Return Of The Elemental


Chapter 19 – Meet The Parents

When Harry and Hermione arrived for breakfast the next morning, they were in low spirits. They spotted Crystal and Ron at the Gryffindor table and trudged over to them.

'Hey Harry, jeez you should of seen Malfoy's broom, its amaz-.' Ron admitted ruefully but then stopped talking when he saw the looks on his friends face.

'What's wrong with you guys?'

As to answer his question the morning mail arrived that second with the hundreds of owls looking for their owners. A small barn owl dropped the Weekend Prophet in front of Hermione but the wind elemental did not move to accept it. It was Crystal who eventually paid the little bird and opened the paper with Ron looking over her shoulder. When they both gasped Harry knew what was published into today's newspaper.

'Bu- but where did you get a staff?' Ron sputtered at Hermione, he then actually looked at the face of his ex-girlfriend.

'You look different.' Then before he could say anything more Harry reached over and grabbed him, Hermione doing the same to Crystal, then grabbing Harry with her other hand. Harry then apparated his friends back to his and Hermione's rooms.

'Whoa, I've never done that before. Hey you're taller too.' Ron all but shouted at Hermione.

'Ron will you just calm down, I'm sure Harry and Hermione can explain. Can't you guys?' Crystal said with a warning glare.

/ Can you tell them please, I'm still a bit shocked/ Hermione asked Harry through their link, she then went over to the lounge and sat down.

'Well, where do I begin?' Harry wondered as he thought. 'I s'pose it all started at the dance when I gave Hermione the ring that on her finger, you know, the cloudy one?' When he received nods he continued. 'Well the ring does a lot more than just look pretty. When I gave it to her I hoped that with a bit of training that Hermione could become an Air Elemental. With it on she could speak to any animal of the air and sometimes when she was having strong emotions some of her abilities would show through. But when I saw how long it was taking and realised that I wouldn't have much time to teach her I decided to speed things up a bit and tried an idea I had …' Harry then trailed off, looking sadly at Hermione.

'Which was?' Ron said impatiently.

'Sorry. I copied everything I learnt from Merlin and my Air abilities into her ring on Tuesday, remember how I said she was tired on Wednesday morning, well that's because of what happened the night before. No Ron, that's not what I mean. The process of transferring my powers was very painful to Hermione…'

'How painful?' Ron snorted.

'Ron will you just shut up and let Harry talk.' Crystal growled.

'Thanks Crystal. As I was saying the amount of pain you feel would probably equal to that of 10 people putting the Cruciatus curse on you at one time. Something I think is a lot more painful than stubbing your toe.' Harry said with a glance to the paling Ron. 'So anyway, the plan worked, Hermione battled out the torture and had become an Elemental except for one important piece.'

'Her staff.' Crystal deduced.

'Correct, so that's what we were doing yesterday, making her powerful staff and by doing so made Hermione go through her change, every Elemental goes through one, because there body needs to change to the needs of the power they possess. So that explains Hermione's new looks.'

The friends moved to the lounge and chairs round the fire and sat in silence for a while. Harry sat beside Hermione and rubbed her back soothingly.

'Are you alright Hermione?' Crystal broke the silence and asked her best friend sincerely.

'I will be, it was just hard last night, there were so many people lying on the ground… not moving who I couldn't help.' Hermione said, close to tears. Harry wasn't having any of that.

'But think of all the people that you did help, you probably saved hundreds of lives last night Hermione. Hundreds.' Harry repeated firmly.

'I didn't save them Harry it was you and your guardians.' Hermione said sorrowfully. Harry was about to say more but once again a tall insensitive red head butted in.

'Hey Hermione, are you an Animagus now too? And what about a guardian do you have one of them?' Ron said excitedly, oblivious to the looks he was receiving from Harry and Crystal. Hermione moved a little and then stood up quickly.

'I'm not sure, I haven't really tried to change yet.' With an encouraging look from Harry she shut her eyes and concentrated on her animagus form. A few seconds later a medium sized brown screech owl was standing in Hermione's place. It started hopping round on its small talons. Hermione then tried flapping her wings but her brown silky feathers would not get her off the ground. She then turned her big eyes back at Harry helplessly.

/ It's alright sweetie, you'll get the hang of it soon. You've just got to have hope. / Harry didn't know what he said but suddenly Hermione's owl eyes bugged out even further and instantly she was standing as human again smiling. She then punched her right hand in the air and yelled.

'HOPE.' A flash appeared and then behind the flash was Hermione's staff. She grabbed the staff and held it confidently. She looked back at Harry and saw pride shining through his eyes.

'A beautiful name for a beautiful staff.' Harry then smiled at Ron and Crystal's stunned faces.

'You've got a silver stone, which means, that means…'

'It means she's very powerful Crystal, is that the word you were looking for?' Harry asked smugly. He then looked at Hermione just as his fiancé fell to the ground screaming.

'What's happening?' Crystal yelled worriedly over Hermione's shrieks.

'I think she might be getting her tattoo, I forgot about that.' Harry said with a forced calm.

'What do you mean?'

'When an Elemental finishes his or her training, which means learning all about the heritage of the Elemental and learning all there is about the Element itself, they have to pass one final test to get there symbolic tattoo. You know how I said Hermione was a full Elemental except for her staff, well I guess I left the last bit out. But now that she has completed her animagus form she will have become a full Air Elemental.' Harry finished proudly, then went over to pick Hermione up off the floor. He stared at her hair for a while and smiled.

'Hey look at your hair. Do you have a tattoo too?' Ron asked excitedly. Hermione straightened herself slowly and then as if finally hearing what Ron had said pulled away from Harry and went over to the nearest mirror.

'Look at my hair!' She screamed, touching and stroking the few strands on the corner of her fringe that was now white.

'So do you have a tattoo too?' asked Crystal.

'I, I'm not sure.' She passed her staff to her friend who flinched at its touch. She then turned around from prying eyes and lifted up her jumper and shirt. The others then heard a gasp which was followed by Hermione tucking herself back in quickly. When she turned back round her face was flushed.

'Well, have you got one or not?' Ron asked again.

'Y-Yes.' Was all she said. Harry took pity on her and walked over and collected her in his arms. Hermione gratefully put her head on his chest whilst Harry leaned down to whisper in her ear.

'Are you alright?'

'mmmmhhh.' Hermione muffled voice replied.

'Have you got a tattoo?' Harry asked chuckling.

'mmmmhhh.'

'Where is it?' Hermione pulled back and said softly.

'There's a white mark on left breast. Oh shut up, it's not funny.' She hissed as Harry snorted.

'I know, I'm sorry, I went through the same thing remember. Hey, maybe later we can compare what they look like?' Harry said with a mischievous smile and a wink. Hermione giggled and moved around Harry and took her staff back off Crystal.

'So have you got one?' Ron asked again.

'Yes.' Hermione said.

'Where?'

'Ron, what's with all the questions, honestly, you're starting to sound like me?' Harry and Crystal laughed while Ron scowled. Harry thought he'd changed the topic.

'Hey Ron, what were you saying about Malfoy's broom?' Ron took to the topic like a bee takes to honey. He grabbed Harry and took him away from the girls who had started there own conversation.

'So what's it like?' Harry asked Ron again.

'Well its fast and its black. Blacker than black actually.'

'So who makes it, Nimbus or the people who made my Firebolt?' Saying his old brooms name made him think about all he's other possessions that were destroyed in the Death Eater attack on the Dursleys house. He was so distracted that he missed Ron's answer.

'What?'

'I said that it wasn't made by any broom company, it didn't have a name at all. Just like the brooms you made.' Harry then froze.

He couldn't.

Ron and Crystal spent the rest of the morning in the Head Girl dormitory and didn't leave till Hermione told them that she and Harry had to get ready to go to their parent's house for dinner. She had finally pushed them out the door with Crystal shouting 'Good luck' over her shoulder to a still preoccupied Harry. Hermione then walked over to Harry and took his face in both of her hands.

'What's up pup?' Harry shook his head and smiled sadly up at Hermione.

'Nothing, just a little tired.' He said whilst reaching up to stroke her white hair.

'Harry.' Hermione said quietly. They stared into each others eyes for a while before Harry finally spoke.

'I think Voldemort has control over the Shadows. The broom that Malfoy has sounds like it was made exactly like mine.'

Silence met the statement.

'You can't be sure Harry.' Harry stared back with doubtful eyes. Hermione shook his shoulders. 'Come on get ready, we have to Diagon Alley first before we go to my parent's house.'

'Why?'

'Because, I need some new clothes for my new body.' Hermione said whilst giving a seductive pose, trying to get a smile out of Harry. It worked, but then the smile vanished.

'Do you think Diagon Alley will be open for business?' He asked.

'Oh, I don't know, maybe we shouldn't go then.'

'No we'll go, we can't have you transfiguring all your clothes can we?'

'We could ask professor Dumbledore when we go tell him we're going to see my parents.'

'That sounds good, I s'pose I should go get dressed in my Sunday finessed then.' Harry then went and got dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a smart dress shirt. Hermione choose to also wear a pair of jeans but due to her change the jeans came half way up her shin making it look like she was wearing a very tight pair of ¾ pants. She put on an old shirt on and one of Mrs Weasley's Christmas jumpers, both fairly large and therefore fit snugly on her body. When they were just about ready Harry asked nervously.

'Do your parents know we're coming?'

'Oh, thanks for reminding me.' She then called for Emmeris, the Phoenix arrived with a fire flash. Hermione scribbled a quick note and sent it off with the marvellous bird. Then, checking her hair one more time she walked over to Harry.

'Don't worry, my parents will love you. Ready?' She said brightly.

'Can't wait…'

After getting Dumbledore's blessing to leave the castle they left Hogwarts for Diagon Alley. Harry wondered if Dumbledore would let any other student leave the castle, then shook his head sadly, he had always been a different case. Plus Dumbledore probably thought that he could handle himself, especially now that he had some backup.

Harry smiled when he thought about Dumbledore's reaction to Hermione's new abilities. Never had he seen such an old person jump so high. He ended up laughing a bit and Hermione asked him what was so funny.

'Just an old man.'

'Yes it was quite a surprising reaction.' She admitted with a smile. They walked through the apparating room in the Leaky Cauldron hand in hand, but stopped when they saw all the patrons and people of Diagon Alley had stopped whatever they were doing to look at the Hero and Heroin of last nights attack. All was still and quiet for a few seconds before a huge cheer went up that was sure to be heard outside in both the Alley and the muggle world. The people of the pub moved forward like a great wave, Harry moved in front of Hermione, offering a little protection from the great mass.

The men and women then started shouting out at them.

'Thank you so much Mr Potter.'

'Bless you both.'

'Paul Simons Mr Potter, I own a muggle clothing shop, if there's anything I can do for you or your good lady do not hesitate to ask.'

'Hush up Simons, as if they'd want to shop at your ratty old establishment. Marie Malkin, at your service Mr Potter, if you want proper Wizarding attire please come to my shop and I shall have you suited up in the finest garments I have.'

Harry smiled inwardly, he looked over at Hermione but saw that she was crowded by her own fans. He heard a couple of men shouting out marriage proposals, men and women thanking her for saving and healing there loved ones an so forth. He raised a hand to the crowd and immediately the pub went silent.

'Thank you all for your support, but if you don't mind we'd like to be going now, lots to buy. But once again thank you, I only wish we could do more.' Harry then grabbed Hermione and led her through the crowd to the door that led to the entry to Diagon Alley. There was no magical wall to pass through today, all that was a few pieces of brick on the ground, remnants of the attack.

The Alley was not its bright and cheery self today, outside shops you could there owners trying to fix damages on their property. The little kids who were too young for school kept questioning their parents or sometime their only parent about what was going on. Harry and Hermione heard one question that was being asked by more than one child as they walked past a little girl.

'Daddy, how come Mummy isn't here?'

Hermione had to pull Harry closer when she heard this. Harry comforted her but he couldn't stop the sob that escaped her lips or the tears that slid down her face. There were no cheers or back thumping as they walked down the Alley, only nods of thanks and respect from the many solemn faces. But the presence of Harry and Hermione lifted the people of Diagon Alley there was no doubt about that, all of them putting on braver faces for those who couldn't.

'Mr Potter, Mr Potter.' Someone was yelling from behind them. Harry looked round to see a tall, gangly looking man walking towards him regally.

'Mr Potter, Nicholas Carson from the Daily Prophet, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?' The Carson man said it as if he already knew that Harry was going to say yes. Harry tensed and moved forward angrily.

'You've got some nerve you lit-' Harry growled heatedly but stopped when he heard Hermione's voice in his head.

/ Harry don't. You can't do anything here. Just say no and leave. / She said calmer than she felt. Inside she was boiling too, imagine this person, a suspected Death Eater no less come up to her hus-, fiancé and start asking questions.

/ But Hermione, he's a Death Eater. / Harry said stepping back from a frightened Carson.

/ I know Harry, but we haven't got any proof. / She said sadly.

/ I'll just cut off his sleeve, yeah that will give us all the proof we need. / Harry replied, but as if sensing something Carson started to back away from the pair.

'Oh would you look at the time, must dash, lots to do. We'll have to catch up another time Mr Potter.' Carson said quickly, waving cheerfully as he was backing away.

'Don't worry, we will.' Harry said coldly, smiling inwardly as he saw the Death Eater falter with his waving and trip on the cobbled Alleyway. Carson then apparated away whilst lying on the ground.

/ Hopefully the bastard splinched himself. / Harry thought grimly. He yelped when he felt the back of his head being smacked.

'No swearing.' Hermione huffed.

'Oops, sorry sweetie, won't happen again.' Harry said apologetically as he put on his best puppy dog face on.

'I told you before, that face doesn't work on me. Now come on, time for a bit of clothes shopping.' Hermione said sternly but Harry could see the edges of her mouth twitching.

'So where do we go first oh royal highness?' Harry bowed mockingly.

'How about we go to Madam Malkin's first so I can get my school robes and dress robes then we can go to that muggle place?'

'That sounds good.'

So they did. They walked back up the Alley and into Madam Malkin's shop and where immediately set upon by the owner.

'Mr Potter, and Miss Granger, I'm so glad you came, what can I do for you?' The middle aged woman said brightly.

'Well, you see, Hermione here just went through a growth spurt and needs new school robes for Gryffindor and also needs some dress robes.' Harry said smiling at Hermione.

'Then she shall have them. Missy!' The old woman screamed and a girl of about 20 came out from the back rooms grumbling but stopped when she looked up and saw Harry Potter standing in front of her, the girl shrieked and ran from whence she came. Harry and Hermione stared after her whilst Madam Malkin went after the girl, shortly thereafter Harry and Hermione heard yelling from the back, not wanting to pry they turned away and started looking for dresses for Hermione. They ended up choosing three dresses that Hermione liked by the time Madam Malkin came back. The first one was a sky blue dress, the second was a violet sort of lavender colour and the third was a deep Gryffindor red. Harry had asked why she needed three but only got a scowl in response.

'Sorry about that dears, daughters, what can you do? Ah, they are very lovely choices Miss Granger, lets just get you measured up and will fix the dresses appropriately.' She then dragged Hermione over to the fitting/measuring rooms to get Hermione sorted out. Whilst she was doing that, Harry scanned the rest of the shop. He couldn't believe how all witches alike could spend so much time in a clothes store.

He was standing next to the men's dress robes when he saw a pair of eyes looking at him through the shadows that led to the back rooms.

'Hello.' Harry said uncertainly. The thing moved from the hallway and Harry saw that it was Missy, the girl from before. You could tell she was her mother's daughter, they both had resembling pointed noses, and the same friendly eyes, the hair colour was also the same except it didn't have the few grey hairs that her mother had.

'Hel-Hel-… Hi.' She said nervously. 'Can I-I help you?'

'No thanks, I'm just waiting for my girlfriend.' He said, smiling reassuringly. He waited for the girl to move or say something else but she just stood there gawking at him. He tried to make conversation.

'Did you use to go to Hogwarts?' He regretted saying it at once for the girl blushed harder and started stammering.

'Yes, I graduated two years ago, you where in your fourth year then and just a small little thing.' She gasped and threw both hands over her mouth, her eyes looking frantically around for an escape, meanwhile Harry just laughed at her antics.

'Its alright, I know I was small.' He said calmly, hoping his voice would affect the hysterical girl. It did and the girl removed her hands.

'I'm sorry, it's just that you're so hot now, I mean different, I mean, oh I'm sorry. I'll just go now.' She started turning around but stopped when she heard Harry calling out to her.

'Wait, don't worry about what you said, I think your quite good looking yourself.' He stopped here when she heard the girl snort.

'I don't think so.'

'Yes you are. It's not always about what a person looks like on the outside you know. To tell you the truth, I'd much rather a girl who doesn't care about what she looks like on the outside.' He finished, thinking of Hermione.

'Really?' Missy said softly.

'Really,' Harry confirmed. 'Doesn't your boyfriend tell you all this?' He said with a smile.

'No, all he talks about is Quidditch that and Quidditch this, it's so hard to get time to ourselves when he's training all the time.' She said exasperatedly, coming out of her shell a bit, no longer blushing and avoiding Harry's eyes. Meanwhile Harry was wondering who her boyfriend was, he didn't want to be rude but he ended up asking.

'What, he used to be your team-mate, we've been going out for a little over a year now.' She sighed dreamily.

'Who, Fred, or do you mean George?' Harry asked stupidly.

'What, no not one of the twins, I don't think I'd last 5 minutes with them, I'm talking about Oliver, Oliver Wood.' Harry smiled, remembering his old Quidditch captain, he sort of felt sorry for Missy having to listen about the Wizarding game all the time.

'Oh, Oliver, so he's still playing Quidditch is he?'

'Yes' Missy hissed, 'He was promoted into the first grade Puddlemore side about two months after we met, ever since we haven't really been seeing much of each other.' The girl then started to sniff a bit and Harry saw a tear roll down her cheek. He turned around trying to find an idea to help the poor girl when he saw a photographer taking pictures outside of the wreckage from last nights attack. He quickly grabbed the girls hand and dragged her outside the shop, the little bell attracted the attention of the Daily Prophet photographer and he couldn't get a bulb in quick enough when he saw that the man holding a girls hand was none other than Harry Potter. Harry leaned in closer to Missy's face and whispered.

'Trust me.' And before the other girl could react, Harry had planted a soft kiss on Missy's lips, he heard the 'click' and saw the flash of the camera and when he pulled back the little man was running off with a huge grin on his face. When Harry looked back at Missy he saw that the girl's cheeks were red again and that her eyes had a faraway look to them. She shook her head and looked at Harry, smiling a little.

'What was that for?'

'Yes Mr Potter, please explain why you were kissing someone who wasn't your girlfriend?' Harry looked past Missy and saw that Hermione and Madam Malkin were standing in the doorway to the shop. One of the said women was smiling like her birthday wish had just come true whilst the other looked down right murderous.

'Mum, Hermione, its not what it looks like, Harry was just helping me out with some relationship problems.' Missy said quickly.

'Having problems with your kissing technique Missy? Hmm, is that it?' Hermione growled dangerously.

'Hermione, it wasn't like that, look, come inside and I'll explain.' Harry then shuffled all the women into the shop like sheep. When he had them all in and had put a locking charm on the door he began his confession.

'Now, whilst you were in the fitting rooms I started searching the shop, I was just walking round when Missy came out and we started talking about things, it started with her calling me small and then we started talking about her boyfriend, guess who he is Hermione?' Hermione just scowled and shrugged indifferently. 'Fine I'll tell you, Missy's boyfriend is Oliver Wood, remember him? Anyway, she was saying that he doesn't really spend time with her anymore since he was promoted to first grade for his Quidditch club. So, yeah, I saw the photographer out there and decided to help out. Hopefully tomorrow, Oliver we'll see me kissing his girlfriend in the paper and he'll do something about it.' He then turned to Missy.

'I hope you didn't mind me kissing you without your permission?' Harry asked sheepishly. Missy just shook her head and smiled at Harry but quickly stopped when she saw Hermione glaring at her. The said girl then walked forward and slapped Harry's arm.

'Did you ever think that besides Oliver there are going to be a lot more people seeing that picture tomorrow?' She shouted.

'No, I guess I forgot about that.' Harry said whilst scratching his head.

'You always forget Harry, you always charge into things thinking with your heart instead of your little brain… and that's why I guess… I love you.' Hermione finished grumpily. Harry looked at her and smiled his cheeky smile and Hermione could do nothing to stop the smile that forced itself on her lips.

'Forgive me?' Harry said trying the lost puppy look again, Hermione just laughed at him and dragged him over to the counter where the two Malkin's were standing waiting with smiles.

'No hard feelings Hermione?' Missy asked holding out her hand. Hermione took it and said.

'No, no hard feelings. I mean you can't help it if Harry's an idiot.'

'Hey.' Harry cried indignantly.

'Oh shush, you know it's true.' Hermione said playfully.

'Yeah yeah, right so how much for the robes and dresses Madam Malkin? And when can we pick them up?' Harry asked reaching down into his pocket to pull out his money bag. He felt a hand on his arm, he looked up and saw that it Madam Malkin's.

'Your moneys no good here love. I'll send them to you as soon as there done.'

'No Mrs Malkin, let me pay, you could use the money to fix the front of the shop or something.' Harry said trying to pull out his coins but the hand on his arm was still holding on firmly.

'I said no dear.'

'But there must be something I can do to pay for them.' Harry said as if bargaining.

'You payed for them last night Harry.' Missy said sincerely, joining the conversation. Harry looked at them hopelessly, then looked at Hermione and saw that her eyes were shining with unshed tears. Harry hung his head, defeated. It snapped back up though and looked questioningly at the two Malkin women.

'What's your favourite colour?' They stared back at him and even Hermione shot him a look.

'Err, Emerald, I suppose.' Marie replied, Harry nodded and then looked at Missy. 'Uh, Sapphire, why?'

'Just watch.' Harry said, and then held his hands over the counter palms up. He then closed his eyes and concentrated. A second later a fire burst from his left palm and vanished, left in its place was an Emerald coloured fire in the shape of a rose. Harry levitated to the shocked Marie and then concentrated on Missy's one. He relaxed his hand and instead of trying to create fire he tried making a water rose. He gathered his power and tried to push it through his hand but nothing happened, he was a little surprised, this was not the first time that his water abilities had let him down. He clenched his fist shut and then released it. He tried again and was rewarded as he heard a gasp, he opened his eyes and looked down to see his Sapphire creation. It looked as though it was a small fountain with the water running up the stem of the plant and then slid over the petals and then running down and starting the process again.

He handed it over to Missy who was reluctant to touch it in fear of breaking her beautiful present. They both thanked Harry and he and Hermione did likewise to them before leaving the shop and deciding where to go next. Seeing as that it was only 2:00pm, Harry suggested they go get ice creams before they go to Paul Simon's muggle clothing shop. When they were sat down and licking there different flavoured sundaes where once again they were told that there money was not needed they talked.

'That was really nice of you to give the Malkin's those flowers Harry.' Hermione started.

'Thanks, I just wished they would have let me pay for something, even one dress.' Harry said, taking another spoonful at his chocolate sundae covered with double choc topping, topped off with choc chip bits.

'I think Madam Malkin would have just taken you kissing her daughter as a payment. Just make sure you don't go kissing any other shop assistants.' Hermione said trying to lighten the situation.

'Hermione,' Harry whined like a baby, 'I didn't kiss her just for the fun of it, I was simply helping her out.' His eyes glinted mischievously as he added. 'But, I won't deny that it was a very nice kiss.' As he finished a shocking wind blew his chair back, sending him flying along the ground. He opened his eyes and saw a pair of red sneakers in front of his nose. He was dragged to his feet and as soon as he was upright he head was pulled down and his laps crashed against those of his rescuer. When the kiss ended he had his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth like a dog. He saw Hermione staring at him with a satisfied smirk.

'I'll pretend that you never said that.' She then started walking away, but called over her shoulder. 'But be warned, I'll be keeping my eye on you in the next shop.' The next two hours were the best time that Harry had ever spent on this planet.

They had walked into Paul Simon's shop and were once again pounced upon by the owner. After telling the excited man that they would be looking for a whole new wardrobe and would be spending most of the time looking and trying on different pieces of clothing, Simons had locked and put up a Closed sign on the door. He then left them in piece but told them to give him a shout if there was anything they needed. He was causing so much commotion that his daughter, Simone, came out of the back rooms to see what the entire hubbub was about. When she saw Harry she had made a direct bee line for him, but Hermione was quicker and grabbed Harry's arm and threw him into the changing rooms.

Shortly after, Hermione had come into the changing room with a load of clothes in her arms, she dropped the clothes and then conjured a chair and shoved Harry into it roughly. She then leaned into him and whispered into his ear sensuously.

'I told you that I would keep my eye on you, I just hope that you keep your eyes on me.' She then twirled around and conjured another curtain inside their booth separating herself from him. Harry sat, trembling in his seat, his heart beating wildly in his chest. It sped up even further when he saw Hermione come out of the parted curtains wearing nothing but a white lacy pair of matching bra and panties.

Harry wasn't even aware his mouth had dropped open at the wondrous site. Hermione started walking forward towards his chair and he gripped the arm rest as though his life depended on it when she bent forward a bit and showed him a fair amount of cleavage, all the while she was smiling impishly. The move was not to tease him as he thought, but to reach one of her slender arms over to shut his mouth. She turned round and headed back to her dressing room, she pulled apart the curtains and sent one more smile back at Harry. She disappeared from view but left the curtains open a peak so she could see what Harry's reaction would be.

She was surprised when she saw him shake his head and then conjure a shot glass and a bottle of Fire-Whiskey and even more so when she saw him looking at the bottle then the glass and then back to the bottle again. She then smiled to herself and put a hand over her mouth to muffle the giggles that would escape her as she saw Harry throw the glass over his shoulder and started to try and down Fire-Whiskey in one go. She never knew she could have such an effect on men.

I'm going to enjoy this. She thought wickedly.

Hermione came back out in another pair of bra and knickers, this time she had chosen a yellow pair, remembering the time in Australia when she had worn the yellow bikini. When she saw Harry she had to turn away to hide her smile, unconsciously giving him a priceless view of her back. Harry was red in the face, coughing and had steam coming out of his ears, but he fought it all off so he could look at the angel who agreed to be his wife, never in his dreams had he seen such a magnificent site. Hermione turned back round then did another twirl and looked at Harry expectantly.

'What do you think?' With one last cough and the slamming down of his hand on the arm rest, Harry shouted.

'Outstanding!' Hermione smiled at him and turned away to her dressing room. She knew that Harry had been drinking but she also knew that he was being truthful and for that she was happy.

She then spent the next hour and a half trying on her whole new wardrobe for Harry. Who had cast a sobering charm on himself so he could clear up his vision and enjoy the show. After modelling her new lingerie, Hermione tried on her new dresses, day to day clothes, special occasion clothes, and last but not least her new choice in swimwear.

'The best for first and last.' Harry said as he draped an arm over Hermione's shoulders as they walked out of the shop and back up to the designated Apparating and Dissapparating point in the Leaky Cauldron. He waved his hand and shrunk all the bags of clothing and then put them in his pocket. They found that Paul Simon's didn't mind Harry paying for some of the clothes, but he had some decency not to charge them for everything, Harry didn't mind, he still had more than enough money left in his pouch.

It was now 4:10pm and they were just pushing there way through the crowd at the Leaky Cauldron when Harry told Hermione to go onto the apparating room and wait for him. He then made his way over to the bar and looked for Tom, the innkeeper. The said man saw Harry and quickly moved to serve him. Harry greeted him as he came.

'Good evening Tom.'

'Mr Potter, it's nice to see you on a more pleasant occasion. Sorry about this morning, I tried to get them to calm down, but there was no hope. Now what can I do for you.'

'Think nothing of it. I was wondering if you could supply me with two of the finest bottles of red wine that you posses and don't worry about the cost.' He smiled as Tom rushed down into his cellars. A few minutes later the old bartender came back up carrying two dusty looking bottles. He placed them down in front of Harry and began cleaning the dust off with a rag.

'Jeez Tom, how old are these?' Harry said inspecting the engravings on the bottle.

'Oh, I'm not sure,' Tom said airily, knowing how old the bottles were. 'They've apparently been down in the cellar since the opening off this pub.' Harry who thought that the pub had only been open 200 years tried to decline the two bottles.

'I can't take these Tom, I meant your finest but I didn't exactly mean your most priceless.'

'It's alright Mr Potter, they're only down there gathering dust and I want you to have them.' Tom said kindly. The pub owner had always been nice to him so Harry decided not to argue, he pulled out his money bag and before Tom could argue, placed his whole money bag on the counter, he then enlarged it to its normal size and whispered to Tom.

'I know what your going to say but don't bother. Hire some staff, take a holiday, fix this place up a bit even, just please, take the money. The people of Diagon Alley need it more than I do.' He then turned away from the speechless innkeeper and was lost in the crowd before the old man could utter and word of thanks.

Tom then looked down at the huge bag and guessed that it probably held over 10,000 Galleons. The owner of the Leaky Cauldron then wiped away a tear before shouting to the crowd.

'Drinks on the house.' And what the people of Diagon Alley drank that night didn't even make a dent in Harry's generosity. Tom toasted Harry near midnight and the call went up as the drunken Alley-men and women raised their glasses to their Hero.

'Harry Potter.'

Harry came through the doorway to the apparating room to see Hermione waiting patiently for him.

'What were you up to Mr Potter?' She asked innocently as she saw the two bottles.

'Just a little "Please don't hate me for loving your daughter" present for your parents.' Hermione laughed at him and then called for her staff, then pulled Harry to her and apparated the two of them to the front yard of her house. When Harry opened his eyes, his peripheral vision took in his new surroundings instantly. He gasped through their kiss as he realised that he was standing in front of Hermione's house. He pulled back and looked up at the Granger home. It was white two storey house like all the other houses on the street, but had two differences to the others. First the window shutters were blue, giving the house an almost Greek look. And second, was Harry's ice sculpture of his Animagus forms that was sparkling in the dying sunlight. Hermione saw this and screamed delightedly. She ran over to the ice piece and then looked back at Harry happily.

'Oh Harry, it's incredible.' Harry moved over to join her just as she was patting the Otters head.

'So, you like?' He asked and was rewarded with a lip smacking kiss. They continued kissing for a bit on the front lawn of the Granger residence when the two lovers were interrupted by a sudden noise that came from beside them. Harry lifted his head away from Hermione's with a goofy smile on his face as he looked at their audience but his face quickly changed to one of fear when he saw that the two people next to him were noticeably Hermione's parents. He heard Hermione gasp as she two saw that they had visitors.

'Mum, Dad, what are you doing here?' She yelped breaking the deafening silence. The large man with his arms crossed and had a scowl on his face, who Harry guessed was Hermione's father answered.

'Well dear, your mother and I were just cleaning up the house a bit when we heard a scream out in the front yard. We both came out to see what the noise was when we saw you kissing… him.' Mr Granger said giving a withering look to Harry.

'Oh Phil, hush.' Mrs Granger snapped, she then turned to Harry and her daughter with a kind smile. She walked up to Harry with an extended hand.

'Hi, I'm Barbara Granger and that great oaf over there is my husband Phil.' Harry shook her hand and smiled, liking her already. When Mrs Granger had finished trading pleasantries with Harry she then moved over to her daughter and gave her a huge hug.

'You've grown dear, I think you have some explaining to do… but that can wait till I've seen this ring.' She then grabbed Hermione's hand and led her in to the house, sending an apologetic look over her shoulder before entering the house, Harry watched sullenly as Hermione left him with her father.

'So you're Harry Potter.' Phil Granger stated plainly. Harry looked at the man and saw that he had the same brown eyes as his daughter, except that these eyes didn't look friendly.

'Yes sir.' Harry said respectfully. Phil Granger didn't look impressed, he stared at Harry for what he thought was hours till the older man turned and walked back into the house without a backward glance at Harry.

Harry stood out on the Granger home next to his ice monument with his two bottles of red wine in his hands having absolutely no idea what to do. Many plans started passing through his mind like flashes. The first one showed him dropping the bottles and running back down the street, screaming in terror. His second vision showed him dropping the bottles and apparating back to Hogwarts to hide in their rooms. His third and final vision, which was the one he liked the most, was him opening the bottles and drinking the fine wine by himself, eventually becoming so drunk that he passed out whilst sitting atop his Unicorn animagus statue.

He shook his head to dismiss the images just as he heard his name being called.

'Harry, are you going to come in dear?' Mrs Granger's voice said from the front door. He took out a deep breath and then blew it out slowly then walked over to the woman of the house. He walked through the front door and immediately his feet hit wooden floor boarding.

'I brought these to have with dinner, I hope you and Mr Granger like red wine?' He said as he thrust the bottles nervously in front of him to Barbara who had just closed the door. She looked surprised at first then accepted the bottles graciously.

'How lovely, Hermione said you were quite the charmer.' She brushed past him and whispered. 'Don't worry about Phil, he'll come around. Why don't you follow me, were all waiting for you in the sitting room for you?' Harry then followed her past the staircase into an ornately furnished lounge room. When he past through the archway his mouth gaped open. Hanging from the ceiling was one of the biggest crystal chandeliers he had ever seen. Of course he had to admit that he hadn't seen many chandeliers before, but still, the thing was huge. He felt his arm being dragged away and then being shoved down into a seat, the hand that had dragged him had now slipped into his own, all the while he was still looking at sparkling crystals that were winking at him.

'Probably never seen something so pricey before.' Phil Granger grumbled before receiving a smack on the back of his head from his wife and a loud, 'DAD', from his daughter. It was the last gesture that brought Harry back to the land of the living.

'That's beautiful. Where did you get it?' Harry heard Hermione's father snort and this time mumble.

'What, like you can afford it.'

'Phil, if you don't shut up now you'll be finding yourself with no food for a week.' Barbara Granger told her husband fiercely. Hermione was scowling at her father and Harry could also see the telltale signs of tears wanting to show themselves. It was this sight that made him make a stand.

'Why don't you like me Mr Granger?' There, he had said it, now for the reaction. The man looked stumped before his face grew red like Uncle Vernon's use to.

'I'll tell you why.' Hermione and her mum tried to stop him but Harry held up his hand to let him continue.

'How could you have come back after breaking my daughter heart two years ago? Did you think that she would fall at your feet, like everyone else in your world? Two years. Two years she was depressed, did you know that? She would come home from school and lock herself in her room thanks to you, only coming out to eat and go to stay with that bunch of red heads. Meanwhile you were god knows where, having the time of your li-.' Harry had enough, he stood up angrily and silenced the steamed up man with his burning eyes.

'Stop right there Mr Granger,' Even when he was angry Harry still kept to formalities. 'I was not having the time of my life when I was away, everyday was as painful as the next to be away from my friends. I'm not sure how much Hermione has told you about me and where I was, but I can tell you that whilst I was away I was training almost every day to become what I am and what I was destined to do.'

'What's that then, breaking my daughters heart again? You didn't even write to her and now you come back telling the poor girl you love her and tell her you want to marry her. What game are you playing at? You only just get back and 22 days later I'm getting a letter telling me that she is engaged. And what's more, the last I knew she was seeing that tall gangly bugger. What did you do to him?' Despite being scared a little at seeing Harry's eyes, Phil Granger didn't back down.

'You're wrong sir. I would never hurt Hermione, ever. Your right though, I could of wrote her, I wanted to write her everyday but I couldn't.' Harry said lowering his head. 'But I can tell you one thing, I do love her, it just took me two years from being away from her to realise it. She was a person who was by my side my whole time at Hogwarts, now I want her to be by my side for the rest of my life. I know I should have asked you first, but I didn't realise it meant so much to you.' Harry looked up again into the eyes of Hermione's father, this time his own eyes were burning with passion and not anger.

'I'm asking you know though. Mr Granger, can I have your daughters hand in marriage?' He stood as straight as a fence post wondering if his answer would be one he wanted.

'You'll protect her wont you?' Phil Granger's voice asked roughly.

'With my life, sir.' Harry said slowly and honestly. He then waited with the Granger women for the verdict. It came.

'I'll give you her hand on one condition.' He gave pause for dramatics and said. 'Promise to keep those red headed twins away from my house, last time they were here they turned my poor Coco's hair yellow. Well are we agreed?' The man said, finally sporting a smile. Harry also grinned, relief and, well, relief flooding through his veins as he shook his future father-in-laws hand firmly, both Hermione and her mother watched the scene, hugging each other happily.

'Just one question?' Harry said, interrupting the family moment.

'Yes?' Mr Granger prompted.

'What's a Coco?'

Harry was sitting down eating a scrumptious roast with his new family, Coco, the red Chow Chow, at his feet begging for food when the topic of the wine came up.

'Harry this wine is delicious, where did you get it?' Mrs Granger or Barbara as she kept telling Harry to call her, asked as she sipped from her glass.

'At Diagon Alley, Tom the innkeeper told me that these two bottles had been down in the cellar since the pub was first opened and gave them to me for helping him out.'

'SSSSSPPPPPPPHHHHH,' Hermione had just spitted out the sip of wine she had been taken and turned to face Harry.

'WHAT?' Harry jumped out of his chair and settled himself before answering.

'I said that they had been there since the beginning of the pub.' Hermione started banging her head on the top of the table but had to stop when her mother tried and clean the red wine marks off her white tablecloth, seeing the little it was doing she waved her hand and cleared the mess up for her stunned mother.

'You just performed magic.' Barbara whispered fearfully.

'Don't worry. I'll explain later mum.' She then turned to her dolt. 'Harry. Do you know when The Leaky Cauldron was first opened?' Hermione said slowly and deliberately as if speaking to a slow child.

'Uhh, about 200 years ago I think.' Harry said cautiously. He didn't like they way Hermione was reacting to this information since she had started banging her head on the table again. He tentatively reached over with one arm and started rubbing her back.

'I've done something wrong haven't I?' He gulped audibly as Hermione nodded. She stopped and looked up.

'Harry, The Leaky Cauldron dates back to the time of Jesus and his 12 disciples.'

'WHAT?' Harry jumped again, this time it was Phil's voice that had made him do so. When he was settled again he looked at the remaining bottle which still had half of the old liquid left in it. When his gaze lifted up he and saw that the rest of the Grangers were doing the same thing.

'I'm sorry.' Harry said sadly.

'What for Harry? It's not your fault you didn't know how old the bottles were? I'm sure it's only known by people who read too many books anyway.' Barbara said kindly, ignoring the mock glare her daughter sent her.

'I just hope you gave poor old Tom some money.' Hermione said gently. Harry nodded eagerly finally glad that he had done something right.

'Oh, that was nice. How much did you give him?' She wasn't normally an inquisitive person Hermione's mum, but she wondered how much money this boy could have. All Hermione had told them before was that the boy was an orphan who had to live with rotten relatives. She also remembered the time in the kids second year and she saw Harry wearing dirty old rags. So it came as quite a shock to her when Harry answered her.

'10,000 Galleons ma'am.'

'WHAT?' She shrieked loudly making Harry jumped for a third time that night.

'Do you think I should have given him more? I'll get some more money next time I go to Gringotts.' Harry said fretfully, he was also thinking why the Grangers kept yelling at him.

'No that's not it, its just, well, what are you doing with so much money Harry?' Mrs Granger asked nervously.

'Oh I didn't steal it if that's what you're thinking, my parents left me heaps of money. But that's only in my vault, I'm not sure how much is in the Potter family vault but I'm pretty sure there's a lot there to support Hermione and me for a very long time.' During Harry's explanation Hermione had put her hand in both of his, smiling as she heard his sincerity about supporting her. Meanwhile Hermione's parents were shaken to hear that Harry had so much money, and talking about it so candidly, there was not a bragging tone in his voice. So stunned were they that they didn't even notice that they were spilling there drinks on the table. They only broke out of their daze when they heard their daughter shouting at the.

'Honestly, I should put you two in a home.' She said cheekily and waved her hand, clearing the mess.

'Ahhh, Hermione what are you doing? What about the ministry?'

'Mum, I told you before not to worry.'

'Why?' Hermione looked at Harry, looking for permission, Harry nodded happily, urging her on with a smile.

'Okay, now don't interrupt.' Hermione said whilst taking a few breaths before composing herself. 'Remember how Harry said he was training for the last two years, yes I think its best if I start there. Two years ago, Merlin came to Harry at Privet Drive. I said don't interrupt. Where was I? Yes, so Merlin came to Harry and told him that he belonged to an ancient magic race called the Elementals. Harry was a little dubious but chose to go with him, which was just as well since Death Eaters attacked his home not minutes after he left. Harry then went to Australia to a place called Ayers Rock where it is said that was where the Elementals spent most of their time. It was also there that he made his powerful staff which had a focus stone that had only been created three times before him. He also became the first Elemental to have more than one control over one Element and have more than one Guardian an Animagus form. So finding out that he had the making to control: Earth, Air, Water and Fire, Harry began his journey to become an Elemental. I'll fast forward a bit so we're not here all night. He studied the Earth Element at Australia, then went to Mount Everest to learn about the Air. From there he moved to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean to be taught about Water and finally stayed at a volcanic island to be trained in the Element of Fire. Harry's training took him two years to complete, it was tough on him and for it he has become a stronger person.' She trailed and looked at Harry with bright eyes, and only blinked when she heard her father coughing. She flattened down the front of her jumper and continued like nothing happened.

'Well, Harry came back to Hogwarts and gave everyone apology presents. I got a rose, Ron got a broom that Harry made, Ginny got a wolf cub who had lost its mother and professor Dumbledore got a hundred pairs of woolly socks.'

'What kind of rose?' Barbara said quickly. Harry waved his hand and a smoky mist came forth and then formed itself into one of Harry Potter's famous masterpieces. Mrs Granger plucked it from the air and smiled at Harry warmly.

'Yes, one like that except mine was made of ice.' Hermione said also smiling at the gift. 'Harry then found out about Sirius and captured his first prisoners. It was the next morning that Harry found out about me and Ron, well after that he avoided us for a while until we cornered him and made him face us. I could see the hurt and love in his eyes every time he looked at me but I was to slow to do anything about it. It was Ron who finally made the move that made everyone Happy when he broke up with me before the dance. He found his true feelings for Crystal and also that night that we confessed our feelings for each other and Harry gave me this ring.' She said pointing to her smoky ring. 'It's this that brings me to the main part of the story. With this ring Harry said that I could speak with animals of the Air Element, and eventually use Air elemental powers. It was only this week that Harry decided to speed up my training by copying his powers into my ring. After I went through the transformation I had control over the Air, I just needed one more thing. Hope.' She called for her staff and watched as her parents got looks of pride on their faces. 'When an Elemental gets his/her staff they go through an Elemental change, which explains my new body to you. It had to change so it could funnel all of my new powers. The only thing left I had to do to get my tattoo was to transform into my animagus form, which I did and here I am, a full Air Elemental in the flesh, which after all that explains why I can use magic now.' Hermione then fell back into her chair and started fanning herself with her hand, making little puffs of air shoot out at her. Her parents looked at the two of them proudly.

'Can you turn into your animagus form for us, and maybe show us your Guardian dear?' Phil Granger asked excitedly. Hermione nodded, laid her staff on the table and transformed into her owl form. She hopped over to her parents who patted her then changed back.

'Marvellous, now your guardian.'

'I'm sorry dad, I don't really know her well enough to call her out yet, but I can tell you that she is a Pegasus and her name is Zara and she is all white. Harry, why don't you show them your staff and your forms?'

'Yeah alright.' He then called for 'Mione' a name that his in-laws smiled at, then laid it on the table next to Hermione's. He then got up and found a clear space before turning into his Otter form, next changing into his Silver Eagle form, after that he chose to show them his White Wolf form, he decided to chase Coco around the table around the table a few times before finally turning into his Black Unicorn form, standing tall and proud before changing back to his normal self. He ducked his head as he walked back to the table, blushing at the standing ovation that he was receiving.

'You really are something Harry. Now what about your guardians.' Phil Granger was a dentist and therefore could tell when a person tensed up and as soon as he mentioned Guardian he saw Harry turn to stone. He then saw his daughter rub the boys back relaxingly.

'Harry lost his water guardian this week. He was fighting four Death Eaters when the killing curse was shot at his back. Harry was to hurt to move so Lockyer, who was a Dolphin, intercepted the curse whilst his other guardians Blaze, his a phoenix and Tallis, whose a Lion, disarmed the man who killed Locky. His other guardian, Taipan, was to big to help so stayed in the staff.' Hermione informed her parents softly.

'I'm sorry Harry, I shouldn't have asked.' Phil apologized.

'It's not your fault sir, how were you meant to know?' Harry then quieted before looking up slowly. 'I could take you to them.'

Harry and the Grangers arrived in his staff after Blaze had come and collected them. Harry introduced his guardians to Phil and Barbara, who were more than a little nervous when they saw Tallis and especially Taipan, but relaxed when they saw that nothing was going to happen to them. Harry then led them over to Locky's grave, silently Hermione slipped her hand in Harry's offering as much support as she could. They spent about 15 minutes at the grave. Harry told many stories of his friend, telling the Grangers how full of life and happy Locky always was. He was about to get Blaze to take them back when he saw a spot in his guardians world that was darker than the night around them.

What's that over there Taipan? He asked his wisest guardian.

I'm not sure Harry, but it is the same when the sun shines bright. It's a shadow that is getting bigger each passing day. Taipan rumbled softly. Harry took one last look at the shadows before getting Blaze to escort them back.

'Thank you both for coming tonight, hopefully we can do this again sometime, if not we'll just see you at Christmas. Goodbye Harry, it was a pleasure to meet you.' Mrs Granger said brightly, giving Harry a hug and moving on to Hermione. He was sure he heard her whispering to Hermione, "Don't lose him", before he was grabbed in a rough one arm hug by Hermione's dad.

'I was wrong about you lad, I'm glad my daughter found someone like you. I don't what I would have done if she had married that Ron, character, that mother sent me up the wall. Ow, sorry darling.' He said as he got smacked on his arm by his wife that was finished hugging her daughter.

'Thank you once again for dinner Mrs Granger it was absolutely delicious and thank you Mr Granger for letting me marry your daughter, you've mad me a very happy man.' He shook there hands one last time and then left with Hermione back to Hogwarts.

'That went well don't you think?' Harry said as he appeared with Hermione by his side in their bedroom. He took out all Hermione's purchases from today and placed the on the dresser. He then went into the bathroom to clean his teeth, he then came back out and started repeating his question when he saw Hermione already under the covers, a sultry look on her face, calling with one finger for Harry to come into bed with her. Harry stripped to his togs as quick as a flash and rushed to open the covers that would lead to his heaven. When he lifted the covers he stopped and stared. Hermione was wearing one of her old silky night dresses, it was white and due to her new height rode way up her thighs, exposing a fair amount of skin. Harry moved into the covers and Hermione shuffled closer to him, eventually moving so she was lying right on top of him. Harry wrapped her arms around her and rubbed her back, up and down till he gently glided his hands lower and left them placed on her perfect toush. Hermione smiled and leaned down to kiss him fervently. When she pulled back she whispered into Harry's ear.

'I can't wait till our wedding night… it is going to be so fun.' She then rolled off Harry and cuddled against him, leaving her man with a dry mouth and a very pulsing heart.

'M-Me neither.'

Flyin Eagle