Title: Harry Potter and the Demise of an Enemy
Genre: Romance/Action/Adventure
Summary: Harry begins's his sixth year at Hogwarts… a bit differently, this is my take on Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Harry awoke early, today was his birthday… he usually hated that day because there was no one to share it with but today Hermione was here. He smiled over at the other bed to find her sleeping soundly with her dark hair spread around her head like a halo.
"HARRY," Vernon called awaking her; she blushed slightly when she found him watching her but quickly left the room for the bathroom.
"Yes Uncle Vernon," Harry said smiling at the two dogs that yipped and jumped around his legs.
"Breakfast," the man said as though it was obvious. Harry went about the task humming softly; he heard soft padding on the stairs and smiled knowing that Hermione had come to join him.
"Hi Harry," she said, she gave him her usual peck on the cheek, her usual hug, she gave her usual greeting… had she… the thought was too terrible to bear… had she forgotten his birthday. Harry snuck glances at her the entire breakfast and day; looking for some sign she realized that he had just turned sixteen. The best she gave him was, "Good eggs Harry."
Needless to say Harry Potter was in a right foul mood when she retired early from the kitchen leaving him to clean up. He trooped up to his room intent on giving her a good talking to; he couldn't help but stop short when he entered. A large banner was strung across the two beds HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY was written in large block letters. Streamers hung from the ceiling and Hermione stood in the middle of it all.
"I couldn't get anyone to come, the protections and all but I figured a party with just two people was better than nothing," she handed him a small box with a smile.
Harry fingered the small necklace that had been in the box, it was a simple chain that held a small green stone in the shape of a lightning bolt at the end of it. He looked over to Hermione and had to work exceptionally hard to keep from laughing. She was curled up against the window with the two dogs on top of her.
"Harry, guess what there was no head boy or girl," Ron said re entering the room. Hermione had fallen asleep the second they had arrived on the train and Ron had agreed to go to the meeting in order to allow her sleep.
"What?" Harry asked surprised.
"Yah, Dumbledore came in and said that they had gone to another school, turns out he'll be announcing them at the feast before the sorting," Ron said taking the seat next to Harry and propping his feet up by Hermione's.
"So why aren't you patrolling?" Harry asked surprised.
"Well Dumbledore figures that he and the teachers can patrol since we don't have a leader, wonder who it's gonna be?" Ron muttered softly.
"Welcome, welcome. I assume the grapevine has worked its magic and you are all now aware that we don't have head students," Dumbledore said clapping his hands for silence. "For those of you who have decided not to become leaves on the lovely vine of our school, our chosen head boy and girl have transferred to other schools, fortunately the teachers voted and came to an almost unanimous decision. Our new Head students are Harry Potter and Hermione Granger," Albus said among delighted cheers from every table but that of the Slythirin's.
"But sir it's unheard of," Hermione said much to the surprise of the entire room.
"Well, of all those I expected to protest you where the last," Dumbledore said his eyes momentarily flashing to the Slythirin table. "Mrs. Granger, despite your age most of us believe that you and Mr. Potter have deserved this honor, you will leave with me at the end of the feast to see your quarters." Hermione wordlessly sat down again putting her head in her hands and for the first time in Hogwarts history, not listening to a word Minerva McGoggnigall said.
Harry practically dragged Hermione into the room after him and his mouth opened in shock. He stood in a common room about three quarters of the size of the Gryffindor one with plush couches and squishy chairs. The center of the floor instead of holding a table like the common room at school held a large Gryffindor lion standing proudly on its hind legs. There was a large sliding mahogany door that led into a conference room like table with two desks about five feet to either side of it for studying. Harry pushed open the next door into a room half the size of their personal common room and found another Gryffindor lion carpet separating two four poster beds the hangings Gryffindor red and the sheets the trademark golden silk.
"Good lord," Hermione exclaimed from another room. Harry moved swiftly missing the smile on Dumbledore's face as he watched the looks of amazement both students sported. Harry walked passed a large kitchen and dining room and into a library that held every book the school library held as well.
"As head boy and girl tutoring will be part of your jobs, students who fall behind may come to your common room and study to work or enjoy themselves. The books are all exact duplicates of those in the library," Dumbledore said watching the girl run her fingers over the spines of the books with nothing short of wonder.
"Mione, check this out," Harry called from a room off the library. He had opened the door expecting to find more books but instead entered a large room much like the one he had used for Dumbledore's Army. The room was filled to the brim with cushions more books only on defense and sword racks.
"I believed you and Mr. Weasley might find a certain use for this room," Dumbledore said smiling at Harry and Hermione.
"Great Merlin," Harry whispered moving farther into the room.
"Now if I'm not mistaken Ms. Granger you ate almost nothing today, if you wish you can prepare something of a snack in the kitchen," Dumbledore smiled, "But unfortunately I must retire."
"Professor," Hermione said moving swiftly to him.
"Yes Ms Granger," Dumbledore said smiling.
"Thank you," she responded wrapping her arms around the astonished headmaster's waist. After a moments hesitation he held her tightly as well mixed emotions flitting across his face, Harry watched him surprised as he gave her a broad smile and walked away.
Harry chuckled and Hermione took that opportunity to cuff him upside the head "Honestly woman, you should be aware of your strength" he admonished her smiling. Harry stopped short for a moment as she walked off, for a moment…
No, it's impossible,
How do you know?
Well for one Sirius is dead,
Well I didn't say she was her I just commented that when she smiles she looks a lot like him and that when she smiles she is rather beautiful but you already knew that didn't you, you dolt
"Shut up will you," Harry glowered at the voices in his head.
"Harry are you alright?" Hermione asked concerned.
"Fine," Harry said his eyes looking up trying to see his forehead in order to tell his inner voice face to face to shut up.
"Do you know what fine stands for?" Hermione said standing in front of him feigning anger.
"Well I bet your going to tell me," Harry responded pretending to be angry.
"Freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional, what's bothering you?" she asked putting a hand to his cheek.
"I guess I'm just tired," Harry lied quickly, he could see in her eyes that she didn't believe him but she nodded anyway.
"I'm going to make myself some supper, why don't you go to bed?" she suggested smirking.
"Alright, we should have everyone in here tomorrow to show them around," Harry said waving a hand around the extensive common room.
"Alright," Hermione agreed smiling.
"Hello Master," a small voice said after a crack. Harry jumped and looked down surprised to see Doby before him.
"Doby, what's going on?" Harry asked watching another house elf, one he did not recognize bow to Hermione.
"Head boy and girl receive their own personal house elves, a secret can not be told we journey with you after school," Doby said excitedly.
"No, I can't," Hermione said, Harry knew that her elf had just explained the same detail.
"Mistress is not pleased with Charlie," the house elf, much smaller than Doby began slowly beating her head against a wall.
"No, no please don't," Hermione said pulling the elf away from the wall.
"Mistress will keep me, please don't give Charlie clothes, Charlie does not want clothes," the elf cried, Hermione embraced the creature and looked hopelessly at Harry.
"I'll keep you, Charlie did you say, I'll keep you," Hermione said giving up on her S.P.E.W ideals for a moment.
"Doby and Charlie will get Master Harry and his Hermy's furry friends," Doby bowed quickly and both he and Charlie disappeared with a loud crack each.
"Great Merlin," Hermione moaned collapsing on the couch.
"Hermione it's fine, you can treat her any way you want… you're her master now any abuse she may have suffered you can change," Harry said allowing a smile to grace his lips.
"I know your laughing," Hermione weakly protested.
"Well you must admit its bloody funny," Harry said bursting into laughter. Hermione watched him fall off the couch still laughing loudly. Harry stopped abruptly when he cracked his head against a table causing Hermione to crack up at his bewildered expression.
"Oh you think that's funny do you," Harry said feigning anger.
"Yup," Hermione agreed still hysterical. Harry glared at her and his found purchase on her sides where he tickled her mercilessly. Hermione grinned and attacked his sides leaving them rolling on the floor in a furious tickling match. They separated out of breath and two fur balls jumped on top of them yipping happily. Moony, Harry realized had a small letter attached to his collar, noticing it as well Hermione pulled the thick parchment from the dog's collar.
Hermione and Harry,
I attached this to Moony believing correctly if you are reading this note she would be the first of your friends to jump upon you.
Both Harry and Hermione had a chuckle upon that note and Hermione petted her small dog who was still sitting now curled up on her stomach.
The dogs with much deliberation have been allowed to accompany you to classes and wherever you may go (With the obvious exception of Quidditch Mr. Potter of which your ban has been lifted). They will of course move around the room and explore but if you leave a room their obvious loyalty to the pair of you will keep them in the same general vicinity. I have taken the liberty of making the password to your rooms "Moony Padfoot and Prongs" in honor of your dog's and dearly departed grandfather. Since (Due to our last meeting) I am hesitant to meet with Mr. Potter in my office,
Hermione spared a chuckle at that little note while Harry glared at it envisioning Dumbledore's enjoyment as he read it.
I would request your presence in the headmistress's office (I feel much safer risking her belongings) at six o'clock tomorrow morning. New information about you Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger has come to light upon the receiving of the will of one Sirius Black. Your friends Mr.'s Ronald Weasley, Nevel Longbottom, and Ms's Generva Weasley, Luna Lovegood, and Professor Nymphoranda Tonks (Do burn this letter before she has occasion to read it, I do value certain… shall we say extremities). Have been given the password to your quarters and will arrive after lessons to visit and discuss some of what you both will learn in the morning.
Your friend (Very attached to the way all body parts function thank you very much)
Albus Dumbledore
"I say we give it to Tonks," Harry said decisively.