Chapter 4
Hermione's Family
No one was in the hall, he kept tiptoeing, he thought, 'Door number 1… Door number 2? Which one?' He opened the first door, there was a cute baby sleeping soundly. "Now that's not Hermione I hope," Harry whispered almost laughing. He opened the second door, Hermione was sleeping soundly as well, Harry walked in quietly, Crookshanks got up and jumped off the bed. He sat at the edge of her bed. 'Would I have done this for Ron?' He asked himself quietly as he scratched Crookshanks behind the ears. He couldn't guess the answer, all he knew was that he couldn't abandon her, at anyone's hands. Hermione began to stir, Harry quickly made his way out of the room, Crookshanks made an irritated noise "Harry?" Hermione asked as he started to close the door. "Yes," Harry replied. "You're looking better," she observed. "Well, I still feel like I'm back in that dungeon sometimes," said Harry, "I can still feel the grim." Hermione nodded, "Yeah. Want to sit down?" she asked. "Oh no, I don't want to disturb you, you should keep resting." Harry replied as he closed the door. "You sound like my mother," Hermione scolded. "Okay, okay." Harry surrendered. Hermione sat up, "What happened after I…uh…" Harry interrupted, "I picked you up and carried you home, that's about it, until I… uh… did the same thing." Neither one could admit they fainted. "What fight did you have with your uncle?" she asked. "Oh, that, well, I sorta… got a little upset about some comments he made, sorta, anyway." Harry answered. "What comments?" asked Hermione. "I'd rather not quite say," replied Harry, "They're about you." Hermione gave him a look, "You have to tell me now!" she said irritably. Harry heard steps below them. "I gotta go Hermione, I think your mum is coming. Harry quickly exited and was in his room barely before Hermione's mom got to the top. She went directly to Hermione's room.
"Hermione, were you talking to someone?" Mrs. Granger asked. "No mum," smiled Hermione, "Do you think I could visit with Harry a while?" Mrs. Granger relented, "Okay, but not for to long, understand?" Hermione gave her mom another hug, "Okay." Hermione got up, dressed and everything. "Hermione, don't you think you're pushing it?" asked Mrs. Granger. "Mum, I haven't had a shower or clean clothes in a while, I feel much better now." Hermione answered promptly. Harry sat up, looking at kids playing out on the street. His door opened, "Hello Mrs. Granger." Harry said without looking. "I don't know about the Mrs. part Harry, I think it's still Miss.," Hermione replied. Harry looked around at Hermione, this was the first time he had actually had a good look at her. Harry was speechless, she had beautiful straight brown hair, clear brown eyes that were still a little haunted, just a little, and was dressed in jeans and sleeveless shirt "Do I know you?" Hermione gave him a nasty look. "Oh yeah, I remember that," said Harry sarcastically. "Just because I'm dressed in muggle clothes… doesn't mean you have to… have to…" she gave a frustrated sigh. "Act like an idiot?" smiled Harry, "You look great, changed." Hermione blushed, "Thanks. But that doesn't get you off the hook." "What hook?" smiled Harry. She made a frustrated noise, "Never mind." "Just joking, just joking. Sorry." Harry said in response to her face. "Want to sit down?" "Sure," Hermione sat beside him, "What are you watching?" she asked. "Oh, just the kids playing down there," Harry replied. "If you want we can go down and sit on the porch," said Hermione. "Yeah, sure," said Harry.
As they made their way downstairs, "There's something I didn't tell you," started Harry. "Like what?" Hermione asked. "Dumbledore told me something at the end of our fifth year, something really bad." Harry stopped. "Come on continue." Hermione urged. "You remember the Prophecy the Death Eaters were after?" Harry asked. "Yeah, how could I forget?" Hermione replied. "Well, Dumbledore told me what the Prophecy was about," said Harry. "And…?" Hermione asked. "Promise me you won't tell anyone? I just want to share it with someone," Harry said quietly. "I won't," Hermione replied. Harry paused, he couldn't tell her just yet, "Never mind." "What?" Hermione said. "Never mind," Harry said. "What?" Hermione whispered. "Hermione, dear, where are you going?" asked Mrs. Granger. "Just outside Mum," said Hermione. "I don't know, Dumbledore might not approve, he wanted both of you to stay here." Mrs. Granger started.
Harry looked out the door, he saw 'Neo' appear again, he slowly nodded. "Dumbledore wouldn't mind us sitting on the porch," Harry said to Mrs. Granger, "We just won't go far okay?" Mrs. Granger sounded unconvinced, "Okay, just to the porch." Harry opened the door for Hermione, "After you," he said with a slight bow. "Well thank you," said Hermione looking suspicious. Hermione sat down on the bench on the porch. "Now what was the deal with the name 'Neo'?" Harry asked. Hermione laughed, "It's an allusion to a movie, one we just watched in fact. It's called the Matrix, and the second one called Matrix Reloaded, Voldemort certainly didn't get the joke." "What's the joke?" Harry asked. "Oh Harry, you live with muggles, why don't you watch movies sometimes?" Hermione asked. "No, Uncle Vernon certainly wouldn't give me the chance." Harry replied. Hermione smiled, "Well, we have both movies, I'll watch it with you once. The second one had really good fight scenes." Time appeared to stand still…
Neo appeared but only to Hermione, she looked at Harry, he did not move at all, "Time has been frozen, only temporarily, hold out your hand." He said without pause, Hermione held out her hand as he asked. He dropped a necklace into it, "Keep this on at all times, the other half of it will be given to one who will always help you," he said in his cool quiet manner. "Why?" she asked. "I cannot tell you what awaits in the future, but these are perilous times for the two holders," Neo said, "Remember." He disappeared but it still echoed in her mind. She leaned her head up against Harry's as she started to fall asleep. Harry watched quietly, when she was completely asleep he picked her up gently and put her in her room. Harry proceeded to his, when he opened the door 'Neo' awaited. "Harry, look on your desk," he said. Harry looked and saw a necklace. "It looks like half a heart necklace," Harry said picking it up. "Yes, these have a power of their own, keep it on you always, it will protect both of you." He replied. "Both of us? You mean Hermione and me or Ron and me?" Harry asked. "Neither nor, it will protect the both who carry the halves, you will know what to do when the time comes." Neo replied. "What is your real name?" asked Harry, "I think it's amusing to think of you as Neo, but…" Neo didn't answer right away, "No one, save two, know who we are. We keep the Secret. That will remain until the end." Harry sighed in frustration, "What secret?" Neo again didn't answer right away, "Only we know who we are. No others, now listen to me, I will tell you your limitations." "What limitations?" asked Harry giving up on a straight answer. "What you may do and not do," replied Neo, "We will guard you, but only to a certain point, you must stay within 10 miles, you will know when to stop, do not pass this point. Remember at Hogwarts you will be protected, but be aware in Hogsmeade. Understood?" Neo finished. "What type of transportation are we allowed?" asked Harry. "You may use whatever transportation you can devise, but stay within ten miles," he answered shortly and disapparated. Harry couldn't wait to tell Hermione. Then he remembered that she was asleep. He looked at the clock, no wonder, he thought, it's ten o'clock already. He undressed and got to bed.
The next morning, he was awoken by Hermione with a, "Wake up Harry." He went down to breakfast and found a wonderful selection. Eggs, bacon, pancakes. "Is you mother always like this?" whispered Harry as he sat down next to Hermione. "Yes," answered Hermione. "You're lucky," said Harry still in a whisper. After breakfast, Mrs. Granger came down with a baby in her arms. "Harry," said Hermione, "This is my baby sister." "Pumpkin, could you baby-sit her while I go to work?" asked Mrs. Granger. "Sure mum," said Hermione. Mrs. Granger gave Hermione her sister and picked up to leave. After kissing Hermione goodbye and even giving Harry a quick hug she left. "You want to study?" asked Hermione. "Study? I guess, but first I want to tell you something," said Harry excitedly. "What?" Hermione asked. "Last night 'Neo' visited me, he told me we can go anywhere within ten miles, no restriction other than that." Harry said. Hermione paused, "How can we be sure to trust him?" Harry looked at her a moment, "He saved us didn't he?" "That's a good question, Hermione," said a quiet voice behind them. Hermione jumped, "DON'T DO THAT!!!" she shouted at him, Harry jumped at that Hermione's scream. Neo, on the other hand, shrugged, "I guess you would be jumpy after getting kidnapped wouldn't you? You know you can trust me Hermione, even if you won't admit it to yourself, you feel it." Hermione looked skeptical. "You may decide for yourself, all I can tell you is that Dumbledore cannot protect you, now," with that he disapparated. "and you can?" she retorted. "Yes," the answer echoed only within her mind.
She continued upstairs, "Come on Harry, my mum picked up the books yesterday." They spent the day laughing, reading and taking care of Hermione's baby sister. "You know Hermione; I think I now know why you read so much." Harry told her. "Why?" she asked, "Cause maybe I like it?" "No, you're home all day alone, what else you going to do?" Harry gave her a playful look. She gentle knocked him on the head with 'Standard Book of Spells: Grade 6'. Then they decided to go outside for a while. "Ouch," said Hermione as she got up, "That hurts." "Yeah," agreed a stiff Harry, "maybe we should get up more often." Hermione picked up her sister, "Here Harry, hold her." Hermione laughed. "But…" Harry protested as Hermione gave her to him. "You don't know how to hold a baby?" asked Hermione still laughing. Harry turned a little red, "Yeah, sure I do, had lots of brothers and sisters, right?" Harry replied. Hermione showed Harry how to hold her and they went outside.
Hermione showed Harry around their considerable backyard. It had trees on the perimeter, a swing set, everything that a muggle child could want. "You guys have a wonderful home," said Harry. Hermione stopped for a second, "Harry, I've been thinking," she started "Yes? " replied Harry. "Is anything bothering you?" Hermione asked. "Well, I have to admit, that I feel guilty about Sirius." Harry said in a low voice looking down at Hermione's sister. Harry smiled, "You know, I never asked your sister's name." Hermione smiled at him, "Well, I should've thought to tell you. It's Amanda, and you know it's not your fault Sirius died." Harry slumped down on the grass, "I still feel guilty, I put you and the rest of the D.A. in unnecessary danger." Hermione gave him a sympathetic look, "Harry, you followed your heart, you know that. I'm glad you did, this time you saved my life!" "But I could have killed you, maybe even all of the D.A. members," Harry replied. "Look, you did make a mistake, but you did it for the right reasons," Hermione sat down next to him, "and I would follow you into the same situation all over, even knowing it." Harry smiled at her, "That could be part of why I have a responsibility toward you, and should be much more careful." Hermione blushed, "But you still have a responsibility toward others." "Yes, I agree, but the greater responsibility is toward the D.A., in other words, you and the other members. I cannot lead you into danger." Hermione hit him gently on the head and leaned up against him, "Yes, but this world is not free of danger." Harry put his arm around her, "Yes, but you shouldn't receive more than your share." "Harry, you should know that I know the dangers. I know I might get hurt… maybe killed," she replied. "I would rather get killed myself than lose you." Harry said quietly, "Did I say that out loud?" "Yes," Hermione smiled, "But that is awfully sweet."
Amanda smiled from Hermione's lap. "You know Amanda usually doesn't like strangers, but she likes you." Hermione said tickling her sister. "I'm glad, I like her too," said Harry. "Hermione," called Mrs. Granger from inside, "We're home!" Hermione sat up quickly and looked a little guilty, "Out here mum," she called. Her mom came out, "How was your day?" she asked almost with a hint. "It was fine mum," said Hermione looking a little on the guilty side. Her mom picked up Amanda, "and your day?" she asked Amanda, Amanda smiled (to Harry almost knowingly). Mrs. Granger went inside. "You know this is a great beginning to the year," said Hermione. "Yeah, other than getting kidnapped you mean?" asked Harry jokingly. "Even that wasn't so bad, as long as we were together." Hermione replied smiling at him.
Mrs. Granger watched them from inside, "You know, honey," she said, "I think they are more than just friends." Mr. Granger looked up, "I remember when I was captured," he started, "I formed a great many friendships, almost all of them are still good friends. You can call it akin to Stockholm Syndrome, but it is a good form." Mrs. Granger sighed, "Do you remember meeting at that age?" she asked. "Yes," laughed Mr. Granger, "I believed you called me an arrogant, selfish brute." Mrs. Granger laughed as well, "Well, you were at the time," she said pausing, "Even now we can still laugh at it, isn't it wonderful?" "Yes, dear, great." Mr. Granger said smiling still, "Why don't we leave them alone awhile?"
"Hermione, could you watch Amanda again?" Mrs. Granger called, "I forgot to go shopping. We'll be back in an hour or 2? (in a questioning tone.)" Hermione turned a little crimson, "Okay mum." Harry was looking a little flushed too, "Want to show me that movie you were telling me about?" he asked. "Sure," Hermione said, "I like it." "But first," Harry said pausing. "Yes," Hermione replied. "What was bothering you?" he finished. Hermione stopped for a moment and sighed, "It's kind of silly," she said, "When I was kidnapped, they told me they would kill my parents, if I didn't cooperate. Last night, I dreamed I came home to find them dead…" A tear escaped, followed by others." Harry held her for a moment. "Look at me, I have a nightmare and I start crying." Hermione complained. "Hey, don't worry about it, I have a hard time too, among other things, I saw you kidnapped, in a dungeon, I felt the same way." "Yeah, but you didn't start crying did you?" Hermione retorted. "Oh no, but I'm a boy right?" said Harry. "Yeah," Hermione said. "So I'm insensitive right?" Hermione started laughing, "Yeah, right," she said laughing, she punched him playfully, "Come on, let's start the movie before it's too late."
During the movie, Hermione fell asleep on Harry's shoulder, "You know, I can't believe how beautiful you are." Harry whispered. "Thank you," Hermione laughed. Harry turned red and Amanda started laughing next to her as well. "Sorry, did I say that out loud?" Harry said. "Yes, and thank you," Hermione said quietly. "You know, I think we should give you a nickname, other than 'Miss-Know-It-All' and pumpkin," Harry said. "Hmm," Hermione said punching him softly, "Thanks for calling me Miss-Know-It-All, Harry" as she put her head on Harry's shoulder, she felt her necklace grow warmer.
Her mom unlocked the door; Hermione sat up quickly and again turned a little red. Her necklace turned cold. Mrs. Granger walked in, "well, time for bed, all three of you," she said cheerfully. Then walked back into the front, Hermione picked up Amanda and started for the stairs, Harry snuck up behind her after her parents disappeared into the kitchen and picked her up. "Whaaat," Hermione said turning beet red. Harry laughed, "Come on, have some fun." They put Amanda to bed and Harry walked her to her room, "Good night Harry," said Hermione. "Good night Hermione," Harry replied. Harry walked into his room, the lights were out. 'It's a little dark,' he thought. He saw a candle by his bedside, it spread light across the room, 'That's funny, where did that come from?' he asked himself.
After Harry got ready for bed, Mrs. Granger knocked, "Yes? Come in." Harry asked. "Would you mind helping for a minute?" asked Mrs. Granger. Harry followed Mrs. Granger into the kitchen, Mr. Granger was at the countertop. "Harry," Mr. Granger began, "Could you do us a favor?" "Sure Mr. Granger," replied Harry. "I want you to watch out for Hermione," he looked at his wife, "We couldn't stand losing her again." Harry nodded and thought 'Neither could I', "Yes, I will do everything I can to keep her from danger." "Thank you," he said, "You'll know why I ask later. Protect them at all costs, please. Now go to bed, we'll clean up." Harry pondered on Mr. Granger's comment, 'you'll know why I ask later' and 'at all costs', he wasn't sure if Mr. Granger meant what Harry thought he did. He fell on his bed and was immediately out.
"Harry," said a voice. "Please," Harry interrupted, "Enough, let me sleep in peace." "Harry, get up, take her to Hogwarts NOW. There is no time to explain."
