Author's Note: Just got to say, the last bit of this chapter was intense to write.
And thanks for beta-ing this chapter, TyrannicPuppy and SweetShireen as well as providing ideas & suggestions.
Chapter revised as of April 2020
Chapter 3: Payback
Hermione gradually opened her eyes only to see that she wasn't looking into anything familiar. She took a few seconds to remember that she never left the living room… and that she wasn't, in fact, resting on a pillow but instead on her best friend. She tried to limit her movements, so she wouldn't rouse Harry from his sleep. The teenage witch knew that it wasn't likely that Harry had slept all that well in the past few weeks. While he hadn't communicated as much, the dark bags under his eyes told the story.
I'm not going to wake him up right now, especially considering it's… She checked a nearby clock, Only eight in the morning.
It was much later than Hermione usually got up, but considering how much energy they had used yesterday, it was of little surprise. Besides Harry was a really comfortable pillow.
Yesterday was a massive success. Not only had her and Harry's friendship deepened over the last day, but her parents instantly took a liking to the raven-haired teen. She had to admit that asking her parents to let Harry stay over, was a daunting task. It was the first time Hermione had asked for a friend to stay over, and not only that but that friend was male and would be staying for a prolonged period of time. But her fears proved to be just that, fears. It seemed that her parents were so excited that they'd be meeting a friend of hers and Harry Potter at that—that they were completely for the idea. But her plan also relied on whether or not, Harry would accept her offer of an invitation.
The bushy-haired witch was amused by her own thoughts, 'offer.' Well, she didn't really give him much of a choice, but he didn't seem to dislike the idea, more like wanting to avoid any problems which could occur.
Still, Hermione had thought and was later proved correct that Harry would've been invited to the Burrow over Summer. Knowing that he was closer to Ron, she assumed that he'd want to stay over there. But surprisingly he had decided against going there, in favour of staying with her and her parents.
Something which made her heart feel warm and content.
She was ecstatic that Harry had enjoyed the Star Wars franchise, just as much as her, if not more. His gaze rarely left the television, wearing a smile the majority of the time. And the times he wasn't looking, Hermione had caught him looking at her in her peripheral vision.
This only further gave evidence that Harry was beginning, or already had similar feelings to her regarding a possible romantic relationship.
Once her parents had gone to bed, she was glad to spend some alone time with Harry. She knew her parents were rarely tired, and often went to bed much later than last night. She suspected that her dad knew she wanted to be alone with Harry if that glint in his eye was anything to go by.
She didn't know what inspired her to make the split-second decision to lie on Harry and snuggle with him, rather than sit in the free space, but she did it, and now had no regrets. Being close to Harry brought as much comfort to her, as she presumed it did to him. And he had welcomed her presence with ease something she realised, later on, she probably should've been wary of; considering that besides her and Sirius, she hadn't seen Harry being comfortable with physical contact and doubted this contact had ever extended past a hug.
She smiled to herself, remembering the kiss he had left last night on her cheek. Sure it was seemingly platonic, though she had wondered what would've happened if she'd snapped her eyes open at the time. Would he have kissed her? Probably not, Harry's confidence was spontaneous. Sometimes he could be a true leader with immense bravery, such as facing the troll in their first-year, slaying the basilisk, facing the dementors, avoiding a dragon, and teaching Dumbledore's Army and leading their friends at the Department of Mysteries.
But other times he was nervous, and extremely so, especially when it involved girls. She had practically walked Harry through his relationship with Cho. Telling him about what he should do, and shouldn't do. Giving hints to him that Cho was crushing on him and even that he should've avoided meeting her during his date.
She remembered his words on Valentine's day:
"But I don't think you're ugly."
Hermione had laughed at the time, but truthfully his words had a much bigger impact than he probably took notice of. They had made her realise that she wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with her best friend, and made her wonder if she had always wanted to. She was always happiest when around Harry and so hoped that their relationship would evolve soon.
Why those words had hit her so hard, she wasn't exactly sure. He didn't necessarily say she was attractive, or even above average. Just that she wasn't ugly, regardless it had thrown away any belief that she was ugly, well, from Harry's perspective at least.
Looking back she realised just how involved she was in Harry's love life. Even though she was Harry's best female friend, she thought it slightly odd that she'd played such a big part in helping Harry with Cho. Did this stem from me testing him, or unknowingly wanting him for myself at the time?
She let that thought linger...
When it happened, Hermione was happy to see that Cho and Harry's romance failed and disastrously at that. Not the fact that Harry was probably horrified at how 'bad' he was with girls, but that he was stuck with someone who couldn't see past a fantasy image. While Ron had thought Harry was at fault for his fragile romance with Cho, Hermione knew better. Cho was never in a good mental space last year, having just lost her boyfriend to the tournament, and evidently thought that seeking Harry out would be her best choice of action as the famous 'Boy-Who-Lived' would be great at comforting. But Harry wasn't the 'perfect boy' image, many in Hogwarts believed him to be. He had flaws, just like any human being, ones she understood and accepted.
Harry was at times, stubborn, reckless, emotional and hot-headed. But they were all traits that made him, him.
Besides, he had more than enough good traits to counter his flaws, Harry was compassionate, determined, thoughtful, strong, resilient and a leader. Not to mention he was also extremely handsome in her eyes.
Unlike what others may think, Hermione was friends with Harry, not because of what transpired in first year, but because he really was a good friend. She only tolerated Ron out of necessity.
Harry was also trusting and forgiving, the latter of which Hermione contemplated whether it was always a good thing or not. It seemed that now, Harry wasn't so forgiving anymore, especially towards Dumbledore. Once again, Hermione hoped that this extended to Ron as well.
God, thought Hermione, mentally shaking her head. Why do I want Ron out of the way so bad? It's almost as if I'm becoming possessive of Harry, and he isn't even my boyfriend… yet.
Hermione knew she had flaws as well and was glad Harry accepted them for what they were and never bullied her like a certain redhead. While her 'bossy' attitude had diminished over the years to a more acceptable social norm, she couldn't help but channel it sometimes. Which often made everyone shy away from her except Harry, who even seemed to like it at times.
Hermione was drawn from her thoughts when she heard a large intake of breath near her. Instinctively she turned her head to look up to Harry as his eyes groggily opened.
At first, he looked at her confused, then blinked a few times, trying to discern that he was indeed awake, before finally giving her a warm smile. He looked towards her waist and realised that one of his arms were still around her.
Neither of them made any motion to move it.
Suddenly like clockwork, their two eyes met each other with intense gazes. She wasn't very far from his face and could see his eyes very clearly, more so than last night, as it had been too dark to discern most of his features then. His emerald eyes had a brighter gleam than she had ever recalled and if she could really describe them she'd even call his eyes beautiful.
She wondered if he was having the same thoughts as her. Wondering what it'd be like to kiss, or even snog him, and revel in a new level of intimacy.
Without breaking his gaze, Harry barely parted his lips and whispered barely above a breath, "Hey beautiful," and lightly tightened his grip around her.
Hermione gasped and knew a blush was appearing on her cheeks as her mouth opened as if to respond, but she knew if she tried to speak, any words that came out would simply be a bumbling mess. Beautiful? He really thinks I'm beautiful. Almost repeating it as some sort of mantra.
Their gazes remained transfixed for a whole minute longer, and Hermione could've sworn their faces were now closer than before.
She eventually whispered with all her pent up emotions, "Hey, you."
Hermione heard his breath catch in his throat before he gulped, closed his lips and wet them with his tongue. She could've sworn something in his eyes changed as well.
Harry sat up straighter so that their heads were level with each other. Ever so slowly they edged closer to one another their eyes remaining locked. Hermione tilted her head and just before their lips touched he murmured, "Is th—thi—" He couldn't seem to finish the sentence.
Is this okay? Most definitely! Screamed Hermione inside her head.
She gave a nearly imperceptible nod before they closed the remaining distance.
Their lips met tentatively at first and Hermione closed her eyes to enjoy the new feel. It wasn't unpleasant, nor was it necessarily spine-tingling. But it was a friendly, comfortable, relaxing and loving kiss. Any tension that was in her body poured out into the kiss, though neither of them were aggressive or passionate in their efforts.
Hermione had never kissed anyone on the lips before, it was a new experience for her and essentially was for Harry as well. Considering the only word he used to describe his first kiss was 'wet.' She hoped he didn't feel the same way about this one. Since he didn't pull away, she divined his possible response.
Of course, she had read books on the matter, as well as some romance novels, but actually committing the act was a totally new experience. She had always wondered why Pavarti and Lavender were such lunatics over relationships and the physical aspects, now at least she had some idea.
It was a kiss of promise between two friends, who were likely transitioning into more. Reluctantly the two slowly separated and Harry opened his mouth to say something, but they were interrupted by Helen yelling, "Hermione! You in here? I can't find Harry."
At least she always speaks loudly so I know when she's here, thought Hermione amused, but saddened that their moment had been ruined.
Being guarded by the back of the couch, Hermione slithered her way to the opposite end, without revealing her position to her mum. Harry's features fell, though only momentarily before he hid them behind a mask. Presumably, he assumed Hermione had regretted their kiss. But Hermione didn't miss a beat, she smiled reassuringly at him, conveying that she didn't regret what had transpired.
She saw Harry give a smile back, though it seemed forced. She mouthed, 'We'll talk later,' which seemed to cheer him up.
Both Harry and her were extremely private people, and Hermione didn't want to insinuate what had happened between them to anyone else until they had a conversation discussing this new development.
And what a new development it was.
Once safely on the other side Hermione poked her head over the couch and let out a convincing yawn, "Yeah I'm here Mum, and so is Harry."
Helen visibly relaxed at her comment.
"Morning Mrs Granger," said Harry while getting off the couch.
"Helen please, Harry. It makes me feel old being called Mrs," admitted her Mum.
Harry let out a small chuckle and apologetically replied, "Sorry, I didn't intend for it to come off that way. If you'll excuse me, Helen, I need to go to the loo."
Helen replied, "Of course," and sidestepped out of the way. As Harry left the room he turned his head over his shoulder and gave a shy smile to Hermione. Something Helen did not miss.
Hermione let out a small sigh of relief before she noticed her Mum's expression.
Helen was looking at her suspiciously and commented, "So that's why neither of you were in your respective rooms…"
Hermione fought the urge to blush so she wouldn't confirm her mum's potential assumption. With a grin, she replied, "We finished watching the second movie which Harry enjoyed just as much and then…" she paused not exactly knowing how to continue. "We just kind of fell asleep. I think we were too tired from yesterday's activities." And shrugged to seem nonchalant about it, when the opposite was true.
"Mhmm, sure honey," replied Helen, believing that she was omitting some truth. But her mum respected her unspoken wishes and changed the topic, noting, "Harry's a very polite boy."
She smiled fondly at her mum and replied, "Yes he is." Hermione must've had a faraway look on her face because Helen began giggling like a little girl.
The bushy-haired brunette looked at her weirdly, "What?"
Sometimes I wonder who the child is, thought Hermione mentally rolling her eyes.
"I said," began Helen calming down. "What do you and Harry plan on doing today? Your father and I are leaving in ten or so minutes."
Hermione bit her inner lip thinking, "I'm not entirely sure… Beforehand I had a plan on what we'd do every day, for the first week. I had intended to make his time here as enjoyable as possible but he surprised me with his desire to study."
Helen looked at her surprised, "I thought he was one to slack off on his homework. You're always telling me how he and Ron spend too little time studying and too much goofing around."
"I know, but he was really determined to change those habits with V—NEWT classes starting this year. It really is great that he's changing in that respect and for the better. Besides he's always been more proficient in his studies than Ron."
She didn't particularly want to tell her parents about Voldemort, the Death Eaters and a new wizarding war. In fact, she had refrained from telling them about their dangerous adventures ever since Halloween of 1991, fearing that they may do something drastic. Though she wondered if those were simply the fears of a little girl, considering that her parents respected her choices more and more these days.
Her mum frowned at her and with a compassionate look said softly, "Hermione, I know you aren't telling me everything, and that really is fine. But just know that your father and I are here for you, for anything. Don't forget that."
"I won't mum," Hermione replied. "It's just that… things aren't the best in the Wizarding World at the moment, and I don't want to unnecessarily drag you and dad into things if I can avoid it. If you really want to know I'm sure Harry and I could sit down with the both of you and explain the situation."
"That'd be great, honey," replied Helen.
At that moment, Robert came into the room with Harry walking close by, the two in conversation.
"So let me get this straight. Quidditch is a sport similar to football as you try to score points by getting the ball into the goals, only that you're flying on brooms?" asked Robert trying to wrap his head around the wizarding sport.
Harry nodded his head, "Yeah, that's essentially it. It's a bit," heavily emphasising the last word, "More complicated than that, but I'd be happy to explain the mechanics and rules another time."
Her dad grinned, "That sounds great Harry. It seems like a really interesting sport. Now while I lean more towards golf and cricket, I think I can make an exception for an 'epic-broom-stick-flying-soccer-game.'"
Harry laughed, actually genuinely laughed. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off his grin, his crinkled eyes and the sound of his laughter. Harry not only seemed to be enjoying himself around Robert but was entirely comfortable and on top of that, her dad was having a good time as well. She knew the one thing Harry desired above all else was family and love. He had seen them around the Weasleys, and while they had treated Harry like one of their own, he always seemed slightly uncomfortable around them. But with hers it was different he was simply himself, and that made her all the happier.
The two teens said goodbye to her parents, with Hermione hugging them both. After hugging her mum, she gave Hermione a wink. She gave a quizzical look at her mum but was only met by a slight smirk.
Is she implying what I think she is? Wondered Hermione. She would be lying if she said she didn't want her and Harry to be more. And god, did she really want to feel those lips on hers again. Now with her parents gone she thought it was a good as a time as ever to talk to her best friend about what happened.
She turned to look at the person in question. As expected he seemed nervous and slowly brought his eyes up to hers, drawing out, "Sooo…"
"Harry," she said sharply.
He instantly snapped into focus, giving her his undivided attention.
She decided to not 'beat around the bush,' and asked simply, "Do you regret it?"
There was no need to clarify what she meant by 'it' he knew exactly what she was referring to. Harry didn't betray his feelings and after a second responded with, "No." He then gave her a curious look, "Did you?"
"No," she replied in the exact same manner as him.
He looked deeply into her eyes, a gaze which made her feel as though he could see right through her, and made her feel completely vulnerable. Presumably, he was looking for any dishonesty and after an indefinite amount of time, he tore his gaze away.
She was about to say that she meant it, but he talked first, "I—I really like you Hermione, much more than a friend. I just don't want this to hurt our friendship."
Hermione moved closer to him, so he was within arms reach and softly took hold of his chin and turned his face to look at hers. She stated softly, "This won't hurt our friendship, Harry. If anything, it'll only strengthen it. Part of a working romantic relationship is becoming friends, something we've already done.
"Do you know why my parents have such a functional relationship?" He shook his head, "They were, and still are, best friends. It evolved into something more, twenty or so years ago and since they knew each other so well, their romance only blossomed from there. I'm not saying it'll be the same for us, but you'll always have my friendship no matter what."
Harry mumbled a grateful, "Thank you."
Hermione grimaced as a thought came to her.
"What?" asked Harry concerned.
"What about Ron?" she inquired, hoping Harry wouldn't be a noble git.
"Fuck Ron."
She raised an eyebrow, surprised by his response, then smirked, "No thanks." Internally filled with disgust at the very thought.
Harry took a moment to understand what she meant before his face too twisted with disgust, "Hermione! You made me picture Ron like that!"
"Your fault," she countered while falling into laughter.
He rolled his eyes before he looked deep in thought, and eventually told her, "You're amazing. You make everything better. You know, I've been thinking about us becoming more, ever since the end of fifth year. I just wanted to make sure you were one hundred per cent on board with this because something I know for a fact is that: I can't do this without you. I know it sounds selfish, but I really do need you Hermione, and I don't want to put that in jeopardy. But at the same time, I desperately want to be more."
Hermione moved her face closer to his, so she was only a few inches away and whispered, "Then do what you want for once, Harry."
As soon as Harry acknowledged her words, he quickly closed the distance between them and brought her into a kiss. It was awkward at first, causing her to giggle and Harry to smile. He brought his left hand behind her back, and his right behind her head, and pulled her closer. She obliged and moved her body closer to his while smiling into the kiss. Unlike their first, however, this quickly evolved from a simple friendly kiss to one far more passionate.
She had never felt sensations like this before, and before she even realised it, she'd let out a small moan. It must've surprised Harry because suddenly he slowed his movements and opened his eyes to look at her wide-eyed. He moved his face back and opened his mouth to say something—but Hermione just crashed her lips against his again, shutting up whatever he was going to say. Harry only took a moment to reciprocate the kiss with just as much force.
Hermione's lips felt hot as their breath merged. Harry's lips were softer than she had imagined, but tasted finer than anything she could fathom. Letting her eyes fall shut, Hermione focused entirely on the sensation of Harry's lips moving against her own, and the fiery tingle that spread outwards from their point of contact.
Eventually, they separated, both breathing hard and grinning like mad. Harry leaned their heads together and asked softly, "Hey, Hermione?"
"Yes?" she whispered back.
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
She answered by kissing him full on the mouth. It wasn't long before the snogging renewed.
Dumbledore could've just apparated outside of the Durselys, but why do that, when he could walk down the whole street, enjoying the sights of Privet Drive? Besides, even an old man was allowed to indulge in some fun every once in a while.
Especially a dying one.
Imbecile. Why in Merlin did I touch that stupid bloody ring without checking it for curses?
He mentally shook his head, It was just an oversight, it's fine anyway. I can work around this. I just need to change the plan very slightly.
Though Dumbledore would come to know that he'd be making these 'slight' changes very often over the next few months.
At least Severus managed to stop the spread. The poor young man is still obsessed with Lily, even to this day. If only he knew about 'real love,' though we must all make sacrifices for the Greater Good, just as I did years and years ago...
But there was no point in dwelling on the past, and he instead focused on the task at hand. Today was Friday, and Dumbledore was due to pick up Harry and take him to the Weasleys at the Burrow. Although, he had a sparse detour planned, which involved manipulating his old friend, Horace into taking up the post of Potions Teacher once more. And I also need to know how many Horcruxes Tom made. And using Harry to get Horace's help will be easy. I just need to lay the bait, which will be Harry and he'll be caught.
If all had gone to plan, Harry would be in a vulnerable and weak situation, having grieved over the holidays alone. Meaning Harry would see him as a grandfather figure, one who was saving him by sending him to Weasleys. Such a naive boy, couldn't see the constant manipulations orchestrated by me over the years.
Dumbledore calmly walked up the door of the Dursley residence and knocked on the door.
Before long the door opened to reveal Mr Dursley, "What do you want, wizard?" he scowled making the last word sound like a derogatory term.
"I'm here to pick up Mr Potter," he smiled at them. "I'm sure he's told you of this."
Vernon huffed, "No, in fact, the little brat has been locked up in his room all holidays. But I'll be glad to get rid of him."
Dumbledore frowned at Mr Dursley calling Harry a 'brat,' but was also internally smiling. It seemed as though his Order's reports were right, and Harry had been hiding away, just as intended. He'll be so glad to see me.
"If it's little trouble, I'll just go and inform Harry of my presence," said the elderly wizard.
"Not bloody likely, I won't have more of you freaks inside my household. Petunia!"
The woman who was somehow sister to Lily Potter, walked into the room with an irritated expression, "Hmm."
"Tell the brat that 'one of his kind' is here to take him away."
Petunia seemed irritated at being ordered around, but once she realised his words and the implication she smiled, "Gladly."
One minute later, awkwardly standing in the doorway Mrs Dursley returned. "He won't answer the door and the door is locked from the inside.
"No matter," informed Dumbledore, being impatient. "I'll get him myself."
Vernon grumbled, muttering something under his breath sounding like, "Little shit."
The great wizard walked up to Harry's door and called to the other side, "Harry, my boy it's me Professor Dumbledore."
No response. Hmm this can't be good, still no need to panic yet.
He unlocked the door with an 'Alohomora' charm and walked in to find it basically deserted.
His first thoughts were that Death Eaters had got to 'The-Boy-Who-Lived' but that thought quickly vanished upon learning that all his belongings were also gone.
Looks as though the boy left of his own volition. Must already be at the Weasleys via the Knightbus, mused Dumbledore.
While his outer composure was as calm as ever, inside he was fuming. Why can't Molly inform me of these developments when they happen, instead of at her own leisure?
Still deciding that he needed to do a bit of an investigation he asked the Dursleys in the doorway, "When did you last see Mr Potter?"
"Haven't seen the shit in weeks," spat Vernon.
Weeks? Troubling indeed, would the Weasleys be conspiring against me? No surely not, their loyalty towards me is unrivalled.
"Two days," mumbled Petunia.
"Will you please explain Mrs Dursley?" questioned the Headmaster.
"He usually takes food after we've gone to sleep, but over the last two days, I've not noticed any food disappearing."
He couldn't stop the sigh that came out, "Mr Potter being here is as much for your safety as his."
"Well maybe you should've given us a way to contact you!" cried Petunia, frightened at remembering who the Death Eaters were and what they did to her sister.
Dumbledore gave them a calming smile, "Do not fret, he's been here long enough to strengthen the wards. You shall be safe."
Though I'm not going to tell them that the wards are practically useless ever since Tom took Harry's blood as his own. But it should still hide their location from any threats. Don't need people needlessly dying, everyone deserves redemption… Well except Tom, he must meet his end. Splitting his soul, oh how far he's fallen.
"I'll be taking my leave now," and without waiting for a response apparated away to the Burrow.
Dumbledore arrived outside the Granger residence. He had to take the matter up with Minerva and informed her of the situation, to find out where Miss Granger lived. Since his visit to the Burrow revealed that Harry had not travelled there.
He had asked the youngest male redhead if Harry had a secret girlfriend, as maybe that was where he had gone. But Ron had responded that "Not as far as I know. Although I wouldn't be all that surprised if he's got two of them."
Jealousy really will be the downfall of the youngest Weasley boy, thought Dumbledore sadly, pitying the painfully ordinary boy.
Another place Harry could've gone would be Miss Granger's, though the Headmaster found that idea unlikely. Last year Miss Granger had heeded his orders not to contact Harry, he saw no reason as to why she wouldn't have done the same this Summer.
Regardless, speaking to her may provide him with the necessary information to find the boy, Why couldn't he have just stayed put? He's already ruining my plans, let's just hope it was an innocent mistake made by a weak-willed boy.
"Hello Miss Granger, may I come in?"
"Why?" she responded while tilting her head, expecting a response and reason.
'Why?' Since when has she ever questioned me?
"So we could talk of course," he informed her with a twinkle in his eye and a practised smile.
"We can talk here," she replied bluntly.
What?
But he kept his composure and replied with, "Of course. Now, Miss Granger, do you have any idea about the whereabouts of Mr Potter?"
"Yes."
His eyebrows rose in surprise, "Really? Could you please tell me."
"I'm right here," came a familiar voice with obvious irritation.
He turned to the voice with a grin and untensed, upon seeing Harry Potter, 'The-Boy-Who-Lived.' Ahh, thank Merlin I found him. The consequences if I didn't…
"Harry, good to find you, my boy, though next time I must ask you to stay at the Dursleys as requested."
The raven-haired teen gave him a forced smile, "I just wanted to spend some time with Hermione, I'm sure you had no problem with that." Seeming like it was the most normal thing in the world to say.
"No no, of course not. Well, now that's all done and dusted, I ask that you come with me to the Burrow. The Weasleys are waiting for you, and I also have a special mission for you."
"No," replied Harry boldly.
No? What? Why are they both being so rebellious?
Instead of asking them that, he graced them with a smile and said, "I'm sure Miss Granger should be able to come over near the end of Summer, don't worry."
"No."
Again? What is going on?
Dumbledore shook his head as if amused, "Sorry, Harry, my boy, could you please explain what's going on?"
"Firstly, I am not 'your boy,'" he said mocking the last part. "And like I said, no: I am not coming with you."
He furrowed his brows at the teenager, "Could you tell me why?"
"Why don't you answer my questions first?" suggested Harry.
Dumbledore wasn't one to bow down to the wishes of others, but he didn't want to further antagonise Harry, though why he was annoyed in the first place utterly confused the Headmaster. Doesn't he want to go to the Burrow and visit his surrogate family? Not that he'd tell Harry that their first meeting was orchestrated by him. Still, he didn't think that he'd take such a liking to the youngest Weasley boy, though it made future plans easier to create.
"Of course, Harry."
"And I request that you don't call me 'Harry' professor since I attend Hogwarts as a student. You don't go around calling any other student by their first name now do you? I heard you call Hermione, Miss Granger, so there shouldn't be any reason to call me anything but 'Mr Potter.'"
Damn, he caught onto that. Perhaps he isn't as hopeless as I took him for. He chose his next words carefully, and with a smile responded, "I'm the Headmaster, I think I can choose how I can address you. But if you prefer so, I will call you Mr Potter."
"I'd like that very much."
"Very well, Mr Potter. Now, these questions you wanted answered?"
"Why do you want me to go to the Burrow?"
A simple question, why on earth would he want me to answer that? Unless he's fishing for a specific answer…
"Because I thought you'd like to see your family and friends, and there is sufficient protection at the Burrow, as well as many capable wizards."
"Family? As far as I can tell my whole family is dead. Unless you're referring to the Weasleys, who I do consider good friends, but they aren't my family. Also if that's the case why wasn't I sent there straight after the end of last year? It's not like Molly wouldn't want me there… And further yet, why did I not get a say in this? You're not my father, relative or guardian, who says you decide where I go?"
He couldn't help but look shocked at the boy in front of him. He had believed that once Harry wasn't at the Dursleys he may have a slight outburst, but the scariest thing about this was that he was relatively calm in his delivery. Nothing like last year, when he practically screamed at being left alone, no this was very different. He couldn't help but be reminded of Tom, though they were similar in ways, they were also vastly different.
His shock must've been present on his face because he saw Miss Granger giving a small smile, almost as if she was feeling smug about something.
"I just wanted to do what was best for you. You're the one to defeat Voldemort, your safety is paramount," he replied in a calming tone.
And your death, he thought solemnly.
"Well if your reason for moving me was for my safety, I think I'll stay here with Hermione and her family. I'm sure you can tell your spie—sorry Order members to move here. Am I wrong?"
He knew there were spies outside as well? And yet they didn't even notice that the boy left? Why is everything going wrong?!
He breathed in deeply and frowned at Harry, "Har—Mr Potter… I'm sure the Weasleys will be very saddened if you're not coming to visit them."
"I've been with them for nearly every holiday for the last five years, I'm sure they'll understand that I want to spend some time with my other best friend and her family."
"And it's no trouble, Headmaster," interjected Hermione. "My family is perfectly content with Harry staying here, and I doubt any Death Eater knows the whereabouts of my house, especially when it's located in Muggle London. He'd likely be safer here than at the Burrow, so long as we have that Order protection and they stay invisible."
He thought about threatening to take Miss Granger's Prefect badge away, but considering that Harry seemed to be thoroughly set on staying with her, he didn't want to draw a bigger gap in his now tenuous relationship with Harry.
He sighed, "Very well, I'll make sure this house is thoroughly protected against any threats and will make sure there's always a member on guard. Though I'd still very much like you to come with me regarding this mission."
"And what mission is this, Professor? And don't say it's a secret, we all know I'd tell my friends about it afterwards."
I can't even comprehend what's happening… I'll have to rethink everything over the next few days.
"I'd like you to help me convince a former professor to teach at Hogwarts," he informed deciding that lying would get him nowhere.
"And have you whisk me away to the Burrow without my consent? No thanks. Besides, I'm sure you can convince this professor to attend without my help."
He furrowed his brows and looked at Harry disappointedly, "You're not making things easy Mr Potter. I'll let you stay here for now, but I expect once school starts, you'll follow my authority as Headmaster. It's of great importance that we defeat Voldemort."
He didn't mean to deliver it in a threatening way, but it happened anyway.
Yet Harry simply responded with, "Of course, Headmaster." And then Hermione practically slammed the door in his face.
Well shit…
Hermione Granger was having a hard time studying. Most definitely something out of the ordinary.
The reason for this was Harry Potter. She couldn't help but stare at her new boyfriend as he sat in her room, studying.
Today was Saturday, and while her parents were in the living room, watching television on their day off, her and Harry were reading up on charm theory.
Well he was, she was just staring at him.
The boy in question was currently looking at his piece of parchment with furrowed brows, and his 'thinking face,' while the end of his quill kept being tapped against his lower lip. It was an image which simply fascinated the bushy-haired witch.
Her boyfriend—boyfriend, still wrapping my mind around that—was trying his best to study independently, only occasionally asking help from her. And even when he did, he was able to understand and even ask her valid questions, something which he hadn't done as much in the past. It was obvious he had done some extra work following the end of school.
She was never one to get that distracted, but she supposed if anyone had that ability it would, of course, be Harry. He really was committing to the idea of studying and training more, arguing that staying alive was more important than having fun all the time.
Suddenly Harry looked up at her with a frustrated face, "Hermione?" he asked.
He must've noticed her staring because he chuckled and questioned, "What?"
Hermione shook her head with a slightly embarrassed look at being caught, "Nothing. Just… distracted…"
Harry looked at her with raised eyebrows before he smiled warmly and replied, "I hope it's a good distraction."
"Oh, yes. A very good one indeed," she responded playfully.
She heard him let out a chuckle, "And here I thought you were the responsible one. Yet I'm the one studying while… you're admiring the view."
"Well, Potter, I'm sure if we had a test right now, I'd get more questions right than you."
"Oh, no. I'm definitely not doubting your academic abilities."
"Anyway, you asked for me before, did you want to ask something."
Harry was looking off to the side, "Hmm?" hearing her talk. "Oh yes, I was wondering about this…" and went on to ask about the usabilities of a charm.
Over the last two days, the teens had bantered more and more with each other, with their newfound relationship. They talked more, laughed more, and certainly kissed more.
As both Hermione and Harry had hoped, starting a romance, changed little to nothing between them. They were still friends—they just kissed and snuggled now while their relationship deepened, unparalleled to any others of theirs beforehand. Things hadn't gone past that, but they were both at the moment, very comfortable with how things were progressing. It was never going to be a quick change, and it seemed as if by unspoken agreement they were taking things slow.
Yesterday also put Hermione's mind at ease. While Harry had said he no longer trusted Dumbledore and would basically stand up for himself, she was worried that actually meeting him and doing it would be a whole new problem. But instead, he did exactly what he said he would, and didn't move from his position of staying with her and her parents.
The looks and faces Dumbledore made would probably never leave Hermione's memory even if he was mostly discreet in his shock. The memory itself cracked a smile on Hermione's face, there was just something about the 'Greatest Wizard of their time' being completely flabbergasted. And from discussions with Harry, she knew that it wasn't a common occurrence for the Headmaster to be in such a state. He'd told her about the attempted arrest of the old wizard last year and how Dumbledore was completely calm, already having everything planned out. Which meant that her plans, regarding Harry, ultimately ruined the Headmaster's.
She supposed it was a good thing that he came here looking for Harry, as it meant that she now had the Order protecting her house from the Death Eaters. But she had meant it when she said it was unlikely any Death Eaters would ever target her, let alone get her location.
In the distance, she heard the doorbell ring but paid it no mind. Her parents were downstairs and likely to get it.
She had now given up trying to study, as had Harry, considering they'd been at it for hours. She took a seat next to Harry and leant her head on his shoulder, as his arm came around her waist.
"So, how are you enjoying your time here?" she questioned.
"Do I really have to answer that Hermione? I think we both know I am."
She hummed, "Well why don't you explain why."
He paused for a bit and looked up with a smile as if recalling a memory. "Hmm, well let's see. I got to leave my relatives, talked to my best friend, got some new clothes and shoes, met said best friend's family, stayed three nights at her house. And am I forgetting something? Oh yes, I found a girlfriend… or was it the other way round? And she found me?" he replied, turning to look at her with a hint of a smirk.
"What do you think?" she asked rhetorically before bringing their lips together in a sensual kiss.
He let out a breath of relief, "I don't think I'll ever get bored of that."
She rose one eyebrow at him, "Well you better not, Potter. Cause you'll be stuck with me for a long time."
"So confident in your abilities are you?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, "Are you doubting me?"
Before he could respond Hermione's blood chilled as a voice shouted out, "Mudblood you better come down here, or I'll kill your parents!"
That voice was familiar, it sometimes haunted her nightmares:
Dolohov
Harry was frozen for a second. He could put two and two together, 'Mudblood' and 'kill your parents' only meant one thing: Death Eater.
He shook his head and looked determinedly at his best friend, "We'll stop him, Hermione."
While she wasn't freaking out, crying, or collapsing it was clear she was frustrated and angry. Her fists were now balled in anger, and her teeth were clenched.
"It's Dolohov."
Without saying a word, the two walked to the bedroom door before Hermione turned around and said, "He doesn't know you're here which means we have the element of surprise. I'll distract him while you knock him out. And…" she paused and shivered as a loud 'Crucio' was heard followed by subsequent screams of her parents.
"You better hurry up, Mudblood bitch, else these two animals will die very soon."
She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, "And I don't think you should use your wand, Dolohov ought to know every countercurse to every spell we know."
He furrowed his brows and looked at her worriedly. He didn't like the idea, but what better idea was there? Hermione wasn't a 'damsel in distress' he knew she was much more than that, and he trusted her judgement. And he too wasn't willing to use his wand, especially since the only thing he could think about casting near Dolohov was the 'Killing Curse' and casting such a thing, and at a 'prestigious' wizard at that would be recorded and noted by the Ministry with dire consequences.
"Okay, I'll be quick." But as he spoke, a loud scream was heard from Helen.
"Mudblood! I'm impatient!"
Hermione flinched and with tears in her eyes made her way downstairs, with Harry following behind before he darted off to a nearby room. Just as he walked into the study to find some sort of 'weapon' he heard Hermione announce, "I'm here."
He couldn't hear the rest of the exchange, as he looked desperately around for something to defeat Dolohov with. Then he remembered noting that Robert had mentioned he liked both cricket and golf and so looked around for any cricket or golf gear. And there next to the desk was a bag of golf clubs.
Deciding that he wouldn't be able to find anything better, he picked out the biggest one and crept his way to the living room as his eyes clenched shut at Hermione's screams.
Fuck, he thought, refusing to let the tears spill out, and let them instead be replaced by anger.
He poked his head around the door into the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of the attacker. There on the floor were Helen and Robert, both looking on the verge of collapse holding one another seemingly barely conscious. And in the middle of the room, was Hermione standing defiantly, struggling to stay standing. Her wand in Dolohov's other hand, who luckily for Harry had his back to the door and him.
"While the Dark Lord wants to take things slow, I have no patience for such petty things. Especially when I get to kill Potter's Mudblood bitch, I'm sure he'll be happy to learn of this anyway, since today I'll finish what I started."
Dolohov didn't even get a chance to notice the club that hit his head directly where spine met skull before he fell to the ground dropping the wands.
By the time he had rolled back over to look at his attacker, he only saw Harry standing over him with a dangerous glint in his eyes he barely had time to spit out, "Potter!" Before the golf club came at his head again, but Dolohov managed to get his hands in the way.
Scowling Harry threw away the golf club and instead got right up to the Death Eater and threw heavy punches relentlessly at his face. Since Dolohov kept up his defence, Harry kicked him in the groin, and instinctually the Death Eater's hands went to protect it.
Having succeeded in what he intended Harry now could throw punches freely at Dolohov.
He couldn't think of anything but what was in front of him. He was only feeling two things, anger and something he'd later come to recognise as satisfaction.
When he had Crucio'd Bellatrix at the Ministry, he didn't deny that he enjoyed it, or was at least satisfied by the act. Watching the person who caused his Godfather's death writhe in pain on the ground, brought him a sense of justice.
It was no different with Dolohov. This person caused both him and Hermione so much pain. He had often suffered nightmares of Hermione dying to that purple curse, while he was frozen in place, doing nothing, watching from afar.
But no more. The Death Eater would bring no more pain to anyone, no. He had told Hermione that Death Eater's deserved to die, and he meant every word. So he didn't stop, he ignored the pain rising in his hands. He kept punching, as Dolohov's face became more and more unrecognisable.
As he begged for him to stop, cried, pleaded, he did nothing but continue. His blood was pumping, and the only constant in his mind was beating the shit out of this cunt. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hermione leave the room but paid little mind.
"How does it feel to be beaten by a teenager with nothing but Muggle techniques? Hmm? How does it feel to be beaten by a half-blood?" he spat in between blows. "You fucking cunt, you come into her home, attack her family and think you can get away with it?! No." Harry had never been so aggressive and threatening in his words before. It was something new, and the fear in Dolohov's eyes told everything.
When the Death Eater's movement began to slow and he stopped trying to protect himself, Harry began to realise what he had done. He stopped suddenly and looked around for Hermione, only to see she was standing next to him with a completely impassive look on her face.
Looking down at his girlfriend's hand, he saw her holding a knife with an intense grip. Her eyes were narrowed with fury at Dolohov.
Understanding dawned on Harry and with his remaining strength, pulled up Dolohov, and pushed him hard against the wall. The Death Eater's face was a bruised mess, anyone who knew the dark wizard would have little hope of identifying him.
Harry felt Hermione walk up beside him as she moved closer to Dolohov, not breaking her gaze with the man who had tortured her family and her.
She brought the knife up to the Death Eater's throat and whispered coldly, "Just know that a Mudblood caused your death... Pureblood."
And just like that, she slit his throat. Harry let go of him, letting him fall to his knees as his hands came up to his throat, trying to stop the blood from falling out. But it was no use, the blood flowed freely, seeping into the scarlet carpet of the living room, only leaving a new, damp shade of crimson in its wake.
Together the duo watched as the blood continued to flow, becoming sluggish as there was not enough left inside to maintain consciousness, before he collapsed face first, and all movement ceased.
