Chapter 16

"So aside from kicking Tom Riddle's arse, what would you like to do with your life?"

"I'd like to marry Hermione, be a great husband, a great dad and find ways to use the gold that I was given to help people start business of their own like I was able to do with Ron's brothers."

Dan nodded. "I couldn't fault your ideas, or your taste in women. My own parents were pretty well off – nowhere near your situation, but they were able to help me through school and to get us started in our own practice. I met Emma our first year at university. We just clicked. Her pregnancy with Hermione went badly, and we weren't able to have other children, but we've had a great life together."

As they were walking to the 16th green, Dan continued. "We began noticing her special abilities when she was eight. Obviously we didn't know what it was, but she mended a teacup on several occasions when one would fall off of the table and break. I wasn't as close to her as I could have been, as she deserved, or as I wish that I had been. The ministry of magic doesn't do a lot for nonmagical families of magical children."

After they putted, Dan finished. "Anyway, I was always pretty good with my hands and dentistry has been a good career for me. I hope that your path is as clear for you. I know that you love Hermione, and I know that you're a good man, so I hope that the two of you find a lot of happiness together. Is there anything that I can do to help you short term?"

Harry replied, "There is. I was wondering if there would be a way that you and Emma could take a year off at your business? What I'm really trying to say is that the most important thing that the two of you could do for us right now is to stay safe, happy and healthy. Could you go visit the States or Asia for a year? Maybe you could take a long cruise?"

After they had hit their tee shots, Harry continued. "What I'm trying to say is that neither of us could stand it if anything happened to you or Emma, and as much as Auror Tonks or the others might try, they really can't protect you in Surrey. I'd be more than happy to cover all of the expenses. We just don't want to lose you."

Dan had come to view the young man with increased respect every hour that he spent with him. The last three hours had brought that up several levels. He heard the spoken and unspoken words that Harry had said to him, and found Harry's judgment to be excellent. He could turn the business over to the young dentist that they had recently interviewed and the senior hygienist. After they finished putting, Dan asked, "What timeframe do you recommend?"

Harry replied, "Hopefully you could be ready in a week or two – by the end of August at the latest. I'd recommend selling your home, or renting it out, and putting your things in storage. Maybe we could just get a caretaker if the home itself is that important. I'm sorry to have to make these suggestions. I'm sure that they're not things that you want to hear."

Dan replied, "Harry, I know how much you value honesty and openness. So do I. Emma and I aren't married to our practice. We're not married to our home. They both have significant meaning to us, but they're nothing that can't be replaced. Emma, Hermione and you, our family – those are the things that have meaning. Let's go talk with Emma and Hermione. This could be a long conversation."

It turned out to be a surprisingly short conversation. Harry had not previously discussed his feelings on the subject with Hermione, but she had recently had a similar conversation with her mum. They made arrangements to leave Nice in two days time, so they would get back home on Sat 17 August. Dan would meet with their solicitor on Monday.

Tonks listened to the conversation in silence. Harry was effectively doing the same thing to the Grangers that Dumbledore had tried to do to him. The only difference was that Harry wasn't trying to lock them up, rather give them options that they could live with, and send them out of harm's way, indeed, half way around the world for a year until they could reasonably be certain that they would again be safe. Effectively they were preparing for the war that they knew to be rapidly approaching.

Tonks knew that Harry and Hermione were not dodging the war that was drawing them in. She knew that they would willingly do their part, and then some. She also recognized that they felt like they had to do their part on their own terms. She met with Jamie, who agreed to go back and inform Minister Bones.

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The next morning they went back to Neptune beach. Tonks conjured them all snorkel gear like she had the day before and set out the diving buoy by the reef. She hadn't mentioned it, but she also brought along a portkey to St. Mungo's in the event that Emma had a bad reaction to the gillyweed.

Hermione took her piece first, and swallowed it. Seconds later, the gill slits appeared and she dove under the water. Emma went next, took her piece and swallowed it. Thirty seconds later, the magical plant did its magic, and she dove under the water. Harry waited a few minutes and joined them. Emma and Hermione were in about thirty feet of water looking like they were having the time of their lives. Like sea otters, they swam to and fro, chasing the fish and each other.

At Tonk's urging, they did not stray too far from the reef and Harry kept a careful eye on his watch. They were following an octopus when Harry realized that Hermione's hour was nearly up. He tapped her shoulder and pointed to his watch. Hermione swam to the surface, and a minute later, got her mask and flipper from the mesh bag where they had put them.

As Harry was feeling the pain in his own neck signifying that his hour was up, he noticed the same thing was happening to Emma. He swam to her, took her hand and they surfaced together.

As they surfaced, the normally reserved dentist grabbed him and gave him a huge kiss on the cheek, and exclaimed, "That was bloody brilliant! That was the most fun I've ever had in one hour, bar none. Thank you both for sharing that with me." She hugged Hermione then hugged Harry again. Tonks would have been slightly embarrassed at her words, but had thought the same thing herself when she'd tried it the previous day.

A few minutes later, they had reached the shore and waded in. Dan looked at his love for a moment, as she broke into the biggest smile that he could remember. He said, "I take it that the three of you had fun together."

Emma started in telling him how her feet grew, and she could breathe under the water, all the while chasing fish effortlessly.

A few minutes later, Hermione again asked her dad if he'd ever want to try it. Dan shook his head no, and replied, "When I was in my late twenties, I had the urge to go skydiving once, but that idea wasn't received very well with your mum." He hugged her and replied, "I'll stick to golf, thanks."

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They wound up their trip to Nice by having dinner at one of the popular pubs. Hermione was a bit apprehensive when she noticed a collection of bikini tops hanging above the bar. She wasn't sure about what Harry expected from her physically, and had many of the same insecurities as any sixteen year old dating steady for the first time. She wasn't certain if she was ready to be intimate with anyone, but knew that she loved Harry so much and that he loved her too.

Adding to her stress was the knowledge that half of the older witches at Hogwarts would offer him any activity that he might desire on a casual basis, simply due to his fame or his wealth.

It was that stress that led her into his room at 11PM that evening. Harry was, in fact sleeping, happily dreaming very naughty thoughts about Hermione.

"Hi Harry," she whispered in a soft voice, casting a silencing charm over the door.

"What's wrong?" he asked, slightly nervous about her being in such close proximity

"I wanted to be with you, together." She was scared about what she was thinking of doing, scared that he might not find her desirable, or that he might reject her offer.

Looking into his sleepy eyes she asked, "Can I spend the night with you?"

Harry could sense her nervousness and felt the same way himself. "I'd like nothing better, but I need to be certain that we would be doing this for the right reasons. Mione, I want to so much, but I'm scared too. Everything is so great between us right now. If you're ready, I'm ready. If you want to wait, I'll wait forever until you're ready."

Nuzzling his nose, she whispered, "Thank you Harry. I want to really bad, but I'm not quite…"

Shaking her apology off, he stroked her arms and asked, "I'd never ask you to do something that you're not ready for. Can we still spend the night together? I won't do any…" He stopped. His breath had been taken away. Her nightgown had slipped to the floor.

Forcing himself to breathe and not gawk like an idiot, Harry was awestruck at the beautiful sight. There was so much skin, everywhere. Hermione tentatively sat on his bed as Harry held open the sheet for her. He saw her beautiful face next to his in the dim moonlight and began to devour her, kissing her forehead, ears, neck, and shoulders as he ever so slowly worked his way downward.

For several hours, there was no Voldemort; there were no Death Eaters, no bank vaults, nothing. There were just two young lovers finding their way together. The sounds of the waves of the sea were overpowered by their love for each other.

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At 4:30 the next morning, Hermione gently kissed her best friend on the forehead as he slept. She whispered, "I love you so much, Harry Potter," as she got up. She pulled on her nightgown and quietly opened the door to go back to her room. She finished packing, showered, got dressed and went down to make coffee. She found Jamie, and handed her a cup.

Jamie thanked her, hesitated for a moment and said, "Hermione, it's not my place to tell you how to live your life, and you know that I wish you a world of happiness. While I'm sure that you remembered to place an effective silencing charm over the door, you may want to do the same with any open windows in the future." Smiling and with bright eyes, she continued, "I need to apparate over to the airport to check on some arrangements. Tonks is up. I'll be back in a half hour. The van should be here at 7:00."

Only slightly embarrassed, Hermione nodded, and said, "Thanks Jamie."

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There were mixed emotions on the ride back to the airport. Each of them could honestly say that this had been the best two and a half weeks of their lives. Each was sorry that their time together in Nice had come to a close. Each had come to the realization that they had made their best plan together, and knew what they needed to do in the next week.

Harry noticed things on his second flight that he hadn't seen the first time. He'd been able to glance in the cockpit while boarding, and saw the pilot, first officer and navigator going through their pre-flight checklist. The first officer nodded at him as he walked by.

He felt the wheels lose contact with the ground as they lifted off and were tucked into the jetliner a few moments later. He watched as the flight attendants served him and the other passengers their beverages, and breakfast on little trays, then with remarkable efficiency collected everything as they made their way to Heathrow airport.

They hadn't really bought much when they were there other than a few shirts, and souvenirs. Dan had taken quite a few photos that they would get developed and printed in the next week.

On the flight, Emma had coached Harry about getting through the customs inspection and had helped him fill out his declaration forms. He felt rather pleased with himself as he was handed back his stamped passport and waited for the others.

Jamie met them outside the customs checkpoint and they put their belongings into a van. They stopped at Diagon Alley. Harry stopped in at Gringotts for a moment, then Hermione bought another book, and Harry bought five magical storage trunks in a brief shopping flurry. He shrunk them and placed them in a bag. On the way out, he bought a case of butterbeer from Tom, and they drove back to their home.

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Dan asked Harry what he had wanted the trunks for. Harry expanded them and opened one. Dan was shocked as he looked in. Each was about the size of a single stall garage! Harry said, "The ministry people could have one delivered to you if you like. Otherwise, Hermione and I would be happy to keep them for you at Gringotts or at Grimmauld Place."

Dan was incredibly grateful at the generosity that the young man was displaying. He replied, "Thank you, Harry. That will make things a lot easier for us. Are you sure that it's not too much trouble?"

Harry replied, "It's no bother at all. Beside, I would happily do anything for you and Emma.

"Dan looked at him and said, "You're a good man, Harry. I know that you would."

"So are you. How can I help?"

Emma said, "Dan will make the arrangements at the surgery in the next two days."

There was a knock on the door. Wand out, Harry went to answer it. Amelia Bones and Connie Hammer were there. "Good evening, Harry," said Amelia. "May we come in? We came to visit with Emma."

"Please," replied Harry, putting his wand back in his wrist holster.

Emma saw them and said, "Hello Amelia, Connie. It's good to see you both. Please come in. Can I get you a coffee or tea?"

"Please," said Amelia.

When Emma returned, Amelia asked, "How are you?"

Emma said, "We're fine, and currently we're safe. We had a lovely time in Nice. Actually this was the best family holiday that I can remember. We took the time to discuss the civil war going on in the wizarding world. Hermione and Harry have asked us to take an extended vacation to the States or somewhere else. Our safety is currently a significant concern to both of them, as it is to us. As such, Dan and I have decided to spend some time in the States. We have the resources available to get by. Our plans are to pack our things into storage and hire a caretaker for the garden. Dan is making arrangements for the operation of the surgery. Harry has offered us the use of one of his homes until we are ready to go."

Amelia smiled, and replied, "He is a remarkable young man. I'd have to agree with your daughter's assessment regarding the risks in Britain. Given that you have the resources, I hope that you are able to enjoy yourselves. Far too few people take the time to live and enjoy themselves then they are young and have their health. What can I do to help you?"

Emma thought for a moment and replied, "Would it be possible to arrange some sort of secure mail forwarding service? It would be nice to get the post from time to time."

Harry came back into the family room and said, "The Gringotts goblins have taken care of all of your financial issues. They offered to take care all of any bills that come in the post while you are away."

Connie had never heard of the Gringotts goblins offering such a service. Seeing that she was about to say something, Amelia nodded and replied, "An excellent idea Harry." Turning to Emma she handed her a business card, and said, "This is my private telephone line. You can reach me at any hour by calling that number. Please contact me when you get settled. I will provide you with the number of a local contact. When will you be leaving?"

Dan said, "We should be done here Monday evening. We will be staying at one of Harry's homes for the rest of the week, and most likely take a flight Saturday afternoon the 24th."

Bones looked at Harry who nodded, silently confirming that they would be going to Grimmauld Place.

Hermione was amazed that the Minister of Magic would personally be concerned with such details, but acknowledged that Harry was one of the most prominent wizards in Britain if not the world, and fame and fortune had their advantages.

On Sunday morning, Harry awoke to find that there were not two but four guards around the home. Dan had left to go to the surgery to make the needed arrangements. Harry was not surprised that two other Aurors had gone with him.

After breakfast, Emma said that they should begin packing. Harry suggested that they pack one trunk with things that they would like to bring with them, and regular suitcases for a few changes of clothing. They could use another for household items that they would not need, a third for the garden and garage things. He gave the fourth trunk to Hermione to pack her things that she would want to bring with her. Different than the other three, it was a five-lock model similar to the one that he had seen Moody use several years previously. He had a similar trunk for himself.

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Hermione knew that her mum's heart must be breaking. She knew that her parents loved their home and had always been happy there. Emma loved the kitchen, garden and the pool, while Dan loved the study. As they carefully put things into the trunk, Hermione hoped for the day that she could help her parents put their belongings back in their right place. Hermione had transfigured a roll of paper towels into packing boxes and a packet of dinner napkins into packing blankets. By dinnertime they had packed about half of their things.

Emma insisted on cooking a more elaborate dinner than any of them really wanted. Hermione realized that it was the last dinner that her mum might prepare there. The only way that they would be in a position to return would be if Voldemort were defeated.

After dinner, they looked at the photos that Dan had taken in Nice. He had two extra sets of prints made, and gave one each to Hermione and to Harry. He also gave them each a photo album containing family photos beginning when Hermione was a toddler up to the ones of all of them that he had taken within the last few days. He told Harry, "I heard that you don't have too many photos yet. We will add to these in the coming years." Both Hermione and Harry were grateful for the gifts.

Hermione had gone to bed first. Dan went up shortly after. As Harry was getting up to go, Emma told him, "Harry you don't need our permission, but you have our blessing to do what it takes to take care of Hermione while we're gone. We know that you two love each other, and that you'll be under a lot of stress. If you two can take comfort from each other and give each other love, you should. Dan and I have signed a parental permission form for the two of you to act on your own behalves during the school year. We love you Harry as our own son and wish you the best. Unless I'm mistaken, Hermione is in her room, crying her eyes out. Can you tuck her in for me?"

Harry nodded. "Goodnight," they each said at the same time.

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By noon the next morning they were all packed. Harry sat on the back steps with Tonks and Jamie, giving the three of them some privacy as they looked around their home together. Hermione charmed the trunks to be light and they loaded them into a ministry van that Church had brought.

Dan locked the home, and gave Hermione a set of the keys to the house and the two cars. They rode together in Dan's BMW following the Ministry van. Tonks and Jamie led driving Emma's BMW, Jamie and the other two Aurors followed in the van.

The brownstone row house had a two-car garage in the back. Number 12 was the only one of the large mansion sized homes that had not been subdivided in recent years. Built just over a hundred years ago, Harry placed the key in the lock with a sense of dread.

He had not been there since last Christmas, and the home held many sad memories for him. Expecting to see the dingy dark home that he remembered, Harry was shocked when he arrived. "Harry Potter sir, you has arrived. Dobby is so happy."

"I'm happy to see you here too Dobby. Hello Winky." When did you come here?" Harry wasn't sure that he wanted anything to do with Dumbledore right now. As far as that went, Harry wondered how Dumbledore would have known that Harry would have been there.

"Professor Dumbledore asked Dobby to come and work here for the rest of the holiday Harry Potter, Sir. He asked Dobby to come here two days ago. Winky came along to help."

It didn't take Harry long to conclude who know that they were leaving Nice two days ago. Harry was angry, but realized that the little elves had done nothing wrong.

Harry looked around the home. It barely resembled the home that he had stayed at last December. The walls were stripped of the pealing wall coverings that had been there. The threadbare carpets and rugs had been removed and the hardwood flooring polished. The home was by no means elegantly appointed, but it was clean and very livable.

Dumbledore hadn't taken the Fidelius charm off of the home as he had been directed to, but there was no evidence that it was being used by the Order. Harry was disappointed in Dumbledore. Tonks was obviously reporting on their activity, and he had disregarded specific instructions from the Minister of Magic regarding Harry's home.

There were three floors and a cellar in the home. Each level was about three thousand square feet. On the first level there was a large kitchen, entryway, library, two bathrooms, a dining room and a large area that had been used for entertaining. On the second level were eight good-sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. The third level was largely open except for a well-appointed study. Harry thought that the open area could easily be used for training.

He asked Dan and Emma and Hermione to select rooms then went downstairs to talk with Dobby, Winky and the Aurors. Harry asked Dobby to have dinner ready within an hour and asked the little elf what thing he needed. He gave Dobby a sack of Galleons and asked him to get anything that he might need.

Winky had made a very nice dinner, of roast beef, potatoes, vegetables, a salad and cherry pie for desert. Harry insisted that the elves eat with them. Neither Dan nor Emma had ever met an elf before. They both were very curious about the happy little creatures. Harry delighted Dobby with his tales of using the gillyweed in Nice. Both Dobby and Winky seemed happier than Harry could remember previously seeing them.

After dinner Harry was getting ready to rip into Tonks when the fireplace flared up. Arthur, Molly, Ron and Ginny came through. Arthur had a nasty gash across his right bicep and was bleeding badly.

"What are you doing here?" asked Harry and Ron at the same time. Harry recovered and said, "You first."

Out of breath, Ron said, "Attacked. There must have been fifty Death Eaters outside our house. This was the first place that we could think of. The burrow was on fire. I'm surprised that we got out."

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A/N

If Harry decided not to go back to Hogwarts and had private tutoring, would Hermione follow him?

PS. I've been reading a great story from Bobmin356 – Dumbledore's Army. It has a sequel and along with UdderPd's work is excellent