Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of his friends, Ms. Rowling
does.
Author's Note 1: This is my first fic. Please let me know of your opinion and I shall try and improve. I did borrow some original ideas from several great writers around this archive, only to improve upon them. I do not mean any disrespect to them. Thanks.
Author's Note 2: Some dialogues and incidents seem to be a bit out of place. Actually, I plan to write a prequel to this story. (Sounds farfetched.huh?)
SEW2100: Thank you. That was my first review and a good one too (. The story only gets better from here. Thanks again for the review.
Chapter 3: To Granger's residence
3.2.1.then it sunk in.
"WHA.WHAT? MY GODMOTHER?" shouted a shocked Harry.
"Harry! Calm down. I wanted to tell you, but Dumbledore wanted to really make sure you were prepared for it. Living so close to each other, he didn't want anyone get suspicious about our relationship. Please don't be angry!" Arabella concluded.
"Oh!" was all Harry could say. His thoughts stormed his brain. He was happy, yet sad and also a bit upset.
"I am not angry. It's just a shock. I wish you trusted me more." Whispered Harry.
"Oh Harry! I do. But I cannot override the judgment of Dumbledore" replied Arabella sorrowfully.
Harry thought for sometime. "Don't worry Arabella! I am happy for you. I mean, I couldn't ask for a better God Mother than my mom's friend. Can I?" smiled Harry.
"Thank you Harry! I am glad you are happy. I am really sorry for keeping from you." Arabella hugged Harry.
"Wait a minute! If you are my godmother, that means Sirius and you?", Harry said, thinking out loud.
"Yes Harry! We were going out at Hogwarts. We decided to get married the day after Halloween. But.", Arabella couldn't continue. Tears started flowing from her eyes.
Harry just held her hand and wiped her tears.
"Do you trust Sirius, Arabella?" asked Harry. Arabella understood his question.
"Harry! I am probably the only one who believed he was innocent. I waited for him for so long. Thank god I spent my time in your care. Otherwise I would have gone mad." Sobbed Arabella, like a little girl.
Harry consoled her for some time. He was really happy. He felt like his family is full, for the first time in his life.
"I will take care of you Harry. Come what may! You have me and Sirius", promised solemnly. Harry's eyes were filled with tears. He held them back with great effort.
"I don't remember my mum." He looked at her. "I am glad that I have one to talk to" completed Harry making Arabella grin wide.
"Now! We have some training to do, right?" smiled Harry. Arabella simply nodded.
So it went on. Harry would practice elemental magic and some Ancient magic at home before going to Arabella's house to work on wandless magic and Dueling concepts.
Arabella would help him with the potion to get his strength back as well as make him duel her with all sorts of curses and shields. Harry would often surprise her using a shield or curse from the Ancient magic book, but lie that he read them at Hogwarts library.
"Come on Harry! Shield it" shouted Arabella. She was constantly shooting curses at a very fast pace for the past hour and not one single curse hit Harry.
Arabella smiled at him and wanted to test him finally. She tried the strongest legal pain curse on him "Crucio Phantomas". Harry felt almost like cruciatus curse, pain spreading all over his body. He didn't know how to stop it. So he closed his eyes and started to feel that it is not real and concentrated on fighting it off. After a few seconds, he didn't feel anything. Opening his eyes he was shocked to find Arabella still pointing her wand at him.
Arabella almost fainted when Harry was standing there emotionless. She was hesitant to use the spell, but now she was sure Harry is no ordinary wizard.
"Harry! How.how did you do it?" asked a bewildered Arabella.
Harry just shrugged "I just thought it is not real and tried to push it away"
"No harry! Probably not even dumbledore can stop it. Come with me" Arabella dragged a protesting Harry into another room with a lot of brewing potions.
She forced some blue colored potion down a defiant Harry's throat. Before Harry could say anything he fell on the couch and slept for a few hours. Harry woke up groggily and found Arabella smiling at him.
"That was excellent Harry!" praised Arabella
"Alright! Can I go now?" asked Harry dully. "Oh! I forgot. Hermione is picking me up tomorrow. I am going to spend next month at her place before heading back to school. Are you returning as DADA teacher?" queried Harry.
"Maybe or maybe not Harry. Keep in touch. I have several important things to do. Have a good time at your friends house." Arabella smiled.
Harry didn't understand. 'What is she smiling about?'
Next morning Harry packed all his stuff cleaned up his room and waited for Hermione. Metallic silver Volvo V70 stopped in front of the Dursleys and the bell rang at exactly 11:00 am. Harry ran and opened the door to find Hermione standing in her pale blue jean shorts and light yellow T-shirt. She had her hair done in a ponytail.
"Hi Harry!" she jumped on to Harry and enveloped in a bear hug laughing.
"WOW Mione! I need air" gasped Harry though very pleased by the contact.
"My God! Mione you sure have changed" Harry mused blushing Hermione to the root
"Ready to go?" chimed Hermione. Harry nodded and walked with his trunk.
He saw Hermione's father standing next to the car and Harry extended his hand "Hello Mr. Granger! I am Harry Potter"
"Hello Harry! How are you? Hermione told a lot about you. Let me help you with the trunk"
"Thank you Sir!" replied Harry and got into the car with Hermione. She immediately started rambling about how she spent her time and what she wanted to show him all the way.
'She is gorgeous' thought Harry.
Hermione paused for a second. 'He sure did grow up into a very handsome and sexy.get a grip Hermione' scoffed Hermione
"Oh my god Harry! I am sorry. Am I all ready boring you with my blabbering?" asked a sad looking Hermione.
"Not at all Hermione. I like it all you are telling me. I am enjoying" smiled Harry.
"Thank god" and she continued her rambling.
They reached Grangers residence. Hermione's parents are dentists and their house is a 2-storied building with a good backyard. Mr. Granger helped Harry's trunk and as they walked to the door Mrs. Granger was standing at the door smiling at Harry.
'Hermione got her hair from her mother' noticed Harry.
"Hello Mrs. Granger. I am Harry Potter. Pleased to meet you" shaking her hand.
"Hello Harry! Nice to meet you too. I've heard so many good things about you. Hermione always talks about you. Come in and make yourself at home" Mrs. Granger led Harry into the hallway.
Harry was quite overwhelmed by the hospitality of Grangers. He was very timid. Hermione was holding Harry hand all the time showing him their house and giggling once in a while at Harry's bewilderment.
"Harry, this is your room make yourself comfortable. I will come back in a few minutes" Hermione left.
Harry looked around. The room has light blue color with a big bed and mattress matching the surroundings. There is also a reading table and another door that opened into a bathroom. Harry's trunk and hedwigs's cage were already placed by the Reading table.
'Wow' Harry mused. He walked in staring at the neat room and started sorting his stuff around.
Downstairs.
"John! He seems to be very polite and shy. Isn't he cute?"
"He sure is nice." Nodding Mr. Granger
* * * Mrs. Granger looked from the kitchen window and found Harry and Hermione going around the house, into the backyard talking. Once in a while Hermione would poke Harry with her elbow and snigger. It's like she is making fun of him and he just stands there either smiling back or simply pouting with mock anger only to be consoled playfully by Hermione.
'They look perfect.for each other' smiled Mrs. Granger inwardly.
Later that evening all four of them sat around the dining table. The Grangers are all talking but Harry just sat there silently looking at all of them. He would join their laughter once in a while but otherwise he kept to himself.
"What happened Harry? Are you not comfortable?" asked Mrs. Granger.
"Oh No! Mrs. Granger. It's just that.I never sat at a dinner table. I always ate in my own room." Said Harry a bit remorsefully.
"What? That's horrible Harry. Why wouldn't your uncle and aunt allow you?" asked Mrs. Granger rather commiserated.
"Oh! They only hate me for what I am.a wizard. But that's Ok."
"Harry! It's very nice of you to accept and not react to that. I appreciate that!" Mr. Granger spoke sincerely.
"Did you have a computer Harry?" asked Mrs. Granger trying for a light talk.
"Um.no Mrs. Granger! Actually I didn't even have a room to stay till my second year at Hogwarts" replied Harry a bit ashamed and bit his tongue for mentioning it.
"What? Where did you sleep?" asked Mrs. Granger feeling for the boy.
Harry sighed and blamed himself for starting with it.
"Actually, I practically lived in a cupboard under the stairs. Later I got to live in a room that was locked from outside by my uncle all the time" Harry felt even worse
Mr. Granger understood that this not going to be a happy discussion. Thinking of changing the subject, "Hermione! You always talk about your school. Why don't you tell us about yours and Harry's experiences from earlier years?"
"Oh Dad! In our first year, Harry saved me from a 12 foot mountain troll."
"Hermione! You did tell us in your first year holidays, dear" smiled Mr. Granger.
"Oh!" blushed Hermione. "In second year, remember I told you that I was sick, it was actually...well.I was petrified by a basilisk from our school underground."
"What.what is a Basilisk?" asked a worried Mrs. Granger.
"Oh! It is a 30 foot snake with a very venomous poison and her looks can kill people when stared at." concluded sheepishly.
"Hermione! Why didn't you tell us?" Mr. Granger said with an admonishing tone.
"Dad! Don't worry. The school nurse cured me"
"But how can the students be safe when there is a snake, not to mention a huge one with looks that can kill?" asked Mr. Granger worriedly.
"Dad! Don't worry. Harry killed it during our second year" said Hermione smiling.
Mrs. Granger awed at Harry.
'This boy killed such a powerful snake?' she wondered.
Without caring for their reaction, Hermione continued.
"In our third year, Harry and I saved Harry's godfather.which I already told you. But did I tell you that Harry fought with Dementors to save all our lives?"
"Now! What are Dementors?" asked a baffled Mr. Granger.
"They are foul undead creatures that suck the soul out of a person and even some of the most powerful wizards cannot fight them" finished a proud Hermione.
By now both Grangers are slightly sweating.
'This little boy did all of that by his third year?'
"Hermione! Thanks for telling me. I will never be on the angry side of Harry", said a shocked Mr. Granger.
"Not to mention that last year he defeated wizards 2 years older than him and fought that You-know-who .right?" asked a tensed Mrs. Granger.
By now, Harry is as red as a tomato. Hermione quickly realized what's happening with him.
"Oh! Dad.Mom. Please don't treat him different. Harry hates being recognized as special. He just wants to be Harry" Hermione pleaded.
"Oh! We are sorry Harry. It's just we were amused and surprised at the sudden discovery. Want to have some dessert?" Mrs. Granger quickly changed discussion.
Hermione looked at Harry. She was relieved to find Harry relax a little and become normal again. "No thanks! Mrs. Granger" he replied coolly.
"Come on Harry! I will walk you back to your room" said Hermione smiling.
Harry wished goodnight to Grangers and went to bed almost immediately. Sometime in the middle of the night, He felt some sound of clicking and then his mattress sunk as if someone climbed in.
"Hermione!" he gasped as she snuck into his bed.
"Shhh! I couldn't sleep. Maybe I can sleep well here. You wouldn't mind do you?"
From her words Harry felt like she is not going to take "No" for an answer.
"Ok!" he nodded and went back to bed. She happily snuggled beside him and placed her hand on his chest.
'Wow! He sure did fill in during summer. I mean his body feels great.' heat flushed all over Hermione. Harry's thoughts were very much similar. He felt tingling sensations all over his body at her touch. But he was determined not to react for that would give away his feelings. Calmly, he took her hand into his hand. Contended, both drifted to sleep immediately.
* * * Every day Harry and Hermione would eat breakfast together, then sit and do some homework. They'd talk about several things and go around the house doing different chores. After lunch, they both would sit down and read for their next year. Harry was the one who really wanted study hard, much to Hermione's happiness. They would do some dueling together (Harry would teach Hermione) and then go for a swim or a walk around the neighborhood or do some shopping. Hermione was surprised to see Harry be so adept and more advanced than her in dueling.
"Harry! Where did you learn all those powerful shields? You don't even seem to be tired after casting them!" asked a visibly shocked Hermione.
"Err.Mione! I was practicing every day. Do you want me to teach you too?" asked Harry expectantly.
"Sure!" Hermione grinned wide and nodded fervently.
* * *
July 31st arrived quickly...
Harry had gifts from Ron, Sirius, Hagrid and even Dumbledore. Though Sirius was proved innocent in Harry's fifth year, much to the efforts of the trio, he still didn't settle down and is currently searching for a house to live in. Dumbledore however, convinced the Auror department and got him a job with Mad-eye moody, who was earlier forced out of retirement.
Hermione secretly warned her parents and they had a party in their house. Mrs. Granger baked a wonderful cake and they all had great time going to London for an opera.
All through the day Harry was wondering about what Hermione is going to give him and why she had not given him yet? He however decided to keep quite.
After dinner both Harry and Hermione walked back to their bedrooms. Harry stopped and kissed Hermione on the cheek and wished her goodnight. Hermione tugged his shirt and dragged him into her room.
"Potter! Did you think I would forget your gift?" asked with a smirk.
"Well, what do have for me?" asked Harry smiling.
"Here you go!" Hermione hugged him tight, gave a deep kiss on his cheek leaving Harry flushed red and handed him a small package.
It was a small jewel box. Harry opened it immediately and found a golden chain with a griffin as a locket.
"Wonderful Hermione" Harry thanked placing it around his neck. What he missed is that there was an inscription behind the griffin saying 'H/Hr forever'
Harry hugged Hermione and later both went to bed (ah.separately)
* * *
One month almost passed on.
Every evening Harry would also jump in and help Mrs. Granger with her work in kitchen despite protests of Hermione.
"Harry! You are a guest here. Just relax." Hermione dragged him out into the living room hissing.
"Hermione! As much as I am a guest, I would like to be of some help. I don't want to sit there doing nothing. It would be rude." Harry protested.
"But you are not sitting idle. You were helping me duel and read books. Isn't that enough?" squeaked Hermione.
They walked away bickering all the way into Hermione's room.
'He is so sweet. He wanted to help me. How many boys are so considerate?' an amused Mrs. Granger thought.
Upstairs.
"Harry! What is it with you and work? You are not at Dursleys anymore. You are supposed to have fun" Hermione said accusingly.
"Hermione! I am having fun. Besides it is good to help and spend some time away from those regular things I do all the time." 'Oh no! what did I say' thought Harry
But Hermione caught up fast. "What do you mean some time away? Don't you like spending time with me? If so potter, I am not interested in wasting my time with you too. Now please leave me alone" ordered a livid Hermione.
Before Harry can protest, he was pushed away from her room and the door was closed.
'Oh dear! Now what do I do?' a visibly exasperated Harry walked back to his room.
Hermione didn't come out of her room for the remaining evening. She didn't even join them for dinner. Harry had to tell Mrs. Granger about what happened.
"Don't worry Harry. Let her come out on her own accord. We know her. Let's finish our dinner. She normally would sneak into kitchen for dinner late in the night, after a tantrum" Mrs. Granger suggested.
"No Mrs. Granger. I am not hungry. I had a heavy lunch" Harry lied.
Despite several protests from the Grangers, Harry bid them goodnight and went back to his room. He is very unhappy for upsetting Hermione.
'You shouldn't have said that, you prat!' he blamed himself. Thinking hard, he sunk into the bed and before he knew he slept.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Harry woke up with someone sitting next to him on his bed. He squinted his eyes and sat up to see Hermione with a very angry face.
'Oh god! Did she come here to beat me up?' he wondered with fear.
Before he could run, Hermione pulled him holding his shirt close to her. "Why didn't you eat dinner? Are you crazy. If you are mad at me, yell at me. But do not miss dinner" Hermione nearly shouted.
"What! You are the one who is mad at me and now you are yelling at me. I didn't do anyth." before Harry can close his mouth, Hermione pushed a big sandwich into his open mouth but pulled out after a bite making sure not to gag him.
"Shut up and finish this sandwich. I made it for you" ordered Hermione.
Harry was partly cowered but very happy that she is back on talking terms with him.
He didn't speak a single word and quickly finished the sandwich along with some orange soda, being very silent like a frightened kid.
"Now. Sleep." Hissed Hermione making Harry quickly dig into the bed.
Hermione also slipped into the covers along with him.
"Hermione. Are you sure."
"Shhh! Never do such things again. Understand?" warned Hermione. She leaned in and kissed Harry on his cheek. Unseen by Harry she had a contended smile on her face as she snuggled closer to Harry.
The Next day, forgetting all their fights, they both busily got ready for Kings Cross.
* * *
Author's Note 1: This is my first fic. Please let me know of your opinion and I shall try and improve. I did borrow some original ideas from several great writers around this archive, only to improve upon them. I do not mean any disrespect to them. Thanks.
Author's Note 2: Some dialogues and incidents seem to be a bit out of place. Actually, I plan to write a prequel to this story. (Sounds farfetched.huh?)
SEW2100: Thank you. That was my first review and a good one too (. The story only gets better from here. Thanks again for the review.
Chapter 3: To Granger's residence
3.2.1.then it sunk in.
"WHA.WHAT? MY GODMOTHER?" shouted a shocked Harry.
"Harry! Calm down. I wanted to tell you, but Dumbledore wanted to really make sure you were prepared for it. Living so close to each other, he didn't want anyone get suspicious about our relationship. Please don't be angry!" Arabella concluded.
"Oh!" was all Harry could say. His thoughts stormed his brain. He was happy, yet sad and also a bit upset.
"I am not angry. It's just a shock. I wish you trusted me more." Whispered Harry.
"Oh Harry! I do. But I cannot override the judgment of Dumbledore" replied Arabella sorrowfully.
Harry thought for sometime. "Don't worry Arabella! I am happy for you. I mean, I couldn't ask for a better God Mother than my mom's friend. Can I?" smiled Harry.
"Thank you Harry! I am glad you are happy. I am really sorry for keeping from you." Arabella hugged Harry.
"Wait a minute! If you are my godmother, that means Sirius and you?", Harry said, thinking out loud.
"Yes Harry! We were going out at Hogwarts. We decided to get married the day after Halloween. But.", Arabella couldn't continue. Tears started flowing from her eyes.
Harry just held her hand and wiped her tears.
"Do you trust Sirius, Arabella?" asked Harry. Arabella understood his question.
"Harry! I am probably the only one who believed he was innocent. I waited for him for so long. Thank god I spent my time in your care. Otherwise I would have gone mad." Sobbed Arabella, like a little girl.
Harry consoled her for some time. He was really happy. He felt like his family is full, for the first time in his life.
"I will take care of you Harry. Come what may! You have me and Sirius", promised solemnly. Harry's eyes were filled with tears. He held them back with great effort.
"I don't remember my mum." He looked at her. "I am glad that I have one to talk to" completed Harry making Arabella grin wide.
"Now! We have some training to do, right?" smiled Harry. Arabella simply nodded.
So it went on. Harry would practice elemental magic and some Ancient magic at home before going to Arabella's house to work on wandless magic and Dueling concepts.
Arabella would help him with the potion to get his strength back as well as make him duel her with all sorts of curses and shields. Harry would often surprise her using a shield or curse from the Ancient magic book, but lie that he read them at Hogwarts library.
"Come on Harry! Shield it" shouted Arabella. She was constantly shooting curses at a very fast pace for the past hour and not one single curse hit Harry.
Arabella smiled at him and wanted to test him finally. She tried the strongest legal pain curse on him "Crucio Phantomas". Harry felt almost like cruciatus curse, pain spreading all over his body. He didn't know how to stop it. So he closed his eyes and started to feel that it is not real and concentrated on fighting it off. After a few seconds, he didn't feel anything. Opening his eyes he was shocked to find Arabella still pointing her wand at him.
Arabella almost fainted when Harry was standing there emotionless. She was hesitant to use the spell, but now she was sure Harry is no ordinary wizard.
"Harry! How.how did you do it?" asked a bewildered Arabella.
Harry just shrugged "I just thought it is not real and tried to push it away"
"No harry! Probably not even dumbledore can stop it. Come with me" Arabella dragged a protesting Harry into another room with a lot of brewing potions.
She forced some blue colored potion down a defiant Harry's throat. Before Harry could say anything he fell on the couch and slept for a few hours. Harry woke up groggily and found Arabella smiling at him.
"That was excellent Harry!" praised Arabella
"Alright! Can I go now?" asked Harry dully. "Oh! I forgot. Hermione is picking me up tomorrow. I am going to spend next month at her place before heading back to school. Are you returning as DADA teacher?" queried Harry.
"Maybe or maybe not Harry. Keep in touch. I have several important things to do. Have a good time at your friends house." Arabella smiled.
Harry didn't understand. 'What is she smiling about?'
Next morning Harry packed all his stuff cleaned up his room and waited for Hermione. Metallic silver Volvo V70 stopped in front of the Dursleys and the bell rang at exactly 11:00 am. Harry ran and opened the door to find Hermione standing in her pale blue jean shorts and light yellow T-shirt. She had her hair done in a ponytail.
"Hi Harry!" she jumped on to Harry and enveloped in a bear hug laughing.
"WOW Mione! I need air" gasped Harry though very pleased by the contact.
"My God! Mione you sure have changed" Harry mused blushing Hermione to the root
"Ready to go?" chimed Hermione. Harry nodded and walked with his trunk.
He saw Hermione's father standing next to the car and Harry extended his hand "Hello Mr. Granger! I am Harry Potter"
"Hello Harry! How are you? Hermione told a lot about you. Let me help you with the trunk"
"Thank you Sir!" replied Harry and got into the car with Hermione. She immediately started rambling about how she spent her time and what she wanted to show him all the way.
'She is gorgeous' thought Harry.
Hermione paused for a second. 'He sure did grow up into a very handsome and sexy.get a grip Hermione' scoffed Hermione
"Oh my god Harry! I am sorry. Am I all ready boring you with my blabbering?" asked a sad looking Hermione.
"Not at all Hermione. I like it all you are telling me. I am enjoying" smiled Harry.
"Thank god" and she continued her rambling.
They reached Grangers residence. Hermione's parents are dentists and their house is a 2-storied building with a good backyard. Mr. Granger helped Harry's trunk and as they walked to the door Mrs. Granger was standing at the door smiling at Harry.
'Hermione got her hair from her mother' noticed Harry.
"Hello Mrs. Granger. I am Harry Potter. Pleased to meet you" shaking her hand.
"Hello Harry! Nice to meet you too. I've heard so many good things about you. Hermione always talks about you. Come in and make yourself at home" Mrs. Granger led Harry into the hallway.
Harry was quite overwhelmed by the hospitality of Grangers. He was very timid. Hermione was holding Harry hand all the time showing him their house and giggling once in a while at Harry's bewilderment.
"Harry, this is your room make yourself comfortable. I will come back in a few minutes" Hermione left.
Harry looked around. The room has light blue color with a big bed and mattress matching the surroundings. There is also a reading table and another door that opened into a bathroom. Harry's trunk and hedwigs's cage were already placed by the Reading table.
'Wow' Harry mused. He walked in staring at the neat room and started sorting his stuff around.
Downstairs.
"John! He seems to be very polite and shy. Isn't he cute?"
"He sure is nice." Nodding Mr. Granger
* * * Mrs. Granger looked from the kitchen window and found Harry and Hermione going around the house, into the backyard talking. Once in a while Hermione would poke Harry with her elbow and snigger. It's like she is making fun of him and he just stands there either smiling back or simply pouting with mock anger only to be consoled playfully by Hermione.
'They look perfect.for each other' smiled Mrs. Granger inwardly.
Later that evening all four of them sat around the dining table. The Grangers are all talking but Harry just sat there silently looking at all of them. He would join their laughter once in a while but otherwise he kept to himself.
"What happened Harry? Are you not comfortable?" asked Mrs. Granger.
"Oh No! Mrs. Granger. It's just that.I never sat at a dinner table. I always ate in my own room." Said Harry a bit remorsefully.
"What? That's horrible Harry. Why wouldn't your uncle and aunt allow you?" asked Mrs. Granger rather commiserated.
"Oh! They only hate me for what I am.a wizard. But that's Ok."
"Harry! It's very nice of you to accept and not react to that. I appreciate that!" Mr. Granger spoke sincerely.
"Did you have a computer Harry?" asked Mrs. Granger trying for a light talk.
"Um.no Mrs. Granger! Actually I didn't even have a room to stay till my second year at Hogwarts" replied Harry a bit ashamed and bit his tongue for mentioning it.
"What? Where did you sleep?" asked Mrs. Granger feeling for the boy.
Harry sighed and blamed himself for starting with it.
"Actually, I practically lived in a cupboard under the stairs. Later I got to live in a room that was locked from outside by my uncle all the time" Harry felt even worse
Mr. Granger understood that this not going to be a happy discussion. Thinking of changing the subject, "Hermione! You always talk about your school. Why don't you tell us about yours and Harry's experiences from earlier years?"
"Oh Dad! In our first year, Harry saved me from a 12 foot mountain troll."
"Hermione! You did tell us in your first year holidays, dear" smiled Mr. Granger.
"Oh!" blushed Hermione. "In second year, remember I told you that I was sick, it was actually...well.I was petrified by a basilisk from our school underground."
"What.what is a Basilisk?" asked a worried Mrs. Granger.
"Oh! It is a 30 foot snake with a very venomous poison and her looks can kill people when stared at." concluded sheepishly.
"Hermione! Why didn't you tell us?" Mr. Granger said with an admonishing tone.
"Dad! Don't worry. The school nurse cured me"
"But how can the students be safe when there is a snake, not to mention a huge one with looks that can kill?" asked Mr. Granger worriedly.
"Dad! Don't worry. Harry killed it during our second year" said Hermione smiling.
Mrs. Granger awed at Harry.
'This boy killed such a powerful snake?' she wondered.
Without caring for their reaction, Hermione continued.
"In our third year, Harry and I saved Harry's godfather.which I already told you. But did I tell you that Harry fought with Dementors to save all our lives?"
"Now! What are Dementors?" asked a baffled Mr. Granger.
"They are foul undead creatures that suck the soul out of a person and even some of the most powerful wizards cannot fight them" finished a proud Hermione.
By now both Grangers are slightly sweating.
'This little boy did all of that by his third year?'
"Hermione! Thanks for telling me. I will never be on the angry side of Harry", said a shocked Mr. Granger.
"Not to mention that last year he defeated wizards 2 years older than him and fought that You-know-who .right?" asked a tensed Mrs. Granger.
By now, Harry is as red as a tomato. Hermione quickly realized what's happening with him.
"Oh! Dad.Mom. Please don't treat him different. Harry hates being recognized as special. He just wants to be Harry" Hermione pleaded.
"Oh! We are sorry Harry. It's just we were amused and surprised at the sudden discovery. Want to have some dessert?" Mrs. Granger quickly changed discussion.
Hermione looked at Harry. She was relieved to find Harry relax a little and become normal again. "No thanks! Mrs. Granger" he replied coolly.
"Come on Harry! I will walk you back to your room" said Hermione smiling.
Harry wished goodnight to Grangers and went to bed almost immediately. Sometime in the middle of the night, He felt some sound of clicking and then his mattress sunk as if someone climbed in.
"Hermione!" he gasped as she snuck into his bed.
"Shhh! I couldn't sleep. Maybe I can sleep well here. You wouldn't mind do you?"
From her words Harry felt like she is not going to take "No" for an answer.
"Ok!" he nodded and went back to bed. She happily snuggled beside him and placed her hand on his chest.
'Wow! He sure did fill in during summer. I mean his body feels great.' heat flushed all over Hermione. Harry's thoughts were very much similar. He felt tingling sensations all over his body at her touch. But he was determined not to react for that would give away his feelings. Calmly, he took her hand into his hand. Contended, both drifted to sleep immediately.
* * * Every day Harry and Hermione would eat breakfast together, then sit and do some homework. They'd talk about several things and go around the house doing different chores. After lunch, they both would sit down and read for their next year. Harry was the one who really wanted study hard, much to Hermione's happiness. They would do some dueling together (Harry would teach Hermione) and then go for a swim or a walk around the neighborhood or do some shopping. Hermione was surprised to see Harry be so adept and more advanced than her in dueling.
"Harry! Where did you learn all those powerful shields? You don't even seem to be tired after casting them!" asked a visibly shocked Hermione.
"Err.Mione! I was practicing every day. Do you want me to teach you too?" asked Harry expectantly.
"Sure!" Hermione grinned wide and nodded fervently.
* * *
July 31st arrived quickly...
Harry had gifts from Ron, Sirius, Hagrid and even Dumbledore. Though Sirius was proved innocent in Harry's fifth year, much to the efforts of the trio, he still didn't settle down and is currently searching for a house to live in. Dumbledore however, convinced the Auror department and got him a job with Mad-eye moody, who was earlier forced out of retirement.
Hermione secretly warned her parents and they had a party in their house. Mrs. Granger baked a wonderful cake and they all had great time going to London for an opera.
All through the day Harry was wondering about what Hermione is going to give him and why she had not given him yet? He however decided to keep quite.
After dinner both Harry and Hermione walked back to their bedrooms. Harry stopped and kissed Hermione on the cheek and wished her goodnight. Hermione tugged his shirt and dragged him into her room.
"Potter! Did you think I would forget your gift?" asked with a smirk.
"Well, what do have for me?" asked Harry smiling.
"Here you go!" Hermione hugged him tight, gave a deep kiss on his cheek leaving Harry flushed red and handed him a small package.
It was a small jewel box. Harry opened it immediately and found a golden chain with a griffin as a locket.
"Wonderful Hermione" Harry thanked placing it around his neck. What he missed is that there was an inscription behind the griffin saying 'H/Hr forever'
Harry hugged Hermione and later both went to bed (ah.separately)
* * *
One month almost passed on.
Every evening Harry would also jump in and help Mrs. Granger with her work in kitchen despite protests of Hermione.
"Harry! You are a guest here. Just relax." Hermione dragged him out into the living room hissing.
"Hermione! As much as I am a guest, I would like to be of some help. I don't want to sit there doing nothing. It would be rude." Harry protested.
"But you are not sitting idle. You were helping me duel and read books. Isn't that enough?" squeaked Hermione.
They walked away bickering all the way into Hermione's room.
'He is so sweet. He wanted to help me. How many boys are so considerate?' an amused Mrs. Granger thought.
Upstairs.
"Harry! What is it with you and work? You are not at Dursleys anymore. You are supposed to have fun" Hermione said accusingly.
"Hermione! I am having fun. Besides it is good to help and spend some time away from those regular things I do all the time." 'Oh no! what did I say' thought Harry
But Hermione caught up fast. "What do you mean some time away? Don't you like spending time with me? If so potter, I am not interested in wasting my time with you too. Now please leave me alone" ordered a livid Hermione.
Before Harry can protest, he was pushed away from her room and the door was closed.
'Oh dear! Now what do I do?' a visibly exasperated Harry walked back to his room.
Hermione didn't come out of her room for the remaining evening. She didn't even join them for dinner. Harry had to tell Mrs. Granger about what happened.
"Don't worry Harry. Let her come out on her own accord. We know her. Let's finish our dinner. She normally would sneak into kitchen for dinner late in the night, after a tantrum" Mrs. Granger suggested.
"No Mrs. Granger. I am not hungry. I had a heavy lunch" Harry lied.
Despite several protests from the Grangers, Harry bid them goodnight and went back to his room. He is very unhappy for upsetting Hermione.
'You shouldn't have said that, you prat!' he blamed himself. Thinking hard, he sunk into the bed and before he knew he slept.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Harry woke up with someone sitting next to him on his bed. He squinted his eyes and sat up to see Hermione with a very angry face.
'Oh god! Did she come here to beat me up?' he wondered with fear.
Before he could run, Hermione pulled him holding his shirt close to her. "Why didn't you eat dinner? Are you crazy. If you are mad at me, yell at me. But do not miss dinner" Hermione nearly shouted.
"What! You are the one who is mad at me and now you are yelling at me. I didn't do anyth." before Harry can close his mouth, Hermione pushed a big sandwich into his open mouth but pulled out after a bite making sure not to gag him.
"Shut up and finish this sandwich. I made it for you" ordered Hermione.
Harry was partly cowered but very happy that she is back on talking terms with him.
He didn't speak a single word and quickly finished the sandwich along with some orange soda, being very silent like a frightened kid.
"Now. Sleep." Hissed Hermione making Harry quickly dig into the bed.
Hermione also slipped into the covers along with him.
"Hermione. Are you sure."
"Shhh! Never do such things again. Understand?" warned Hermione. She leaned in and kissed Harry on his cheek. Unseen by Harry she had a contended smile on her face as she snuggled closer to Harry.
The Next day, forgetting all their fights, they both busily got ready for Kings Cross.
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