40-A Different Summer

As expected, neither Hermione nor Harry had any problems with the exams. Both theory and practice were easy for them after studying so seriously. Speaking of that, Sirius felt very proud for them both, hearing the other teachers mentioning them as the best students for quite a long time. He felt as if they were both his children, although he was only Harry's godfather and had no relation to Hermione. He was even thinking of claiming the magical guardianship for her, not fully trusting the headmaster, who took this position for all muggle-born students by default. This had to wait for the summer vacation, though. As a teacher, the end of term was quite a hectic time for him without looking for some more burdens.

Harry still felt very apprehensive, even when boarding the train to London for the summer. He knew that Hermione intended to join him each night and he knew she intended them both to stay naked. How could he do that with his body so out of control? Any way he looked at it, it didn't seem good. Would she accept sleeping with only their knickers on? It would protect him from inadvertently going too far; protect her, actually. It wouldn't prevent some wet dreams, and he wasn't supposed to use any magic on vacation. Well, he could do it wandlessly. He'd already found out that the Ministry couldn't detect it. But would Hermione agree? She might tease him for chickening out; she might think him less worthy for losing his courage in face of… What, actually?

At least he had a few more days to contemplate it, as Hermione secretly told him, "I've got my period. It started just before we left the dorms. Luckily, I was ready for it."

While other boys would have probably been appalled by hearing her, Harry had been aware of her periods for most of the school year. It still made him uncomfortable, occasionally, but that was just another aspect of Hermione. In a way it was no worse than other body functions that are not normally talked about, yet are mentioned in one way or another when talking with friends or family.

\/\/\/

The train ride was peaceful. Draco Malfoy seemed to have lost most of his animosity since losing his father. As far as Harry knew, Draco sat throughout the train ride in his own compartment, with only Pansy for company. Crabbe and Goyle hadn't even returned to school after losing their fathers. According to Daphne, the balance in the Slytherin common room was shifting to the more pragmatic faction, the one that didn't care about ancestry and only cared about power, influence and money, regardless their source. Harry didn't think these were worthy goals, but he was in no position to judge, really.

Luckily, they weren't left alone for most of the ride. Their friends came and went, spending some time in that compartment before going to look for other friends. Being so busy, Harry had no time to dwell on what was bothering him. When they reached London he noticed that he didn't spend any time thinking of his "problem" concerning sleeping arrangements. He considered it a blessing.

What was waiting for him when he passed the barrier was much less of a blessing. His aunt was waiting for him there along with his uncle and his cousin, but they all looked agitated and nervous. He soon found why.

"Aunt Marge is coming on another train, due here in half an hour. She's informed us that she found herself a boyfriend and expects this relationship to become much more," she told him.

Harry could easily understand the unspoken message: 'Stay on your best behaviour, keep away from her as much as possible and don't mention anything that might ignite her temper while keeping your cool even if she insults all that's dear to you.' Harry couldn't say that he liked this, but none of the Dursleys seemed to like it either. For the last few years, the relationship between Uncle Vernon and his sister was kept to minimum. She wouldn't have been understanding to the changes in her brother's family. Luckily, she found interest in a much northern region and moved there, along with her dogs. Now it seemed that she might have found a mate as well. Harry wasn't sure what it meant for him, except for a few days (hopefully not more than a few) of extreme annoyance.

"Maybe it would be better if I stay with the Grangers for the duration?" he hopefully suggested.

His aunt shook her head. "No. She specifically asked that we let her boyfriend meet the whole family. I'm sorry, Harry, but that may also mean that Hermione shouldn't visit you while Marge stays with us. That woman seems to have as good a sense of smell as her dogs, and quite good hearing as well. Hermione's presence may cause trouble. Please let her know."

As expected, Hermione didn't like the idea. "I can no longer sleep on my own. I'll just toss and turn the whole night," she complained.

Harry tried to comfort her. "I don't think I'll do any better, and just having that woman in the house is sure to also destroy any good mood. Still, you'd better not come while she stays. Not by magic, at least."

Hermione sighed. "I was looking forward to this vacation with so much anticipation… Well, let's hope she doesn't stay long."

Harry surely agreed with that.

Uncle Vernon was also eager to get rid of his trunk and his owl. "Can't you ask your owl to stay with one of your friends? Marge is allergic to birds. As for your trunk, let's get it out of the way. No need to attract her attention."

Harry opened Hedwig's cage and sent her to spend some time with Hermione, also asking Hermione to take the cage. He then helped Vernon load the trunk into his car. "I hope they don't have much luggage, or they hire their own car," he grumbled. Indeed, with four seats occupied, there was no room for two more, especially since Marge was almost as large as her brother.

Harry still managed to help with Hermione's trunk as well, before waving goodbye at the Grangers and returning with Vernon to the waiting hall.

The train from Lancaster arrived just on time, but they needed to wait for ten more minutes before Marge approached, followed by a tall and wide man who was carrying two large suitcases. Harry tried to hold back a grimace. There was no way these could fit in his uncle's car along with his own trunk. Well, these two people could hardly fit in that car even with no additional passengers.

Looking more closely, he noticed that Marge looked different. She was wearing a dark blue business suit that seemed to fit nicely, and her face didn't seem bloated. Harry was sure that she had lost quite a few stones since he'd last seen her. Her face looked actually nice, with no double chin and without the redness that had usually been there due to her drinking. This also helped make her look younger. She didn't look slim, of course, but had much better proportions than before.

His gaze moved to the man, who was carrying two large suitcases as if they were as light as matchstick boxes. He was quite large, which was perfectly understandable, considering whom he was dating. He was also wearing a business suit, this one in light gray, but a red tie made it look less formal. His facial features were unremarkable, except for a large red mustache which looked almost comical. His short hair was also red, although showing some white strands as well. He exuded a feeling of health, physical power and good nature. Something in the man seemed familiar to Harry but he couldn't see what. He had certainly not met this man before.

Being busy, trying to understand what he felt about this man, he didn't pay much attention to the meeting between the siblings. He then heard Marge talking in a much nicer voice than she used to, "I'd like you all to meet my boyfriend, Benjamin Weasley. He's a chief accountant in the firm I've started working at and he likes to be called 'Ben.'" She turned to the man and continued the introductions. "Ben, this is my brother Vernon, Sales Manager at Grunning; his wife Petunia, nee Evans; their child Dudley and Petunia's orphaned nephew, Harry Potter, who lives with them."

Trying not to lose himself in thoughts again, not to attract undue attention, it took Harry a moment before the name registered – Weasley. This must have been a squib relative of Ron. That was why the man looked familiar. Come to think of that, he wasn't much taller than Ron's eldest brother, if at all, and only slightly wider, which could be contributed to the suite or to exercise. Harry still kept his attention on what was going on. Ben shook hands with Vernon, kissed Petunia's knuckles, which made her giggle, shook hands with Dudley and then took Harry's offered hand to shake. "So, you are Harry Potter? It's very nice to meet you. I hope we can get to know each other better while I stay with your family."

Harry was sure that the man wasn't only referring to the name he'd heard a moment earlier; he was probably referring to the famous Boy-Who-Lived. Harry still smiled politely, "I'm looking forward to that," he said, shaking the man's hand.

Vernon was glancing at the suitcases and seemed confused. "I'm not sure we can all fit..." he started.

Ben stopped him with a hand gesture. "Oh, don't bother. We've already ordered a taxi. I expected your car to be full, and the expense is minimal."

Vernon seemed relieved. "Shouldn't I help you with your luggage?" he offered.

Ben smiled dismissively. "I would feel unbalanced with only one suitcase, and they aren't that heavy, really. I only want to make sure I have your address correctly." He took a paper from his inner pocket and let Vernon read it.

"It's correct. Make sure the taxi uses the main road until reaching Little Whinging. Any other road will only cost you much more," he told Ben.

"I'll pay attention," Ben promised.

\/\/\/

Back on the road, the tension had definitely gone. The three Dursleys looked and acted more relaxed, after noticing the change in Marge and seeing her boyfriend. Harry also felt more relaxed. The Weasley family was quite nice, except for Ron, and he expected this man to be no different. He hoped this would also make Marge nicer. At least it seemed to work that way at the train station.

Petunia started speaking. "It looks like you, boys, will have to share a room for the duration of the visit, since they aren't married, so..."

Vernon didn't let her finish. "Do you think Marge will let that man out of her clutches even for a few hours? I'm sure she'll want him with her."

Petunia huffed. "That's not appropriate!"

Vernon chuckled. "They're both old enough to decide. If they want separate bedrooms, we'll move Harry to Dudley's room. If not, he can have it for himself."

It turned into a non-issue as soon as the taxi arrived, only a few minutes after Vernon parked the car. Ben opened the door to Marge, who seemed much more polite than… ever. He then paid the taxi driver and took the suitcases. "Harry, do you mind showing me the way to the guest room?" He then turned to Petunia, "I assume that's where you want us to stay, based on Marge's stories of her previous visits."

Petunia just nodded and Harry hurried forward to show the way. As they reached the landing of the upper floor, Harry noticed that Ben didn't seem affected by the luggage he was carrying. "You must be really strong to climb these stairs with two suitcases and not even breath quicker," he said admiringly.

Ben chuckled and then looked around before speaking. "Let me tell you a secret. I used feather-light charm on them before leaving for the train. Here, try to lift one."

Indeed, the suitcase was much lighter than even an empty one should be. "So, you're a wizard?"

Ben's smile was full of mischief. "Most of the family thinks I'm a squib. You see, I didn't go to Hogwarts and I like earning my living among muggles, unlike most wizards. I went to school in France and then studied accounting at the Sorbonne, but I'm a fully qualified wizard and I even have mastery at Care for Magical Creatures. That's what made me meet Marge, although she doesn't yet know all the details."

It was now Harry's turn to chuckle. "I think this is going to be an interesting summer."

Ben chuckled as well. "I really hope so."