Chapter 1:
AN: Hey guys, here it is, the first chapter! This one will be a bit slow and builds the overall story a bit. I'm trying not to rush things and build the Harry/Hermione relationship a bit before turning it more Dom/sub in later chapters. Hope you enjoy, let me know what you think and review!
Harry Potter was staring at the ceiling above him, while in his bed in the Gryffindor dormitories. It had been two days after the battle at the Department of Mysteries and the full effect of the events was on his mind.
No Cruciatus curse could make him hurt the way he was now. But aside from that there was something else shooting through his body. Pure anger.
He could still not believe the full extent of Headmaster Dumbledore's actions and secrets. The prophecy, the lies and the feeling that everything he had ever been told was a lie. And still, after all that, the headmaster wanted him to go back to the Dursley's for summer.
He felt so betrayed and angry, yet at the same time deflated and sad.
Seeing his godfather Sirius Black fall through the Veil and disappearing for good had broken something inside the young teenager. An important part of him was missing more than ever before, namely family. This hollow gap inside him was made even worse when he thought back and realized how his best friend, Hermione Granger, had been seriously hurt by some dangerous purple spell during the battle.
Letting out a deep sigh he slowly sat up and put on his shoes. Getting up, he quickly walked down the stairs of Gryffindor tower, ignoring everyone looking at him, and went through the portrait hole. Every pair of eyes within the castle had been on him the past two days he noticed. Mainly the fact that the Daily Prophet had published a lengthy article about what happened at the Ministry, Voldemort being back and Harry defeating him had caused this.
Almost blindly he walked to the Hospital Wing on the other side of the castle. He vaguely remembered Madam Pomfrey mentioning that today Hermione would be released from the Hospital Wing and he needed to be there.
A feeling of guilt was nagging at him and he halted right before the doors of the Hospital Wing. Taking a few deep breaths, he tried to clear his mind a bit so he could hide his feelings before entering the room. Recently he noticed he hid his feelings more and more to everyone, not wanting to let them see how angry, hurt and guilty he felt.
Opening the huge doors to the Hospital Wing, Harry quickly made his way to the very last bed on his right side. Here Hermione was sitting on the edge of her bed, with her back towards him. Slowly and a little nervous he approached.
Just when he reached her bed, Hermione turned her head and to Harry's surprise treated him with a big smile.
"I knew you were coming." Hermione said and slowly stood up from her bed.
Harry was surprised how well she looked. "I see Madam Pomfrey worked her magic again?" He said with a bit of a shaky voice.
Hermione nodded. "I'm feeling a little sore but loads better than two days ago. Madam Pomfrey said I should be back to normal in a few days, besides a little scar where the spell hit me."
Hermione took a few moments to look at her best friend. Of course Harry had tried to mask his feelings and had his expression covered in a passive mask, but Hermione could see right through that. Her heart ached when she thought about everything Harry had to go through.
"Want to go sit by the lake for a bit?" Hermione asked, knowing Harry would want to avoid crowded places now that everyone was talking about him.
Harry nodded and without saying a word flung Hermione's bag around his shoulder. He tried to offer her a little smile, but he realized it must have looked incredibly forced.
Sitting under one of the many big trees surrounding the big lake, Harry and Hermione sat in silence.
He notices she was looking at him every now and then, looking like she wanted to say something. He realized how well Hermione knew him, which didn't really help since it only increased the guilt he felt for her getting injured.
"I know it sounds stupid, given all that happened two days ago, but how are you feeling Harry?" Hermione said, biting her lip. She could no longer keep herself from asking.
Harry frowned and looked in the distance. "I'm okay Hermione." Came out after a few moments of silence.
Hermione shuffled a little closer to Harry and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know you're not okay Harry, I can see right through your mask. You have every right not to be okay, you've been through hell." She said softly, hoping she wouldn't anger Harry.
"I'm not the one who got hurt Hermione." Was the response she received.
Hermione sighed. "Yes you did Harry. Losing Sirius, discovering the truth behind Dumbledore's plans, I can't imagine how that feels."
Harry looked at his friend. She was right, she really could see right through him. He knew how important she was to him. More important than Ron was to him these days, he realized. He hadn't heard from his redhead friend ever since getting back to Hogwarts after the battle at the Ministry.
"I'm here for you Harry, I hope you know that." Hermione said, interrupting his train of thoughts.
"But you got hurt Hermione. You got hurt because of me." Harry almost whispered.
Hermione's eyes went wide. "You don't blame yourself for what happened to me do you?"
Harry's silence was more than enough of an answer for her. She knew he thought his actions had been the reason for her injury.
"Harry, promise me you don't blame yourself for that! The only ones who are to blame for this are Voldemort and his stupid followers." She said grabbing Harry by the arm.
Harry shrugged. Deep down he knew she was probably right, but still he blamed himself a lot.
"I feel safe when I'm with you Harry, you're an amazing wizard and if I could do it over, I would follow you to the Ministry again." Hermione said in a sad whisper.
Harry looked at her and couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed. "How can you feel safe around me Hermione, I am the reason you were in the Hospital Wing. Besides that, you are way smarter than me."
Hermione chuckled a little, surprising Harry. "Again Harry, the only ones to blame are Voldemort and his followers. And yes I am smart, but books are not everything Harry. You are a way better and stronger person and wizard than I could ever be a witch."
For a second both pair of eyes met, and time seemed to slow down for both teenagers. Harry stared into Hermione's brown eyes and thought about what she just had said. He didn't agree completely with her but knowing that she didn't blame him for her injury took away some of his worries.
He let out a sigh and stretched his legs. "Thanks Hermione. I just don't know what to do, everything that people have ever told me about Voldemort and myself has been a lie and it looks like the upcoming war will come down to me. I just want people to be straight with me and to make my own choices for once."
Hermione looked at him. She heard the bitterness in his voice and knew he had every right to be fed up with all the adults lying to him. But she also knew that what she said earlier was true, her best friend was an amazing person and wizard.
"Well from now on we can change that Harry. No more blindly following Dumbledore, the order or whoever thinks they can control you. You are strong Harry, and it is time you show everyone you are strong enough to take control of your life."
Harry turned towards Hermione and thought for a second. She was right, for too long he had listened to others and it was time he took control of his own life. He had nothing to loose anyways and was ready to go all-in.
"I'm ready Hermione." He said softly but determined. "From now on I'm going to do what I think is right. People are welcome to help me and offer me advice, but only if they are honest with me and want to genuinely help me."
Hermione smiled a little bit. She was happy Harry agreed with her and was ready to take his life in his own hands. But she also felt something different that she couldn't quite put a finger on yet.
"I'll be right beside you Harry, you know that." She said and without warning her friend, gave him a short hug.
Awkwardly returning the hug, Harry gave Hermione a small smile. He knew he could trust his best friend with everything, including his life.
"So, do you have a plan where to start?" He asked, knowing that Hermione had already formed some sort of plan in her head.
Unsurprisingly the brunette nodded. "First we should look at the summerbreak. From tomorrow on Dumbledore wants you to go back to the Dursley's, which obviously is completely unacceptable."
Harry nodded quickly, he had always hated going to his relatives during summer, but this time it really felt like unacceptable.
"I think you should consider Grimmauld Place do become your new home Harry." Hermione said thoughtful after a short silence. "I know it's tough, knowing that it is Sirius old home, but I think you would be safest there and would be able to choose who you let inside."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "How would that work, choosing who can enter the house?"
Hermione bit her lip, knowing that what was coming could upset Harry quite a bit.
"Well, I did some research and given the fact that you were Sirius' godson and inherit everything from him, I have a strong feeling that this will also go for the title of Lord Black."
Harry couldn't help but stare at his friend. "Do you really think that I am Lord Black now?"
Hermione shrugged. "It would make sense. If only there would be a way to check this."
Harry thought for a second, but quickly an idea formed in his head.
"Dobby!" He said excitingly.
A soft "plop" sound announced the arrival of the house-elf. Dobby stood in front of both teens, wearing a little knitted vest, shorts and two different socks.
"How can Dobby help the great Harry Potter?" The elf squealed happily.
"Dobby is there a way that I can check if I am Lord Black, without having to go to Gringrotts or something?" Harry quickly asked. "And please call me just Harry."
The little elf looked thoughtful for a moment but then nodded his little head.
"Yes Harry sir, you could try to summon the Black family elf, if you are Lord Black the elf will appear right here." Dobby said happily.
Harry and Hermione shared a look for a second. Taking a deep breath, Harry decided to throw his doubts overboard.
"Kreacher!" He said loudly.
For a few seconds nothing seemed to happen and both teenagers were about to look disappointed. But then, all of a sudden another soft "plop" sounded, and a much older, grumpier house-elf appeared next to Dobby.
"You summoned old Kreacher sir?" the elf questioningly said.
Harry was baffled for a moment. Could it really be true that he was the new Lord Black? He looked at the old elf for a few seconds, not really knowing what to say.
"Ehm…Kreacher, I have some questions for you." He finally stammered out.
"First of all, who is your current master and thus Lord Black?"
The elf looked at him suspiciously before bowing his little head. "As of two days ago my servitude belongs to the new Lord Black, mister Harry Potter sir."
Bot Harry and Hermione made gasping noises, their mouths falling open. Hermione stared at Harry. So, it was true, Harry really was Lord Black.
"Thank you Kreacher." Harry managed to get out. "Could you maybe tell me a bit more about what that exactly means, being Lord Black?"
The elf looked at him with a clear look of annoyance that the young teenager didn't know what carrying the title of the House of Black meant but answered.
"It means you own all Black property, gold and privileges. It also means once you come off age you can claim your house seat in the Wizengamot."
Harry didn't know what to say and just stared at the elf. Knowing he was Lord Black would give him so many opportunities to escape his past of being abused and misled by people.
Kreacher however was not done yet. "Does master Black not know the customs of Lordship?" he asked in his little voice. "Old Kreacher is surprised, given the fact that young Lord Black has another title."
Hermione gasped. "Of course, Harry, how could I forget!"
"You're probably also Lord Potter!" she exclaimed when she saw the confused look on Harry's face.
Harry's mind was swimming around in his head. Immediately another question formed in his head. How had no one ever cared to mention to him that he was a Lord?
"Don't worry Harry, we can worry about that later." Hermione said, noticing the look on Harry's face. "First we should worry about this summer and you not going back to your relatives.
Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind Harry quickly formed a plan.
"Kreacher, I want you to inform all members of the Order of the Phoenix that from today midnight, they are no longer allowed into Grimmauld place." He said in a strict but clear voice.
"I also want you to move all my belongings that are here at Hogwarts to there, since I will start living there from tomorrow on."
Kreacher simply nodded, bowed to Harry and with a little "plop" disappeared to fulfil his tasks.
Harry let out a deep sigh. The thought of living in Sirus' old house was nagging at him, but at the same time he felt relieved. For the first time he felt like he was in control.
Hermione put a hand on Harry's shoulder and smiled at him. "You did the right thing Harry, you will have a safe summer now. We should probably get some more information about your two Lordships though." She added and looked thoughtful.
Harry nodded. "We can go to Gringrotts tomorrow after we arrive in London. I think the events of the past days and the message Kreacher is sending everyone should be enough for me to be left alone for a while."
"How are you feeling?" Hermione asked softly, looking worried at her best friend.
"I'm okay, it feels like a lot but for the first time I'm in control of my life." Harry answered. "From now on everyone who wants to be in my life needs to show me that I can trust them. From now on I do what I think is right."
Hermione squeezed his shoulder and smiled. At the same time there was a weird feeling bottling up inside of her, and she finally knew what it was. Being in control and showing it, Harry all of a sudden seemed very attractive to her.
The brunette blushed when she realized what she was thinking and desperately tried to push this feeling out of her brain, but the feeling in her stomach stayed.
After spending a few hours outside, Harry and Hermione slowly walked up the stairs of the castle back to the Gryffindor common room. When they entered they saw the room was packed with students, all trying to enjoy their last night of the schoolyear, despite the serious news that was everywhere.
Harry immediately felt uncomfortable and quickly turned around. "Im not staying here tonight." He said to Hermione before walking back through the portrait hole.
"Harry wait!" Hermione quickly said before following him.
"Where are we going?" she added when she caught up to him, a little bit out of breath.
"We?" Harry questioned
Hermione nodded her head. "I'm staying with you Harry."
Harry saw the insecurity on Hermione's face, something he wasn't used to seeing. "Hermione, what's going on?" he asked tentatively.
The brunette witch answered while staring at her shoes. "Oh, I don't know Harry, it's just that ever since I got hurt two days ago I feel vulnerable. The moment that spell hit me I knew that being smart and being good at school won't protect me.
Harry looked at her and the feeling of guilt was back in his mind. "Don't worry Hermione, you can stay with me. I was planning on going to the Room of Requirement, I'm sure I can ask the room for an extra sleeping bag."
A little smile formed on Hermione's face. "Thanks Harry, I hoped you'd say that."
"Of course. But one thing though, I get that you feel vulnerable after what happened, but remember, you being smart saved my life and the lives of others many times. You're an amazing with Hermione and if you feel vulnerable remember I'm there to help protect you against whatever will come up." Harry said trying to look his best friend in the eye.
Hermione could only nod her head and in silence the two teenagers continued on their way to the Room of Requirement.
After passing the stone wall that formed the entrance of the Room of Requirement three times, a big door appeared. Harry held the door open for Hermione and together they stepped inside.
The room never failed to impress the two teenagers. Harry had simply concentrated on a room to stay the night, but inside was a large bedroom with two beds, a separate bathroom including a shower and toilet, and a large sofa to sit on.
"Thanks again Harry, this is much better than the dormitories with the girls." Hermione said.
Before Harry could answer, a "plop" noise announced the arrival of Kreacher. The old, grumpy-looking elf turned to Harry. "I have done as you requested Milord, all Order members have been notified and I checked if the family wards around the house have accepted your wish, which is indeed the case."
"Great." Harry said. "But Kreacher did no one protest my decision? Oh, and please just call me Harry."
Kreacher looked at Harry for a few moments, not used to being addressed in this kind tone.
"Only the headmaster protested, but I said your orders were clear." The elf responded. "The blood-traitor wife also wasn't too happy."
Harry nodded. He fully expected that Dumbledore would try to block his plans. Maybe what happened at the Ministry and Harry's anger afterwards had made the headmaster realize he wasn't playing anymore.
"Nicely done Kreacher." Harry said. "One more thing. Could you take me and Hermione to Gringrotts tomorrow once we arrive back in London with the Hogwarts Express?"
"And could you notify my parents to meet me there?" Hermione quickly added.
The elf simply nodded and with another "plop" disappeared.
After changing into their pyjama's, Harry and Hermione both were in their bed in the Room of Requirement. Both teenagers were deeply lost in their thoughts.
"Harry, can I ask you something?" Hermione broke the silence.
Harry looked at her and nodded his head, giving her the sign to continue talking.
"Are you scared what the next weeks and months will bring?" The brunette asked so softly that it was barely above a whisper.
Harry thought for a second before answering. "I am Hermione, I cant lie about that. But I am also feeling stronger than ever, knowing that I finally can take my life in my own hands." He said convincingly.
Hermione slowly nodded her head. "You deserve that Harry, it is time you can do what you think is right. Now that I think of it, your two titles of Lord Black and Potter will certainly help with that. They are some of the most ancient titles you can get."
Harry nodded. "I don't really care about the titles, but they will certainly make my life a bit easier and I'm happy with that. I'm ready to make my own decisions and feel I am strong enough to face whatever opposition that might bring. Maybe I am not ready to defeat Voldemort yet, but I will train and become as good of a wizard I will ever be."
Hermione smiled at her friend. Again thoughts of this new, more dominant Harry made her stomach do backflips, which made her blush again.
"Are you alright Hermione? You seem a little red." Harry commented, looking at her worried.
Quickly, Hermione nodded and at the same time a plan formed in her head. "I'm alright Harry, just if you don't mind can I maybe move a bit closer to you?"
"I know it sounds weird, but I just would feel a bit safer at the moment." She quickly added, seeing the weird expression on Harry's face.
After a short silence he nodded. "Ehm, sure Hermione if that makes you feel safer."
However, what Hermione did caught Harry by surprise. Instead of simply moving the bed closer to his, Hermione got out of her own bed, walked over to him and slid under the covers next to him.
Harry didn't know what to say but decided just to remain quiet. After all, if it would make Hermione feel safe he would never complain. On top of that he realized that it felt good being so close to her. A feeling that was new to him, but that he definitely liked.
"We should try and get some sleep Harry, tomorrow will be the first big day of many to come." Hermione said while turning on her side, facing Harry.
Harry nodded. "You're right Hermione, it will be a big day. I can't wait to show everyone the real Harry Potter."
Hermione smiled. She really started to like this new attitude of Harry. And to be honest with herself, imagining Harry to be completely in control turned her on more than she ever imagined.