Little Moments
Disclaimer: All credit goes to JK Rowling.
Remus and Tonks have been married a year.
Summer seemed to have flown by. No one could believe that in just two weeks Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco would be return to Hogwarts for their final year of Hogwarts while Ginny and Luna would start their 6th year. Sirius returned late last night after everyone else had gone to bed. He quietly apparated in front of the house and went to bed. Turns out he had a great day himself discovering Diagon Alley with a keen eye and all the time in the world. He window-shopped for a few hours and spent the rest of the day in a bar where he met a lovely woman with whom he has plans the following weekend. The following day being Friday meant that that night everyone would be coming over for Friday night Dinner as usual. After breakfast, the gang had decided to relax around the house doing nothing in particular. Ron and Draco played a few rounds of Wizard's Chess and everyone was surprised by Draco's adept skill at the game. A few weeks ago this would've infuriated Ron but the past few weeks have softened Ron's heart and even though he believed Ginny could do better, he knew Draco was a changed man. He wasn't the jerk from 1st year and more importantly he wasn't his father. Ginny and Luna spent the day with Tonks talking about Ministry gossip and what they expect from Hogwarts in the fall. Hermione sat outside waiting for Harry to go on a flying lesson. Since the beginning of their relationship, Hermione had finally conceded and let Harry show her the beauty of moving through the air without a care in the world. She has yet to see the beauty but she does enjoy holding Harry as he weaves them through the air that is when she is not screaming. Harry was in his room getting ready to out with Hermione when he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in!" yelled Harry. He was surprised to see his parents come in even more surprised to see the solemn look on their faces.
"Hey, son can we talk to you? It won't be very more than a minute." said James.
"Umm… sure. Hermione's just waiting for me but I'm sure she won't mind a few more minutes. What is it?"
"Actually this is about her so maybe you should sit down for this." said Lily.
"Okay…I'm getting really scared so can someone please just say it already." said Harry worriedly.
Harry sat on his bed with Lily sitting next to him both were facing James as he stood near Harry's desk.
"Listen, son your mother and I are so happy and proud of you for finally admitting your true feelings to yourself and to Hermione. We could not ask for a better match for you and you know we love Hermione as if she were our daughter. However your mother and I realize that…times are not what they used to be and young kids today are very quick to jump from initial attraction to love when they are in relationships. Your mother and I just want you and Hermione to be safe. And if you have any questions your mother and I are always here to ease your mind. Do you understand what I'm trying to say, son?" asked James.
"I think so." replied Harry. "Are you asking me if Hermione and I are having sex?"
"What!" exclaimed Lily getting up from the bed to stand next to James. "Your father is not inquiring about your sex life, Harry. We are just concerned and want to make sure that if you and Hermione are thinking about it that you know exactly what you're doing. There is no going back once it is done."
"Wow. You know if you guys had just asked me the direct question we all could've avoided this incredibly awkward conversation because Hermione and I have never, are not, and will not have sex anytime soon. So you and mom can relax on that front and as far as my knowledge of sex I would say I know everything there is to know because like you said teenagers today are more promiscuous than they were in the past which is why Hogwarts implemented a mandatory sex education class for all fifth years. Ron, Hermione, Draco and I spent entire semester learning about guy parts, girl parts, contraception, pregnancy and everything else in between. You don't need to worry about me I don't have any questions and I know the consequences of having sex too early. Hermione and I are not ready which is why…well I've never told anyone this but since you're my parents and I really want this awkward conversation to end, I'll tell you: Hermione and I have decided to wait until we are married to have sex even if that means that we are married to other people which we are pretty sure won't be the case but that's it."
"Wow. Have your father and I told you how proud we are of you and your incredibly mature and responsible decision to wait until marriage." shrieked Lily as she almost started crying from the happiness Harry's decision brought her.
"Don't thank me. I would've had sex the other day Hermione and I were out, she was the one who wanted to wait." stated Harry. A look of shock and fear overwhelmed James and Lily once again to which Harry reacted, "I'm kidding. I'm kidding, it's just a joke. Hermione and I both want to wait until we are married. It was a joke."
"Harry, your mother and I are very serious about this alright. Now we are both very proud of your decision and we support you and Hermione 100%, okay. That was all we wanted to say so we will leave now so you and Hermione can go on your date." said James as he and Lily left Harry's room.
"Oh dad could you and mom do me a favor and don't tell anyone about this, it's not something Hermione and I want to get out."
"Sure son, your secret is safe with us."
"Thanks dad." With that James and Lily left and Harry headed outside to find Hermione and tell her of the awkward conversation he just had with his parents. As he walked unto the patio he saw Hermione sitting at the edge of the fountain looking out into the distance of the woods that surrounded his house.
"Well you will not believe what kept me." stated Harry as he snuck up on Hermione. She jumped and turned around to find Harry ready with his broom. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. You ready to go?"
"Yeah, where exactly are we going?" asked Hermione.
"Oh, nowhere in particular, I was just planning on flying for a while. Maybe go to a lake, it's my secret hideout when life gets hectic. I've been meaning to show it you; it can be our little secret hideout. However there is one catch: the only way to get there is to fly; it is surrounded by enchantments so muggles walking by won't notice it." said Harry got the broom ready to go.
"Really, well you're just going to have to show me this secret hideout of yours." said Hermione as she got on the broom behind Harry. Within a few minutes, Hermione could feel lifting off of the ground as she reached around Harry's waist feeling safe and secure. Flying was never something Hermione enjoyed ever since her first year at Hogwarts flying had been something she feared more than anything else. However ever since she and Harry became good friends and eventually a couple, she had given flying another chance; mainly because flying with Harry was the most secure she ever felt. He had a way of removing her fear in the most terrifying situations that she didn't understand but she was grateful for it. It was just another reason she loved him like no other guy she had ever dated. Having her arms around him was the safest place she had ever known. Harry on the other hand also enjoyed the fact that Hermione trusted him so much. He loved her so much to him that there was definitely no one who could replace her in his life; regardless living without her was something Harry didn't ponder very much at this point.
Harry landed easily and flawlessly on the edge of lake like he always did. Hermione took in her surroundings. She had never seen such a pristine lake surrounded by tall sycamores and green shrubbery. Harry took her by the hand and led her down to the lake where she could see a large waterfall.
"Come on, the best view is from up here." said Harry as he began to climb the rocks on the side of the waterfall. Hermione followed after a few minutes of taking in the breathtaking beauty before her. The way the trees, flowers, rocks, lake, animal and sea life, even the water falling in cascades from the rocks had a mesmerizing power to it. Everything here had a purpose and without any one piece, the whole picture would be ruined. As Harry and Hermione got settled above the waterfall, Hermione realized Harry was right everything was even more beautiful than she could've imagined.
"Wow, Harry this place is incredible. How did you find it?" asked Hermione in her most astonished voice.
"Well, I didn't. The credit goes to my dad. He discovered it one summer when he was a little younger than I am now. He brought my mom here on their first date and later he proposed to her right here were we are sitting right now. They only brought me here the summer before 5 year for the first time. I've been secretly coming here ever since. Mom, dad, Sirius, Remus, Tonks, I and now…you are the only ones who know about the place."
"Wow…thank you for sharing this with me. I love it." said Hermione looking into Harry's eyes intently.
"Well, you're welcome, but you don't have to thank me. You are the first girl I have ever brought here and I want you to be the only girl I ever bring here. This can be our secret place; a place where you and I can come and just be with one another without the distractions of the world or other people." said Harry.
"That sounds perfect." said Hermione as she leaned in for a kiss. After a few seconds Hermione let go and said, "So you never told me what your parents said when they held you up."
"Oh, right." said Harry with a smirk as he began the tale that would surely be told many times to future generations of Potters.
"I can't believe you told your parents we aren't having sex 'til we're married." said Hermione when Harry finished telling her the story.
"What would you rather I said. I just wanted them both to stop talking. I didn't want to lie to them and I didn't want them to continue with their discussion." replied Harry.
"Oh, no…that was perfect. I probably would've said the same thing. It's just that my parents really don't care if I've had sex or not. We've never spoken about it at all. They don't inquire much about my life since I started Hogwarts. Honestly, it's almost like we're complete strangers…sometimes." said Hermione no longer looking at Harry anymore but at the flowers blooming on the other side of the lake, pink, white and yellow roses they looked like.
"Wow-I'm sorry to hear that. I can't imagine what that's like." Said Harry solemnly.
"You know what, lets' not talk about my parents anymore. How 'bout you, enjoying summer so far?" asked Hermione changing the subject.
"Well, yeah after all I'm spending it with you as my girlfriend and a house full of family and friends minus Malfoy of course." Harry saw Hermione's "That's not funny" face and quickly added. "…I'm kidding, I'm kidding. The truth is Malfoy probably isn't the terrible bloke we made him up to be at all."
"I'm impressed, I don't think I would've ever expected you to say that about Draco and I've known you for almost seven years."
"It's good to know I can still surprise you every now and then."
"Oh, never doubt, Harry. I learned long ago to expect the unexpected from you."
After a few more minutes of conversing over the rest of summer plans and the classes they were taking in the fall, Harry and Hermione decided it was time to get going since it was getting dark and they did not want to be yelled at after their awkward day that morning.
The following day was Friday and Lily gave everyone jobs to help her get ready for dinner that night. Harry, Ron and Draco were assigned to the backyard while Luna, Ginny, and Hermione helped Tonks and Lily gets everything ready inside from cleaning the house to setting the table. James, Sirius and Remus were in charge of cooking the lamb and any other side meals to accompany it. One of the most attractive qualities that James had according to Lily was his ability to roast a perfect lamb. One night long ago when Lily and James were still dating but not in Hogwarts anymore, James cooked Lily one of his amazing roasted lambs and from that moment on she knew she would marry him some day. She still gets the same feeling when she looks out the sliding door and sees James turning on the barbeque to begin the roast.
"Should the girls start cleaning upstairs and you and I clean down here, or were you thinking something else?" asked Tonks.
"Huh? What was that?" said Lily pulling herself out of a reverie.
"I was just asking if you want the girls to clean upstairs and you and I clean down here…are you alright?" asked Tonks just noticing that Lily must have been somewhere else when she walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, I'm fine and that sounds great. Tell the girls to get started."
"They already have. You know them they like to take initiative. Completely opposite of their boyfriends out there who have yet to lift a finger."
Lily turned to look outside to Tonks telling the truth. Harry, Ron and Draco were throwing around a quaffle laughing and having a good time, a sight she never expected from her son and his best friend to have with a Malfoy but then again she was proud that they were both able to put aside differences and enjoy each other's company. Something she wished her generation were able to do and then maybe Lucius wouldn't be in Azkaban, but even then Lily realized that if that were true then her son and Draco would never be the friends they have become over these past few months. Even though Lily was hesitant at first to let Draco stay, she had a feeling deep down inside that Draco would be good to Harry and Ron that just maybe if it weren't for his father they could all be really good friends, and now she was glad she listened to it because she could see that she was right. However Lily did not order Harry, Ron and Draco outside to play around so she went out the door and stopped them right in their tracks.
"Hey, I did not tell you to come outside and play around, alright. If this backyard is not ship-shape in three hours, the three of you will be eating dinner outside with the wildlife. Do I make myself clear." yelled Lily.
"Yeah, mom" and "Yes, Mrs. Potter" were the responses she received.
"And you," said Lily turning to James and Sirius who were putting the lamb on the barbecue, "I'm expecting you to be watching them."
"Oh, I was" said Sirius. "Ron's got a great arm he could play beater this year for Gryffindor if he's tired of keeper.
"Thanks, Sirius. I'll consider it." was Ron's response. With that said Lily just turned around and walked back into the house.
"Great. Thanks, Sirius as always your comments have a way of getting under Lily's skin." said James caustically.
"Look I'm sorry. I was just trying to be funny. Do you want me to talk to her?"
"No, no don't worry about it. She knows you were kidding; she's just stressed out by the dinner is all. She'll be fine once everything is done."
Turns out James was right, once the house clean, the backyard spotless and the lamb in the center of the already set table, Lily was finally happy and ready to enjoy the evening like everyone else.
Once everyone gathered in the living room, Lily said a few words.
"Before our friends start to arrive, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone. Without your help I would not of been able to get everything ready for tonight, our last dinner party before the kids head off to their last year of Hogwarts." This last comment caused a tear to form at the edge of Lily's eye which she held back as best she could.
At that moment the bell rang and Harry went to get the door. It was Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape as always arriving together. The music was started and soon after the rest of the guests were there. It was the typical list of friends: the Weasleys (including Bill and Fleur) and Narcissa, who was an official friend of both the Weasley's and the Potters, a boon that Narcissa will be forever indebted to Snape and her son, Draco for. Luna's father really isn't one for parties so he never came to the Potter House, but he never minded that his daughter spent so much time with them. He really liked Ron and knew the Weasley's well enough to entrust his daughter to them. Once everyone arrived, dinner was served. Everyone had quite an appetite and really enjoyed the lamb accompanied with potatoes and broccoli.
After dinner everyone made their way to the living room and sat or stood once all the seats were taken. Harry and Ron had an important announcement to make. Harry and Ron stood in front of the fireplace and looking a little nervous. Harry spoke first.
"Well, I guess I'll start by saying thanks everyone for coming tonight. I hope you all enjoyed dinner. I know I did. Anyway, Ron and I would like to ask Draco if he would be interested in playing for Gryffindor this year." Everyone was speechless, especially Draco who seemed both startled and confused by the proposition. Seeing Draco's disconcerted face, Harry explained further, "Um…Ron and I have already spoken with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape; it's never been done before but they don't see any problem with you playing for Gryffindor even though you are still a Slytherin by the Sorting Hat that cannot be changed. So what do you say, are you in or out?"
"I'm…" Draco was still taking all this in. He couldn't believe it. Harry and Ron were his sworn enemies just a few months ago, but one look at Ginny and all that changed. He really couldn't believe just how much his life had changed in the past few years. With his father in Azkaban, falling in love with a Weaseley, and finding an impossible friendship with Harry and Ron were all things Draco would never have dreamed would ever happen but they have, and now he had to answer.
"I'm in." said Draco as he got up from his seat next to Ginny and walked over to Harry and Ron. "I'm definitely in, but I have to ask why do you want me to play for Gryffindor?"
"Well, Harry and I just thought you would like to win at least one House Cup before leaving Hogwarts for good." snickered Ron.
"Hey! I could very easily beat you guys out of the House Cup this year and you know it."
"Really, cause you haven't been able to for the past six years." remarked Harry. "But that's not the point. The point is you are a great player and you deserve to play with teammates who are at your level and not the idiots you usually fly with who don't even know how to beat a quaffle. And if you must know this was all Ron's idea. He convinced me a few days ago and we both spoke to Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape for their approval."
"Really." was all Draco said. He really couldn't believe it. He was looking at Ron now and glanced over to Ginny who was almost about to cry but found the inner strength to hold back the tears.
"Think of this as an official sign of approval. This summer has been a test to see if you really are worthy of our friendship and playing quidditch with us this year just means you passed." said Ron.
"Well, thanks. I'll be a good team player, and I'll also try to be a great friend too." said Draco as he shook Harry's and Ron's hands.
"You're already are a great friend, Draco." said Harry. He and Draco shared a quick glance before the three of them went to sit back down. The rest of the night was fun. Remus and Tonks announced they were expecting a baby to which everyone was surprised except Lily and James because they already knew. Hermione, Luna, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley however were so excited they almost hugged Tonks to death giving her their congratulations. After announcements, came more dancing. Every now and then someone would come up to Harry and let him know how proud of him they were; this obviously didn't bother Harry even if he didn't think it was a big deal. However when Narcissa came up to offer her gratitude, Harry truly realized the hole that Lucius's absence left in not only Draco but also in Narcissa; it was shocking how someone so evil could have done so much damage to a family but then again that was why he was in Azkaban.
The rest of summer was very laid back; a few games of Quidditch here and there, a movie at night and ultimately a good time between friends. They had finally done it; the six of them had become as tight as group of friends can be. They would stand by each other in the triumphs and hardships, in the heartaches and happy moments, in the good and in the bad. It was little moments like this summer, Harry pondered one night before going to bed, that changed one's life forever; little did he know that in a few years he would need the support and encouragement that close friends offer, he would need it bad.