"Harry, send me your schedule."

Harry nodded and kissed her again. "Send me your knickers."

She giggled and listened to his heart beat. "Coming home for Christmas?"

He grinned. "Miss my first Christmas with my wife? Even if I have detention, I'll be here."

"Stay out of trouble this year." Harry laughed out loud at that.

"I can't believe they're making me take the train and all. I don't see why I can't just Apparate to Hogsmeade."

She sat up, clutching the comforter to her breasts. "You're the Headboy. You have to run the meeting on the train."

"The Headgirl can run it. She ran it when I was Headboy before. She did it quite well too. Even if she did date an idiot."

Hermione blushed. "We should probably get ready. Mum and dad are going to meet us at the station."

"They are? Why?"

"See you off, prat. What should I wear?"

"Something tarty?" He asked hopefully.

She smiled at him and wiggled her bum. She pulled out a long skirt and stockings. In a few moments, she had her clothes on save her knickers. Harry had used magic to hide them all."Fine, I'll go without. What car do we take?"

"Mine. I wanna drive one last time before I'm sentenced to lonely nights without you."

She smirked. "They better be lonely or you'll be a eunuch."

Harry got dressed quickly and followed her down to the kitchen. Dobby had prepared a huge meal and they ate quickly. When they finished, Harry went into the sitting room and looked at Fawkes and Hedwig. "Hedwig?" she moved her wing and looked at him steadily. "I want you to stay with Hermione. You're so beautiful, she should have your company."

Hedwig hooted and seemed to smile as she looked over at Fawkes. Fawkes just picked up his stand and flew towards the window, trilling a soft song.

Harry grinned and turned to Hermione. "I guess he's planning on meeting me."

Harry stared longingly at his golf clubs as they got into his car. Dobby had already packed his trunk for them and they were off, Harry driving at twice the speed limit, cars sliding out of the way.

"'Mione, you have your keys? I wanna keep mine with me." she had a set of keys to the Vanquish also.

"Yes."

Harry's hand slid up her skirt and dipped into her slit, his thumb rubbing her clit. She turned red as people walked by, not even noticing them. He pulled his finger out and licked them clean, smiling at her.

She smiled at him. "Perv."

"Love you."

"You too."

Harry shrunk his trunk and shoved it into his pocket. They left his car and the two walked towards platform ten, hand in hand. As they sat on a bench, they traded kisses as they waited for her parents.

"Harry?"

He pulled away and saw a few of the students they'd gone to school with. Most had questions but stayed away other than to say hello. They could ask him at school since it seemed the rumor was true.

They were kissing again when someone else called his name. Daniel grinned and said, "Sorry to bother you but you had a Moppet on your face. It's gone now, though."

Emma giggled as Hermione fumed. Harry looked around as they walked towards the wall. In a moment they were through and Harry grinned at all the cats slinking through legs, hooting owls and the smell of the steam and coal from the Hogwarts Express. Emma and Daniel came through as students began surrounding Harry asking questions. He didn't have time to speak before an owl landed on his shoulder, the shield of Hogwarts on it. He took the letter and thanked the owl who flew off immediately.

Harry said, "Go away. I can answer some of your questions at school but until then I want my free time. Got it?"

His voice chilled the group and they nodded, leaving quickly. Hermione asked, "How do you do that?"

Harry looked at her, perplexed. "Do what?"

"Your voice goes all silky smooth and sounds like a knife cutting through skin."

Harry looked at Daniel and Emma who nodded. "More poetic than I would have said but yes, it does on occasion."

Harry shrugged and took off his sunglasses. A tap of his wand and they changed back to clear lenses.

"I don't know." he opened the letter and saw a howler inside. His fingers trembled as he looked at it then saw Professor Snape's name on it.

"Oh Merlin. You're going to be sad you missed this. I have to deliver a howler to Snape."

Hermione gasped then giggled madly. "What does the letter say?"

Harry read it and smiled. "The governors have decided that the only staff who will be allowed to punish me are the Headmaster and the head of my house. Other staff may suggest punishment but will not be able to remove points or schedule detentions for me. He has to listen to it in the Great Hall also. This is going to be great."

He noticed the time on his watch Daniel and Emma had gotten him from Aston Martin for his birthday and he said, "Gotta go, love. I'll contact you tonight when I'm alone."

She nodded as he pulled her close for a kiss. Harry finally pulled away and got on the train. He said hello to the students who recognized him as he made his way to the front car. Twenty five students waited inside, the prefects from each house and the Headgirl.

All stared at him. "Yes. I've been forced to come back to school because I missed seventh year. Let's get this meeting started."

He went to the front and said, "Emma Tawson, right?"

The Headgirl nodded and Harry turned. "All right. Let's get this started. I need all your choices for the doors to each house by the end of dinner. Now would be preferable. If you've decided, write it on two bits of parchment and hand one to me and one to Emma. The Headmaster sent me some info that I need to pass on."

Twenty minutes later Harry finished with, "Also, we'll have a bit of entertainment tonight. Snape's receiving a Howler during dinner. Don't know what's on it but the Governors have tasked me with giving it to him. Now, are there any questions that do not pertain to my eyes, my fiancé, where I was for a year, what happened to Voldemort or whether I can play at your birthday?"

Everyone laughed and a few questions came about whether he'd be playing Quidditch this year and what the HP special from Firebolt was like. Finally they arrived at the station and they all exited the train. Harry waved at Hagrid as he got into the Headstudents' carriage with Emma who gasped. "Harry, your eyes glow in the dark."

Harry nodded. "I know. That's why I've been wearing sunglasses all the time. That and covering up what happened to them."

Both were quiet for the rest of the trip. At the end of the ride, she asked, "What time do you want to do rounds?"

Harry pondered for a moment and said, "How about eleven? Good for you?"

She nodded and he said, "We'll meet at the front doors."

They went into the great hall and sat at their tables, his Gryffindor and hers Ravenclaw. Harry waited as the new students were sorted and the Headmaster spoke the announcements. He grinned and took out the compact from his pocket. He opened it and waited until Hermione opened hers. "What's up?" she asked.

"Just watch." Harry turned to the sixth year next to him and said, "Hold this up so she can see what happens at the staff table."

The boy nodded, and waved hello quickly before he held the mirror towards the staff table.

Harry stood and walked towards the staff table as the food appeared on the tables. The majority of students watched him approach, only a few not doing so because they hadn't recognized him.

"Headmaster, the Governors asked me to hand deliver a letter to Professor Snape."

Arthur nodded, his eyes wide. He'd had no warning about this. Harry grinned and crossed to Snape who glared at him sourly. When Harry pulled the letter out, his eyes widened and Harry saw a gleam of fear. Harry felt an almost sexual thrill at the sight of Snape afraid.

Severus took the letter but before he could even try to leave the hall, a dozen voices broke forth, screaming, "PROFESSOR SNAPE, DUE TO YOUR FAMILY HISTORY AND YOUR ANIMOSITY TOWARDS HARRY POTTER, WE ARE MAKING SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT MR. POTTER'S DISCIPLINE WILL BE THE DOMAIN OF THE HEADMASTER AND PROFESSOR McGONAGALL. YOU MAY MAKE SUGGESTIONS BUT YOU WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE POINTS OR ADMINISTER PUNISHMENT IN ANYWAY. IF YOU CANNOT ABIDE BY THIS, WE WILL ACCEPT YOUR RESIGNATION. THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF HOGWARTS."

The letter burst into flames and disappeared as students began whispering. Snape left the hall as Harry looked wide eyed after him. He had been expecting something along those lines but he was still surprised by what he had heard.

"Harry?"

Harry turned and the Headmaster motioned him over. "Did you have anything to do with their decision?"

He shook his head. "I did speak with them last year but we spoke about me coming back. Nothing about Sn- Professor Snape."

Arthur nodded and said, "Go eat. I'd like to see you in my office tomorrow."

Harry started to head back when Professor McGonagall motioned him towards her. She had a rare half smile on her face. She whispered, "Always amusing to see him humiliated. After class on Monday, I need to speak with you."

Harry nodded and went to sit with the rest of his house mates. He picked up the compact from the boy and asked, "So? Like the floor show?"

Hermione nodded as she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "I'll see you later, love."

He smiled and closed the compact. He dug into his meal.

After they'd all finished eating, the Headmaster gave out a few more messages and Harry led the new students and old upstairs to the Fat lady's portrait.

"Hello, Harry. New password?"

He leaned forward and whispered, "Make it Holy Matrimony."

She giggled and blushed, hiding her mouth behind a fan. "All right."

The door swung open and Harry walked through. Everyone assembled in the common room and Harry asked, "All right. The password for now is Holy Matrimony. It will change every two weeks. Place suggestions in a box I'll leave out. No variations on my name in anyway. Any questions not having to do with me, Voldemort, my eyes, my fiancé, the HP special, my music or my missing year?"

A half a dozen were shouted out by older students as the younger ones raised their hands. Harry answered most while some got glares. Finally the last question was asked by a second year who raised his hand and asked in a tremulous voice, "What's sex like?"

Harry turned red then answered how Hermione had answered him. "At your age, about thirty seconds of intense and awkward pleasure. For girls, pain the first time then disappointment when the boy doesn't care about you, just your fanny."

Everyone laughed and he said, "Prefects, take the first years to their dorm rooms. Everyone in bed no later than ten thirty. Lights out at eleven on weekends. Ten on weekdays. The floo is closed in the common room. I know where every single secret in this school is at. If you cause any trouble in the common room; know this, you can run but you can't hide."

The Muggle born laughed at that as the first years looked at him in awe while the Prefects herded them along. Harry followed and went into his private room. He unpacked quickly and laid his two brooms on a stand he transfigured from a book end. After a few minutes, he stood with his piano in his hand, still shrunken. He decided to see if they all had a problem with him keeping it in the common room and headed down the stairs.

"Anyone here have a problem with me keeping a piano in the common room?"

Everyone looked excited and shook their heads no. One fourth year girl asked, "Will you play?"

"Every so often. Mostly on weekends, I think."

All the girls cheered and giggled while most of the boys rolled their eyes but still seemed excited about it. Harry found the perfect spot near the fire and enlarged the piano. In a few minutes he retuned two strings that needed it and sat down, playing the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart. Requests were shouted out and Harry grimaced. They all wanted to hear his version of Time After Time.

"Um, without the Phoenix, it doesn't sound all that good." the girls nodded until one of the boys pointed out, "There's Fawkes now."

Harry turned and saw the bird flying towards the window. Students ducked when he flew through the window as the glass leapt aside. Fawkes dropped the stand near the piano and trilled a hello at all the students looking at him in awe. "Fawkes, they want to hear Time After Time."

Fawkes trilled happily and Harry began to play. At the end of the song, Fawkes hammed it up as all the students wanted to touch him. That night, Fawkes left to go hunting just as his compact buzzed. He pulled it out and smiled at his wife. "Hey 'Mione. Miss you so much."

She smiled and showed him she wasn't wearing anything. "Miss you, too."

Hermione giggled and whispered a spell. Harry felt the dildo slide into her as she whispered, "Do you feel that?"

Harry nodded, thinking that was the best idea ever.

Saturday morning, Harry trekked to the Headmaster's office, debating what the password would be. He barely had a chance to try anything out when the gargoyle moved aside, revealing Hagrid. "Yeh all right, Harry?"

Harry nodded, grinning. "How are you, Hagrid?"

"Good. That was a loverly ceremony." Hagrid looked around and said, "See yeh later."

Harry nodded and went up the stairs, wondering why he was being called there already. In a moment, he stood at the door and knocked. A voice said enter and Harry went in. Arthur gestured for him to sit and Harry did, missing how Dumbledore had had it arranged in the office.

"I wanted to let you know that if, on weekends, you can't get away but do want Hermione to visit, the floo in your room is open to your home and she is allowed to come visit."

Harry grinned and thanked him. The conversation turned back to the wedding and what had happened when they had kissed, Arthur teasing him as much as the twins had.

Monday morning, Harry sat at the breakfast table, trying to think of ways that his being back at school was a good idea. None could come to mind. He looked at his schedule and sighed. At eight, two and a half hours with Snape for his Advanced Potions lessons. At least Snape had had his claws and fangs pulled. The rest of the day was free until Professor McGonagall's class at three thirty. Transfiguration should be quite easy, he thought.

Harry picked up his bag and walked to the dungeons, wishing the day could start with another class. Only seven other students were in this class and he was paired with a Hufflepuff he didn't recognize. By the end of the class, Snape was purple from held in rage. Harry turned in a perfect vial of the potion and left the room, debating what to do. Sloth won out and he went back to the dorms to take a nap.

Harry awoke in time for lunch and pelted down the stairs, pulling on his robes as he ran. At the doors to the Great Hall, he stopped to catch his breath before walking through the doors. He sighed as most of the girls stared at him intensely, going crimson or hiding giggles behind their hands.

Harry sat by himself at the end of the table and ate quickly. He'd had an epiphany about the arrangement for the opening song of the Yule Ball and he wanted to get up to the piano and play it to see if it was better. They'd given him permission to arrange as he saw fit.

He finished the meal quickly and strode through the great hall quickly, breaking into a run once he was outside and no students could see him. The portrait saw him coming and swung open for him since the Headboy didn't have to use the password. Harry breathed heavily then summoned a sheet of blank music paper to him along with a quill. He set the quill, ink pot and paper on the piano, charming the ink not to spill. He'd taken to using ink when he wrote instead of quills that had a finite supply of ink included with them.

Harry sat at the piano and waved his hand at the window, so he could have some fresh air as he played. First he played the Myrrdin's Waltz in the traditional style and nodded. It was very good but too fast. The idea he'd had before still weighed heavily on him. He took up the quill and marked the first seven stanzas of music then started playing, his eyes closed. He didn't know that the students outside on their way to Herbology stopped where they were, listening to the haunting melody as his fingers tickled the keys, coaxing a bittersweet symphony of notes from them.

Harry nodded happily as he wrote madly, quill scratching away at the paper. He finished the piano and violin arrangements when an owl flew through the window, settling on a nearby couch. It held a very large case and Harry thanked the owl as he took it off. The owl hooted wearily and flew towards the window. He saw that the box was from Strine and Harry knew it could only be one of two things. More CDs for him to hand out or what he hoped for, Hermione's Christmas gift.

He opened the box carefully and smiled. Inside, nestled in a layer of black silk was a very old and cracked leather case. Harry opened it carefully, tested the strings, then put it to his shoulder and began playing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto.

Harry cut it short as an owl flew through the window. He sighed and took the letter then opened it quickly after he put the violin away. Inside the letter, he found a request for an interview. Harry scratched a very rude reply and sent it back with the owl, then made sure the case was secured and ran up to his room placing it on his desk using a charm to make sure it didn't fall. His watch beeped, making him grab his book bag and run out of the room, heading for the portrait hole. He left the papers out knowing no one would be foolish enough to mess with them. There might be one or two who tried it out, of course. A few of the girls were actually quite good. Especially one of the second years. Harry debated offering to tutor her as he used shortcut after shortcut to get to Professor McGonagall's classroom. He burst through the door as she finished taking attendance.

"Mr. Potter, you're late."

Harry caught his breath and said, "S-sorry, Mi-Professor McGonagall. I was caught up in a moment."

She raised an eyebrow and gestured towards one of the many free seats. It seemed only eight other people had qualified for Advanced Transfigurations. Harry sat next to Emma Tawson and whispered, "Did I miss anything?"

She shook her head and took out a quill as she waited to start taking notes. Harry did the same, wishing Hermione were here so he wouldn't have to take notes. After an hour of theory, they all went to the front to pick up a small black snake. Harry winced and said, "Hold on a moment. Don't start."

He could hear the snakes begging for the students not to hurt them and looked at his directly, speaking loud enough for all the snakes to feel and hear what he said. Sibilant hisses and guttural whirs escaped him as the students stared at him in fright and a small amount of awe.

The small creatures stopped moving around frantically in their glass cases and slumped down, assured by one of their own that they wouldn't be hurt.

"Mr. Potter. What was that about?"

Harry looked at the professor. "They were terrified we were going to hurt them. I told them we only wanted to do a small amount of magic to them. Make them into a hamster and back."

The professor nodded, a slight smile almost curving her lips. "Carry on."

Harry sat down and Emma whispered, "So it's true you're a Parselmouth."

He nodded and tipped the snake on his desk and pulled out his wand. In a moment, a small hamster sat on his desk. A moment later, Harry changed him back and placed him back in the cage.

At the end of class, Harry helped the professor put away all the snakes and assured them they wouldn't be killed.

"I wanted to know if you'd be willing to help out with the team this year. Our captain left along with our two beaters. I was wondering if you'd have the time to run the team. I've seen you transfigure a person into a piglet. I don't think you need this class but the board insisted."

Harry nodded. "I can do it. I don't think I'll play though."

McGonagall nodded as there was a knock on her office door. She called for the person to enter and the Gryffindor team entered.

"Did you decide on the new captain, Professor?"

"Harry here will be the captain but will most likely not be playing. I suggest you book the field as soon as possible."

Harry left the room, the team patting him on his back as they walked, their questions only about Quidditch.

"All right. Tomorrow I'll post a flyer about the sign ups. Did the school ever get better brooms?"

Micheal, one of the chasers and a sixth year, nodded. "Nimbus donated thirty of the 2000 series."

Harry nodded. "Who's the chaser?"

A small third year raised her hand. "I am. Melissa Lenthral."

"What do you play on?"

"My parents got me a Firebolt."

Harry smiled. "Good. I got one in my third year from my godfather."

As they walked back to the common room, the questions turned to the HP special and Harry promised to show them his at the first practice. Harry scheduled it for Friday evening and sighed. He wouldn't be able to go home that weekend after all. He hoped Hermione wouldn't be too angry.

In his room, he sat down to write her a letter and grinned. His compact had just buzzed. Harry pulled it out of his pocket and smiled at her. "Hi love. Bad news. I can't come home this weekend."

Her smiled disappeared as she asked, "Why?"

Harry debated the truth then decided it would be best. "Minerva asked me to head the team."

Hermione sighed and nodded. "Do you want me to come visit?"

Harry nodded frantically. "Bloody hell, yes. I need kisses."

"Just kisses?" she teased. "I think I might be able to do one kiss or two for you."

She looked at a piece of parchment near her. "You're in class until five on Friday?"

"Yes," he confirmed.

"When do you want me there?"

"Right now. Oh, you mean on Friday? Come over at eight. I should be done with everything by then." his spiel was interrupted by a knock on his door. "Be right back, love."

A first year told him, "The Headgirl is in the library. She wants to talk to you."

Harry thanked him and closed the door. "You heard?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes. Who is she?"

"Emma Tawson. Ravenclaw," he told her.

"I remember her," she said. "She's cute."

Harry truthfully replied, "I hadn't noticed."

She smiled at him. "Go on. Love you."

"I love you too. What are you wearing?"

She blushed and said, "My uniform."

"And under?"

She just smiled and clicked her compact shut. Harry sighed and pulled his robes on, heading towards the door. His robes swept out behind him and all the girls watched him as he strode across the common room, his robes whipping and snapping behind him.

When Harry reached the library, Emma told him, "I can't make it tonight. Can we change around the time?"

"To what?"

"Midnight?" she asked.

Harry raised an eyebrow and nodded, unsure if she was trying to get something he wouldn't give her.

"A potion finishes tonight at eleven. I need to fix it up and it will take about forty minutes."

Harry nodded and said, "All right. See you at 12 then."

He looked at his watch and decided to get an early dinner. Very few people were in the great hall he was happy to see, except a few Slytherins who looked away from him. Harry ate a quick meal and went back to his room to finish his letter to her.

He penned a quick letter to Hermione's parents also, saying hello then headed up to the Owlery. Fawkes was taking Hermione's for him so he had to use an owl for her parents. He would have used an owl anyway. Fawkes would be too much of a commotion if anyone there could see him.

Back in the common room, he sat at the piano and quietly played old jazz songs wishing he had a fag for some reason as the other students did their homework or sat close by, listening.

A few minutes to midnight, Harry arrived at the front doors, looking around for Emma. Her head popped in and Harry walked outside, asking, "Ready?"

She nodded and followed him as he led off, heading towards the Forbidden Forest.

At one, they finished their circuit of the grounds and castle then split off, heading to their respective common rooms and beds. Harry fell into his bed, wishing Hermione was there for him to cover with kisses. He made do with his hand before he fell asleep, dreaming of unleashing his seed at her instead of a sock.

Harry looked out at everyone in the common room and said, "I'm going to my room. No one bothers me unless the castle is falling down around our ears and even then I'll be cranky."

Outside his room, he used his wand to write a very rude message telling people what he'd do to them and where he'd place all the snakes if they bothered him this weekend. Inside, a very nice present waited for him. Hermione was underneath his covers, smiling at him. "Missed you."

Harry smiled and sat on the bed next to her. "Missed you, too." he leaned down to kiss her and fell onto the bed next to her, pulling his blankets off of her and divesting himself if his own clothes.

Professor McGonagall came into the Gryffindor common room looking for Harry. The few students still down in the common room, told her that he went to his room for the evening threatening dire incidents if he were bothered. Inwardly she was amused as she walked up the stairs towards the dorms and the Headboy's room. Her eyes widened as she read the note on his door and scowled. The message was quite rude and disgusting she saw.

She knocked and didn't hear anything. Assuming he was asleep, she opened the door and walked into his private sitting room. The door to his bedroom was closed and she crossed over to it. Pulling it open, she wished she'd done as the note said. Harry and Hermione were naked on his bed, Hermione sitting up as she moved her hips frantically, Harry telling her to go faster.

Minerva slammed the door shut, her face bright red. She headed down the stairs and out through the common room as quickly as possible.

Hermione grabbed at a sheet as Harry grabbed for his pants.

"Who was it?" she asked.

Harry shook his head and headed down to the common room, glaring at everyone.

"Who was just in my room?"

The students looked at each other then one spoke tremulously. "P-professor M-McGonagall went up to talk to you. She came down really fast and all red."

Harry went white and stuttered, "P-p-pr-professor M-m-Mc-McGonagall?"

They all nodded and Harry whispered, "Oh bloody fucking hell."

He turned and went back up to his room where Hermione was tying her shoes.

"W-who was it?"

"'Mione, you don't want to know. Why are you getting dressed?"

"Maybe I should go home. You can at least come home for tonight, right?"

He shook his head. "I have my duties. Please stay."

She hesitated then nodded. She pulled his comforter off his bed and spread it in front of the fire in his sitting room. Harry's head in her lap, they chatted until Harry fell asleep. She summoned a blanket and his pillows then settled down next to him, kissing his shoulder before falling asleep herself.

Hermione shook him awake the next morning and kissed him thoroughly. "You said Hogsmeade is next weekend?" he nodded and she continued, "Where do we meet?"

Harry grinned. "How about we rent a room?"

She smiled. "All right. The Three Broomsticks then?"

Harry shook his head. "Meet me at the Shrieking Shack. No one should be there."

She smiled saucily at him then threw a pinch of floo powder into fire calling out, "Black Manor."

Harry sighed and watched her disappear in a burst of emerald fire. He got up and dragged his blankets back into his bedroom and find a small surprise from Hermione. A Polaroid of her wearing some of the tarty stuff she'd bought before. Harry smiled and tucked it into his copy of their wedding album and honeymoon pictures.

Harry ducked into his bathroom and smiled again. She'd used lipstick to write a love note on his mirror. Harry used his wand to shave quickly then jumped into the shower leaving the message on his mirror.

Harry left Gryffindor tower and headed for breakfast. In the great hall, Professor McGonagall caught his eye then looked away, blushing. Harry went to the Gryffindor table and gulped down his meal. Once he was done, Harry rushed back up to the tower and grabbed his broom. He hoped he wouldn't run into the professor too many times. After she'd most likely seen them, his ears would probably melt off the next time they had to speak.

Harry made his way down to the pitch and took to the air as he waited for the team to arrive. He weaved in and out of bleachers and trees not realizing he was going over three hundred kilometers per hour as he flew dangerously close to the ground and water of the lake. All he was thinking about were his wife's legs and smiles. Her kisses and her bum. Her smiles and her breasts.

Harry saw that everyone was gathered on the pitch, watching the blackened blur flying over the school grounds. He flew down and swept past them not noticing that his passage flung up the dresses of two of the girls who had come down to watch their boyfriends. He pulled up hard and flew back to them slowly, making wide circles as he descended.

Harry noticed the two blushing girls and asked, "What happened to you two?"

Everyone burst into laughter and one of the beaters said, "You kinda made their dresses fly up into the air when you flew by."

Harry grinned. "Sorry. Wish I'd seen it." he turned to the group and said, "Alright, spectators off the field."

Tommy, a second year handed him the box of balls and Harry let the Bludgers and Snitch go then tossed the Quaffle to one of the flyers. In moments, he took to his own broom and joined the reserve team he'd put together.

Harry ended up catching the snitch four times to Melissa's two. At the end, Harry set down with the teams and put the snitch away as the others wrestled the Bludgers into place. "You all did well. Melissa, you're good. Better than almost anyone I've seen play."

She muttered, "Not as good as you."

Harry ignored her since it was true and said, "Now, have a good lunch. I'm going to Hogsmeade. If anyone asks, tell them I'll be back before lights out." on the weekends, the inspection of the grounds by the head students didn't happen.

Harry flew to Hogsmeade, setting down near the Three Broomsticks and walked inside, his broom over his shoulder. As he approached the bar, Madame Rosmerta pulled him into a hug and said, "It's good to see you again. Here to pick up what you left behind?"

Harry nodded. "Can you watch my broom while I'm gone? If I don't get back before closing, I'll pick it up on Sunday."

She nodded and limped into the back room, Harry winced as he watched her walk. If it hadn't been for him in sixth year, she might not be alive. Harry scowled as he remembered that night, flames licking along the buildings as a dragon attacked the village. No one ever found out how a Ukrainian Ironbelly had made it from its home country to Scotland but the creature had attacked while Harry and Hermione waited for Ron at the Three Broomsticks. Only the second time Harry had used Unforgivable curses, he'd been pardoned immediately when the whole of Hogsmeade rioted as the news had filtered out he'd been arrested. He's saved many people when he used Cruciatus and the Killing curse on the dragon, stunning many people when he'd been able to kill the dragon by himself. Though Dumbledore called him a powerful wizard in his own right, Harry still wondered if it had been him or the essence of Voldemort he retained that let him do that. Harry shook it off when she returned with the large box. "What's in here?"

"Do you know much about musical instruments?" he asked her.

She shook her head and Harry said, "Antonio Stradivari built some of the richest sounding violins in the world a few hundred years ago. Part of my contract was that they had to obtain one for me."

She nodded and he handed over the broom. "Have a good time," she winked.

Harry smiled and left the building, Disapparating as soon as he was outside the building. Outside his home, he smelled the air and smiled. Fresh flowers, burning wood and a hint of Phoenix droppings. Best fertilizer he'd ever heard of, even better than dragon droppings though harder to get in large quantities.

Hermione was lying on their bed, depressed that Harry had forgotten her birthday. He hadn't mentioned it when she was with him yesterday. He hadn't wanted to come home. She felt like dumping everything of his on the front lawn and setting it on fire.

Harry set her gift down on the couch and crept carefully up the stairs after Dobby told him where she was. The door was cracked open and Harry slipped his Invisibility Cloak on before entering the room, stepping over a pile of books.

Hermione thought she heard something and looked over her shoulder. Nothing. She muttered, "Stupid jerk didn't even remember my birthday. Not even a stupid card."

Hermione picked up her snow globe of Hogwarts and murmured, "See if I go visit him again soon."

Harry grimaced slightly then leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Happy Birthday, love."

He had to duck when she instinctively threw the snow globe towards him. "Harry?"

He pulled off his cloak and rubbed his shoulder. "When did you learn how to throw?"

She didn't answer as she leapt off the bed and hugged him tightly. "You remembered."

Harry nodded and said, "And your gift is downstairs and if you haven't opened all the wedding gifts, we can open those now too."

She kissed him hard and said, "I haven't opened any yet. Come on."

As they walked down the stairs, Harry said, "We have reservations with your parents at nine for Francisco's."

She looked excited as they walked into the sitting room. Harry smiled as he looked at Dobby's fast work. The room was filled with lit candles and the fire crackled in the fireplace while a bottle of wine sat on the coffee table with two glasses surrounded by cheese and bread.

Hermione kissed him again, this time almost strangling him when she tried to stick her tongue down his throat. She pulled away and said, "I love you."

Harry smiled and pushed her towards the couch. "Don't shake it."

She opened it slowly, slightly worried that something might leap out at her. When she lifted the lid off, she unswathed the black velvet and raised an eye when she saw the cracked and dirty leather case. She pulled it out, set it on her lap, then undid the clasps. She looked at Harry then opened the case. Inside, a 4/4 Stradivarius sat waiting for her hands to bring music out of it.

"This is real?" she asked and Harry nodded, smiling.

She gasped as he tossed her a cake of rosin. "Go ahead. I got it for you to play."

She rosined the bow then took out the violin, looking at it until she couldn't wait any longer. She placed it under her chin then drew the bow across the strings tentatively. She took a deep breath and tried again, this time playing tentatively, afraid she'd break it. Harry summoned her other violin and joined her, the higher pitch from the one he held making a beautiful counterpoint as they played.

She pulled it away and set it back in its case. "Harry, this is way too expensive."

He shook his head. "Not really. That was my pay for writing music."

She smiled again and tears began to form in her eyes. She quickly closed the case and set it aside before leaping at Harry again.

They didn't get to the wine or the wedding presents for another two hours. When they did, they found mainly silver items from her family. Most were things they didn't need and the majority had left the receipts attached.

"So I should return these?" she asked Harry.

He shrugged. "They left the receipts. I bet they expect them to be returned since we didn't register anywhere."

She grinned and waved her hand around the room, indicating the house. "There's no need. The house is fully furnished."

Harry laughed. "The only things we need, they couldn't buy."

He opened the final gift from one of her aunts and asked, "Do we register for the second wedding?"

She nodded and said, "Is there anything specific you need or want?"

Harry shrugged and said, "Except for you, there's nothing else I need."

She grinned and said, "I'll work on the guest list."

Harry nodded and said, "Send a letter to Molly. She'll be able to help with the list. And make sure you invite the Minister. As much as I'd like a small wedding, it'll have to be big."

She giggled. "I want a big one. Every little girl wants a big wedding." she giggled even harder and jumped up. "Be right back." she ran to out of the room and returned in a minute, carrying a large binder with sheets of paper sticking out here and there.

"Promise not to laugh?" Harry nodded and she set the binder down. "This is all the ideas I had for weddings."

She opened it to the first page and handed him a sheet of paper. Harry read it and tried not to laugh. "Pink tuxedos and faeries?"

She blushed and flipped through the binder to the last area. "When did you write this?" he asked her.

"I was seven, okay? Look at this one. I made it when I was eleven."

Harry leaned over and read it over her shoulder. "You knew you were going to marry me then?"

She blushed and pushed at his shoulder. "I had a crush on you after I read about you, okay?"

Harry grinned. "I think it's sweet. Hey, how many women get to say they married their childhood crush?"

Her face was turning redder as he said, "It's even got a full Wizarding ceremony. My, you were well read. I arrive on a dragon?"

"Shut up, Harry."

Harry tipped her face up so he could kiss her. "Love you."