As always, I'm only playing with JK Rowling's toys.

All credit goes to JK Rowling, her publisher and all the other people involved in bringing her work to life. The text in italics are quotes from A midsummer night's dream and Lord of the rings. Credit goes to Shakespeare and Tolkien for these.

#

Minerva McGonagall strode purposefully towards the main gates of the school; it was not every day that she got to collect two pupils that had been given leave to be away from the castle for reasons that did not involve a family bereavement, given who the pupils were; she had a definite sense of pride.

For the last few years, she had, much to her shame, sat back and allowed both Harry and Hermione to be bullied, ridiculed and threatened not only by certain pupils but also by members of staff. This term new rules had been implemented, and so far they had been universally welcomed, not to mention the annual hostilities between the Lions and the Snakes had ceased causing a feeling of peace in the school.

As she passed through the gates, she saw the patrolling Aurors; Director Bones had promised Harry that this year would be different from the last three years. Unfortunately, with this stupid tournament coming to the school, she had her work cut out for her. Harry had expressed his concerns that he would be forced into this competition and Minerva shared these concerns however this year Harry had the support of not only the smartest witch of her age, as he usually had, but also the fairest-minded head of the DMLE in generations. Evil would have its work cut out for it.

She cast a look around before Apparating to the back garden of the Grangers; she was a few minutes early. This would give her and her favourite lions a chance to catch up and discuss the events of the last day.

The back door opened and Mr Granger came out 'Professor, please come in and have a cup of tea.'

Minerva smiled and followed him through the open door. Harry and Hermione were sitting at the table, eating breakfast and having an engaging discussion about last night's activities.

'Good morning Mr Potter, Ms Granger. I trust you both had an enjoyable day?' inquired the professor.

'We certainly did, Professor. I'm not sure how he managed it, but Harry made it a birthday to remember.' replied Hermione, happiness radiating from her.

'We shopped, had lunch then a nap and perhaps the best food that I have ever had before we saw a performance of a Midsummer's night dream at the Barbican. I even managed to pick up a gift for you and the headmaster as a thank you.' said Harry.

'The Barbican, you say? Your mother was a huge theatre fan; your father bought one of the best boxes while the theatre was under construction because of her. I attended a few shows at Drury Lane with Alice and Lily. Those were special times.' Minerva grew misty-eyed as she reminisced about times gone by.

'Unfortunately, I must call time on this pleasant adventure, the dreary world of education beacons you both. I will give you a few moments to say your goodbyes, and I'll meet you in the garden.' With that, Minerva stood up and thanked Dan for the tea and went to the garden.

'Dan, I don't think I can ever thank you and Emma for your generosity. I have had a long hard think about your offer, and if it still stands, I would love to accept.' Harry held out his hand for Dan to shake. Dan ignored the offered hand and engulfed the teen in a man hug.

'You saved my daughter and brought her home to us, Harry that makes you family in my book, son.' Dan held the young man; a young man that in the short time that he had known him, he had grown rather fond of.

'Don't let anything come between you both, do you hear me?' asked Emma, Hermione nodded. 'Dad said that not even he could have picked a better man for his princess. We expect to see him here come Christmas, and every other holiday after that, you understand me?' Emma playfully threatened her daughter. Hermione smiled; this would be an easy promise to keep.

The teens held hands as they made their way to the garden; Minerva watched them as they approached.

'I take it congratulations are in order?' she asked, both teens obliged with a light blush

'Well, I can't say it's not before time. Now before we head off, do you have everything that you need for school?' the teens nodded their agreement.

'Then it's time to go.' The deputy headmistress took them by the elbow, and they disappeared with a pop.

Dan said 'I doubt I'll ever get used to seeing that.'

'Well, just wait till she can do it herself and you get to go along with her.' said Emma.

Dan looked less than impressed.

#

Within a few seconds, the trio arrived just outside the main gate of the school, Minerva stopped them and said 'before you head in I should tell you that there was an incident yesterday involving Mr Longbottom and Ms Chang. I tell you this as Mr Longbottom was defending the honour of a mutual friend of yours, a certain Ms Lovegood. I must warn you, Mr Potter, this matter has been dealt with, and any retaliatory action by you will be met with the same severe response that Ms Chang received. My Lions are expected to behave impeccably at all times, have I made myself clear?'

Harry considered his head of house for a moment before replying 'Crystal. I am giving fair warning Professor; I will not stand by and allow bullying to go unpunished. By anyone.'

Minerva nodded her head in agreement.

'This is a sentiment that we both agree on Mr Potter. As you can imagine the rumour mill has been working overtime about your combined absences, what you choose to divulge is up to you however please be aware that the special dispensation afforded you both will not be extended to anyone else unless there are extenuating circumstances' said Minerva.

'Is breakfast still going?' asked Hermione

'It is, would you like me to escort you both to the great hall?' asked Minerva.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other before nodding their acceptance. Perhaps it was better to address the Hippogriff in the room directly instead of dancing around it.

As they made their way to the great hall then encountered no other students, given the early hour it was to be expected. The hall was sparsely populated with a few professors and around a dozen students. Harry and Hermione took their seats at the house table while the professor headed to her usual seat. Although they had had breakfast at the Grangers, the teens indulged in some fruit, and thanks to Dobby, more coffee. They discussed what they would tell their friends and how they would deal with the Hogwarts rumour mill; should it become an issue.

'People will think what they want no matter what we tell them, I think that we just address each one as and when it becomes an issue.' offered Hermione.

Harry agreed 'Ok, but the first time someone says or does something, you tell me.'

Hermione didn't get a chance to respond before a contingent of Gryffindor student appeared and began bombarding them with questions.

'Where have you been?'

'Is it true you got married?'

'I heard that Hermione had been kidnapped and you rescued her, did you have help?'

'I heard that one of the snakes dragged Hermione into the chamber to use her in a dark ritual.'

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, eyes wide with shock before they started laughing. The lions looked at the duo with puzzled looks on their face.

Hermione took it upon herself to answer, 'we were busy doing separate family stuff, No we are not married, no I was not kidnapped and don't be ridiculous. Only a Parseltongue can open the chamber, and the only person in the school with that ability is Harry. We were not in school, not where we in the Chamber. I was with my parents for a prearranged appointment that Professor McGonagall was well aware of. As for Harry, that is neither yours nor my business and if he chooses to divulge his business then so be it.'

The students looked rather sheepish at her admonishment, but they didn't disperse.

'Well? Are we done here? I want to finish my breakfast before I head up to get changed, so do you have any more bone-headed questions?' The look that Hermione gave them was enough for them to get the message, the tone of her voice promised that there would be ramifications if they didn't leave them alone.

Harry smiled at this ferocious girlfriend with a renewed sense of pride before speaking up,

'As the last of my House, I was advised that I was eligible to claim my family patriarchy, so I was attending to family business. It is a unique situation, and due to the circumstances surrounding its necessity you'll forgive me if I don't feel like talking about it.' This killed any further questions from the gathered students.

Harry took a drink of his coffee before standing and saying 'We have to get ready for potions, so if you'll excuse us.' He offered Hermione his arm, which she duly took, and they left the hall, leaving stunned housemates in their wake.

#

The young couple entered the deserted common room and took the opportunity to share an affectionate moment without the scrutiny of prying eyes. They held each other, enjoying the closeness that their new relationship afforded them. All too soon, they broke their embrace to head to their dorms to get ready for the coming day. At the bottom of the staircases leading to their dorms Harry leaned in and kissed the love of his life; this new facet of their relationship was something that Hermione was beginning to enjoy very much!

When their lips separated, she said 'I'll see you down here in half an hour. Don't make me wait too long!'

'Yes darling' teased Harry, causing Hermione to blush ever so slightly before he dashed up the stairs to his dorm.

As the door closed behind him he realised that Buzz-saw Weasley was silent, this could only mean that he was awake, Harry braced himself for the barrage of ill-advised questions from his former best friend.

'Where the bloody hell have you been?' asked Ron

Harry took a deep breath and sighed 'and good morning to you too, Ronald'

'Cut the crap Harry, where were you yesterday? Ron asked again

'Morning Neville, how was things yesterday?' asked Harry as he walked to his trunk, completely ignoring the re-head

This snub incensed Ron, who got up from his bed and pulled Harry round by his left shoulder, 'I asked you a bloody question.' He demanded

As Harry spun round his right fist clenched and swung catching Ron on the jaw, who dropped like liquid to the floor.

On the outside, Harry looked the picture of calm, on the inside however, he was boiling over with pent up rage. Memories of every time Vernon and Dudley had grabbed him in the same fashion had fuelled his reaction. The rest of the boys in the room stood in silence in various states of undress. Harry turned around and took out his uniform and wash kit from his trunk and strode to the shower room, almost every pair of eye in the room tracked his movement.

As he stepped into the shower room his facade of calmness shattered as he unleashed an almighty yell 'AAAARGHHH!' it took almost a minute for someone to feel brave enough to check on him.

Neville poked his head around the door 'erm, Harry is everything alright mate?'

Harry just nodded.

'You want me to fetch someone for you?' he asked

Harry shook his head.

'Mate, you know you can talk to me, don't you? Nothing you tell me would be repeated.' offered Neville.

'I know mate, I know. How is he?' Harry asked

'He's not quite sure what day it is, but that's normal for him, so I'd say he's still an idiot.' laughed Neville.

'I didn't mean to hit him, its just...' Harry began.

Neville held up his hands and said 'you don't have to explain anything to me mate. Besides its been long overdue, in my opinion.'

'Thank Nev, I appreciate it.'

'no worries, but I'll let you get ready in private. You've nothing I want to see, and you'd better not keep your girl waiting.' said Neville with a wink before he left the shower room.

#

At the same time as Harry was channelling his inner Muhammed Ali, Hermione was facing an onslaught of questions.

'Where were you and Harry yesterday?' asked Lavender Brown, resident gossip girl and fashionista of Gryffindor tower.

'I had a family appointment if you must know, as for Harry he was at Gringotts taking care of important matters concerning his house. Before you ask, no we did not elope nor did we fight off a thousand Death eaters and no we did not get wizard tattoos. We left together, he invited me, my mum and dad to have dinner with him later on and then this morning we arrived back here. It was as simple and as boring as that.'

'So you were together then?' Lavender asked.

'My family and Harry had dinner. Afterwards, we left, and he went where ever he was staying. Professor McGonagall collected Harry then came for me. That is it, now if you'll excuse me I need to get ready.' exclaimed Hermione, her tone leaving no room for ambiguity.

Lavender huffed at the lack of juicy gossip; Parvati sniggered at her friend being shut down so effectively. Hermione fought the urge to smile as she remembered her wonderful birthday and how waking up in Harry's arms in the study of the suite in the Dorchester was a dream come true for her.

#

Harry and Hermione emerged from their dorms at the same time, both refreshed from a quick shower and change of clothes. Ready to face the day ahead fully in the knowledge that they were together and nothing would come between them.

'I have had a most rare vision. I had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was… The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen, man's hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart to report, what my dream was.' quoted Harry

Hermione replied in kind 'For you, in my respect, are all the world. Then how can it be said I am alone. When all the world is here to look on me?'

The young couple smiled at each other before heading out to face the day.

On the way to Potions, Harry was stopped by Professor McGonagall.

'The headmaster would like to see you this evening after dinner. Of course, you would be welcome to attend Ms Granger.'

Harry considered the request 'Am I allowed to decline, professor?' he asked

'Unfortunately not Mr Potter, this is more of a summons than a request.' Replied his head of House

'Very well, inform the headmaster that I will attend however in future I will not be summoned like some mongrel pup. If he wishes to see me, then he will have to make an official appointment to my House steward. On this occasion I would like to request that you be in attendance Professor.' said Harry.

'Certainly, Mr Potter, shall I say seven-thirty?'

'That would be agreeable, now I must apologise we must be off to potions, Professor Snape doesn't need an excuse to be petty, being late will be bad enough.' said Harry.

'Professor Snape is aware that I was coming to meet you if he attempts to give you detention or removes any point let me know.'

The teens thanked her and headed to the dungeons'

As they entered the potions class, Professor Snape barked 'Granger, Potter ten points each from Gryffindor for being late.'

'A wizard is never late, Severus Snape, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to' replied Harry, and to the shock of everyone in the class, including the potions master, Snape said 'Then please take your seat. Master Wizard.'