer that was larger than the whole Dursley house. To the left and right large curved marble staircases led up to the first floor, above that there were five more floors. The floor was covered in polished black slate, 'Harry it's like a palace' she gasped as she took it all in. they learned later that there were twenty bedrooms all with their own bathroom; a large bright and airy library covered a huge area at the rear of the house.

Mrs Weasley complained to Hermione that she had been unable to locate the kitchen again having once visited it. Later Hermione was informed by the old elf by the name of Glanry that the cook had placed a charm on the kitchen so that every time the bossy red haired woman looked for it, she would not be able to find it, and hoped that the mistress would not be angry. "She kept trying to do cooks job," he said as though Mrs Weasley had committed a crime.

Hermione stifled a laugh and asked that cook allow Mrs Weasley in the kitchen to cook supper, just to keep her happy.

"You really are a wonderful wife," Harry whispered as he listened to her talk with the head elf "and a diplomatic one as well."

The head elf called a young female elf into the foyer, "Erin, show the master and mistress around the house, please."

The young elf beamed "Oh it will be a great honour, to show Sir and Madam the house."

Their tour ended in the master bedroom, it was a huge room with an equally huge bed, "I may have to change that bed," Harry said seriously

"Why what ever's the matter with it? It looks delightful to me," Hermione asked

"It's big enough to loose you in, and that's the last thing I want to do," Harry laughed.

'Harry this place is amazing, I never realised you were so wealthy. I wonder how much land there is' Hermione thought as they sat on the large bed.

'Hermione Potter how many times do you need to be told, it's we that are wealthy not just me' Harry thought a little annoyed 'we have been married a year now and you should know by now we share everything'

Down stairs in the living room a large banner courtesy of the twins was floating just bellow the ceiling. 'Happy Anniversary Harry and Hermione' kept flashing in red and gold. Much to the annoyance of Glanry.

Ginny went on her own tour of the house and soon found her trunk in a room that she thought large enough to play quidditch in.

Later that day just after Sirius arrived, a tired and well fed group of teenagers decided it was time for bed; they were just leaving the living room when Mr Weasley arrived from the ministry, looking almost as tired as they felt. After greetings were exchanged the teens turned in for the night.

Harry and Hermione lay in bed, i'It's like a fairy tale Harry' Hermione thought to him just before they fell asleep.

'Yeah, just like a fairy tale' Harry thought.

Harry sat in the library totally relaxed and happy as he watched his wife Hermione pour over books she had not seen before. To see her so happy made him feel like a king, he had no worries, thanks to good management of the Potter family investments by their personal representative at Gringotts, a Goblin by the name of Griphook, all his family fortune seemed to be secure, he had an enormous annual income, no one was, as far as he knew, trying to kill him, and he was married to the most brilliant and beautiful witch he had ever met. Yes Harry was happier than he had ever been. This was his second Christmas as a married man although he was inclined to ignore the first one due to the unusual circumstances of his marriage to Hermione. Harry planned to enjoy the freedom of living in his own home afforded him, if and when he could figure out what to do first.

Harry looked out of the large windows and was pleasantly surprised by the rare appearance in Britain of snow, it was rare indeed for snow to fall at this time of year, but there outside his window huge white flakes were drifting slowly down.

'Hermione love, it's snowing, two days before Christmas, and we have snow falling' he thought to her.

'Harry love don't forget according to the map we are over a thousand feet above sea level, it probably snows up here quite often' Hermione answered

'Fancy building a snowman if it keeps snowing?' he asked smiling

'What we should do is go shopping, we don't have any presents bought for the Weasleys yet' came her reply

'Blooming eck I forgot, what with sorting everything else, how could I forget?' Harry said as he called for his head house elf.

Seconds later the old elf appeared. "Ah Glanry how far do the anti apparation wards go?" Harry asked.

"Right to the boundary sir, the closest point outside the wards is just outside the main gate," Glanry replied before asking if the master or mistress wanted anything "a pot of tea maybe, oh we have another guest though he refuses to act like one and insists he is here to work."

"Don't tell me let me guess, could it be a house elf by the name of Dobby," Harry laughed.

"That would be the one sir," Glanry said with the faintest trace of a smile showing.

"Could you be good enough to find him some work or something, just to keep him happy," Harry grinned

Glanry nodded then turned to leave "Master Harry should remove his feet from the table, your mother would not like it sir."

'Did I just get told off for having my feet up' Harry sent to Hermione.

'Yes dear you did, he told Sirius to sit up straight this morning at breakfast' Hermione gave what was almost a giggle 'Sirius said he was the main etiquette teacher for the potter family and he taught both your father Remus, Sirius, and Peter, how to behave'

'The blooming cheek' Harry thought indignantly 'told off by my bloomin house elf'

Ten minutes later Harry had his feet on the table in front of him, a soft pop behind him had Harry falling from his chair as he tried to quickly remove his feet from the table.

Hermione laughed as she watched him struggle "Yes Erin, what is it dear?" she asked the elf who had appeared.

"Glanry says that elevenses are ready for the Master and Mistress," she answered

"Ok Erin we will be there in a few moments." Hermione smiled kindly at the small creature.

'Oh Harry I don't like being called the mistress, why can't they just call us by our names' she moaned.

'That's not their way Hermione and you can't change them, believe me I tried with Dobby and he's free, and before you go on about setting our elves free remember what being free did to poor old Winky' Harry thought.

Sitting in the dining room with the Weasley family, Harry was informed by Ron that they had found a quidditch pitch and were intending to have a game after they had finished their tea. Harry declined the offer to join them adding that he and Hermione might go for a walk.

As soon as the Weasleys left the house for the pitch Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her into their bedroom.

'Whoo, Harry Potter what have you got on your mind?' Hermione chuckled.

'How about a trip to Diagon Alley? We could grab our coats and be there in a few seconds' he replied

'Harry you are not thinking of breaking the rules again?' Hermione asked a little worried.

'Do you fancy a shopping trip or not? Besides I didn't get you a present' Harry said pouting a little as he left the bedroom 'back in a few seconds love'

True to his word Harry was back a few seconds later carrying their coats, 'Right wrap up warm love, it's going to be a little cold out there' he thought as he pulled his heavy coat closed.

"Dobby!" Harry called once they were both ready. The sound of the elf appearing made Harry smile. "Hi Dobby, would you like to do Hermione and I a favour? We need to go to Diagon Alley to do some shopping, and I wondered if you would take us."

"Dobby is happy to help Harry Potter and His Hermione, very happy," the little elf replied as he placed himself between the two Potters and taking hold of their arms he vanished with a loud crack taking Harry and Hermione with him.

A few short seconds later they arrived outside Gringotts bank. Hermione seemed amazed that Dobby was able to transport them through the anti apparation charms of Potter house.

'Hermione love, are you ok?'

'Yes I just forgot for a moment that elves are not restricted by our magic' Hermione answered 'so where to first Mr Potter?'

'How about we get the Weasley gifts first, then you and I can take a wander around, maybe call in to check on the new books' Harry said grinning, he knew Hermione would like that idea.

While they were shopping Hermione came across some rather pretty but expensive necklaces, one of the shop assistants approached her.

"They're called winter warmers, they keep the person wearing them warm in temperatures down to fifteen degrees below zero, we also have a version for Muggles, it uses the same charm but it has been altered so that it will work for any Muggle," she said as she showed Hermione a very similar item with the name Muggle warmers.

'How about we get one each for your Mum, Mrs Weasley, and Ginny, we could get one for Ron but I don't think he would be too happy wearing it' Harry thought as he leant over her shoulder placing a kiss on her neck just below her ear, Hermione almost moaned out loud.

'Harry behave your self, you know what that does to me' Hermione scolded

Harry moved away to look at some watches, chuckling all the time, 'I know wicked aren't I'.

Two hours later and laden with packages Harry, Hermione, and Dobby reached the Leaky Cauldron, Dobby offered to take their packages back to Potter House then return for them. Harry thanked his little friend just before he vanished.

'We should get Dobby something' Harry sent to Hermione 'but I have no idea what'.

'We could get him a jumper, it's going to be cold at home' Hermione replied.

A huge grin appeared on Harry's face 'Hermione, you just said home'.

'Well that's how I feel about Potter House, I know it's big and a little posh but it's the first house we have lived in as man and wife, and you did carry me over the threshold, so yeah it's home' Hermione replied smiling back at him.

Hermione decided that while Harry went into the Leaky Cauldron and ordered the meals, she would pop across the street to buy a Jumper for Dobby's Christmas present.

Five minutes later Harry was talking to Tom the innkeeper when Hermione's voice interrupted him.

'Harry you aren't going to believe this but the shop is being robbed, there are six wizards in Death Eater masks and they have all of us standing at the counter'.

'Well don't panic love, can you tell me where the robbers are' he asked.

Hermione gave him a fair idea of the whereabouts of five of the robbers; the sixth one had gone up to the shop office and was no longer on the shop floor.

'Ok love I'll be there in a second' Harry informed her.

"Tom there are robbers across at Madam Malkin's, I think they are after the takings. Would you mind keeping our food warm for us? I'll be back shortly" with that said Harry rushed from the pub.

Harry apparated silently into the shop behind the nearest robber, with a quick flick of his wrist he placed a silencing charm around the supposed Death Eater then quickly stunned him and tied him up. Harry had caught four of the robbers using the same method and was just sneaking up on the fifth when the door to the shop opened and an old lady walked in. The last remaining robber in the shop turned around then gasped when he saw Harry standing just two feet in front of him, before he could aim his wand Harry reacted, planting a right upper cut to the mans jaw. He was out before he hit the floor.

Just as Harry was binding his captive the remaining robber returned from the office holding the weekly takings in a sack. Harry had not seen the man as he raised his wand and pointed it at his back. Half a second later the miscreant was sailing backward through racks of robes, a rather angry Hermione was shouting

"HOW DARE YOU POINT YOUR WAND AT MY HUSBAND," the commotion making Harry spin around.

"Stupefy," Hermione said as the man landed hard on his back.

Harry looked at the damage created when the robber had been flung backward through six clothes racks and a thin partition. 'Heck love what did you do' Harry said in awe.

'I don't know Harry, I just got angry and thought 'no' when he pointed his wand at your back, I don't remember casting any spell' she returned

'Boy remind me not to get you angry' Harry thought laughing

Aurors turned up moments later and took statements yet again about Harry's capture of six so called Death Eaters, "Only five, the wife got one," Harry told the Auror in charge. Harry then refused to be kept away from his lunch any longer and told the Auror if he needed to ask any more questions he would have to join them in the Leaky Cauldron.

Madam Malkin informed Hermione that the mess could be cleaned up and that there was little real damage done, she then refused to take payment for the jumper Hermione wished to buy.

Lunch for three was on a table waiting for them when Harry and Hermione arrived in the pub, Dobby was waiting by the door for them. Harry and Hermione took their seats while Dobby stood behind Harry's chair.

"Dobby my little pal, if you think I am going to pass you your lunch a fork full at a time you can think again," Harry said as he smiled at the little elf "Now come on and sit with us and eat your lunch."

Dobby had seen Harry's kindness before, but for some reason he had not expected to be treated in this way in a public place, the look of total surprise on his face had both Harry and Hermione laughing.

A few minutes into the meal some wizards at a table across from Harry began making remarks about the standard of the place being lowered by allowing house elves to eat at the tables. Tom the barman saw the look in Hermione's eye and Harry's reaction to the look, to avert trouble he rushed over to Harry.

"Excuse me Mr Potter sir is there anything else you would like, Madam Malkin has paid for your meal as a thank you for catching those SIX Death Eaters today," Tom said emphasising the word six even louder than the words Death Eaters.

Harry asked Tom to pass on his thanks to Madam Malkin; the wizards opposite fell extremely quiet before trying to sneak out of the pub.

"You might want to mind your manners in future or my wife might just take offence," Harry said to them as they reached the door.

Dobby smiled "Harry Potter sir is truly a great wizard."

Christmas day both Harry and Hermione were awake early and were waiting at breakfast when they were joined by their guest's, Ron surprised every one by actually being the last to arrive. The first thing Hermione did when everyone was seated was to hand them a small package each, all except the twins who she gave an envelope with both their names on it.

Sirius, Mr Weasley, and Ron, each received a moon watch that had a changing face. Mrs Weasley, Ginny, and Hermione's mum each got a warming necklace, while everyone was examining and admiring their gifts; the twins sat staring at a piece of parchment.

One of the twins was about to ask Harry a question when he gave them a look that told them to be quiet, with a quick flick of his head Harry indicated for the twins to follow him out of the room.

Harry headed for the front door followed by Fred and George, once outside Harry began to speak "I thought you wanted Weasley Wizard Wheezes kept quiet."

"We do," replied Fred "but what is the parchment for?"

"Well I thought you two would have figured it out straight away," Harry chuckled "seems you're not as clever as I thought."

"Fred you red haired twit," George gasped "the marauders map."

Fred slapped a hand to his forehead while George tapped his wand on the parchment "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

George's eyes nearly popped out of his face, "This is a rental agreement for a shop in Diagon Alley with a nominal rent of two Galleons a year."

"Yeah well when I got married I came into all my families' properties, and this shop was one of them, I know I don't intend to be a shopkeeper, so it's yours for as long as you want it," Harry told them.

All the back slapping and thanks from the twins left Harry with a slightly sore shoulder when he finally escaped from them and ran back into the house.

Harry handed a small box to Hermione "Happy Christmas sweetheart," he said as he gave her a kiss.

Hermione opened the box and found a beautiful watch that matched her engagement ring.