Okay, time for the ACTUAL first installment of this collection fic.
This is going to be straight forward fic, set in an alternate world after of the Battle of Hogwarts. With that there are also going to some changes in the canon of the series which will be show in the story itself. In this installment, it will be more of an expositional telling that will be going through the events leading up to where they are.
So with that, I hope that you enjoy.
Disclaimer: Everything mentioned is the creation of Ms. J.K. Rowling. I am just merely a Fan Fic creator that is putting his own spin on it.
3rd POV
12 Grimmauld Place, Borough of Islington, London
When one thinks of the place called 12 Grimmauld Place, most of the time you'll hear people say it to be a non-existent place; a small group of people believe it to be a house full of darkness where birthed the most evil of people; a minority of that group know it to be such and a headquarters to a group of fighters. And while all of these statements are true in their own ways (twisted or otherwise) its current usage is done by two people who call it another thing entirely; home.
Lying in the lounge are the forms of two people wouldn't look out of place if they were seen walking the streets in civilian clothing, nor would they be pointed out in a crowd for anything other than the closeness that they share. Besides that, you have the standard piece of a man and a woman sharing a couch where the lady is laying her head on the man's right shoulder with intertwined hands and both putting their attention on a large screen.
As for the notion of who they are, this couple goes by the names of Harry James Potter for him and Hermione Jean Granger for her; a loving couple that wield the arcane energy known as magic. The same type of mysticism that goes hand in hand with the house they occupy given that magic itself is a thing kept as a secret to the minute detail; all the while being kept in society that hides both in the public and private, but mostly the latter. The couple is also held at heroes given their previous exploits.
About a few months ago, the world of Magical Britain saw the ending to a war that had been going on for almost two and a half decades. A faction of wizards and witches following ideals similar to racism led by a man calling himself Voldemort; committing war crime levels of actions across the UK, all in the name of "Pure Blood" ways. Facing these people were those brave enough to stand up and fight composing of those who abhorred the notions; key above all is a group of people called "The Order of the Phoenix" led by a highly placed man named Albus Dumbledore.
For Harry and Hermione they were part of the latter group who lived their Young Adult and Teen years contributing to stop the war. During that time they spent it in the magical school of Hogwarts where it had been an adventure on its own. Currently, they are more or less reminiscing about the years gone by; the good and the bad.
1 September, 1991
Hogwarts Express
Harry shares a compartment with his then friend, Ron Weasley; whilst still reeling in the notion of his parents and his knowing of him being a wizard. As he tries the treats off the trolley, Ron started off his attempt at a spell one of his older brothers' taught him which is where Hermione comes in. With the query of seeing a toad she saw the attempted magic which resulted in absolutely nothing. Following that she came right in and castes a spell which fixed the broken nose piece of Harry's glasses. After he took them off, she immediately recognized who he is; but he lets out a sigh of discomfort.
"Oh," The bushy haired girl comments minutely. "You're not a fan of your fame?"
"Given that I only learned of it and of magic last month, not really." Harry answered back.
"Sorry." The girl apologized back. "I'm actually more surprised by meeting the person who has so many books with his name on them. But I'm being rude, I'm Hermione; Hermione Granger." With this introduction she holds out a hand to which he takes and firmly shakes.
With that started the roller coaster of a friendship
1 November 1991
Hogwarts School
It's amazing what one day can change. For Harry and Hermione, that day came from yesterday's Halloween. On said holiday, Hermione had unfortunately gotten in the path of a troll that got into the school. But with a little help from a determined Harry Potter and a reluctant Ron Weasley, she had been saved. The following morning during breakfast, the bookworm walked over to the bespectacled boy.
"Harry, can I talk to you alone?" Hermione asked him.
"Sure Hermione." Harry answered her.
The pair walks out of the hall to a secluded place where Hermione starts to tell him, "I never really got the chance but I want to thank you for saving me from the troll yesterday."
"You're welcome, Hermione." Harry answers back. "I know that I can't speak for Ron's actions, but you don't deserve that kind of treatment."
From there the duo starts to talk about their lives as if they had been friends for years instead of mere months.
Late May 1992
Hogwarts School
Having gone through trials involving a Cerberus, Devils Snare, winged keys, a wizarding chessboard sized for giants which Ron had taken a nasty fall; Harry Potter and Hermione Granger stand in a room that consists of a plethora of potions, a riddle, and two different colored fires which block the ways. The bookworm had already gone to work solving the riddle with Harry holding the one to move forward and Hermione holding the one to head back. Before taking a drink, Harry tells her to get help as well as get Ron to safety.
"You'll be okay Harry; you're a great wizard, you really are." Hermione said to Harry as the pair of them has an individual potion bottle in hand.
"I'm not a good as you Hermione." Harry threw back.
"Me? Books and cleverness; there are more important things." Hermione counter argued. "Friendship and Bravery; those are the things that you have given me and I hold dear. So please, be careful Harry." All of a sudden, she leaned over and kissed his cheek before taking a gulp of the potion and heading out.
Harry on the other hand did not follow right after; he stood still for a few seconds from the shock of her move. Given that it pretty much is the very first time he's ever come in contact to any sort of compassion. Regardless of that he gives off a smile and downs the small bottle of a potion and walks towards the other set of flames.
31 July 1992
Diagon Alley, London
Walking out of Knockturn Alley, Harry walks alongside Hagrid after getting out of a dodgy situation. After passing a few shops, walking towards them is a girl with the ever familiar bushy brown hair. Stopping in front of them she went right towards the fellow classmate with a tight hug. Ever since stopping Voldemort last term, the duo had been visiting each other over the summer; much to the reluctance of the Dursleys. In the times they visited, they did their homework as well as talk about their lives. After the greets, Hermione once more takes the time in repairing his glasses which had the lenses crack from the floo travel. Following soon after, Hagrid takes his leave and the pair head towards Flourish & Blotts; unknowing to them, their hands slowly started to move towards each other.
Mid-October 1992
Hogwarts School
Coming out of the DADA class, the trio walked out with one third starting to fume up in anger. The reason for this anger came from the class itself; more specifically, the lacking knowledge and utter bollocks that happened. A Gilderoy Lockhart led class that started with a flashy introduction, followed by a pop quiz about him, giving a warning about creatures under a cloak, removing said cloak to show Cornish Pixies, releasing them, and then leaving it all to the dubbed Golden Trio. After shooting a spell which froze them and stuffing the creatures back in the cage. They leave with Hermione having a new perspective on the newest teacher; mainly the areas of hate.
Thankfully, the explosion of her vitriol for the man had been halted to a degree as Harry grabs her hand. Looking over to him, Hermione gives off a smile as the Golden Trio head on to the next class.
Early May 1993
Hogwarts School
"I warn you, this could be a wee bit of a shock." The Transfiguration professor says to the two Gryffindor 2nd years as she leads them into the hospital wing.
Walking three beds down, the truth in her warning comes to fruition as they see the newest victim of petrification. Lying down in the bed with her right arm up and a look of horror on her face is the one person that they didn't want to see…Hermione Granger.
"She was found near the Library…along with this." McGonagall explained to the two as she picks up a hand held mirror. "Does it mean anything to either of you?"
Giving their no, Harry slowly lifts his hand and grasps the raised hand. From the many times that Harry has held one of these hands that come with the comforting warmth, this time all he feels is a cold hand frozen in time.
Early July 1993
Hogwarts School
With the end of the school year feast just coming underway, the week before hand saw the victims of the now known basilisk attack were now starting to be revived. Harry is currently chatting among the fellow house mates with only one person mainly being on his mind.
"Harry," The raven haired boy whips his head to Neville's call. "It's Hermione!" As the fellow year mate tells him, it is made with a pointed look towards the entrance where Harry looks to see his dearest friend smiling brightly.
As he gets up from his seat, Hermione starts to book it down the aisle and meets with Harry in a crushing hug. All the while, they start to feel the return of the comforting warmth that the both of them had missed for nearly a month.
Late July 1993
Leakey Cauldron, London
Having come from a horrendous time at his relatives and head off last night; Harry looks out his room window with a wonder of what is going to happen after this year. And after he had tangled with the new Care for Magical Creatures book (of which it is alive and it made an attempt to bite him); he took himself out of the room only to find a ginger cat running by while chasing a very familiar brown rat. Following the feline chasing the rodent, the direction leads to the dining area where he sees Ron grasping the rat Scabbers while shouting at Hermione who is holding the ginger cat. Whilst shouting at one another (throwing names at one another's pet) Harry quietly walk down the stairs to which Hermione had her back to and Ron noticed him coming down seconds later to which the bookworm turns around and gave off a bright smile.
Coming down the stairs, Harry walks over to Hermione and the pair gave each other a kiss on the cheek; a recent greeting that the two of them have been doing over the summer holiday, something that Ron found at first seeing it.
25 December 1993
Hogwarts School
A third year of enjoying the winter holiday at Hogwarts, this time Hermione had made the decision of staying at the school; a move that Harry happily enjoyed. Waking up in the morning of Christmas, Harry came down to see Hermione sitting in her usual spot on the couch in front of the lite fireplace with book in hand and he takes the chance of the empty seat. After taking the spot, it takes her attention away from her book to him which receives a smile and grab of the hand as she snuggles into his shoulder. The moment lasts for a few more minutes till Ron comes loudly down the stairs at which point the two disconnect. After the morning greetings, the three get to the presents which ends with a rather familiar shaped gift; a broom. Unwrapping the gift showed to be broom built to a top notch level. Fully shown, Ron immediately recognized it as a Firebolt; a newly made company and product that very few were even to have.
While the red head had pretty much become over the moon, Harry and Hermione took a more cautious side. Hermione had come to the conclusion that Sirius Black thus suggested that it be taken to be check for curses. Before Harry could say anything, Ron just went off on her; more so about the Firebolt ending up destroyed. Getting between them (both physically and verbally), Harry stops the young Weasley brother and goes to set the situation; taking her side on this in terms of his safety. Ron on the other hand, did not take it well as he get up and stomps out of the common room. Back to the duo, they took the broom and headed out to their head of house.
Late May 1994
Hogwarts School
After landing the free Hippogriff into the entrance square, the trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Sirius Black get off the creatures back where Hermione stayed behind with Buckbeak while Sirius took his godson Harry to the side where they started talking about the teen wanting to live with him. The wrongful convict said that he would more than gladly do so but with his situation, that unfortunately would have to come at another time. They shared a moment of family time before Sirius gave a bit of advice.
"Do yourself a favor Harry." The dog animagus started to tell him. "Make your move on that girl soon. If there is anyone in the world of magic that deserves happiness, besides me; it is definitely you. So when the time comes, ask her."
"Thanks Sirius." Harry answers back.
With that the man walked back to the Hippogriff with Harry in tow. Right after he mounts Buckbeak he turns his attention to the bushy brown haired girl and tells her, "You really are the brightest witch of your age."
'Don't I know it Sirius, don't I know it.' Harry internally agreed.
The duo watches the man take off on the creature with the male half being internally happy.
Early August 1994
the Burrow, St. Ottery Catchpole
Any opportunity to leave the Dursleys became something that Harry took at the fastest moment he could. This is why he currently is spending his time at the Weasley household, in preparation to the invite he received for the Quidditch World cup. Along with himself, Hermione had also been brought along which he had been more than happy for. In the time he had spent in the house, a majority got spent alongside his female friend that he had been growing closer to; at the same time he kept running Sirius' advice at the end of the last school year. Maybe – just maybe – there is some truth to those words.
Early December 1994
Hogwarts School
Coming out of a hall type room; the Gryffindor students from 3rd year and older came out of the announcement/lesson about the Yule Ball and the intended dance that came with it. As for the trio, there were two mind sets running about; one person started internally panicking while the other two were each focusing on a singular person. As the trio started to move along and ending up at the common room; Harry turned to his male mate and asked for some privacy, to which the youngest Weasley brother gave. Taking a seat at the fireside couch, Hermione shows a look of confusion as Harry starts off.
"I know that this is a little early to ask but…" Harry takes a slow breath before asking. "Will you please be my date for the ball?"
"Oh Harry, for a friend I'd be more than happy to." Hermione answered back.
"See that's the thing…" Harry said back. "I don't want us to go as friends, and I was wondering if you want to make it something more; and keep making it a thing after the ball?"
This stops the bookworm in her tracks as she comes to the conclusion of his query. The years that had passed had her see the man written in fiction is something that is dearest of friends; as well as becoming something far more caring, especially in most recent years. Now seeing this young before her asking her to practically be his girlfriend; the answer she gives first is a smile before launching herself at him. Slamming her lips on to his as the force of her action throws him into the seating cushions. Harry at first becomes still by the action before returning the kiss.
In their minds the thought of rightness permeates as the feeling of bliss fills in the rest.
24 December 1994
Hogwarts School
Outside the entrance hall of the Scottish magical school, people started to file in with gowns or dress robes for a night of frivolity. For three pairs and a single man, they were waiting for their entrance later on as they were Tournament champions. For the singular man, Harry had been getting a little nervous as he waits for his date. McGonagall noticed this and asked what the problem is. He tells her about the nerves that he feels in worry for his date. Just as he tells her this; a woman of unexplainable beauty – as if an ethereal being had graced the people – made her appearance known at the top of the stairs.
With his back turned towards the said flight, the French champion's sight goes upwards as she speaks to the raven haired Gryff, "Monsieur, I suggest you look behind you."
Turning around, the hinges of his jaw seemed to have come loose as the woman starts coming down the stairs. She wears a dress of periwinkle blue that shows trestles that go down the sides of the skirt, light clothes that drape on either shoulder, and a plunge that shows a little cleavage. All the while the woman's face is framed by curled strands of brown hair with the rest being done up towards the back which leaves little to no hindrance of her beauty. If anyone were to not know her personally, they would have mistaken her as a student of either Beauxbatons or Durmstrang. However, this young lady is none other than Hermione Jean Granger.
Seeing his shocked state, she asks him with a cheeky smile, "Cat got your tongue Harry?"
Snapping his jaw shut, he composes himself as he answered with, "More of a beautiful lioness, madam." Holding up his arm he asks her. "Shall we?"
"Of course good sir," Hermione answered back as she loops her own arm in to his as they take their place.
Later in the night
After a ménage of dances from both the orchestral group and the Weird Sisters, the Gryffindor pair gets off the dance floor with Harry getting a set of drinks and Hermione finding a random spot to sit at. Minutes later, Harry walks over to his date to find a rather nasty situation. Ron Weasley had decided to come up to Hermione with an angry expression. Given that the ginger had been turned down by Hermione in the harshest way, it looks as if he decided to vent on her.
"Excuse me!" Harry interjected him before the red head could make the situation turn even sourer as he hands one of the cups to Hermione. "Is there any particular reason as to why you are lashing out on MY date?" The answer he received came as slurry of blame thrown at him and Hermione for several reasons; main reason above all is that he says they betrayed him in doing this behind his back. "Ron, who I choose as a date for events like this do not require your input. Moreover, who I choose as someone to spend my time with has nothing to do with your decision. I asked Hermione based on MY decision; so I suggest you get back to your date and drop the pettiness." With that the ginger stomps off, again.
"Thanks for that." Hermione says to him in gratitude.
With the negativity now out of their way they spend the rest of the evening in a happy mood with little – if any – problems breaking their mood.
Okay, I realized that at this point that I made more than a chapter's worth of material. So with that, this installment will continue in the next upload. I know that sucks but that unfortunately is how it is.
But beyond that I hope that you've all enjoyed.
If you'd like, add this to your alerts and/or favorite, and (again if you'd like to) leave a review.
For now, this is MM2013, signing off.