Chapter 14
Harry spent the next couple of days in fearful expectation. He truly had no idea how Sirius, Remus and Snape would react to seeing one another again, even if it was just through the mirrors. Especially after Harry had apologised for the two Marauders. It turned out that he needn't worried about it. Sirius was, apparently, more mature than Harry ever gave him credit for. Hell, he even apologised himself. Prompted by Remus' apology, but still. Snape, also displaying a maturity Harry hadn't expected, decided to follow suit and apologised to all for past, present and future behaviour. All in all, the first meeting went off quite a bit better than Harry could ever dream.
Due to all the apologising, and dredging up long buried emotions, the meeting was cut short somewhat. All involved agreed they needed some time to process what had been said.
The other thing that kept Harry's mind quite busy, was the approaching date. As he wasn't too worried about the second task, he didn't give that one too much thought. Rather it was Valentine's Day that kept him mentally engaged. He wanted to spend the day with his girlfriend, but still hadn't found a setting to top their first date in Paris.
In the end, Harry decided that he wasn't going to manage topping their first date without input, so he broached the subject with the object of his affections. He did so one evening in the Room of Requirement.
"'Mione, love," he started. "I was wondering…"
"Yeah?"
"Well, remember our first date?"
"Of course I do, Harry. It was the most romantic night of my life. Why do you ask?"
"Well, Valentine's Day is coming up," Harry hesitantly said.
"What about it?"
"I was trying to think up a way to top our first date, but I can't. So, you got any ideas?" he asked.
"Hmm, you're expecting me to provide you with ideas for a date I haven't been asked for yet?" Hermione said, teasingly.
"Well, sort of. I was planning on asking you, as soon as I had a good idea. So… I suggest that you give me a few suggestions and forget this conversation ever happened," Harry said cheekily.
"I could do that," Hermione said, smiling broadly. "I think I'll be properly surprised when you ask me for the date."
"Cool," Harry said, feeling very relieved that Hermione was cooperating. "So, got any wishes or ideas?"
"The most important thing I want you to know is that I don't expect you to 'top' our first date. That really isn't necessary. I'd much rather spend the night with you, that's enough Harry."
"You sure?" Harry asked doubtfully. "As you know I don't have too much experience with the whole dating thing."
"Yes, Harry. I'm sure," Hermione said and gave him a kiss. "You're all I need, no matter what the calendar, or tradition, might say."
"I've got an idea," Harry said. "Why don't you tell me what you would like to do and I'll arrange something based off of that?"
Apparently she agreed with Harry's suggestion and Hermione began to explain, in great detail, all the things she liked to do. One specific suggestion made Harry's mind up for the date.
"Cheers, 'Mione. I think I've got an idea for Valentine's. I do have a question though."
"Yes?" Hermione said, looking at him expectantly.
"Can I look at your Potions essay?"
Hermione slapped Harry on the back of his head and huffed, clearly annoyed.
Chuckling, Harry quickly said; "Sorry, love. Just kidding." He then changed his tone to something a lot more serious. "Would you, my lady of Granger, do me the honour of accompanying me on an outing, this coming day of Valentine's?"
"Yes, my gentle sir. I think I shall grace your company that day."
Both teens fell about laughing at their own antics. They were suddenly interrupted by Dobby.
"Master Harry Potter, sir," the little elf started, looking quite nervous.
"Yes, Dobby. What is it?" Harry said.
"Well sir, Dobby was wondering what master Harry Potter would likes to do with sneaky bug lady?"
Harry looked nonplussed at the elf. He had completely forgotten about Rita Skeeter. "Ow, shit," he exclaimed. "Is she still alive?"
"Yes, master Harry Potter sir. I's been feeding bug lady leafs and lettuce."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Harry looked at Hermione. "Got any ideas?"
"Actually, perhaps I do. It depends on what you want to do with her?" Hermione said.
"Preferably to stop her making up stories about you and me. Haven't thought about it any further, to be honest."
"I have," Hermione said. Harry wasn't even surprised at that statement. "Considering what's coming, what you told me about the Prophet's articles next year, I think we've got an opportunity here. What if we make he take a magical oath to only tell the truth about us?"
"She'll never go for that. We haven't got too much to offer her and the illegal Animagus thing's only worth a fine," Harry said, dejectedly.
"True," Hermione started, "but what if we offer her exclusive content. Truthful content at that."
"Like what?" Harry asked, not liking where this would probably lead to.
"Well, first of all it would require you to give her a couple of interviews. Without the Quick-Quotes-Quill, of course," Hermione quickly amended, seeing the look on Harry's face. "Also you should give her your memories of the whole Shrieking Shack business from last year, proving Sirius' innocence. Lastly you could offer her to accompany you in the third task. That way you'll have proof that Voldemort has indeed returned."
Harry looked at Hermione with astonishment.
"You don't like it?" she asked, clearly afraid of Harry's reaction.
"No I don't," he said. "I bloody love it. Make the press an ally, instead of an enemy or ignoring them completely. Why didn't we think of this last time?"
"Doesn't matter," Hermione said. "We thought of it now. Shall we?"
"We shall," Harry said. "Dobby, could you please fetch Rita's jar?"
The elf quickly fetched the jar, still containing a very much alive water beetle. Harry went to open the jar, but was stopped by his girlfriend.
"One second Harry," she said, waving her wand in complicated patterns.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked.
"Privacy spells and a few wards to stop her escaping. As soon as she leaves the jar, she'll revert back to her human form. The ward also prevents her changing back to a beetle."
"You're brilliant," Harry said and kissed her for good measure.
Harry opened the jar as soon as Hermione completed the wards. Rita flew out immediately and changed back into her normal form just as quick. With a lightning-fast 'Expelliarmus' Harry disarmed the reporter.
"Hello Rita," he said. "Enjoying your stay so far?"
"You can't do this to me, Potter," she snarled.
"He can and he has," Hermione said. "But if you don't want to spend the rest of your life in that jar, you might want to hear us out."
"I'll ruin you two," Rita said, clearly still somewhat ticked off.
"Yeah, yeah, blah, blah," Harry said. "Just shut up and listen, will you?"
"Where are we?" Rita asked.
"Hogwarts, are you going to listen or do we put you back into the jar? I've read that being forced into your Animagus form is quite the painful experience," Hermione said, twirling her wand threateningly.
"Okay, I'll listen," Rita said obstinately.
"Good, here's the deal," Harry said and explained the deal to her.
"So," Rita began, after Harry finished explaining. "You want me only report the unvarnished truth about you and miss Granger here?" Harry nodded. "What about anybody else?"
"The same goes for Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, any Lovegood, any Longbottom, Rubeus Hagrid, Voldemort and his Death Eaters. You're free to write whatever you want about anyone else."
"Even Dumbledore?" the reporter asked incredulously.
"Yep, go ahead."
"And what do I get in return?" she asked.
Hermione explained what they had planned. Rita's eyes grew with every sentence.
"And what makes you so sure that that's enough? I can easily afford the fine, you know."
"Firstly," Hermione said, "we'll give you proof that Sirius Black is innocent. That, I think, should be enough to rate the front page in and of itself." Rita nodded at this. "Secondly, Harry here will supply you with a couple of exclusive interviews. Truly exclusive to you. Sell the interviews to whomever you want. Thirdly, Harry will supply you with his memories of the events of our first three years we think might be of interest to you. And lastly, Harry will allow you to tag along with him during the third task. Besides, I think many people would like to ask you some questions on how exactly you obtained the information within your past articles."
Clearly this had shocked the gossip monger, as she was gaping at Hermione, doing a passable impression of a fish out of water. It didn't take her long, however, to regain her senses.
"What about the second task, missy?"
"That's irrelevant. My plan for that task will be such that everyone will be able to see it," Harry said. "So an exclusive won't do you any good."
"And what if the truth reflects badly on you?" Rita asked, clearly covering her bases.
"Write it," Harry said. "I believe in a free press, no matter how badly it reflects on me. If I make a mistake, the consequences are mine to bear. If the press thinks the people need to know, that's just tough luck for me then. As long as your articles are truthful and your sources checked."
"Okay, one last question. What about Hagrid's giant secret?" she asked.
"We'd rather you didn't print that," Hermione said. "But we recognise that it is the truth. So if you want to print it, go ahead. But I do think that the stories Harry will provide will be more spectacular, whilst also the truth."
Rita looked both happy at the permission and sceptically at Hermione's last comment. "Okay, you've got yourself a deal. But I want those memories as soon as possible." Both Harry and Hermione nodded their agreement at this.
One oath later, they made an appointment with Rita for the first interview. After that they allowed her to leave the room. As it was getting quite close to curfew, they decided to pack up and return to Gryffindor tower and turn in for the night.
-o0o0o—
The days leading up to Valentine's went by quickly. The meetings with Snape proved to be very informative. He provided the four with information on Death Eater tactics, names, strengths and weaknesses. He also gave Harry several books on the Dark Arts, so he could study the curses most likely to be used against him.
Remus, in the meantime, had come through with a whole new set of mirrors for them. He ended up creating a network of six mirrors. One each for Harry, Hermione, Sirius, Ragnok, Snape and Remus himself. The werewolf explained that giving a mirror to Snape was more about trust than actual tactical advantage. "In for a Knut, in for a Galleon," he reasoned.
Harry had sent Dobby to buy him a Pensieve, so he could let Rita Skeeter see his memories. The interviews that followed the memories were emotionally draining on both Harry and Hermione. It turned out that Rita was very good at her job, even without her Quick-Quotes-Quill. She knew exactly which questions to ask, in order to get the most information possible. As promised, Harry held nothing back and gave her the whole truth, as he knew it to be.
The first article, about the events surrounding the Philosopher's Stone, didn't garner too much of a response. The second article however, detailing Voldemort's true name and mentioning the diary, saw Harry summoned to the headmaster's office.
"Might I ask why you decided to speak to miss Skeeter, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Why do you want to know, sir?" Harry asked.
"I don't think that it's wise for you to talk to the press, Harry. You'll never know what they'll write," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry over his half-moon spectacles. "I really would like to know why you did this?"
"Call it a pre-emptive strike, sir. Why do you want to know?" Harry said, noticing that the headmaster hadn't answered his question.
"Be that as it may, I'm afraid I have to ask you to refrain from talking to the press in the future," Dumbledore said, ignoring Harry's question and clearly dismissing him.
-o0o0o—
At long last, Valentine's Day was there. As Hermione had informed Harry of her likes and dislikes, he wasn't too worried about the night. He was, however, somewhat worried about how Ron was going to react to Hermione's present. The ginger git was keeping up a steady pace of muttered insults towards Harry, ever since the first task. Usually Harry just ignored this, but the copper-headed cock had taken to including Hermione in these insults over the last couple of days. Although she kept telling Harry to ignore it, he was adamant to not let the redheaded rodent spoil Hermione's day.
"Oi, Fred, George!" Harry called over to the Weasley twins. "Got a minute?"
"Sure mate," Fred said.
"What's up," George answered.
"Could you do us a favour?" Harry asked.
"Name it," Fred said.
"Have you noticed Ron's behaviour the last couple of weeks?"
"Yeah, he's being a right git," George said. "We're getting really tired of him whining about you and Hermione non-stop."
"Yeah," George added, "He's never been this annoying before."
"Yeah, well…" Harry said. "Not much I can do about it, nor do I really care at the moment. What I need you to do is keep him out of Hermione and my hair for today. I really don't want him spoiling Valentine's for her."
"Sure thing, mate," George said.
"We know just what to do," Fred added. "He'll spend the day in the tender care of madam Pomfrey."
"Nothing too serious, I hope?" Harry said, grinning widely.
"Nah, serious enough is all," Fred said.
"Cheers lads," and with that, Harry set off to the Owlery. He thought he had just enough time to send Hedwig off to deliver Hermione's present at breakfast.
It turned out that Harry was right. He arrived in the great hall only minutes before the owls did. Hedwig swooped down and landed in between Harry and Hermione.
"Aren't you going to get that?" Hermione asked when she saw that Harry made no attempt to remove the package from his bird.
"I think you'll find that's for you," he replied.
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Ron moving to say something. Before he could, however, he suddenly changed colours. He cycled through the entire rainbow at least twice, before he fainted. He was immediately picked up by his brothers, who proceeded to carry him out of the hall.
"Hospital wing for this one," Fred said.
"Yeah, all these colours can't be healthy for a man, let alone this one," George said.
Harry's attention was suddenly, and rather forcefully, claimed by Hermione.
"Oh Harry, it's beautiful. You shouldn't have!"
"It's just a small token of my appreciation for you, my love."
Hermione was holding her present carefully in her hands. The necklace, accompanied by a single red rose, held a silver stag charm. It was intricately carved, in great detail.
"Seen the back?" Harry asked.
Hermione turned the charm around, read the engraving and immediately proceeded to thank Harry by planting several kisses on him.
"Five points from Gryffindor for that disgusting display, miss Granger," Snape said, on his way out of the great hall.
Both Harry and Hermione ignored him however, as Harry was putting the necklace on his girlfriend's neck.
"I love it, Harry. You've got the date right and all."
"Yeah, I was told that's kind of important," Harry said, grinning widely.
"You really shouldn't have, though," Hermione said. "I've got nothing so beautiful for you."
"Your presence tonight is all I need," Harry said.
"Smooth, Potter," Hermione said. "But here's my present for you."
Harry opened the package to find a photo album. He opened it and saw the message on the inside cover.
To Harry
to remember all the good times
Love
Hermione
The album was filled with pictures from their second and third years. All of Harry and Hermione, some with various other people in frame. When Harry had flicked through the album, he decided that the picture on the cover was his favourite. It was of him and Hermione, sitting alone by the lake with the setting sun behind them, holding hands, looking at one another.
"Colin?" he asked, tears in his eyes.
Hermione just nodded and Harry kissed her in thanks.
"Oi Colin," he said down the table. When the third year looked up, he said "thanks mate." Colin just nodded and went back to his breakfast.
-o0o0o—
Lessons that day went by Harry in a daze. His mind was focused on his girlfriend and the wonderful present she gave him. Judging by the looks she gave him and the necklace, her thoughts were likewise occupied.
When the lessons were finished, Harry and Hermione went back to Gryffindor tower.
"What's the dress code tonight?" Hermione asked.
"Casual, anything else will be provided to you," Harry said mysteriously.
Not being called 'the brightest witch of her time' for nothing, Hermione quickly figured out their destination. "Room of Requirement, I take it?" she said.
"I can't get nothing by you, I see," Harry responded, deliberately not answering her assumption.
Being from the male end of the human spectrum, Harry got ready rather quickly and ended up waiting for his date in the common room.
"Not coming to dinner?" Neville asked.
"Nah mate, got a hot date," Harry said.
"Cool, have fun."
"Cheers," Harry said, seeing said date descending the stairs.
Hermione, like Harry, had chosen to wear muggle-clothes. As is was February, she was wearing several layers of clothing. She had on a long-sleeved shirt, with a short-sleeved blouse on top. Her trousers were, in Harry's opinion, just the right fit to show off he figure. It caused a rather annoying reaction in Harry's own trousers.
"Like what you see?" Hermione said seductively.
"Oh, yes," Harry breathed. "You're stunning."
"You don't look too bad yourself. Shall we?" she asked.
"Indeed, we shall," Harry said.
Their date was spent on a beach in southern Mexico, in the Room of Requirement. They had a wonderful diner of local cuisine, followed by several dances at the waterside.
"Care for a swim?" Harry asked. "I hear the water is quite nice."
"But we didn't bring swimwear," Hermione said.
"No we didn't," Harry said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"I'm not going naked," Hermione said, slapping Harry's arm.
"Damn," Harry said, grinning to show he didn't mean it. "Look over there," he pointed over her shoulders.
Hermione saw two changing rooms waiting for them. "What about swimwear?" she asked.
"My love, this is the Room of Requirement. It will provide what you require. As I don't know what you usually wear swimming, I didn't ask the Room for anything."
They got changed. Harry was completely gobsmacked when he saw Hermione. Never in his life had he seen so much female skin, let alone skin of such beauty. Hermione was wearing a modest two-piece, but Harry still felt it was the most sensual sight he had ever seen. Judging by the sudden tightness in his trunks, his upper head wasn't the only one thinking thusly.
"Breath, Harry," Hermione said.
"Wow, Hermione. You're breath-taking," he quipped, after regaining the power of thought.
"So I gathered," she said, smiling in a pleased-looking way. "You look pretty amazing yourself, Harry."
Harry stammered something incoherently, as the power of thought had left him again.
"My face is up here Harry," Hermione said.
"Sorry," Harry said, turning beet-red.
"It's okay, Harry. I was just kidding. You can look all you want. I'm wearing this for you." With that said, she pulled him close to her and proceeded to snog him even more senseless.
In the end they never actually got to find out if the water was indeed 'quite nice', as Harry was told. They did however manage to learn a great deal of human anatomy and the differences between boys and girls. Specifically, how they react to certain stimuli.
-o0o0o—
A/N: Figured that would be a nice point to stop this chapter. Next time, I hope anyway, the second task. Finally… If the muse will allow. Paraphrasing another FF writer; the muse decides, I'm just her humble slave.
As per usual, keep the reviews coming, I love reading them. The next chapter will come when it comes.
PS: 100k+ views... Wow, never expected that much. I'm truly humbled.