Chapter 9
The two boys ran down the stairs and into the kitchen an impeccably dressed elf stood cooking, Harry ran up to him a threw his arms around the old elf.
"God I've missed you, please sit and have breakfast with us"
The old elf could never deny the boy anything, he thanked him daily for joining their home and leading to the destruction of the cursed locket.
"Master Harry it is not proper for an elf to eat with the masters of the house"
"Please Kreacher I've missed you and besides I don't agree with all that Master slave stuff"
He new he was not a slave but a member of the family. He was also aware if he wanted something he had to be clever. He bowed
"Kreacher will only deem him self worthy if master will share the information of the young lady he wishes to give access to the library" Harry's face burned redder than a beetroot, the others laughed.
"now Harry eat your breakfast, your are to be shopping today and you will carry Miss Granger's bags like the gentleman I raised you to be"
Harry suddenly realised that Kreacher was rather well informed, calling after the little elf.
"Hey how do you know her name"
The chuckling elf vanished with a pop, as Harry narrowed his eyes. He would be having along conversation with elf when they returned later.
The two boys finished their breakfast and then left the room to prepare for the day. Alice Longbotton arrived 30 minutes later to find the boys sitting playing exploding snap waiting for her.
"Hello boys hope you're ready, we have plenty for you to do today. The Grangers have an old fireplace stored in their garage which we have connected to the flu network thanks to your mum"
Alice Longbottom would never be able to apperate safely again, the risk of splicing herself was to great.
The three stumbled out of the fireplace to a waiting group. The two boys were engulfed by the two smiling girls. Hermione took Harry's arm while Sue did the same with Neville. They pulled them out of the large double garage towards 2 cars. Emma was in the mood for a little fun
"Ladies you will have to relinquish your young men, you two are with myself and Alice in my car, Dan has the boys in the tank. Alice is there a spell to keep warm"
The confusion on the witches face was replace with a smile when the roof of Emma's Audi folded away. 1 discreet spell later and the four shot off along the road with their hair blowing behind them.
The four lads climbed into Dan's Range Rover and followed the ladies.
They arrived at the shopping centre and With a twinkle in her eye Emma addressed the group
"while we are shopping we need to dress the three scruff bags for the new years eve party we will all be attending "
Susan was bouncing on the spot
"A real Muggle party with dancing and music"
"All you and Hermione need is a couple of upstanding gentlemen to escort you" Alice said with a wink to the girls
Both boys fidgeting stepped forward a proved their Gryffindor placement.
"Miss Granger would you do me the honour of accompanying me to a dance on new-years eve"
Hermione was shocked a handsome Prince was going to take her to a ball, she nodded but before any words left her mouth Harry was lifting her off her feet and spinning her around. It was Neville's turn now
"Susan would you consider lowering your standards and allow this scruff bag to escort you to said party"
"Nev I would rather go with no one else"
She then leapt at him wrapping her arms around his neck and pecking him on the cheek. By lunch time the two boys were looking a little dazed, they carried the bags and waited patiently while the two girls tried on many, many things. Although neither was ready to admit that seeing the smiles they received, after every compliment about how pretty Hermione and Susan looked in some of the clothes. After they finished eating, it was decided that putting the bags in Dan's car would allow them an easier afternoon when dressing the boys. As Dan unlocked the car Kreacher appeared in the rear foot well.
"Master Harry allow me to take these for you"
Harry's face lit up even more
"Kreacher thanks mate, your the best. Kreacher the world's greatest house elf meet Hermione Granger the smartest which of her age"
A blushing Hermione had never seen a being like this before. She bowed to the elf
"Thank you for your help Mr Kreacher"
"Think nothing of it mistress Hermione, just be sure to let me no if Master Harry gives you any trouble picking out clothes."
The smiling elf vanished with the bags, Hermione had not seen the shock on all the magicals faces, Kreacher took along time to trust anyone when it came to Harry's care.
Harry was also aware that you crossed the elf at your own peril, he would have to keep his whining to a minimum.
The three males were fitted for suits, shirts, ties and shoes. That was just the start the ladies had decided they were playing dress up with them. They were made to try on many variations of outfit. Both boys quietly enjoyed the looks and compliments they received from the two young witches.
The next three days passed quickly, it seemed every time they wanted to corner Sirius about Fluffy, something would happen to derail them. Day one they flu'ed to the Grangers for a study day. Day 2 a visit to Longbottom Manor, with a tour of the greenhouses, Neville was in his element he loved these glass buildings and took great pleasure showing them all the beautiful and various plants. The following day was Harry and Susan's turn to host, Harry woke early. The only time Hermione had been in the house was her birthday. That had only been I one room as they passed through to the restaurant, today she would see the library and meet his grandmother.
Susan walked into the kitchen to find Harry eating his breakfast
"excited to show Hermione the house"
She said with a smirk
"When are you going to get your head out of your ass and ask her out"
Harry froze, then mumbled a response
"what if she said no"
Sue rolled her eyes
"You prat, stop making excuses and hiding encase you might get hurt"
Harry dropped his head into his hands
"she accepts me as Harry not the boy who lived crap. I don't want to mess it up"
"don't worry if you hurt her, I'll kill you myself"
Harry smiled maybe it was time to stump up, and believe in someone other than his family.
Kreacher escorted Hermione into the kitchen, Harry was chatting to Sue as she finished her breakfast.
Looking at the smiling girl as she entered Harry spoke
"Do you fancy a tour of the house, while she feeds her face. There is someone I want you to meet"
Leading her up the stairs from the basement kitchen, Harry guided Hermione towards the front door and a large painting.
"Lady Walberger Black may I introduce Miss Hermione Granger"
November 7th 1981
In the three days since the attacks on the Longbottoms and Potters the press had been relentless. They started with mild statements hinting that the dark Lord had been slowed down in his challenge for power. Within the week this changed to a baby with unknown power defeated the same dark wizard. At this point everyone wanted a piece of baby Harry. He was lorded by some, others seeing a threat to their power. Amelia became afraid in their own flat, someone had tried to break in the night before.
Sirius made the decision to visit his old home. Arriving at Grimmuld Place he was not looking forward to this meeting. Crossing the threshold he was greeted by a dirty house elf spouting vile comments about himself and Amelia the children were having a play date with Neville and Albus.
"kreacher stop your bile and fetch Regulus"
The Elf broke into sobs, fear gripped Sirius's hart
"Take me to mother"
Walking into the parlour Sirius was shocked to the core, his 55 year old mother looked as frail as an 80 year old. His eyes were drawn to the locket around her neck
"Kreacher tell me now where did she get that thing"
Pointing at the pendant hanging from her neck. Kreacher then told the sad story of his lost master. Kreacher explained that he could do nothing to remove it from his mistress.
"Amelia I'm going to get Albus and the children"
"You can't be serious, bringing children into this house"
Sirius pulled Amelia to him and gently kissed her, he then whispered in her ear
"I think that is one of those dam soul anchors Albus is looking for, if it is it may take all three of us to get rid of it"
Amelia understood that with the Longbottoms still in hospital there was no one they could trust.
Sirius returned as quickly as possible with Albus and the children. As he walked into the parlour Harry started to cry. The woman that had not moved looked up.
"Sirus Back give me that poor child"
As Sirius moved closer with Harry the pendant seemed to vibrate, Walburga lifted the chain over her head and thew it on the floor.
"get that discustsing tainted thing away from him"
Sirius and Amelia were in total shock it was as if Harry had cast a spell over the woman before them. Kreacher ran over and scooped up the locket.
"Kreacher must destroy this for master Regulus"
Dumbledore spoke for the first time since entering the house.
"Kreacher will you let us aid you in your task"
The Elf nodded, as Sirius, Albus and Kreacher left the room with the locket. Harry settled and looked up at the woman holding him. At that moment Harry's green eyes stole another hart. Walburga Black lived for five more years, the locket had damaged her magical core beyond any form of repair. Every morning she would call for her grandchildren to eat breakfast with her and tell her about their dreams. Her favourite times were when the two children would say they could not remember any dream from the night before. So they would sit and eat breakfast and make up fantastic adventures so they would have something new to dream about. When her time to pass came close she called for them all. The two children ran to her and cried into the old woman's arms.
"None of that, we all have to move onto the next great adventure at some point. Just remember those we love never truly leave us. Now let me speak to your farther. Harry and Susan were dragged away by Amelia. Sirius I will not apologise for the past, there will never be enough I could say. But allow me to make one request"
Sirius had been sceptical about the change his mother had gone through, but felt he should hear her out. He nodded.
"Marry that fine woman, and be the family you all deserve not the one you was forced to have"
"I will do my best mother"
The frail lady smiled and closed her eyes. Her breathing became slow and shallow. Sirius sat with her for an untold time watching her breath until she took one last deep breath and exhaled slowly. Sirius was surprised with the loss he felt, he could never remember this woman showing him any love before the children entered her life. He slowly walked to the kitchen catching Amelia's eye and gently shaking his head. The children began to wail, they were interrupted be screaming coming from the hall.
They ran to a shouting painting
"HARRY JAMES POTTER, SUSAN AMELIA BONES"
They looked up at the painting
"Tell me about your dreams"
Present Day
Hermione found herself being pulled by the hand towards the front door.
"Nana Walburger can I please introduce you to my friend Hermione Granger"
The woman in the painting looked down and smiled
"Darling Harry, Just like both your farthers picking smart and beautiful women"
Both children blushed
"young lady step forward and tell me all about yourself"
The two preteens spent an enjoyable time sharing stories with the painting. Walburger sent them on their way with a promise that they would return.
"Hermione I'm going to show you my favourite room"
Hermione laced her fingers with his
"I'm all yours"
Harry beamed enjoying her statement, leading her down the hall towards a set of double doors.
"Before we go in you need to know you can touch anything on the left but the right is protected by family magic. I'm afraid there is no way around it without you marrying me"
"A little early for a proposal Harry"
She said with a smirk
"True you would need to be my girlfriend first"
Hermione froze and then noticed Harry looking at her through the side of his eyes.
"we will have to see what happens when you get round to asking"
Hermione lent forward and kissed him on the cheek.
Susan entered the library to find Harry sat on a couch with Hiss feet on the coffee table, a book in his left hand. It was Hermione's position that shocked her, she was sat with her back to Harry's side, her feet on the couch and Harry's arm around her reading her own book. Susan made eye contact with her friend and raised an eyebrow. Hermione just smiled and shrugged. Sue left her brother and her friend to their reading.