Chapter 2

On July 10th, Harry read the note Hermione sent regarding a suitable location for apparition.

Upon arrival Molly asked, "Are you sure this is the right place?"

"Yeah, her home is just down that street," Harry confirmed.

"Harry, this is an affluent neighborhood," Molly said.

"Are the Grangers rich?" Ginny asked.

Harry chuckled. "They would say they're comfortable."

They stopped in front of 557 North Hemingway Road.

"This is it," Harry said and strolled up the front walk. Molly admired the hedgerows and beautifully blooming bushes that adorned the front garden. They were greeted by the sound of pipe organs when Harry pushed the doorbell button.

"Arthur would be beside himself," Molly said.

The door opened and John graciously welcomed them in and led them through the home. John clapped Harry on the shoulder as he left the foyer find Hermione.

"Molly, Ronald, and Ginny I know, but the rest of you...? Wait, let me guess. You, with the pretty wife, must be William."

"I prefer Bill, Mr. Granger. And yes, this pretty lady is Fleur."

"Call me John. You are... Charlie? The dragon man?"

"Yes, I work with dragons. I'm home for the summer."

John led them through the large, beautiful home. "The loo is down that corridor, first door on the right. There's also another one upstairs, first door on the left. If you feel like you need to get out of the sun, you're welcome to the dining room or the den, first door to the left."

After the kitchen, he ushered them to the back garden.

"My goodness," Molly whispered when they entered the back garden.

Four people were in the swimming pool to the left, and Hermione was with Harry next to a tennis court to the right. A large gazebo was in the middle, complete with a romancing couple. She saw the Weasleys and jogged across the yard to greet them.

"I'm glad you could make it! Would you like snacks until the food is done?"

She gestured to the pool. "The water's great today, just jump in!"

She saw her dad emerge with a platter of chicken and hamburgers. "Dad's getting ready to cook, I'm helping with the food. Be right back."

Wanting to tell Arthur everything that happened that day, Molly watched John light the grill. "What are you pouring on the coal?"

"Lighter fluid," he said and tossed a match on the coals.

Hermione and Evie reappeared with salad and appetizers. The swimmers, tennis players, and gazebo couple gathered around the picnic table.

"So Hermione, are these your friends from that boarding school?" a boy asked, appraising Harry and Ron.

"Yes, they are," Hermione said and turned to the Weasleys.

"Weasleys, and Harry, meet Eric, Brent, Christina, Ian, Gwen, and Elise. We went to primary school together."

Ian winked at Ginny. Harry frowned and took her hand. Ian got the message. Eric and Gwen returned to the gazebo with a salad. The rest of the kids settled at the picnic table and chatted. Molly was at the grill with John, eager to learn about the novel (to her) method of cooking.

"Doubles match later, like we used to? Against these two scamps?" Brent asked Hermione, gesturing to Eric and Elise.

"Sounds fun," she asked.

"Hermione has a wicked backhand," Brent said.

Ron and Ginny just nodded, having no idea what he meant.

"More juice anyone?" Hermione asked. "So, how was school this year?"

"Dull as doorknobs," Eric said. "I'm taking a gap year, then it's off to Oxford like dear old dad."

"What does your dad do?" Ginny asked.

"He's a doctor."

"Is that what you want to do?" Charlie asked.

Eric laughed. "Good lord, no. That's why I'm taking a gap year to decide."

Again, Ron and Ginny had no idea what was being talked about. Backhand? Gap year?

"Brent?" Hermione asked.

"Uni, right here in London. Going into law like my parents."

Hermione smiled brightly. "Really?"

Ron knew that smile. She bestowed him the kind of smile that day at Hogwarts before she kissed him. Now she was smiling that sweet smile at someone else.

"So, Hermione still the smartest lass in school?" Brent asked.

"Yes," Harry, Ron and Ginny in unison.

"We have another visitor!" Evie called out from the back door and Neville appeared behind her.

"Neville!" Hermione said and went to him. "I'm glad you could make it!"

"Sorry I'm late, I think the taxi driver got lost," he said.

Hermione led him to the table. "This is Neville, he's from my boarding school too."

Christina gave Neville a bowl of salad with an admiring smile. Neville blushed and said thank you.

"Pumpkin, could you come here for a minute?" Evie called from the kitchen.

"She still calls you pumpkin?" Brent asked, amused.

Hermione rose and tossed a napkin at him. "Yes, she does, M'Lord Brenton Gordon Worthington the third," Hermione said lightly and left the table. The table howled in laughter.

Inside, her mother handed her an owl post. "You're lucky the owl delivered to the side window. I didn't want to explain why an owl was carrying a message for you."

Outside, John finished cooking the meat and brought it to the table. Molly sat and joined the others.

"Mrs. Weasley, what do you do?" Brent asked.

"I'm a housewit-wife," she said casually, almost saying housewitch. "My husband works for the government."

"Well, good luck with that. My mum does that too, works in the PM's office. Lately she's been hinting about finding another job," Christina explained.

"What does your father do, dear?" Molly asked politely.

"He's in the Navy, flies helicopters," she said.

"Fascinating," Molly said and Hermione returned to the gathering to eat.

The Weasleys were getting a muggle education today. Arthur really would be beside himself. Fire-cooked food! Gap year? Backhand? PM? Helicopters!

"Mr. Granger, you have my vote as neighborhood grill master, this is excellent," Brent said.

"Yes dad, it's great," Hermione said.

Brent's certainly being more charming than I remember. No one missed the quick smiles and fleeting glances between Brent and Hermione. After lunch, they gathered around the tennis court. Hermione and Brent were on one side, Elise and Eric the other. Hermione tied her hair back, twirled a racket in her hand and the match began.

Since what counted for sports in the magical world was Quidditch, and the only thing Hermione did with a broom was sweep, they never figured Hermione the athletic type. Her magical friends got a surprise that day. She was strong, quick and agile on the court. She lost her balance once when she extended for a return, but was caught by Brent. Ron had a hard time reconciling the sight of some other bloke's arms around her waist and resting on her hips. She blushed prettily and smiled in gratitude. Hermione and Brent won the match and celebrated with a high-five and cheek kisses.

"Time to cool off," Hermione, picking her t-shirt off her chest. "We have places to change into swimming suits."

The girls went to Hermione's room, the boys to the pool house. In her room, the girls gathered around Hermione and talked furiously.

"Brent has always liked you," Elise confirmed.

"I'd say it's more than like," Ginny added, giggling.

"I say go for it!" Christina enthused.

"I think I will," Hermione stated. Mum was right, I need to have fun, be eighteen. I might even get a good shag out of it. Finally.

Ron dropped his drink when Hermione emerged from the house in a halter-top two-piece suit. He had no idea she had that kind of body under all those robes and clothing she always wore! Brent wasted no time and was at her side with a glass of lemonade to escort her to the pool.

"Blimey Hermione, give a bloke some warning. You look… wow."

Not used to this kind of masculine attention, but appreciating it, she let herself be escorted to the chaise lounges poolside.

"You don't look so bad yourself," she returned and Brent sat up straighter, flexing just a bit.

"Damn, she's flirting hard," Elise murmured to the group of girls in the pool.

Ginny was amazed. Hermione wasn't a flirt… or was she? Guess it all depends on the bloke. When the sun was setting, the guests made their goodbyes. Harry had early desk watch duty the next day and Ron couldn't stay anymore. He'd had enough. Seeing Hermione fall for someone else's charms was too much.

"An owl came this afternoon from Professor McGonagall," Hermione said. "She wants to stop by Monday morning."

"Is that what you've been so happy about?" Evie asked.

"Yes, and something else."

"Oh?"

"Brent asked me to dinner next Friday."

On Monday morning, Minerva McGonagall was warmly welcomed to the Granger home.

"What a lovely home you have," she said. John showed her to the most comfortable chair in the parlor. "Well, if I had a chair such as this in my office, I might spend more time in it."

Evie brought tea and Minerva inquired how the Grangers were settling back into their life and how Hermione's summer was faring.

"I'm relaxing, having a good time with friends, seeing a boy down the street," Hermione said. "I haven't picked up a book all summer."

"Is that right? Good for you I say. You need to have a good time, you deserve it," Minerva said.

"That's what mum said."

"Ach, your mother is right." She took a sip of tea, nodding in appreciation of the taste. "Now, what I wish to discuss is your future. Have you given it any thought?"

"Some, but it's conflicting, which is what I'm trying to avoid."

"I have a proposal for you."

"I'm all ears."

"I would invite you to finish your education at Hogwarts."

"You do know that I've received offers from various ministry departments? They don't care about the lack of NEWTs."

"But you care, don't you?" Minerva asked.

"Admittedly, yes. I can have a career there without NEWTs, but not a meaningful one. I won't be taken seriously without them."

"They take Harry seriously," Minerva countered.

"They would be stupid not to. Look at what he's done, what he's been through. The ministry needs him. He's going to do big things there, they're lucky to have him," Hermione stated.

"So, what of returning to Hogwarts?" Minerva asked. "Before you answer, I have a few things in mind for you, befitting your status."

"My status?"

"Yes dear. You'll be 19 in September, and I don't think to house you among children, so you would be free to live elsewhere while you attend classes. In addition, you can come and go as you please, no curfews. You will be given NEWT credit in Defense of the Dark Arts and Charms, which you have earned, of that I am sure. That will leave you with two free periods and I have it in mind for you to assist the Defense professor those two periods. It's your choice of course what to do with the free periods, but the experience would look good on your CV."

"Would it also lend some credibility to the Defense professor position? A war heroine who has practical, proven experience against the dark arts?"

"Astute observation, my dear. I take it you don't agree with the heroine part?"

"Not in the least."

The Grangers were fascinated with the discussion. No wonder Hermione was so fond of the professor, she was a sharp old bird who knew exactly how to handle Hermione.

"You are a hero, whether you like it or not. You did receive an Order of Merlin First Class for your efforts. Not many can claim that. Your humility, while amusing, does you great credit. I would consider you a fine addition to this year's Hogwarts class. What do you say?"

"What about meals? You didn't mention that."

"Meals?" What an odd question. "Well, of course you may eat there, all students-" she said and saw Hermione grinning. "You're asking in jest, aren't you? Cheeky girl."

Hermione shrugged. "What can I say? I enjoy breakfast there."

"What would you say if I offered you the Head Girl post?"

Hermione took a deep breath. "I would respectfully decline."

Minerva waved the comment away and took a sip of tea. "I thought so. I have someone in mind anyway."

Hermione wrote down her desired classes (Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, History of Magic, and Care of Magical Creatures.) Minerva gave her a book and supply list for her classes and a hug before she left.

"It's good to see you doing so well and I'm pleased that you're continuing your education. Enjoy the rest of your summer. I'll see you at the sorting, good afternoon."

Hermione closed the door and pumped her fists. "YES!"

Friday afternoon

The age-old lamentation was heard from Hermione's wardrobe. "I have nothing to wear!"

Her mum appeared at her bedroom door.

"Mum, my date is tonight and I have nothing decent to wear!"

"Where is he taking you?"

"I have no idea, he said it was a surprise!"

"Ouch, that does complicate things."

"Mum, not helping!"

Evie contemplated her carefully. "We look to be about the same size, I have a classy black number that might work. You can't go wrong with black."

She was right; the classy black number did work with a few flicks of a wand. "You're more endowed upstairs than I am," Evie said.

Downstairs, John whistled when he saw Hermione. "You look gorgeous, pumpkin. Brent will be enchanted."

Indeed Brent was. He was speechless when Hermione answered the door. He held a single rose, his mouth open, trying to regain his train of thought.

"Have a good time you two," Evie said and gave Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek.

She slid her arm in the crook of Brent's arm as the two strolled down the front walk, chatting and laughing all the way to his car.

That's what she's supposed to be doing, not off fighting wars.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Hermione was shocked. "Daphne's? Brent, this is amazing!"

"I take it you approve?"

Hermione nodded. "Absolutely!"

"Before we go in though, there's something I've been meaning to tell you," he said and took her face in his hands and gave her a heated kiss. He gave one last swipe with his tongue and drew back.

"Want to tell me that one more time?" she asked.

Hermione would have been more surprised had she seen Harry and Ginny there as well. Harry, who loved London nightlife, was trying to integrate Ginny as well. So far, she adored Harrods, loved going to Tesco and Harry was taking her to eat at all the best places in London. There was never a shortage of muggle conversation material for Arthur. He was thrilled for his daughter. She was finally living a life she deserved, as long as she was home by 11 p.m.

"Hey, there's Hermione, with Brent from the party!" Ginny said.

The waiter brought salads and Harry nodded his thanks.

"Should we go over and say hi?" Harry asked.

"No, let her enjoy this time, but she does look smashing."

After dinner, Hermione and Brent talked in the backyard gazebo that led to heated kisses and more. Hermione's hormones were screaming. This felt better than the kiss in the car and she wanted more. So did Brent, but this was their first date after all. He didn't want to rush this; a slow burn would be better. When her flame finally lit, she would be a firecracker. Scratch that, an entire stick of dynamite! What was the rush? They had the whole summer to enjoy themselves. After they said goodbye for the evening, Hermione removed her shoes and sat at the side of the pool, swishing her feet in the water. The pool lights came on and her mum waved from the kitchen window.

The next day, she went to visit Ginny to tell her about Minerva's visit. Ginny was thrilled to be in the same classes with Hermione.

"Except for History of Magic, that class is dead dull. I don't know how you enjoy it."

"It's not so much the class itself, it's the material."

"If you say so. So, how did it go?"

"Huh?"

"Your date?"

"In a word, magic."

"Wow. So you're going to see him again?"

"You bet, Monday night, dinner at his home. I would have seen him today, but he has an early rugby match, and he spends the rest of the day recovering from that. Tomorrow he takes his grandmother to church, then makes the rounds of all her friends."

"Hermione, you're such a lucky hag. Handsome, smart, athletic, and looks after his grandmother? That's unreal."

"Did I mention that he kisses perfectly?"

"Oh, do tell."

This was a side to Hermione that Ginny loved seeing, happy and just having a good time. And yes, she could confirm that Hermione had hormones like any other girl.

They spent time together every day that week and on Thursday, he asked Hermione to go Dover with him for the weekend for a Celtic music festival.

"Sounds fun, I'd love to."

"Great, I'll get us a room. That is, unless you want separate rooms."

There really was no mistaking Brent's meaning. This was one of those moments of truth. Could she do it? Could she, a witch who faced death time and time again, be a woman and go to Dover for the weekend with a man?

"One room will be fine," she said.