Disclaimer: remialcsiD
Thanks to Dark Lord Moridin for beta and Brit-pick work.
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On the third week of their French Holiday, Harry and the Grangers mostly stayed around their villa except for dinners in the surrounding countryside, and the occasional visit to the local wineries. Hermione spent a fair amount of time getting comfortable wearing the smaller bikini that Harry had bought while they either lounged around the pool, or practicing the spells they had learnt over the last two years. Dan and Emma were especially amazed by some of the things magic could do.
The last Sunday, Harry had gone to each of the Grangers, and gotten a few drops of blood with Emma's help as a distraction. That night after dinner Harry disappeared for a few hours, and returned dirty, but with a huge smile.
The next day, Harry suggested Hermione wear the 'special' bikini then handed her a lovely emerald silk wrap, that complimented his eyes and her hair, that he had picked up while they were shopping in Rouen.
A few minutes later Hermione joined Harry and her family downstairs, wearing the wrap. Harry suggested that they spend the day and maybe the rest of the week down a part of the beach he had found the other night. Harry lead the group to a semi isolated part of the beach near their villa. Looking around Harry found the markers he had set out to identify the warded section of the beach.
Hermione unfolded her lounger, and after setting it up, glanced at Harry.
Harry grinned and then said far too casually though with a low voice "Why don't you get some sun 'Mione?"
Looking around Hermione was a bit surprised. "Wait, what? It sounds like he wants me to take off the wrap. I'm fairly sure that he knows that I'm wearing that bikini, he's the one that suggested it. But we're in a public area. I mean yes it's a little isolated, but still nearly anyone could wander by" raced through Hermione's mind.
Seeing the look in Harry's eye, Hermione realized that he had something planned, and that she would be safe. Trusting her Lord, she carefully removed the wrap, and lay it down on the lounger after folding it so it could act as a small pillow. Still a little anxious though trusting Harry, Hermione lay down on the lounger face down, so that she could work on deepening the tan she had started on her back. Harry attentive and protective young man that he was, carefully slathered some sun lotion on her back, and untied the string at the back of the neck carefully enough that he didn't think Hermione would notice.
An hour, and three chapters of her current book, later Hermione turned over to work on evening the tan on her front. As deep into the story as she was, Hermione didn't notice for a few minutes that she had left her top behind. It wasn't until she realized the strange sensation that she was feeling was a certain part of her anatomy crinkling from the cool breeze that was blowing from the ocean.
Harry knew the moment that Hermione had realized that she was now sunbathing topless, as a slightly uncomfortable sensation occurred, letting him know that Hermione was near a limit that she hadn't expected to approach yet. As a way to both calm her and let her explore the sensation of pushing her limits, Harry offered her the sun lotion, saying "You might want to put some lotion on those, Kitten. I understand that sunburn there can be pretty painful"
Hearing Harry casually reminding her to put sun lotion on her now bare breasts, snapped Hermione out of the panic she had been starting to experience. Realizing that this was likely part of Harry's plan, she calmly took the bottle and with a bit of a wicked grin, said "Well since you'd rather not put it on for me MiLord, I guess I'll need to" before applying a generous amount of the lotion to her milky skin.
Harry's sudden blush, and the look on his face, caused Hermione to burst into peals of laughter. Hearing Hermione laugh, Dan looked up from where Emma had kept him distracted to see Hermione topless and rubbing lotion into her exposed front, while Harry looked on with a red face, and obvious reaction.
Dan's eyebrows rose through his hairline. "Excuse me Harry. Not to be too blunt, but what's going on?"
Harry shook his head for a moment then replied as innocently as possible "Well 'Mione's been doing so well so far, and her tan had been progressing so nicely, I though she might like to even it out a bit."
Dan replied, "In public like this? What about the 'These are mine, your parents and medical personal are the only others allowed to see them' thing Emma told me about?"
To everyone's surprise, Harry chuckled a bit, before he answered "That's still the case Dan."
"Then what do you call them?" Dan asked pointing to the small groups of people that had gathered a fair distance down the beach.
As Harry felt Hermione's nervousness building, he took her hand, and calmly stroking it with his thumb replied "I'd call them oblivious Dan. I set up some wards around this area. A combination of Muggle repelling wards and some Notice-Me-Not wards. That's what I was doing last night after dinner. For all intents and purposes, for the rest of this week, this section of the beach exists only for the four of us."
This immediately got Hermione's attention "What? How did you do that? We've not even started Runes much less warding yet." the inquisitive young woman asked her eyes brightening.
Harry chuckled a bit "I bought some temporary ward stones while we were in the alley, a couple of drops of blood to personalize them to us, and Bob's your uncle. We're the only people allowed through the wards until they fade."
Realizing how much time and effort Harry had put into this little scene, just so that they could work on trust and limits, had an interesting effect on Hermione. "MiLord you spoil me" she said, before launching herself like a bushy-haired Harry seeking missile onto his lap and attempted to snog him to within an inch of his life.
Difficult though it was, Harry remembered some of their earlier discussions and kept his hands above the waist, and on her back
When the two finally came up for air, Dan simply asked "You mentioned blood, how did you get that? I don't remember donating any."
Emma gently plopped herself in Dan's lap and said "I helped, Harry here wanted it to be a surprise."
"Really now?" is all that Dan said with a bit of a grin.
Later that evening after dinner, Dan looked at Emma with a bit of a grin, and said "Well now, forgetting to mention Harry buying that bit of floss for Hermione, and neglecting to mention helping him set up wards so that they could have a privately public scene. Not sure if you've been a good girl or a bad girl, but you've definitely earned a spanking." before hoisting her up over a shoulder and carrying her towards their room.
As soon as Dan had hoisted her up, Emma let out a happy squeal, though as soon as the door closed, both Harry and Hermione hit it with a silencing charm. Looking at each other, they both laughed, before heading into the sitting room and cuddling up together with a couple of good books.
As they now had a privately warded section of beach all to themselves, Emma and Hermione were able to work on ridding themselves of tan lines. At least ones above the waist. Neither of the two ladies were quite comfortable with going for a full body tan, though if they came back next year, they might actually consider it. Especially if Harry were able to ward the beach again.
/\/\/\/\/\/
When they returned from France, Harry and Hermione found a copy of their school book list, and a belated birthday gift from Hagrid.
Opening the gift, Harry found it was a book that tried to take his fingers off. Quickly wrapping a ribbon from the wrapping paper around it, it was able to keep it from biting him. Looking at the now bound book, Harry found that it was "The Monster Book of Monsters". Harry mused aloud, "Wonder why Hagrid would send me this book? I mean it nearly took my fingers off."
While Harry had been looking at his gift, Hermione had opened her book list, reading over it, she replied "Wow, that's one of the books on our list Harry. That must be why he sent it to you. He knew you were taking Care of Magical Creatures this year."
Remembering his first friend's liking for the dangerous and unsafe, Harry had a worrying thought. "You don't think Hagrid's going to be our teacher for Care, do you? I mean this book is something he'd think was funny."
Hermione thought for a moment then said "You're right, he would. He might be the new professor, if Professor Kettleburn is retiring."
As term would be starting again in a few days, they decided that Emma would take Harry and Hermione to Diagon the next day to do their shopping, and that Dan would get Snuffles from the trainers. These decisions made, the four tiredly went to bed.
The next morning Dan, Harry, and Hermione awoke at their usual time and went for their morning run. With Harry whistling the cadence, they had worked their way up to a brisk 3 miles. With the running and other exercises they had been getting, this was now just enough to get their blood pumping and warm up their muscles for the follow on exercises, and martial arts practices.
Later, after showering and changing clothes, Emma, Hermione, and Harry drove into London to pick up their school supplies. Changing into their Potter House robes, they quickly entered The Leaky Cauldron and made their way to Diagon Alley.
While the two teenagers were getting their new books, and other school supplies, Emma decided to get Hermione an early birthday gift.
Knowing that her daughter would be able to use Hedwig any time she wanted to send a letter, Emma bypassed the owl emporium, and entered the Magical Menagerie. As she looked around, a salesperson seeing the Potter crest on her robes, approached and respectfully asked "Is there something I can help House Potter find?"
Emma being distracted by the antics of the various animals jumped in surprise. "Huh? Oh yes, thank you. I'm looking for a pet for my daughter. She's entering her third year at Hogwarts, and with her birthday coming up, I thought I'd get her something."
The sales person nodded, and said "Well owls are always popular, and as I'm sure you're aware, a great way for her to send letters, though the school does have plenty of owls for students to use. Why don't you tell me about your daughter, and we'll see what we can find?"
Emma smiled gratefully; apparently Harry was right about the robes allowing them to blend in better. She'd have hated to see how the salesperson would act if they knew Emma were a Muggle. "Well she's in Gryffindor, about to be a third year as I said. She's also very intelligent and she and I both love cats. The only real problem with getting a cat, is that her boyfriend has a rather large guard dog. While I do think the dog would ignore a cat, one might not be comfortable with the dog."
The salesperson thought for a few moments, then replied "Okay, so we have a young lion, very intelligent, who likes felines, though needs one that would be comfortable around canines. I think I know just the pet. And the wonderful thing is that they would make not just a great pet, but have the chance to become her familiar as well. "
Emma was cheered by this thought, Hermione would love that as according to some of the books she had left last year, a familiar could help with increasing her magical abilities and control. "Really, that sounds wonderful. What kind of feline are we talking about?"
The salesperson chuckled a bit, then replied "Why a kneezle of course. They're very popular, as they have near human intelligence. Thankfully I've one left, though I hate to admit that it's not the most attractive of creatures. Crookshanks also tends to be a very picky kneezle. Honestly I think that's why he's still here. I'll tell you what. If he doesn't take to your daughter, just bring him back and we'll sort something out alright?"
Emma nodded in agreement, and followed the sales person to the feline section where she pulled out the ugliest cat Emma had ever seen. The kneezle had a squashed in face, and bowed hind legs. "I can see why you call him Crookshanks." Emma said with a grin.
The salesperson just laughed. Grabbing a cat carrier, some grooming supplies and both cat and owl treats, as well as a few cat toys, Emma piled everything up at the register. The salesperson rang everything up and with a glance at Emma's robes hit two unmarked keys as well. "Alright that'll be 6 galleons, and 5 sickles. If you'll just sign here, we'll just charge the House account."
Emma said "Actually, this is a personal gift for my daughter, I'll just pay for it myself" before handing over the required gold.
The salesperson smiled and said "That's fine. And remember, if he doesn't take to your daughter, just bring him back and we'll sort it out." as they shrank the bag of accessories, before handing over the carrier with Crookshanks.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
While Emma was doing her shopping, Harry and Hermione had decided to get their other supplies before visiting Flourish and Blott's, as they both knew that Hermione would be in there for a while. Seeing that their new Rune's class would require prepared blank stones and a rune carving kit, they picked those up first. Seeing a few higher quality carving kits, Harry bought those instead as it would mean that they wouldn't have to buy replacements or refills until they had finished their OWLs.
After picking up the rest of their school supplies, the two entered Flourish and Blott's. While Harry went to get the rest of their books, Hermione went over to the counter to get a copy of The Monster Book of Monsters which caused the shopkeeper to cry, and swear he would never stock that book again.
Surprised that Harry hadn't already returned with the rest of the books, as she had wanted to browse a bit, Hermione went in search of her wayward Master. Entering the Arithmancy section, she finally found Harry. Standing in the middle of the aisle with one of the course books open, Harry had a look of near transcendent joy on his face. Wondering why he was so pleased, Hermione wandered over and looked at the book over his shoulder.
Seeing what appeared to be a treatise on advanced Maths, Hermione was a bit confused. "What do you have there MiLord?" the bushy-haired bookworm asked somewhat playfully.
Harry turned to Hermione and replied with what could only be called joy "Our new course book 'Mione. Have you seen this? It looks like a mix of Trig, Calculus and Physics. This may just become my new favourite class love."
Hermione's brows rose "Your new favourite class? I didn't know you enjoyed Maths Harry." she replied.
Harry chuckled a bit "Well when you're not allowed toys, you have to have something to play with. And since I'd often hide from Dudley in the library I was able to look through a lot of books. I found numbers that way, and learned how to play with them. I imagine that I had read through most of Little Whinging's books on Maths before I got to Hogwarts. I understood most of it too. I think I'm going to pick up a few extras as well." Harry replied with a grin.
Hermione giggled a little when Harry grabbed a copy of nearly all of the Arithmancy books, including the ones that were quite advanced. When Harry reached the section for the Mastery level books she asked "MiLord are you quite sure you want to get copies at that level so soon?"
Harry grabbed the last copy of one of the books before turning and replied "Mione my love, I was studying and understanding books on advanced theoretical physics before I was 11. I'm fairly sure this will be at least as fun."
Hermione purred low in her throat, she loved it when Harry let his inner Ravenclaw out to play. This year was going to be very fun.
Gathering their now very large collection of books up, they made their way to the front of the store. Seeing how many books Harry had gotten alone, Hermione was a little worried about how they were going to get all of the books home. When they reached the counter, Harry asked the salesperson for two of their self shrinking, auto expanding Library Trunks as well as the books. As the trunks security features had to be set in the store, Harry's birthday present to Hermione was rather a bit earlier than he wanted. Hermione on the other hand was so thrilled with the trunk, that she gave Harry a rather deep kiss right there in the store.
As the two teens made their way out of the book store with their new books and library trunks in their pockets, they ran across Emma, who had been approaching the store.
"Lord Potter, how on earth were you able to get my daughter out of a book store that quickly?" Emma asked with a smile.
Hermione blushed a little while Harry chuckled and replied "I gave her an early birthday present, that she seemed to like."
Seeing her daughter blushing made Emma curious "I do hope it was an appropriate gift Harry."
Harry blushed for a second at the implications, while Hermione laughed this time. "Mum it's fine. Harry got the both of us library trunks. They're self shrinking and they'll expand quite a lot so we can fit a huge amount of books into it."
Emma smiled at this, then said, "Well speaking of early birthday gifts, I have one for you as well. I've got a table saved at Florian's. Let's get some ice cream before we head back home."
As they walked into the ice cream Shoppe, they each got a ice cream sundae and settled at the table that Emma had already claimed. "Now I believe we were talking about early birthday presents." Emma said with a sly smile. "I actually found something I think you'll like, and since you're going to school again shortly, I thought I'd give it to you today." Emma said sliding the cat carrier out from under the table.
"This is Crookshanks, I hope you like each other" Emma said passing the carrier to Hermione.
Hermione looked into the carrier and saw a good sized, squash-faced pile of ginger fur. "Awww isn't he the cutest thing" she said with a bright smile.
Hermione opened the carrier and gently pulled the Kneezle out. Crookshanks sniffed his new mistress and her mate. He could tell that they were good people, and honest. For a kneezle that was very important. Crookshanks nuzzled Hermione and purred his approval of his new owners.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
While Harry and the ladies were shopping in Diagon, Dan went to pick up Snuffles. When he arrived at his friends training kennel, Dan looked around a bit. Seeing Michael running Snuffles through a last few tests and exercises, he was surprised.
Dan had worked with the occasional K-9 unit while in the SAS and they had needed special commands for certain actions. Michael oddly wasn't using any of those commands, just telling Snuffles what to do.
"Well that's a bit odd there Mike, why is that. I thought they had to be trained to certain commands?" Dan said as he quietly approached is friend.
Michael glanced over his shoulder, and replied "They usually do Dan. You were right though when you said that the dog was a bloody genius though. All ya have to do is just tell him and he understands. It's fairly amazing how bloody intelligent he is. It's a shame Harry turned down our request to put him to stud."
Dan just shrugged, "Sorry about that. He didn't explain why he said no, maybe next year though." he said.
Michael let out sharp whistle, which caused Snuffles to break off of his attack on one of the training dummies, and trot back to the two men. Dan knelt down, and rubbing Snuffles on the head, said "Well boy, looks like your training is finished. You ready to see your master again?"
At this Snuffles barked with apparent joy and happily licked Dan's face.
Dan snapped a lead on Snuffles collar, and walked with Michael back to his car. When they reached the car, Michael handed Dan a packet of papers, including a recommended diet, an explanation of the training and a full list of commands.
On the way home, Dan stopped at a butchers and picked up a few steaks for dinner that night. When he got back in the car, he turned to Snuffles and said "Mike said you're smart. So here's a deal. You behave yourself around these steaks, and one of them is yours when they're cooked okay?"
To his surprise Snuffles looked at him and nodded.
When they got home, Dan led Snuffles into the house, and set the steaks on the counter, before putting the training packet on the coffee table in the sitting room. When he returned to the kitchen the packet of steaks had disappeared.
Remembering the house elf of Harry's, Dan called "Dobby?"
When the little guy popped in, Dan said "Dobby did you do something with the steaks I placed on the counter a minute ago?"
Dobby replied "Yes Mr. Grangy Dad. Dobby will prepare them. Yous just relax, Dobby has everything handled sir."
Dan chuckled, then replied "Well Emma, Hermione, and I like our steaks rare. Not sure how Harry takes his, but you might go rare with that as well. Also one of those is for Snuffles, so you might be careful if you're seasoning it."
Dobby nodded quickly then popped away again.
Dan shook his head and went back to the sitting room, and tried to relax a little while reading the training packet.
"As Hermione would say, Sweet Morgana. Advanced tracking, how to attack human and various animal types. Escape and Evasion training. He went all out it looks like. That dog's got to be as much a genius as Harry is if he learnt all that this quickly." Dan thought to himself as he read through the packet.
When the others arrived home, Harry was tackled by a different missile than usual. Snuffles had waited patiently until he smelt Harry entering the home, and launched himself at the raven-haired boy. As they hit the floor, Snuffles started licking Harry like mad.
"Missed me did ya boy?" Harry asked laughing as he hugged his dog. "Well I missed you too. I'm glad to see you." he continued.
After gently shoving Snuffles off of him, Harry stood. "Now Snuffles, Hermione here has a new pet. I hope you'll be able to get along with him. His name is Crookshanks, okay." Harry said, before gesturing for Hermione to bring Crooks in.
Hermione walked in, carrying her new Kneezle, and carefully set him down in front of Snuffles. Both pets sniffed each other. Snuffles immediately knew that this was a kneezle, and resolved not to mess with it. He also worried that his secret might be let out, though hearing Harry's defence of him at Privet drive he wasn't as concerned as he might otherwise be.
Crookshanks on the other hand, smelt not quite dog, not quite grim, but also not quite human. There was some deceit in the smell, but it was not directed his mistress or her mate. In fact, the creature before him was obviously determined to protect his mistresses mate at all costs. Crookshanks accepted this, and knew that this 'Snuffles' could be trusted and would help mistress and her mate all that he could. Crookshanks let out a small mew, then playfully batted Snuffles on the snout before stalking off to explore with his tail held high.
Snuffles whuffed almost in relief, then padded up to Harry's room. Harry turned to Hermione and said "Well that went very well. Much better than I expected actually. Looks like they've decided to accept each other. Hopefully they'll be friends as well."
Hermione giggled a bit at this before heading up to her room to put away her new supplies, and to start loading her new library trunk.
/\/\\/\/\/
1st September
Harry and Hermione calmly entered Platform 9 and ¾ with Snuffles calmly stalking on his left, an obvious guardian. Hermione on his right arm, was carrying Crookshanks cuddled in her left. Neither was obviously carrying a school trunk as they had shrunken them prior to leaving that morning and they were sitting comfortably in their pockets.
Seeing Neville and Luna entering the Platform together with Neville's grandmother. Harry leant down to Snuffles and said "Go find us a compartment boy, we'll be along shortly." Snuffles nodded and whuffed before heading into the train.
Harry and Hermione glided towards the newly arrived pair. Seeing their liege approach, Neville bowed as Luna curtsied. Harry nodded to both, Augusta's brow rose in surprise. She had been somewhat shocked when Neville had returned from the Potter boy's birthday party, with the Potter crest having been returned to the left shoulder of his robes. Augusta had wondered about that until Neville informed her that, his friend, Harry had claimed his Lordship.
"Lord Potter, an honour to finally meet you." Augusta said respectfully.
Harry nodded in return and replied politely, "And you Lady Longbottom"
Augusta smiled sadly for a moment before replying gently "Lady no more my Lord, Dowager Longbottom yes. Lady Longbottom is sadly indisposed as is Lord Longbottom. When Neville comes of age, he'll be able to take the Lordship, and hopefully will have at least a prospective Lady by then."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, in either sadness or pain, then replied gently "My apologies and my condolences then Dowager Longbottom, Neville."
Augusta shook her head "Its perfectly alright my Lord, you had no way of knowing. It does however look as though the train is about ready to leave. You should all get aboard unless you wish to miss it again."
Hermione chuckled at this reminder of Harry's trip to Hogwarts last year. Harry just grinned impishly, then lead the group to the train.
Once the climbed aboard the train, Snuffles found them and led them to a nearly empty compartment near the end of the train. The only other occupant was an older gentleman with slightly shabby clothes, who it seemed had fallen asleep.
Looking at the others, Neville said "Who do you think this is?"
Hermione pointed to the trunk already above the seat, "Well his trunk says R.J. Lupin. He's probably our DADA teacher this year."
They quietly entered the compartment and Neville and Harry quickly placed everyone's trunks in the overheads, before settling in for the trip. Once they had settled, with Hermione lightly perched on Harry's lap, Harry and Hermione removed their contacts and put them safely away in vials in their now expanded trunks.
Both Neville and Luna were surprised to see that Hermione also sported slit eyes. At their questioning looks, Hermione said, "Last year I suffered a potions accident over the Christmas Holidays. My eyes ended up like this. Madam Pomphery gave me these contacts like MiLord's, but with MiLord not wearing his except in the Muggle world, I've decided to follow his lead.
Luna and Neville nodded, they could both certainly understand that. Especially with the consequences of insulting or attacking Hermione. They did both wonder though if something permanent would need to happen to Malfoy for him to learn when to keep his mouth shut.