Chapter 10:
Mr. Granger had lent Harry a pair of shorts and a fairly baggy shirt to help cover up his body since Harry hadn't packed much in the way of clothes; thinking he could have bought what he needed when he went too the store after visiting the Grangers. "Had too travel light." Was Harry's only excuse when Mrs. Granger asked why he was so poorly equipped.
After three days of rest, Harry was beginning to be able too sit up without feeling the need too vomit, and his ability too talk had been bolstered by the ability too breath easier now that the feeling of bruised lungs was fading. Though, when Mr.Granger visited him that night, Harry had wished he was still unconscious when their talk began.
"Hello Harry, feeling a bit better?" He had asked Harry.
"Much better Sir, uhm... Sorry about your pants." Harry replied, mentally kicking himself for acting so nervous. "What are you scared of? He is just a man, like you. You're not trying too date Hermione are you?" Harry thought. "She is really cute." Harry slipped freudily.
Mr. Granger stiffened slightly and began eyeing Harry intently. "I knew you liked my daughter. Hermione thought that that Ron boy liked her, but I knew you were gonna be the mastermind. The hero and all; plan to get the girl, eh? And maybe a little more on the side, hmm?"
"What? No, it's not like that. I mean, yes, I like Hermione, but I'm not a gigolo. I mean... wait... I... HEY, she's my friend!" Harry stammered.
"Really... look at you; coming in here beat up and battered looking for the attention of a lady friend. I'm onto you. Riding a big motorcycle, acting tough. I'm going to keep my eye on you, you're on thin ice Potter. I don't want you hurting her. For all we know, you will be dead tommorow and that's not something you want to put on a girl her age." Mr. Granger seethed cooly as he walked out of the room.
"Good night to you too Mr. Granger." Harry replied with a ginger wave.
Though Mr. Granger kept his animosity against Harry in check, Harry still felt tension every time he saw the man. Harry truly hoped he would be able to show Mr. Granger that he wasn't just another boy, but a man who wasn't just some sort of mail-order man whore.
Hermione walked into the guest room Harry was recuperating in with a look of triumph plastered upon her features. "I have it Harry! I found out what's wrong and what we can do for you!" She squeeled in glee.
"I would love a cure for this." Harry replied enthusiastically. "Especially if I have too worry about Lord Voldemort and Lord Daddy wanting my blood. I will need to be in tip-top condition." He thought too himself.
"See, the spell on the bike is a regeneration spell Harry. You were damaged, but the magick is able too heal your physical form as quick as it is damaged. But it is unable too heal your spiritual body, the soul of you Harry. That is why you FEEL the pain and your magickal abilities are suffering; you are mentally in the state as if you had been in the full accident. Of course, not nearly as bad as it should have been due too your unbelievable luck." Hermione continued.
Harry looked at her a moment, attempting too choose his words wisely, "I am the 'Boy Who Lived,' 'mione." Hermione looked taken aback for a moment before she stood up.
"Well, I know what I need to get you to help heal this. I hope you like the scent of lavender."
Harry grinned mischieviously. "I thought she smelt a bit like Snape's dungeon, but luckily I don't share a dorm with her."
Hermione choked back laughter as she scolded Harry. "That wasn't very nice."
Harry was glad that he and Hermione were left alone during the week because he knew her father would fly off the deep end if he witnessed the therapy that was being administered. Hermione helped rub lavender oil into his arms, legs, chest, and back. The soothing oils magickal properties seeping into his etheric field, speeding his recovery, and within 2 days, Harry felt as though he were a new man.
When Harry awoke, he arose from bed with rigid determination, making his way down stairs and into the kitchen, both thankful for Hermione's care, her parent's generosity, and Sirius' foresight. Without realizing he was in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts, he took control of fixing breakfast for the Grangers; sitting Mrs. Granger at the kitchen table.
"Eggs; bacon; toast. Oh good, I found the coffee." Harry spoke too himself as he manuevered about the kitchen, never noticing that Hermione had awoken and sat next too her mother, both of them eyeing Harry with appraising eyes.
"He's a fox 'mione, chisled like he was built from stone dear." Mrs. Granger whispered too Hermione, nudging her gently with her elbow playfully.
"Shut up mom, he will hear you," was the only reply Hermione could muster. Though her eyes continued exploring Harry's body as he happily cooked, obviously enjoying his ability to function again.
The meal passed with only murmers of appreciation too Harry, as everyone had found the food exceptionally good. Though, Harry soon broke the silence, "Excuse me Mr.Granger, could I borrow a pair of jeans and a shirt so I can go shopping today. I need too purchase some clothes and a few other things."
"I s'pose so." grunted Mr. Granger.
"You will not go out on that contraption again Harry!" Hermione commanded immediately.
"I cannot keep bumming my clothing from your father, Hermione. I will obey all the laws, and drive safely, and simply go buy my items and come immediately back here."
"Fine. I'm coming with you then! I will get my coat."
"No you won't!" Boomed the voice of Harry and Mr. Granger simultaneously. "It's too dangerous." Their voices were echoing each other. Both of them glanced at each other before looking back too the spot Hermione was before she left too retrieve her coat.
"Now look what you've done, boy!" Mr. Granger bellowed "You set her off onto another one of her head strong trips!"
"What do you want me too do,run around naked?"
"You would like that wouldn't you boy. Not that you aren't almost there all ready."
"Perhaps tommorow. But today, I am going too buy my necessities. Look sir, I know you dont like me and I am sorry. But I have too much pride to keep leeching off of you. Write me a bill if you have too, I will repay you if you let me." Harry explained, as he followed Mr. Granger towards the laundry room.
"Here, throw these on and you can borrow this shirt, but I want it back when you get back here. Don't go wrecking in it either, got me?"
"Yes sir," was Harry's only reply as he donned the jeans and thin button up shirt. After a moments more preparation, Harry rushed too his bike, hoping too outrun Hermione, but just as he mounted the machine the young girl ran out the front door. Zipping her jacket up, she immediatly slid onto the back of the motorcycle.
"Let's go Harry." She commanded as he attempted in vain to convince her to give up.
Harry, exasperated, kicked the motor into life and roared the bike. He could feel the small frame of the young girl behind him jump as the load noise bombarded her senses, setting off car alarms up and down the street. She voiced no complaint, but simply wrapped her arms around him and held on tight, only releasing her grasp too strap Harry's helmet onto her head, after he finally convinced her too take it.
They then began the ride towards the mall with Hermione shouting directions over the wail of the motor.
As the pair rode on, Harry had a feeling that they were being followed by members of the Order, but he didn't care. "We are being watched." Harry muttered.
"What's that Harry? Weiner dogs are botched?" Hermione shouted over the grumble.
"WE ARE BEING WATCHED!" Harry spoke louder this time.
"When aren't we?" Hermione thought.
Eventually, the pair arrived at the mall. It was a medium sized shopping center, and Harry was relieved too spot a small group of bikes parked on the curb near an entrance. "We will park there." Harry voiced as he gingerly jumped the curb, parking in a line with another group of bikes.
"You think it will be ok parking here, Harry?" Hermione asked, as they dismounted the bike and she handed Harry the helmet.
"Course. Can't find a friendlier bunch of people than a biker gang 'mione." Harry laughed as he began walking into the clothing store. "Where can I find the leather section ma'm?" He asked a saleswoman dusting shoes off.
"Only three sections too the left dear."
"Thank you," Harry replied as he took Hermione by the shoulder, guiding her towards a small section filled with the scent of rawhide. Harry grabbed a leather "bomber" like coat, and a pair of thicker jeans while making sure too grab a Harley Davidson T- Shirt. "Should be enough 'mione." Harry said, as he made his purchase and offered to escort her through the mall.
"Well, since we are here, I would love too." Hermione giggled as she walked arm in arm with the squirmy, skinny boy she had met in first year who had transfigured into the rough and scar bitten man she was reintroducing herself to. "There is a particular shop I really like."
"Lead the way m'lady." Hermione took them too a small music store and Harry slipped off for a moment too inspect a billboard with a new CD next too it. "'Custom- Hey Mister I Really Like Your Daughter,'" he read the band title. "That sounds like a sweet song." Harry thought as he picked up the cd and slid it underneath a small laser reading machine. Immediatly the machines speakers jumped too life and began playing the band's latest single. "I want too eat her like ice-cream, maybe dip her in chocolate."
"Oh Jees!"
"We will be slipping into your bed soon, fooling around, maybe getting hot." "Yep, he would love this song." He mumbled sarcastically. "Well, maybe if I buy it for myself." Harry said as he walked over too the classical music section and grabbed an André Bochelli CD. "There, maybe that can help us sort our differences." Harry said when he proceeded the counter and purchased the CDs.
As the couple continued their walk through the mall, sharing laughs and simply enjoying the window shopping, Harry realized Hermione had a taste for a specific icecream shop. "Not as good as Flourish and Blott's, but you make due Harry." She explained.
"What would you like? Strawberry, walnuts, and whip cream. Got it." Harry recited as he scurried off too buy the icecream, leaving Hermione sitting at a small wooden bench within eye shot of the store. But as Harry was giving the order and watching the tasty treat take form in front of him, he failed too notice the small group of boys who had approached Hermione, though, as he left too return too her he increased his pace slightly to get close to her.
"Oh come on, why don't you come with us honey. I can treat ya fine, if you would only be mine," said the apparent leader of the small gang.
"Sex ya up, I would." One of the cronies sniggered.
"Excuse me mates, but I do believe the young lady here doesn't need your attentions when she has mine." Harry bluntly stated as he handed the ice-cream sundae too Hermione. "Now budge off boys." Harry pressed on, but he didn't need to continue as a security guard had sensed trouble and nonchalantly found his way over too their meeting, causing the small gang too scatter.
The rest of the mall trip was quite enjoyable, and as they made their way back too the bike they were intercepted by the gang of teenage thugs who had harassed them earlier.
"Think you're tough do ya?" The leader spoke, but he was quickly interrupted by a booming voice.
"I knew I recognized that bike. You must be the Harry Potter boy my brother told me he met ya in a diner a while ago," said a large man who looked suprisingly like Big Bear, and being followed by a small entourage of male and female bikers. "I heard thats a super hot ride you got there, and a super hot chick to boot. You are moving up in the world my man." He continued, extending his hand too Harry. "Name's Larry."
"Harry, and this is Hermione." Harry replied, grinning at the look of horror plastered on the thug's faces before they began high tailing it.
"Nice too meet you dear." Larry grinned lightly holding Hermione's hand. Their chat lasted around 30 minutes, as they discussed bikes, the mall, parking, and bad drivers.
"If they only knew how 'bad driving' had touched me." Harry thought with a small mental snicker. Though their conversation came too an end, and Hermione and Harry found their way home, slightly wind blown, but much better for the wear.
"Hermione, thank you for the time, and the help, and the care.. trust too." Harry finally brought himself too explain himself too her. "I just need too tell you 'thank you,' so many times over."
"Harry, dont be silly, what are friends for?"
"You...thank... friends, exactly." Harry said as he sat with his hands crossed on his handlebars, watching as Hermione beckoned him into the house. He finally stood and walked into the living room, his stomache growling and glad for the meal that was awaiting the pair.
"Good, safe time, at the mall, yes?" Mr. Granger inquired as they ate.
"Oh it was wonderful, I had so much fun." Hermione squeeled.
"Yes sir! It was a wonderful experience!" Harry added with a large grin.
"You act like you've never been shopping kid." Mr. Granger laughed, not noticing Harry's face pale at his comment. "I am glad both of you enjoyed it."
After the meal, Harry asked if it would be ok if he sat on their couch if he promised not too make any noise. He simply wanted too be able too watch the full moon. His thoughts were on Sirius and Remus that night, and he needed some alone time.
After a long time, of sitting on the floor, legs curled under his chin, the silence was brocken by foot steps echoing down the hall. Harry looked around. trying too allow his eyes to readjust to the darkness as he realized it was Mr. Granger coming from the bedroom.
Harry stood as he realized it was almost two in the morning. "I'm so sorry sir, I didn't realize it was so late."
"Oh its fine. I'm glad you're down here. I already checked Hermione's bedroom."
Harry tried not too think what would have happened if he had put the moves on Hermione as he watched Mr. Granger sit on the couch. "What's so interesting about the moon?" He inquired.
"Just thinking about my real family." Harry replied as he returned too gazing out the window. "One is a werewolf, and the other... well... the other is not with us any more." Harry's breath stuttered as he thought about all that had happened in such a short time.
"I'm sorry too hear about that, for both of them." Mr. Granger said contemplativly. "Was shopping really that good? Get something nice?" Mr. Granger asked, attempting too change the subject.
"It was wonderful." Harry replied with a sigh. "I have never done anything like that before. I mean, I've seen my Aunt shop; she would force me to go so I could carry bags so my cousin didn't have too." He continued.
"You've never bought anything for yourself?" Mr. Granger asked puzzled.
"No. Not until I became a wizard did I get the chance too shop. Everything, has always been second hand. Whatever was left from my Cousin, I get." Harry continued staring at the moon, small tears forming in his eyes as he thought of how unfair everything had been when he was young. "It's so different now."
"What, the moon?" Mr. Granger asked, as he looked down at the man sitting on the floor next too him.
"No. The way one's outlook changes when you see how everything is different on the outside. I thought it was normal..."
Mr. Granger fidgeted and stretched, but immediatly froze as Harry had recoiled by throwing his right hand up in anticipation of a blow.
"I'm sorry." Harry quickly readjusted himself on the floor. "I was just, dozing off. I have too be on guard always. Constant... constant vigilance." Harry muttered as he turned too look at Mr. Granger. "You're a good dad sir."
"Thank you." Mr. Granger replied, visibly taken aback. "Why did you really recoil Harry?" He finally asked.
"I... You get hit alot where I come from. Roll with the punches, I guess." Harry smiled a wry smile before continuing. "I haven't been so happy since I found out I was going too Hogwarts."
"Want some tea Harry?"
"Sure, Mr. Granger."
"Call me Roy, Harry."
"Thanks Roy." Harry and Mr. Granger spent the rest of the night discussing Harry's past adventures while enjoying their tea. Though Harry noticed Mr. Granger was most interested in hearing about his daughter's exploits and heroisms. Harry was happy to humour him. Eventually, the sun began shining through the kitchen window,announcing morning too the pair.
"Remus must have had one hell of a night." Harry remarked nonchalantly, as he realized it was morning.
"I think we did too." Laughed Roy, as he stood too stretch. "It's alot better now that I'm getting too know you Harry. I think we will get along alot better."
"I've been hoping." Harry said. "Mind if I made breakfast again?"
"Yea, because I think we should all go out too eat for breakfast today. Everyone could probably use a little break." Roy winked at Harry. "Go get dressed kid, and I will rouse the women folk."
Mr. Granger took them all too a pancake house on the outskirts of town, and they all had a wonderful breakfast as it became obvious to Hermione and her mother that the men had bonded some.
"Master Chiram, the mold is ready for the pouring. King Solomon, as well as the Queen of Sheba have come too watch," the slave spoke in a deep bow.
"Good. We will begin now then," replied the tall, middle-aged man with fiery red hair. He strode out of his massive workshop into the dusty streets of Jerusalem. The heat of the fires being stroked had intensified a hundred fold under the burning sun. "All the better." Thought Chiram as the heat was needed for a clean casting of his furnace.
Chiram kneeled infront of the tent containing the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. "My Lord and Lady, today, you will witness the culmination of my lifes work. I will cast a forge, in a single peice, and with it I will create the most powerful magickal objects known too bolster you my King, and your allies." Chiram then stood and turned too the workers. "Begin the pouring of the metal!" He commanded.
In an instant, an explosion rocked the entire city to its core, flinging molten metal and steam in the air. Within moments, Chiram's entire workshop and all of his slaves had been killed. "All is gone... My work is for naught. I will stand between my creation and the King." He stated as he waited for the flowing metal too consume him.
But his courage and decision brought honor unto his name, and from the flames came a booming voice. "Chiram, I have rendered thee incombustible; Cast thyself into the flames." and Chiram disappeared into the flaming liquid metal as he leapt into it.
Mr. Granger had lent Harry a pair of shorts and a fairly baggy shirt to help cover up his body since Harry hadn't packed much in the way of clothes; thinking he could have bought what he needed when he went too the store after visiting the Grangers. "Had too travel light." Was Harry's only excuse when Mrs. Granger asked why he was so poorly equipped.
After three days of rest, Harry was beginning to be able too sit up without feeling the need too vomit, and his ability too talk had been bolstered by the ability too breath easier now that the feeling of bruised lungs was fading. Though, when Mr.Granger visited him that night, Harry had wished he was still unconscious when their talk began.
"Hello Harry, feeling a bit better?" He had asked Harry.
"Much better Sir, uhm... Sorry about your pants." Harry replied, mentally kicking himself for acting so nervous. "What are you scared of? He is just a man, like you. You're not trying too date Hermione are you?" Harry thought. "She is really cute." Harry slipped freudily.
Mr. Granger stiffened slightly and began eyeing Harry intently. "I knew you liked my daughter. Hermione thought that that Ron boy liked her, but I knew you were gonna be the mastermind. The hero and all; plan to get the girl, eh? And maybe a little more on the side, hmm?"
"What? No, it's not like that. I mean, yes, I like Hermione, but I'm not a gigolo. I mean... wait... I... HEY, she's my friend!" Harry stammered.
"Really... look at you; coming in here beat up and battered looking for the attention of a lady friend. I'm onto you. Riding a big motorcycle, acting tough. I'm going to keep my eye on you, you're on thin ice Potter. I don't want you hurting her. For all we know, you will be dead tommorow and that's not something you want to put on a girl her age." Mr. Granger seethed cooly as he walked out of the room.
"Good night to you too Mr. Granger." Harry replied with a ginger wave.
Though Mr. Granger kept his animosity against Harry in check, Harry still felt tension every time he saw the man. Harry truly hoped he would be able to show Mr. Granger that he wasn't just another boy, but a man who wasn't just some sort of mail-order man whore.
Hermione walked into the guest room Harry was recuperating in with a look of triumph plastered upon her features. "I have it Harry! I found out what's wrong and what we can do for you!" She squeeled in glee.
"I would love a cure for this." Harry replied enthusiastically. "Especially if I have too worry about Lord Voldemort and Lord Daddy wanting my blood. I will need to be in tip-top condition." He thought too himself.
"See, the spell on the bike is a regeneration spell Harry. You were damaged, but the magick is able too heal your physical form as quick as it is damaged. But it is unable too heal your spiritual body, the soul of you Harry. That is why you FEEL the pain and your magickal abilities are suffering; you are mentally in the state as if you had been in the full accident. Of course, not nearly as bad as it should have been due too your unbelievable luck." Hermione continued.
Harry looked at her a moment, attempting too choose his words wisely, "I am the 'Boy Who Lived,' 'mione." Hermione looked taken aback for a moment before she stood up.
"Well, I know what I need to get you to help heal this. I hope you like the scent of lavender."
Harry grinned mischieviously. "I thought she smelt a bit like Snape's dungeon, but luckily I don't share a dorm with her."
Hermione choked back laughter as she scolded Harry. "That wasn't very nice."
Harry was glad that he and Hermione were left alone during the week because he knew her father would fly off the deep end if he witnessed the therapy that was being administered. Hermione helped rub lavender oil into his arms, legs, chest, and back. The soothing oils magickal properties seeping into his etheric field, speeding his recovery, and within 2 days, Harry felt as though he were a new man.
When Harry awoke, he arose from bed with rigid determination, making his way down stairs and into the kitchen, both thankful for Hermione's care, her parent's generosity, and Sirius' foresight. Without realizing he was in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts, he took control of fixing breakfast for the Grangers; sitting Mrs. Granger at the kitchen table.
"Eggs; bacon; toast. Oh good, I found the coffee." Harry spoke too himself as he manuevered about the kitchen, never noticing that Hermione had awoken and sat next too her mother, both of them eyeing Harry with appraising eyes.
"He's a fox 'mione, chisled like he was built from stone dear." Mrs. Granger whispered too Hermione, nudging her gently with her elbow playfully.
"Shut up mom, he will hear you," was the only reply Hermione could muster. Though her eyes continued exploring Harry's body as he happily cooked, obviously enjoying his ability to function again.
The meal passed with only murmers of appreciation too Harry, as everyone had found the food exceptionally good. Though, Harry soon broke the silence, "Excuse me Mr.Granger, could I borrow a pair of jeans and a shirt so I can go shopping today. I need too purchase some clothes and a few other things."
"I s'pose so." grunted Mr. Granger.
"You will not go out on that contraption again Harry!" Hermione commanded immediately.
"I cannot keep bumming my clothing from your father, Hermione. I will obey all the laws, and drive safely, and simply go buy my items and come immediately back here."
"Fine. I'm coming with you then! I will get my coat."
"No you won't!" Boomed the voice of Harry and Mr. Granger simultaneously. "It's too dangerous." Their voices were echoing each other. Both of them glanced at each other before looking back too the spot Hermione was before she left too retrieve her coat.
"Now look what you've done, boy!" Mr. Granger bellowed "You set her off onto another one of her head strong trips!"
"What do you want me too do,run around naked?"
"You would like that wouldn't you boy. Not that you aren't almost there all ready."
"Perhaps tommorow. But today, I am going too buy my necessities. Look sir, I know you dont like me and I am sorry. But I have too much pride to keep leeching off of you. Write me a bill if you have too, I will repay you if you let me." Harry explained, as he followed Mr. Granger towards the laundry room.
"Here, throw these on and you can borrow this shirt, but I want it back when you get back here. Don't go wrecking in it either, got me?"
"Yes sir," was Harry's only reply as he donned the jeans and thin button up shirt. After a moments more preparation, Harry rushed too his bike, hoping too outrun Hermione, but just as he mounted the machine the young girl ran out the front door. Zipping her jacket up, she immediatly slid onto the back of the motorcycle.
"Let's go Harry." She commanded as he attempted in vain to convince her to give up.
Harry, exasperated, kicked the motor into life and roared the bike. He could feel the small frame of the young girl behind him jump as the load noise bombarded her senses, setting off car alarms up and down the street. She voiced no complaint, but simply wrapped her arms around him and held on tight, only releasing her grasp too strap Harry's helmet onto her head, after he finally convinced her too take it.
They then began the ride towards the mall with Hermione shouting directions over the wail of the motor.
As the pair rode on, Harry had a feeling that they were being followed by members of the Order, but he didn't care. "We are being watched." Harry muttered.
"What's that Harry? Weiner dogs are botched?" Hermione shouted over the grumble.
"WE ARE BEING WATCHED!" Harry spoke louder this time.
"When aren't we?" Hermione thought.
Eventually, the pair arrived at the mall. It was a medium sized shopping center, and Harry was relieved too spot a small group of bikes parked on the curb near an entrance. "We will park there." Harry voiced as he gingerly jumped the curb, parking in a line with another group of bikes.
"You think it will be ok parking here, Harry?" Hermione asked, as they dismounted the bike and she handed Harry the helmet.
"Course. Can't find a friendlier bunch of people than a biker gang 'mione." Harry laughed as he began walking into the clothing store. "Where can I find the leather section ma'm?" He asked a saleswoman dusting shoes off.
"Only three sections too the left dear."
"Thank you," Harry replied as he took Hermione by the shoulder, guiding her towards a small section filled with the scent of rawhide. Harry grabbed a leather "bomber" like coat, and a pair of thicker jeans while making sure too grab a Harley Davidson T- Shirt. "Should be enough 'mione." Harry said, as he made his purchase and offered to escort her through the mall.
"Well, since we are here, I would love too." Hermione giggled as she walked arm in arm with the squirmy, skinny boy she had met in first year who had transfigured into the rough and scar bitten man she was reintroducing herself to. "There is a particular shop I really like."
"Lead the way m'lady." Hermione took them too a small music store and Harry slipped off for a moment too inspect a billboard with a new CD next too it. "'Custom- Hey Mister I Really Like Your Daughter,'" he read the band title. "That sounds like a sweet song." Harry thought as he picked up the cd and slid it underneath a small laser reading machine. Immediatly the machines speakers jumped too life and began playing the band's latest single. "I want too eat her like ice-cream, maybe dip her in chocolate."
"Oh Jees!"
"We will be slipping into your bed soon, fooling around, maybe getting hot." "Yep, he would love this song." He mumbled sarcastically. "Well, maybe if I buy it for myself." Harry said as he walked over too the classical music section and grabbed an André Bochelli CD. "There, maybe that can help us sort our differences." Harry said when he proceeded the counter and purchased the CDs.
As the couple continued their walk through the mall, sharing laughs and simply enjoying the window shopping, Harry realized Hermione had a taste for a specific icecream shop. "Not as good as Flourish and Blott's, but you make due Harry." She explained.
"What would you like? Strawberry, walnuts, and whip cream. Got it." Harry recited as he scurried off too buy the icecream, leaving Hermione sitting at a small wooden bench within eye shot of the store. But as Harry was giving the order and watching the tasty treat take form in front of him, he failed too notice the small group of boys who had approached Hermione, though, as he left too return too her he increased his pace slightly to get close to her.
"Oh come on, why don't you come with us honey. I can treat ya fine, if you would only be mine," said the apparent leader of the small gang.
"Sex ya up, I would." One of the cronies sniggered.
"Excuse me mates, but I do believe the young lady here doesn't need your attentions when she has mine." Harry bluntly stated as he handed the ice-cream sundae too Hermione. "Now budge off boys." Harry pressed on, but he didn't need to continue as a security guard had sensed trouble and nonchalantly found his way over too their meeting, causing the small gang too scatter.
The rest of the mall trip was quite enjoyable, and as they made their way back too the bike they were intercepted by the gang of teenage thugs who had harassed them earlier.
"Think you're tough do ya?" The leader spoke, but he was quickly interrupted by a booming voice.
"I knew I recognized that bike. You must be the Harry Potter boy my brother told me he met ya in a diner a while ago," said a large man who looked suprisingly like Big Bear, and being followed by a small entourage of male and female bikers. "I heard thats a super hot ride you got there, and a super hot chick to boot. You are moving up in the world my man." He continued, extending his hand too Harry. "Name's Larry."
"Harry, and this is Hermione." Harry replied, grinning at the look of horror plastered on the thug's faces before they began high tailing it.
"Nice too meet you dear." Larry grinned lightly holding Hermione's hand. Their chat lasted around 30 minutes, as they discussed bikes, the mall, parking, and bad drivers.
"If they only knew how 'bad driving' had touched me." Harry thought with a small mental snicker. Though their conversation came too an end, and Hermione and Harry found their way home, slightly wind blown, but much better for the wear.
"Hermione, thank you for the time, and the help, and the care.. trust too." Harry finally brought himself too explain himself too her. "I just need too tell you 'thank you,' so many times over."
"Harry, dont be silly, what are friends for?"
"You...thank... friends, exactly." Harry said as he sat with his hands crossed on his handlebars, watching as Hermione beckoned him into the house. He finally stood and walked into the living room, his stomache growling and glad for the meal that was awaiting the pair.
"Good, safe time, at the mall, yes?" Mr. Granger inquired as they ate.
"Oh it was wonderful, I had so much fun." Hermione squeeled.
"Yes sir! It was a wonderful experience!" Harry added with a large grin.
"You act like you've never been shopping kid." Mr. Granger laughed, not noticing Harry's face pale at his comment. "I am glad both of you enjoyed it."
After the meal, Harry asked if it would be ok if he sat on their couch if he promised not too make any noise. He simply wanted too be able too watch the full moon. His thoughts were on Sirius and Remus that night, and he needed some alone time.
After a long time, of sitting on the floor, legs curled under his chin, the silence was brocken by foot steps echoing down the hall. Harry looked around. trying too allow his eyes to readjust to the darkness as he realized it was Mr. Granger coming from the bedroom.
Harry stood as he realized it was almost two in the morning. "I'm so sorry sir, I didn't realize it was so late."
"Oh its fine. I'm glad you're down here. I already checked Hermione's bedroom."
Harry tried not too think what would have happened if he had put the moves on Hermione as he watched Mr. Granger sit on the couch. "What's so interesting about the moon?" He inquired.
"Just thinking about my real family." Harry replied as he returned too gazing out the window. "One is a werewolf, and the other... well... the other is not with us any more." Harry's breath stuttered as he thought about all that had happened in such a short time.
"I'm sorry too hear about that, for both of them." Mr. Granger said contemplativly. "Was shopping really that good? Get something nice?" Mr. Granger asked, attempting too change the subject.
"It was wonderful." Harry replied with a sigh. "I have never done anything like that before. I mean, I've seen my Aunt shop; she would force me to go so I could carry bags so my cousin didn't have too." He continued.
"You've never bought anything for yourself?" Mr. Granger asked puzzled.
"No. Not until I became a wizard did I get the chance too shop. Everything, has always been second hand. Whatever was left from my Cousin, I get." Harry continued staring at the moon, small tears forming in his eyes as he thought of how unfair everything had been when he was young. "It's so different now."
"What, the moon?" Mr. Granger asked, as he looked down at the man sitting on the floor next too him.
"No. The way one's outlook changes when you see how everything is different on the outside. I thought it was normal..."
Mr. Granger fidgeted and stretched, but immediatly froze as Harry had recoiled by throwing his right hand up in anticipation of a blow.
"I'm sorry." Harry quickly readjusted himself on the floor. "I was just, dozing off. I have too be on guard always. Constant... constant vigilance." Harry muttered as he turned too look at Mr. Granger. "You're a good dad sir."
"Thank you." Mr. Granger replied, visibly taken aback. "Why did you really recoil Harry?" He finally asked.
"I... You get hit alot where I come from. Roll with the punches, I guess." Harry smiled a wry smile before continuing. "I haven't been so happy since I found out I was going too Hogwarts."
"Want some tea Harry?"
"Sure, Mr. Granger."
"Call me Roy, Harry."
"Thanks Roy." Harry and Mr. Granger spent the rest of the night discussing Harry's past adventures while enjoying their tea. Though Harry noticed Mr. Granger was most interested in hearing about his daughter's exploits and heroisms. Harry was happy to humour him. Eventually, the sun began shining through the kitchen window,announcing morning too the pair.
"Remus must have had one hell of a night." Harry remarked nonchalantly, as he realized it was morning.
"I think we did too." Laughed Roy, as he stood too stretch. "It's alot better now that I'm getting too know you Harry. I think we will get along alot better."
"I've been hoping." Harry said. "Mind if I made breakfast again?"
"Yea, because I think we should all go out too eat for breakfast today. Everyone could probably use a little break." Roy winked at Harry. "Go get dressed kid, and I will rouse the women folk."
Mr. Granger took them all too a pancake house on the outskirts of town, and they all had a wonderful breakfast as it became obvious to Hermione and her mother that the men had bonded some.
"Master Chiram, the mold is ready for the pouring. King Solomon, as well as the Queen of Sheba have come too watch," the slave spoke in a deep bow.
"Good. We will begin now then," replied the tall, middle-aged man with fiery red hair. He strode out of his massive workshop into the dusty streets of Jerusalem. The heat of the fires being stroked had intensified a hundred fold under the burning sun. "All the better." Thought Chiram as the heat was needed for a clean casting of his furnace.
Chiram kneeled infront of the tent containing the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. "My Lord and Lady, today, you will witness the culmination of my lifes work. I will cast a forge, in a single peice, and with it I will create the most powerful magickal objects known too bolster you my King, and your allies." Chiram then stood and turned too the workers. "Begin the pouring of the metal!" He commanded.
In an instant, an explosion rocked the entire city to its core, flinging molten metal and steam in the air. Within moments, Chiram's entire workshop and all of his slaves had been killed. "All is gone... My work is for naught. I will stand between my creation and the King." He stated as he waited for the flowing metal too consume him.
But his courage and decision brought honor unto his name, and from the flames came a booming voice. "Chiram, I have rendered thee incombustible; Cast thyself into the flames." and Chiram disappeared into the flaming liquid metal as he leapt into it.