Chapter 17
Ancient Fire Within
Harry didn't have a vision of what happened in his time during his death, he just missed Hermione, even though she was just down the hall. Just then there was a gentle knock.
"Come in," said Harry very quietly. Hermione entered and sat on his bed.
"Why are you up?" she asked. Harry smiled at her.
"Why are you up, Herm?" he answered.
"I don't know, I'm sooo tired, but I can't sleep, mind if I stay a few minutes?" she replied.
"I'd love the company Herm… I can't sleep without you," Harry said looking down at his sheets, "I don't know why Herm, but I just can't."
Hermione nodded, "I know, I feel the same way."
"Why do we feel this way though?" asked Harry.
"I don't know Harry, I just woke up and started feeling lonely after a few minutes," Hermione replied.
"We've been sleeping apart at Hogwarts, well, for the most part, we didn't have a problem then," said Harry.
"Maybe we will now," said Hermione with a smile at him, "I don't know."
Harry sighed, "I hope not, Dumbledore may not like that," he said returning her smile, "His best Potions teacher always tired…"
Hermione blushed at the compliment, "I don't know about that…" she replied, "Why would I always be tired?"
Harry laughed, "I don't know, maybe because we can't sleep, by the way we're going it's going to be true in no time." He finished with a glance at the clock which just turned to midnight.
"Either that, or I have to hope you have bad dreams…" Hermione smiled.
"Herm, I don't have to have bad dreams to love your company," Harry replied.
Hermione smiled, "I love your company too," she said quietly, as she lay down in front of him.
Harry smiled, "Maybe your mum was right," he said.
"About what Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I should call her mum Herm," Harry replied. Hermione kicked him and then curled up closer.
Harry laughed, "I have a hard time admitting it, but I miss you when you're not here," said Harry.
"I miss you too," replied Hermione Harry loved her hair, it smelled good. Their loneliness stopped, they started to fall asleep.
"I love you," said Hermione. Harry kissed her on the back of her neck.
"I love you too Herm," he replied. She smiled sleepily and drifted off, Harry following close behind.
The next morning, Hermione awoke earlier than usual, Harry was still holding her, she smiled. She wished this would last a long time, but she wanted to make breakfast for her parents, besides today was the day before Christmas. Although she didn't want to, she would have to wake Harry.
"Harry," she said quietly into his ear. Harry didn't reply, but she knew he was awake.
"Come on Harry, it's time to get up," she said quietly then she turned around and kissed him. Harry opened his eyes slowly.
"But Herm, it's still early," he said sadly.
"I know, but I want to fix breakfast for mum and dad and I have to go shopping for presents…" she whispered.
"Just a few more minutes?" he asked.
"No, Harry," she smiled. She got up and stretched. Harry got up, looking a little sad.
"Come on Harry, it's not that early," Hermione giggled, as he kissed her good morning.
Harry hugged her, "Maybe not, but it's always hard to get up when you're holding a beautiful girl," he replied. Hermione withdrew to her own room to get dressed. Harry dressed and hurried downstairs, maybe he could help her with breakfast.
When he got there, Mrs. Granger and Hermione were already busy. "Good morning Harry," said Mrs. Granger not turning around, "You're up early."
"Unfortunately," replied Harry with a sly grin at Hermione, who blushed very deeply. Mrs. Granger looked at the both of them and then smiled to herself. This caused Hermione to blush so red that Harry was worried her head was going to burst from blood flow.
'Calm down Herm,' thought Harry trying to sooth Hermione's nerves. Hermione gave him a look that told him to shut his trap. Harry held up his hands in surrender.
"Harry, I'm going to take Hermione shopping this morning," said Mrs. Granger.
'Procrastination…' Harry started to think with a playful smile, but stopped when Hermione nearly threw a pan at him from behind her mother's back, luckily her dad didn't notice, 'Sorry Herm, I was just playing with you…' he finished his thought.
'Okay,' she replied still giving him a scathing look.
"That's great Kathy," said Harry, "How long you guys going to be gone?"
"Oh a couple of hours," she replied smiling at both of them. This was too much for Hermione; she had nearly burned some forgotten pancakes.
'Calm down Herm,' thought Harry soothingly.
'A couple hours?' she replied scathingly, 'You don't get it?'
'I know, it is a long time, but I survived getting out of bed this morning didn't I?' Harry smiled at her. Hermione let out a small stifled laugh.
'Come on Harry, you're getting as bad as Ron,' she said, finally she could stand it anymore, she smiled slightly at Harry.
'I know, I know, it's the suggestion behind what she said,' thought Harry smiling, 'Well, if she's right…'
'HARRY!' she mentally yelled, 'we're a little young to consider that!' Then blushed at the though that she had decided to accept Harry's proposal, if he would have proposed to her that night.
'I agree,' said Harry smiling slightly then echoed Hermione's words, 'but I thought that we could discuss the future.'
Hermione smiled, 'You're right, but you're the one that said you know the future,' she answered.
'Yep,' thought Harry, 'It is whatever we make it Herm.'
Hermione and Mrs. Granger left right after breakfast; Harry stared out over the lawn.
"Harry?" asked Mr. Granger, "May I ask you something?"
"Sure John, what is it?" Harry replied.
"Hermione has always been vague on Hogwarts and things surrounding it, especially about last year. So, I want to ask you; how dangerous is Voldemort?" he asked. Harry sighed and turned toward him, after sitting down he continued to look out over the lawn, he didn't answer right away.
"She is in more danger from him than I would ever want to place her in," Harry paused for a moment.
Mr. Granger nodded thoughtfully, "and?"
Harry continued, "However, one way or another; she, you and everyone else are or will be in danger," he replied pausing to reflect, "The only difference is when." Harry stopped for a moment pondering, "As it is, she is in danger now, and if you were to remove her from Hogwarts and danger, it may be; days, months, years or it may never come for her," Harry looked down, and said softly "if we win," Mr. Granger waited as Harry paused again, "But I can guarantee you; if she leaves Hogwarts, if she ends up in danger again, then it will be too late to stop him. Only now we can do something about it; if he gets that far down the line, nothing can stop him." Harry looked Mr. Granger in the eye, "There is no if anymore, there is only when," he said.
"How much chance do you have against him?" asked Mr. Granger. Harry looked at the mountain at the end of their street quietly contemplating his answer for a moment.
"That, I cannot answer," replied Harry very quietly, he paused, "The future remains open, but we must defeat him, for the alternative is unacceptable."
"Does Hermione have a good chance at surviving this war?" Mr. Granger asked after a pregnant pause.
Harry sighed and looked at the floor, "That I cannot say," he started, he felt tears welling up as he remembered Sirius' comment but pushed them back, "All I can tell you is this; I would give my own life first."
"That answers my question Harry," said Mr. Granger, "I could not ask more of you Harry, you would protect her at all costs."
Harry looked up seriously, "Yes, I would."
Hermione and Mrs. Granger were having lots of fun with their Christmas shopping.
"Hermione, what are you giving to Harry for Christmas?" asked Mrs. Granger.
"Already gave him his gift mum," she replied.
"What'd you get him?" she responded.
"A book, one for fun, I can't mention it here," Hermione answered.
"What do you think he got you?" asked Mrs. Granger.
"Mum, are you prying?" scolded Hermione.
"Oh no dear," Mrs. Granger smiled, "Just curious."
"Well, we already exchanged gifts, we couldn't do it at a Christmas party," Hermione laughed.
Mrs. Granger smiled, "Tell me, what did he give you?" she pursued.
Hermione thought for a moment, "A map, a very special one," she replied, "I really rather not mention it around here. It's really neat though." She didn't mention the bracelet she wore.
Her mom smiled, "What else?" Hermione turned scarlet.
"Mum, don't pry!" Hermione scolded, she was still a little sensitive about this area, especially when it was her mom asking.
Her mom looked about ready to laugh, "Come on honey, I can read it on your face, I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of it," Mrs. Granger said.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Okay, fine, he gave me a bracelet," she replied turning redder.
"Really? Can you show me?" Mrs. Granger asked. Hermione held out her wrist.
"That's a nice one, where'd he get it?" she asked.
"He didn't, he made it, which was not easy," Hermione replied. She felt Harry's entire countenance change.
"Did dad want me out?" asked Hermione suspiciously.
"Oh no, of course not honey, why do you ask?" asked Mrs. Granger smiling.
"Because, I think he did, didn't he? I knew something was wrong," Hermione looked a little irritated.
"Honey, it's nothing," her mother replied.
"Mum, I know, so do you and you accused dad of being clueless," Hermione scolded.
"Okay, okay, they are having a chat, now why do you think so?" asked her mother, "You knew about this for a couple days. How did you find out about our little plan?"
"Don't ask, you won't like the answer," replied Hermione in a scolding tone, "Besides I'm not sure I could explain it."
"Well, we have plenty of time," said Mrs. Granger. Hermione sat on a bench close by,
"Okay," said Hermione, "If you want to know, we're telepathically and empathically linked."
"What?" asked Mrs. Granger in surprise, "How did that happen?"
Hermione sighed, "I don't know, it really became permanent after Harry saved me," she replied.
Mrs. Granger was surprised, "Anything else?"
"I know that his feelings are changing, I don't know how to explain it," Hermione said, "Somehow since he saved me they have become…" she paused, "More mature? I don't know. But sometimes when he gets really scared or angry, they become unstable that starts to affect me."
"Why do you guys visit late at night?" she asked.
Hermione turned very red, "I don't know, we both have trouble sleeping," she said.
"What do you guys talk about?" Mrs. Granger pursued.
"Different things, many, I'm not allowed to discuss outside us, nor do I want too," Hermione looked down at her feet.
"What subjects," she asked.
Hermione thought for a moment, "Oh, our fears, hopes, dreams." She paused a moment, "What happened in Voldemort's dungeon." She shivered, "Some of which is very difficult to discuss with you guys… what happened in Voldemort's dungeon is something impossible to tell you," Hermione answered.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Nothing, I am willing to discuss," replied Hermione with a smile.
"Honey, it's more than that isn't it?" her mother asked.
"We're very close mum," Hermione answered then turned red again, "But I'm not dumb, I'm not going to wreck my life, if that is what you're concerned about."
"No, honey, I'm not as concerned about that, as how much you like him," Mrs. Granger replied.
Hermione turned redder but looked at her mother suspiciously, "Why do you ask?" she inquired.
"Harry," started Mr. Granger, "Would you mind staying with us over the summers?" Harry looked up quickly stunned and thought for a moment, not sure how to answer.
"I would love to," Harry replied, "But are you sure? I do tend to attract trouble." Harry looked back down.
"Harry, so does everyone, I don't care how much trouble you attract, as long as you don't cause it, I just want you to have a good home," Mr. Granger replied. Harry was stunned, he didn't know what to do.
Hermione felt Harry's emotions change again, this time it was a stunned feeling. She listened for a moment.
"Hey mum, did you guys want Harry to stay with us during the summers?" she asked perceptively.
"How did you know that?" her mother asked.
Hermione leaned back, "Harry told me," she replied with a smile, "or actually asked me."
"Asked you what?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"If I would mind," Hermione replied, "We got our shopping done, ready to go home?"
"Sure," came the response, "But what did you tell him? That is, if you really are telepathically connected."
Hermione rolled her eyes, her mother still didn't believe her then she smiled slyly and didn't answer her mother's question.
Harry started pacing, he couldn't believe it, he would actually have a place to call, home. A family that would actually care about and love him; not despise him. Hermione loved the idea.
"I… I… would really like that," he answered.
"You can have the guest room," said Mr. Granger with a smile, "and when we have company, you could sleep in Hermione's room." Harry still couldn't believe it; he never thought he would have a family to come home to. He didn't even understand the last part of what Mr. Granger had said.
A half an hour later, Harry heard the door unlock, "Hermione and Kathy are home," he said automatically without thinking.
"Really?" Mr. Granger asked. Then the door opened.
"Nice guess," smiled Mr. Granger.
Harry smiled, "It wasn't a guess," he whispered to himself. Harry hurried to the door to help Hermione and Mrs. Granger carry in presents. Hermione smiled at Harry.
"Staying with us then?" she asked then whispered, "Dare I hope?" Harry took some of the stuff she was carrying.
"No hope, only reality," responded Harry. Hermione suppressed her very keen desire to kiss him deeply… right there under her parents' noses… Then she and Mrs. Granger chased Harry and Mr. Granger upstairs so they could wrap presents.
"Harry, no peeking," Hermione said tapping her head.
"Okay," laughed Harry.
After Hermione went downstairs, "What was that about?" asked Mr. Granger.
"Don't ask… me," laughed Harry, "Girls, who can fathom them?"
Mr. Granger laughed, "Definitely at your age," he replied. Harry nearly sighed in relief, he had almost let slip the fact he knew exactly what she meant.
"Why'd they want us out of the way?" asked Harry.
Mr. Granger laughed again, "They probably got us something that we aren't supposed to see," he replied. Harry smiled, he liked to surprise Hermione, so he would let her surprise him.
"How long do you have left at Hogwarts?" asked Mr. Granger.
"Oh, 2 years of Hogwarts, including this one, then 4 years of Auror training," answered Harry.
"Auror training?" asked Mr. Granger.
"Yes, sort of a wizard police," Harry replied.
"Ah, law enforcement?" said Mr. Granger.
"Yep," Harry said, "That was the only thing that really caught my attention."
"What about starting your own family?" asked Mr. Granger.
Harry was caught off guard, "Um, yeah, one day, after we survive this war, maybe I will, I don't know," replied Harry awkwardly.
"I think that is the most important job of all, raising a family is no small feat," said Mr. Granger.
"Yes, it is the most important job, not all are meant for it," replied Harry.
After a few minutes of discussion, Hermione and Mrs. Granger told them they could come down. After her parents left, "Harry, you sneak around in my head to find out your presents, I swear…" Hermione said looking serious.
"Herm, if you want to keep it secret I won't invade that," replied Harry hugging her.
Hermione returned his hug, "I know, but I'm going to warn you anyway, I'll make you sleep by yourself every night, even if you do have a nightmare," she threatened. Harry grimaced , "Now that is certainly not worth it," he said looking her in the eye, "Besides," he lowered his voice to a whisper, "I love you way too much to take advantage of you."
Hermione smiled, "You'd better not buster," she said, "Besides, the trouble I'll give you isn't worth learning about your present a couple of hours early."
She smiled and Harry couldn't resist, "Hey, don't you tickle me Harry!" Hermione whispered quickly stifling a laugh.
Harry laughed, "Okay, okay," he replied just before Mrs. Granger appeared looking harassed.
"Harry," said Mrs. Granger, "We're going to have a guest tomorrow night, would you mind sleeping in Hermione's room?" Hermione turned red, Harry followed suit.
"Um, sure you don't want me to take the couch?" he asked.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Granger shook their heads, "No, we would prefer you sleep in Hermione's room, either that, or Hermione sleep in our room,"
Hermione looked suspicious, "Why?" she asked.
"Because we asked you guys too," Mrs. Granger replied glancing at her husband, then in a low tone with a smile to Hermione and Harry, "You don't seem to mind when we don't ask."
They both agreed, but as soon as Mr. and Mrs. Granger were out of earshot, "Harry, did they actually beg you to sleep in my room?" she asked flabbergasted.
Harry laughed, "I think so, sounds good to me, isn't that what we do anyway?" Harry asked.
"Don't mention that when my parents are in the house!" whispered Hermione furiously punching him in his shoulder.
"Okay, okay," said Harry wincing at her tone.
Dinner was wonderful; turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce with a dessert of napoleon ice cream. Harry felt very sleepy afterwards and turned in early with the Grangers.
Harry woke up again at midnight on the dot, "Not again," he groaned he hated waking up in the middle of the night.
Someone knocked, "Yes?" asked Harry sounding slightly grumpy.
"Mind?" asked Hermione as she opened the door.
Harry smiled as he recognized her lovely voice, "Nope, can't sleep either," Harry replied as he lifted his sheets.
Hermione crawled in and curled up with him, "Getting old isn't it?" asked Hermione.
"Curling up with you? [b]Never [/b]!" answered Harry.
She elbowed him in the ribs, "I mean waking up in the middle of the night," she replied sleepily.
"Well, it is nice to wake up to you curling up," Harry answered as he slid his arms around her.
Hermione giggled nervously, "I'm glad you like it," she responded trying to fight off the sleepiness that closed her eyes slowly.
"I just don't like getting up," he whispered, "I'd rather sleep for a while longer…" Harry was also drifting off, "Good night Herm," he said kissing her neck.
Hermione sighed, "Good night Harry," she said. They both drifted off to sleep…
In the morning, Hermione awoke, Harry was still holding her, she smiled, today was Christmas, "Harry, come on, time to unwrap our presents, not to mention ourselves," she whispered in his ear, he wouldn't wake up.
"Harry come on, get up," she said. She smiled again, it was time to take a different tack; she kissed him.
Harry opened his eyes, "Yes Herm?" he said.
"Time to get up," she said quietly.
"No… anything but that," Harry joked, Hermione started tickling him.
"Okay, okay!" said Harry between laughs, "I'll get up."
"Well first we have to untangle ourselves," laughed Hermione, "just don't wake my parents."
Then her mother walked in, she laughed, "Too cold last night?" she asked. Hermione went beet red, and covered her head with the blanket.
"Just take me now," she moaned so only Harry heard her, "She'll never let me live this down."
"A little premature Hermione?" she laughed then as she left, "If that was premature, then what is this."
Hermione glanced at Harry, "See told you," she groaned.
Harry, but especially Hermione, looked sheepish when they arrived downstairs.
Mrs. Granger didn't really say anything, "Hope you two had a good night," she said with a slight smile and wink at Hermione. Hermione turned a very deep shade of red. "Have some breakfast you two, then we'll go to the party," Mrs. Granger finished. Harry detected a hint of amusement at Hermione's reaction in her voice.
During breakfast Hermione asked, "Who's visiting tonight?"
"Uncle Dave," said Mrs. Granger.
Hermione groaned, "Uncle Sod?" she asked.
Her parents both looked at her, completely shocked, "Where did you hear that name?" asked Mr. Granger.
"I heard you say it to Uncle Bob," replied Hermione.
"Well, don't say that around Uncle Dave okay?" said Mr. Granger glancing at his wife.
"Harry," said Mr. Granger as they finished, "Could I have a word?"
"Sure," replied Harry. Hermione was shooed into the living room; Mr. Granger looked at Harry, "Keep this from Hermione okay?" Harry nodded looking far away for a moment.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Well, since you're new to our family and the perfect candidate to help us out, I wanted to tell you why we asked you to sleep in Hermione's room, I know you'll protect her from any problems that may arise and we have had problems with him before," said Mr. Granger.
"John, I will, I just would like to know from what I am protecting her," said Harry.
Mr. Granger sighed, "I don't want to tell you and I hope we don't have to deal with it, the young should not worry of such things," he said.
At the party, Hermione had received numerous presents from her parents, so had Harry; he was shocked, "Thank you," he said hugging both Mr. and Mrs. Granger.
"Your welcome Harry," Mrs. Granger smiled. Hermione and Harry offered to fix lunch after they had returned from the Christmas party Mr. and Mrs. Granger gladly agreed. They made grilled cheese sandwiches. As they ate, Hermione was holding his hand under the table.
After a few hours, Uncle Dave arrived. There was a knock at the door, Mr. Granger sighed and regretfully opened the door. A very large man entered, after hugs in which neither Hermione or Mrs. Granger participated. Harry was introduced.
"Call me Dave Harry," he said in a smooth voice. He reminded Harry strongly of a mixture of Aunt Marge, Wormtail and the smoothness of Uncle Vernon, well, when he had a customer anyway. But he sensed something else, something that was just wrong about him. As Harry shook his hand, images floated in his mind, random flashes people crying, mourning…
Harry let go and the images stopped. Dinner had been prepared prior to his arrival, Harry sat between Hermione and Dave; something was triggering fear in Hermione and a protective instinct in Harry. Hermione glanced at him, he knew what she was thinking, why did they feel this way?
Harry retired to the Hermione's room while the adults had an after-dinner chat. After getting quickly undressed, Harry entered her room; Hermione was sitting on the edge of her bed.
"Harry?" she said, "What is it that my dad told you?"
Harry sighed, "He asked me not to say anything," said Harry, "But it's nothing to worry about." He smiled at her.
"Than you can tell me," replied Hermione firmly.
"He just told me that they asked me to sleep in your room because I would protect you, I asked further but he said nothing," said Harry releasing that memory to her.
Hermione laid down, "Well, it's bed time," she smiled.
"Okay, I can sleep on the floor," replied Harry.
"HARRY POTTER!" she started in a tone and volume that would not attract attention, other than Harry's of course, he winced, "You slept with me last night, night before that, and the night before THAT, now you're telling me you got a problem with it?"
Harry shook his head, "You just said your mum wouldn't ever let you live it down," said Harry carefully.
Hermione got up and pulled him down behind her, "That's quite enough," she said. Harry smiled; she was wonderful, even if she was pretending to be angry. He remembered his wary feelings about Dave; he put a charm on the lock that would wake him if it were opened. He kissed Hermione good night on the back of her neck and started to drift off.
He awoke it was morning, Hermione was still asleep, Harry smiled, it was one of those few times he could just watch her sleeping peacefully. He snuggled close to her and held her a little tighter. She smiled in her sleep, Harry watched with contentment. This was far more beautiful than any night sky. "Harry?" she said quietly.
"Yes, my loving wonderful Herm," he replied.
"Is it early?" she asked.
"Always," Harry said kissing the back of her neck.
She sighed, "What time is it?"
"5:00" replied Harry.
"Time to get up," she said yawning.
"No, please, just a while longer," said Harry.
"Nope," smiled Hermione as she got up, but was surprised when Harry grabbed her and pulled her back down.
"Come on Herm," said Harry.
Hermione started giggling, "But Harry, we have to get up… Okay, five more minutes," she said relenting, she and Harry turned around; Hermione put her arms around him. Five minutes seemed to pass in five seconds.
"Okay Harry, it's been five minutes, I have to get up," Hermione said not really wanting too but got up anyway. Harry grunted, Hermione started giggling again.
"Come on sleepy head," she said, "Aren't you going to get up and give me a morning kiss?" Harry got up and kissed Hermione from behind. She smiled at him.
Harry hurried up and got dressed while Hermione was downstairs. He felt something off, he ran downstairs to find Hermione starting breakfast and Dave sitting at the table. Hermione looked a little disturbed.
'What's wrong?' Harry asked
'I don't know, I've never liked the guy, I think they call him Uncle Sod because he's a dirt bag,' she replied. Harry helped her, she felt better knowing he was there. Harry noticed that he hadn't seen Amanda since Dave had come to visit. He asked Mrs. Granger from out of earshot of Dave.
"Where'd Amanda go?" he asked.
"Oh, she is staying with her grandparents," replied Mrs. Granger, "It's too hard looking after 5 kids."
"Five?" asked Harry.
"Yes," said Mrs. Granger smiling, "You, Hermione, John and Dave; Amanda would make it five." Harry noticed she looked a little strained.
"Is something wrong?" asked Harry.
"I… had some late night work I had to do," said Mrs. Granger. The day rolled by without significant occurrences, other than Dave asking miscellaneous questions about Harry and Hermione, what school they attend to which they had answered, "A private school up north.", he answered.
Where Harry lived, "Around here," he replied glancing at Mr. Granger, if he had any siblings to which he answered 'no', how he had met Hermione to which he answered, "On the school train." Luckily, Harry had been expecting questions and knew how to answer them.
After dinner they retired again, but before he did Harry approached Mrs. Granger, "Don't worry about work, go to bed," he said.
"Well, I've still got some more work," she replied.
"I know," Harry answered, "But trust me, you can't go without any sleep, I've done that before." Mrs. Granger smiled and relented, she knew she couldn't stay up the entire week.
Harry and Hermione were very happy with the arrangements, Harry again put the charm on the door, he wasn't taking any chances. He lay down behind Hermione, she curled tightly up against him, he put his arms around her.
'There's no way,' he thought sleepily, 'I can't not protect her, I can't sleep without her.' He kissed Hermione good night, she smiled dreamily and drifted off, Harry lingered a while, wanting to enjoy Hermione's warmth, but he too soon fell asleep. Harry awoke, it was 1:00 am,
Harry blinked, 'Why'd I wake up?' he asked himself, it was very dark, the only light came from the door, which now Harry noticed was opening slightly, then he remembered the charm. It had awoken him. He held Hermione tightly, he wouldn't wake her unless absolutely necessary, Harry watched as a man entered, Harry knew who it was.
'visum non' he thought, he disappeared. Harry smiled, he knew what to do. Harry waited until a figure had entered and was half-way across the room, then Harry smiled, it was time for fun.
The door slammed shut and the walls erupted with flames, Dave looked around, Harry was watching him clearly in the fire light. Harry waited for a moment before arranging the fire into midget people with pitchforks, as they tried to rout Dave towards the center of the fire, a face appeared in the flames, an evil looking face.
"Dave… Dave… " it called, "Come… Join me… " Dave ran from the room, slamming the door, screaming about fiery midget people while running to Hermione's parents' room. Harry snickered, Hermione stirred.
"What was that Harry?" she asked quietly hugging his arms.
"Sorry Herm, I was teaching," said Harry with a smile, "Visum." He appeared.
"Well teach tomorrow," said Hermione yawning, "I want to sleep." She finished as she started to drift off again. Hermione's mother opened the door as Harry and Hermione started to drift back off.
"You guys okay?" she asked.
Hermione groaned, "Mum, let us sleep," she complained.
Harry looked dreamy, "Just teaching Kathy," Harry replied softly.
"Dave was telling us he heard something and these midget men came out of a fire and tried to kill him," Mrs. Granger said.
Hermione giggled into her pillow, "Come on mum , we'll discuss it tomorrow," she said sinking into her pillow.
Harry smiled, "Good, just tell him everything is just fine," Harry yawned and after curling up with Hermione, drifted off to sleep.
Mrs. Granger watched them for a moment, they looked so perfect together. She watched for a few moments as they slept together so peacefully, remembering how fidgety they both were when she had watched them sleeping separately. She smiled thinking about how she had bugged Hermione since she was 15 that she wanted 8 – 12 grandkids from her, how Hermione swore she'd never have any or get married, Mrs. Granger smiled more broadly, it would happen in its own time and then left to tell her husband everything was wonderful . Hermione was pretending to be asleep, but she was thinking along the same lines.
'Maybe 8 – 12 kids wouldn't be so bad,' she thought, then she smiled slyly at a unsuspecting sleeping Harry, 'Maybe more .' That thought in mind she fell asleep curling up as closely as she could with Harry.
