Wizards in Winter chapter 5
A/N: Title is taken from the music by the Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Genera: Romance/Drama Ships: Harry/Hermione Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns the characters, settings and the bits of dialogue that is recognizable.
Chapter 5: Talks and Actions
Harry and Hermione sat down on their couch cuddling, as Ron was preparing for bed. Ginny and the rest of the DA had already retired but Ron wanted a word with the pair.
"Harry? Where were you? Hermione called the DA but you weren't there."
"I'm sorry, Ron, I was with Dumbledore. We had a task to complete and that's all I can tell you."
"Really? I'd have thought you'd tell your best mate?"
"Ron," Hermione scolded, "Harry was told by Dumbledore not to tell anyone (except me)," she told him, keeping that bit of knowledge to herself.
Ron shrugged, not really liking it and yet knowing that Harry would never tell him if the headmaster told him not to. "See you two tomorrow then, I'm off to bed. It's been a stressful night." Ron climbed the stairs to the sixth year's room, leaving Harry and Hermione by themselves.
"He doesn't know the half of it," Harry whispered to Hermione.
"You'll tell me now, Harry James Potter!" she reminded him forcefully. "I get the impression that the task didn't go as planned."
Harry sighed and began his tale. "No, not exactly, although the outcome was better than we'd hoped. Horcrux four is now destroyed."
He continued with the tale of how they'd almost lost their lives when they were attacked with triggered curses and Inferi. He mentioned almost being hypnotized while flying across the lake, he hugged her in thanks for the protection she was able to give him.
"I flew too low, Hermione. Even with your protection spell, the enchantment curse almost got us. It was only Dumbledore's quick thinking and a stinging hex that we survived. Dumbledore really is awesome, Love. He could sense something wrong about the walls of the cave. A spell shot out of the solid rock, for Merlin's sake. The headmaster cast a shield that protected us and when I noticed this oddly glowing rock, he protected us again when it blasted a green curse at us. As it was, the curse triggered another curse that set off a rockfall that would have buried us if not for luck. I think your protections saved us that time as well. Oh, and while I think of it, that was a nice bit of spell work to keep me dry and warm. We had to swim our way out of the cave."
Harry paused to gather his thoughts. "The Horcrux was a locket inside a silver cup filled with a deadly potion. It dissolved a crystal goblet Dumbledore conjured. I spotted another glowing rock and he levitated it into the cup. It exploded and destroyed the potion and Horcrux. We flew on Dumbledore's brooms and landed at the entrance to the cave and swam out. For an old man, he's very athletic. He beat me to the top of the cliff and apparated us back here."
Hermione was so absorbed in Harry's adventure that she forgot to scold him for taking foolish chances. "So Harry, four down and three to go, or maybe only two."
"I had to tell the headmaster a bit about your protections, Hermione. I'm sorry, it just sort of slipped out. And no, I didn't tell him about the Grimoire or your history. He will probably ask you about your protections when we see him tomorrow though."
"It's ok Harry, he was bound to find out sooner rather than later. Still, let me control the conversation; don't volunteer anything without my permission. He can't know about my history or the Grimoire. Family secrets are just that, family secrets."
"Right. I'm glad you consider me family," he joked.
"But we're bonded, Harry. It's the same thing... you are family now. We just have to formalize it," she smiled.
Harry thought about that for a minute before he smiled broadly. "I like that, but we're not ready to formalize it yet, are we? And just what does formalizing the bond entail again?" he queried, unsure if he understood what she had told him earlier.
"When we marry, Harry! Surely you remember. Honestly!" she huffed.
"Err, yeah," he shamefacedly admitted. "Marry, yeah, right, but we're too young to marry, I mean we're both, well you're of age, but I'm sixteen and we still have a year and a bit to go of school."
Hermione smiled at Harry's obvious nervousness. To be truthful, she was nervous as well. Soon enough she would be Mrs. Hermione Jane Potter and the very thought sent tingles up her spine. Then another thought intruded. She'd have to formally introduce Harry to her parents and all that entailed. Mum would understand, but Daddy might not. ...
Monica and Wendell Granger were bright people and had discussed what Elise had told Hermione. Monica had known that Elise was a witch and that was passed on to Hermione. It was a shame really, that Monica was a Squib. Most of the wizarding world thought that they were Muggles. Monica knew differently. She could see the Leaky Cauldron when Hermione visited Diagon Alley for her supplies and wand first year.
She sighed in regret. "Dear," she addressed her husband. "Our daughter is of age and will want to marry Harry as soon as he turns seventeen. Are okay with that?"
Wendell was torn. He suspected he too was a Squib, but unlike his wife, had no knowledge of magic in his background. He'd followed his wife and daughter into Diagon Alley without thinking and had not noticed the hidden entrance to the pub, sure that his wife and daughter knew what they were doing. "She's my daughter, Monica, I'm supposed to keep boys away from her as a father's duty. How can I feel okay when I know I'll be losing her? We haven't even been formally introduced to Harry and certainly haven't spent time getting to know him."
"Well, we've at least met him once, no twice, but I agree, we need to properly get to know the lad. Hermione's letters have filled us in on the type of boy he is and I feel comfortable with her choice. We should invite him over as soon as Easter break. They have a week off, that should be enough time to get to know him and this summer we could take him with us on holidays." Monica had shifted into planning mode, much like her daughter. "I think a letter, inviting Harry would be a good idea. Wendell, I need some ideas. What should we plan that would interest both of them?"
Meanwhile, Hermione was thinking along the same lines. "Harry, I need to borrow Hedwig. I'd like to send a letter to Mum and Dad seeing if you can visit over Easter break. You really need to meet my parents."
"Err, are you sure, Hermione? I mean, um, meet your parents?" He quailed at the thought. Fathers were notoriously protective of their daughters.
"Harry! Focus, my parents already know about you and that I love you. Plus they know that we've bonded. Of course they'll want to meet you. Y-you're n-not having second t-thoughts about us, are you?" her insecurities finally showing in her voice.
Harry gathered his courage for a minute before replying. "No second thoughts, Hermione. I'm just afraid what your father might do to me. Fathers are supposed to be really protective of their daughters. I know when we have children, I will be."
Hermione huffed in annoyance. "Honestly Harry, Mum will see to Daddy; you have nothing to worry about," she said while crossing her fingers. 'I hope'.
"Okay, let's go to the owlery and find Hedwig. You have a letter ready?"
"Just a minute and I'll scribble a quick note." Of course with Hermione, a quick note took a half hour after three rewrites. "Okay, let's go."
Shortly a letter to the Grangers was on its way as the Snowy Owl winged her way southward. Returning to their common room, they finally kissed goodnight and yawning widely, trudged up to bed.
The next morning, Hermione was waiting for Harry to come down for breakfast. It was a Saturday, so there were no classes. She knew the headmaster would pounce on them as soon as he spotted them. She resolved to resist telling him anything beyond what he already knew. It would be hard, but there was a new spell she had found that would protect them from unwanted intrusions into their minds, should Dumbledore try Legilimency on them. Her Grimoire taught her a spell to enhance her natural Occlumency and she had taught Harry the basics and used the spell to strengthen it. Hermione's naturally organized mind was much easier to protect, but Harry's chaotic mind was much more difficult. Snape's efforts had made it that much more difficult and it had taken weeks to show him how to organize his mind. It had done wonders for him. He retained things better now and his schoolwork improved dramatically.
Eventually, Harry wandered down to an impatiently waiting Hermione, yawning and still fuzzy headed. "'Morning Love. What time is it?"
Hermione loved the way Harry looked in the morning. Sleepy and mussed, he looked adorable. Still, they had to be sharp so she admonished him lightly. "Harry, wakey, wakey. We need you fully awake when the headmaster talks to us this morning. No slip ups, let me do most of the talking. It's almost half eight, I've been up since seven and I'm hungry."
Harry allowed he was also hungry as his stomach gave a loud growl. He blushed faintly and grabbed her hand, following her down to the Great Hall.
Breakfast was well in progress and as it was a brilliant early spring day, most students were outside taking advantage. The snow had largely disappeared with a few lingering spots where it had piled up during the long cold winter.
Harry sat beside his girlfriend, eating slowly, although he had more on his plate than usual. Breakfast on a weekend was his second most favourite time of day; a time when he could slowly gather his thoughts and enjoy the company of his friends. Of course his new favourite was evening when they were alone and they could snog each other's brains out. The heated encounters always left him a bit lightheaded and wanting more.
Ron, as usual, was piling the food on, even though most of their dorm mates had finished and left. It looked as if Ron was just getting started.
"'Morning Harry, Hermione," he mumbled with his mouth half full.
"Good morning Ron," they both answered.
"How long have you been up?" Hermione wondered.
Ron thought for a moment and answered, still chewing. "Since the Great Hall opened for breakfast."
Annoyed at his penchant for food before all else, she responded. "And you've been eating all this time?"
"'Course. Why wouldn't I?" he answered, as if it was beyond obvious.
"Never mind. Harry, Professor Dumbledore just walked in and he's spotted us."
"What?" Ron wondered. "What's up? Why are you concerned?"
"Never mind Ron, it's nothing. He just wants a talk with us, I'm sure," Harry answered.
As the Headmaster approached, twinkling eyes working overtime, Hermione braced for the questions that were sure to come.
"Good morning Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, may I impose on you for a meeting in my office when you've finished breakfast?"
It was asked politely, but the couple knew it was more than a request.
"Certainly, Headmaster," Hermione agreed. Harry nodded acceptance as well.
They returned to eating with Ron wondering what was going on. When they'd finished breakfast, they left a still eating Ron and made their way to the Gargoyle guarding the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Harry remembered the password from the night before and they were presently knocking on the solid oak door to his office.
"Enter," came the reply and they stepped in the the oddly shaped office.
Fawkes trilled a greeting and the headmaster bade them be seated.
Hermione and Harry sat very close to each other, holding hands. "You wanted to see us Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"Indeed, Mr. Potter, there are some questions I'd like to ask, if you don't mind. Questions that have bothered me since Christmas that I haven't had the opportunity to have answered."
Hermione felt a brush of Legilimency in her mind and was well prepared for it. "Excuse me, Professor, Could you not do that? I don't like my mind being invaded, as I'm sure Harry doesn't either," she scowled.
Dumbledore jerked back in surprise. "Miss Granger? You know Occlumency? I'm sorry if I offended you."
"Both Harry and I have learned the discipline, Professor. I'll thank you not to do that again."
"Perhaps we should start anew," he tried to repair the relationship. "I've noticed a few changes in Mr. Potter since Christmas. He no longer needs glasses and seems considerably taller. He also seems to have put on weight and muscle tone. I find this very odd considering it happened almost overnight. Do you perhaps have an explanation?"
Hermione considered what she would tell the old man. Coming to a decision, she relaxed and looking at Harry, decided to tell him a version of the truth. "Harry and I have bonded and as such, he's had some... 'enhancements' to his physique that had been bound. I'm sure you wouldn't know anything about that, would you Headmaster?"
The veiled accusation hit Albus like a punch in the gut. He'd had Harry's magic bound when he'd rescued him that night in Godric's Hollow. A fact he didn't want anyone to find out.
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, Miss Granger. Harry is a very powerful wizard and I suspect you are a very powerful witch. I doubt Mr. Potter's magic was bound."
"Oh, I didn't say his magic was bound, just his growth. Now that you mention it, Harry's magic does seem a lot stronger now. Curious. Why would that be Headmaster?"
Albus, on the defensive, chose not to answer that. Apparently Mr. Potter's bindings had disappeared with the bond. This was not good. He'd have to watch him more closely to see what else had changed. "I was also wondering about the protections you put on him. Why did you do that and how?"
"I'm sorry Professor, that's personal, I don't think that is an appropriate question to ask," she replied forcefully.
"I'm afraid I must insist, Miss Granger. The welfare of my students while at school is my responsibility." Albus was unused to his orders being questioned.
"And I'm afraid I must respectfully decline, Headmaster. Harry and I are bonded and magic will enforce our decisions. Hogwarts rules forbid you to take a personal interest in a students life. I'm sure I don't have to remind you, sir," she said acerbically.
Albus was stunned. Surely she couldn't know about that rule, but then, she was the brightest witch at school. He wouldn't put it past her to know every rule concerning the school. He tried a different tact, although he was loath to use it. A mild compulsion charm, cast silently and wandlessly, yes, that would bring the pesky girl in line.
Hermione felt magic begin to build around her, and glared at the headmaster. "It won't work, Professor. As I stated, we are protected. Don't try that again, you won't like the consequences," she practically shouted.
Defeated on that front, he tried to bring Harry to his aid. "Mr. Potter, surely you see that I need to know what protections Miss Granger has cast on you?"
Harry joined his bonded in glaring at the headmaster. "Really sir, are you suggesting I go against the wishes of my bonded? I trust her implicitly and my trust in you is rapidly eroding. If that is the way you are going to treat us, perhaps it's time to leave Hogwarts. We have passed our OWL's sir, If you keep pushing us to your agenda, I'm afraid we won't be staying. I may not be of age yet, but Hermione is, and I soon will be."
Albus quickly back peddled, realizing that he'd lost this round. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push, but it is vitally important in the grand scheme of things that you two stay here. We have not finished with Voldemort yet and you would not be safe elsewhere."
"Very well, Headmaster," she replied. "But we will demand an oath that you not interfere in our lives. There is more at stake than you realize."
"And what would that be, Miss Granger? I assure you that I am only interested in preserving wizarding society and by extension, the Muggle world as well."
"You really believe that your 'Greater Good' would not sacrifice us as mere pawns if it were necessary? Believe me, Headmaster, where Harry is concerned, I will do anything to make sure he's protected. ANYTHING!" she emphasized.
Albus sighed, realizing he couldn't push them. "As you wish, Miss Granger, I will make the oath."
Later, having extracted a magical oath from Dumbledore, they were wandering outside when Hedwig landed on his shoulder.
"Hello girl, that was a quick trip."
Hedwig held out her leg with a letter attached. Harry took the letter and petted her head. "Thank you girl, here's an owl treat. I'll have something better for you at lunch time."
"Harry, that must be the letter from my parents. May I read it?"
Harry handed the letter to his girlfriend and looked over her shoulder, reading along with her. She squealed happily as she read.
"Harry, they've invited you for the Easter break and want you to come home with me for summer holidays."
Harry smiled happily. At last he didn't have to return to the Dursleys. "That was generous of them, I'd love to accept. I just hope I'll be allowed. Usually Dumbledore insists that I have to return to my relatives place for the summer."
"Technically he could try to enforce that, but the magical vow he made will prevent that. You can come home with me." 'And I'll have my wicked way with you!' she thought.
With that happy thought, they continued their walk, ending by their favourite place under 'their' tree beside the lake. Turning to Harry, she leaned in and were soon lost in their own world. Kisses turned into full snogging and hands roamed.
(End chapter 5)
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