Chapter 9 - Life Improved
Disclaimer. As usual I don't own Harry Potter, or any of the characters, things, or animals, that are mentioned in the Harry Potter books, I'm just playing with them.
Beta-read by Marla1
Author's Note: Hermione is 11 and Harry is 10. I have changed all the dates and ages in previous chapters to reflect this as well.
February 8, 1991 Thursday
Granger's Residence
"Good morning Hermione" Dan said to his daughter as she entered the kitchen dress and ready for school. Helen put down the paper she was reading saying "Sleep well last night?"
"Good morning", Hermione smiled at both her parents and continued, "Yes I slept fine last night." Hermione started to walk to the pantry before Helen said "Hermione, there are two English muffins with butter and two things of apple juice on the counter."
"Thanks Mum" Hermione said before putting the food in her backpack. Hugging her parent's, Hermione said "I'll see you after school, love you!"
"Have a good day at school and try not to get distracted from your studies" humored Dan with a goofy smile on his face. Hermione had a flaborgasted expression on her face. Hermione was about to rebuke her father's statement however Helen swatted him with her newspaper saying "Dan stop teasing I'm sure she will still be the top of her class in her studies." before turning back to Hermione saying "Tell Harry that we will be at the Dursley's around 5:30 for dinner.
Hermione just nodded her head as she left the house. Helen thought back to the first morning Hermione had left house early with breakfast for two.
~Flashback~
January 11, 1991 Granger's Residence
Hermione just finishing cooking 2 bagels before wrapping them in paper towels. Turning to the refrigerator, she grabbed two small pouches of orange juice putting one in each of her coat pockets.
Helen was having a really good week. Starting their dental practice back up was going well and Hermione had been having a great start at her new school. "I'm still surprised that she made a friend one the first day" thought Helen. As she walked downstairs, Hermione was about to walk out the front door.
"Hermione, are you going to eat breakfast before you go to wait for the bus? It doesn't come for another half hour." asked Helen.
"I packed breakfast Mum, I'll eat it while I'm waiting for the bus." answer Hermione.
Dan was walking downstairs at the moment over hearing the conversation betweem his wife and daughter. "Hermione are you sure, its got to be cold outside?"
Smiling up at her father, Hermione said "Good morning Dad, yeah I'm sure. Have a good day! See you this evening!"
Hermione hugged them both good bye before leaving earlier than necessary. As Hermione was going out the door, both Helen and Dan noticed that she had a bagel and juice pouch sticking out of each of her coat pockets. Once the front door shut, both Helen and Dan went upstairs to look out Hermione's window, curious as to why Hermione didn't eat breakfast with them and why she had enough breakfast for two. They weren't upset, just curious.
"Maybe she's going through a growth spurt and is really hungry" Dan told his wife as they walked into Hermione's room.
"Then why didn't Hermione eat breakfast here? Also it still doesn't explain why she left so early." said Helen.
Once they got to the window, they saw Hermione sit down next to a boy, who they presumed was her new friend Harry, before handing him the bagel and orange juice packet. They watched as Harry tried to not accept the food, however Hermione was able to finally get him to take the bagel and juice. Both Dan and Helen noticed both how grateful and yet almost ashamed Harry had been before he started to eat the bagel.
"I guess I needed to start buying more juice and breakfast items" Helen thought out loud.
Dan just nodded his head in agreement as they both left Hermione's room. Neither voiced the question they had 'Why did Harry not have food'.
~End of Flashback~
Dursley's Residence
Harry shut the door to the Dursley's house, crossing the street to where the bus would stop to pickup all the students. Harry was outside 30 minutes before the bus would come. Looking to his right, he saw Hermione, his best friend hugging her parents goodbye as they both left for work. Helen and Dan waved at Harry before getting in their car to head to their dental practice. Waving back at the Granger's, Harry smiled at Hermione as she walked towards Harry, the only thought going through his mind "I never thought my life could change so much in just one month."
"Good morning Hermione" said Harry as Hermione sat down.
"Good morning Harry! I have english muffins and apple juice for breakfast" replied Hermione as she handed Harry a tupperware container with his breakfast. Harry had long since abandoned trying not to accept the food Hermione brought him every morning. While Harry and Hermione ate in a comfortable silence, Harry thought back to the night he had gotten home with the 'journal' as Hermione had started calling the book with her name on the cover.
~Flashback~
January 8, 1991
After getting home from school, Harry was immediately put to work with various chores. Harry was able to sneak the book out of his backpack and into his cupboard while he was washing all the towels in the house.
That night at dinner, the Dursley's were talking about Dudley's first day back at school. Harry ate two slices of cheese and a piece of bread on the counter while cleaning the pots and pans he used to make the his families lasagna dinner. Harry didn't pay much attention to the conversation until Dudley said "Father, Harry got a friend at school today, 'nother outcast just like him." Dudley looked smugly at Harry, knowing his father wouldn't be happy with this news.
Harry braced himself for the response that he new was coming. Vernon set down his fork while turning to his nephew barking "BOY, who is this friend? I don't want any trouble coming from you."
Before Harry could answer, Dudley snickered "That new girl that moved in down the street. Don't see much in her anyway, only reason she talks to Harry is because no one else will."
Harry had to fight the strong urge to defend Hermione despite only having known her for a little over a day. Vernon however was turning several shades of red before half yelling, half commanding "Boy, I am in the process of making a drill contract with the Granger's for drills, expensive specialized medical grade drills. Not that I expect you to understand, but the last thing I need is you screwing this up. You'll keep this Hermy or whatever her name is as your friend do you hear me!"
"Yes sir" respond with a confused looked before a realizing what Vernon was doing. Dudley however didn't understand.
"Why would you want Harry to have a friend father?" whined Dudley.
"Because Dudley, when we went to meet the Granger's this past weekend, I got the impression that the Granger's didn't move here for the new office building for their dental practice. Having met their daughter, it was obvious she was a bookworm. I think the reason they moved was because she didn't have any friends at her old school. By having Harry as a friend, it gives the Grangers a reason to stay in Surrey but more importantly, because their daughter's friend lives in this household, they will be more inclined to sign a drill contract with me." answered Vernon with a vicious smile on his face. Harry had learned a longtime ago, that while his uncle with abusive and mean towards him and people that worked under him, Vernon had an uncanny ability to read people. It was the reason he was able to rise so quickly in his drill business.
After cleaning up all the dishes from dinner, Harry did his homework before changing and going to bed in cupboard. Harry had to wait till 9pm before everyone went upstairs for the evening to read the jounal. Harry turned on the light in his cupboard and pulled the book out from under his mattress.
Open the front cover to the blank table of contents, Harry asked "Why am I in here?". Harry watched in astonishment as the words disappeared from the page before text appeared on the page.
Harry,
I've assumed that you have met Hermione Granger and such she has leant this book to you to read. I sure you have several questions, however I will try to answer the most important questions. First, my name is Hermione Granger, the year is 2143 . . .
Harry read for several minutes as this future Hermione painted a bleak and horrible future that she and Harry had lived through. Among other things, Harry learned that only himself and Hermione would be able to defeat the dark wizard that called himself Voldemort. He wanted to know more information, however he continued to read what was written. In reading this information Harry found out why Hermione had this book. It was so that they could change the future, so that the entire planet had a chance to survive. Harry spent over an hour finishing all the paragraphs that had appeared when he opened the book.
"No wonder Hermione, well her older self, sent this book back. In a few years time the world is going to turn into horrors that you would only think possible in fiction." thought Harry as he began to close the book to go to sleep. Harry paused though before opening the book asking "How did my parents die?"
Harry thought his question wasn't understood or the information was in the book as nothing appeared on the page before a single paragraph appeared on the page.
Lily and James Potter were killed by Lord Voldemort in their home in Godric's Hollow on October 31, 1981. Both parent's were killed by Voldemort. After Voldemort killed Lily who stood in front of Harry's crib, Voldemort cast the killing curse on Harry as baby, however the spell rebounded destroying Voldemort's body. Harry was left with a lighting bolt shaped scare on his forehead from the encounter, marking Harry as Voldemort's equal.
Harry closed the book, crying silently to himself thinking "My parent's didn't die in a car accident, they died so what I would have a chance to live."
~End of Flashback~
From that night, Harry knew for the first time that he had a purpose in life, something he had never felt. He had also learned where he got his scar and it was not an auto accident like his relative's told him. He would do whatever he could to prevent Voldemort from conquering the world. Finishing the muffin that Hermione had brought him, Harry asked "So when are your parents coming over for dinner tonight?"
"I think we will be there around the way, I'm looking forward to it, I finally get to see your new room." Hermione said with a sad smile as the bus turned onto Privet Drive.
As they walked to their usual seat at the back of the bus, Hermione thought back to the afternoon she learned that Harry was getting a room.
~Flashback~
January 13, 1991 Saturday Morning
Hermione woke up after staying up late reading about several different areas of magic that Harry and she could start practicing now, namely occlumency. The thought of someone being able to invade her mind and steal her thoughts unnerved Hermione. The journal recommend that it be one of the first things Harry and Hermione practice. Hermione walked into the living were father was reading a book on the sofa.
"Hey Dad, would it be ok if we invited Harry to come over today to hang out?" asked Hermione as she leaned against the wall in the living room.
"I don't see a problem with that, let me get the Dursley's number and I will call them" answered Dan as he got up off the couch. Walking into the kitchen, Dan pulled out his wallet that held his business card.
Helen and him had several discussions the last few nights in their bedroom on why Hermione was bringing Harry food. Helen was the one that noticed that Harry was smaller than he should be for his age, and he looked almost too skinny, especially compared to the size of his cousin and Uncle. So not being able to afford food was not the issue. Both were beginning to think Harry's relatives, at the minimum, didn't feed him properly and as the week went by, they noticed that Hermione never talked about Harry's life at the Dursleys.
"It's almost as if Hermione knows what Harry's going through but won't tell anyone, not even us" Dan remember Helen saying the previous night before they had gone to bed.
Dan knew exactly how he was going to approach this phone call as he picked up the phone dialing the Dursley's number.
"Hello, Dursley's residence" answered Vernon Dursley.
"Mr. Dursley, its Dan Granger from number 7 Privet Drive, I was wondering if I could speak to you briefly about making a drill contract for my dental practice. I hope I haven't called to early" replied Dan. Hermione wondered why her father was talking about drills instead of Harry coming over however she decided to wait to see what her father was doing before saying anything.
"No of course its not too early Dan and please call me Vernon. I be more than happy to answer any questions you might have." Dan smiled as Vernon responded like he thought he would.
"Do you have a while, I was hoping you could provide us with a list of dental grade drills you have with the various features and cost. We're looking to replace all the drills in our office." replied Dan. Helen and Dan needed to replace all the equipment, with the lower rent from the new office complex, they would be able to afford all the new equipment.
"Let me tell you what I can do Dan, why don't I come out to your practice on Monday, whenever it would be good for you, I will bring several models with me and you can show me exactly what you need while I'm there. That way I will be better apply to supply your drill needs." replied Vernon.
"That sounds perfect Vernon, would 1 o'clock be good for you?"
"I will be there at 1 PM sharp."
Dan decided to add more stakes to the pot by saying. "Wonderful, if this contract goes through smoothly, I have several colleagues that need to replace their equipment as well, I'll send your business card to all of them, personally recommending you as well." Dan could hear the mirth in Vernon's response.
"That is highly appreciated Dan, I'm sure I can provide you with the equipment not only with the features you require but at an affordable price as well." Vernon had never been so happy on a Saturday morning. With the amount he would make with this one contract, he knew would be offered a promotion which meant more money. Even better if he made good on this deal, he would have several other contracts coming in as well.
"Sounds great, one more thing, do you mind if Harry comes over to spend the day with us. My daughter and Harry are becoming close friends as I sure have you noticed and I'm sure they will be wanting to start spending more time on weekends and a few weekday afternoon with each other." replied Dan. Dan waited patiently for Vernon to replied, he knew he just changed not only the direction of the conversation instantly. Hermione smiled as she instantly realized what her father had just done.
Vernon had to think quickly. He didn't know exactly what Dan was doing now, though there was no possible way Dan knew of Harry's home life. But Dan had made it clear that he was going to becoming more involved with theirs. Vernon in that instant realized what Dan was thinking "If something is out of place with Harry's life, we will find out!" and because the expensive dental drill contracts had not been completed yet, Vernon knew Dan would cancel any contract if he found out his daughter's friend was being neglected. Vernon didn't even think about the other consequences that it would bring as well, all he thought about was the money he would make or lose depending how he treated his nephew.
A full minute went by before Vernon respond "Dan, I'm sorry I think the line went dead there for a minute. Harry has a some chores with the rest of family that need to be done before lunch time. We are cleaning Dudley's and Harry's room this morning. I'm sure you can imagine how messy two boys are. I could send him over to your house after lunch if you thats alright."
Dan smiled replying "Oh I can imagine. We look forward to seeing you on Monday and seeing Harry this afternoon." Dan made sure to emphasize their meeting first, as that was why he called.
"Same here Dan, if there is nothing else you need, I need to help the boys finish cleaning their rooms." replied Vernon.
"Nope, that is all for now, have a good day" answered Dan.
"Have a good day as well and see you on Monday Dan" Vernon replied before hanging up the phone.
Dan turned to Hermione who had sat quietly at the kitchen table. "Looks like Harry will be over shortly after lunch." he said with smile on his face.
Hermione walked to her father, giving him a hug before saying, "Thank you Daddy . . . for everything." Dan knew exactly what Hermione said with out saying it 'Thank you for helping Harry'. Dan only hoped that he would never come to regret what he had done that morning for the boy. From what he had heard of Harry, he seemed to be a smart boy and was very quickly becoming Hermione's best friend, and in some ways more important to her than his wife or himself.
As Dan walked upstairs to tell his wife about the appointment with Vernon on Monday, his only thought was "Why am I helping a boy I've never met before?" To Dan, it just seemed like the correct thing to do, he just couldn't explain why.
When Harry had arrived at the Granger's residence he still couldn't quite shake the shocked expression off his face as Hermione opened the door.
"Hey Harry, welcome to my house . . . is everything alright?" Hermione asked once she realized Harry still hadn't walked into her house.
Harry snapped himself out of his daze, walking into the house saying "Everything's fine, actually better than fine, I'll tell you about it later" Harry promised as he smiled at Hermione.
The two walked into the living room, where Hermione was going to introduce Harry to her parents. Hermione knew Harry was nervous but didn't exactly know what to do to make him more comfortable either, other than getting introductions over quickly.
Walking into the living, Helen and Dan were watching a program on the television when Hermione said "Mum, Dad I would like to introduce to my friend Harry Potter from school. As you know he lives down the street at number 4 Privet Drive."
Both Helen and Dan stood up to introduce themselves to the small boy. "Hey Harry, I'm Hermione's mother, feel free to call . . ."
Dan interrupt saying "I think the boy knows your Hermione's mother and I'm the father, I don't think Harry would get that confused." Hermione and Harry struggled to not laugh at the comment while Helen joking glared at her husband because she knew Dan had done that to help break the tension in the room.
"As I was saying Harry, feel free to call me Helen and the moron behind me Dan." continued with a smile.
"It's a pleasure meeting you both, and thank you for letting me come over to spend the afternoon here, I really appreciate." Harry said with sincerity.
Dan then said "Feel free to eat and drink anything we have, all we ask is that you clean up any mess that you make." both Dan and Helen noticed the surprised look on Harry's face. "It's as if he was never allowed to get food when he was hungry" Helen thought.
Hermione, noticing Harry's reaction, quickly said "Hey Mum, Dad, I think Harry and I are going to go hang out in my bedroom."
"Ok have fun, we'll call you if you we need anything" replied Helen as she sat back down on the couch.
As the pair were walking upstairs, they heard Dan say "Hermione leave your door open, I'm to young for you to have a boy in your room." they heard a loud slap, "Ouch what was that for Helen" they heard Dan say in a laughing tone. The both walked up the rest of the stairs in silence blushing the entire way.
Walking into Hermione's room, Harry sat down on her desk chair while Hermione sat down on her bed. Hermione knew something was bothering Harry, and it was beginning to worry her with how quite he had been. "Harry I hope I didn't you get into too much trouble with your . . ."
"No no Hermione, nothing like that. After you dad called this morning, Vernon announced that I would have Dudley's spare bedroom as my bedroom. I spent most of the morning cleaning out the room while Vernon and Dudley got the old frame and mattress out of the basement. I'm not upset, just surprised, I have a room."
"Harry thats wonderful! What do you want to do today anyways, since you are my guest I think its only far for you to choose what you do?" Hermione overjoyed that Harry had his own room now, but didn't want to embarrassed or make Harry feel ashamed at the same time either.
Harry just smiled saying "Well since you called to invite me over, I figured you found something in the journal you wanted to show me."
They spent the rest of the afternoon studying occlumency. Neither complained about, both were fascinated with what they could learn. Hermione was happy to not be spending the afternoon alone while Harry was happy to be spending the Saturday afternoon doing what he wanted. It was the first of many to come.
~End of Flashback~
During the bus ride, Harry and Hermione reviewed various notes for a test they had today. Harry quickly grew to appreciate how Hermione never seemed to focus on his house life, and just continued with what they were doing. "She makes me normal" thought Harry as he waited for her to put everything back in her backpack as the bus pulled up to their school.
The day went by quickly for the them. Hermione's grade were stellar, and her teacher's were glad to see her academic performance didn't change from her old school. All her instructors were worried that sitting next to Harry Potter would bring her grades down, however much to their instructors surprise, Harry's grades started to rise dramatically.
During lunch, Hermione and Harry would talk about various things. Sometimes it was magic, sometimes it was other things and sometimes it was nothing at all, however there was never an uncomfortable silence between them.
On the ride home on the bus, both Harry and Hermione spent the time working on their occlumency, trying to build their shields. A week after working on building their occlumency shields, Harry had been the first one to visualize his shields. Hermione was frustrated but Harry was able to help Hermione "calm" her mind so that she could start building her shields. A week later, both noticed that they were able to recall information they had read in textbooks and events more clearly than before they started practicing occlumency.
As the school bus stopped on Privet Drive, Dudley, Harry and Hermione exited the bus. Dudley quickly ran across the street to get his afternoon snack. Hermione started to walk backwards saying to Harry "See you around 5:30 Harry".
"See you them." Harry smiled. Walking into the Dursley's home, Vernon called Harry and Dudley into the kitchen. "Dudley, Harry come to the kitchen, we are having a family meeting." called Vernon.
Harry walked to the kitchen as Dudley came thundering down the stairs, not so much because of the speed but because of his weight. Harry leaned against the counter as Dudley went to the pantry to get a snack. Petunia was at the stove working on dinner.
Once Dudley sat at the table, Vernon started "Right, I want everything to go over smoothly, this is the largest drill contract I have ever had the chance to make and I want it to go smoothly."
"Harry before the Granger's arrive, I need you to vacuum before changing into khakis and a shirt. Once you have changed where will you be?" asked with the least amount of disdain he could manage.
"At the door to welcome the Grangers before asking to take their coats." answered Harry.
Vernon turned to Dudley talking in a sweet voice "Right, Dudley I need you to hang up the cleaned shirts". Before Dudley interrupted before he could continue.
"Dad, make Harry do it." as he slouched in his seat, eating his snack.
"DUDLEY, you will do the chores I asked, or do I need to take away your video games again?" replied Vernon.
Harry had to strain not to laugh watching Dudley respond. It reminded him of the first time Dudley had received punishment.
~Flashback~
January 27, 1991
Harry was working on dusting the mantle when his uncle walked into the room. "Harry, the Grangers have invited you again to send the afternoon and supper at their house. You are to have the downstair's completely dusted before you go. Remember I want that contract, and the others as well so make sure you behave yourself."
"Yes sir!" Harry replied as he could already see what his uncle would do with the extra income he would be earning. "I wonder if Hermione is going to invite me over every Saturday, not that I'm complaining." thought Harry.
Just as Harry was about to to move to the kitchen, he heard is cousin complain as Vernon turned off the tv.
"Dad I was watching that, why did you turn it off?" whined Dudley.
Vernon had long ago learned, if you could get someone else do the work for you, why not. "Dudley, I need you to vacuum the upstairs and downstairs before you can watch anymore television." said Vernon.
Both Harry's and Dudley's eyes bulged when they heard Vernon's request, thankfully for Harry nobody was looking at him.
"Make Mum or Harry do it, I got better stuff to do than house chores." remarked Dudley.
"I not asking them, I'm TELLING you Dudley to vacuum all the carpets in this house." replied Vernon beginning to get irritated.
Harry continued to dust off the bookshelves in living room trying to make look like he was too preoccupied to be paying attention. If Harry hadn't, he was positive he would have stopped dusting to watch the exchange. Harry was moving to dust the kitchen table when he heard Dudley make the biggest mistake of his life.
"Well if you want it done so badly Dad, why don't you just do it yourself." asked Dudley.
Harry watched out of the corner of his eye as his uncle turned several shades of red before stomping up the stairs.
Thinking he had won, Dudley turned back on the television. About three minutes later, Vernon came down with Dudley's NES system in his hands.
"Dudley, I'm confiscating this Nin'endo thingy for not listening to me. When I ask you to do a chore I expect it to be done."
Dudley had kicked and screamed the rest of the morning till he left for the Granger's.
~End of Flashback~
Harry went about vacuuming the downstairs as the rest of the family went back to work getting ready for the Grangers to come over.
Just as Harry finished changing, he looked out his bedroom window to see the Granger's walking down the street.
Walking downstair's, Harry announced "The Grangers are walking up the street now Uncle."
Vernon walked into the hallway saying "Places everyone, the guest are about to get here, I want everyone on their best behavior". Vernon turned to Dudley pointing his finger "I want no comments from you about Harry or Hermione tonight Dudley, if you can't say anything nice tonight, don't say anything at all. Save it for tomorrow when the Grangers have left."
Dudley didn't have a chance to respond as the door bell rang. "This was more than I ever hoped from my relative's than I ever thought possible" Harry thought as he opened the door to greet the Grangers.
Author's Note: Read and Review!!!!
I'm not going to write how the dinner went, I tried and it never ended up well. This chapter was mainly to show how Harry and Hermione had changed in the first month that they go to know each other.
Special thanks to my beta Marla1.
Thanks again!
