Chapter 2 Away from Number 4
They pulled up to a large, red brick, house. It looked to be about four stories high, with a large front yard. Harry exited the back seat grinning. He went to the back and collected his trunk and Hedwig.
"How do you like it?" Hermione said questioningly. "In a word: Wow." Harry said, with his jaw still dropping. Hermione smiled and lead the way into the house. "Come on, you need to meet my mom and get a tour of the house" She said as they crossed the threshold into the foyer. Harry was in awe of the size of the house, the kitchen alone was larger than both of Dudley's bedrooms, included Harry's room, combined. Harry saw Crookshanks sauntering towards him, investigating the visitor. After realizing it was Harry, the cat curled around his feet, and bounded up the steps. "Harry, this is my mother. Mom, this is Harry Potter, the boy who'll be staying with us for the rest of the summer." Hermione said as they entered the living room. "Harry, it's good to finally meet you. I'm Carol by the way." Mrs. Granger greeted Harry warmly. Then, turning to Hermione, she said, "Hermione, why don't you give him a tour of the house and show him to his room." "That's what I'm doing mom, come on Harry this is only the first floor." Hermione said as Harry followed here up the stairs.
"Well, this is the second floor. There's a bathroom down that hall, next to the study. The game room is to the left." Hermione said as she pointed right and left. On the third floor was the master bedroom, off limits to Harry. However, there was another guest bedroom, but Hermione told Harry that his was on the 4th floor. So again Harry lugged his belongings upstairs. As they entered Harry's room, which was painted a light blue with maroon trim, Harry finally dropped his trunk and collapsed on the bed, feigning exhaustion. "Hermione, you need an elevator in this place." Harry said jokingly. "Oh, we do, I just wanted to give you the scenic tour of the house." Hermione said laughing. "Anyway, it wasn't that bad, was it?" Harry turned back and scowled, though he couldn't keep the face very long before laughing.
Harry and Hermione talked for about 30 minutes until Mr. Granger came up to tell them that lunch was ready. They followed Mr. Granger downstairs and into the dining room. Mrs. Granger had made fried chicken with mashed potatoes. "This is really great Mrs. Granger" Harry said after having a bite. "Thank you, I'd hoped you'd enjoy it. Hermione said that you probably didn't get enough to eat at you're relatives house." Mrs. Granger sad merrily "Oh no, this year they fed me. I just...wasn't that hungry" Harry said, finishing dolefully. He had remembered why he wasn't hungry, and felt the urge to be alone. "I'm going to go get used to my room. Thanks for lunch" Harry said, getting up and heading upstairs. Hermione replied to Mrs. Granger's confused look, "It's not your fault mom, a member of his family died last year, and he's depressed. I'll see if I can talk to him."
Harry went into his room and lay down on his bed. Why is it I can't go a week without feeling guilty Harry thought Because you know it's partly your fault he's gone. If only you would have listened to Hermione then it would've been better. That was the thing, why didn't he listen to Hermione, she never did anything without thinking through it rashly. Of course, there was that time she punched Malfoy, but he had it coming.
Suddenly there came a knock on his door.
"Harry?" Hermione asked "It's unlocked" Harry replied "You ok? You didn't eat much" Hermione said walking into the room after closing the door. "I'm fine" "No you're not, Harry. You're depressed and not eating, you can't be 'fine'." Hermione said kneeling next to him. "I don't want to talk about it" Harry said softly "Harry, it'll only get worse the longer you hold yourself, I've read a lot of books on this sort of stuff. Starving yourself won't change anything. Harry, if you keep this up you'll make yourself sick. Sirius wouldn't want this, you know that." Hermione stated tenderly. "I know that, it just that ... WHY?! Every single person who I care about gets hurt or killed. First my parents, then Cedric," his voice broke. "Then all of you at the Ministry, and finally..." Harry couldn't help it. He began to weep bitterly, pouring out the very things he's been keeping silent all summer. "It's alright Harry; you still have people who care for you. You aren't alone" Hermione said holding Harry, who was crying on her shoulder.
"Hermione, why didn't I listen to you? I mean, there you were, telling me exactly what the truth was and I didn't believe you. If I had then maybe S...Sirius," it hurt to say his name "would still be alive. I can't believe I fell for the trap Voldemort laid. I lead all of you to the Ministry and then the death eaters, and everyone got hurt, and then... he...he died, and...and...AND IT'S ENTIRELY MY FAULT!!" Harry was pouring out his soul to Hermione, who by this time was also crying..
"Harry, don't say that! We went with you because we're your friends , and always will be. We're there for you no matter what. Sirius wouldn't want you blaming yourself for his death; he did it because he loved you. Nothing is your fault."
Harry and Hermione talked, and cried, the rest of the afternoon. Finally Harry seemed a bit better.
"Harry, I know what we could do" Hermione said with a smile, eyes still a little puffy.
"What?" Harry said looking up at her.
"Go swimming!" Hermione said, pulling him off the floor. "Quickly, get changed before it gets dark."You have a pool?" Harry said, a grin forming on his face.
"Yeah, it's in the back yard next to the Jacuzzi, come on, I'll meet you by the elevator at the end of the hall." And with that Hermione left the room. Harry ran over to his trunk pulled out a swimsuit, changed clothes, and went to wait buy the elevator. Hermione came 5 minutes later in a bikini holding a pair of towels. "Hermione, I never pictured you as the kind of person to wear a two piece." Harry said with a grin. "Oh I'm just full of surprises, and you might need this." Hermione said blushing while she handed him a towel.
They went down the elevator and out into the backyard. The pool was in a rather large rectangle with a diving board at one end. On the side about 4 feet from the pool was an above ground Jacuzzi. Harry walked around to put his towel on the lawn chair, while Hermione laid down, opened the book which see seemed to conceal in her towel, and began to read. "Hermione, you're the only person I've ever met who would read while in swim suit next to the pool. Come on, it was your idea." Harry said walking towards Hermione. "I know, but I wanted to get some of the sun before it ... wait Harry" Hermione stuttered as Harry took the book out of her hands a lifted her towards the pool, "stop ... no, stop, HARRY PUT ME DOWN" she screamed. "Well, if you insist." Harry said as he dropped Hermione into the pool and jumped in himself. "You better watch yourself Mr. Potter; I'll get you for this." Hermione said as she came up for air. "Uh oh, I'm scared; I guess I'll have to sleep with my eyes open now." Harry said laughing. They swam for the next two hours, then dried off and went inside for dinner. Dinner was a small, just tomato soup and bread. Mrs. Granger was a little quiet, mainly because she didn't want to cause another incident like lunch. Afterwards Harry and Hermione went upstairs to Harry's room and began working on the homework that they, well Harry, had not started at all. "I can't believe Snape wants 5 feet of parchment on the uses of Thestral bone in potion making." Said Harry as he opened his Potions book and began working. With Hermione's help he was able to get through 3 and half feet, though he was surprised at how much Hermione hadn't helped him. Usually he would just ask Hermione for everything, but this time he seemed to remember some things that Snape had talked about, or he assumed Snape had explained them. By this time it was 11:15 so he bid Hermione a good night and went to peaceful sleep.
The next morning Harry woke up rather abruptly, or rather, was woken up rather abruptly at 8 o'clock by a large bucket of ice water being dumped on his head.
"fuahhhh!! Jeezus that was cold." Harry bolted upright looking around.
"I told you I would get you back, why didn't you sleep with your eyes open?" Hermione said with a grin.
"Oh, you know that this means war don't you." Harry said as he put on his glassed, jumped out of bed, and began chasing Hermione out of the room. He shut the door the moment she went passed, then went to his trunk to get a change of clothes. He went down the hall to the bathroom and went in to take a shower. 10 minutes later he was downstairs and began cooking breakfast. Hermione came downstairs to the smell of bacon and eggs.
"What are you cooking breakfast for?" Hermione said as she walked into the kitchen.
"Well, two reasons, one is that I was hungry and figured you were also, and two, it's kind of a habit since I've been doing it since I was 6." Harry said as he dished up two plates.
"Well, I guess I'll get the drinks." Hermione said as she walked to the fridge and got out milk and orange juice.
They went into the dining room and sat down.
"Wow Harry, this is really good!" Hermione said after taking one bite.
"Lots and lots of practice," Harry said. They talked a little bit, mostly after they had eaten the food, considering it was too good to talk with it in their mouths.
"Oh, and Harry, my parents have a major dentist convention in Ireland and will be gone most of the week. They left me some money for when we go to Diagon Alley." Hermione said as they washed the dishes.
"Great, but how are we going to get there?" Harry asked drying one of the plates.
"Drive of course. My parents thought it would be a good idea if I went ahead and got my license even though I would rarely drive. I know I'm still fifteen, but my parents were able to give enough reasons for me to have a hardship license. It'll be fun." Hermione said as the pair walked out of the kitchen and into the den to watch TV. "Oh! I never asked, how were your O.W.L.'s?" she said as they sat down on the couch.
"Oh, not too bad, I got 7. I only got an E in Potions, but somehow Dumbledore fixed it so I could take NEWT. I might actually become an Auror." Harry said.
"Not too bad? Harry, 7 is great, that's more than both of the twins combined." Hermione exclaimed.
The day went well. Harry and Hermione went swimming again, but this time Harry actually let Hermione read a little; that morning's wake up call was still fresh on his mind. He did however; wait until she was totally immersed in the book, snuck up behind her, and poured a glass of water right on her face, though careful to avoid the book.
"Time to get in the pool Hermione" Harry said as he ran and jumped into the pool.
"Oh, you've done it this time Mr. Potter. You have noooooo idea how or when I'll get you back, but it will be good." Hermione said as she laid the book down and sauntered to the pool and dove in.
The day seemed to fly by and the next morning he was woken up by a large clump of hair jumping on him.
"Crookshanks, what are you doing." Harry said getting his glasses and looking at the clock. It read 6:36. "I could've slept for another hour. Oh well, might as well get up." With that, Harry lifted the cat off of him, got up, and went to go take a shower.
While taking his shower, a very strange thing happened. The door opened, there was a squeal, and a large amount of bushy hair ran back into the hall, slamming the door. Harry was a little embarrassed and finished his shower at top speed. He then went back to his room, got a dressed, and went downstairs to fix breakfast. Hermione came down about 20 minutes later. She entered, looked at Harry, and blushed crimson. He didn't see this of course, since he was in the middle of making pancakes.
"Morning Harry," Hermione said looking everywhere except Harry. He looked up grinning, "Morning Hermione, how about some breakfast?" "Sure, I'll get the drinks." She said and hurriedly got orange juice, glasses, and headed to the dining room. Harry fixed two plated of pancakes, eggs, and sausage and went into the dining room.
"So, how was your morning Hermione?" Harry said as he watched Hermione turn roughly the color of a Gryffindor banner.
"I'm so sorry Harry, usually you sleep later than that, and I'm used to being the only one using the bathroom, and I was sleepy, and I should've knocked, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I did this. You must hate me." Hermione said pleadingly, thinking Harry was mad at her.
"It's alright Hermione, don't worry about it. Just do NOT tell Ron, or anyone for that matter. I know how girls have a tendency to gossip."
"Oh Harry, it wouldn't be bad gossip, I mean. Of course I wouldn't say anything. My lips are sealed." Hermione couldn't believe she'd said that, and hoped that Harry hadn't recognized it.
"So are we going to Diagon Alley today?" Harry said, clearly not realizing what Hermione had said.
"Yeah I thought we'd go right after breakfast, so it wouldn't be too crowded." Hermione said, happy that Harry changed the subject.
They finished, cleaned the dishes, and got ready to leave. They left, Hermione driving, and arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, a pub that muggles seemed unable to see, and went inside. After saying hello to Tom, the bar tender, the left through to the back alley. Harry took out his wand and tapped the third brick from the left of the trash can and magically the bricks moved away, leaving the opening to Diagon Alley. Harry smiled widely, not having been here in over a year.
"Well, let's go get some money first, then we should tackle getting books, potion ingredients, then robes, parchment and quills, and whatever else we need." Hermione said, looking down at the list she had made herself of what she needed.
"Okay, let's go." Harry said leading the way to Gringotts, the wizard bank. Nothing spectacular happened until the two were on there way to get some ice cream.
"Well, if it isn't Potty and his little mudblood friend, no Weasel though. Probably doesn't have enough money for the supplies. I'm still surprised his family was able to afford him for so long.
Harry turned on Malfoy, whose expression changed to fear at the look Harry had given him. A fire gleamed from behind his strikingly green eyes as he felt a surge of anger towards the blond headed Slytherin. "Shut up Malfoy before you regret ever being born." Malfoy's face quickly changed back. "I'll be seeing you at school Potter, Mudblood." Malfoy and his goons quickly walked away. Harry turned back to Hermione, shocked at her expression. "What? What I do?" Harry said, wondering why Hermione looked so shocked.
"N... Nothing, let's get some ice cream." Hermione said, turning around towards the shop. Harry hadn't felt the surge of magical energy flow through the air, probably because it came from him. After they ate, the duo went back through the pub and drove home. Hermione was deep in thought, and Harry slept much of the way home due to the relaxing vibrations of the road, and being woken up early that morning.
"We're here Harry." Hermione said as she pulled into the driveway.
"Ok." Harry said, getting out and grabbing his purchases from the trunk. He went inside and headed upstairs to put away his things. He heard Hermione come upstairs as well and heard her door close. He went downstairs and turned on the TV. "Wow, 105 channels and nothing good on. Well, might as well get some homework done." Harry said, putting down the remote and heading upstairs to work on some Transfiguration homework. He got through most of it surprisingly quickly, and then got stuck on some of the human transformation questions. So he got up and went to Hermione's room, knocked on the door, and waited for the answer.
"Come in." Hermione said as she sat up on the side of her bed.
"Hey, I was wondering if you could help me on some of the Transfiguration homework." Harry said as he walked into the room.
"Sure, it took me ages to finish that, but it ended up ok." Hermione said as she looked at Harry's work. "When did you start this?"
"About 45 minutes ago, why?" Harry said as he sat in a chair near Hermione's bed.
"Because it took me all day to get this far and you still have more stuff than mine does." Hermione said with a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Well, sorry, but is still need some help with the human transformations. You think you could help me?" Harry said.
"Sure, first you've got to realize that..." Hermione lectured for about 40 minutes, and Harry then had the entire Transfiguration homework finished. He then went downstairs to cook dinner, as a way to thank Hermione.
The next three weeks seemed to fly by. Harry was able to get the rest of his homework finished the next day with a little help from Hermione. They usually spent the days swimming and having fun. Mr. and Mrs. Granger arrived back as the first week ended. Harry was happy for the longest time all summer. He was having fewer dreams about Sirius and more about other people, like Hermione, though he rarely remembered them.
They pulled up to a large, red brick, house. It looked to be about four stories high, with a large front yard. Harry exited the back seat grinning. He went to the back and collected his trunk and Hedwig.
"How do you like it?" Hermione said questioningly. "In a word: Wow." Harry said, with his jaw still dropping. Hermione smiled and lead the way into the house. "Come on, you need to meet my mom and get a tour of the house" She said as they crossed the threshold into the foyer. Harry was in awe of the size of the house, the kitchen alone was larger than both of Dudley's bedrooms, included Harry's room, combined. Harry saw Crookshanks sauntering towards him, investigating the visitor. After realizing it was Harry, the cat curled around his feet, and bounded up the steps. "Harry, this is my mother. Mom, this is Harry Potter, the boy who'll be staying with us for the rest of the summer." Hermione said as they entered the living room. "Harry, it's good to finally meet you. I'm Carol by the way." Mrs. Granger greeted Harry warmly. Then, turning to Hermione, she said, "Hermione, why don't you give him a tour of the house and show him to his room." "That's what I'm doing mom, come on Harry this is only the first floor." Hermione said as Harry followed here up the stairs.
"Well, this is the second floor. There's a bathroom down that hall, next to the study. The game room is to the left." Hermione said as she pointed right and left. On the third floor was the master bedroom, off limits to Harry. However, there was another guest bedroom, but Hermione told Harry that his was on the 4th floor. So again Harry lugged his belongings upstairs. As they entered Harry's room, which was painted a light blue with maroon trim, Harry finally dropped his trunk and collapsed on the bed, feigning exhaustion. "Hermione, you need an elevator in this place." Harry said jokingly. "Oh, we do, I just wanted to give you the scenic tour of the house." Hermione said laughing. "Anyway, it wasn't that bad, was it?" Harry turned back and scowled, though he couldn't keep the face very long before laughing.
Harry and Hermione talked for about 30 minutes until Mr. Granger came up to tell them that lunch was ready. They followed Mr. Granger downstairs and into the dining room. Mrs. Granger had made fried chicken with mashed potatoes. "This is really great Mrs. Granger" Harry said after having a bite. "Thank you, I'd hoped you'd enjoy it. Hermione said that you probably didn't get enough to eat at you're relatives house." Mrs. Granger sad merrily "Oh no, this year they fed me. I just...wasn't that hungry" Harry said, finishing dolefully. He had remembered why he wasn't hungry, and felt the urge to be alone. "I'm going to go get used to my room. Thanks for lunch" Harry said, getting up and heading upstairs. Hermione replied to Mrs. Granger's confused look, "It's not your fault mom, a member of his family died last year, and he's depressed. I'll see if I can talk to him."
Harry went into his room and lay down on his bed. Why is it I can't go a week without feeling guilty Harry thought Because you know it's partly your fault he's gone. If only you would have listened to Hermione then it would've been better. That was the thing, why didn't he listen to Hermione, she never did anything without thinking through it rashly. Of course, there was that time she punched Malfoy, but he had it coming.
Suddenly there came a knock on his door.
"Harry?" Hermione asked "It's unlocked" Harry replied "You ok? You didn't eat much" Hermione said walking into the room after closing the door. "I'm fine" "No you're not, Harry. You're depressed and not eating, you can't be 'fine'." Hermione said kneeling next to him. "I don't want to talk about it" Harry said softly "Harry, it'll only get worse the longer you hold yourself, I've read a lot of books on this sort of stuff. Starving yourself won't change anything. Harry, if you keep this up you'll make yourself sick. Sirius wouldn't want this, you know that." Hermione stated tenderly. "I know that, it just that ... WHY?! Every single person who I care about gets hurt or killed. First my parents, then Cedric," his voice broke. "Then all of you at the Ministry, and finally..." Harry couldn't help it. He began to weep bitterly, pouring out the very things he's been keeping silent all summer. "It's alright Harry; you still have people who care for you. You aren't alone" Hermione said holding Harry, who was crying on her shoulder.
"Hermione, why didn't I listen to you? I mean, there you were, telling me exactly what the truth was and I didn't believe you. If I had then maybe S...Sirius," it hurt to say his name "would still be alive. I can't believe I fell for the trap Voldemort laid. I lead all of you to the Ministry and then the death eaters, and everyone got hurt, and then... he...he died, and...and...AND IT'S ENTIRELY MY FAULT!!" Harry was pouring out his soul to Hermione, who by this time was also crying..
"Harry, don't say that! We went with you because we're your friends , and always will be. We're there for you no matter what. Sirius wouldn't want you blaming yourself for his death; he did it because he loved you. Nothing is your fault."
Harry and Hermione talked, and cried, the rest of the afternoon. Finally Harry seemed a bit better.
"Harry, I know what we could do" Hermione said with a smile, eyes still a little puffy.
"What?" Harry said looking up at her.
"Go swimming!" Hermione said, pulling him off the floor. "Quickly, get changed before it gets dark."You have a pool?" Harry said, a grin forming on his face.
"Yeah, it's in the back yard next to the Jacuzzi, come on, I'll meet you by the elevator at the end of the hall." And with that Hermione left the room. Harry ran over to his trunk pulled out a swimsuit, changed clothes, and went to wait buy the elevator. Hermione came 5 minutes later in a bikini holding a pair of towels. "Hermione, I never pictured you as the kind of person to wear a two piece." Harry said with a grin. "Oh I'm just full of surprises, and you might need this." Hermione said blushing while she handed him a towel.
They went down the elevator and out into the backyard. The pool was in a rather large rectangle with a diving board at one end. On the side about 4 feet from the pool was an above ground Jacuzzi. Harry walked around to put his towel on the lawn chair, while Hermione laid down, opened the book which see seemed to conceal in her towel, and began to read. "Hermione, you're the only person I've ever met who would read while in swim suit next to the pool. Come on, it was your idea." Harry said walking towards Hermione. "I know, but I wanted to get some of the sun before it ... wait Harry" Hermione stuttered as Harry took the book out of her hands a lifted her towards the pool, "stop ... no, stop, HARRY PUT ME DOWN" she screamed. "Well, if you insist." Harry said as he dropped Hermione into the pool and jumped in himself. "You better watch yourself Mr. Potter; I'll get you for this." Hermione said as she came up for air. "Uh oh, I'm scared; I guess I'll have to sleep with my eyes open now." Harry said laughing. They swam for the next two hours, then dried off and went inside for dinner. Dinner was a small, just tomato soup and bread. Mrs. Granger was a little quiet, mainly because she didn't want to cause another incident like lunch. Afterwards Harry and Hermione went upstairs to Harry's room and began working on the homework that they, well Harry, had not started at all. "I can't believe Snape wants 5 feet of parchment on the uses of Thestral bone in potion making." Said Harry as he opened his Potions book and began working. With Hermione's help he was able to get through 3 and half feet, though he was surprised at how much Hermione hadn't helped him. Usually he would just ask Hermione for everything, but this time he seemed to remember some things that Snape had talked about, or he assumed Snape had explained them. By this time it was 11:15 so he bid Hermione a good night and went to peaceful sleep.
The next morning Harry woke up rather abruptly, or rather, was woken up rather abruptly at 8 o'clock by a large bucket of ice water being dumped on his head.
"fuahhhh!! Jeezus that was cold." Harry bolted upright looking around.
"I told you I would get you back, why didn't you sleep with your eyes open?" Hermione said with a grin.
"Oh, you know that this means war don't you." Harry said as he put on his glassed, jumped out of bed, and began chasing Hermione out of the room. He shut the door the moment she went passed, then went to his trunk to get a change of clothes. He went down the hall to the bathroom and went in to take a shower. 10 minutes later he was downstairs and began cooking breakfast. Hermione came downstairs to the smell of bacon and eggs.
"What are you cooking breakfast for?" Hermione said as she walked into the kitchen.
"Well, two reasons, one is that I was hungry and figured you were also, and two, it's kind of a habit since I've been doing it since I was 6." Harry said as he dished up two plates.
"Well, I guess I'll get the drinks." Hermione said as she walked to the fridge and got out milk and orange juice.
They went into the dining room and sat down.
"Wow Harry, this is really good!" Hermione said after taking one bite.
"Lots and lots of practice," Harry said. They talked a little bit, mostly after they had eaten the food, considering it was too good to talk with it in their mouths.
"Oh, and Harry, my parents have a major dentist convention in Ireland and will be gone most of the week. They left me some money for when we go to Diagon Alley." Hermione said as they washed the dishes.
"Great, but how are we going to get there?" Harry asked drying one of the plates.
"Drive of course. My parents thought it would be a good idea if I went ahead and got my license even though I would rarely drive. I know I'm still fifteen, but my parents were able to give enough reasons for me to have a hardship license. It'll be fun." Hermione said as the pair walked out of the kitchen and into the den to watch TV. "Oh! I never asked, how were your O.W.L.'s?" she said as they sat down on the couch.
"Oh, not too bad, I got 7. I only got an E in Potions, but somehow Dumbledore fixed it so I could take NEWT. I might actually become an Auror." Harry said.
"Not too bad? Harry, 7 is great, that's more than both of the twins combined." Hermione exclaimed.
The day went well. Harry and Hermione went swimming again, but this time Harry actually let Hermione read a little; that morning's wake up call was still fresh on his mind. He did however; wait until she was totally immersed in the book, snuck up behind her, and poured a glass of water right on her face, though careful to avoid the book.
"Time to get in the pool Hermione" Harry said as he ran and jumped into the pool.
"Oh, you've done it this time Mr. Potter. You have noooooo idea how or when I'll get you back, but it will be good." Hermione said as she laid the book down and sauntered to the pool and dove in.
The day seemed to fly by and the next morning he was woken up by a large clump of hair jumping on him.
"Crookshanks, what are you doing." Harry said getting his glasses and looking at the clock. It read 6:36. "I could've slept for another hour. Oh well, might as well get up." With that, Harry lifted the cat off of him, got up, and went to go take a shower.
While taking his shower, a very strange thing happened. The door opened, there was a squeal, and a large amount of bushy hair ran back into the hall, slamming the door. Harry was a little embarrassed and finished his shower at top speed. He then went back to his room, got a dressed, and went downstairs to fix breakfast. Hermione came down about 20 minutes later. She entered, looked at Harry, and blushed crimson. He didn't see this of course, since he was in the middle of making pancakes.
"Morning Harry," Hermione said looking everywhere except Harry. He looked up grinning, "Morning Hermione, how about some breakfast?" "Sure, I'll get the drinks." She said and hurriedly got orange juice, glasses, and headed to the dining room. Harry fixed two plated of pancakes, eggs, and sausage and went into the dining room.
"So, how was your morning Hermione?" Harry said as he watched Hermione turn roughly the color of a Gryffindor banner.
"I'm so sorry Harry, usually you sleep later than that, and I'm used to being the only one using the bathroom, and I was sleepy, and I should've knocked, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I did this. You must hate me." Hermione said pleadingly, thinking Harry was mad at her.
"It's alright Hermione, don't worry about it. Just do NOT tell Ron, or anyone for that matter. I know how girls have a tendency to gossip."
"Oh Harry, it wouldn't be bad gossip, I mean. Of course I wouldn't say anything. My lips are sealed." Hermione couldn't believe she'd said that, and hoped that Harry hadn't recognized it.
"So are we going to Diagon Alley today?" Harry said, clearly not realizing what Hermione had said.
"Yeah I thought we'd go right after breakfast, so it wouldn't be too crowded." Hermione said, happy that Harry changed the subject.
They finished, cleaned the dishes, and got ready to leave. They left, Hermione driving, and arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, a pub that muggles seemed unable to see, and went inside. After saying hello to Tom, the bar tender, the left through to the back alley. Harry took out his wand and tapped the third brick from the left of the trash can and magically the bricks moved away, leaving the opening to Diagon Alley. Harry smiled widely, not having been here in over a year.
"Well, let's go get some money first, then we should tackle getting books, potion ingredients, then robes, parchment and quills, and whatever else we need." Hermione said, looking down at the list she had made herself of what she needed.
"Okay, let's go." Harry said leading the way to Gringotts, the wizard bank. Nothing spectacular happened until the two were on there way to get some ice cream.
"Well, if it isn't Potty and his little mudblood friend, no Weasel though. Probably doesn't have enough money for the supplies. I'm still surprised his family was able to afford him for so long.
Harry turned on Malfoy, whose expression changed to fear at the look Harry had given him. A fire gleamed from behind his strikingly green eyes as he felt a surge of anger towards the blond headed Slytherin. "Shut up Malfoy before you regret ever being born." Malfoy's face quickly changed back. "I'll be seeing you at school Potter, Mudblood." Malfoy and his goons quickly walked away. Harry turned back to Hermione, shocked at her expression. "What? What I do?" Harry said, wondering why Hermione looked so shocked.
"N... Nothing, let's get some ice cream." Hermione said, turning around towards the shop. Harry hadn't felt the surge of magical energy flow through the air, probably because it came from him. After they ate, the duo went back through the pub and drove home. Hermione was deep in thought, and Harry slept much of the way home due to the relaxing vibrations of the road, and being woken up early that morning.
"We're here Harry." Hermione said as she pulled into the driveway.
"Ok." Harry said, getting out and grabbing his purchases from the trunk. He went inside and headed upstairs to put away his things. He heard Hermione come upstairs as well and heard her door close. He went downstairs and turned on the TV. "Wow, 105 channels and nothing good on. Well, might as well get some homework done." Harry said, putting down the remote and heading upstairs to work on some Transfiguration homework. He got through most of it surprisingly quickly, and then got stuck on some of the human transformation questions. So he got up and went to Hermione's room, knocked on the door, and waited for the answer.
"Come in." Hermione said as she sat up on the side of her bed.
"Hey, I was wondering if you could help me on some of the Transfiguration homework." Harry said as he walked into the room.
"Sure, it took me ages to finish that, but it ended up ok." Hermione said as she looked at Harry's work. "When did you start this?"
"About 45 minutes ago, why?" Harry said as he sat in a chair near Hermione's bed.
"Because it took me all day to get this far and you still have more stuff than mine does." Hermione said with a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Well, sorry, but is still need some help with the human transformations. You think you could help me?" Harry said.
"Sure, first you've got to realize that..." Hermione lectured for about 40 minutes, and Harry then had the entire Transfiguration homework finished. He then went downstairs to cook dinner, as a way to thank Hermione.
The next three weeks seemed to fly by. Harry was able to get the rest of his homework finished the next day with a little help from Hermione. They usually spent the days swimming and having fun. Mr. and Mrs. Granger arrived back as the first week ended. Harry was happy for the longest time all summer. He was having fewer dreams about Sirius and more about other people, like Hermione, though he rarely remembered them.