AN: This chapter is dedicated to firebird-fenix, thank you for the support. Hope I satisfied your request. Real reviews, not 'I like" always needed.

Chapter 20 muggles

Harry was so excited. He had finally convinced Papa and the rest of the family to let him go to muggle school. He had Tonks help him. His cousin who was starting her last year at Hogwarts had got to go and younger. Papa may be better about muggles then others in the family but worried. Though Harry always had a lot of control over his powers he could still slip up. He had been home schooled mainly by Uncle Moony but his grandparents as well. He spent time every year since seven with the elves and he trained with the centaurs too. Uncle Moony had taught in muggle school once and Harry was ahead of what he needed. Sirius had moved back to Grimmauld with Harry and Remus when Harry was seven. Grandma and Fleamont had come as well. He still saw his other two grandfathers on a nearly daily basis. It would not change with muggle school. Wizards had paper work for muggle schools, usually if muggle borns wanted regular college, but got it for Harry now. The school would believe he had simply moved to London and changing schools. Tonks had taught him all she could to make it easier.

Remus smiled on the morning of Harry's first day. He had helped Harry finally convince Sirius. Sirius may be head of the auror school, taking over three years before, but his son made him worry. Sirius was far more nervous then his son.

Sirius watched his son run up for his book bag. "I am still not sure. He will be at Hogwarts soon."

Remus sighed. "Its muggle school not auror training. You know how much your cousin loved it."

Walburga came in the door. "It will be good for the boy. Some time away from home and not with family. Or Neville."

Sirius reminded her. "You don't like anything muggle. I thought you'd be as opposed as grandfather is. You and your father."

Fleamont laughed from his spot at the table. "I agree. If any other grandfather was going to agree I was not expecting Pollux."

Wallburga sat at the table. "He sees it did well for the girl. Not everything muggle is bad."

Sirius smirked at her. "Can I take that as I can return the television to the den?"

Remus laughed as the woman scowled. "As likely as you being a cat person."

Sirius looked to where Fox ate. "Thankfully down to one."

Flemaont didn't help. "You never know he may choose a cat for school. Fox will be too old."

Before he could respond Harry appeared with his bag. "Is it time to go Papa?"

Sirius turned and reluctantly nodded. "You have everything?"

Harry motioned to his bag. "I checked twice."

Remus and Sirius both went to take him to school. Sirius was mumbling about cats and Harry shot him a look. Arcturus had been right it was good to get Harry a cat as he was upset when Zar died. He had been the only one. The demon cat died when he was four. Fleamont had adopted Arabella's cats but they remained at the manor. Harry would get a new pet when he began school. The twins had started school a year ago and Harry couldn't wait to start. He was as close as ever to all the boys save Ron,even Percy. He was sad when Bill moved to Egypt a year ago to work for the bank. He hoped Charlie chose quidditch over dragons in a year. He would be sad if Charlie went far away. They were like brothers to him.

Harry did feel a few nerves when they got to school but he was soon over them. His was introduced to his teacher and shown a desk He was a tad worried at first but by lunch he was feeling better. He missed morning break outside talking to the teacher.

At lunch his teacher asked. "Miss Granger why don't you show Harry to the lunch room."

A girl with bushy hair came to him. "Hi I am Hermione."

Harry smiled. "Harry."

Hermione led him out. "You just moved to town? Where are you from?"

Harry smiled. "Gloucester. Papa got new work so we moved." The manor was not far from Gloucester so not a lie.

Hermione led him into the cafeteria line. "What does your Papa do? My parents are dentists."

Harry knew that meant tooth healers. "Papa works with the police. Well he trains them."

"And your Mum?" Hermione asked as they got food.

Harry faltered. "I don't have a mum. Well I mean…"

Hermione felt bad. "I am sorry."

Harry assured her. "Was when I was a baby. But my grandparents and Uncle Moony live with us."

Hermione's smile returned. "That's great. I have no aunts and uncles. And only dad's parents are alive. They live in France."

Harry explained. "Uncle Moony is really Papa's best friend. He moved in to help when dad died. He is a writer so he can work anywhere."

Hermione noticed he said dad not mom but said nothing. "Maybe you can come play one weekend."

Harry was happy she didn't push when he realized what he said. The lunch was good and he had fun with Hermione. She was smart and reminded him a lot of Percy but laughed more. He worried what would happen if she wanted to come to his home. Grimmauld may have been in muggle London but it wasn't the normal house. Tonks had it easier as her parents lived with more muggle conveniences. Harry hoped he could some how. He met some other kids but he really liked Hermione and worried she may be hurt if never invited.

Papa was waiting when he got out of school at the end of the day. He knew Papa had been still worried and was happy he could assure him. As Harry hugged his Papa Hermione brought over a man who Harry realized was her father.

Harry introduced her. "Papa this is my friend Hermione. She helped show me around."

Sirius smiled. "Thank you Hermione." He offered his hand to the man. "Sirius Black."

Hermione's dad shook his hand. "Michael Granger."

Hermione piped in. "Can Harry come over this weekend to play dad?"

Michael smiled. "It's okay with me. You'll have to ask him and his father."

Harry looked at his Papa. "Please."

Sirius laughed and nodded. "I am sure that can be arranged."

Michael went to lead Hermione off. "We should get home."

Sirius went to take his son. "The others will want to hear."

Harry worried. "What if she wants to visit?"

Sirius assured his son. "We will make it work."

The family was waiting when he got home to hear how his day went. He was surprised but happy even when grandmother said they'd make it work so his friend could visit. He knew she was the reason the second television in the house was in what was once his playroom. It still was in a way but grew with him. He had a small one in his bedroom but he watched movies with Papa and Uncle Moony in the playroom. Grandmother was only slightly better about muggle things then grandsire was. He was happy when both his great-grandsires came to dinner.

Arcturus grumbled a bit about the friend part but agreed. "I assume a few concealment charms would not hurt."

Harry and Hermione quickly had become inseparable. He made a few other friends at school but Hermione was closest. He had got to go to her place twice but so far she had not come to his home. Part of him worried her parents knew Papa was gay and didn't want Hermione to come. Hermione never brought it up but she heard him say his dad died. Many muggles didn't like that he knew. But her parents had always been very welcoming to him and happy to have him over. And since it was easier Harry didn't push the issue. He was happy when he was invited to have a sleepover a few weeks later. Her birthday was on a Thursday but they were celebrating on the weekend.

Harry with some help from Remus had bought her a book in the muggle world and a bookmark she'd like. He met her at a kid's museum first where a few other kids from school came. But though they gave her gifts at lunch at the museum only Harry came back to the house.

Harry and Hermione were in her room talking about the museum when she hiccuped and suddenly a toy bug began hopping. "Not again."

Harry was confused as he hadn't done accidental in years. "I didn't mean to."

Hermione was panicking. "You didn't see that. You didn't."

Harry was surprised. "What?"

"They won't let you visit again. It's why I can't come to your house." Hermione sobbed.

Before Harry could respond her parents came in to get them for dinner. Her mom noticed. "Oh honey."

Hermione went into her arms. "I tried hard."

Michael looked at Harry. "Maybe its time….."

Harry cut him off. "She did that."

Hermione sobbed. "It happens once in a while. I try not to."

Michael sat down. "Maybe its best you go home. I know this is confusing."

Harry shook his head. "No get Papa to come. He can help."

Michael was confused but he went to call Sirius. He thought Harry was upset and wanted to go home. He couldn't blame the child. Hermione had done odd things since birth but it got stranger in the past months. Hermione didn't have close friends till Harry so it had been easy to hide. He had hoped Harry was not hurt Hermione could never come over. They had worried if she slipped up and what would happen. A strange woman had come on Thursday claiming Hermione was a witch and offering her a place at a school next year. They took the letter and a book about the school. They saw what she could do but were having a hard time understanding.

Sirius had a muggle phone since his son began school. He was in a panic when he went for his son. He was worried his son's magic had gone awry and the couple were angry. He had thought his son had it under control.

He spoke to Michael when let in. "What happened? If Harry….."

Michael assured him. "Harry has been amazing. Our daughter had…..well it might be best Harry go home."

Harry came running. "Papa she is a witch."

Sirius was confused. "What?"

Jean was pale as she came with her daughter. "Please don't tell anyone. She'd never hurt your son."

Sirius motioned. "Maybe we can sit. I think there is more to say."

Michael led him into the sitting room. "You are taking this well."

Sirius smiled. "How long has she done it?"

Michael explained and ended with. "Some woman Minerva came with a letter."

Harry beamed. "Professor McGonagall? You got your letter? Cool. I have to wait till summer."

Hermione was confused. "You know? How?"

Sirius took out his wand. "I guess its safe to reveal. My son and I are wizards. Minerva is an old friend."

Harry nodded. "She runs the school. She comes to our parties."

Jean was shocked. "We thought magic was stories. We have none."

Sirius found himself explaining their world as best as he could. He explained some were pure wizard and witch and some like Hermione came from no magic. Harry had grown up in the magic world which is why he just started at school. As the parents talked basics Harry was happy to show Hermione some of his magic. His Papa put up a ward so the ministry wouldn't arrive. Hermione was happy he not only understood but he was like her. She had never met anyone else. She was reading the book about school but had wanted more.

Sirius assured the couple. "The school will be amazing. And until then we can help her learn about our world."

Harry nodded. "You can borrow tons of books. I have so much to tell you."

Jean smiled. "We would appreciate the help."

Sirius assured her. "They are already friends and she was welcome to visit before."

Michael felt bad. "I hope you know we had nothing against your home. Just with her magic we thought it safer."

Hermione smiled. "I have wanted so bad. But now I can."

Harry grinned. "And we won't have to muggle the house. I am sure you will like it."

Jean was confused. "Muggle the house?"

Sirius laughed. "Things like house elves and moving paintings."

Hermione was shocked. "Moving paintings?"

Harry was all smiles. "The cool ones have their essence. You have to meet Grandpa Orion when you come."

Jean motioned. "Dinner is ready. You are welcome to stay."

Sirius stayed to continue his talk with the parents. Hermione was deep into talk with Harry. Sirius left after cake without his son. Harry wanted to stay for the promised sleepover and they were happy to have him stay. They were even happier that Hermione made a new friend in school. Harry was good for their daughter and not simply for help with her magic. It was great to see her open up and make such a good friend.

Hermione hugged him before bed. "Thanks for coming. The others came to the museum but they still find me odd."

Though Harry was close as ever to Draco and Neville he was so happy to know Hermione. Hermione loved chess and reading like him. He was even happier to learn she was a witch. He liked her either way but he was happy he didn't have to hide anything from her. Sirius had sent more books for her and her parents and Minerva had been asked back. It was not unusual with muggle borns to have to make more then one visit. She was surprised to hear Harry was close to the girl. She thought it good as it would help the girl transition.

Two weeks later Hermione was coming for a sleepover. Harry wanted to show her a manor but for now Grimmauld was a start. Only Papa and Uncle Moony would be home, the others out for the day. Both of her parents came so they could see as well.

Hermione was in awe when led into the sitting room."Wow."

Harry showed her. "This is the family tree I told you about."

Hermione found him. "You and your Papa. And dad."

Harry nodded. "I know muggles don't but wizards can have …"

Hermione cut off his rambling. "I know he died when you were a baby. Do you remember at all?"

Harry shrugged. "A bit, and Lily. Just flashes. Papa says I am like him."

Sirius agreed. "You look like him but our eyes. And you fly like him. But the books is all your Uncle."

Hermione had read about quidditch. "I am not sure I want to try. I am a bit scared."

Harry led to show her more. "All kids learn to fly first year. But you won't be alone. I can't get Neville near a broom."

Michael was surprised by the television in his playroom. "I am a bit shocked."

Sirius laughed. "Many wizards enjoy muggle items. Though the older ones may deny it."

Harry giggled. "We have to hide it in here or the bedroom. Grandmother really doesn't like it."

They got a tour of the whole house. Hermione was in total awe and was amazed to meet Orion. "Hello sir."

Orion's painting smiled. "You are the young lady my grandson has told me of?"

Sirius was not shocked his son introduced Hermione to the painting. Harry was as close to Orion as ever. Even some wizards might find it odd he spoke to the painting like it was Orion. Though his essence was in it, it was not like his ghost. But Harry loved to talk to him and it pleased Sirius and Walburga. Hermione had not found it odd and was happy to talk with her first painting. Orion was friendly enough with her.

After lunch more arrived. Not any of the grandparents but Augusta brought Neville and Narcissa brought her son. Both had heard about Hermione and wanted to meet her. Hermione was having a sleepover so her parents left, feeling more then sure she was safe.

Harry introduced them. "Hermione this is my cousin Draco and my friend Neville."

Hermione was a bit shy meeting other wizards but smiled. "Hi."

Draco shook her hand. "Hear you go to school with Harry. Its neat he goes to actual school."

Neville agreed. "Most of us don't till Hogwarts. Unless we have a muggle parent or born one."

Hermione nodded. "Harry told me. I am surprised you don't have schools."

Draco shrugged. "Seen them in France and so on when we travel. Call them hedge witch schools."

Harry had too. "Papa said a few are opening here. But should be more."

Hermione sat down on the grass with them in the yard. "Maybe will have to start one in the future."

Neville thought it was a good idea. "Living at the manor if not for Harry and Draco I'd barely know anyone before school"

Draco groaned. "And the balls mom has at Christmas."

Harry took out some cards. "We should teach her exploding snap."

Hermione seemed unsure due to the name but she got drawn into it. At times she got confused by what they spoke about but they explained. Draco and Neville who rarely ever went muggle were all questions too. Outside of spy days the Malfoys were not all traditional and even had a television. Lucius had been happy for his son to come. They had all been hearing stories about Hermione since Harry began school.

Before they left Draco grinned. "Have to come back soon. So much to teach you."

Hermione returned it. "Just glad when I start school I have one friend."

Neville corrected and Draco agreed. "Three."

Sirius was surprised when they left, his mother and all three of Harry's grandfathers came in. "I thought you were staying at the manor."

Arcturus smirked. "It is dinner. And it seems good we meet his friend."

Pollux agreed. "See who he is spending time with."

Sirius growled. "Play nice. She is eleven."

Harry was shocked to see them when they came into the dining room."I thought you were away."

Walburga motioned."We came for dinner. Now introduce us."

Hermione eyed them. "Hello."

Harry did. "Hermione this is Grandmother. And Grandpas Arcturus and Pollux They are Papa's grandfathers. And Grandpa Fleamont."

Hermione looked at Fleamont. "I met Orion. He is your…."

Fleamont finished for her. "His late dad was my son. He has told us much of you."

Harry blushed. "Grandpa."

Arcturus eyed her. "I am told your parents are tooth healers? I must say that is a new concept."

Hermione turned to him. "Dentists. Harry says you are all in business and politics except his Papa."

Pollux sipped his wine. "In a way though most of us are retired."

Remus joined them and Hermione found an ally in him. It wasn't any of them were rude but there were many questions. Hermione had trouble explaining some but Harry and Remus both helped. Hermione didn't seem off put or think it any kind of interrogation. She did look a bit relieved when they were allowed to take dessert to the playroom and watch a movie.

Arcturus stood to leave and Sirius was relieved the old man admitted. "Suitable friend for him even if muggle born. She seems intelligent."

AN: Off to Hogwarts next but I liked the idea of introducing Hermione. More grandpas and turning eleven next.