Disclaimer: It's JKR's not mine.

Following the attack on Diagon Alley Harry and Hermione were placed in their respective beds and given dreamless sleeping draught so that they could stall the horrors of the day for a bit longer. The potion wore off by 4 am Christmas morning and with a jolt, Harry rolled out of bed immediately processing the previous day.

He skipped his typical morning run and let out a hot bath and simply soaked in the warmth of the water, trying to remove some of the chill that had wrapped itself tightly around his heart. After he realized what had actually happened his concern about taking the lives of the two giants paled in comparison to the potential trouble that could come of publicly fighting against Voldemort's combined forces. Harry's thoughts drifted to the law against a militia and he silently prayed no witnesses could place them in the battle specifically.

Meanwhile in Hermione's bathroom the young witch was also taking a bath while she very carefully read a book on the ministry bylaws. While she read the book she also cross referenced the new laws passed by the minister with some contradicting terminology in the constitution of the ministry. As she read she suddenly frowned feeling Harry worry in the back of her mind, before his worry shifted into a bit of a more cunning mindset that intrigued her enough to get out of the comfortable warmth of the tub and investigate what Harry was up to.

Harry had finished his bath and gotten dressed, when he heard the familiar pitter patter of Hermione making her way to his room. He was wearing a soft sweater and a pair of jeans as he grabbed the small boxes he had gotten from Madam Malkin's and removed the shrinking charms he had placed upon them.

Hermione entered the room through the opened door as she was also wearing a soft sweater and jeans but was walking around on the hardwood floors of the manor barefoot. They shared a look that easily conveyed everything they each hadn't deduced from their emotional connection, before Hermione verbalized her concerns, "Do you think the ministry has any idea that we were the ones who stopped the attack from being a massacre yesterday?"

Harry took a deep breath and replied, "Well, seeing as how anyone that was able to see us fight is dead, I don't think the ministry can do anything to us specifically. But, they may start taking action on suspected order members."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully before she glanced at the boxes in Harry's arms and asked, "Is it safe to assume that at least one of those boxes are for me?"

Harry gave her a crooked smile and replied, "Oh, I imagine one of these might be, and maybe some more downstairs." Hermione stuck out her tongue at Harry before she playfully stomped out of the room with Harry right behind bearing gifts.

When they reached the parlor room, which had been converted by Dobby and Winky into a cozy room for Christmas morning Harry and Hermione took the same large chair that Harry had used for reading so frequently during the summer. Hermione curled up in Harry's lap as he wandlessly levitated the remainder of the gifts under the large tree that Sirius had procured from a muggle Christmas tree salesman.

It was still quite early in Black Manor and everyone that would be celebrating in the household was still sleeping aside from the young couple. Harry summoned the book on warding as Dobby fetched them a couple of cups of tea.

After nearly a half an hour quietly reading and waiting for the others, Harry sighed and nuzzled Hermione's neck as he slowly kissed his way up her neck to nibble on her ear. Hermione giggled before Harry moved to her lips and finally she stopped reading and focused her full attention on Harry. After several blissful moments spent kissing each other they slowly separated at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Harry looked up to find a somewhat amused David and Elizabeth as he felt Hermione bury her face in his chest and giggle uncontrollably. Harry smiled and said, "Merry Christmas Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Hermione is currently, um unavailable but she'll be able to talk here in a minute."

David and Elizabeth shared a small chuckle before a beet red Hermione finally extracted herself from Harry's chest and timidly said, "Hello mum and dad; Happy Christmas."

Elizabeth took pity in her daughter and replied, "Merry Christmas you two. I think the mistletoe is over on the other side of the room though." Harry and Dan chuckled before the elder Grangers took their seat next to Harry and Hermione.

Everyone else had sorted into the parlor room shortly after and Sirius was wearing a Santa Clause hat as he had elected himself the official gift herder of the house.

Harry had gotten several interesting and rare books from everyone and the intriguing gift of a certificate to Ollivander's to have a staff made courtesy of Dumbledore.

Hermione had gotten even more books then Harry and the same certificate for a staff from Dumbledore that Harry had received. Sirius had gotten Hermione a book on the history of the Potter family and left a note indicating that Potter men always had a propensity for marrying some of the brightest witches of the age.

As the gifts began to dwindle Sirius floated a pair of gifts to Harry and Hermione with a large smile on his face. Harry and Hermione shared a look before they carefully opened their packages to find a pair of helmets. Harry and Hermione shared a look before Hermione spoke for them both and asked, "Sirius, what are these helmets for?"

Sirius smiled and replied, "Well, I know how much Harry loved riding in my bike, so I contacted some people and we devised a new bike for the two of you to share. It's an old BMW R71 motorcycle that I've outfitted with the fixings. It has amazing protection charms on it and could probably survive a couple of killing curses intact. This bike is to be both of your chance to get away from the troubles of this war. This coming summer you both will be taking the road test to drive it legally on the streets and if the mood strikes fly your bike around. Harry you mean the world to me and Hermione you are a shining light, in the dark world for everyone around you. I know you both think you need to be mature every moment of every day. Well, I'm here to tell you that you don't and this bike gives that freedom without forcing you do it in the constraints of this house or even Hogwarts. Enjoy your teenage years guys because they will be gone in a blink and Voldemort will have stolen something else from you."

Harry and Hermione both stood up and shared a tight and emotional hug with Sirius, both amazed at how perceptive he actually was and also being proactive enough to give them the responsibility and potential privacy such a gift would entail.

After they broke the hug Harry sat back down in their chair with Hermione curling up in his lap. He called for Dobby and Winky and manufactured his gift certificates. He smiled at the pair and said, "Dobby, Winky I got you each a Christmas present."

Dobby stammered, "It is not clothing is it, Harry Potter sir?"

Harry smiled and replied, "No, we don't wish to fire you as you both have done an excellent job. Although we have to discuss giving the both of you a raise of at least a few sickles a week. Actually, the gift I am giving you is a gift certificate to Madam Malkin's. You may get anything you want from Madam Malkin's from this. It is an offer of clothes and I am not forcing you to take anything other than the certificate as a token of my appreciation. Think about using this though because you both could use some clothes for doing stuff besides working here. Think about it ok?"

Dobby and Winky shared big smiles before they attached themselves to Harry's legs and hugged them while they each cried from happiness. After they both vanished with soft pops Hermione gave Harry a deep kiss and said, "You've really made progress with the both of them Harry. They didn't argue about you giving them a raise and after you explained the gift they accepted it without an argument."

Harry smiled and then said, "Now that we've gotten down to the last three gifts, I suppose I should hand them out shouldn't I?"

Hermione gave him a quick kiss on the lips before she nodded like a five year old on Christmas. He chuckled and levitated the gifts to Hermione and her parents. They all looked at him questioningly before Harry explained, "You know I worry about all three of you and I guess if I explain that in more detail it might help." They all nodded and Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck in a show of support.

Harry sighed and continued, "David and Elizabeth, you are Hermione's parents and by proxy will be mine someday. I want our children to have one set of grandparents and then on my side I can contribute a pair of great uncles that know how to have fun." Harry finished with a grin he flashed at both Sirius and Remus whose eyes were twinkling madly.

Harry continued, "Since you both have insisted on being operative for the order I have taken steps to ensure your safety from anything short of the killing curse." Harry waved his hand and their two boxes opened revealing two exquisite and surprisingly stylish dragonhide vests. Harry smiled and replied to their awed expressions, "These vests are made from the hide of the most spell resistant dragon in the world, the Hungarian Horntail. The jackets are charmed to look like normal clothes to all muggles and wizards won't ever see them because they are to worn under your normal clothes. They are also charmed to fit like a second skin to your body. This is my insurance policy that our children have grandparents."

Hermione softly asked, "It's a wonderful gesture Harry, but why do I need a vest, because I'm not an order operative?"

Harry gave his girlfriend and for all intents and purposes other half a patient smile and replied, "Hermione just being my girlfriend opens you up to more inherent danger than your parents will be in. You've already made it clear to me that you will follow me wherever I go so this is my way of giving you more of an edge than those we will be fighting against. Dragonhide vests aren't exactly common, in fact aside from the people in this room I could only think of two other people that might have them. That would be Moody and Albus. Do you understand now why I want to do this for you?"

Hermione smiled and replied, "Yes I do Harry, and I love you so very much for that and a million other reasons." Harry smiled and gave her another kiss before he pulled away and held her tightly to him. After they had cleaned up all of the mess from the various gifts they had received Sirius led them outside and showed everyone the bike that he had gotten them for Christmas. It was really quite stunning and yet had a certain added element of being elegant with and understated style to it, very much like Harry and Hermione in so many ways.

After Sirius handed Harry the keys he winked and quietly spoke to Harry, "After we get you two squared away we are going to go away for a weekend and we'll bring Emmy and Hermione to fill our sidecars. I have a little cabin up by Stranraer and we can just enjoy a little peace and quiet by the water." Harry smiled and nodded before they headed back into the main portion of the house leaving their bikes behind in the heated garage.

Once they reached the entrance hall of the Manor Remus approached them warily and said, "Paddy, Harry we have an order meeting tonight to discuss the attack yesterday and how the ministry is dealing with it." Harry and Sirius nodded before they returned to the parlor room to grab the gifts and begin returning the Parlor room to operating function for an order meeting.

Harry found Hermione up in the library as she was doing some research on the dragonhide suits Harry had gotten her and her parents. He smiled as she was doing just as he expected, intently reading a book on the various uses of dragonhide.

Harry put his hands on Hermione's shoulder and softly said, "Did you have a good Christmas?"

Hermione turned into his hands and it became a hug before she said, "It was the best Christmas I've ever had. How about you?"

Harry arched his eyebrow and softly replied, "Not that I have a lot of Christmas' to compare this to, but I would have to say it has been my best Christmas too."

Hermione made a sad sound and buried her face in Harry's shoulder before he felt her tears soak into his sweater. He gently pulled her back and wiped the few lingering tears on her face before he said, "Of all of the people I know, you are the one that did the most to get me out of the Dursleys. Let's not concentrate on the past anymore ok love? We'll just worry about making more memories like the one we made today." Hermione made a soft smile and then gave him a peck on the lips before she returned to her book.

Harry joined her in her reading and even pointed things out about her dragonhide suit as they made their way through the book in a few hours. Harry had found that reading with Hermione had caused his own reading to speed up and that he retained more now than he had in the past. They both felt the warmth and acceptance they felt for each other as they finished the book and made their way down to the dining room to have an early dinner before the order meeting.

After their dinner they shuffled into the parlor room which had been completely transformed aside from the large decorated tree still in the corner nearest to Harry and Hermione's seats. Hermione curled up on Harry's lap into a position that they both were becoming confident was the most comfortable position for both of them. When they finally finished the book on warding, Harry was confident he could keep the wards at Hogwarts in working order and perhaps even improve the ones in existence. For the first time in quite a while the voice in Harry's head made an appearance and spoke to him about warding against the dark mark to keep deatheaters out of Hogwarts.

Harry turned to Hermione his head swimming with the possibilities before he said, "Hermione what do you think about creating a ward to discriminate against the dark mark?"

Hermione turned in Harry's lap so that she would be looking directly into Harry's eyes before she asked, "What about Professor Snape?"

Harry sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He finally replied, "I like Professor Snape. In fact, I like him more than I'd have ever thought possible. But, if we could protect the castle from confirmed deatheaters isn't that worth the sacrifice?"

Hermione scrunched her nose up showing her disgust at having the conversation before she reluctantly nodded and said, "We should talk to Dumbledore and Professor Snape about this and get their thoughts on the matter. If this goes through we'll have a new potions professor for the second term and just in time for OWL revisions." Harry nodded showing he wasn't any happier with the thought of losing one of his few allies in the school but willing to make the sacrifice for the overall safety of the school.

The room filled up and everyone tool their normal seats around the table, but to the surprise of almost everyone Dumbledore arrived via the FLOO with a face neither Harry or Hermione thought they'd see again, Viktor Krum.

Dumbledore motioned the Bulgarian seeker to a seat next to him before he started the meeting and Fawkes chirped his approval. Albus smiled down the table at Harry and Hermione who had the decency to finally sit in different chairs for the first time that day.

Finally, content with the state of the room the old wizard spoke, "There is much to discuss tonight but I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas in the care of loved ones. The attack yesterday at Diagon Alley has led to some unfortunate movements by the ministry against our organization that will limit us greatly in our current capacity. We will no longer be able to fight in the open and our primary focus will be gathering information. Do not get me wrong, those that fought in Diagon Alley have done everyone a great service, but the present minister of magic is currently in a state that he views anything not perpetrated by the ministry as a threat. Do not despair because I have it on good account that better times are ahead at the ministry. Not in the near future but by the time summer comes I believe we will be in much better position to deal with Tom and his followers. For now why don't we allow those that fought at Diagon Alley to describe the attack. I believe Remus can do the job admirably am I correct?"

Remus glanced at everyone else who had fought at Diagon Alley and they each gave him smiles of reassurance before he stood and addressed the room. "Yesterday evening Sirius, Emmeline, Tonks, and I were escorting Harry and Hermione to Diagon Alley so that they could finish the last bit of their Christmas shopping. We first stopped at Flourish and Bott's and afterwards we split up with Harry along with Sirius and Emmeline going to Madam Malkin's to pick up some gifts Harry had preordered. Tonks and I escorted Hermione to the Magical Menagerie and the owl emporium to pick up some gifts for her and Harry's familiars. Harry had finished his business at Madam Malkin's when he heard the approach of the Giant's coming from the distance outside of Diagon Alley. He had everyone out in the streets and in the stores moved to safety sites in the stores before the battle began. Harry engaged the 20 giants while Sirius and Emmeline were pushed back by deatheaters towards the rest of us."

Remus' eyes flashed towards Harry and with a shake of his head he continued, "Harry screamed out that an attack was underway and Hermione helped organize the other half of the alley to get to safety. There were eight aurors on duty patrolling the alley when we started the evacuation and they aided us before we finally were confronted with the mass of the deatheaters. Harry had dispatched of the giants when Hermione had been knocked out by Lucius Malfoy. Harry saw what was happening and apparated next to him and cut of his wand hand with a cutting hex. Harry also indicated he used a permanent cauterizing charm making it impossible to fix his stump of a wand hand with magic." The entire group save those that Harry was close to gasped in surprise of Harry doing something so seemingly cruel.

Remus shook his head at their expressions and continued, "Malfoy apparated away and the battle with the deatheaters had nearly wound down when a deatheater shot of the dark mark and the dementors swooped in. Harry and Hermione tandem cast their patroni and it was amazing. They actually killed thirty dementors with their patroni. The dementors retreated and we apparated away before the ministry could arrive. As it was, the eight aurors that helped us were killed in the battle. So, I find it unlikely that we could be specifically placed at the battle other than as the people who helped evacuate the alley."

Albus eyed Harry and asked, "Harry, why did you take such drastic measures against Lucius Malfoy?"

Harry looked at the headmaster incredulously and replied, "What would you have preferred sir? Should I have captured him and allow him to claim he was under imperius again? No I think Lucius was fortunate I didn't do more to him. He was prepared to kill Hermione and under no circumstances will that happen if I can do anything to stop it."

Albus nodded before he motioned for Remus to continue, "From our estimations we had captured nearly 70 of the 100 deatheaters that were attacking while Harry had killed two giants and captured the other 18 on his own." There were a few gasps from people like Molly while Hagrid looked at Harry wearily before Harry reassured him with a small smile. Remus continued, "Harry and Hermione destroyed thirty dementors leaving about 270 dementors left in existence. I highly doubt they will attempt anything anytime soon with that knowledge fresh in their group."

Albus frowned and nodded before he said, "The troubling news I spoke of earlier involves the issuing of arrest warrants for suspected order members. The warrants are for me, Sirius, Remus, Dedalus, Severus, and Emmeline. I must impress upon all of you that I've mentioned that we must remain out of sight until these warrants can be cleared up." Albus straightened and added, "The news tonight has been a mixture of good and bad and I would like to conclude with some good news. I have recruited Mr. Krum here as a member of the order as he is to recruit and start a chapter of the order at Durmstrang to prevent rampant recruitment from the school." Everyone nodded before Albus concluded, "I believe there are some that wish to speak with me after the meeting so I call this meeting to a close."

Harry and Hermione made their way over to Dumbledore and made sure to motion Snape over as well. Harry addressed the two wizards, "We have finished the book on wards and I have come forward with a proposal that thanks to your announcement tonight will be considerably easier to institute."

Albus peered down his glasses and asked, "What is this proposal you speak of Harry?"

Harry smiled faintly and replied, "I plan on creating a ward for the school repelling or expelling any deatheaters to keep their influence free from the castle. If Umbridge is truly a deatheater it will be the easiest way to remove her and she will have no idea why she has been expelled from the castle. I regret to say it would prevent Professor Snape from teaching at Hogwarts once the ward is constructed but I have actually come up with a solution for that during the meeting. That is if he'd be interested."

Snape arched his eyebrow and said, "I am listening Potter."

Harry smiled and said, "I believe that I have access to some unplottable Potter family properties and I propose that you go into potions research full-time for the order. I would of course foot the bill for your supplies while you research things such as a cure to lycanthropy or repairing the effects of over exposure to the cruciatus curse. Do you accept sir?"

Snape had a genuine smile on his face as he answered, "It would be a pleasure Mr. Potter."

Albus looked contemplative for a moment before he said, "I believe it is likely Horace Slughorn will replace Professor Snape in his permanent absence. He will be a valuable tool if you use him properly Harry. It will take some time to develop such a ward but I have the utmost confidence that with Hermione's help you will complete the task with ease. Was that all you wished to discuss?"

Harry nodded and turned back to Snape and said, "I'll have the paperwork pushed through and I'll have the necessary funds placed in an account for you so that you can start your work before the New Year." Snape smiled and nodded before Albus joined him in the FLOO and they vanished in a flash of green fire after a mumbled destination.

The remainder of the break was spent developing the anti-deatheaters ward for the castle and Harry feverishly getting Snape settled into a small country cottage he owned in Ireland that suited the potion masters needs quite nicely, especially while he was a fugitive of the law.

Harry and Hermione also found the time to test their dueling skills against all takers and they quickly found that Harry was easily the best dueler of the group with a lethal combination of power and knowledge thanks to Hermione's work ethic.

After they dueled alone they moved on to dueling with partners. Initially Remus and Tonks were the best team but as Hermione continued to grow into her massive upgrade in magic, Hermione and Harry quickly became nearly unbeatable as a pair.

As their magic became nearly unbeatable the adults of the house decided it was time to teach the young couple some simple self defense techniques if their magic ever failed them. They broached the subject at breakfast two days before their return to Hogwarts.

Harry was sipping on some tea and reading the prophet as Hermione was leaning her head on his shoulder and reading along with him.

Sirius came down into the dining room and said, "Hey you two, we have a different kind of training for you two today."

Harry glanced back and asked, "What are we doing today Paddy?"

Sirius smiled and replied, "We are going to be teaching you both some beginners self defense. I know you are both beyond any of us aside from Dumbledore magically so we need to prepare you in case you find yourselves unable to use your magic. This summer we might do some weapon training. I have it on good account that Harry has a sword with his name on it back at the castle."

Harry arched his eyebrow before comprehension dawned on his face, "You mean Gryffindor's sword?"

Sirius chuckled and replied, "Yes I'm sure Albus told you that only a true Gryffindor could pull the sword from the hat. Well it's true kiddo; your family is descendant from Gryffindor himself."

Harry just shook his head and with a wry smile he replied, "Of course we are." Hermione giggled and they entered the training room to see the predatory looks all of the adults were giving them. By the end of the day it was a rather bruised and battered couple that wearily made their way out of the training room. They had each learned a lot about defending yourself in a fight and even the adults were impressed with the progress they made in their first day of the new training.

Harry looked around and gave Hermione a deep kiss before he smiled at her slightly dazed expression and asked, "Would you like to take a bath with me?"

Hermione gasped and replied, "Harry, I don't think I'm ready for that quite yet."

Harry's face grew serious and he added, "I never said we would be naked. I'll be wearing some trunks and you can wear whatever you want. I just wanted to relax with you." Hermione smiled and nodded and they parted, planning on meeting in Harry's large bath tub a few minutes later.

The next thing they knew they were back on the train weary of the semester ahead. Harry still had work to do on the deatheater ward so they both knew they would have to do their best to survive the assaults of Umbridge. Little did they know just how bad it was going to be once they returned to the castle they loved so much.

A/N: Please review. There was Harry's first real Christmas with family. I hope you all enjoyed it. Tell me what you think of Sirius' gift for Harry and Hermione. For some reason I can see Hermione riding in a motorcycle. Thanks for reading and keep up the great reviews.