A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Edited and proofed 30 June 2022

-oOo-

Chapter 11

-oOo-

August 7, 1996

Alderney, UK

They didn't say anything as they walked up into the sunlight.

"You want to go back or not?" he asked. If she wanted to run screaming from him he wouldn't blame her. He wouldn't run, he liked her too much but that had scared him some. He met her eyes. There were emotions there that scared and excited him.

She still had the broach in her hand.

"Can we go somewhere to talk?" she asked.

He swallowed. Looking at his watch, it was only three. "There is a cafe or two back in town. I could get you a coffee."

She nodded.

They started to walk, Harry staying a few feet away. She had not wanted to run, not yet. He took that as a positive sign. As they walked back and the ocean breeze took her hair and blew it inland, he realized that the vision in the well was something he wanted.

She moved closer and he took her hand, both deep in thought.

The fact she would let him take her hand, and slowly moved closer made his heart swell with hope. They found a cafe that was busy and were able to take a table when an older couple left.

It was still silent between them until a waiter came over. They ordered some drinks and pastries. He looked at her as she looked at the broach.

"Do you want to break up with me?" he asked her.

Her eyes shot up to him. "What! No! Of course not," she said rather quickly.

He let out a breath. "Good. I like you as my girlfriend. I had no idea though," he told her.

Hermione nodded and just looked into his eyes. The waiter came back and put the stuff on the table. "You lost your mother's broach. It must have been very important to you," she said.

"I have some other stuff from my parents, but yes," he told her.

"I am not ready for marriage."

"Neither am I," he agreed with her.

She nodded. "I am willing to see where this will go," she told him, putting the broach on the table next to his hand.

He felt his heart start to beat hard against his chest. "I am too. This is yours," he said pushing the broach back.

She put her hand over his. "I think you should keep it for now. I will wear it when we get to that point," she said.

His heart felt like it wanted to pound out of his chest. She said 'when', not 'if'!

"You were beautiful in that dress," he complimented her, trying to keep his flush down.

Some color came to her cheeks. "I haven't bought anything like that yet."

"I still liked it."

"Did you get your answer?" she asked.

He took her hand in his, leaving the broach between them. "I know this is insane and we are only sixteen, but would you move to Sark?"

A smile came across her face before she tried to look serious. "A little soon to ask me to move in with you."

His eyes grew wide as she giggled.

"Aunt Millie offered to rent me a room next summer. I was going to talk with my mum about it when she comes this weekend. Whether I get the grants or not, I like it here. I can work for my aunt, if need be," she said.

He squeezed her hand. "I am going to transfer all my vaults and give up my Lordship," he responded.

She smiled before pulling her hand out of his and getting her coffee prepared.

"What names would you call our kids?" she asked conversationally, like it was the most natural thing to talk about.

He was about to drink some of his tea and put it back down. She was looking at him seriously. "James and Sirius for the boys," he said. "Something pretty for the girls, like their mother."

Merlin! They were talking about kids! All he wanted to do was take her on another date. They hadn't even come close to doing anything that could lead to kids...

Hermione gave a pleasant smile that turned his insides, as though dozens of butterflies were flitting around.

"I like Yvonne and Isolde," she said. "I know your father was James. Who is Sirius?"

"I like those names. Sirius was my cousin and one of my father's best mates. He died trying to protect us from Voldemort," he said. "I could only hope to be as brave as them."

"You are brave," she said.

He nodded. He didn't feel as brave as his parents and Sirius had been. Though looking at Hermione and the fact she still wanted to stay around, he would do just about anything for her.

"So, did you start looking up wards for your fields?" she asked as though they had not just been talking about marriage and children.

"Not yet. I was trying to finish the last of our extra credit work this morning. Would you like to go to Paris Monday? There is a book seller there that has many international books. My Aunt says there are some good textbooks from Ilvermorny," he told her.

Her eyes widened and a smile came back on her face. "Brilliant! Can we bring one of the satchels?" she asked.

"I plan on it. I wanted to stop in a few specialty shops. I have the funds from the broom I didn't buy and thought I could get the gear I needed," he said. "I also wanted to offer you half if you want to get anything for your research."

She looked at him dumbfounded. "Harry, that is yours," she said.

He shrugged. "Hermione, can I tell you something?"

"You never have to hold back," she said.

Harry reached for her hand. "I have more money than I will ever know what to do with. My Aunt has given me a draft line to my accounts with a 2000 galleon a month limit and doubt that would scratch the surface if I used that every month. I could fund both our projects and still have money left over," he told her.

She blinked a few times. "Why are you applying for the grants then?" she asked.

"Like you said, research should be reviewed and published. This will force me. I also like to earn my money and do the work. Something my aunt has taught me."

"So, you are saying you don't want to touch your wealth?" she asked.

"I didn't say that. I just don't feel like I earned it. My parents and cousin left me everything they had. It is there when I need it, but I don't want to use it just because I can."

She shifted her chair closer to him, took his arm and pulled him into a kiss. He gave a goofy smirk. "I more than like you, Harry Potter."

-oOo-

August 8, 1996

London, England

Their first stop had been the Ministry where he filed for a Petition of Non-continuance. That would break his family's ties with the Wizengamot the day he turned seventeen, and any obligations he would have after that. In essence, no other Potter or other relative could ever claim his title. He was sure that would upset some of his cousins, but the Longbottoms and Flints were the only ones with blood that could link back to the Potters in five generations. His father had broken ties with all the Flints, except his aunt.

It also released him to transfer his inheritance and family valuables.

Harry and Aunt Bel were leaving Magical Registries when Madam Bones came across them. She was reading a parchment and heading past the door. The woman looked up and stopped. "Mr. Potter and Ms. Flint," she said.

"Afternoon, Amelia," his aunt said. She was at least a decade younger than the Matron Bones, but his aunt very rarely used formal titles. It was part of her rebellion against her upbringing.

Madam Bones nodded. "It is a pleasure to see you today. Did you receive my letter?"

"I have. I am going to have to decline your invitation. Harry, you don't have any interest, correct?"

"No, Aunt Bel," he said. He had no interest in a Gala at the end of summer.

"Why not? Harry is a Scion of one of the houses in the Wizengamot and I think it appropriate for him to start socializing with those that will stand with him," Bones said. She was looking at him as though very disappointed. "All the people in attendance were part of the old Alliance his grandfather founded. Ms. Granger is invited as well." It was like she was offering an olive branch.

His Aunt looked to him. This was his decision, and he should be the one announcing it. "Madame Bones, I have decided to not receive my Scion rights and renounce my Lordship. I plan to be getting ready for school on the thirtieth," he told her.

She blinked. "You what?"

"Harry is claiming The Bailiwick of Guernsey as his permanent residence," she said.

The woman looked at him for a few. "Harry, I don't think you understand the importance of your house, or others that are linked to it."

"I understand. I just don't want to live here and have talked to those most important to me about it. I have put in the declaration to elevate any vassal houses and have released all debts and recuperations. Notices will be sent soon, and my uncle will handle any complaints or contests," he said. "Aunt Bel, I wanted to get to Gringotts and then a store or two before lunch."

"Amelia, always a pleasure," his aunt said with a smirk as the older woman just stared at him.

Harry nodded his head and walked out next to his aunt. She chuckled as they came close to the elevator. "You realize that Ted is going to be inundated now?"

"I owe Uncle Ted from when he dropped me off that bridge that time we went diving with him," he said.

She shook her head. "You are dragging your girlfriend over there Sunday," she told him.

Harry groaned. "Can't I wait until the end of summer?" he asked her.

"I don't think Andi is happy you have not owled her yet about Hermione. I got a letter this morning saying she didn't like that Dora told her, instead of you," she said.

The grate of the elevator closed. "Mrs. Granger is coming back Saturday. You think she will like me taking Hermione away?"

"We don't need to go over until three."

He really liked Aunt Andi and Uncle Ted. He just knew he was going to get an earful for not telling Aunt Andi. "I will ask," he said.

She chuckled. "I would make sure she does. I wouldn't put it past Andi to go to Sark and drag her along."

He winced. "Aunt Andi would."

"Yes, she would."

The Goblins of Gringotts were always happy to see him. Gringotts warm welcome faded quickly when he asked to close out such a large account as his family's and transfer it to a different clan. The goblin bank of Harpspear, on Guernsey, wouldn't even fill a quarter of the vaults on the upper levels of Gringotts, but it was as safe. Goblins, no matter what clan, took guarding treasure very seriously. Harry was also sure he would become the largest account for the Harpspear Goblins. Here he was in the top ten or twenty.

They were even less friendly to them when his aunt closed her account and vault, then he put in the paperwork to close the Black accounts his uncle had left to him. Harry couldn't renounce that title until he was seventeen, and most didn't know he had it.

As they left, Harry saw a relatively busy Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. Ron had not returned a letter yet and he thought he would stop in. Maybe Ron had just been busy? Most summers his mate was bored out of his mind, being stuck at the Burrow.

His Aunt said she was going to do some other shopping as he went inside.

There were a couple dozen people in the store.

Fred was at the front counter today and pointed him towards the back when he asked about Ron.

Harry found Ron stocking some shelves. "Git," Harry said in greeting and hit Ron's arm. Ron spun until he saw Harry and a huge smile spread across his face.

"Harry! What is with this git stuff," he said, taking his hand.

"You come back and don't even tell me. Some best mate," Harry said shaking his hand.

Ron turned a little red and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, that. I was going to send you a letter soon. It's been pretty busy, and I've been a little distracted," Ron said.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Distracted with what?" he asked.

"Well, since I got back, Lavender Brown," he said back abashed. "I haven't wanted to send Pig to you since he has been pretty busy, and Ginny usually got my letter from Hedwig."

Harry smirked at him. "I thought you liked Mandy? And why is Pig busy?"

"She shot me down start of summer. I started to talk with Lavender more by post and when I got back, we kind of got together."

"More work. Less talk," George said coming out a door and heading towards the front of the store.

Harry reached into the box and started to help Ron stock the shelves. "Congratulations. So, how was Egypt?"

"Bill took Ginny and I down into one of the catacombs. Merlin, Harry, I should have taken runes when you told me to," Ron said.

Harry shrugged. "It's never too late to learn. You know you can always get an International Wizarding Level. The ICW offers tests a few times a year."

"Maybe. The stuff the Egyptians did to protect their dead and their treasures, some of them were really messed up, but impressive," he said.

"Yeah, they were," he said, remembering last summer when Bill had been home for a few weeks and told them about some of the stuff he was doing.

"You want to come over later? Mum was asking about you last night," he said.

"You aren't doing anything with Lavender?"

"Tomorrow. She wants to go out to dinner. It's nice having galleons in my pocket," he said.

"I have plans tonight. How about later next week. I am going to Sweden Tuesday to see England and Sweden."

"Wicked. I wish I could go," Ron said a little dreamily.

"I have Portree tickets for Wednesday evening that I bought before I found out I was going to Sweden. They're yours," Harry offered.

Ron looked at him a little enviously before reaching back into the box. "I can't afford that."

"I'm not asking for anything. They are going to go to waste otherwise," Harry told him.

"Really?" Ron asked.

"I'll send Hedwig to you later," he told his best mate. "There are four tickets."

"You would make more to afford those tickets if you speed up," Fred said walking by to the backroom. "We aren't paying you Harry."

Ron rolled his eyes as they stocked the last boxes of assorted tricks. "They're slave drivers."

Harry laughed. "Slave drivers that are paying you," he said.

"Yeah, there is that."

Ron picked up the mostly empty box and Harry followed him into the back room. "Employees only," Fred said as Harry stepped in.

"I'm not going to nick anything," Harry said to Ron's brother. He had been friends with Ron long enough that his family treated him like family.

"I don't know, you seem to have been pretty dodgy lately. Anything you want to tell us?" Fred asked looking at him before going back to his work bench and filling small vials with pink potion.

"Is that going to turn my hair pink?" he asked.

"This is a mild love potion. It will make someone infatuated with you for an hour or so. And that is not what I meant, Casanova."

Ron put the box down and picked up a clip board before looking at Harry. "Why is he calling you Casanova?" Ron asked.

"I heard you gave George a show last week."

"I didn't give him a show. I only pecked Hermione on the cheek," Harry said.

Ron's mouth dropped and he dropped the clipboard. Fred laughed. "It sounded like a cat fight also broke out between your new girlfriend and Susan Bones."

"There was no fight either. She asked Hermione if she would study with her when they go back this year," he said.

"You and Granger?" Ron asked, sounding as though it was the biggest shock in the world. Well, Harry had to give him that considering how much Harry had raved about not being able to beat her.

"Yeah. Me and Granger. You have an issue with that?"

Ron raised his hands. Ron knew not to challenge Harry when he used that tone. "No. Wicked," he said in awe. "I didn't think she liked people like that. I mean she is cute and all, I always thought her mental about school, now I know she's mental."

"What the bloody hell, Ron." Harry balled his fist.

Ron looked alarmed and Fred laughed. "She's going out with you, isn't she?"

"Completely mental," Fred agreed.

"Bloody berks," Harry said laughing and hitting Ron on the arm. Ron laughed. He looked relieved too.

"So, you and Susan...?" he asked.

"I didn't ask her out at Christmas because she wasn't the one I liked," he said.

Ron shook his head. "And I thought you just chicken all this time. You really like Granger?"

"Yeah," Harry said glaring at his friend.

After a moment, Ron shrugged. "Yeah, alright. You want to go with Lav and I tomorrow night?"

"What if you and Lavender come out to Sark next Friday? There is a restaurant Hermione really likes on Guernsey that I think Lavender would like too," he told him. "It will be my treat."

Ron looked even more uncomfortable. "Harry, I can't do that."

"Ron, I haven't seen you all summer and I don't care about the galleons," he said.

Ron eyed him. "Since when? You pinch knuts more than I do most of the time. Did you finally get your Firebolt?"

Harry smiled. "Yeah, I got one, but it's not as nice as I thought it might be," Harry told him.

Ron's eyes bulged this time. "What the bloody hell do you mean it's not as nice as you thought it might be? It's a ruddy Firebolt, Harry!"

"It is, but once you fly a Thunderwave, it's not as nice."

Fred stopped and turned. "You got to fly a new Thunderwave?"

"I own one," Harry said abashed.

Both Weasley's looked at him slack jawed. "You what?"

"I own a Thunderwave, and a Firebolt," Harry said.

"Blimey," Ron said. "You saved up that much? You said the Firebolt was about sixteen hundred. How much was the Thunderwave?"

"Not sure. Aunt Bel made a deal with Eric, the owner of Quality Quidditch, and I got both. You helped me earn some of that money, so I thought it fair to offer you to come to dinner with us," Harry told him. "If you want, Hermione and I should be around all day, and you can come early and try the Firebolt."

Ron gave a huge smile. "You still need to come to the Burrow, and is Granger coming early?"

"She's living on Sark for the summer. Had no idea her cousin is my neighbor," Harry responded.

"Blimey, can't get more convenient than that. You want to bring back a love potion or two for her?" Fred asked, turning back to the bench.

Harry screwed his face. "I don't play with that stuff and would never do that to someone."

"Does Ginny know about this?" Ron asked.

"You think George would be alive if he told her? We figured you should have that honor, dear brother," Fred said.

Ron paled. "Bloody berks," he grumped.

Harry winced. "I thought she got over that crush on me? She's been dating."

"Oh, we know," Fred said darkly. "She hasn't dated anyone for long though."

The way Fred said it, Harry had a feeling the twins had been responsible for some of those breakups.

Ron frowned. "Did you really need to make those tentacles grow on Corner? I don't like the guy, but no one should have squiggly things there."

Fred shrugged. "Not sure what you are talking about. Oh, and Harry, yes Ginny still likes you. I think she was using the others to make you jealous. That was why we helped keep her free. Those others weren't right for her."

Harry grimaced. "And what if I had liked her?"

"Not sure. We like you," Fred said. "You might just want to keep an eye on our sister. She can be jealous."

"Sure. So, you will come out to Sark?"

"Can I have next Friday off?" Ron asked.

"Only if you get all those shelves restocked today and work Sunday instead."

"Sure," Ron said.

"I'll help you. My Aunt probably won't be done for another hour," Harry offered.

"We aren't paying you," Fred said.

"Think I'm alright with money," Harry responded.

"So, could I try the Thunderwave too?" Ron asked as he stacked two boxes on Harry's arms before taking a third larger one for himself.

Harry would normally say yes, but he had fallen in love with that broom now that he had taken it out a few times. It was one of the only things he didn't want to share with anyone. Hermione being the first one, his inner voice said.

He didn't argue.

"You can use my Firebolt or Nimbus 2001 whenever you want. I would like to at least play a game as Captain once before I let anyone touch the Thunderwave," Harry said.

"Brilliant! I was hoping you would get that badge," he answered.

"Yeah. If you are trying out, you better start those workouts again, otherwise it will be brutal if you make the team."

Ron groaned. "I thought we got rid of Wood?"

"He has a point of a strong body, strong team. Plus, Lavender will probably like you more after the workouts," he said.

They put the boxes down and Ron punched his arm before shaking his hand. "Merlin, Harry. It's like punching a tree."

Harry shrugged. "I keep up with the workouts."

-oOo-

Sark Island, UK

It was warm out again by the time they got back. He caught Hermione serving up lunch to the muggle guests through the windows and she smiled. He smiled back and motioned for her to come over. She nodded and he knew she would come over after her shift was done.

He hid the few things he had bought at the Wizarding Wheezes. It should be nothing to get him into trouble: some fireworks, some trick candy that wasn't on the 'Banned List' and a few trick wands. He was hoping he might be able to get Malfoy. He was a Prefect. He was also smart and had read the rule book a half dozen times the last year. He figured he could get away with a few things that either fell between the rules or as long as he wasn't caught.

The purchases went into the secret pocket in his bag, next to his cloak and the Map his uncle 'accidentally' dropped his second year. Uncle Remus had been a professor, but he had also grown up with one of the most legendary prankster groups at Hogwarts and thought Harry should have some fun.

Checking the tide chart, he made sure he had his swim trunks and a tank top of his own on before making a quick lunch.

"Aunt Bel, I have a sandwich for you," he called down the hall to their rooms. "Cork, do you have any flowers you could spare in your garden?" Harry asked as the elf washed out some pots in the sink.

"What colors does Mistress Hermione like?" the elf asked.

Harry smiled. Cork and Prim knew him too well.

"I'm not sure. Probably yellow and red," he said, thinking of the image from yesterday.

Harry was really happy she wanted to see where this went. He already knew he would never let her go, unless she wanted too.

"Cork has some roses and tulips that would do well."

A knock came at the door. "Come in," he said. His smile grew wider to see her already in jean shorts and a new tank top. He noticed that the bikini under it was yellow.

"Afternoon, Cork. You about ready to go swimming?" she asked. "The tide is low enough in about a half hour."

"Can I just finish my sandwich?" he asked. The thought excited him to think of her in only her bikini.

"You have those books?" she asked him.

"On my bed. I left them out. I'm not sure if I want to take any to Hogwarts."

She moved to him, kissed him on the lips and then went down the hall. "Afternoon, Aunt Bel," Hermione said.

Harry did a quick double take and his aunt smiled. "Afternoon, Hermione," she said and joined Harry at the table. "Aunt Bel?" she asked quietly.

"Not sure," he said, liking how Hermione had said that. He had a feeling it had something to do with yesterday.

His Aunt eyed him as she started to eat the sandwich he made her. She did the same and a few minutes later, Hermione came back to the table, a book in her hand. He looked at it and smiled at her. He had grabbed almost two dozen books. He wasn't going to read most of them, but Hermione had expressed interest. Maybe he should build a new addition for a library.

She had one on transfiguration.

His Aunt rose an eyebrow.

Harry knew that was one of the Potter books. Only a Potter, a relative or one given permission could even touch them. He tried to keep his face level. Harry had not specifically given her permission.

"Prim offered to make that ratatouille you liked if you want to come by for dinner, Hermione," his aunt said.

"I would love too. Let Prim know I said thank you," she said, not looking up from the book. He shoved the last of the sandwich in his mouth.

"Harry, I taught you better than that," as he chewed the large bit and brought his plate to the sink. Cork was still cleaning out a flowerpot.

"Sorry, Aunt Bel. Ready?" he asked once he swallowed.

She took his hand, and they made their way to Venus pool. When they got there, there were some tourists today. "You want to still go in?" he asked her.

"I brought that book. I don't mind reading for a while," she told him. They found a spot a little bit away as the two families played around the pool. Hermione put out her towel. "Sit," she told him.

He laughed. "Anything else you want?" he asked.

"Take off your shirt?" she asked, a little more abashed as she took hers off. The yellow bikini had a shoestring strap and showed off a little more of her flesh. It wasn't indecent, but it did excite him.

He threw his shirt on his towel, sat and she sat between his legs and leaned her back against his chest. Harry really liked the feel of her skin on his. Again, the goosebumps had nothing to do with the slightly cool wind, her body easily warming him up.

His hands slipped around her midriff, and she wiggled to sit up enough to put the book on her knees. One arm wrapped around his hands and held him tight. She opened the book, and he leaned his head over her shoulder.

She pulled her shoulder to her neck and giggled. "That tickles," she told him.

He liked her giggle. "Where else should I put my chin?" he asked really close to her ear.

When she spoke, she sounded breathy. "I don't know," she said.

He wasn't sure what possessed him, but he kissed her neck for the first time. He heard her breath hitch. "Harry," she said, leaning against him more. He smiled, liking the tenor of her voice. His only issue was his excitement was starting to make itself apparent.

"I'll just sit back," he said.

"No," she said quickly.

Harry smiled and kissed her neck again. He felt her shiver. "Should we go look through books in my room later?" he asked.

"Can you just put them on the floor?" she asked, leaning her head against his cheek. A little child laughed, and she started, taking the book and holding it upside down. "If they don't leave soon, I would like to go back."

He licked his lips. He would be disappointed not to swim with her. He liked feeling her skin against his. "If you want. You know my aunt's rules."

"Bathing suits are clothes," she said.

He would be surprised if she didn't feel his heart thudding in his chest. He kissed her shoulder this time. "I like like you," he told her.

She shifted and moved her head so she could kiss him. Her tongue quickly met his and they pulled apart when they heard a kid laughing again.

"You want to go back now?" he asked.

"You better kiss me like that more," she told him.

He smiled and they kissed again before making it back to his house.

-oOo-

A/N: This was always the fate I saw for Sirius in this story. It was sad to get here. Sirius will get a much more fitting good-bye scene later.