Chapter 9: Phoenix Pandemonium

The sky grew darker, signaling the night had finally fallen. The lights in the castle were out, and it was silent. Hermione listened to the sounds of the waves hitting the shore. The light breaths that caressed her face calmed her senses. Harry lay beside her, completely naked without a care in the world. If someone said she would be lying on a beach married and naked to her best friend, she would have suggest St. Mungo's immediately. She would have damn right hexed you if you suggested in another realm.

Fate wouldn't have it any other way. She was entangled with the Boy-Who-Lived. He was a boy turned man within a day. She wondered what her mum would say when they returned to the vault, married and royalty.

Royalty. She didn't consider herself a queen. Hell, she didn't consider herself anything special at all. Harry always had an air of strength. People trusted him, including herself. She was simply the bookworm. But, love was real. Who knew the Wizarding world was so sentimental?

None of that mattered though. All that mattered was this. She looked over to make sure he slept on peacefully. She wished they would never have to return to the mortal realm. She never wanted to lose him. The chance of him…them…not surviving was high. Then again, she never really would lose him. They would just come back up here in hopes that their little ones, when they came along, would find soul mates.

That was another topic to be discussed in the future. She was only sixteen! She hoped, as bad as it was to think, the war was prolonged. She wanted to be able to raise children without worrying about dying. Her morose thoughts were interrupted, when a blanket materialized out of thin air and onto her bare body.

"It's a bit cold," a hoarse voice said beside her. Hermione look at Harry and snuggled closer to him. "What's wrong?" he asked concerned.

"Just thinking," she replied. She kissed his chest tenderly, as he stretched out.

"You're always thinking. I felt sad in the midst of a great dream. Do tell," he said encouragingly.

"Sorry-"

"Nonsense. Come on. We're married. We're a team, although usually the players aren't madly in love with each other." She laughed and kissed his lips.

"I was just thinking about the future, and how I want the war to keep going."

"What? Why?" He asked abruptly.

"So we can have kids of course," she automatically answered. She watched his Adam's apple bob, as he swallowed roughly.

"I didn't know you were that eager," he teased. She huffed and rolled onto her side. He came up behind her and moved her curls away. "Just kidding. We're going to have to wait until at least the end of sixth year my darling. I want to be at least seventeen or so."

"I know. We can always stay up here for the duration in order to speed up the time." He kissed her neck and nodded.

"I knew you were brilliant. No worries," he said contently. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes a bit," she grinned. He stood up and stretched, the sun shining brightly against his skin. "Now you're an exhibitionist?" He laughed loudly and conjured clothes.

"Only if you'd like Love. I've got nothing to hide."

"So I noticed," she replied dryly. She stood with the blanket wrapped around her body. He opened his arms in which she stepped into. He hugged her tightly, resting his head atop her head.

"Are you sore?" He asked quietly. She shrugged and wrapped her arms tighter around his waist.

"You took most of it," she countered. "Thank you."

"You're most welcome. I say we get you some clothes, apparate back to our reserved master bedroom, and get some pancakes. Sounds good?"

"Sounds exceptional," she thought of a pair of loose shorts, a tank top, and some undergarments. Suddenly she felt them materialize onto her body. "That works." Harry smirked and kissed her before closing his eyes. Within a second, they reappeared into a huge master bedroom overlooking the gardens. An enormous king size bed filled the room along with dressers and a lounging area.

The comforter was a deep red that poured over the sides of the bed. A golden lion was stitched at the center. Hermione rolled her eyes at her new family's pride. Harry pointed to the bed, directing her to go relax. She climbed in and nearly fell asleep in the comfortable bed. Harry called a house elf and ordered them breakfast. The house elf disappeared silently, leaving the young couple alone.

"I wonder if they missed us at the party," he said absentmindedly. His raven hair was sprawled out beneath him onto the plush pillow. His emerald eyes sparkled thoughtfully.

"Maybe they all got drunk." He laughed and rolled over. "I'm sure Sirius did. Crazy old man."

"Your Highness, breakfast is ready." Harry sat up as the elf entered with a tray of food.

"Thanks. Can we have it here please?" The elf's eyes widened surprised.

"Of course, sir. You needn't ask."

"Thanks. You may go," Harry said staring at the food.

"Always a boy when it comes to your food, aren't you?" She asked smiling. He nodded in a "duh" way, and began cutting her food. His long fingers made him look elegant when cutting. His rough palms grasped the knife strongly. He moved the pieces accordingly to create a lopsided smiley face on her plate.

"Voila!" He exclaimed, before cutting his own. Hermione felt his eyes on her the whole time, as she ate her pancakes. She looked up and noticed he had already finished what was in front of him.

"Did you even taste them?" She asked. He shook his head as a large smirk formed upon his lips.

"No, I actually inhaled them. I realized I wanted something else instead."

"And that would be…" she began.

"You."

"Good Lord Harry! Again?" She questioned. He wiggled his brow suggestively. "They are all going to think we've died or something." He wasn't hearing any of it though. He slowly moved closer and closer, as she tried to back away. "Can't I at least go show my face as like a representative for both of us? Harry James Potter!" She shrieked as he grabbed hold of her sides and tickled her.

"Hermione Jane Potter!" he retorted huskily. He nuzzled her collarbone lovingly, as she half tried to escape. "Ten minutes. Tell them we're safe and that we'll be back eventually. Go," he said finally releasing her. It took her a moment or so to catch her breath before she was able to sit up. She jumped out of bed and walked into the adjoining bathroom to take a quick shower. With a few charms to dry her hair and a robe, she walked out to find Harry sleeping. She rolled her eyes before walking out of their bedroom.

The castle was hushed at this time of day. The sun was bright outside, and the day was beautiful. Perhaps she felt this way due to recent events. Her thoughts carried on as her eyes darted for a sign of life. Apparently Sirius was up, for he saw her down the hall.

"You're alive!" he cried dramatically. "And you're walking! It's quite funny to be speaking of matters in such a way, but oh well. How are things?" She looked up at the ex- convict and smiled.

"Its wonderful. Can you tell everyone were fine and we didn't disappear?"

"Sure. The party, or what I remember, was a hell of a time. I'm sure your activities were much more exciting."

"Are you quite done with the insinuations?" She asked. He laughed and continued walking.

"Have fun," was all he said as he exited.

Hermione spun around to return to her sleeping beauty only to find a house elf at her feet.

"Yes?" She greeted pleasantly. The house elf simply grabbed her hand and brought them back to the master bedroom.

"The King ask for your presence, saying it was an emergency. He is in the bathroom," the elf said politely. Hermione simply nodded and sprinted to the bathroom. Harry was standing in his boxers with a mirror reflecting into the one behind him. He stared intently at his back; his brows furrowed. Her eyes traveled to his back, before giving an enormous gasp.

On his back was an enormous tattoo of a phoenix. The tattoo took up three quarters of his back. Harry's strong shoulders were covered with its wings that started between his shoulder blades and spine. The tail of the phoenix ended five inches above his waistline. The phoenix's body was strong and perfectly aligned with his backbone. The head was turned to the left where its eyes stared at Hermione.

"I personally think it's bitchin," he remarked dryly. "I just want to know how it got there."

"Bitchin," she muttered. She ran her fingers over his back cautiously, and the phoenix song suddenly erupted throughout the room. A cool feeling erupted over her body, causing her to shiver. Harry dropped the mirror and held onto her arms, as she closed her eyes. The song went through her body both inside and out. She felt a tingling sensation on her left hip all the way up to her ribcage. She picked up her shirt and saw an identical phoenix imprinted itself where she felt the feeling. Harry's eyes bugged out, as he watched the image of the phoenix finished its mark. "Lovely."

"It suits you quite nice," her beloved commented. When he saw her face he rolled his eyes and brought her body to his. "Look at it this way Love. You got a free painless tattoo. And it's not like it's something vulgar or profane. It's quite the opposite. Cheer up." He kissed the top of her head lovingly. She peaked through his arms and looked into the mirror. It looked quite nice on her body. She was thankful it wasn't as big as Harry's.

"I think I'll manage," she mumbled. She heard his snicker join his heartbeat for a second before he quieted. "I heard that."

"Sorry," he said unapologetically. "Just couldn't resist." She looked up into his bright green eyes. "Oh no, not the look. I can't even go throw you on the bed and make passionate love to you. No, we have to go get showered and dressed and ask our relatives what the hell is going on. Have some sympathy," he huffed. It was her turn to laugh wildly into his chest.

"Just be happy we're not missing much of anything in the mortal realm. We'll go get our questions answered and then you can, as you put it oh so sweetly, throw me on the bed and make passionate love to me. First our questions," she said, breaking away from him.

"Way to make me not be anxious," he said sarcastically. "Now I'll be thinking about anything but the questions. Thanks." She changed her clothes into something more appropriate. Harry followed her actions and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

"Ready?" She asked soothingly. He nodded, his whole demeanor changing. He kissed her lips softly before they left their room.

The seas were calm, Hermione noted, as she walked with the king. She could feel his worry about their new tattoos. She tried her best to send comforting feelings to him. The corners of his mouth lifted up, although he did not turn to look at her.

"Where is everyone?" She asked. He peaked into a random room and found Godric sitting with Merlin. "How'd you know?" She whispered. He shrugged and winked.

"Good morning," both Godric and Merlin greeted with an inclination of their heads.

"Good morning," Harry replied. "We have quite a few questions that need answers. We were hoping you could answer them."

Merlin nodded thoughtfully and motioned for them to be seated. Hermione was grateful the couch was so damn comfortable. She was afraid she wouldn't be able to focus on their questions.

"Well, why do we have tattoos of phoenixes on our bodies?"

"Oh good!" Godric exclaimed jovially. "The phoenixes have an odd way of sending wedding presents. They always show their approval for the new king and queen by sending something. Your parents received amulets, which helped protect you Harry during the night of their murder. Their gifts are always the purest of all. They are also the strongest gift you could ever receive. No matter what specific gift, the king and queen are able to communicate with the phoenixes. Your tattoos are your gift. You will have to meet with them to find out their characteristics. Understood?" He asked gently. Well, Hermione thought as she nodded, one down an infinite amount to go.

"How long do we have before we have to go back to the mortal realm?"

"A week," Merlin answered. "The whole family including myself will be training you. Tonight I will unleash your powers fully. Now that your marriage is consummated, your soul bonds will become full. Each day will be an area of your power. One of the most important topics is the set up of the monarchy. That within itself is a grueling task; however, I have found a way to set it up with a simple charm once you reenter the mortal realm."

"Once we return back into the mortal realm, are we to marry?" Harry asked. Godric nodded.

"It will help strengthen you as well."

"Do these tattoos have something to do with the power he knows not?" Harry asked again. Merlin nodded.

"It is one of the many parts," he replied. The relatives talked for another half hour, until Godric suggested they enjoy the rest of their day. Harry and Hermione walked back to their room with eager strides.

The door slammed behind them, and before Hermione could react, her body was pressed firmly against the wall. Harry trapped her, as his lips descended on hers. She felt his erection crushed against her thighs. Their fingers entwined over her head, while he pressed his chest against hers. She could feel his enormous love and passion pour through their link, triggering a moan from deep within her. Her knees felt like they would buckle, and she soon thought she would fall until he scooped her up into his arms. Even though his tongue swept its way around hers, he carried her gingerly to the bed. Harry cradled her head lovingly until it landed softly on top of the many pillows. His eyes fluttered shut slightly, while his clothes disappeared softly from his body.

"I do believe, my Dearest Queen, you are overdressed," he growled. He shut his eyes once more, and she felt her clothes disappear with a whirl of cool air. Hermione felt a tingling sensation from her tattoo. Apparently, he had felt the same for his movements had stopped entirely. "That feels delightful," he commented. She nodded distractedly and wrapped her arms around her amour's back, pulling him closer to her body.

"I need to feel you, my love," she whispered. He shuddered as a blazing fire lit deep in their souls. His lips moved from her forehead down to her neck. He suddenly thrusted himself inside of her, causing her to gasp passionately. His jaw relaxed, as he touched every inch of her body. Suddenly, there was a glowing light between the two lovers. Harry stopped without much of a choice and watched. The phoenix from his back and the phoenix on her hip started to fly around their bodies before meeting at the center. They flew off of their skin and into the other phoenix. The lights collided and a bright radiance engulfed their bodies. Harry's emerald eyes looked on fire.

"Don't stop," she urged. She was curious; true, but right now she wanted nothing more than to hit a high with the king. He smirked at her, his hair falling over his eyes. Harry kissed her lips softly, as he began to pump faster and faster into her. She scraped his shoulder blades, as she felt the tightening in her stomach increase. She cried out in ecstasy as a tidal wave of pleasure hit her. His labored breathing brushed against her cheek, as he searched for his own climax. She matched his thrusts of love and watched his eyes screw up in concentration. Suddenly another wave hit her, causing her legs to wrap around his hips tightly and her back to arch wildly.

"Hermione!" He cried out against her collarbone. She felt him burst inside of her. She muttered a contraceptive, while he slowly came down. He planted tender kissed between the valley of her breasts, as the glow from their bodies slowly faded. Hermione stroked his hair lovingly, until he finally rolled off of her.

"Mmm," he muttered. His arms wrapped around her body and over her now settled phoenix. She faced his body and wrapped her arms around his own bird. "Have I told you how much I love you today?" he asked as she kissed his light stubble.

"Maybe," she replied confused.

"Well I should be damned if I don't. I love you so much," he whispered softly. She kissed his lips tenderly.

"I love you more," she replied. He smiled lazily.

"I wished Voldemort was never born," he said sadly.

"Then we wouldn't be in this beautiful place now. We'd be getting ready to go back to school," she reminded him. He nodded his head.

"I just wish I could spend my life like this. So peaceful…perfect."

"One day my love. For now, we have to just stick with each other, our family, and our instincts. The mortal realm has slowly become unreliable. We'll just have to make do," Hermione said.

"At least we have each other," he commented.

He began to play with her curls, as they lie silently. Peace washed over them, and slowly but surely, the beating of their hearts lulled Harry to sleep. Hermione knew, as her eyes fluttered shut; the calm was just before the storm.