Came out of the Darkness 20 – Summer at Longbottom Village
Characters and World created by J.K. Rowling. Contents are completely my fault.
Man does not control his own fate. The women in his life do that for him.- Groucho Marx
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Harry awoke slowly. He was warm and safe and oh so comfortable. He opened his eyes and blinked at the room in the Leaky Cauldron. He was in the bed of the room rented to Hermione. They hadn't even pretended last night. They simply dressed for bed and he'd slid in next to her. A night free of nightmares, just restful sleep.
But now he was alone. Well except for Crookshanks who dozed in the window. And Hedwig, asleep on top of the dresser. "Hermione?" he called. Then he saw the note laying on the nightstand next to his glasses.
Harry, I've got a few more things to pick up. I'll be back in time for breakfast. Neville will be here by noon. Hermione.
Harry smiled and stretched, then he rose to begin his day.
Hermione returned just as he finished packing up. "Good morning!"
"Good morning, you were up early."
She bit her lip, "I'd completely forgotten to get your birthday gift."
"Oh you didn't have to," Harry shook his head, then saw the box. "Cool, I'd forgotten that!" He took the Broomstick Service Kit. "Thanks Maya!"
"And this," Hermione was smiling as she handed over a book, 'So You're Flying on a Firebolt!'
He laughed, "I have to wait for Christmas. Or longer. How long did it take for them to figure out that sometimes a broomstick is just a broomstick?"
"I think I have that figured out," she replied.
"Of course you have."
She scowled for a second over his tone, "I thought you had as well." When he shrugged, she sighed heavily. "The Goblins, Harry. When McGonagall says that she wants the broom to be evaluated, you simply mention that you had several items checked for Dark Magic by the Goblins of Gringotts. They'll do a thorough job. More so for the great Lord Potter. And you'll have the Firebolt back in a day or two."
Harry grabbed her into a hug, swinging her around in a circle. "I love your mind!"
Hermione laughed aloud.
Then Harry stopped. They were staring deeply into each other's eyes. Then Harry dipped his head slightly. Hermione started to stretch up.
They both froze.
Hermione placed both of her index fingers on his lips. "We can't. Not yet."
He closed his eyes. "I know."
She went up onto her tiptoes and kissed her fingers where they lay against his mouth. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They parted a few steps. Taking deep breaths. (Harry adjusted his pants subtly).
"So breakfast?" Harry asked.
Over their meal, Harry thought of something, "I need to get you something for your birthday before we go."
"You bought me a cat, remember," Hermione replied. "That was my gift this year."
X * x * X
Augusta Longbottom walked through Diagon Alley with the presence of one who expected people to move out of her way. Neville strode along behind her. Her beloved grandson had gone through an extreme growth spurt and was now as tall as she was. His face was longer. He was growing so fast.
Then he shouted, "Harry, Hermione!" and the little boy was back. He was laughing as he darted around his Gran to meet his friends. She watched as he grabbed up Hermione into a firm hug. As Harry embraced the two of them. At the laughter. Excited speech.
And she was proud.
"Lady Augusta," Harry greeted, assuming correctly that he should address her more formally in public. "I want to thank you for the invitation to join you this summer. But I'm concerned that Dumbledore won't allow it."
Aggie smiled, "He probably wouldn't; if he had any say in the matter. You see Harry, the Governors of Hogwarts have pushed through their recommendation to have any Muggleborn student be assigned a Magical Guardian. Once the list was compiled, including all students already in school, I suggested that your name should be added. Though not Muggleborn, you were Muggle raised. Unfortunately I waited until the summer holiday had begun and Dumbledore was off to wherever it is he goes in summer. He usually remains incommunicado for the duration. Three separate owls were sent by the Ministry to advise him of your change in status. All three returned their letters. So the notices were filed as 'Unable to be Served'. And there was no one to object to my appointment as your Magical Guardian."
Harry was completely overwhelmed. "Ma'am, I don't know what to say except thank you! Thank you so much!"
Aggie frowned, "I was unable to override your Aunt's status as your primary physical guardian."
"That's fine ma'am." As much as Harry wanted to leave the Dursley's forever, he knew he'd have to go back for the next two summers at least. Next summer would be the Quidditch Cup so he wouldn't be there long. And the following…. He needed to be in Little Whinging the following summer. The Dementors. The trial. Beginning to sway members of the Wizengamot away from the Minister.
"Yes, well, come along, much to do." They quickly made their purchases for Neville's third year of school. Then she led the trio back to the Leaky Cauldron. "The Elves will have lunch waiting." Tom helped them load Harry and Hermione's trunks into the Floo as one by one they were sent to the Longbottom Manor.
After an amazing meal laid out by the Longbottoms' Elves, Aggie caught the children's attention. "Just a few things before you run off. Harry, Hermione, you have only been here during the holidays. Summer rules are slightly different. Breakfast will be served promptly at eight. Supper is at six. I ask that you appear for both meals promptly. That your clothing and your selves be clean. Lunch and tea are served daily here or in town. Your dirty laundry should be placed into the baskets in your room. The Elves will return the cleaned items to your bed, where you will be expected to fold and put them away. Once a week, you will need to strip and change your beds, and pull and replace your bath towels."
"During the day you will have free run of the house, the grounds, and the village. You will probably be invited into the homes. I expect that you will be polite and respectful. If you are invited for a formal tea or luncheon, you will need to dress more formally. Harry that means pants and buttoned shirt. Hermione, skirt and blouse. Otherwise, wear whatever you like. Harry several items have been placed in your room for summer wear."
"Thank you Aggie," Harry interrupted.
She paused and took a breath, "Our village has a very different view of Magic and children. Everyone in town is aware of Magic, whether they are Wizard or Muggle. We decided many years ago, to allow children to begin the actual practice of magic once they reach thirteen."
"What about the Ministry?" Harry asked.
"The Ministry cannot actually tell who performs Magic only the location. Therefore in a Magical community such as ours…" she shrugged. "What they don't know won't hurt them. I ask that you keep our secrets as we will keep yours should you choose to share them."
"Lady Augusta."
Aggie smiled, "Aggie, Hermione. And yes I know that you aren't thirteen. But I have convinced the Village Elders that you are mature enough to handle it, therefore you will be allowed to train with the boys."
"Train?" Harry asked.
Aggie nodded, "Starting tomorrow. We have experts in just about every discipline living here. They will make arrangements to train you in the fields you have interest."
Neville cleared his throat, "I've already sent some owls. Uncle Algie is coming in a week to talk to us about Herbology. And Mistress Cordelia, she owns the apothecary in town, she's going to show us potions. Oh and Mr. August, you've both met him, he is an expert in Charms. We'll probably spend a lot of time with him."
Aggie smiled to see them all so excited. "Well then. It should be a busy month."
"Month," Hermione replied. "It would make a busy year! Wow. Thank you Lady…. Aggie."
"Now you have the afternoon free," Aggie said as she rose from the table. "But we have a meeting tonight at five. I've left clothing in your room. Nothing overly fancy."
So much to try to do in a month. Harry was anxious to get started.
X * x * X
Harry glanced in the mirror. Aggie had provided a pair of black dress pants, a long sleeve white shirt, and black dress shoes. The shoes had been a little tight, but one spell from Lotty fixed that.
"Thank you Lotty," Harry said.
"Well don't you look nice," Hermione said from behind him. He turned, she was dressed in a pretty summer dress of white with blue and green flowers and white sandals. Her hair was twisted up onto her head with a blue flower.
"Wow," was all Harry could say. Hermione smiled.
Neville was dressed in dark gray pants and a pale gray shirt. Aggie was in black as usual. She led the way out of the house, into the late afternoon sunshine.
"What's this meeting Gran?" Neville asked.
"Oh just a regular town meeting. I thought it would be good to formally introduce Harry and Hermione to everyone. Come along quickly now. It wouldn't be proper to be late."
Neville glanced to Harry and Hermione who walked hand in hand. Harry shrugged. Neville shrugged back. They made their way to the village center. A large stone building covered in ivy proclaimed itself "Longbottom Village Hall." Aggie strode up the stairs and yanked open the door.
Inside was dark and silent.
Aggie paused for a second, "I don't understand. The meeting was set for five." She stepped in and vanished into the black.
"Gran!" Neville shouted after her. He yanked his wand and stepped through the doorway.
Harry and Hermione both pulled their wands. Harry started to say "Lum…."
"SURPRISE!" The lights came on. Harry stumbled back, stepping in front of Hermione. The hall was filled with people. After blinking the shock away, Harry recognized Neville's relatives, the people from town. People he'd met the last two Christmases. And they began to sing, "Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Neville and Harry! Happy Birthday to you!"
There was a huge sparkling banner along the back wall, wishing them a Happy, Happy Birthday. Dancing multicolored lights along the walls, hanging from the ceiling.
It was a Birthday party. A surprise party. For them.
It took Harry a minute to compose himself. Neville's eyes were wide and his chin trembled. Hermione's eyes blinked rapidly and she squeezed his hand tight.
Then they were swarmed. Harry was hugged, his hand shook, his cheek kissed, his hair tousled, his back slapped. He was told he was growing so tall, so handsome, so strong. All with Hermione firmly attached to his side. She was glowing and smiling as compliments were heaped on her as well. So beautiful. So intelligent, they'd heard. Harry glanced over to Neville frequently and saw he was also being praised.
The food was amazing. A long buffet with chicken, ham, beef, potatoes, corn and beans, rolls. One huge cake with thirteen candles for them to blow out together. Candy, cakes, cookies, sweets of a hundred different varieties. Fizzy drinks in different flavors. (Harry found he loved cherry, Hermione favored the vanilla.)
Music and laughter. Conversations with cousins and town kids. Meeting the newest little ones. Reconnecting. Talking to the elders about things to study in the coming weeks. Dancing. Yep. He danced with Hermione. A few slow songs. More fast ones. With a few other girls. Even with one toddler. But mostly with Hermione in his arms.
It was by far his best birthday ever.
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