A/N: I'm still here!
Dumbledore returned the following day, offering to take Harry to Godric's Hollow.
"Do you… do you want to come?" He sent Hermione a rather shy look, unsure. She eased his doubt quickly.
"Of course, Harry." She reached for his hand and pulled him towards her.
They were there in a matter of moments, They walked slowly, the sunlight bright and hot on their skin. She gripped his hand, their fingers loosely entwined. He turned to look at her, admiring her silently. She was dressed simply in a blue dress, her untamed curls loose around her shoulders. Dumbledore ahead of them, his purple cloak billowing behind him as he led the way.
"You're staring." Hermione turned to him, a small smile on her face.
He smiled back, "I'm just happy you're with me."
Her eyes softened, "me too, Harry." She pulled on his arm, pressing a kiss to his shoulder.
"It's very nice, isn't it?" Hermione commented as they passed a bakery, the smell of fresh pasties filling the air.
The cobblestone street weaved throughout the village, old cottages of varying sizes lined the sides, a pub on the corner.
"Yeah…" He couldn't help but agree. It was quaint. Narrow streets shot off from the main square, curving and weaving throughout the village. The streets lay bare, small bikes unattended on the footpath. The sun beat down brightly, illuminating everything in a happy glow.
"It's one of the oldest Wizarding settlements in England." Hermione told him.
Harry felt himself nod, his eyes drawn to a small home as he saw a flicker of a curtain be moved. "We're being watched." Harry commented as he pulled his cap lower, noting a number of other homes doing the same thing, eyes peeking out from behind windows.
"We are, Harry." Dumbledore was unconcerned. Harry supposed he was rather used to drawing looks wherever he went. He definitely didn't look conspicuous. "The Hollow have waited many years for you to return."
"They have?"
Dumbledore paused, turning to look at Harry. His blue eyes were sad as he assessed the young wizard, the lines on his aged faced crinkling together. "What happened here… The entire village felt the loss of that night, Harry."
He felt her squeeze her hand then, her fingers wrapping tightly around his.
They followed Dumbledore off the main square, veering down a small laneway. He sensed it coming before he saw it. It sat behind an old rickety white fence, hidden by an overgrown hedge. He felt his skin tingle as they paused before Dumbledore waved his wand. Harry saw a ripple in the air before they stepped through the gate.
The cottage was old and remained in the condition it was since that night 15 years ago.
He paused at the threshold, conscious of Hermione and Dumbledore watching. He teetered slightly before taking a steadying breath and walked inside slowly. His footsteps light on the cracked and broken floorboards. He felt his heart twist at the state of ruin the home was in. Paint peeled off the walls, the floor and ceiling baring holes. He looked down a long corridor. He walked slowly, hand out and brushing against the walls as the wandered through.
He made his way slowly, yet purposely upstairs. He knew without asking which room was theirs, almost like his feet lead him there unconsciously. As he mounted the stairs, he gripped the balustrade tightly, the sound of his parents murder echoing in his head. The knowledge that this is where his father lost his life defending his family. He fought on, his emotions piking as he walked into the master bedroom. The crib remained, but little else. He look to the right, the entire side wall having been destroyed in the spell that had backfired.
He wandered around the room. He came to the crib, finding an old stuffed little toy, covered in years of dust. He picked it up gingerly. He sat down on the floor, clutching the toy to his chest as his eyes watered. Memories flooded back to him and he couldn't stop the onslaught of tears as they fell from his eyes and it was in this position in which she found him.
"Oh, Harry." Hermione sounded quietly from the doorway, her hands coming up to her mouth as she took in the room, her eyes seeking Harry's.
"Hey…" He mumbled, wiping at his eyes hastily.
She was beside him in a moment and joined him on the floor, resting next to him. Her legs stretched out before her.
"I'm ok…" He reassured her, "I just need a minute."
"Take all the time you need." Hermione took his hand in hers softly, "I'm right here."
He nodded, the knot in his chest loosening slightly.
"Merlin, I'm a mess lately." Harry tried to lighten the mood, noting the heaviness in the room.
"I'd be concerned if you weren't…" Hermione sent him a little smile, eyes sad. She brushed at his fringe, her touch instantly calming his rapidly beating heart.
"I love you." He whispered, marvelling at her.
She pressed a soft kiss to his lips, "And I love you. Always."
Harry picked at a bade of grass absently. He was sitting cross legged outside the cottage, Hermione asleep on his thigh. It was their last day before leaving for Hogwarts and Ron had insisted on spending it outside flying. Since receiving news of his captaincy, the red head had appeared rejuvenated, a sense of purpose filling his days. Or as Hermione had described it, a distraction.
Ron was currently in the air, weaving through a makeshift obstacle course they'd set up to test their agility and time themselves. Ron was quick in his movements, confidently making his way through to the end. Ginny hovered nearby, her red hair swept back away from her eyes, cheeks flushed red. They were fiercely competitive, both attempting to outrace the other and pushing themselves further and further.
He turned his gaze to the witch in his lap and felt his heart swell slightly. She rested comfortably, using his thigh as a pillow. Her breathing was slow and even. He noted again the dark circles under her eyes, a comment from her mother sticking out. That she hadn't been sleeping.
A sudden frown appeared on her face, her brows furrowing together. Her facial expression now taunt and stressed. He took a tentative hand and placed it on her forehead. He watched, fascinated as the scene played out before him. Her brows relaxing again, the lines disappearing.
He felt their eyes on him and raised his head to meet their gaze. William and Elizabeth gazed back, taking them in. He felt his face warm at the attention, dropping his hand so it rested beside him.
"She's really knocked out, isn't she?" Ginny saved him as she came to rest beside them. Her hair swept back tightly, cheeks flushed from exercise.
"My leg has pins and needles."
Ginny let out a light laugh, "yet you remain un-moved…" Her smile turned soft as she looked at them. "Ron wants you to get out there." She nodded toward her brother.
"You're a good flier, Harry?" William asked, eyes following Ron in fascination as he soared above them. The muggle couldn't take his eyes off the two as they soared above them.
"Yeah, I'm ok." Harry shrugged.
Hermione let out a low laugh, her eyes blinking open slowly. "He's an excellent flier." She sent her father a smile as she raised her head, "he was the youngest player selected for any house in 100 years."
"Sounds like you're more than ok." Elizabeth smiled at him gently. Her brown hair ruffled in the air slightly, her eyes kind.
Harry shrugged again, his face warming slightly. "I guess."
Hermione merely rolled her eyes at him, sharing a glance with Ginny. "Stop being so modest." She smiled at him, eyes flickering to sideways as a shadow descended upon then, Ron's tall frame approaching.
"You're up, Head Boy." Ron handed him the broom, eyes alight.
"Please, for the love of Merlin. Beat his time, Harry." Ginny urged the raven haired wizard, "we'll never hear the end of it."
"I'll see what I can do, Gin." Harry grinned at her as he took the broom and stood up. The handle felt smooth and familiar to his touch and he felt his grin loosen slightly. He sent the redhead a wink as he mounted the broom. As always, a sense of calmness immediately descended upon him as he rose in the air. He felt his chest loosen, his shoulders rolling back as he slowly went through loops and turns, reacquainting himself with his Firebolt and the course. Noting the angles of the turns, the distance between them. He glanced around, taking in the day. The sun shone brightly, hanging high in the sky. Forest stretched out one direction, the coast to the other.
He readied himself at the starting point, pausing a moment before he shot off in a blur. He felt a smile stretch across his face as he manoeuvred the course, taking each and every turn smoothly, without dropping his speed. When he crossed the end line he knew he'd easily beaten Ron's time.
When he touched down in front of them, he couldn't help but grin at the looks on their faces. Ginny smirking at her older brother. You could see the awe reflected in Liz and William's gaze.
"He should be a better flier," Ron rolled his eyes at his sister, who continued to smirk, "he's our seeker." He sent Harry a deadpan look. "Thanks for that."
"You've flogged me in chess the last few weeks." Harry ran a hand through his hair, "least I could do."
Ron merely grinned at him in reply.
He wandered into the kitchen leisurely, grinning at Ron as the redhead ran past, holding a pile of clothes in his hands. Hermione stood near the counter, holding a steaming cup of coffee in her hands.
"Don't say a word…" Ron called back, his red hair fading down the hall.
"He seems ready to go." Harry commented dryly
"Quite extraordinary how he's manages to get worse each year…"
Harry smiled slightly, eyes assessing the witch in front of him.
"No sleep?" He nodded toward the mug in her hands.
Hermione shook her head, "not really."
"Worried?"
"I'm always worried," she offered him a small smile. She took a thoughtful sip, "I just… I can't seem to switch off."
"What do you mean?" He came to a stop next to her, his shoulder touching hers. He accepted the cup as she handed it to him. Strong. Black. No sugar. He grimaced slightly at the bitter taste.
"My brain won't stop turning." She bit back a grin as she took the mug back, she took a deep inhale, "I'm always on. Ready. Things don't slow down, you know?"
Harry shifted so he stood in front of her, his hands gripping the counter on either side of her hips. He didn't touch her. She wore her hair loose, the brown tresses pulled to one side. He stared at the indent of her neck. Since he'd allowed himself to give in to her, to stop fighting against her; he couldn't stop thinking about her. Touches lingered longer, gazes held. He felt her eyes on his lips.
"What are you thinking about now?"
"How I'd like another coffee…" She pulled her gaze from his mouth.
"Is that so?" He moved in closer, a breadth away. He could smell the coffee on her lips and watched in fascination as her pupils dilated, her eyes darkening. He held her gaze steadily, his own eyes taking on a rich hue. "And now?" Harry whispered, his fingers toying ever so gently with the hem of her shirt. "Is it slowing?"
"Mmmhmmmm?"
He gently brushed at her hair, pushing it behind an ear as he drew his lips closer and enjoyed the shiver that raked through her body. He then leaned forward very slowly until he was a breadth away from her ear. When he spoke, a hissing sound escaped his mouth. He felt her body tremble in response, her hands tightening their grip on her mug. He pulled back a fraction and sent her a sexy little smirk.
"You've been holding out on me," Hermione whispered, eyes dark and full of desire.
Harry gave a soft laugh in response, "I'll make it up to you." He pressed a kiss to her coffee stained lips.
"Mmmhmmm." She placed her now empty mug beside them.
He took her hand in his and interlaced their fingers, eyes turning serious. "You know. Whenever you need an anchor. Someone to stop that amazing and brilliant brain of yours spinning. To slow things down." He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, "I'm right here."
"Right here." Hermione repeated, eyes soft. She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. He pulled her to him, resting his chin on the crown of her heard. He felt her melt into him. He held her tightly, loving the feeling of her close to him.
"Looks comfortable." Tonks commented as she walked in the kitchen, her eyes dancing as she eyed the two.
"Extremely." Hermione sighed as she pulled back reluctantly, just as Remus entered the kitchen, Snape trailing behind.
"All packed? Lupin asked.
"All packed." Harry nodded, "just waiting on Ron I think."
"Should've figured." Tonks sighed. She sent Lupin a pointed look, "we would tell them about Carrow."
"What's about Carrow?" Harry was curious. He hadn't really heard much of the Death Eater following his encounter with them in the dungeons.
He noted the shared glance between Snape and Lupin, his interest increasing. "What? What's happened?"
"She killed herself."
"She… what?" He felt his stomach plunge uncomfortably.
Remus nodded, eyes weary. "Without her brother… she was… gone."
"Did she provide any more information?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Not anything of note," Lupin answered, his eyes tired and weary.
"Do we know where they're based? Now that Malfoy manor isn't around?" Harry's eyes turned toward Snape.
The dark-haired wizard shook his head, his black eyes thoughtful. "There appears to be no base as such, he is on the move constantly." His lips thinned slightly, "he lacks trust in his followers."
Harry nodded in understanding. Snape had risked an incredible amount the moment he had helped them escape Malfoy Manor. He was on the run. A high-ranking Death Eater who had allied themselves with Dumbledore. He was probably just behind Harry on Voldemort's list.
"Well," Tonks chirped in, breaking the tension that had been created. "It's not for you two to worry about…" She looked at the clock, "best say your goodbyes, though. Don't want you missing the train."
"I'll try and write…" Hermione reassured her parents. "I don't know how safe it is."
"Do what you can, darling." Elizabeth swept her in a hug. The older woman then turned her attention to Harry, drawing the young man towards her.
"You take care, Harry." She hugged him tightly, concern in her eyes. He then turned to William, the older man's expression stoic.
"Don't let her go, Harry." He took him by the hand, his voice so low that only Harry could hear him.
"I won't, sir."
The usual chaos of the train seemed a bit tamer. Fewer people mingled about. The normal hustle and bustle, and end of summer talks seemed dulled than previous years. Harry clasped her hand in his, taking comfort in her presence beside him. They were making their way through the train when they bumped into a familiar face.
"Neville…" Harry nodded to the blond Gryffindor.
"Hey Harry," Neville wore an uncertain smile, his eyes drifting to Hermione. "Hermione."
"Hey Neville." Hermione sent him a bright smile, eyes lighting up. Harry watched as Neville's shoulders slackened, relaxing. He looked slightly taller, his face thinning even more than the previous year. "Summer ok?"
Neville shrugged his shoulders, watching the duo. His eyes looked weary, tired. Harry wandered what people saw when they looked into his eyes.
Neville then offered them a smile, the motion changing his entire face. "Heard you two got Head Boy and Girl. Congratulations."
"Bundled up that one up, didn't they?" A new voice entered the conversation, "the Golden couple of Hogwarts."
Harry rolled his eyes as he found himself turning to face Draco, his expression light. Ginny standing beside him.
"Draco," Harry felt himself grin at the Slytherin.
Draco grinned back, his silver eyes lighting up. "Never thought I'd hear myself say I was glad to see you…" He took his outstretched hand and clapped him on the shoulder.
"My charm finally wore you down. Only human after all, hey?" Harry shrugged, crooked grin in place.
"Head's as enlarged as ever." He rolled his eyes, "you alright, Granger?"
"Yeah, alright." Hermione smiled at him, "you?"
"Alright." His eyes turned serious, "bit of a shit of a summer." He turned to Neville, "Longbottom."
"Malfoy." Neville nodded back, he sent the two another small grin. "I'll see you lot later. I've got a compartment with Dean." He gave them a small wave as they made their way into a compartment.
Harry nodded, taking the seat next to Hermione as Draco and Ginny sat opposite. "Any news of your Mother?" Harry asked as the door slid shut, his curious nature getting the best of him.
"No… nothing." Draco replied, "I heard you got Carrow…"
"Mmmmm…" He felt his tongue expand, his throat closing up. He hadn't really spoken of that night to anyone. "He was about the hurt my cousin. I just… acted I guess." He shook his head. Hermione took his hand in hers, then. Her eyes seeking his. He sent her a faint smile, squeezing back. "It's war isn't it…" Harry turned back to Draco. "It's either them or you."
"Harsh reality," Draco conceded. His silver eyes assessed him quietly, gaze lingering no the faded bruise on his face. Then, in a rare show of affection, took Ginny's hand in his.
Ginny offered a shaky smile in response. "Not many new students…" She remarked, eying the platform.
"Or returning…" Hermione frowned.
"People are terrified." Draco's voice was thoughtful.
"As they should be." Ginny added, her lips thinning, "still. Hogwarts is as safe as anywhere.. and safer than most isn't it?"
"Wherever Dumbledore is, I'd want to be." Harry shrugged.
They'd completed their first meeting with the new and returning Prefects and were waiting as the room emptied, students returning to their compartments. Hermione had taken the lead, with Harry standing quietly beside her. He enjoyed watching Hermione, seeing how comfortable and suited she was to the role. He pitched in when required but rather preferred taking a backseat.
"You look very dashing." Hermione smiled at him, straightening his Head Boy pin on his cloak. The door to the compartment had closed, leaving the two of them alone. He grinned down at her, clasping her hand in his and holding to his chest. His hair had been trimmed, his dark locks framing his face. His red and gold tie straight against his white shirt.
"Something about a tie, hey?"
"Just you." She grinned at him lightly, hands on his chest.
"Mmmm." He leaned forward slowly, his hands cupped her head, his fingers light as he brushed against her cheek. She leaned into him in response, her brown eyes darkening as he claimed her lips. She welcomed him immediately, her tongue seeking his and battling for dominance. His pulse quickened, his body responding in a way only she could inspire. He pressed against her, pinning her to the window.
He pushed her hair away from her ear, parseltongue escaping his lips. I want you.
"Harry..." Her voice held so much need in it. Her fingers tightening their hold on his arms, her nails digging in.
"I know." The same need was mirrored in his voice. He pulled away reluctantly. It would not bode well for the Head Boy and Girl to be caught on the train.
Hermione was clearly thinking along the same lines, she sent him an appraising look. "Later."
They followed McGonagall throughout the castle as she lead the way to the Head Boy and Girl dormitory, passing by familiar corridors and portraits.
The common area wasn't dissimilar to the Gryffindor Common room. A large fireplace at the centre of the room, a plush looking couch seated in front of it, a small alcove in the wall against a window looked out to the castle grounds, the forbidden forrest looming in the distance. Large windows lined the walls.
"The Heads dormitory takes a little of each house's common room." McGonagall's voice filled the silence as Harry and Hermione's eyes assessed their new surroundings. "The ceiling, for instance," She brought their attention upwards to a domed ceiling painted with stars. "Is a feature in the Ravenclaw common room." She then lead them to where plants and flowers stood, the greenery a nice touch to the room. "Hufflepuff." She nodded to them, "and the carvings." Harry followed her gaze, noting for the first time the carved stone around the fireplace, "Slytherin." She then motioned to the wall, tapestries adorned the stone walls, rich coloured rugs lay on the floor. "And, as you're familiar. Gryffindor."
"Cool." Harry nodded, taking it all in. He admired the large engraving that stood above the mantel, the crest of Hogwarts and the four houses shined back at him, glinting in the firelight. A great bookcase took up an entire wall on one side, opposite. He grinned at Hermione as she stared at it. She felt his eyes on her and sent him a smile.
"Come, let me show you to your rooms." McGonagall, caught their attention again. There were two staircases on either side of the bookcase. "Miss Granger, your room is on the right, Mr Potter, the left." She sent them a stern look, "I trust you do not need me to remind of the expectations regarding the sharing of rooms?"
"They're encouraged?" Harry asked, eyes hopeful. He knew he was pushing this luck, his green eyes twinkled as McGonagall levelled him with a stern look.
"No, Mr Potter." She sighed, as though she had been through this conversation many times. "Not encouraged."
"Noted," Harry rocked back on his heels.
"Now, your rooms may appear rather… empty when you enter them." McGonagall continued, pointedly ignoring Harry's grin. "It's designed specifically to tail the occupant."
"What does that mean?"
"It'll change according to what you want out of it. Your interests."
"Like the Room of Requirement?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"Sort of," It was Hermione who answered, "I read about it but wasn't sure it was real." She turned to Harry, "the room will alter to match your personality. Not just a whim or something as immediate as the Room of Requirement. The room will start to accommodate to you when you go in, it could take time. The room needs to get to know you."
"Huh," Harry gave a nod, "magic."
"Magic indeed, Mr Potter." McGonagall nodded to them. "I'll leave you two to get familiar with your new rooms." She accentuated the plural on rooms, looking pointedly at Harry. "I'll see you both tomorrow morning."
"Goodnight Professor," they called in unison.
"Goodnight." She allowed a small smile to grace her face before departing through the portrait.
"Do you think the staircase will turn into a slide if I try to climb it?" Harry asked, eyeing the stairs to Hermione's room skeptically.
"One way to find out." Hermione smiled at him from the top of the stairs. She loosened her tie around her neck, unbuttoning her collar. The red and gold striped hung loosely around her neck and he glimpsed bronzed skin.
"What if an alarm goes off…"
Hermione raised an eyebrow in amusement, "you couldn't have been more cavalier with Professor McGonagall. Now you're stressing out?"
"Fine…" He took a hesitant step forward, staring at the stone in anticipation. It didn't give way and he gave a triumphant grin in Hermione's direction before taking a few more steps. He was almost to the top when the steps vanished and he found himself on the floor of the common room.
"Damn it." He got up, "bloody Hogwarts." He stared at Hermione who had been watching in amusement, her smile widening. "You knew that would happen, didn't you?"
She gave a nonchalant shrug, "I had an idea."
"Mean."
Hermione let out a laugh before clearing her throat. "I give permission for Harry Potter to enter my room." She then looked at Harry expectantly, "give it a go now."
"How do I know I can trust you?" Harry crossed his arms across his chest.
"Guess that's a risk you'll have to take." She sent him another smile before departing and entering her room, her cloak billowing behind her.
Harry eyed the stairs critically before taking a deep breath and making his way up the stairs, bracing himself for a fall that never came.
"Well, I'm glad that you're amused." Harry stepped through the door. The room was a mirror image to his, a bookshelf lined a side.
Hermione laughed, pulling off her robe and placing in on a plush armchair. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."
"I bet." He walked past her, lying on her bed.
She smiled at him, a relaxed smile on her face. "We're alone."
"We are?" Harry replied, watching entranced as Hermione slowly came to the bed. "I hadn't noticed…" She leaned forward and claimed his lips slowly, her hands running through his hair.
"I believe there's something you need to make up to me…"
Harry let out a low chuckle, a wicked gleam in his eye at her words.