Chapter Nine- Lily Potter

A/N: First of all, super sorry for the super late update! School just started in our country and it's been driving me CRAZY! Anyways, I know you won't be interested in my boring school life, so here's Chapter Nine instead :))… This chapter might be a bit boring, but I hope you enjoy reading it… Leave a review if you want to.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is from the creative mind of JK Rowling. Not mine (which really sucks).

"'Mione…" Harry said, poking Hermione's face. They were still at the plane, but according to the pilot, they were just about to land.

"Mmmm… Harry. Stop bothering me," Hermione said, pushing his hand away from her face. Harry groaned and started poking Hermione's face again. "'Mione… Come on!"

Hermione opened her eyes and she found a pair of green eyes staring at her… She felt disoriented from her sleep so she muttered, "Huh? Where am I?"

Harry chuckled and said, "You're on the plane 'Mione. And we're just about to land."

Realization spread on her face and she said, "Oh right." She stretched a bit to get the feeling back to her arms. She checked her wrist clock. It was almost 30 minutes past 8 am. "You should've waked me up earlier you know."

"I didn't want to. You look too cute when you sleep," Harry teased.

"Ugh… Whatever Harry," Hermione said seriously, but the truth was she was trying not to blush. Ever since the day Harry defended her against those crazy fan girls and comforted her, she had been having these weird feelings whenever she's around Harry. For instance, whenever Harry would compliment her, she would blush and her heart would beat faster. Get a grip Granger. This is Harry, your best friend. He's like the guy next door, nice to everyone.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and tied her hair in a ponytail. Just as she was finished tying her hair, a voice over the speaker said that they had just landed.

As they got out of the plane, they were talking about living arrangements, with Ron and Alaysha a few feet ahead of them.

"Come on 'Mione… It's not like my parents are gonna eat you. They're people, just like you and me," Harry said, chuckling.

"I know that Harry. It's just… It's really ridiculous, but I'm just… scared I guess. That your parents won't like me," she admitted sheepishly.

Harry put an arm around her and pulled her closer to him. "Nonsense. They already love you. I've already told them about you last summer. They even think you're a good influence to me."

Hermione sighed in defeat and said, "Oh alright. But what about Alaysha?"

"She's staying at Ron's, remember?"

"Oh right."

"Yeah… So don't you worry your pretty little head and come on. Look, Ron and Alaysha are already at the arrival area."

She nodded and they walked to the arrival area. Hermione immediately saw Ron and Alaysha talking to twins, who Hermione assume were Ron's brothers. Then she saw a beautiful redhead standing beside the twins. Her flaming red hair was tied in a tight bun, with a few tendrils framing her face. Her emerald eyes twinkled with happiness and her lips immediately curved into a dazzling smile when she spotted them.

As they approached the lady, Hermione clearly saw the resemblance between the woman and Luke Potter. She also saw that Harry inherited her beautiful emerald eyes. Hermione gulped. There was one thing going on her mind that moment: I can't believe I'm meeting Harry's mum!

Harry squeezed her shoulder and gave Hermione an encouraging smile. Hermione relaxed a bit as they neared Lily.

"Harry!" Lily exclaimed, immediately hugging Harry, "I'm so glad you're home sweetie."

"Mum," Harry said affectionately, hugging his mother.

"We've missed you Harry. You've grown since we last saw you!"

Harry grinned as he pulled away from his mum. "Mum, this is Hermione Granger. Hermione, this is my mum, Lily Potter."

Hermione smiled shyly and held her hand out. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Potter."

Instead of shaking her hand, Lily pulled her in a hug which surprised her. "Oh it's a pleasure too Hermione! Harry's told us so much about you. And I'm very glad a woman like you became my son's girlfriend."

Hermione blushed when Lily pulled away. "Mum, where's dad," Harry asked, changing the conversation.

"Oh he's at the office right now. He took a leave for today to welcome you kids home, but something happened in the office so he had to go. Don't worry though. He said he's almost done and he'll be home just in time for lunch," Lily answered, "Well, what are we waiting for? I know you're both tired so let's go! Luke is waiting in the car."

Before they leave, Harry and Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Alaysha.

"Hey have fun at Ron's," Hermione said mischievously as she hugged Alaysha. Alaysha rolled her eyes at her friend and replied, "Whatever Hermione. YOU have fun at Harry's, okay?"

Hermione laughed and pulled away from her friend. She then hugged Ron next. "Take care of her will ya?"

Ron groaned, "We'll be seeing each other tomorrow!"

Hermione laughed again and Harry bid his two friends a quick goodbye. "See you tomorrow you guys," Harry said, grinning. After that, he and Hermione rejoined his mum. As they walked out of the airport, they saw Luke waiting inside a black Lamborghini. Harry and Hermione sat at the back while Lily sat at the passenger seat.

Luke grinned at Hermione. "Hey Hermione! Glad you can make it!"

Hermione smiled back, "I'm glad I can come here too. Congratulations by the way."

"Thanks! Cassie is so excited to see you."

As Luke drove, they chatted about the States and college. It was during that time that Hermione realized that Lily Potter wasn't what she thought. Lily Potter was a kind-hearted woman, who shared almost everything in common with Hermione. She was even excited to show Hermione the library in the Potter Mansion. "Thank you Mrs. Potter," Hermione said excitedly. Harry gave her an 'I-told-you-so' look which she just answered with a shrug. After a few minutes, they arrived at the Potter Mansion. To say that Hermione was amazed is an understatement. She was beyond amazed as she marveled at probably the biggest house she has ever seen! She remembered that the invitation said Potter Mansion but she didn't think it would be this big! It was almost as huge as the White House! "You okay there 'Mione?" Harry asked, amused by her reaction.

"Y-yeah. I guess. Harry, you didn't tell me your house is this huge!" she whispered. From the mirror, Lily Potter smiled at her amusedly.

"Well, it never came up," Harry said, shrugging.

Luke stopped the car and Lily, Harry and Hermione got out. Harry and Hermione got their suitcases out of the trunk. They got up the stairs. The huge door was opened by a smiling elder woman. "Mrs. Figgs," Lily greeted her. She smiled wider at the sight of Harry. "Harry, it's so nice to see you," Mrs. Figgs said.

"You too Mrs. Figgs. I really missed your food," Harry said, chuckling as he stepped forward to hug her.

"And who is this lovely young lady you've got here Harry?" she asked as she pulled away, and gestured to Hermione.

"Hi Mrs. Figgs. My name is Hermione Granger. I'm Harry's err… girlfriend," Hermione said, smiling warmly at the elderly woman. Mrs. Figgs nodded and hugged Hermione. "Oooh, it's been so long since Harry brought a girlfriend home," she said.

"Mrs. Figgs," Harry whined, "'Mione doesn't need to hear about my previous relationships. Hermione giggled at this.

"Anyway, shall I call my husband Xavier so he can help you with the luggage?"

"Is he alright now Mrs. Figgs?"Lily asked, her concern clearly showing.

"Oh of course Lily! Xavier's fine! And you know how he hates being cooped in our house. He's on his way now actually."

Lily nodded gratefully and said, "Harry, be a dear and help Mr. Figgs carry the luggage, okay? I'll show Hermione to her room."

Harry nodded obediently. Lily motioned for Hermione to come with her. The two climbed the staircase and Lily led Hermione to a room by the end of the hall. She opened the door, and let Hermione step inside first. Hermione's jaw dropped at the sight of the room. The room was absolutely gorgeous! The walls were colored with lavender paint. There were a few frames containing random pictures of flowers, the sun set, the ocean and a few inspirational words. In the middle of the room was a huge four poster bed complete with sheer white curtains. There was a wooden dresser at the corner of the room, a small book shelf with a few books neatly arranged, and a study table with a few more books on top. But the best part of the room was the small balcony overlooking the mountains. Hermione was sure she could watch the sun set there. Lily smiled as she watched Hermione circle the room, looking like Alice when she arrived in Wonderland. "Do you like it Hermione?"

"I-I Love it Mrs. Potter. Thank you for letting me stay here," Hermione said, smiling gratefully at the woman. "It's nothing really. This room hasn't been used for ages and I thought it would be best if you stayed here."

"Is that so? You don't often have guests?"

"Not really sweetie. You see, I inherited this mansion from my parents," Lily explained, sitting down on the bed and patting the empty space next to her. Hermione sat beside her, listening intently.

"I grew up in this mansion with my parents and my older sister. My whole life I spent in this mansion. Even after my parents' death, I stayed here, while Tuney moved out and settled with her boyfriend Vernon Dursley. Actually, this room has been my room for a long time. I just moved out when James and I got married. Aside from a few picture frames I removed, this room is exactly what it looked like ages ago," Lily said, smiling fondly.

Hermione was speechless. For some reason, Hermione felt honored that Lily Potter was letting her stay in this room. It was like Hermione was being allowed inside Lily's world. Lily saw Hermione's expression and put a hand on her shoulder. "Hermione, you're a very special girl. I knew it from the moment I saw you and my son at the airport earlier. You have something that makes him really happy. When he talks about you… he just glows. And I haven't seen that for a while. Please take care of him."

Lily's words surprised Hermione. She didn't know she had this kind of effect on Harry. She snapped out of her reverie when Lily said, "Are you alright Hermione?"

"Y-Yes Mrs. Potter. And please, don't worry. I'll take care of Harry. I really lo- care about him. A lot."

Lily smiled at Hermione and stood up to leave. When she left the room, Hermione fell on the bed and ask herself, "Did I almost say I love Harry?"