Chapter 39: Growing Up
"So, Hermione, what do you think the boys are up to without us women to boss them around?" Lily asked Hermione over a cup of tea.
"Harry I can trust, but James can get him into trouble, I just hope anything that would upset Harry has come up." Hermione said worridly. "Especially if he's meeting people new for the first time." She added. Lily nodded thinking of how her old friends react to her son's powers.
"They, my old mates, won't be too bad. They'll accept it, but will be very curious. No matter, Harry will be a little annoyed." Lily said sincerly.
"Then how is it 'no matter'?" Hermione pointed out with a laugh.
"You and I both know Harry will handle it. Although, I hope he doesn't act too rash." Lily's voice filled with concern as she spoke. "James can handle it though...yes, he can handle it. He'll keep Harry sane, or will drive him insane. Either way Harry shall be the same when he comes back, unless, that is, if Krystal and Abby make him even more nervous about getting Sirius and Remus back together with them. Oh, dear. I'm going to drive myself mental if I don't stop with all these 'what ifs'!" Lily exclaimed, she drained her tea and tipped it over on the saucer.
"You took divination?" Hermione asked, her voice slightly cold.
"Yes, I wasn't very good, but there were a few times I have seen things. It's an old habit of reading tea leaves though. I always found it fun to do during the summer, since I wasn't ever aloud to do magic. I would have my mother drink tea and I'd tell her what they would say...it was a way to involve them in magic. They liked it very much, my father too. Petunia liked it too, she enjoyed magic back then. That was before my parents died though. She blamed me for their death, the death eaters had been searching for James, Harry, and I at my parents house. It was the same with James's parents as well. James's parents weren't very old, but they didn't stand a chance against Voldemort. My parents, being muggles, of course had almost no chance at all." Lily began to tell Hermione a lot about herself. Hermione enjoyed it very much to be bonding with Lily so much. She had known Lily came from a muggle family, but somehow, most likely far back in her past, had come from a magic family. Everyone had found out she was related to Godric Gryffindor and her husband, who was a pureblood, related to Merlin himself.
"It's the same with my parents. They're muggles too, like yours, and so is my little sister, as far as we know of course. It's be nice to have another witch in the family." commented Hermione.
"Yes, there're very nice people, your parents. I don't believe they were too keen on letting you stay with us, considering we're both 19 years old. Well, your Dad wasn't too thrilled, but your mother didn't mind. She knew we were parents of Harry. Not to speak ill of your father though." Lily added.
"Don't worry, it took him a lot of time before he even agreed to let Harry and/or Ron stay with me alone, while they went off to a conference." Hermione explained.
"I suppose I'd be too." Lily giggled. "So, what's Harry doing for your birthday, do you know?" She added, very curious as to what her son was planning.
"You know as much as I do." Hermione laughed.
Harry sat at his desk writting a letter to Hermione about what he's been up to the past two days. He explained everything, including his talk with Sirius, and Sirius and Remus finding them there. As he was writing this James had come into his room and informed him he was sending a letter to Dumbledore about the two of them being absent from school the next day on personal business. Harry had asked where the great excuse in that was, James threatened to turn him into a rabbit. He had also mentioned they were going over Krystal and Abby's for breakfast. They would have to sneak out so Sirius and Remus wouldn't notice.
"Ready?" James asked as Harry was tying the letter to Hedwig's foot.
"Maybe, are you?" Harry replied with his smart alecness.
"Let's go." James said pulling Harry's sleeve.
"Fine." Harry muttered and apparated himself and his father to Abby and Krystal's flat. He knocked and waited for them to answer. A voice called within biding them entrance.
"Good morning." Said a voice as soon as they opened the door. It was Abby, she was sitting by the fire reading a book. Krystal had been coming down the hallway putting in her left earring.
"Good morning." She greeted seeing the two men had arrived. James and Harry waved in reply. The two women noted the look of worry upon the twosome's faces.
"What's wrong with you two?" Abby asked sweetly.
"Sirius and Remus knew we were home." Harry announced.
"Did you tell them?" Krystal asked hopefully.
"No, we figured it'd be best left for when we planned." James replied. "Believe me," He added when he saw the looks on the women's faces. "I want to tell them so badly, but it's not the smartest thing to do right now. We'll just have to wait until it's the oppertune moment." The two women nodded sadly, Harry sat next to Krystal, as James sat next to Abby, and both tried to comfort them.
"Look, Krystal, Sirius is my godfather and I know he'll be so happy to see you, but he's just getting over everything right now. People still look at him and see Sirius Black escaped convict from Azkaban. He's trying to improve himself in the eyes of everyone else. He was just telling me he was going to help Fred and George, Molly and Arthur's kids,-" Harry explained.
"Fred and George, awe, the two little trouble makers? They were so darling. They reminded me so much of Sirius and James. Oh! Sorry I interuppted..." Krystal said smiling at the memory.
"It's alright. Fred and George have a joke shop in Diagon Alley, Sirius said he may ask to have a job there. I'm suppose to actually write a letter to Fred and George and try to get them to offer a job to him, so that way Sirius will feel wanted. Even though, Fred and George had told me how wicked it would be to have one of the marauders as an employee. So Sirius needs to really get a firm stand on the ground before he's tipped of balance just a little." Harry explained in a strange analigee. (Sp?)
"Terrific, maybe Abby and I can put on desguises and see them. We won't talk to them or anything, but just to see them would be so nice." Krystal said fondly.
"We can arrange that, maybe. Oh, yes, we'll have to get you a de-aging potion. Sirius and Remus have one as well they've used. So they look and feel like 19 again, like my parents. You'll still remember everything that has happened since then, but it's nice to look younger and feel it as well. Don't you think?" Harry asked.
"Yes, of course!" Krystal practically shouted. Harry took out his wand and with a short wave two purple potions appeared. Their scent drove anyone's sweet tooth crazy, that's why it was very dangerous. It's taste was enough for anyone to want to drink more than a vial's worth. Harry handed one vial to Krystal and one to Abby.
"What are these, shooters?" Abby said with a giggle.
"No, it's a de-aging potion. It make you feel and look 19 years old." Harry explained. James had already told Abby about this. The two women touched glasses and said cheers. Harry and James watched Abby and Krystal's forms change back into their once teenage selves. James smiled wide seeing the fimiliar figures in front of him. Harry looked on and gazed at their beauty, not that they hadn't been such as before, but they even admit their teenage years had been better to them than their old 33-year-old selves had been. Although, he had thought, these two couldn't even hold a flame to Hermione.
"Oi, James, take a picture, it'll last longer." Krystal said, her voice was softer than before and slightly more higher sounding.
"Sorry, it's just, everything is starting to feel like how it was again. It's so nice to feel that way. But now, my son is all grown up, now I have another accessory to my future crimes!" James shouted in triump. Abby rolled her eyes at her friend. Harry also noticed that their clothes appeared very big on them. In their teenage days they had been shorter and thinner than they had in their early thirties.
"Let's pull out a bottle of wine and celebrate!" Abby exclaimed, her voice was one to match Remus, in tone that is. Her voice was smoother and higher than it use to be. Harry liked it better. She began to walk towards the kitchen and tripped over her cloak. Luckily, Harry caught her before she fell. She looked up into his eyes and smiled.
"Thanks." She said to him, she was starting to like him more and more. "Perhaps, we should go and get some new clothes? Diagon Alley will be practically empty today, with it being Monday and all." Abby added.
"Sounds great! Since Harry and I had the idea to make you younger, we'll pay for everything. It's the least we could do seeing as you won't fit into your wardrobes anymore." The two started to protest, but Harry held up a hand.
"Please?" He asked with his face no one would nor could resist.
"He's still got it!" Krystal yelled in excitement. "He's still got the face!"
"Ah! I hate that face! No one can resist that face!" Abby said in horror.
"Fine, we'll let you pay." Krystal muttered.
"Yay!" James and Harry said in victory.
"Grab my hand." Harry said to both of them. They did and they were gone. James had grabbed Abby's hand, he didn't feel like apparating. They found themselves in the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone seemed to quiet down when Harry Potter appeared with three people holding onto him.
"Hiya, Harry!" The man behind the counter shouted over the crowd, who had gone back to their own conversations.
"Hullo, Tom!" Harry said as he approached the counter.
"Shouldn't you be in school?" Tom asked eyeing Harry.
"Maybe." Harry replied. Tom laughed.
"Still getting into mischief? Ah, I'm not surprised to see you with your father nonetheless though." Tom said whilst he busied himself with a few butterbeers. He placed them in front of them. "On the house for the Great Harry Potter and his father and their two lovely guests."
"Tom, are you sure? I can pay for those." Harry said slightly offended.
"Please, you keep us all save. You help us sleep at night." Tom replied with great seriousness. A few of the people within ear shot began clapping.
"Thanks, Tom, we ought to be going though." Harry said grabbing his butterbeer. It was still in the bottle, he needn't worry about stealing a mug from Tom. Although, he guessed, Tom wouldn't have mind and wouldv'e been honoured if he had.
"Stop by anytime." Tom said as the four disappeared into the small, not even an alley, alley that rested at the back of the building. Harry pulled out his wand and tapped various bricks in a precise order. They began to move and opened into a almost deserted alley. There were the occasional wives with their young children running around buying supplies for their older children, household items, or just everyday materials they needed. A few waved at Harry and James with respect and politeness. Just then, as they were nearing Madame Malkins, they saw Sirius and Remus coming down the alley towards them.
"Quick!" Harry said, pulling the other three into a random shop. It had been the Apothecary. Harry pulled out small gum balls with various colours and stuffed two in his mouth and two in each of the other's mouths. James's hair turned red and his eyes blue, Abby's hair brown with green eyes, Krystal's hair became white with blue eyes and Harry's red with brown eyes. They walked back out of the shop and past Remus and Sirius. Sirius had taken a second look at Krystal and smirked to himself. He thought she was cute. Unfortunatly he didn't recongize her with her new hair and eyes. The gum balls had even changed some of her features. After they were out of eye sight and ear shot of the two, Harry popped clear gum balls into everyone's mouth. They changed back into themselves.
"Could you warn us before you do that?" Abby and Krystal asked.
"Did you want to be seen?" Harry inquired.
"No, but!" They both said.
"But nothing, we're here, now go in and get a whole new wardrobe." Harry motioned them to go to the taliours once they were inside. Harry went up to the front desk and looked at Madame Malkin herself. "Hello, how are you doing?"
"Just fine, Mr. Potter. How are and your lovely Miss. Granger doing?" Madame Malkin asked.
"Terrificly. Could you do me a favour and make sure those two women get a full new wardrobe on me?" Harry asked as he pushed fifty galleons towards Madame Malkin. Her eyes widened as she nodded.
"Of course. Anything for you." She added.
"Splended, could you also send these to this address." Harry handed her a roll of parchment, then he added. "Then, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, ask them to go to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes? I'd stay and get new dress robes, but I've just gotten some in August and haven't even worn them yet! I'm also sorry to announce I haven't torn up my uniform yet this year." Harry laughed with Madame Malkin at the last comment.
"That is amazing!" Madame Malkin said. "Usually, I'm already getting owled for a replacement cloak because youv'e torn it some way or another!" She added.
"Well, Ma'am, I must bid thee ado. Much business to attend to." Harry announced.
"Yes, I heard you were a partner in the Weasley's business from the Weasley's themselves." The women said as they two men walked out of the door.
"You've heard correctly." Harry called back as the bell clanged. He and his father then continued their journey down the alley towards the joke shop. They were sure to remain viligent while making their way there. When the door opened a loud farting sound issued throughout the store. Harry and James laughed at the new door feature. Fred appeared from the back room and smiled at his two friends.
"Welcome! How are you two? You know Harry you should be in school advertising our skiving snack boxes, not here. Now now what have we learned today?" Fred teased.
"To always have back up ideas on human to animal transfiguration. What shall I pick..." Harry mulled over to himself.
"We've taught you well." George replied coming out of the back room like his twin had done just before. "You just missed Sirius and Remus. Were you looking for them?" George asked with an eyebrow raised.
"No, actually, we're hiding from them. Don't tell them that though." James said.
"Well, since you're not in school-" Fred began.
"We figured-" George added.
"That it must-"
"Be highly-"
"Important." Fred finished.
"How is it you two can do that? I know you're twins but...nevermind. Yes, it's been and is very important! So you mustn't say a word." James explained.
"But!" Both twins said.
"You'll find out soon enough, don't worry." Harry intervined.
"Fine." The two muttered, but quickly cheered up. Fred was the first and only to speak.
"We've got new toys!" He said in a sing song voice. James and Harry laughed at his choice of words and then had become over come with excitement.
"Ooh, let me see!" James exclaimed.
"We'll, they're aren't really joke items, more or less Order gadgets. We wanted Harry to test them for us." Fred and George explained. "Come with us." They added. Harry and James followed the two into the back room, they were filled with anticipation.
"Alright, ready?" George quirked, Harry and James nodded as Fred picked up the first item.
"Now this," Fred began.
"Is our newest prototype. You must be very careful with this one." George explained.
"It's an voice switcher. It's basically like our newer gumballs but improved." Fred added.
"It'll let you talk any language you want with the right and seemless accent." George imputted. He held out the circular disk shaped object to Harry after Fred handed it to him. It had a rectangle stuck to it with little holes on the end. The twins stuck them into their mouths and sucked back. They made faces of pain when you could hear the click. It had sent something into their throats.
"Hallo, wie gehts es dir?" George asked.
"Is that German?" James asked astonished.
"Ja. Ich heisse Fred und meine Bruder ist George." Fred explained.
"How do you get rid of it?" Harry quirked. The twins pulled out another disk and did the same as they had before. But instead of something projecting into their throats, a liquid went down instead.
"Ah, that's better." George said, rubbing his throat.
"What were you saying in German?" James asked examining a disk.
"I said 'Hello and how are you.'" George stated.
"And I said 'Yes. My name is Fred and this is my brother George.'" Fred explained.
"Wow, that's interesting." Harry replied looking at the disks as well.
"Now, when you go to do these, they can hurt we're trying to figure out a way to do this without it hurting, but we're not having much luck." Fred explained picking up another gadget.
"This one," He said. "Is unbelievable. Try it." He handed it to Harry who sucked in from the disk. James, Fred, and George all bent over laughing. Harry looked down at himself and noticed something a little...different.
"What! HAVE! YOU! DONE! TO! ME?" Harry's voice had become higher. This made everyone laugh even harder.
"If I had a sister, you'd look just like her." James laughed falling to the floor.
"Tell me how to get rid of this!" Harry plead.
"Awe, we can't turn down a girl." The twins said grinning evilly. Harry whipped out his hands. "Unless she's Harry Potter." They added a little scared of Harry. They handed Harry a blue disk and he sucked back on it and turned back into his male self.
"That was weird." Harry said looking at the pink disk he had used before the blue. "Never do that again." The three just laughed at him again.
"Here's the-" Fred began.
"Next one." George finished handing Harry a small hearing aid. "This one-"
"Will let you-"
"Interpert-"
"Any-"
"Language." George finished again. Harry slipped it in his ear and waited. George and Fred began yelling at him in french, very crazy things.
"Blue monkeys!" Fred shouted in french. (Sorry, I only know German.)
"The cat goes moo!" George shouted.
"The cat?" Harry asked. The twins nodded and laughed.
"Ja, die Katze." Fred said having changed his language to german. Harry heard 'Yes, the cat.'
"Du bist Hackfleish!" George yelled. Harry gave a strange look when George said he was ground beef. Harry sucked in a disk and began zu sprechen auf Deutsch. (Speak German.)
"Er," Harry said pointing to James. "Ist meiner Vater und ist sehr kommish. Loht's geht ihn!" (He is my father and is very funny. Let's get him!) (I think...sorry if the grammer is messed up along with some of the spelling.)
"Alright, all three of you stop it!" James yelled as they advanced on him. He whipped out his wand, but he knew he was hardly any match with Harry, let alone three people including Harry.
"Es ist sehr lustig!" Fred laughed. (It is so funny.)
"Ja, es ist!" Harry agreed. (Yes, it is!)
"Wo ist er geht?" George asked seeing James opening the door slowly behind himself. (Where is he going?)
"Ich weiss nicht." Harry said. (I don't know.) Harry picked up a liquid disk and used it. "That's better." He said. (Das ist besser.) (Lol, don't mind me...)
"What were you lot saying about me?" James asked cautiously, not exactly sure he wanted to know the answer.
"Nothing..." The three replied.
Harry and James left Fred and George's shop with their pockets buldging with shrunken products. Krystal and Abby, who had met up with them while they were looking at all the products, followed laughing at the two pranksters. They had taken more than just the prototypes to test. Of course, they had taken a few things, but those were only for "disguises".
"Where to now?" Krystal asked while feeling the material of her soft new robes.
"Well, how about ice cream?" Harry suggested. The teen adults all nodded and they set off for the ice cream parlour, Florean Fortescue's. Once there Florean greeted them personally.
"Harry Potter! Welcome to Florean Fortescue's. Everything is on the house! Florean said in a very natural cherry voice.
"No, please, consider it a way to replace your windows." Harry said motioning to some of the broken windows. They were beyond magic repair. Death Eaters had vanished them. Harry dropped 10 galleons in his hand and shoved his own into his pockets. "I won't take 'no' for an answer." He added.
"There is truely no end to your kindness, Mr. Potter!" The tearful man exclaimed.
"Nope, but take advantage of it as it lasts I may turn into an Alastor Moody one day considering my; life." Harry joked, hoping never to be as parinoid as Moody. Everyone shared in the laugh despite his reasoning of the parinoia. James motioned for the four to in the circular booth. Florean brought out four large sundaes with everything imaginable on them. The four dug in as the man turned away. Harry gave everyone the desguise gumballs to hold just in case Remus and Sirius decided to have ice cream. They had a mild discussion of the 'plan' before they thought it best if Harry and James got back to Hogwarts.
Meanwhile...Earlier that morning...
Hermione woke with a heavy emotion on her chest. She couldn't remember why but she dreaded the rest of the day. Then she remembered that Harry still hadn't come back, nor James. Hermione rolled out of bed, remembering she had to go to class.
She made her way down to the Great Hall after getting for the day ahead. When she sat down she waved to Lily, who smiled at her returned the gesture. Hedwig landed in front of Hermione with a short note attached at her leg. Hermione grabbed at it with eagerness.
Hermione,
Don't hate me! Look, I will explain EVERYTHING once I get back, I promise. You never know who reads these letters. All I can say is, it's going to be a BIG SURPRISE! Don't tell anyone. Not even our teacher, by now I know you know what I'm talking about, or else you wouldn't be Hermione. I'll be back sometime today. Love you, love you, love you a million times I love you.
Love,
Harry.
Hermione stuffed the letter in her pocket and looked over to Lily who was watching with interest. She gave a thumbs up sign to signify good news. Hermione made her way to her double of Defence Against the Dark Arts. Lily had voleentered to take this period, it was her only free one. Hermione had gotten there long before Lily had, but knew she was allowed in the room. She waved her hand over the door handle before hearing the click. After looking around she saw no one and entered the room. With wandless she drew the curtains for light to enter the room. Then she went to all of the sconces and lit the candles. There was a knock at the door, she froze and looked around. She rolled her eyes to herself and smiled, realizing how she mistook for others to be in the room.
"Hello? Hermione?" A womans voice asked as the door opened. It was Lily. Her arms were filled with scrolls of parchment and enough books for the whole class. They all had a feather-light charm on them. "Ah, thanks! You're a lifesaver!"
"Those are great sweets, although I couldn't ever get my parents to send them to me." Hermione joked.
"Dentists!" Lily added laughing. Hermione helped her put all the books on the desks and take the charms off of them. By then all the students had begun to file into the room, she took her usual seat in the front and sighed when she realized Harry wouldn't be there to help her with some of the spells. He would usually get it on the first try, when it would take her at least two.
"Hey." A voice whispered next to her, it was sweet and kind. Hermione turned to see the familiar face of Draco Malfoy.
"Hi." She said quietly.
"Want some company?" He asked caringly. Hermione nodded and gave him a hug. Most Slytherins were very shocked by this, even with the treaty, the biggest pure blood supporter--although not anymore--was hugging a muggle born.
"Thank you." Hermione whispered to him. Lily tapped her wand on the podium to draw attention. The two broke the hug and brought their attention to Lily.
"Welcome and good morning." Lily started. "James is unable to teach today, he has left the school grounds on personal business. He should be back by your next class." She added to clear the frowns that had clouded the faces of the students. "Now, I'd like to start off with a review of what you've learned. Who'd like to tell me where the origin of the stupefy curse came from?..." Lily asked.
Later that day...
Hermione sat in her Arithemacy class unable to focus on the material. Professor Vector seemed to notice his best student in a day dream. After offering a few problems, he realized he could not snap her out of her daze. It was rumoured James and Harry Potter were missing that day, perhaps that was the reason for her daze. Professor Vector hid his smile and continued teaching, Hermione already knew the material like the back of her hand. He still couldn't help but worry for her. While talking he usually walked around the classroom, he walked past her desk and put his hand on it and kept his walking. That seemed to snape her out of her day dream. She looked at him with sorry eyes. He passed a smile to her to comfort her.
Hermione left her class still in a slight daze. She was wondering when Harry was going to get back. Hermione sighed when she realized she had Potions next, she would really have to concentrate on paying attention. Into the cold dungeons she went she saw one of her friends, Chris. He waved to her and she waved back.
"Hiya." He greeted.
"Hey." She replied.
"So where are Harry and James?" Chris whispered only to her.
"I haven't a clue." Hermione softly said.
Potions and Charms went by lightening fast. Although, Snape had taken five points away from Gryffindor for Hermione's lack of attention. Even though he and James were friends, Snape still couldn't help being a favourite playing git. Hermione made her way down to dinner from the Charms classroom. She told Lily to go ahead and she'll clean up all of the pillows. They had been practising seam spliting charms and repairing charms. As she made her way down to the Great Hall, she banished her bag to the secret dorm. When she entered she found her seat next to Ron, Luna, and Draco. Ginny, Chris, Kate, and Tori sat opposite. The eight talked about their classes and what happened.
Suddenly, the doors burst open with a lot of fource. Two cloaked figures walked into the hall and pulled out their wands. The students from the D.A. drew theirs un-noticed as did the teachers. The two realed their wands back and cast a spell silently. There was a loud sound with a lot of smoke. When the smoke cleared you could see the two figures still standing wands out with a tapestry hanging from the tip, written on it said 'BANG'. The two leaned on each other while laughing. Professor McGonagall cast a silencing charm, but one held up a real wand and conjured a shield silently. The charm bounced of the shield and back to the caster. The two figures fell over laughing at this point. Some of the other students couldn't help but laugh at their antics. The two regained their stance and tried not to laugh. They looked at each other before turning their face to meet everyone elses. They uncovered their faces and shouted, "We're back!" In the same way the little girl in Poltergeist said back. At this point everyone in the Great Hall burst out in a roar of laughter. All of those who had seen the movie laughed harder than those who just laughed at the whole scene. They bowed like house-elves and the Gryffindors and a few select others clapped as Harry and James took their respected seats and dug into dinner. Dumbledore couldn't help but smile at the two's antics.
"So what have you been up to for the pasf few days?" Ginny asked the question which haunted the teens minds from day one.
"It's a surprise, you'll all find out soon enough." Harry explained, stuffing his mouth full of pot roast.
"Awe, but, Harry-!" Jess began with curiousity.
"Don't 'but, Harry' me!" Harry said laughing. "You'll all find out soon enough."
"When's that going to be, what's 'soon enough'? Tori inquired.
"You'll see!" Harry said exasperated. "Soon is when it happens!" The rest of dinner passed in small talk about the weather and classes they were to expect for the next day.
Later that night the group was grouped around the fire in the secret dorm. Draco was cradling his egg in his lap on, it was ready to hatch soon, the floor nearest to the fireplace. Ginny was sitting next to him reading the new edition of the Quibbler. Harry was sitting in the large armchair with Hermione on his lap. He was playing with her hair, while she was reading a book. Ron and Luna occupied the couch looking into the fire while cuddling with each other. Kate and Chris were sitting on the floor on opposite sides of the coffee table playing a game of cards. And Tori sat in the opposite armchair reading a thick book. There then came a knock at the door, interupting the silence of the common room.
"Come in." Everyone said at the same time, making each other laugh. James and Lily strolled in and looked at the group of teenagers sitting in silence.
"What are you lot doing?" James asked tapping his foot. "You should be sneaking around the school setting up other students for-ow!" James was cut off by Lily hitting his arm.
"Actually, Harry, Dumbledore would like to see you." said Lily getting straight to the point, unlike James had. Harry rolled his eyes and picked Hermione up, who squeaked, and gently set her down back on the armchair.
"Fine..." He mumbled in a sigh as he kissed Hermione good-bye and waved to everyone as he walked out. "See you later..."
"Good luck." They all replied while laughing.
"Why does he want to talk to me?" He asked sarcastically exasperated.
"What have I done..." Harry by then had walked out the door and his voice was fading away. The rest laughed at his antics. His parents followed and guided him to the office and tried to keep him calm.
"So do you two know what he wants?" Harry asked his two quiet parents.
"Nope, but have you forgiven him yet?" Lily inquired of her son.
"I don't think so, I've considered it after talking with Godric." Harry began and Godric who took the right time to rub against his leg just then looked up and smiled at him, if that was possible.
"I still can't believe he did that." James began. "I mean he does feel like he must keep an incredibly close eye on you." He rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke.
"Yes, well there's really nothing you nor I can do." Harry muttered as he trudged down to the office. Lily and James stole a glance at each other before looking back at their son.
"You don't have to go, sweetie." Lily began. Harry smiled at her choice of words, she called him 'sweetie'. He loved the fact he had parents.
"No, I'll go. Even though, considering, all of the things he's done to me in the past...I'll go." Harry quickly said, trying to keep away from his past.
"Are you completely sure?" James asked concerned.
"Yes, I think," He added the two last words in a whisper to himself. They had arrived at the stone gargoyle, Harry muttered the password and it jumped aside happy to provide him entrance. He waved over his shoulder to his parents which smiled sadly at him and waved back, despite the fact he wasn't even looking at them. Godric followed after him, for emotional support. Harry scooped him up in his arms and scratched behind his ears.
'That's the spot.' Godric moaned as he shook his leg. Harry chuckled at this and put on a serious (no pun!) face as Dumbledore bid him entrance. Harry opened the door and walked in only a few steps.
"Good evening, Harry. I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I figured you were busy earlier this fine day." Dumbledore greeted in his best grandfatherly voice. Harry laughed right in his face at this comment and antics.
"First of all, how could you even disturb me this fine day, if you didn't even know where I was. Secondly, didn't I disturb you and the rest of the school when my father and I burst in here during dinner with our little show. Thirdly, cut it out with the grandfatherly-ness." Harry spat the last line out.
"How would you like me to treat you as?" Dumbledore asked coming down to Harry's level.
"Like this, an equal. I'm tired of being a pawn in you're never ending game. You're always acting as if I'm too young, too fragile, too immature to handle anything. The truth is I've faced more things that would make even you scream out in your sleep. I don't care how brave, how smart, how powerful you are, you will never be the same in my eyes, which I'm thankful for now. I've had to put up with your protection too long!" Harry was started to become enraged. He slowly walked over to Fawkes and stroked his head, Godric nuzzled into his chest.
"I can understand how you feel, I once was treated the same way by Nicholas Flammel. He found my youth as a weakness. I found his age to be his weakness as well. I finally proved to him I was able to handle being his partner." Dumbledore smiled at the memories.
"How's that?" Harry asked semi curious.
"I founded the twelve uses of dragons blood." Dumbledore said it as if it had been a mere class assignment.
"You had to discover something life altering to become a partner?" Harry asked holding back the urge to laugh.
"Yes, Nicholas was hard to please." Dumbledore explained taking off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, he was leaning against the bookshelves next to his desk. Harry plopped into Dumbledore's chair behind the desk, hanging his feet over the side of the arm.
"This is comfy." Harry stated as Dumbledore smiled at his actions. He had no problem with this at all. Albus Dumbledore had realized what would please Harry would be to treat him as a total equal instead of a boy who would be is grandson he never had. Dumbledore did something that surprised Harry, he sat down in the chair opposite Harry.
"Look, I know you don't want to be here because you are still upset with me. I've come to realize that you don't like being treated like a child. You also have to understand it takes a little getting use to, considering I've known you since you were born. Yes, I've made many mistakes and should've foresaw them, but I also realized, despite all of the horrors that consumed you, they made you to be the person you are today. You may not want to hear that, but from now on consider me as a friend. Don't think of me as Dumbledore. Think of me as Albus. You're power is growing beyond that any of us could've imagined. I want you to be able to come to me in these times. Harry, you must understand, which I don't doubt you do already. Times are growing dark soon you will have to make decisions that may haunt you for the rest of your life, and others that will make life totally different. It may just be September, but you will soon find that May will come faster than you could've hoped. Train the students hard, just like Merlin trained you." Dumbledore spoke with seriousness. Harry smiled at the professor.
"Thank you. I do suppose I'm willing to take up your offer, just don't smother me with protection and such. I, honestly, can't stand it." Harry explained with a smile. He stood and walked over to the old man who stood up and they both, not literally, reading each other's minds and hugged each other. It was a hug usually shared between a grandfather and grandson. Although, they didn't want to admit that.
Harry found himself heading back to the secret dorm with a smile on his face. He was happy that his fight was finally over, now he just had a few things to worry about now. Tomorrow was Hermione's birthday.
The next morning...Hermione's Room...
Hermione woke with the curtains drawn and the sun shining on her face. She opened her eyes and started to sit up when she noticed a small tray on her hovering over her lap. She smiled to herself and looked around the room. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the room. Hermione slid out of her bed and walked over towards the door. She opened it and looked into the common room, no one was in there. Then she inspected Harry's room next to hers, yet no one was in there. After walking back into her room she closed her door and looked up at her bed, there was Harry smiling at her.
"Happy birthday, love." He greeted. Hermione smiled and walked over to the bed and kissed him sweetly. He pulled her into a hug while they kissed. When the kiss broke he turned her around so he was sitting behind her and pulled the hovering tray close, over their legs. She hadn't noticed it was a meal for two. "Today, expect to be treated like a queen, my queen." He whispered in her ear, goosebumps grew on her arm as his breath tickled her neck. Harry took the napkin off of the tray and placed it on her lap and put a fork in her hand. "Dig in."
"Harry, you're too sweet! This is the best birthday ever." Hermione said, nuzzling her face in his neck.
"Ah, but they day has just begun." Harry exclaimed. "Let's enjoy this as long as possible." He added and picked up a fork himself.
After the two ate, Harry left Hermione to get ready for school as did she. Harry met her in the common room, everyone else had already gone down and were still at breakfast. She began to walk towards the tapestry, when Harry scooped her up and began to carry her. Godric and Rosie followed them.
"Harry!" She yelled, half shocked and half scared. "Put me down!"
"I won't drop you, plus it's your birthday, you shan't walk anywhere." Harry smiled his Potter charm smile and he continued through the tapestry and into the corridor. He carried her to the secret broom closet and kissed her as they were transported to the Great Entrance. Harry carried her down to Hagrid's hut, they were only a little early, but students had begun to arrive soon after they had. Hagrid, having seen some of his students begin to arrive, he came out of his hut.
"Good morning, class." Hagrid said in his usual gruff voice. They all replied with a greeting as Hagrid walked over to some covered cages. "I've got a surprise fer ya." The class groaned as Hagrid uncovered the cages. They were what looked like turtles with jeweled shells. "Can any of yer, tell me what these here creatures are?" Harry and Hermione's hands shot up, others were fastinated by the jewels on their shells. Hagrid pointed to both of them who answered at the same time.
"Fire crabs." They said.
"Ten points ter Gryffindor!" Hagrid cheered. "Now, which one of yer can tell me, what is the fire crab's defense?" Hagrid asked. The two trio's raised their hands. He pointed to Tori.
"The fire crab will shoot flames out of its rear if it feels threatened." She answered. Hagrid awarded more points to Gryffindor.
Later that night...
Hermione stood in her room very nervous, she had just gotten out of the shower, which had eased her nerves, but only for a few minutes. She waved her hand and her hair was dry and up in a bun, with locks of hair falling loosely on her face. Hermione sat at her vanity and did her light make-up before going to put on her dress. She removed it from her wardrobe and dressed in it, it fell down to her ankles. It was a dark red gown with gold trim. It was held up around her neck and showed a good portion of her back. Hermione bent over and rummaged around for her shoes. They were gold heel sandles. Last she put on her emerald necklace and matching earrings on before she looked at her self in the full length mirror. Hermione smiled knowning Harry would love it. He had dropped her off and said he would be waiting for her down in the Entrance Hall.
Meanwhile, Harry stood in the Entrance Hall awaiting for his Hermione to arrive. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, his eyes very bright against the black. His father and mother passed on their way to their dormitory. They all exchanged waves and James gave him a thumbs up. Harry smiled meekly before turning back to gaze upon the stairs until his love made her appearance. He waited for perhaps only thirty seconds before she had started to decend from the stairway of heaven, seeing as Harry thought she looked like an angel. (Lol, stairway to heaven, couldn't resist.) A couple of the guys that lingered in the hallways didn't reconize Hermione and either way they would have given a cat call to her apperance. Hermione blushed at these guys, while Harry glared. Suddenly, the boys that had done this realized it was Hermione and knew that Harry would rip them apart they cat called her once more. Hermione giggled at Harry and the boys that he glared at. He returned his attention to Hermione as she took the last few steps. He bowed to her while holding out his hand.
"M'lady," He addressed her with a sweet voice.
"Kind sir," She took his hand with her left and curtesied with her right.
"Could I do the honour of escorting such a woman as lovely as thee?" Harry asked, continuing their little game.
"That is pending kind sir, this woman would surely be delighted to acquire the corrdinates of such place she needs escorting to." Hermione forced back a giggle, her curiousity clearly able to hold it back.
"Although, I would be greatly giddy to tell you, fair lady, but I must keep the secret, for it is a surprise you will be most delighted to par take in." Harry replied with the infamous Potter smirk.
It was more charming than the infamous Malfoy smirk. Although, Harry and Draco had had a smirk off between them to see who's was better and who could mimic the other's the best. Draco had been speechless when Harry could pull the smirk off flawlessly. It took Malfoy a few tried before he got it right. The Potter smirk was one that told you, "Just you wait, or I'm up to no good." The Malfoy smirk was one that told you, "Told you so, or it meant he was up to no good." (In a different way the Potter smirk.)
Harry led Hermione to the carriage. He helped her in and they sat next to each other and kissed. The carriage lurched forward as to begin its decent towards the village below. When the carriage arrived it paused and the doors magically opened. A man under an invisiblity cloak watched the carriage waiting for his targets to come out of the carriage waited about ten minutes before creeping up to the carriage and peered inside to find his targets missing. He raised his arm to speak into a magical microphone which laid in his watch. "He's gone, sir." Moody growled to Dumbledore who was listening in his office.
"We suspected no less." Dumbledore muttered before switching off his transmitter. Although he did not show it, he was furious. Harry didn't trust him still, even after their little chat. He wanted Harry so badly to trust him again. 'Well you certainly trust him don't you?' The voice of reason mocked in his head. It was sarcastic as if to point out that Dumbledore still put guard, to protect, on a wizard more powerful than he. 'True,' Dumbledore answered back in his mind.
A/N: Hey! Sorry this took a while, but it I made it before two months, right? I did really hope to post a few times during my spring break, but I didn't realize how busy I was going to be. I was originally going to post on April 1st, Fred and George's Birthday or yesterday Emma Watson/Thompson's Birthday, but no I decided to post on the last day you can pay taxes. (Where I live.) I'm going to cover the rest of Hermione's birthday in the next chapter and probably up to the Halloween Ball. The school year will move a little faster, I promise. I may post later this week while I am at a competition for a club of mine. Wish me luck!