Return Of The Elemental
Chapter 14 – A Weekend In Australia
'You've got to be joking.' He yelled. 'What the hell do the Ministry think their doing?' Harry continued shouting whilst he turned to the sorrowful looking headmaster who was sitting up at the staff table with the rest of the teachers, all wore the same expressions as their headmaster… all but one. Snape was scowling with deep hatred at Harry.
After Harry saw he wasn't going to get a response from his old professor, he threw down the copy of the Prophet and stormed out of the hall, with Hermione close on his heels.
'Harry. Harry wait.' Hermione called out, glad to see that Harry had stopped. When she caught up she looked up and she could see the anger in her boyfriend's eyes.
'What is it Hermione?' Harry said snappishly.
'Don't you dare snap at me Harry.' Hermione replied angrily but also with a hint of hurt. Harry looked down at Hermione's hurt expression and his anger subsided quickly. He dragged her into the nearest classroom and closed the door. His back was facing Hermione as he began to speak.
'I'm sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to snap. It's just that…' He took a deep breath because he could feel his anger rising again. 'How could the Ministry elect someone like Ramosa? I'm not saying that I wanted to be elected, but if it had to be me or him I was hoping that my fame actually might work for once. I mean I wasn't even close. Did you see the final tally? He got three thousand-five hundred and forty-six votes. Three thousand-five hundred and forty-six votes.' He repeated viciously. He then turned around and faced Hermione with a sad look. 'What are we going to do now Hermione? With Ramosa in power the Ministry and the Wizarding world will fall.' Harry then put his face in his hands and slid down the door. He heard the soft footsteps of Hermione approaching him, he then felt her presence as she slid down beside him.
'Harry it will be alright.' Hermione said comfortingly whilst moving her small hand up and down his back. 'Professor Dumbledore will figure something out. You'll see.' Harry lifted his head out of his hands and gave a small smile to Hermione.
'I'm a very lucky to have you. Do you know that?' Harry said. Hermione replied by leaning over and giving Harry a quick kiss on his cheek. When she pulled back she was smiling to. She then spoke very mischievously. 'I'm lucky to have you to Mr Potter, do you know why?' Harry shook his head. Hermione stood up and held out her very heavy schoolbag. 'I'm lucky because I have my own personal assistant. Now if you will Mr Potter, we both have charms and I need my bag carried for me.' And then without waiting for a reply she dropped her schoolbag on Harry's foot and sprinted out of the classroom.
'Why you little bugger.' Harry said whilst pulling himself to his hopping foot. Then without hesitating he called for his dear staff. 'Mione' he grumbled. The staff appeared next to him in a flash of light. He then picked up Hermione's schoolbag and turned it invisible. Harry then smirked as he apparated right outside the charms classroom. Since no one was there and were most probably still at breakfast Harry walked into the class to see that a duelling podium had been set up, just like the one used in the duelling classes except that this one was a bit smaller due to the size of the room. He placed Hermione's invisible bag down and stepped up to the platform and smiled as he remembered the time he and Lucy had duelled Malfoy and his gang.
'Oh Mr Potter what a pleasant surprise.' Squeaked a voice excitedly from behind Harry. He turned around and saw that little professor Flitwick was practically bouncing on the souls of his shoes.
'Good Morning professor, what have you got planned for class today?' Harry asked.
'Well Harry I thought that today we might put practice to the test. I think that everyone has got the idea of how to use the charms in a duel so today where going to see how well they do in a duelling situation… Um Harry would you like to have a quick duel before the class arrives?' Flitwick asked somewhat shyly.
'Sure professor, it would be nice to have a challenge for once.' After he said this the little professor went hysterical.
'Oh thank you Harry, thank you, just let me get ready and we will begin.'
Harry then watched as his charms professor took of his school robes to reveal a classic duelling robe, and then with a quite shocked look watched again as Flitwick pulled out not one but two wands. When Flitwick was done he looked up to see Harry's shocked expression and he smiled sheepishly.
'I was hoping you would turn up early Harry. Now are you ready?' Professor Flitwick said as he took a duelling stance.
'Ahh just a sec.' Harry said nervously. He waved his staff and instantly his green and silver robes were replaced by his loose black Elemental pants. His nervousness washed away as he took a strong, confident stance in front of the part dwarf who for some reason was still smiling broadly. Then the smile vanished and was replaced by a serious look. Before the first spell was cast the two duellers spoke at the same time. 'No Unforgivables.' And then it started, Flitwick spun in a half circle and slashed his two wands through the air making a sound like a whip cracking. Two jets of yellow light came out of the wands and met in the air, then forming a bright orange light that was quickly making its way at Harry's bare chest. At the last second Harry threw himself to the floor and then rolled back up firing a spell of his own.
'Brakonisis' Harry said softly. A light blue light shot out of his staff and sped right towards Flitwick's stomach. But it missed, seeing as though Flitwick dodged at the last minute. The spell was Harry's own creation, if it hit its target it would freeze them from the inside out, stopping all organs on the way.
Flitwick pointed his wands on either side of him and sent spells at two chairs, the chairs came to life immediately, they moved like miniature soldiers and threw themselves at Harry. Harry ducked and dodged but the chairs, if missing came back at him from another direction.
It was at this stage that the rest of the class had turned up and were staring slack jawed and wide eyed at the two duellers. Hermione was at the front and watched in awe at Harry's fast but graceful movements. She couldn't help feel jealous when she noticed that Harry's half naked body was getting a lot of stares, but she was glad that he at least had the decency to hide his tattoos.
The duel continued on though with the duellers not even noticing their gathering audience. It seemed as though word had started to spread and many classes were making their way into the room. It was when professor Dumbledore made his way through the many people did things stop being so crowded. He pulled out his wand and expanded the room and with another swish of his wand set up stands and a shielding spell that would stop any stray curses from hitting the spectators. He himself then took a seat in the front row and watched the duel; that had turned quite fierce.
'Serpen Elem.' Harry hissed in parseltongue. A huge snake then shot of Harry's staff bringing unheard gasps from the crowd. Harry then spoke to the snake. 'Try and freeze his arms.' The snake then slithered forward dangerously, poking his tongue out and smelling the air. Filius Flitwick just stood there as calm as you like and the jabbed his wand out like a swordsman and yelled. 'Destructum.' An angry red light burst from his wand and hit the snake straight between the eyes. The snake did nothing for a second and then started to burn in purple flames from the tail up towards its raised head. When the snake was completely covered in flames Harry called out to his stunned professor.
'Why thank you professor. You've just turned my ice snake into a fire one, most gracious of you.' Harry then turned to the hissing and spitting snake. 'Attack.' The snake didn't need anymore encouragement as it slithered forward again, dodging and absorbing some of the spells that were being thrown at it from a furious Flitwick. Once the snake was only a few feet away it lunged towards Flitwick's legs and began wrapping itself around them. Flitwick screamed in agony as the snakes body began burning through his legs and started to burns his flesh. Harry called out in parseltongue. 'Enough.' And the snake vanished for good. Harry then pointed his staff at Flitwick's singeing legs and froze them. Now with his legs stuck and in great pain Flitwick threw down his wands and began applauding his competitor. It was then that the noise was turned back on and Harry and Flitwick found themselves surrounded by the whole school. All of them were cheering and clapping the duellers. All accept some Slytherin students. You know the ones.
Harry who was stunned to see everyone watching them quickly waved his staff, moments later he was wearing dark blue jeans and shirt, along with his green and silver robe. He missed the groans of annoyance from some female members of the school. Another wave insured that his tattoos were once again visible underneath his clothing. He then walked over to the still frozen Flitwick.
'Are you alright professor?' Harry asked concernedly.
'Not at the moment Harry. But once I have seen madam Pomfrey and you have unfrozen my legs I think I should be fine.' Flitwick replied happily whilst he waved to some of the students that were being sent back to their classes by their professors.
'Why do you need to go to see madam Pomfrey?' Harry asked worriedly, maybe one of his curses got through Flitwick's defences.
'Why your snake of course, when it was wrapped around my legs it seemed to burn me, a very clever move I must say Harry. Now if you don't mind could you please unfreeze me?'
'Just wait professor. Just wait one more minute.' Harry said whilst looking down at Flitwick's legs. After the minute was up the ice that surrounded Flitwick's legs started to disappear and along with it, the scorch and burn marks that were left on his legs and robes. When it was all gone Harry smiled down at the shocked teacher.
'Is that better?' He asked cheerfully.
'Yes. Yes it's fantastic, I can't feel a thing. Thank you my dear boy and once again thank you for that wonderful duel, I've been wanting to duel you ever since I saw you take care of young Mr Malfoy and his troops.' They then both turned back to the people that were left standing around the platform. They were professor Dumbledore, Hermione, Ron and Crystal.
'An excellent performance you two.' Dumbledore said proudly. He then turned to the dwarf. 'I hope you don't mind Filius but I let the rest of your class go seeing as though there is only a short amount of time left to go in the lesson.'
'Not at all Albus, now if you will excuse me I think I will go and have a bit of a lie down.' The tiny professor then began walking to the door at the front of the classroom that led to his quarters. When his hand was on the door he turned round and faced Harry with the most serious expression a person had ever seen on the always cheerful professor's face.
'Harry Potter whenever you go to battle, I want you to know that I would be honoured to fight by your side.' Then with a slight bow towards Harry he left the room without another word.
Harry stood there stunned as he watched the door to his charms professor's office close.
'What the bloody hell did that mean?' Ron asked bewilderedly.
'That Mr Weasley meant that Harry has just gained a very strong ally in one Filius Flitwick. Know this Harry, in all the battles that Filius has seen he has always chosen to fight alone. It is not known why but that is the way it has been. Take comfort in that Harry, he has obviously seen something in you that has changed his mind.' Dumbledore said whilst never taking his eyes off Harry. He looked around at Harry's friends and then looked back at Harry. 'Harry meet me tonight in my office at eight o'clock.' He said with a small wink. He then turned and was about to leave when Harry called out to him. Albus turned again and watched as Harry came up and whispered in his ear.
'Can I bring Hermione with me please sir?' Harry asked pleadingly. Albus looked over Harry's shoulder and saw that his friends were talking amongst themselves. He then turned to look Harry in the eye.
'Do you think that is wise Harry? Being inducted into the Order is not something that is to be taken lightly.' Dumbledore replied gravely.
'I know sir, it's just that Hermione has something to offer the Order. I promise I'll tell you and the Order everything tonight.' Once again he was using his pleading voice.
'Alright Harry, you may bring Hermione, but know that the other members of the Order is to vote to see if she can enter. I cannot promise you that she will be accepted.' He stopped when he saw that Harry was smiling. 'What are you smiling Harry? What have you got hidden up your sleeve?'
'Oh lets just say that there will be no way that the Order won't induct Hermione. Thank you professor I'll see you tonight.' Harry then flashed one more sneaky smile and went back to his friends.
What are you up to Harry? Dumbledore thought with a smile as he left the charms classroom.
Harry and his friends followed shortly after and headed to their next classes. Hermione and Harry to potions and Crystal and Ron to History. As Hermione and Harry walked down to the dungeons they talked through their minds.
/ Hey Harry where's my bag/ Hermione asked whilst she looked over Harry.
'Ah bugger I must have left it in the charms classroom. Be back in a sec.'Harry said switching back to using his voice, he then vanished and reappeared a second later with Hermione's bag in tow. When Harry threw the bag over his shoulder they continued walking to potions.
/ So what did professor Dumbledore want/ Hermione asked curiously.
/ Oh you know this and that. / Harry replied secretively.
/ Fine don't tell me… Oh Harry please tell me, I promise I won't tell anyone else. / Hermione pleaded.
/ Hermione you're just going to have to wait till tonight when you and I go and see Dumbledore at eight o'clock. / Harry said with a hint of humour. Hermione was about to reply but they were coming up to the potions corridor and they could already hear Malfoys voice reverberating off the mouldy walls. Today would be the first time they had been in close proximity with Malfoy since the beating he had received. As they got closer they could hear Malfoy bragging to his Slytherin buddies once again. They rounded the corner together and immediately everything went silent. It looked as though Malfoy had learned his lesson last time and chose to stay quite as Harry and Hermione approached.
Harry stopped next to Anthony Goldstein and Hermione stayed by his side. Harry had his back to Malfoy when the ferret spoke.
'Well hows does it feel to come last Potter. I knew you never had a chance at becoming Minister, I mean who in their right minds would choose you. Even that old bat Bones got more votes than you.' He stopped and sneered at Susan Bones who was looking morosely at her feet.
'I suggest you shut it Malfoy before I give you a repeat performance of what happened last time we were down here.' Harry growled and then watched in satisfaction as Malfoy's face paled and he began to step back in fear. The potions door banged open that instant and Snape called everyone in.
The potions lesson went slow for Harry, all the time he was getting loathing looks from Snape. It was only half way through the lesson and Harry was at a breaking point.
/ What did I do now that's got him looking at me like that/ Harry asked Hermione.
/ I don't know Harry but please try and calm down, look your grounding your spider legs to fine. / Hermione replied soothingly, all lesson she had to make comments so Harry didn't completely ruin his potion. Finally the bell rang but before anyone left Snape told them to stay still.
'Now over the weekend your potions will be left to simmer and on Tuesday we will be seeing just how well they were made. Now seeing as though I don't have you till next Tuesday, I want a three foot essay written and handed into me by Tuesday morning. I want you to tell me the properties of the moon stone and what would happen if it was used incorrectly in the Potion of Slombardai. That is all… LEAVE.' He shouted and the whole class did as he pleased.
Lunch was a pleasant time for Harry as he ate his pie, peas, pumpkin and potatoes. Opposite him Ron was eating the same. He was currently listening to a conversation that was taking place between Hermione and Crystal when he saw Dumbledore stand up and ask for silence.
'Ladies and Gentlemen just a little reminder to you all about the next duelling class will be held on Sunday night at 7:30. That is all.' He then sat back down and resumed his conversation with professor McGonagall.
'Excellent, I can't wait.' Hermione squealed. Harry looked at her and smiled.
'It's too bad you won't be here.' He said whilst turning back to his food.
'What do you mean, I won't be here?' Hermione asked indignantly.
'Your going to be on the other side of the world aren't you?' Harry spoke as though he was speaking to a little child. It took a while but Hermione's face soon changed from a look of stupidness to a one of pure delight.
'Oh of course I forgot. Are you serious though? Are we really going?' Hermione asked ecstatically.
'Yep. Tonight. Right after we take care of some business.' Harry said mysteriously.
'Hey where are you going?' Crystal and Ron asked at the same time.
/ You can tell them. / Harry said to her mind.
'Harry's going to take me to Australia for the weekend.' Hermione whispered excitedly to her shocked friends.
'Oh you are so lucky.' Crystal said with a dreamy look on his face.
'I've only got two things to say. First, it's only Thursday, what about your classes tomorrow and secondly can we come?' Ron asked quickly.
'The answer to your questions are thus, firstly Hermione and I don't have classes and to answer your other question, maybe next time Ron, but I want to show Hermione first. It's just that I want to have a bit of relaxing time. This week has been way too hectic for me and I'm going to need to be refreshed if I'm going to be cat-.' Harry stopped short, he realised he had said to much, he didn't really want to tell his friends that he was going out to fight the Death Eaters again, but by the look Hermione was giving him he figured that she had already figured out.
'Refreshed for what Harry?' Hermione whispered dangerously. 'You told me you would stop chasing Death Eaters. You promised.' She then wiped away a tear that was sliding down her cheek and ran out of the great hall.
/ Hermione? Hermione please come back. / Harry tried to call out mentally. He got no response though, so he turned back to his lunch, not being as hungry as he once was.
'Aren't you going to go after her?' asked Ron. Harry only shook his head sadly and then suddenly fed up with his lunch, walked up to the library where he had a double study lesson to finish off the day. Whilst he made his way to the library he thought about stuff. The topics on agenda today were mainly Hermione, Voldemort, Hermione, the Order, Hermione, Death Eaters and Hermione were a few that he covered. Then when he walked through the doorway that led to the library he realised that Hermione would be in here next period, she had Ancient Runes now and then would be here for a study period.
Harry quickly made his way to the back of the library were he knew Hermione always went when she came to work. He sat down at the table and conjured some parchment and ink. He then got to work on his Potions essay. He was nearly finished when he heard a little noise in front of him. He looked up and saw Hermione standing in front of him shyly. Harry just sat still waiting to see what Hermione would do. It seemed like eternity to Harry but only seconds in reality in which it took for Hermione to place her bag beside the table and actually sit down opposite him.
'Hi.' Hermione said whilst looking down at the table.
'Hello.' Harry replied whilst looking at the top of Hermione's bushy head. They sat it uncomfortable silence for another minute or so until Harry decided he couldn't take it anymore.
'I'm sorry Hermione.' He said quietly whilst still looking at the top of Hermione's head. Slowly he watched as Hermione's head moved and rose so that she was now looking him in the eye, which made Harry feel a bit guilty because he could see that her eyes were all red and her face was splotchy.
'What? What are you sorry for Harry? You're sorry for being you?' She asked scathingly. Her demeanour then softened and she spoke quietly. 'I'm the one that should be telling you I'm sorry. It's going to take a while but I've got to realise that this is who you are. Whether I like it not… you're a hero Harry. And whether we're at school or later on in life you're always going to go and save people. It's something I have to accept now and I just want you to know that I will. And that I love you and will always be with you.' Hermione said the last part of her speech softly and then turned her eyes back onto the table.
Harry just sat still until Hermione's words finally sunk into his sometimes dense mind. He then quickly threw his chair back and moved round the table and collected Hermione in a fierce hug which she greatly returned.
/ Thank you Hermione. I want you to know that no matter what happens in my life I will always make sure that you are in it. I love you. / Harry said through their mental link, which was the only way to speak anyway considering that his mouth was covered with Hermione's strawberry scented locks.
/ Does this mean you're not angry at me anymore/ Harry added tentatively.
/ I wasn't angry Harry, I was just upset. / Hermione said whilst pulling back and looking into Harry's eyes. / I was upset because you have only just come back to me and I'm afraid that you might get taken away from me for good this time. /
/ Hermione listen to me, I don't go into a battle with my eyes closed and staff swinging willy nilly. I take care of myself and if I ever need someone watching my back I will always have my guardians fighting with me… / Harry trailed off as he saw Hermione trying to suppress a smile.
'What?' Harry said a bit what angrily, here he was, pouring his heart out and his girlfriend was laughing at him.
'Willy nilly? Hermione said before letting the giggling wall be broken. 'You said Willy nilly.' She said between breaks.
'What? What's wrong with saying willy nilly?' asked Harry. It looked as though Hermione was finished with her laughter and she spoke.
'Oh nothing, it's just that the only other person I have heard say willy nilly is my mum.' Hermione then got another attack of the giggles.
/ Hermione. Oi. Fine if you don't stop giggling then I'm not going to take you to Australia with me. / Harry then watched in satisfaction as Hermione's laughter stopped very abruptly. She then looked up at Harry with pleading eyes.
/ That's better. / Harry said as he helped Hermione back into her seat. He then went back over to his seat and began finishing his potions essay. When he didn't hear a quill scratching furiously opposite him, he looked up to see what was wrong. Hermione was still looking at him.
'What?' asked Harry.
'Am I still going to Australia with you?' she asked quietly.
'Well I'm not sure.' Harry said teasingly. 'Maybe I don't want to take you anymore, maybe I should take someone really special… I wonder what Millicent Bullstrode is doing this weekend?' Harry then waited for Hermione's reaction. He didn't have to wait long, after he ducked the red curse that was Hermione's reaction he smiled sheepishly.
'Of course your coming, I couldn't think of better company to join me. I have it all planned out. We're going to have so much fun you just wait.' Harry said whilst smiling happily. The smile was contagious and Hermione joined him but then her face took a thoughtful expression.
'Harry, does professor Dumbledore know that we're going?'
'No, you don't think he'd want to come as well do you?' Harry asked quickly.
'No Harry that's not what I mean. Have you asked Dumbledore if we could go?'
'Why do I have to ask him?'
'Because he's our headmaster Harry. You know the guy that sets all the rules.'
'No we don't.' Then seeing the look on Hermione's face he decided to please her. 'Fine Hermione we'll ask professor Dumbledore after our meeting.' This seemed to do the trick because Hermione smiled brightly and started to get out her work.
For the next hour Harry and Hermione worked in peaceful silence. All that could be heard was the rustle of parchment and the scribbling of quills. It was music to Hermione's ears. Harry finished his potions essay ten minutes before the end of the lesson. He spent the next ten minutes just watching Hermione work. He loved these times when he could just watch without interruption, he smiled as he saw Hermione stick her tongue out the side of her mouth, he noticed that she did this when she was on a tough question or when she had gotten something wrong. He knew what would be coming next and he was right. When Hermione was happy with her answer she would smile down at the parchment, tuck a piece of her hair back behind her ear and then stick her tongue out again and go on with the next question. Pretty soon with just a minute left Hermione began packing her stuff up with a contended smile.
'Get it all done?' Harry asked as they made their way out of the library and to Gryffindor tower to drop Hermione's bag off before they went to dinner.
'Yep. No work for me over my lovely four day holiday. What about you?'
'Yeah all done. I only had to get the potions essay done and I was right as rain.' Harry replied.
'Ninny Muggin.' Hermione told the fat lady when they were outside Gryffindor tower.
'Correct.' The fat lady said with a bow.
Harry and Hermione then walked hand in hand into the common room. They spotted Crystal and Ron sitting together on a sofa near the fire, so they walked over and joined them.
'So I see you to are back on good terms?' Crystal said teasingly as Harry sat down and Hermione sat on his lap.
'I don't know what you're talking about, we were never on bad terms. Were we Harry?' Hermione said cheerfully.
'No we weren't, what are you talking about Crystal.' Harry said as he kissed Hermione on the cheek.
'So I guess the trip to Australia is back on?' Ron joined his girlfriend in the tease.
'Yep we will be leaving tonight after we go see professor Dumbledore. You still haven't told me what he wants to see us about Harry.' Hermione said desperately.
'And you won't find out till we get there. Now who's ready for some dinner?' Harry said as he pushed Hermione off of his lap and onto the floor with a thump, and then before anyone could react had his staff in his hand, then picked her back up into his arms and apparated down to the great hall.
'Why must you be so complicated?' Hermione cried as she was placed into her seat at the Gryffindor table by Harry.
'Because… I'm me.' Harry replied with a charming smile.
A couple of minutes later they were joined by Ron and Crystal. They then spent a quite dinner chatting happily amongst themselves and their friends. After they had finished dinner Harry and Hermione said their goodbyes and left to go to professor Dumbledore's office.
'Oh bugger it. Do you know if Dumbledore changed his password or is it still Minties?' Harry asked Hermione as they stood outside the stone gargoyle that led to the headmaster's office. There was no need for a reply though because the gargoyle snapped to attention as soon as it heard minties and moved to reveal a swirling staircase.
'Guess not.' Harry said as he climbed onto the steps with Hermione, who was looking very nervous but also curious at the same time. Harry reached out and knocked the griffin head knocker and waited for a reply. He was disappointed.
'Come in.'
Harry opened the door and stepped back to let Hermione pass with a courteous bow. Hermione giggled as she passed. She then walked right up to Dumbledore's desk and spoke.
'Professor Dumbledore can you please tell me why you wanted to see me. I've been trying to get Harry to tell me all day but he hasn't said anything.' She said quickly.
'I'm afraid that it wasn't me that asked you hear. You are here on young Mr Potter's invitation.' Dumbledore said calmly. Hermione then looked behind to see that Harry was grinning broadly.
'What are you up to Harry?' Hermione growled through her teeth.
'A just question Miss Granger.' Dumbledore said although he was smiling to.
'Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix Hermione.' Harry said whilst throwing his arms open. Hermione just stared at her boyfriend as though he had lost his mind. The boot was on the other foot when she heard Dumbledore speak.
'I told you Harry that the Order has to vote to see if Miss Granger will be accepted.' Dumbledore said seriously.
'And I told you professor that she will be accepted.' Harry said firmly but kindly.
'Harry what's going on? What are you talking about?' Hermione said nervously.
'Hermione, tonight, if all goes well, you will become a member of the Order of the Phoenix. I just have to tell everyone why you will be a good asset. Are the other members here yet professor?' Harry said as he looked at his watch.
'Yes Harry, we were just waiting for you.'
'Good, could you just look after Hermione for me for a minute? Let her tell you about the trip her and I are taking this weekend.' And without waiting for a reply he walked over to the bookcase and placed a hand on Hermione's favourite book, Hogwarts: A History and then vanished, leaving one calm and one hysterical person behind.
'Where did he go?' Hermione said out loud, not really looking for an answer for once.
'He has gone to the chamber that holds the meeting of the Order. Now what's this Harry said about a trip?' Dumbledore said with an amused voice.
'Umm well… you see Harry wanted to… er take me to Australia for the weekend.' Hermione stuttered, then seeing that Dumbledore wasn't saying anything she went on quickly. 'We were going to ask you of course, well Harry wasn't going to but I told him that we should because you're the headmaster and-.'
'It is alright Hermione, I think that that is a wonderful idea seeing as the two of you don't have any classes tomorrow, you'll be able to have a nice holiday.' Dumbledore said happily, and then continued in an undertone. 'That boy deserves a break.' He then looked up at Hermione and smiled again. 'May I suggest that you visit the Gold Coast, I here it is lovely in their springtime. Although I suggest you use lots of sunscreen charms. I found that out the hard way.'
Hermione was about to reply when Harry appeared next to her.
'Right, well will just wait a minute or so and then will come back into to join you professor.' Harry said to Dumbledore. Dumbledore nodded his head and left his office. Hermione then hit Harry over the back of the head.
'Ow, hey what was that for?' Harry said whilst rubbing his head.
'That was for not telling me what you were doing. You are such a buffoon sometimes. There is no way I will even get inducted into the Order. Do you know that out of all the members that all of their accomplishments would probably fill fifteen books. Harry only the finest witches and wizards are allowed into the Order.'
'I know, that's why you're going to be one of them.' Harry said simply. 'Look just trust me.' Just then professor Dumbledore came back.
'Follow me.' Was all he said as he turned round and was gone again.
Harry gently pushed Hermione towards the book, he then followed and then grabbed her hand and brought it up with his and touched the book.
They arrived seconds later into the Order's meeting chamber. Suddenly Hermione felt all eyes on her and she did not like it. She was then led by Harry towards two empty seats. When she was seated next to a calm looking Harry she gripped his hand tighter and watched as Dumbledore stood up and addressed the crowd.
'Well my friends it seems as though we have a few matters to cover tonight. Firstly is the matter with Miss Hermione Granger, I believe Harry has told you about her so lets just tell her the good news.' Dumbledore then turned with twinkling eyes to Hermione. 'Hermione Jane Granger welcome to the Order of the Phoenix. We had a vote and majority has won. I know that you will be a great asset to the Order.' Then turning and leaving an open mouthed Hermione to her own devices he continued with the meeting. 'Secondly is the situation with our new Minister, you all know by now that Winston Ramosa is working for Voldemort-' a shudder went through the room but Dumbledore ignored it. 'Now I know that it may be hard to believe but there is nothing we can do for the time being.' Harry stood up quickly.
'What do you mean there's nothing we can do? Voldemort has a puppet, a very lethal puppet that is ruling our Ministry. We cannot just sit back on the sidelines and do nothing.' Harry shouted, he was gearing up for round two when he felt Hermione's hand on his.
'Harry its alright, come on sit back down.' She said softly. When he was seated back in his chair a sneering voice spoke from across the table.
'Well it's nice to know that Granger will be good for something.' Snape said loathingly.
'That will do Severus.' Dumbledore said warningly.
'What did you say Snape.' Harry said dangerously.
'Harry no, control yourself.' Dumbledore called out.
'Your lucky professor Dumbledore is here or you would be finding yourself in a lot of pain now Snape.' Harry said whilst the power that was building up in him subsided. When he was seated Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief.
'I must tell you now, that we all need to work together, we must not fight amongst ourselves, Severus I wont you to apologize to Hermione.' Dumbledore ordered. Snape then mumbled something that passed as an apology and Dumbledore continued. 'Harry I'm afraid that we cannot do anything at the moment, until our new minister steps out of line we must wait for our turn to strike. Now onto more pleasant news it seems as though the people that you have put in Azkaban Harry, are proving very useful. Every one of them has been proven guilty of being a Death Eater under Veritaserum.' Harry cut in.
'You didn't even need the Veritaserum sir.' Harry said casually, then after a few seconds he got an excited look on his face. 'THAT'S IT.' He shouted. 'Sir, my cell at Azkaban was made so that it would only hold those that bore the Dark mark, if a witch or Wizard did not have the mark then they would be free to leave the cell at anytime. It's perfect all we have to do is get Ramosa into that cell.' Harry said all this very quickly. A lot of whispering followed his words.
'That is a very good idea about the cell Harry, but it may take a while for us to figure out a way to lure Ramosa there.' Dumbledore said whilst he stroked his beard. 'This will prove a very tricky situation. It will take time and a lot of thought. I will adjourn our meeting for tonight. I will call when we shall meet again.' Dumbledore then stood up and everyone followed suit. He then walked over towards Harry and Hermione.
'Well Hermione let me offer my own congratulations. It seems as though you were right Harry and let me say that I think that we just might be able to pull your idea off. Have fun on your trip.' He then bowed and left. Once he was gone Remus and the Weasley's came up to them.
'Oh Harry it's so good to see you again.' Mrs Weasley said as she pulled Harry into a hug.
'Come now Molly, you saw him only last week.' Mr Weasley said as he shook Harry's hand when Molly moved on to hug Hermione.
'Hello Harry, Albus tells me you two are going on a little holiday down south.' Remus said as he to gave Harry a hug. All pleasantries were done now and the group stood and talked to each other.
'Yeah, I want to show Hermione where I trained when I was in Australia. That and I could use a little relaxation time.' Harry replied.
'Oh Harry I forgot to tell you, professor Dumbledore said that we should go to the Gold Coast, but use lots of sunscreen charms.' Hermione said happily, glad that she was given permission to go.
'I can just picture Dumbledore out in his bathers trying to get a tan.' Harry said amusedly as he looked at his watch.
'What do you mean Harry? And where are you going to stay whilst your there?' Remus asked.
'I mean that the Gold Coast is where all the holiday makers go, its got lots of beaches and stuff. And where going to stay at Ayers Rock where I did my training, it's a beautiful spot. Overlooking everything, this isn't much really except for a long red desert. Now Hermione are you ready?' Harry asked as he called for his staff.
'Wait Harry, what about my clothes and everything?' Hermione said quickly. In response Harry just waved his staff and said.
'Are you or are you not a witch Hermione Granger?' Harry said as he grabbed Hermione's hand.
'Bye everyone.' Harry said as he apparated Hermione and himself back to his training grounds.
'Oh Harry it's amazing.' Hermione cooed as she looked out over the Australian desert. They had just arrived at Ayers Rock. They left Hogwarts at 10:30pm on Thursday and they had arrived in Australia at 11:30 am the same day only 11 hours behind. Harry figured that they would have to leave at 12:30pm on Sunday, that way they would get back to Hogwarts at 30 minutes before midnight on Sunday. That would give them exactly 3 days and 1 hour in the land down under.
Harry walked over to Hermione, who was standing at the edge of the huge rock looking out over the landscape. He slid his arms around her and pulled her to him. He then leaned down and whispered in her ear.
'Now what would you like to do first my princess?' Hermione tilted her head back and replied.
'Well I would like to go to the Wizarding town they have here, you know like Hogsmeade. I read about it in a book. I think they call it, Tillajo. And while we're there you can pick up your books and supplies. We might even be able to get you some black robes for school. How does that sound?'
'Perfect. Tillajo here we come.' Harry said whilst lifting his staff in the air.
It was 10:00 pm when Harry and Hermione finally arrived back at Ayers Rock. What they planned on being a quick trip to get some books and robes ended up being an all day excursion. When they had arrived at Tillajo Harry was immediately recognised by the town's folk. After all he had been in every paper in the world since he arrived back to the Wizarding world, but due to Minister Elections it seemed as though he had become even more popular, if that were even possible. So for the rest of the day they were hounded, by children, adults and even some of the elderly. There was just nowhere for them to go and because Hermione really wanted to see the town Harry stayed as well. He had gotten his books and he had even been able to get some nice black robes, free of charge of course, it seemed as though no store owner wanted his money. When Harry asked about this, the shop keepers would reply saying that 'because of you, I have gotten more people in my shop than I have all year'. So that's the way it went, anything they wanted the got for nothing. But being the people they were Harry and Hermione didn't take the opportunity to use this deal. It was only when they were at the bookshop did this policy change. Hermione had picked over fifty books that she had most desperately wanted. Harry had tried to pay for some of the books but the shop keeper would hear none of it.
So when they had arrived back at Ayers Rock Harry quickly made there home for the next three nights. When it was all done Hermione just stared at him as though he was an idiot. Harry had made a small little two man tent that looked as though it would be able to even hold one person. Although to Harry it seemed as though it was a work of art, he was smiling proudly at it and then laughed as he saw the reaction he was getting from Hermione. He walked over to her and grabbed her hand, he then dragged her over and they both entered the tent. But it wasn't a tent anymore. No wonder Harry was smiling.
'Do you like it?' asked Harry. Hermione couldn't even form words to say anything. Harry though he better give the tour before she give her final verdict.
'Now this room I've kind of just made like the design of Gryffindor common room only smaller.' Harry said as he pointed out the different features. 'That door over there leads to the bathroom, which I've made to resemble the Prefects bathroom. The door next to it is our kitchen. And these two…' He said whilst walking over to two doors that were standing side by side.' 'Are our bedrooms, the one on mu left is yours and this one is mine. Now I don't know about you but I'm buggered, so what do you say we hit the sack?' Harry called out to Hermione who had just gone to check the bathroom and kitchen. She came back out and she had a look of awe written on her face. When she was only a foot away she spoke.
'Harry how did you manage to do this? From what I've read it takes at least ten adult wizards and three days to make something like this. And the way you've done it I'd say it would take double those things. You just keep amazing me.' She then took the final step and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck and launched an attack on Harry. When she was finished she pushed away from Harry, flattened out her clothes and then looked back up and smiled sheepishly. 'Goodnight Harry, thank you for today. I promise you that I'll pay you back for all those books.'
'Hermione you don't need to pay me back for anything, in case you didn't notice I didn't pay for anything today, it was all just another perk of being the Boy-Who-Lived-Twice.' Harry said with a sigh. Hermione placed her hand over Harry's cheek.
'Harry, I don't care which one of you got me those books as long as I have the one I love with me now. You may have to titles to everyone else, but to me you will always be Harry… Just Harry.' Hermione said sadly. Harry smiled down at her.
'I love you. Now come on lets get to bed, I've got a big day planned tomorrow.' He then leaned down and kissed Hermione on her forehead. 'Goodnight sweetie.' Harry then turned round and Hermione followed, they both reached their door at the same time and then with one final smile to each other they entered their rooms.
Harry sat up quickly in his bed. He had thought he heard a noise in front of him. He had been trying to get to sleep for hours but sleep had not yet taken him. His mind had just been thinking about to much. He was about to lie back down when he heard the noise again.
'Lumos.' He said and light filled the room. Straight away his eyes focused to the change in light and his eyes stared at the object that was at the end of his bed.
'Hermione?' He asked, wondering if he had actually entered the dream world.
'Hello Harry.' She replied, with a nervous voice.
'What's wrong?' Harry asked concernedly as he got out of bed and walked up to her. Hermione then looked down at the floor, and Harry wasn't sure but he thought he saw a pink tinge on her cheeks. Harry puts his hand on Hermione's chin and lifted her head so her eyes would meet his. Harry then knew what caused her blush.
'Would you like me to put a t-shirt on?'
'NO.' Hermione screamed, blushing harder she mumbled. 'I mean you don't have to.'
'Oookaayy. So what's up? Couldn't you get to sleep either?'
'No, it's just too quiet. It may sound weird but I think I miss Crystal's snoring.' Hermione said sheepishly which made Harry laugh hard. While Harry was laughing he noticed that like him, Hermione was wearing very little. He stopped laughing and just stared… It was a minute later that Hermione shook him out of his thoughts.
'Harry? Harry are you alright?'
'Huh... What? Um sure… What?'
Hermione then noticed that Harry was still checking her out. She was just wearing a little nightdress for Merlin's sake. What she didn't know or just didn't care about was that the little silk nightdress made her beautiful features very noticeable to the male eye. It started just above her breasts and finished just above her knees. Her slender pale arms and legs went perfectly with the violet colour of her dress. The protrusion that her breast made also might have had an effect on young Harry.
'HARRY.' Hermione finally had to scream. It did the trick to because Harry jumped about three foot in the air and stayed there. Hovering up in the air Harry looked back down and smiled bashfully.
'Sorry, but you just look… Wow.' Was all Harry could say as he floated back down to the ground. 'You are very good at Transfiguration.' He added stupidly.
'Thank you.' Hermione replied twice as shy. 'Look I was wondering… canimovemybedinhere?' She said quickly.
'What was that?' asked Harry. Hermione looked down at the floor again.
'Can I move my bed in here? I feel lonely by myself.' Harry just stood there dumbfounded, then thought slowly. What he was about to ask was a very big.
I just hope she takes it the right way, Harry thought.
'Hermione.' He started slowly and Hermione looked up at him. 'Hermione you can't bring your bed in here.' He then continued as Hermione looked back down again. 'But that doesn't mean that you still can't stay with me…' It took a while but finally the implications of Harry's words hit her like a rampaging Hippogriff. She let out a gasp and took a surprised step backward. Harry took this as a bad sign and looked at his feet. He looked back up when he saw that his feet had company. Hermione was smiling brightly and she hugged a shocked Harry. With his chest getting a rather pleasurable massage from Hermione's and Harry had to pull away.
'Umm Hermione, not that I don't want you to hug me, it just er…' When Hermione realised what had happened she let a nervous giggle escape her. This action seemed to release the built up pressure that was created ever since Harry had turned on the lights.
'Look at us.' Hermione said. 'We're embarrassed to see each other in our pyjamas. Are we or are we not girlfriend and boyfriend?'
'I'm sorry it's just that you look really, really amazing. It seems that it doesn't matter what you wear you always look beautiful.' Harry smiled as he saw Hermione grin widely from his praise. 'Now what do you say we go to sleep?' Harry then walked over and picked Hermione up in one swift motion, he then walked around the bed and placed the giggling Hermione down carefully. When he saw that she was all set he walked around to the other side of the bed and lied down so that he was facing Hermione. When he brushed away a stray piece of hair from her face he stared at her once again that night.
'I have to be the luckiest man in the world.' Harry said with a smile. Hermione returned the smile and then moved in to snuggle closer. She then whispered into Harry's chest, her warm breath lighting a fire under his senses.
'Keep saying things like that and you may end up feeling luckier.' Sleep then caught her moments later. But for Harry, Hermione's final words kept his mouth and eyes wide before they to finally decided that they needed rest.
It was midday before Harry began to stir. He had just had one of the best sleeps of his life. Currently he was trying to figure out the cause of this when he felt movement beside him. He looked down to see two bright, shining brown eyes staring back up at him. Hermione started moving her way up Harry's body. To do this she put her hands on Harry's shoulders and pulled her way up. On the way Harry began squirming as he felt the smooth silk material slide on his skin. Hermione had now reached eye level and without warning leaned into Harry for a passionate kiss. When she pulled away she had a blissful look on her face.
'That was the best sleep I ever had.' She said brightly.
'I know, I was about to say the same thing. I think it must have had something to do with the beautiful girl lying next to me.' Harry replied warmly.
'How is it you always know what to say at the right time?' Hermione said with a smile.
'Love.' Harry said simply. Hermione had had enough and brought her lips crashing against Harry's again. She then started making a trail with her kisses down Harry's neck and to his chest. At this time Harry just lie back and enjoyed the pleasure. He then noticed that one of Hermione's shoulder straps had slipped off. Without thinking he reached down to put it back on, but on his way down his hand grazed Hermione's breast, stopping all action that was taking place. Hermione stopped kissing and looked up to see Harry shyly holding her shoulder strap. She knew that what Harry did was unintentional but she still wished he would do it again. Blushing she decided to address the issue. She sat up in the bed facing Harry.
'Ok now here's the thing Harry. I want us to be able to look and touch each other without blushing or turning away. There is nothing wrong with us doing these things, I mean we're together now and to tell you the truth I like looking at you the way you are now.' She said whilst looking over Harry's body making him smile bashfully.
'I like looking at you to.' Harry quickly replied.
'Well good, I'm glad you do, now we just need to do it without being embarrassed. I mean what happens when we're married five years from now and we still blush every time we see each other naked, it's just silly… What? What are you smiling at?' Hermione asked as she saw Harry grinning. Hermione thought that Harry was acting like a little child because he heard the word 'naked', but that was not the case.
'So five years from now we're going to be married are we?' Harry said whilst still grinning broadly. His grin grew broader as he saw Hermione doing the one thing she was speaking against.
'Oh shut it.' The blushing Hermione said as she jumped on top of Harry and began hitting playfully. Harry for his part started laughing at Hermione's antics. When he had had enough of being hit he grabbed Hermione and pulled her below him and then rolled on top of her. With their bodies pressed against each other firmly they decided to do the same with their lips. Harry pulled away from a moaning Hermione, obviously she had been enjoying the feeling of Harry's tongue swirling around with hers.
'How many kids do we have?' Harry asked, his gaze was blazing with love.
'Wh-What?' Hermione asked breathlessly.
''I said, how many kids are we going to have?'
'Seven.' Hermione said instantly, she had been dreaming about the life Harry and she would live ever since they had gotten together.
'Seven?' Harry said in a thoughtful. 'Like the Weasley's… I like it. If that is your dream Hermione, than I shall give it to you. But why so many?'
'Well, I guess I've always wanted a large family considering I was an only child. But when you came back into my life I knew I wanted more than three or four. I wanted to give you a large loving family that you never had.' Hermione said sadly. Harry then leaned down to Hermione's ear and whispered.
'Thank you Hermione, I love you so much.'
The two then spent the next hour in bed just talking, kissing and holding onto each other bodies. They had both promised that they would never be embarrassed by each other ever again. If the promise was broken then the promise breaker would become the servant of the person who didn't break the promise. So all in all they were both hoping that they didn't break the promise.
At 5 o'clock Harry told Hermione to get dressed into a fancy dress and that they were going out. Another impatient hour later saw Hermione come out of Harry's room looking very elegant in a light blue, almost aqua dress with silver shoes. Her hair was tied up in a stylish bun with one lock of curly brown hair falling down the side of her pretty face. Harry's impatient demeanour zoomed out of the tent as soon as he saw Hermione's beauty. He told her so to.
'You look amazing.' Harry said as he walked over and took Hermione's warm hand in his.
'Why thank you Harry, your not so bad yourself.' Hermione replied as she looked Harry up and down in a handsome dark suit. 'I take it from our style of clothing that we are making a trip out into muggle Australia?'
'You are the smarty pants aren't you? For your information we're going for dinner in a classy restaurant, so you better behave yourself.' Harry said teasingly, and then added. 'But first we're going to do a little sight seeing. Mione.' Harry's staff then appeared at his side and he and Hermione disappeared from their tent.
'Harry when you said that the sunsets you saw were beautiful I think you were understating them.' Hermione said in an awed voice. She and Harry had arrived about a half hour ago. They were perched on the edge of the highest point of the arc on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They were both watching the sunset out over the harbour. The water was sparkling peacefully as its friend passed over it saying goodnight for another day. When the sun was just about to go down over the horizon the stars started to appear. Each winking salutations to the others that had decided to arrive to work early. The warm spring breeze was calming to every object on the harbour that felt it. Silently sending ripples across the gentle waters. Hermione sighed serenely as she felt that she could spend her eternity with Harry right there on the bridge. Unfortunately though, her dream could not come true. She was leaning against Harry's shoulder when Harry addressed her.
'Come on sweetie, if we don't leave now we will miss our reservation.'
'Alright, but can we come back here tomorrow?' Hermione asked pleadingly.
'We'll see, I think a storm is coming though so we might have to go somewhere else. Now are you ready?' And before they apparated Hermione looked at the orange cloudless sky and thought.
How in Merlin's name does he think a storm is coming?
For the next three hours Harry and Hermione had a relaxing and enjoyable time at the restaurant, they shared small talk through their meals and then enjoyed a glass of beer and wine respectfully. Hermione had even joked and asked Harry if he would be able to apparate under the influence of alcohol. They each had a great time, especially in two cases were the waiter asked them for their names only to be laughed at and another where Hermione was spoon feeding her chocolate mousse to Harry only to hit every other target on his face except for his mouth, then she decided to fix the problem and started kissing all of the mousse off. All in all it was a good night. They took a quick stroll around the harbour before they retired for the night and apparated back to 'Rusty' as they started to call Ayers Rock.
'Thank you Harry that was a most memorable evening.' Hermione called out as she came back from the shower, she had passed Harry as he went into brush his teeth, and he had forgotten when he took a shower before Hermione. Currently she was wearing only a towel and felt glad that Harry was not here. She did want Harry to see her…But not yet, she thought. She spotted the dress that she had worn that night over the back of the chair next to the desk. She had liked the dress immensely and since Harry had liked it she decided to keep it. Speaking of Harry, she heard a rustling sound and turned around to see Harry getting into 'their' bed. She saw his back muscles rippling as he lowered himself into the bed.
Rippling… Water… Storm… She thought quickly. She made her way over to the bed and she smiled as Harry watched her. Tonight she was wearing a silky nightdress the same colour of the dress she had worn out to dinner. When she was under the covers she moved over and hugged Harry around his chest and kissed his arm.
'Harry how do you know there's going to be a storm tomorrow in Sydney?' She asked curiously.
'Easy.' Harry replied simply. 'I'm an Elemental, I can sense the Elements and there actions. It's just a little trick a picked up why I was missing for two years.' He added cheekily. Hermione punched him in the stomach earning her an 'oomph' in return.
'So what's the weather like tomorrow for wherever we're going? Where are we going?' She added in an afterthought.
'It's going to be a bit drizzly but it should be fine just wear a jumper and jeans. And you won't find out where we're going till we get there.'
'Fine.' Hermione said in mock huff, she then turned on her side so that her back was now facing Harry, she then felt Harry come behind her and drape his arm over her hip.
'You know what I've figured out?' Harry whispered sleepily in her ear, she waited for him to go on. 'I love a girl in silk.' Then without further warning he drifted off to sleep.
Hermione suddenly felt a little chilly as she opened her eyes and viewed her surroundings.
'Where are we?' She asked perplexedly.
'We, Hermione, are on Mount Kosciuszko, I thought you might want to get in touch with your nature side.' Harry replied happily. Hermione just stared wide eyed over the luscious mountain range. The morning dew still sticking to the grass and leaves. The drizzle was floating across the air slowly and the winter's snow fall was melting down the hills.
'I thought you would like to meet some animals.' And as Harry said this, a large Cockatoo came soaring down and landed on a tree branch above them. It looked down at them with black beady eyes and ruffled its feathers. Harry nudged Hermione with his shoulder, as if saying 'go on'. Hermione looked up at the bird and tried to communicate with it.
Hello. She said casually. The effect of this simple word was hilarious. The bird fell off the tree branch and then a foot from the ground flew off like he had just caught fire to his tail feathers. It took a while but Hermione finally convinced Harry to get off the ground and stop laughing. All it took was the threat of being castrated at wand point in the end. After that they walked through the rough land talking to each other and the birds whose reactions were a little better then the first one they met. Harry talked to other things like wallabies and wombats and even a few lizards, but because Hermione could only talk to the wind animals she used Harry as a translator. It was about one o'clock when they sat down and ate lunch. Hermione had made some sandwiches for them. Once they were done with lunch they headed out again and came across a green, green valley. But the most fascinating thing was not the grass but the things eating it.
Around 30 horses were down below grazing. All were different from the other. There were tall ones, small ones and some in the middle. There were black ones, red ones, beige ones and brown. Mothers and foal were eating alongside each other. Some foals were even off by themselves, frolicking and prancing around happily. It was then that Harry heard Hermione gasp and looked over to see her pointing at a horse that had just entered the valley from the trees from the side. From the looks of it she was a mare and a beautiful mare at that. She was as white as the melting snow. Her mane was long wavy and was a creamy colour that blended well against her shiny coat. She must have been the leader because as soon as she approached the herd the other horses stopped what they were doing and bowed their heads. Then the mare started running, running like the wind. It took a while for both Harry and Hermione to realise that she was running right at them. Harry reached out to the horse.
Stop! He shouted in his mind. The gods must have been with them that day for the great beast stopped dead in its tracks. Not knowing what to do Harry continued talking to the horse.
Hello. I'm sorry if we have caused you harm. My girlfriend and I were just having a walk around Kosciuszko. My name is Harry and this is Hermione. Harry said as he pulled Hermione from behind him. It was then that horse spoke back to Harry.
My name is Polesien and I am leader of the Dejunala Brumbies herd. I am sorry I thought that you were men coming to capture us. All our lives we have run through the mountains, always running. They never leave us alone. Some try and capture us while some come in flying machines and try and kill us. It never stops. Harry relayed the message to Hermione and watched as the small little brunette started fuming.
'Who would do this? It's awful, they must be stopped.' She yelled and then stopped when she realised she might be spooking the horse. But the horse didn't look startled at all, it turned its head at Harry.
She is very loud for one so small. It seemed that Polesien was right because many of the other brumby's were coming up to see what their leader was doing. Harry then told Hermione what Polesien said and watched as Hermione smiled somewhat shyly.
'Sorry.'
Tell her it is quite alright and that I feel the same way. Harry did so and Polesien continued. Tell me Harry, how is it that we are able to communicate?
Well I am an Wizard and Hermione is a Witch, a couple of years ago I was picked up by a Wizard called Merlin, through him I have been taught to mind speak with all animals. Hermione only has the ability to talk to animals of the wind. Harry said as he projected his message out to all the other brumbies that were gathered. Harry watched as they all nodded their long heads and swished their tails. Polesien was now watching Hermione with a fierce gaze, and she began walking up to the quivering Hermione. When Polesien was up close and looking into Hermione's eyes with her own sparkling yellow, she closed the gap between them and nuzzled Hermione hair with her nose.
Tell her she has very beautiful eyes and that I like her mane. Polesien as she continued to nuzzle Hermione's hair. Harry told Hermione and straight away she calmed down and replied. 'I like your eyes to.'
Ask her if she would like to go for a ride on me. Polesien said to Harry as she began backing away. Harry obliged and Hermione squealed happily. Harry then helped her up on the big mare and then backed away from the two. The next second in Harry's place stood a big black unicorn. Polesien stared at him before turning around and starting off at a slow trot towards the bottom of the valley. They spent the next couple of hours just riding through the trees and snow. But before to long it was getting dark, the day had come to an end with Hermione and Harry riding together on Polesien watching another glorious sunset.
Harry got off first and was about to help Hermione off, only to turn around and see that she was already sliding down from Polesien graciously. He put his hand through hers and couldn't help seeing the look of sadness on her face.
'I will miss you.' Hermione said with tears in her eyes. She then turned around and began walking away.
She has a good heart, I will miss her deeply to. Polesien said with sadness in her voice.
Goodbye Polesien, thank you for showing us around today, it has been fun. Harry began walking away. He caught up with Hermione on the other side of the trees and apparated he and Hermione back to Rusty. It was around eight o'clock and Harry and Hermione were figuring out what to do.
'I know, we can go for a ride on Taipan and let the others out of the staff as well.' Harry said with excitedly. He had been suggesting things for nearly fifteen minutes but Hermione had kept declining. She was still sad about leaving Polesien, Harry summed up.
'Oh alright.' Hermione said whilst getting up out of the chair next to the fire. 'I suppose you won't leave me alone till we're doing something.
Five minutes later they were soaring in the sky with the sound of Taipans huge wings beating in the night. Out in the desert, there were no lights or anything to distract the stars pure beauty so Hermione leaned back into Harry's embrace and just watched as the stars went by. Harry smiled as he saw Hermione gain a bit of cheerfulness again. He had left Blaze, Tallis and Lockyer back at Rusty. Blaze and Tallis were alright but he needed to conjure a small lake for Locky so that she would be happy. All in all Harry thought it was a good day, except for the part where Hermione got sad, that was always going to be a downside. When they got back to Rusty, Harry and Hermione talked to his guardians for a bit before he sent them back to 'The Land of Mione' as he liked to call it. He then went into his room and crawled under the covers, he was about to talk to Hermione when the said girl spoke up first.
'Harry when can we start my training?' She said as she rolled over and faced him. He noticed that tonight's nightdress was a strawberry colour. Turning back up to meet Hermione's face he replied.
'I told the Order that we would start this week.'
'What do you mean you told the Order?' Hermione asked suspiciously.
'I told them that I was an Elemental and that I would be training you this week and that if you were voted in they would have two Elementals on their side.' He then smiled mischievously before adding. 'I also told them that you were a bubbly brunette that liked Transfiguration and loved Harry Pot-.' That was all he got out before he had to duck a flying pillow that was aimed at his head. 'Alright, alright calm down. Geez. I just told them the first bit.'
'Good.' Hermione said smiling, her first real smile since she had left Polesien. 'Now stop annoying me and let me get to sleep.' Harry didn't argue back but pulled Hermione closer into a warm embrace and went to sleep.
Harry and Hermione awoke on their final day in Australia bright eyed and bushy tailed. They ate a quick breakfast and then stepped out of their tent, Hermione was carrying a bag full of all her shrunken books that she had gotten at Tillajo, she had also packed the dresses and also her nightdress that she had worn on their first night here. It was a reminder to her about the first night she and Harry had slept in the same bed.
Harry was also carrying a bag. In it were all his new school robes, books, ink and parchment. So with one last look Harry vanished the tent and then grabbed a hold of Hermione's hand before apparating off to their last stop.
They had apparated at the Gold Coast to the nearest beach toilets. Harry then went into the men's one to change and Hermione went to the ladies to do some more Transfiguration work. They both met out side the toilets and began walking to the nearest beach. Harry was just wearing a simple pair of black boardies with a towel slung over his shoulder, his Elemental tattoos were the first thing to change. Hermione on the other hand was wearing a head turning two piece yellow bikini. She decided to put her towel around her bottom half because she was starting to get more than enough attention, but even doing this she still attracted a lot of stares. But those stares would vanish quickly when they looked at Harry whose eyes had turned a fiery red. It was quite funny really to see so many men run for their lives, because if they had stayed any longer Harry would surely have killed them just with his eyes.
'Why do you have to be so gorgeous?' Harry mumbled darkly as they placed themselves down on a clear bit of beach.
'I'll take that as a compliment shall I?' Hermione asked sweetly. Harry continued to grumble as he secretly placed sunscreen charms on himself and Hermione. 'Look I don't know what you're complaining about, I'm the one that should be whinging, look around you.' Harry for the first time since he'd arrived at the beach actually took in the scenery. There were at least twenty teenage girls all eyeing him hungrily. 'Now do you see me grumbling? No. Do you know why?' Harry shook his head. 'Because I know that you wouldn't go after another girl, because if you did you would be facing a castrating charm aimed right at your privates.' Harry then gulped but Hermione smiled and leaned over and gave him a passionate kiss that was fierier than the hot sun that was burning down on them. When Hermione was satisfied she pulled back and left a goofy looking Harry behind. When Harry finally came back to his senses he saw that all the females were giving Hermione death glares and that all the males were trying to give him glares but would only end up smiling stupidly at him because they were afraid.
Harry then looked back at Hermione and smiled at her. She stood up and smiled back, she then reached out her.
'Coming for a swim?' She then pulled Harry up, which was a fairly impressive feat considering how small she was and considering how tall Harry was. After she had pulled him up she had held onto his hand and led him to the water. They swam together for a while, both catching the waves and swimming with them to the shore. They were currently riding on their last wave. It was nearly 12 and time to head back to Hogwarts. They finished the wave and just lied there in the wet sand laughing. Somehow Hermione had rolled on top of Harry and was now sitting on his stomach with her hands on his chest, Harry was still lying down but when he looked up his heart and all other organs literally stopped.
Hermione's eyes were shining like beacons with wonder and delight. Her smile was not her usual bright cheerful smile but a secret, seductive, enchanting smile. Her hair was wet and limp and was hanging down over her face, framing it like a million galleon photo. As his gaze passed over her red luscious lips he started following a bead of water from Hermione's chin, slowly it was sliding down Hermione's neck. The bead stopped and Harry moaned. He was hoping that it would keep travelling south for the winter. His preyers were answered and the bead kept sliding. Harry didn't realise that he was actually controlling it. Gradually it made its way to the top of Hermione's left breast. It was now rolling over it slowly joining other beads that were on a trail to somewhere, the bead didn't know where but he wanted to go, he joined them and as one the all fell into the canyon that was the gap between Hermione's breasts. Harry was now looking at Hermione's breasts in all their glory. The beads were reflecting the sun as they rolled over Hermione's body making it look as though she were a sparkling diamond. Harry needed to show her how beautiful she was, how much love she made him feel… how much he loved women's breast. Without waiting a second longer Harry leaned up and kissed Hermione with all the love he possessed, every feeling of every fibre of his body was pushed into the kiss. His lips were on fire as they smashed against Hermione's like waves on rock. His tongue probing, pleading for entry. She let him have it. There in the caves of their mouths their tongue's went to war, dancing with each other, each one trying to decide the victor. In the end Harry won, at that moment no one could give the feeling that was called, love as much as Harry was now. Love, Desire, Passion, all of these feelings passed through Hermione's body like electric currents. She started to drift as she was given everything she had ever wanted in the world in this one kiss. Hermione's mind started to come back to her as Harry pulled out of the kiss. They were both in a daze, Harry from using so much emotion and Hermione for receiving all of that said emotion. Whether it was because he was exhausted or because he wanted to spend ever minute like this one for the rest of his life we will never know why Harry Potter decided to do what he did.
'Marry me Hermione.' It wasn't even really a question, more like a beggar asking for money.
'Yes.' Was all Hermione replied. Salty tears now joined tears from the ocean as Hermione cried in joy. Her dream was coming true. It would all come true… Hopefully.
Sometime later Harry and Hermione, the newly engaged couple returned back to their common room in Gryffindor tower. It was midnight. In nine hours time they would have to attend classes. Not wanting to be separated from each other ever again. Hermione decided that she and Harry would now take the Head Girls dormitory. She had not taken it at the start of the year because she wanted to be closer to her friends since Harry had come back and avoided her. But now that was not the case, this was certainly a different case. They walked over to the side of the common room next to the fireplace where a portrait that had a tall wizened old man was standing in it waiting for them.
'Lemon drops.' Hermione said happily.
'Of course, a personal favourite of mine. Please enter.' Replied the portrait.
Harry and Hermione were so exhausted that they just found the bedroom and had the most peaceful sleep imaginable.
The next morning Hermione started to stir, she felt Harry behind him and she leaned back into him, reliving the moment that they had had yesterday. She was half asleep still when she felt something poke her in the back. Without hesitating she reached her hand lazily behind herself and tried to move the object. After a couple of adjustments she had moved the object and relaxed again against Harry's body falling back to sleep. It was a little while later on when both occupant of the large bed started to wake. Harry rolled on his side while Hermione did the same.
'Good morning Mrs Potter.' Harry said with a smile.
'Good morning Mr Potter. Are you ready to face the day?' Hermione replied happily.
'Only if you're beside me.' Harry said as he leaned in closer to Hermione and kissed her. It was only a couple of moments later when Hermione pulled back and had a puzzled look on her face.
'I thought I put your staff away, you really shouldn't bring it into bed with you Harry, I'm sure no one is going to come in and attack us. I tried to move it.' Harry didn't know what was going on, he had vanished his staff last night as the came in to the bedroom.
'Hermione I vanished my staff last night.' Harry said stupidly. A few moments after this remark Harry and Hermione's eyes grew large as saucers and the implications of what happened hit them. Without even thinking Harry began to laugh, soon Hermione joined him. Together they laughed at the little predicament they were in. They laughed as they got out of bed, they laughed as they clean their teeth and they laughed as they exited the portrait hole that led to the Gryffindor common room. In the end the promise of never blushing in each others presence, was not broken. Therefore no one became the servant for the other. As an engaged couple they realised that they had better get used to seeing each other and touching each other. The shy barrier had been broken. By the power of love.
Flyin Eagle