When they got back into the common room they where quiet and brooding. Or at least trying to be. When Ron saw them he jumped up and stomped over to them. Harry saw him coming and stepped up. Ron ignored him.
"You stupid little mudblood bitch. You raised a wand against me? What the hell Hermione? Don't you dare ever do that to me again. You got that. You don't ever raise your wand against me!"
Hermione's mouth snapped open at hearing the words coming from Ron's mouth with such venom. Harry couldn't stand it so he punched Ron in the face as hard as he could. The red head staggered back then pulled his wand and shouted "Densaugo"
Harry dodged but Hermione was standing behind him and didn't move fast enough. The spell hit her in the face and her teeth began to grow. She shrieked around them as they hit her chin and kept going. Ron started laughing but Harry dragged her out and to the Hospital wing.
"So what happened now?"
"She got hit by a spell called Densaugo."
"Oh dear. Ok give me a moment." And she started casting the counter curse.
Hermione got her teeth to the point she felt comfortable and was happy they had been fixed. Madam Pomfrey said she was going to be spending the night for observation when McGonnegal came in.
"Ah Mr Potter I had no doubt you'd be here. How is she Pompey?"
"Her teeth have been restored and a bit more, "the matron said with a wink to Hermione. "But I'm going to hold her over night to make sure there wasn't any injury to the roots or gums. She'll be released for breakfast more than likely. "
"very good. I'm sorry to steal your gentleman friend away but you need your sleep and I have to ask Mr Potter a few questions concerning the issues at hand."
"Do you need to talk to me about anything?" Hermione asked worried.
Smiling at her briefly Professor McGonnegal shook her head, "No the other students told me what he said and what happened. He did not deny it. So he is sitting in a detention room until the morning when we will see if he has calmed down or if we need to call his parents. The sort of behavior he has exhibited today is not that of a proper Gryffindor. "
"No indeed not. Putting two different students in the hospital wing for petty disagreements is reprehensible behavior." Pomfrey said.
Hermione smiled, "Well in that case thank you professor."
"No problem Miss Granger. Good night."
Harry said good night and followed Professor McGonnegal out. He had wanted to hug Hermione but felt awkward about it in front of the matron and Professor McGonnegal.
After they had left the hospital wing McGonnegal stopped Harry, "Mr Potter I have to ask you something rather personal."
Nodding Harry let her continue.
"Are you pursuing a relationship with Miss Granger due to your own feelings or due to the things our temporary friends revealed about their home life."
Harry sighed, "We talked about that. I admit the things they said made me more open to talking to Hermione about that. Which is good because she felt the same way. So while they may have got us talking we're the ones doing this because we want to. I like her. She's nice and we're studying together. In return I'm helping her learn to fly a broom."
"yes well then in that case please continue to be friends and talk. I do believe the exploration of broom closets or bedchambers by the two of you can wait for a significant time later?" She smiled when she said that.
Harry blushed then nodded.
"Very well as its now past curfew and you should be in your bed lets get you back to the dormitories."
Harry slept that night after worrying a bit about Hermione and what was going to happen with Ron. He knew that Ron's friendship was gone for using that word. Hermione could never forgive him and Harry certainly wasn't.
The next day Ron was not talking to them at Breakfast. Hermione had been released and was feeling better. Ron was on probation according to the rumors. He was also sporting quite a nice black eye courtesy of Neville. Who got a detention helping Professor Sprout in return. Not much of a punishment and more of a reward the general feeling was. Even by the twins who had no sympathy for Ron.
Their days where spent doing their exercising, practicing the mental disciplines that Snape had assigned them. He had reduced their detentions and was now tutoring Harry in Mandatory Remedial potions, allowing "Mrs Potter" to attend to work on her personality flaws and maybe bring her up as well. Everyone thought he was doing it to keep rubbing her nose in it but Snape knew she actually enjoyed it. The attack by Ron having drawn them closer instead of further apart. In public they still acted like they where just friends and had no feelings for each other as much as they could but little touches and glances still snuck through.
Snape was also telling Harry about his mother Lily and how she was an excellent charm caster. How his dad was in his younger days a smug know it all who ran around with three other boys. Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin a werewolf, and Sirius Black. Another rich smug little pure-blood lord like James. Only difference is that Sirius had rejected his families dark leanings and joined James and Gryffindor.
Ron kept pushing and trying to hurt Hermione's feelings it seemed like. Especially in the last few days leading up to Halloween. Which was suspicious and irritating. Hermione though with Harry's friendship, support and love refused to go running off to the bathroom crying. She had friends and people who liked her. Neville, Lavender, Parvati, The twins and more all considered her their friend and she considered them her friend. All Ron did was keep pushing himself outside of their circle of friends. Draco found it absolutely hilarious and called Ron out on it. Asking him whose side was he on. This got him and Ron into a fight and more detentions for both.
Halloween saw Hermione safely seated right beside Harry in the Great Hall. When no troll appeared and Quirrel was sitting placidly talking to Snape and Sprout the students began to relax. `Dumbledore took the opportunity to highlight another difference between the world of our guests and this world. That people needed to pay attention to this world and live in it not the world of what-if.
Harry and Hermione's remedial potions classes continued. Snape also began to teach them some healing spells and other practical magics that might be helpful. Their mental shielding was growing stronger and he began to make gentle probes. The first time against Hermione revealing her thought about how she had been bullied as a child and called teacher's pet. How Ron's words did hurt her even if she put up a strong front. Harry wound up holding her while she cried it out. Harry didn't break down when Snape probed his mind and saw the cruelty of the Dursley's the neglect and casual hate. Snape almost did though. He had to step out and compose himself for a moment. Pausing in the doorway before returning he saw Hermione stroking Harry's hair while she held him. He was not crying but it was obvious he was close to tears. Each of the people in the room had been broken in one way or another. The fact they had found each other showed that sometimes fate did give a lucky break.
Harry had been invited by Hermione to spend the Christmas break with her family. Snape had agreed that getting out of the castle over the holidays was probably a good idea as the headmaster was scheming about something. Plus Ron was not going to be going home either which would have left Harry alone in the dorms with him. Professor McGonnegal was brought on board with this plan as well. The headmaster when presented with a unified front from two opposing forces about getting Harry out of the castle folded and gave his blessings, provided that the Dursley's would grant theirs. A visit by Snape assured that of occurring. No magic was used but some implied threats that a pig's tail would not be the worst thing to occur to the family if they refused got much better results.
The new trio consisting of Harry, Hermione and Neville had still visited Hagrid and talked to him. Harry told him about going to Hermione's for the holidays which Hagrid had gently teased about dragging the boy home to meet the parents already causing much blushing. He said he would see what he could do about sending Harry's gift to him there.
Christmas at the Granger's home was incredible. Harry did not care if he was missing out on the castle's enchanted trees and the decorations. He was with Hermione and that was more than enough enchantment. Her parents found him to be absolutely sweet and charming. Making sure to take pictures of the both of them. Going to church on Christmas Eve was a new experience for Harry which he was absolutely enthralled by. The music and all the people being nice and friendly to each other almost overwhelmed him.
Christmas day the Grangers had gotten him a nice set of Pajamas and a nice shirt. This was to go along with the nice clothes they had gotten him for church. He hadn't known what to get them so he got Mrs Granger a nice set of ever-sharp kitchen knives and a book of the collected works of Shakespeare he found in Diagon Alley. It had been enchanted to have moving pictures that acted out certain scenes. Which since they had a magical daughter he didn't think would violate any rules. Mr Granger he got a set of golf balls in the same shop that where enchanted to never get lost. He also got a book on Victorian dental practices. His shopping selections based on things Hermione had told him about her parents. They appreciated his gifts and the thought behind them.
For Hermione he got her a writing set and a small gold locket in the shape of a heart with the words friends forever engraved on it. There was a space inside for two pictures. She loved it and hugged him so tightly her mother was afraid she was going to break Harry. Hermione got Harry a broom servicing kit and a set of quills enchanted with no blot inking charms. He hugged her back but not quite as strongly as she had hugged him.
The Dursleys had sent a small box of jelly bears and a nice handkerchief set. The fact they had even thought of him made him thank Snape all that much more. Being in a house of dentists he placed the candy aside for later. The fact that he carefully, almost obsessively, unwrapped each gift slowly and methodically, saving the ribbon and papers intact almost like the paper was as precious as the gift was not lost on her parents who cried a little bit thinking of the home Harry must have to be as ill dressed and overly careful and polite. Daniel had joked around with Harry about having to get him in his chair if he hurt his daughter only to have him flinch and blush at the same time. Which made him feel bad about teasing the boy.
They saw how easy Hermione and Harry talked and how much Harry enjoyed Hermione reading from the books she had. Sitting and listening to her like he was enraptured. Emma Granger was already looking ahead to what her grandchildren would look like. Daniel just hoped they would wait until after university for them. He never doubted they would not be together. A parent just knew.
New Years eve saw Harry and Hermione share their first kiss. It was quick, awkward and clumsy but sweet. Her locket now had a picture of her and Harry in it. As they had decided that being friends did not preclude them being boyfriend and girlfriend. Especially as the words had the term friend in them.
Professor Snape showed up at the Granger home a few days before break was over. He brought a book that was an overview of the wizarding world for them. He also told Harry that the Headmaster would want to see him when they returned so he was going to test their Occlumancy shields a bit. They assured him they had remained practicing over the holidays. Which they had. It was still an obvious mind shield and would never hold out against the headmaster if he tried to force it but a shallow and subtle scan would be blocked.
The Grangers where pleased to meet another one of Hermione's professors having only met Professor McGonnegal when she brought Hermione her letter. He sat and visited with them and had dinner in their house. Hermione and Harry being described as his favorite students right now. Which surprised them but then they remembered at the school he had to keep up appearances.
When asked why Hermione might have stopped writing about a boy named Ron Weasley he glanced at her and merely said that Mr Weasley had not appreciated her choosing Harry over him and had decided to pursue other avenues of friendship. The school was keeping a close eye on the boy and helping him to understand there where more positive ways of expressing his displeasure. Daniel understood that to mean the boy was spending a lot of time being very familiar with the business end of a mop and broom like his time in boarding school. Snape did not disagree.
The train ride back to school was a fun affair with Harry, Hermione, Neville, Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot sharing a compartment. Neville and his girlfriends had talked and had fun over Christmas. They had agreed that being friends was a good idea and while the future was still theirs they where not going to worry too much about it. Discovering a shared enjoyment of plants and good food. The three of them seemed quite happy.
Draco and his goons came by and tried to cause trouble. Harry and Neville just looked at each other and the girls and started laughing at him. Calling Draco a pathetic little bully that needed to hide behind his daddy at the slightest trouble. Goyle and Crabbe had started to step into the compartment when a prefect came along and told them to sod off. Looking into the compartment he closed the doors with a chuckle.
In the dorms Neville put a framed picture of him and his two lady friends dressed nicely for a ball at the Longbottom estate on his bedside stand. Harry and Hermione having a standing invitation for next year as well as anytime they felt like it. Harry put the picture of him and Hermione dressed for church on his bedside. His favorite picture ever. When Ron saw them he sneered and threw things and then left.
Snape was correct when he was called to the headmaster's office after lunch on the first day back. "Hello Harry did you enjoy your Christmas?"
"Yes sir the Grangers where very nice. "
"I am certain they are. Although it would seem one in particular has caught your fancy?
Blushing slightly Harry looked down. He felt an odd tingle in his brain which Snape had taught them was a sign of a memory probe. He pushed to the front the feelings of hugging and kissing Hermione on new years eve. "Just a bit sir."
Chuckling Dumbledore withdrew his probe. "Ah yes young love. The first blushes of a raging fire. Lets hope it does not consume you too early my boy. You should most assuredly focus on finishing your school."
"Oh yes sir. Hermione wants to go to University after graduation and work on her degrees before anything. She's kinda got a plan." Harry said blushing again.
Dumbledore chuckled again at how this girl had apparently decided the next several decades of their lives. Too bad her plans would come to naught he was thinking. "Well don't forget to be yourself during this time too. You are not beholden to anything another universe may have presented to you."
"Oh no sir Hermione and I like each other because we like each other. I think even if we hadn't met Lisa and Celeste we would have become friends."
"Well that is entirely possible. Alas now we will never know of course. The course of fate has been irrecoverably altered."
"yes sir I suppose so."
"Well speaking of the course of fate. I must apologize for not returning this sooner. It was your father's invisibility cloak. I had borrowed it for a special mission and was going to return it but unfortunately events occurred and it has not been able to be returned until now." He held the small wrapped bundle out to Harry.
Harry took it and unwrapped it. It was a silvery silken smooth cloak. Harry stood up and put it on. Immediately his body disappeared. "Wow sir. Um thank you."
"Now you have to admit this is given to you with a great deal of trust that you are not going to misuse it of course. No sneaking off and spying on other students or playing tricks in the hallways. I doubt your girlfriend would appreciate that." Dumbledore said with his eyes twinkling in the light.
Harry took the cloak off to hide his blush. "No sir. She would not. So you're not upset that Hermione and I are...together?"
"Well there are many degrees to the term together Harry. As long as the two of you are engaging in age appropriate behaviors I see no reason to be disapproving. Love is after all the greatest power in the universe. So would you care for a lemon drop?"
"No thank you sir. Hermione's parents are dentists and suggested I reduce my candy intake. They are rather fastidious about that."
"Pity. Oh well. Keeping the in-laws happy is a full time job in itself." he said with a chuckle.
"Um sir what about Ron? He seems quite put out by this."
Sighing deeply Albus Dumbledore put on a grave expression. "ah yes young Mr Weasley appears to be suffering from that affliction many young males begin to have at this age, jealousy. We have been working with him and his parents are aware of the situation. I'm afraid that the only way out is through though. Do try to be patient with him as he should outgrow this."
"yes sir."
"Well I suppose I have kept you long enough as there are many more important things you would desire to do than listen to an old man yammer on."
Harry smiled and said, "No sir I don't mind. Since you knew my parents could you tell me more about them?"
Dumbledore smiled and thought to himself, ah yes the hook has been set again. He'll be mine once more. He began to tell Harry about how James had found his friends. How Remus had the unfortunate affliction of being a werewolf. Yet they stood together with him. How James had pursued Lily for several years until finally they discovered that being together was much better than not. A few years later they had married and along came Harry. They where brave and decent people who loved him greatly. The afternoon was spent in rapt attention by Harry as Dumbledore shared his reminiscences of the Potters.
"I believe Hagrid has a gift for you he had been developing. Perhaps there is enough time for you to gather Miss Granger and Mr Longbottom and go visit him before dinner."
Looking at the clock Harry realized he had been gone for several hours. He nodded and thanked the headmaster and left with his cloak. Collecting Hermione and Neville they headed out and visited Hagrid. The half-giant was thrilled to see them and talked until dinner about their Christmas vacations. How happy he was that Hermione and Harry had finally wised up and become boyfriend and girlfriend. He would have to get with the Twins to see who won the betting pool. Finding out there had been a betting pool on when they would become an official couple caused Harry to be amused and Hermione to blush.
"oh I wasn't sure how yer parents would react to this Hermione so I held off until you got back. Harry here's yer gift. And one for you too Hermione. Sorry Neville I didna even think to get you something."
Neville just shook his head, "That's alright Hagrid. I'm a bit of late addition to the group since Ron."
Hagrid and the others just looked sad, "Aye well he's young and hot headed. He'll figure it out soon enough." And that was that for Hagrid's point of view.
Harry had carefully unwrapped a common scrapbook. When he opened it though he was greeted by a picture of his Mother and Dad. Turning each page showed him different pictures of his family. His father with his friends. His father getting his award for being the youngest seeker. His mother in a charms club. Pictures from their wedding. Pictures of a very pregnant her smiling at the camera. With a picture of His mom and dad holding him. Harry couldn't form any words at all. He just hugged Hagrid crying.
Patting him gently Hagrid comforted Harry, "There there. All I did wa write to your parent's friends and all. Asking if they had any picures I could have to make a scrapbook. They where appy to oblige."
Harry pulled back, "Thanks Hagrid this is the best gift." He immediately showed it to Hermione who was smiling and comparing Harry's face to James and Lily's. Hermione had forgotten her gift in the excitement of seeing Harry's family photos.
Hagrid gently reminded her so she opened it to find a small pair of hand mirrors. "Um thank you Hagrid but I'm not sure what to do."
Chuckling he explained, "Well when I wrote to James' friend Remus he had a pair of those mirrors on hand so he sent them along. Their magically linked so if you activate one the other will buzz and then you can see each other in them. The instructions are in the note inside the box."
Hermione pulled out a small packet of folded letters. One with Harry's name on them and one with hers. Another said instructions on it. The letters where from Remus Lupin and introducing himself to them. He wished them well and hoped they where happy. He left them how to reach him by owl post or by muggle mail as he lived in both worlds quite frequently.
Reading the instructions she handed one to Harry and then rubbed hers with her finger and called Harry's name. After a brief moment his buzzed and he stroked the frame like the instructions said. Hermione's face filled the frame and he smiled. Flipping it around so she could see herself in his at the same time she saw herself in hers and thought that was wild. So she wound up hugging Hagrid and thanking him for helping deliver it to her. They had to head up for dinner and said goodnight to their friend. Turning the mirrors off and slipping them into their pockets.
Reaching the great hall they didn't realize they had been holding hands until the Weasley twins came up and picked them upon their shoulders. Carrying them to their seats they announced that the winner of the betting pool was none other than Minerva McGonnegal who had picked the Christmas break. Much laughter and applause was had by 3 out of the 4 houses at this. While Harry and Hermione blushed wildly. Ron being the only Gryffindor who was not even the slightest bit amused.
Minerva graciously accepted the sickles from the Twins as her payout and gave each boy a small hug. As well as Harry and Hermione. Harry turned to Hermione and shrugged then gave her their second kiss. A much deeper and more passionate one than the first one. She was left with a very goofy grin and he smiled. The applause that rang out was deafening.
Once things had calmed down Dumbledore had called for attention. "Yes yes well lets congratulate our young couple here. And admonish them that the broom closets are not the most romantic place for a declaration of love. I have always thought a moonlit walk along the lake could be quite enjoyable..." many chuckles resulted from that. "But I must report a very sad event that counterpoints this joyous moment. As you may have noticed Professor Quirrel has not joined us for dinner. He took ill over the break and has decided to retire from teaching for an extended time. His illness a direct result of the vampire that he dealt with over the summer last. As finding an effective replacement this late in the year is too difficult I shall be taking over the defense classes and hopefully will be up to the challenge of you fine young minds. Having spent too many seasons behind a desk." Some more chuckles and pshaws from the crowd. Murmuring though overwhelmed them.
"Yes other than that there has been no changes in our routines and humdrum life of education and learning. The Forbidden Forest is still forbidden, the third floor corridor is no longer the scene of sudden and painful death but still remains out of bounds. Now that the yammering has been completed lets tuck into the welcome back feast."
Everyone was talking and trying to figure out what kind of illness would have affected Quirrel to the degree he needed to retire. Maybe he had been turned into a vampire was the general theory, another was a slow acting curse had finally caught up with him. Regardless people where curious to see how classes where going to go with Dumbledore in charge.
The classes where very interesting. With people realizing they where learning things only after they had already learned it. Harry and Hermione's remedial potions twice a week had a new evening event once a week they had tea with Dumbledore. As he wanted to get to know Harry better and impart to him the knowledge he would need to deal with things in this world not the other one.
Dumbledore told Harry of the rise of Riddle, how he became Voldemort. He even told him of the prophecy but not the exact words. Only that Harry was the one who would rise up and vanquish Voldemort forever. He told him why he had to spend at least a couple of weeks at the Dursley house to renew the blood bond with them that powered his mother's sacrificial protection. He understood he had made a mistake in not checking to ensure Harry was well treated but with Snape's help he would do better. Especially since Snape and Petunia knew each other from the days of their youth.
He told Harry that love was the power that Riddle knew not and that his love for Hermione was an example of that power. Their love together should be enough to hold them through and carry the battle. The evening teas where very interesting but Harry didn't know what to think. Dumbledore was acting like a kindly grandfather with him and Hermione. Even going so far as to make arraignments for Harry to stay with the Granger's after his time at the Dursley's was over. As he had nothing but vague disquiet and the words of Celeste to make him question things he relaxed and trusted the headmaster with the plans. Even Snape agreed that the headmaster was taking more responsibility and being a better guardian.
One weekend in Spring Dumbledore took Harry and Hermione to Godric's Hollow to look around. Snape accompanied them that way they only had to side-along with one person each. Harry got to see the memorial to his family they had placed, the ruined shell of the manor house his family had lived in. He visited his parent's grave and laid some flowers on them. He held Hermione's hand and introduced himself and her to his parents. Feeling slightly awkward and glad that Snape had stepped back a few paces. Dumbledore was kneeling at another grave in the cemetery with his own flowers.
On the way out of town Harry asked who Dumbledore had visited. "Oh an old friend Harry. Many wizarding families have lived in Godric's Hollow for a long time. Given this was the home of Godric Gryffindor."
Harry looked around in a bit more awe. Thinking that this small village had been here since midevil times. Hermione asked several other questions about the place. The villagers seeing an older grandfather and his son and grandson with his female friend out for a walk.
The school year had come to an end. Ron was a lost cause and had moved on from Harry, Hermione and Neville. They missed him but had so many more friends, across all the houses even. Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis had joined and become friends. Millicent Bulstrode had only joined to make trouble winding up pushing Hannah Abbot down the stairs causing her to break her arm. So none of the exercise club had any problem letting her go. Oliver Wood was excited in that they had managed to win the Quidditch cup and Gryffindor at the end had even won the house cup. Which made McGonnegal happy.
The train ride back was not sad but not happy. Harry held Hermione's hand the entire trip like he didn't trust that she wouldn't be there if he did let go. The entire year seeming like a dream to him. The parting at King's Cross was where Harry showed his fear and hugged Hermione so tight she had trouble breathing. "Now I know what people say about my hugs." She said holding back tears.
"Now you two its only for a couple of weeks. Stop acting like he's going on a sailing expedition over the edge of the moon." Daniel said with a laugh giving Harry a hug too.
"Besides we have the mirrors so can see each other every night." Harry reminded Hermione.
"Yeah. So I look forward to seeing you."
"Me too." And with one more hug Harry turned and went to his aunt and uncle who where standing glumly with Snape and Dumbledore.
"Your aunt and uncle have been told what to expect should there be any trouble Harry. I will not tolerate the kind of behavior things had been allowed to develop. If there is any problems at all between when Severus drops in and I return to help you over to the Granger's then please do not hesitate to send Hedwig as fast as possible." Dumbledore said giving Harry a one armed hug before stepping back through the doorway.
Snape rode to Privet drive with the Dursleys. Dudley squeezing himself into as small a corner of the car as was possible to avoid touching the potions master. An amazing feet that impressed the man. Nothing was said for the entire journey or until after Snape had inspected the better furniture, the properly working door with no locks or cat flap. The window that opened and closed with no bars on the outside. He nodded his approval and stopped before Harry on his way out the door, "You have your mirror to contact Miss Granger. Do not wait for the Headmaster if anything happens. Go to her and get out. You know about the Knight Bus. You know how to summon it. Use it if you need to. I do not like the way things are feeling. I cannot put my finger on it but it doesn't feel right. Be careful and watch yourself."
"Yes sir. I'll do my best. And I'll be careful." Harry reassured him.
Snape smiled briefly and then left.
Hermione was laying in bed on a Saturday. It had been a week since school had ended and she had been talking to Harry every night over their magic mirrors. It wasn't as good as being there but it was still nice. She had set hers up on the nightstand so she could say goodnight to him. Last night she had been a bit naughty and come out of the bathroom with her pajama top unbuttoned. She didn't actually show him anything other then her belly. But he had blushed bright red enough she thought he was going to blind her. After they had talked she had touched herself a bit like Celeste had talked about. The girl had been an absolute chatterbox but she did have some really good ideas as Hermione discovered.
The doorbell distracted her from her thoughts. It being Saturday they where not expecting anyone to visit. Harry being trapped at his Aunt and Uncles for another week due to the requirements of the blood wards. So making sure she had everything covered she put her slippers on and went down stairs. Her dad was talking to two men standing in the door who looked like government officials.
"Hello? Can I help you."
"Are you Daniel Granger?"
"Yeah this is my wife Emma. Who are you?"
"I am auror Wilkes from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This is Auror Jones. We need to speak to the both of you and your daughter."
"Could I see some ID or something. What's this all about."
Auror Wilkes drew his wand and pointed it at Daniel. He said a single word, "Imperious" At which point her dad backed into the room and walked to the couch. Emma was not happy "Daniel, whats going on." Wilkes pointed at her and repeated the word. "Imperious" she stopped and walked over to the couch to sit by her husband. The two aurors walked into the room. They didn't say anything else. Hermione was trying to back out of the room when one said, "Homenium Revelio" She felt a tingle go over here and the one said. "By the stairs. Get her."
Before she could get more than halfway up the stairs to her room she felt a spell hit her in the back. She had left her wand in her room as she didn't suspect there would be an attack on her in her home. Dumbledore had promised things would be better. That was the last thought she felt before she blacked out.
When she came to she was topless and tied to a chair in her kitchen. She was gagged and was watching the two men talk in the corner.
"Alright dammit but I still say I should be able to have a little fun with either one of them. They both got a nice pair on em. Seems like such a waste."
"You know the orders. We are not supposed to make them suffer."
"Yeah but if we're pretending to be them then why not? They would make em suffer. And its been a few weeks since I scored my last one and that mudblood is just at that tender age where they are getting ripe. You think Potter has fucked her yet or would I get to pop her?"
"I doubt he has. Oh look she's awake. Hello Hermione." The one who had called himself Wilkes came over and pushed her chin up when she tilted her head down. "Oh no we don't want that now do we. We want you to watch. If you hide your eyes then we just have to get a lot more creative."
Hermione was shivering in fear. Her entire body tense. She at least still had her pants and underwear on. But nothing else. She was tied to a chair and her parents where sitting across from her at the dining room table obviously under a spell.
Wilkes reached down and fondled one of her budding breasts. "Hm I guess she is a fresh one. I'll flip ya for it."
"Not with your galleon I swear you cheat."
chuckling he said, "Oh you're accusing me of being dishonorable. Now there's a laugh."
"Yeah funny as a knife in the back."
"Well tell you what have the muggle bitch off her husband and I'll take her. She's not bad. Got a nice rack. Sorta what the mudblood might grow into."
"If she was gonna grow up that is."
"Well yeah."
The one pointed his wand at Emma and said "Imperious" She got up and went to the butcher's block. Drawing out the largest knife she turned and started walking back towards Daniel. Hermione recognized those knives as the ones Harry had given her mother for Christmas. Magically enhanced to be razor sharp forever. You could do surgery with them her dad had joked once. She was trying to struggle. Trying to cast something. But without her wand she was crap. She had been trying to develop wand less like Snape was teaching them but just wasn't powerful enough.
Emma raised the knife then slashed Daniels throat, she then plunged the knife over two dozen times into his chest and abdomen. Organs, bone and blood all was cut. Hermione managed to scream around the gag a little bit which got the men laughing. "Aww the mudblood didn't like that."
The one waved his wand and Emma turned and dropped the knife on the table. She then began to undress until she was naked and then bent over the table. "Cover me I'm going in." The one joked,. Hermione closed her eyes but could still hear the grunting noises the man made as he took her mother. Unconcerned that her dad was bleeding to death silently beside them.
"Ahhhhh. Not half bad. She must keep herself in shape. I've had some of these muggles and they're as sloppy as a used broom. You sure you don't want a turn?"
"Nah we still gotta sort out the mudblood."
"Okay well we done with this muggle bitch?"
"yeah unless you wanna go again."
"Nah once is fun, twice is a relationship." He said laughing.
"Ok. Avada Kedavra." Then there was a sick whoosh and a thump as Emma Granger's lifeless body slid to the floor.
"Well I guess I'll take a turn with the daughter you know. Then what you wanna do? "
"I dunno. Nor do I care." The other man sounded bored.
At that point Hermione's fear and anger and frustration built up and washed out of her in a surge of accidental magic. It was a solid wave of energy that burst from her causing everything to splinter, shatter, explode and tear. The two fake Aurors where reduced to chunky salsa by the blast as they took it full on. The remains of Daniel had a lot of his upper torso shredded. The only body that remained relatively intact other than Hermione herself was that of Emma laying lifeless and raped on the floor.
The ropes that had bound Hermione had burned off of her in a matter of seconds. She opened her eyes hyperventilating at the spray of red in her family's kitchen. She was the only living thing in a 50 foot radius as far as she knew. She smelled the gas from the stove and knew she had to get out before any spark set it off. She grabbed their wands and kissed her mom goodbye on her forehead. She ran to her room and grabbed her shoes and a t shirt. She went through her room with as much speed as possible grabbing her wand, some books, the magic mirror, her purse and a few extra clothes and shoving everything into an overnight bag. Taking time to put the shirt on but not the shoes she left her home for the last time.
Running from the house she sprinted down the sidewalk. Hoping that no one really noticed her. She reached the end of the street in time to hear several cracks of apparating people from down the block. She slowed down and cut through a small park over another street and then back up another one. She didn't seem to be being followed. She was glad her dad had watched all those spy movies with her. She had read some books on spy-craft and they where coming back to her mind right now. She wasn't sure if they could somehow detect the mirrors so she didn't want to use it until she was far enough away. If she had the trace on any magic she used or not. She was confused and scared and trying not to cry but she knew one thing. She was focused on getting to Harry. She had to warn him, she had to get to him. She knew Dumbledore had sent those men. She didn't know how she knew but he had lied to her. Right in her face and had lied.
Finally after an hour of walking she had reached the commercial district. Stopping on a bus bench she brushed the dirt off her feet and put her shoes on. Taking a few moments to orient herself and check her resources she discovered she had her bus pass. She had a few sickles in change and not much else. She had some granola and a half eaten pumpkin pastie from school. She used her bus pass to get across London the muggle way and headed for Little Whinging Surrey.
Harry's Saturday had been better than usual. He had gone outside and worked in the garden. Weeding the flower beds and doing little things not because he had to but because he wanted to. Which was still a new sensation for him. He still didn't have any locks on his doors and had regular meals.
Lunch was nice then he simply sat upstairs in his room and read. By an open window. He thought about calling Hermione on the mirror but figured she would be doing something with her family. He was remembering her teasing him last night with her pajama top being unbuttoned when he heard the doorbell. Since it was Saturday Harry knew the Dursley's where not expecting anyone so maybe it was someone for him.
When he heard Hermione cry out for him he ran downstairs. He saw Vernon choking Hermione in the entry hall with a blank look on his face. Utterly devoid of emotion. His ham fists around her throat. Harry didn't even think he grabbed the first thing he could which was a lamp and smashed it over Vernon's head. He blacked out but that was not good as Dudley had stood up from the TV and rushed at Harry. Harry using his Seeker reflexes managed to dodge out of the way and grab up Dudley's cricket bat which was laying in the corner. He spun it around edge on and connected to Dudley's temple when he came back and tried to grab Harry again. The dull thud that it made when he connected did not sound good to Harry but at least Dudley was not getting back up. Hermione screamed from behind him as she fell to the floor. Petunia was standing over her with her eyes glazed and dull with a butcher's knife in her hand. Hermione had been slashed across the chest with a long bleeding wound from her right shoulder down almost to her nipple. Harry spun the bat around and started beating his aunt over the head. She fell down with her head broken and bleeding.
Harry dropped to Hermione and finally thought to grab his wand. Hermione tried to shove it away "The trace Harry. The Trace."
"You're cut bad Hermione. I can't stop the bleeding without magic. I have to stop the bleeding."
He shoved her hand out of the way and using a healing spell Snape had taught them sealed her wound. Just as he got it done he heard the crack of an apporate from the front and back doors. He saw Hermione pull a wand he wasn't familiar with out of her pocket and point it at the person rushing in from the back door. She screamed the first thing she thought of which was "Avada Kedavra." The bright sickly green light struck the person and they fell hard.
Harry was in shock but hearing the door behind him flung open and a voice shout reducto he rolled and returned with a sectumsempra. The wet gurgling sound told him he had hit his target. Knowing there would be more he grabbed Hermione and dragged her out of the house, after casting Accio Invisibility cloak. When it arrived he threw it over them and they ran or more accurately they stumbled and jogged down the street. Just in time as the crack of multiple Apparates reached them. They cut across yards. Harry knew these short cuts from having to spend most of his young life running and hiding from Dudley and his gang. Eventually they reached the park several blocks away.
Breathing hard with Hermione half out of it due to blood loss he hid them in a culvert under the street.
"What's going on mione?" using the pet name they had agreed he could use but no-one else.
"They killed mom and dad. They raped her before they killed her. They killed them in front of me. They was going to rape me. They..they.."And she broke down crying finally. Harry held her. Trying to figure out what to do and who they where he just held her.
After several long minutes she wiped her eyes on the bottom of her shirt. She looked at Harry then kissed him with as much passion and strength as she could. "What was that for?" When they finally broke apart.
"Saving my life again." Hermione smiled.
"No problem. You're my life line too you know?'
Hermione sighed. "And right now it looks like we're all we got."
"Ok so can you explain what happened?"
"Not here. We need to get somewhere safe and recover. We also need to get rid of our wands, they have the trace on them. If we use them they'll know where we are. "
"And how will we cast anything?"
She held up the two wands she had grabbed from the men in her house."I took these from the guys who came to my house. They won't need them anymore."
She took the wand she had owned for slightly less than a year and tried to break it but couldn't so she just tossed it in the nearby storm sewer drain.
Harry shuddered but realized he may have just killed someone caused him to shudder even more. He realized his Hermione had cast the Avada Kedavra at someone. He looked at her strangely.
"No don't run Harry its really me. I can prove it. The first time we met Ron was trying to turn his rat yellow and I was looking for Neville's toad Trevor. Please I need you." She was close to crying and was holding on to him for dear life. Looking into his face pleading not to go.
Harry pulled her close realizing that things had gotten so very strange right now he couldn't afford to question the one person who had always been with him. Who had never betrayed him. "Ok Mione. I know. I'll be here with you forever. I swear it. I'm yours forever."