Chapter 2:
AN: Hey guys here it is, chapter 2! This is again a little building up chapter. However, from the next chapter on it will get a bit more lemony ;)
Stay tuned!
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Waking up, it took Harry a few moments to realize where he was. He was also wondering what the warm hump next to him was. Groggily opening his eyes, he turned around and saw Hermione.
"Morning there sleepyhead." The brunette said with a little smile on her face.
She had been awake for quite a while and had been thinking. She felt strangely comfortable sharing a bed with Harry and had to admit to herself she had enjoyed it.
"Morning Mione." Harry answered with a sleepy tone in his voice. "What time is it?"
"Almost ten 'o clock now." She said, a little blush on her face realizing Harry had a nickname for her.
Perfect Harry thought, only one hour till the Hogwarts Express would leave for London, which meant he didn't have to spend much time in the castle with everyone. Excitingly he got up and put on clothes for the day.
At the other end of the bed Hermione was looking at the shirtless Harry from the back. "He sure turned into a handsome young man." She thought to herself, looking at the light defined muscles on Harry's back. Snapping out of her thought she quickly got dressed too.
Just as the two teenagers were about to leave a soft "plop" announced the arrival of a house elf. Harry and Hermione were surprised it was both Kreacher and Dobby this time.
"Kreacher wants to inform master Harry that an appointment has been made at Gringrotts when he is back in London." The older elf said with a little bow. "Goblin Griphook will help you with your business."
"Perfect, thank you Kreacher." Harry said and shot Hermione a little smile. He couldn't wait to talk with the goblin later.
"Dobby helped Kreacher move your belongings to the Grimmauld place sir!" Dobby squeaked.
Kreacher gave Dobby a little annoyed look before nodding in agreement.
"Great work Dobby." Harry said. "If we claim my lordship today, we might even consider you as Potter elf." He added with a playful tone in his voice.
Dobby beamed at hearing this. "I would love that sir!"
"But only if you accept that you will enjoy some freedom and get payed a fair wage." Harry added, knowing Hermione had looked a little sceptical.
Dobby nodded his little head, a huge smile plastered on his face. Saying goodbye, he and Kreacher disappeared.
"That was very thoughtful of you Harry." The brunette witch said. "I see you already are managing your lordship plans."
Harry nodded and turned to her. "I am, I will decide who enters my home, joins my family and in what way."
Hermione nodded affirmingly. She had to turn around and pretend to be busy with her bookbag to hide the fact she had a blush on her face. This new Harry really turned her on for some weird reason.
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After leaving the Room of Requirement and making it to the Hogwarts Express, Harry and Hermione quickly found an empty compartment to sit in. After a few minutes they were joined by Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley, who they let in happily.
Harry realized they were now with the same people that fought at the Department of mysteries, minus Ron. He hadn't heard anything of the redhead boy the past days, which made him feel uneasy. Towards the rest of his friends however, he felt nothing but gratitude and love.
After chatting for a bit, while the train started its journey towards London, it was Neville who turned serious.
"I heard from Ron and Ginny here that you decided to go live in London?" He asked, in an even tone.
Harry nodded and looked at him and the rest of his friends. "It's time I take control of what is happening in my life." He simply said.
Neville gave him a little smile, as did Luna and Ginny.
"I think we all agree on that Harry." The redhead girl said. "No-one is blaming you really, even the Order members are all nice about your decision. Well except Dumbledore, Ron and my mum of course."
Harry frowned. While it was good news that most Order members apparently supported his decision, it still stung that his best mate had a different opinion.
"Don't worry about Ron mate, I'm sure he'll come around soon" Neville said, reading Harry's thoughts. "Does anyone even know why he is mad?"
Ginny shuffled uncomfortable in her seat and looked at the floor before speaking. "I think he's mad because of the attention Harry is getting and thinks Harry is playing hero after facing You-Know-Who again."
"WHAT" Hermione and Neville exclaimed and even Luna looked far from her normal, dreamy self.
Harry however remained silent and didn't react much, earning him surprised looks from the other teenagers in the train compartment.
He shrugged his shoulders. "It doesn't really surprise me. After how he reacted all the previous times, especially fourth year when my name came out of the Goblet of Fire." Harry said, answering the unspoken questions of his friends.
Everyone was silent for a moment and thought. Then they all agreed that this indeed had been the case and Ron always had seen Harry as someone who played hero.
"Don't worry Harry, the rest of my family still supports you one-hundred percent." Ginny said after a short while. "Well maybe my mum, but you know how she can get."
Harry offered the youngest Weasley a little smile. "I know Ginny, don't worry. The Weasley's have always been like family to me. Even though I must admit it hurts a little what Ron and your mum are doing."
Ginny nodded almost apologetically and with that the conversation was over.
Soon everyone in the compartment was busy to themselves. Hermione was reading her book while glancing at Harry every now and then. Neville was discussing plants with Luna and Harry and Ginny talked about Quidditch.
Soon, after what felt like a very short train ride the train slowed down already, signalling that they were nearing London.
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Leaving Platform 9 3/4, after saying goodbye to their friends, Harry and Hermione exited the station and started their way to the Leaky Cauldron to get to Gringrotts.
Since it was very crowded on the streets and Harry could sense Hermione being uncomfortable, he took her hand in order not to get separated. This action made the young witch blush red, realizing she really liked this physical gesture.
After their little walk they finally arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. They stepped inside the little building and soon everyone who had been inside stopped whatever they were doing and stared at the two teenagers.
"Guess Hogwarts was just as bad as everywhere." Harry said loud enough only for Hermione to hear.
She just nodded and gave him a supporting smile before the two of them started walking to the back exist to make their way to Diagon Alley.
Without saying a word Harry and Hermione quickly walked through the little street and past all the shops and tried hard to ignore everyone else until they were at the wizarding bank.
Entering the large hall with the many counters, they were intercepted by one of the guarding goblins.
"Griphook is already awaiting you, please follow me." The goblin said before walking towards one of the side rooms.
Harry and Hermione followed him to what seemed to be a large office. They took the seats that were offered to them and soon were left alone.
"I guess they realize it is important business, they don't invite someone into an office like this every day." Hermione said admiring the room and looking at all the goblin art and decorations she could see.
Harry smiled. He had always admired the never-ending passion for knowledge of his best friend.
"It's amazing how excited you can get over stuff like this Hermione." He said and chuckled at how fast Hermione turned around and looked at him.
"Thanks Harry." She mumbled and got a little blush. "Are you nervous for what's coming?"
Harry nodded and didn't say anything. He was indeed quite nervous, knowing that this meeting could change so much.
Without saying anything either, Hermione took Harry's hand. The young wizard looked at it for a second and gave it a little squeeze.
Behind them the door opened and a goblin made its way towards the large desk infront of the two teenager.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, good to see you." Griphook said after taking a seat too. "I heard you have some business to conduct today?"
Harry took a deep breath and nodded. "I was hoping you could clarify some things for me today Griphook, some things about my status in the wizarding world."
Griphook looked at him and nodded his little head thoughtfully. "Very well Mr. Potter, let me get your personal file, everything we need to start with should be in there."
With a flick of his fingers a large rolled up piece of parchment appeared. Griphook quickly grabbed it and rolled it out.
"What exctly does Mr. Potter wish to find out?" Griphook asked without even looking at the two teenagers.
Harry swallowed visibly. "Ehm… I was hoping you could tell me what my titles are, what they mean and what comes with them." He managed to say after a little while.
Griphook looked at him over the piece of parchment and seemed thoughtful for a second. "Very well Mr. Potter, do you want your friend to stay? After all it is private information."
Harry nodded quickly. "Everything you have to say she can hear." He said, squeezing Hermione's hand that he was still holding.
Griphook turned back to the document in front of him.
"Very well Mr. Potter, you are officially registered as Harry James Potter, Lord of the Potter family and Lord of the noble house of Black. This means you already can use the title and privileges that come with lordship, except for claiming your seats in the Wizengamot and other positions. They will be available once you come of age."
Even though Harry and Hermione had known that there was a strong possibility of Harry being Lord of both the Potter and Black house, both teenagers were staring at eachother.
"How has no one ever explained this to me?" Harry though out loud.
Griphook dropped the document out of his hands. "Has no one ever informed you that you were lord Potter and since a few days also lord Black!?" the little goblin exclaimed. "You should have received official letters of this!"
Harry shook his head, confirming he had never seen such letters. However, he quickly connected the dots.
"Dumbledore." Was the only thing he said, almost in a groaning voice.
Griphook seemed furious. "If you wouldn't have thought about this yourself you probably never would have found out!"
Harry simply shrugged. "Well, at least I'm here now, I'll deal with Dubledore later. Griphook could you please explain what being lord of those two houses means for me directly?"
Griphook nodded and went back to the document. "First of all, you own various estates including Grimmauld place, the Potter family house and several vacation homes. You also obviously have inherited some money, even though to know the exact amount I would need to get additional documents."
Harry nodded. He wasn't interested as much in houses or money at this point
"And what does it mean for me when it comes to privileges?" Harry asked.
"Well you have loads. You can choose who enters your homes, you can form alliances, can challenge people to duels if they hurt you or your allies, etc." Griphook said. "If you wish I can give you a book with all the customs and privileges of lordship explained."
Harry, seeing a very excited Hermione and being curious himself quickly accepted this offer.
Griphook nodded and seemingly out of nothing a book appeared, together with a small wooden box.
"If you let a drip of blood fall on the lock of this box, it will open and confirm everything I said. In the box are the Potter and Black family rings that a lord usually wears. After opening your family crests will also appear on all your robes and those of your allies." Griphook said, giving the box to Harry.
The teenager nodded, borrowed the envelope knife that was on the table and let some blood drip onto the lock of the small wooden box.
Indeed the little box opened and two beautiful looking rings were inside. The Potter family ring was gold with a blood-red diamond in the middle, two P's on each side of it. The Black family ring was a cool silver colour with a green stone and two B's one each side.
Harry simply took the rings and quickly slipped them on. Looking down he indeed saw two large family logo's on the left shoulder of his robes.
"I guess that confirms everything." Griphook said. "Let me tell you this Lord Potter, having two of those crests makes you a very powerful wizard."
Harry simply nodded. "Thank you Griphook, please call me Harry. I know what these mean, however it was not for power that I came here today and confirmed my lordship."
Griphook smiled for the first time today. "Exactly Harry, and that is what makes you a very special wizard."
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After leaving Gringrotts, Harry and Hermione went back to muggle London to take a taxi to take them to Grimmauld place. Once they arrived there, the familiar house appeared to them.
"I wonder how I make the wards that other people like Dumbledore casted on this house disappear." Harry thought out loud.
"Hmmm" Hermione said thoughtful. "I think you simply order the house to, since it's such an ancient wizarding house of a noble family it should have exceptional wards itself already."
Harry nodded and walked inside. However, when he heard the door fall closed behind him and didn't see Hermione he was confused for a second. Then he remembered he needed to give her permission.
"I Lord Black give Hermione Granger permission to enter my estates." He said out loud.
Two seconds after that a smiling Hermione appeared. "It worked! Go on Harry, try to order the house to make the not needed wards disappear."
Harry nodded, feeling slightly awkward to order a house to do something.
"I Harry James Potter, Lord Black, order for all wards and spells that are casted by Albus Dumbledore to be removed!"
A few lights appeared around the house for a few seconds before disappearing into nothingness.
Meanwhile Hermione was looking at her best friend with a little smile on her face. Harry had seemed so hot while giving an order. Blushing bright red when she realized her thoughts she excused herself to the bathroom. What was wrong with her?
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That evening both Dobby and Kreacher prepared a large dinner for the two teenagers. However, despite the delicious meal there was something on Harry's mind.
"Hermione." He said, grabbing the attention of his friend. "Don't you think you should go spend the summer holidays with your parents?"
The brunette looked at him rather puzzeled.
"Well obviously I don't want you to go but I think you deserve some quality time with your family." Harry continued. "I would feel bad if you'd stay with me all summer."
Hermione frowned for a second. "Well Harry, of course I miss my parents but I don't think I can stay at home for the summer. Besides, I can obviously visit them, our house is only thirty minutes driving away."
"Why can't you stay at home this summer, is everything alright with your parents?" Harry immediately asked.
Hermione sighed and looked at the table in front of her. "Don't worry Harry, everything is alright at home. It is just that I feel safer here. After being attacked I still feel vulnerable and I'm not going to lie, I would feel safer in a magic home with a powerful wizard."
Harry gave her a weird look. "Hmm I get that Hermione and you're always welcome here. But don't forget, I'm also still a young wizard and not fully-trained etc."
Hermione nodded. "I know Harry but still you are one of the most powerful wizards I know." She let out a little giggle at the face Harry made.
Both teenagers were silent for a while, lost in their thoughts.
"I think there is one option you could consider." Harry said after a while.
"This place is quite big and we have at least one or two bedrooms clean and empty. If you want you can ask you parents over to stay here for a while?" he added after seeing he peeked Hermione's interest.
The next second his vision was blurred by the curly hair of his best friend. As soon as Hermione had heard of Harry's plans she had launched herself towards him, hugging him tightly.
After a few seconds a grinning Hermione let go of Harry.
"Oh my god Harry! That is such a wonderful idea!" she exclaimed. "But are you sure it is okay though?"
Harry nodded happily. "Really Hermione it's nothing, four people would make this house much more lively."
Hermione gave him a huge smile and ran off to send Hedwig with a message to her parents.
"Dobby and Kreacher" Harry called out loud, waiting for the house-elfs to appear.
"Could you please clean and empty one of the large bedrooms, Hermione's parents are going to stay with us soon."
"Of course master, one bedroom is already ready for use tonight." Kreacher said.
"Perfect, thank you Kreacher." Harry said. "And since it's summer weather the next weeks, what is the state of the garden?"
"The garden needs some work still but it will be one day at most Harry Potter sir!" Dobby squeaked.
Harry nodded and thanked him as well, before dismissing both elves.
The elves just simply nodded and disappeared.
Harry went upstairs to find Hermione and found her sitting in the main bedroom, cross-legged on the bed.
"Hey there, send your parents the message?" He said, walking in.
Hermione nodded excitingly. "I can't wait for them to be here, they will be able to see and learn so much about magic."
Harry smiled and sat next to her on the bed. "Well, I'm sure Hedwig will be back tomorrow with their response. For now, let's go to bed, I'm dead tired."
Hermione nodded and went to the bathroom to change and brush her teeth while Harry did the same in the bedroom.
Once both teens were in bed, it took them a while to realize they were sharing a bed again. However, neither one of them said anything about it, happy being so close to each other.
"You know Hermione, if you're really nice tomorrow I even show you the Black library, its one of the largest of Magical Britain." Harry said in a teasing tone.
Hermione chuckled. "Oh don't worry Harry I'll be a good girl tomorrow then."
Both teens blushed at how that sounded and quickly pretended to be really tired. They turned on their sides, facing opposite directions both lost in their thoughts.
Harry was simply thinking what a day he had today, learning about his lordships, being here and now being so close to Hermione. He had to admit to himself, it felt really good.
Hermione's mind on the other hand was racing. Because she finally had come to the conclusion she had thought about for a few days. It was so coincidence she got turned on by Harry, liked sleeping in the same bed and hell, even said she'd be a good girl for him.
Hermione was falling in love with her best friend while at the same time thinking about him sexually. But somehow, despite it making her nervous, it felt so good to her.