God Save The Children

by tweety-src-clt9

Long ago, magic's purest form is elemental bending. As the years pass, wand magic causes its eradication. Hermione Granger-Weasley mysteriously dies at fifty due to a conspiracy plaguing her entire life. In the in-between, she meets Aang and discovers her true destiny is way beyond being Minister. She prepares to go back in time to make things right but Harry changes her plans.

5. Chapter 5

A/N: Welcome back to God Save The Children.

Hi! How are ya?

This is the last chapter for now.

I still have to write Chapters 6 - 8 (maybe even add two more, who knows).

Anyway, God Save The Children is Book of "Avatar Hermione and the Master of Death" series. So, since this is a cross-over fic and some of you are not familiar with the Avatar: The Last Airbender Universe, I had to create strong foundations to explain Avatar-lore, the origins of bending, etc.

Since this is a Master of Death Harry fic, the dude will have his own big moments.

I really hope to finish Book 1 of this cross-over series before March ends. If not, well, let's just hope I finish this soon.

There's a cover art for this chapter on A03. (I prepared big time for this story y'all. I did art pieces, the storyline, Avatar research, 'awwing' at Appa, thinking of a way to bring Appa into the story, and a whole lot of other things that you really don't want to know. So yeah, this is supposed to be my Quantum Bang story so I really really tried hard for this one.)

Sorry for rambling. Carry on with the show.

ENJOY.

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GOD SAVE THE CHILDREN

by: tweety-src-clt9

CHAPTER FIVE: In Victory, Planning is Key

After an intense week that was filled with so many significant events during their return to the year 1995, Harry and Hermione decided to blend in with the rest of the students at Hogwarts. By 'blending in', it meant that they ignored the staring, the whispers, and the rumors about them. They were able to do all of that due to their friends – with Neville, Luna, Fred, and George as their fiercest supporters.

Aside from these four, there were students like Seamus Finnigan who wanted to see if they could learn some of the things that Hermione could do. So, Seamus began to join their mini study group so he could learn more about fire bending. Luna Lovegood, whom they more or less adopted, was keen to learn water bending from the Avatar and they discovered that she had the special gift of healing as well. Of course, it was a given that Neville had become Hermione's first earth bending apprentice. The Herbology prodigy was very excited since he was certain that earth bending could help him grow the healthiest plants.

Needless to say, Harry was her first air bending apprentice and amongst her four students, he was the one who had made the most progress. Harry Potter could now make strong gusts of wind that could make any opponent fall on his back as soon as it hit. Also, he could now make use of an air bending technique to summon things to him. This would be very useful in wandlessly disarming an opponent, among many other possible applications.

Seamus joined their mini study group two times a week while Neville and Luna were always seen with the Golden Couple (as the other students called them) during breaks and free periods. Neville sat beside Harry and Hermione in the classes they shared. He also accompanied Harry in dropping Hermione off at her Ancient Runes and Arithmancy classes. The Gryffindor trio was no more because Ron was content to just glare at his former best friends at a distance.

They often met in the Room of Requirement where they practiced elemental bending. When they didn't train, the four friends were usually found in the library or an empty classroom so they could do their homework and sometimes, to just simply hang-out. Luna and Neville understood Harry and Hermione's need for privacy so they happily accompanied their friends in places not frequented by the rest of the students. This dynamic became their new norm. Since their friends were a betrothed couple, Neville and Luna respected their need to spend some time by themselves. Because of that, they found themselves being drawn to each other as they spent more time together. Whether they're together as a group or when they're all alone, Luna and Neville were two kindred spirits. They shared a very special connection even though they just recently started hanging out this school year.

Harry and Hermione were thankful that everything started to settle down after all the game-changing events that happened upon their return. Amelia Bones was now the interim Minister for Magic and the emergency elections were scheduled in the second week of January. Hermione's parents, Sirius, and Remus were all getting along based on the letters and mirror calls they had exchanged. They were able to remove the taint of the diadem a few days after the basilisk carcass was extracted. Dumbledore was on the brink of losing all his control since he was suspended as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot along with his removal as the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW.

Life was so much better this time around.

Since Harry and Hermione believed that Dumbledore was just waiting for the right time to pounce on them, they remained vigilant. The old coot was a smart, cunning, and powerful wizard that they should never underestimate.

They were also wary and determined to steer clear of the fake Moody, Barty Crouch Jr. Harry didn't want Hermione to be coveted by Voldemort because the evil lunatic might try something that could harm his beloved so they decided to lay low. Since that dark git was an insecure piece of shit, they knew that the Dark Wanker would be highly interested in the Most Powerful Being Alive who also happened to be the beautiful betrothed of his prophesied vanquisher.

One person they were rather desperate to avoid was Horace Slughorn, the new potions professor since Snape was now cleaning dragon shit at Gringotts. If Slughorn was obsessed with seeking Harry's favor in the last timeline, he was much worse this time around. Instead of Harry though, he was all over Hermione much to the young Avatar's annoyance. Thankfully, since her goblin guards were very intimidating figures, Slughorn never attempted to reach out to the couple outside of class.

They were able to accomplish and bring about significant change in the span of a few weeks but some things just remained the same. Slughorn was still collecting prized students. Ron was still a jealous git. Ginny was still a crying fangirl. The fake Moody was still trying to 'help' Harry even if he didn't need it. And lastly, Neville and Luna were still the most loyal friends they could ever ask for.

oOOOOo

Neville, Luna, and Seamus had just exited the door and it didn't escape Harry's notice that Neville and Luna were holding hands as they left the room. Turning to his betrothed, he decided to ask if she noticed something between their two friends.

"Neville and Luna… They're one of those 'could have been' couples in the previous timeline if the circumstances were different," Hermione sighed as she lounged on the couch. Harry sat beside Hermione who immediately plonked her tired legs on his lap. As was their routine, Harry carefully removed her shoes and stockings as he started to massage her aching feet.

Teaching all four people various styles of elemental bending was hard work. Since bending an element required using one's body as the focus channel, it was so tiresome to teach people various movements that were anchored on ancient martial arts. At first, Neville and Seamus seemed apprehensive to continue their training because of their sore bodies after the first session. Luna, however, enjoyed the training because as an adventurer she wanted to keep herself fit. Harry too didn't mind the physical part of training because he spent many years as an auror in his previous life.

"Have I ever mentioned how much I adore your magic hands?" Hermione closed her eyes as she rested her head on a pillow.

"Oh, I don't know… You don't mention it verbally but you do thank me properly in other ways," Harry smirked. Hermione always snogged him senseless after he massaged her aching feet.

"If you mastered giving foot rubs from Ginny, I have half a mind to thank her," Hermione chuckled.

"I learned it not from Ginny but rather, I was forced to learn it because of Ginny. She had hideous feet. Really nasty! So, she had this potion that she used on them. It was supposed to make her feet look better even if they never worked... Anyway, she forced me to massage her ugly feet every single day," Harry explained with gritted teeth.

"Oh, Harry! I'm sorry! Maybe we should stop. I don't want you to feel bad about – "

"I hated doing it for Ginny but I don't mind doing it for you… Besides, your feet are adorable," Harry reassured her with a grin on his face.

"I guess that makes so much sense now," she mused.

"What makes sense?"

"Why Ginny always made snarky comments about my peep-toe shoes, strappy sandals – you know how much I loved shoes in the previous timeline," she chuckled.

"Ah, yes! The Witch Weekly articles about what, where, and who made Minister Granger's shoes… that helped in combating bigotry, you know? Women and fashion," Harry shivered playfully.

"Oh, don't I know! Pansy Parkinson was forced to act friendly with me since she wanted to know where I bought my shoes… It's a good thing that Ron's so dumb. He didn't know how to convert galleons to sterling properly… I mean, you're muggle-raised so you understand," Hermione grinned.

"What were those brands again? Manolo Blahnik?" Harry teased and she blushed.

"Well, they made me feel good! And it was – "

"Oh, and they did make you look good! Blokes at the Ministry enjoyed watching your behind when you walked in them," Harry smirked.

"Sure, they did," she snorted in disbelief.

"It used to make me angry when you get ogled like that but then I thought that I was being such a hypocrite when I checked you out myself… Your shoes were legendary, darling. Pureblood women were green with envy since they didn't know where to buy shoes like yours."

She huffed. "Now I know why the men don't walk by my side or in front of me. I used to think it was chivalry but now – argh!" She lightly kicked him.

"Ow!" He feigned hurt.

"You're such a prat! Why didn't you tell me?" She glared at him.

"Well, I couldn't just say, 'Hey Minister Granger, your arse and legs look so damn good in them tight skirts accentuated by your shoes,' eh?"

"You're such a boy!" She huffed.

"Oh, come on! Besides, I wasn't the only one thinking about it! Ron used to be so smug. Bragging about how hot you were in bed – " He stopped talking when her frown deepened.

"I'm cursing that moron so that he won't be able to use his bollocks ever again!" She hissed. The angry glint in her eyes made him wince. He was so glad that his name wasn't Ronald Billius Weasley.

"I'm so sorry, darling. I didn't mean to – "

"It's not your fault, Harry. I just, argh! I can't believe he did that! Spread stories about that when I had to do all the work because he didn't know what to do with his small dick and his technique – " Hermione stopped ranting when Harry ended up laughing like a mad man.

"What's so bloody funny?" She glared at him.

"I'm not laughing at you. I just, well, I used to be bloody jealous of Ron when he talked about you – that… It's like he's gloating, you see. How bloody hot his wife was… I used to think that maybe I made the wrong choice with Ginny… Aside from the fact that she was so boring in bed, and the hideous feet, she was always a fangirl… Always keen to be seen with the Man Who Conquered… Doesn't help that she looked like Molly as the years piled up while you remained a MILF – "

"Did you just call me a mum you'd like to – "

"MILF. Minister I'd Like to Fuck," he smirked and she rolled her eyes.

"You may be a real sweetheart, but you, Harry Potter, are such a bloke," she shook her head in fond exasperation. Deep inside, she was extremely flattered though.

"Speaking of sweethearts, what do you think about Sirius and Amelia's burgeoning relationship? Talk about unexpected, eh?"

"I'm so delighted for Sirius!" Hermione said happily.

"I do agree with you, darling… Madam Bones will keep that old dog on a tight leash," Harry chuckled.

"You know, Harry… You truly are Sirius' godson," Hermione said knowingly.

"Huh? Why?"

"Going after MILFs," Hermione smirked and Harry laughed.

"Oh, that's so true! You're a much hotter minister than Amelia Bones could ever be though," he winked.

"Come over here, Potter! It's time for your reward," she beckoned him to come closer.

There wasn't much talking after that as Harry and Hermione were preoccupied with more pleasurable activities. Being hormonal teenagers with the memories of their past lives, they explored each other's bodies without going all the way. They promised to activate their soul bond during their wedding night on Harry's sixteenth birthday after all.

oOOOOo

After weeks of intensive training and preparation, the First Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament finally arrived. Harry could already do most of the basic air bending techniques. Hermione's reward system did wonders for him. He was highly motivated to learn the techniques as quickly as possible because she was such a brilliant kisser. A bloody whipped horny teenage bloke like me would never stand a chance!

While she knew that he'd already survived the tournament the first time around, she also feared that by exposing her powers and by changing so much, their enemies might be tempted to try something else that they never expected to happen. So, it's best to be prepared for the worst.

Now sitting here inside the Champions' tent, he could never dispute that his fiancée was right. Viktor Krum and Cedric Diggory, no matter how hard they tried to conceal the nervousness they felt, their body language betrayed their real feelings – the fidgeting, the anxious glances, and the deep breaths. Meanwhile, the gorgeous Fleur Delacour's nerves were more visible because she looked rather frazzled as compared to her usual arrogant calmness with her perfect hair and overconfident demeanor.

Harry, while not wanting to give an inch, felt calm and ready. He had three plans of action for this task. If his first plan worked then he'd be able to complete the task in five minutes tops. He was excited to finish this task so he could get his reward. Hermione told him that he could snog her topless if he completed the first task without getting a single blemish at all.

While he'd seen Hermione naked when he had woken up with a gruesome headache after the goblins removed the Horcrux in his scar and used her as an anchor, he wasn't able to get a good look at her back then. He'd just woken up from a bloody ritual after all. Also, they were in a hurry to meet with Director Ragnok so they didn't have the time to think about – let alone do – naughty things. The times they had some alone time together, all they did was snog and some heavy petting over clothes.

With her reward as his main motivation, he was bloody determined to finish this task without a single blemish. He shivered in excitement as he pictured the naughty things they would be doing after this silly display of wizarding talents. Yes, the Tri-Wizard tournament was just a silly and pointless showcase of wizarding talent that took advantage of gullible and fame-hungry students. Oh well, at least I have something to look forward to, he grinned.

"Harry?" He heard Hermione's breathy whisper from behind the tent.

"I'm here, Hermione," he replied. Just like before, Hermione tackled him with a big hug and kissed him soundly on the lips. This was the scene that Rita Skeeter and her photographer captured.

"My! My! Are you worried about your betrothed not surviving this Hermione?" Rita teased. Since they were allies in this timeline, they didn't mind the beetle animagus' quips.

"Oh, no! I'm confident he'll win this thing. Just giving him some motivation, 'is all," Hermione said cheekily and Rita laughed.

"I'll be sending a photo of your smooch so you can have it as memorabilia. Why don't you stand over there and we'll take a picture – " before Rita could finish her sentence, Viktor Krum interrupted.

"This place is for champions. Go away!" The Bulgarian hissed.

"Hmph! Fine!" Rita huffed. "He seems jealous if you ask me," she whispered to the couple who only chuckled at that.

"Ms. Granger! What are you doing here?" Dumbledore frowned when he saw Hermione there.

"Just wishing my fiancé all the best, professor. I'll see you later, love," Hermione winked at Harry who winked right back.

When Hermione left, Harry walked toward the center of the tent with a shit-eating grin on his face. Fleur and Viktor glared at him but he didn't care. He loved Hermione and she loved him back. Those two jealous prats could sod-off.

oOOOOo

Harry was left with the Hungarian Horntail to battle against, just like in the previous timeline. As he waited for his turn, he could hear the comments about the other champions' performance. Their strategies and injuries remained the same. When it was finally his turn to retrieve the golden egg, he took a deep calming breath before exiting the tent.

Pointing his wand to his throat, he muttered Sonorous.

According to the book on dragons that he thoroughly perused, as a species of magical reptile, parselmouths would be able to communicate with them. So, he was determined to test that fact right now.

{Greetings, Mighty Dragon!} Harry hissed as he gallantly bowed. According to the book, dragons were proud and egotistical creatures. So, you had to lavish them with compliments. He could hear the crowd gasp in horror and surprise at his use of parseltongue but he didn't care.

{Hello, Two legs! Why do you address the Powerful Blaze?} To Harry's delight, the Horntail hissed back.

{I offer you a gift. Fresh meat. I just want to remove the fake egg in your nest… That egg isn't worthy to belong with your beautiful babies}

{These aren't my babies. My babies are back home… These are my friends' babies… I'm hungry, Two legs! Where's my food?} This time around, the dragon blew out a little flame.

Harry chuckled. The book was right. Dragons were big divas.

{I'll go bring it for you… Wait a minute, please.} Harry held out his wand and muttered, "Accio Bag of Meat for the dragon!" A minute later, the bag full of fresh meat that Dobby prepared for him levitated towards his direction.

Using air bending, Harry laid it at the Horntail's feet.

{Thank you, Two legs… You can now take the fake! I am insulted at the silliness of the other two legs but you're okay.} The Horntail started to devour the meat and Harry carefully walked to fetch the golden egg.

He was about to leave the pitch when the dragon hissed, {I smell goddess on you… Where is she? Does she want a dragon? I'll be a good dragon… A goddess needs Beautiful and Powerful Blaze! I'm not going anywhere until I meet her… All the dragons can feel her presence. But there are too many two legs that we can't be sure where she is… I demand you bring her to me. My ancestor Fang once served as the spirit guide of the Great Avatar Roku…}

{Please wait for a while, Mighty Blaze…} He pleaded and the dragon blew out some flame again.

"The Horntail Blaze has a message for all of us. She says she wants to meet Hermione. She won't go anywhere until she can meet her. According to her, all the dragons can feel Hermione's presence but since there are too many people, they really can't be sure where she is… She demands to meet Hermione because her ancestor, Fang, once served as the spirit guide of Avatar Roku!" Harry informed the crowd.

"Harry Potter! Stop with your lies and just leave the pitch!" Albus Dumbledore yelled through a Sonorous. The Horntail must have sensed the tension, so she roared angrily to the sky and the crowd screamed in fear.

{Where is my goddess?!} Blaze, the Horntail, hissed.

{Have patience, Mighty Blaze… The organizers of this tournament are just deliberating right now.} Harry placated the dragon.

{I need to see my goddess now!} Before the dragon could roar angrily, Hermione jumped down from her position on the stands using air bending to speed up her movements and to cushion her fall. She was now at ease with heights. She even practiced flying with her glider at night, but she didn't want others to know about it.

When Hermione landed in front of the dragon, everyone was stunned into silence when the large predator lowered its head in a bow. Hermione smiled as she lovingly cradled the dragon's head. Hermione's eyes glowed for a minute before she let go of the dragon's head. Blaze roared into the sky.

{Two legs, please tell goddess I want her to ride me and we'll fly… Just like my ancestor and the Avatar Roku} Blaze hissed to Harry.

"Blaze wants to fly around with Hermione riding her. Just like her ancestor and the Avatar Roku used to do," Harry announced.

"I will not allow such nonsense! Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter get out of the pitch!" Dumbledore said with gritted teeth.

Blaze felt the anger radiating from this old ugly two legs who was determined to separate her from the goddess. So, she gathered all the heat in her gut and prepared to emit the hottest ball of flame she could make.

Before the flames could attack anyone, Hermione pushed the flame away through a gust of strong winds. Now levitating on an air scooter, she sternly held eye contact with the Horntail who only lowered her head. She gently rubbed the dragon's snout.

{Two legs, tell your goddess I want to fly with her. Tell old ugly Two legs I'll burn him if he stops me!}

"Blaze wants to fly with Hermione. Please allow them. I don't think she'll calm down if she doesn't get what she wants. And Professor Dumbledore, if you won't stop intervening, the Horntail is threatening to burn you – "

"Why you arrogant little – "

"Albus Dumbledore! As the Minister for Magic, I command you to not intervene between the bonding of a magical creature and her chosen witch!" Minister Amelia Bones demanded.

"O – Of course, Amelia." Dumbledore was gobsmacked. He had never been shown such disrespect.

Hermione lowered herself to the ground and used metal bending to crush the metal shackles that held the dragon in place. Turning to Harry, she said, "Love, can you please tell the Beautiful Blaze that I'll be honored to fly with her."

When Harry translated Hermione's statement in parseltongue, Blaze crouched down. Hermione used air bending to jump up the dragon's back and settled herself.

Blaze the Horntail stretched her legs, opened her wings, and happily soared with the goddess she wanted to serve on her back.

oOOOOo

Fawkes, the phoenix, shrilled a melancholic tune as he watched Avatar Hermione riding on a dragon's back from his perch by a window on the headmaster's office. He could feel the magic of the young curly-haired witch calling out to him but he was trapped. He couldn't leave Albus Dumbledore because the once great wizard bound him.

Now the human he wanted to accompany was bonding to another magical creature.

Maybe he could bond with Avatar Hermione's bond mate instead. Harry Potter, while a youngling, would grow up to be the greatest wizard for many generations after all. That way, he could still be close to the spirit goddess while serving a good wizard who happened to her mate.

oOOOOo

Harry scored the lowest for the first task. Dumbledore and the cowardly Death Eater, Karkaroff, gave him a five while Madam Maxime awarded him full points. Even if he was the one to complete the task in the shortest possible time (and the only one to leave the pitch unscathed), the two petty wizards just didn't want him to be in the lead. Karkaroff was an insecure git while Dumbledore was bitter since he was publicly embarrassed again.

Harry didn't care though. What's important was the fact that he had kept his promise to Hermione. So, he knew he was going to get a good snogging session at the very least.

A quarter of an hour later, Blaze landed at the center of the pitch and Hermione bowed to the dragon in thanks. Everyone who witnessed the awe-inspiring sight was gobsmacked. Some were jealous of Hermione's power, others were just amazed, while the rest were afraid. The pureblood students who witnessed the scene promised to never antagonize Potter and Granger again. Who would go against a parselmouth and a dragon rider?

Charlie Weasley who witnessed everything, slowly approached the Golden Couple while his colleagues tried (but failed) to constrain the Hungarian Horntail. Knowing what had happened between the beast and the witch, he decided to open negotiations for purchase.

"Excuse me, Ms. Granger? Mr. Potter?" Charlie said politely.

"Hello… You're Charlie Weasley, right?" Harry asked and the dragonologist nodded.

"Yes… I'll just like to inform you that the Horntail, Blaze, instigated a magical bond with Ms. Granger over here… So, to whom should we negotiate regarding a purchase? It's widely known that Ms. Granger is a ward of the Chief of the Goblin Nation. Also, she's your betrothed… So, er, who shall be footing the bill and where will Blaze be staying?"

"Call us Harry and Hermione," Harry said and Hermione nodded.

"Dobby – "

"Yes, Harry?" Dobbed popped in.

"Can you please ask Director Ragnok if he has some spare time today? We want to talk to him about something."

"Right away, Harry," Dobby bowed before popping away.

"Avatar Hermione, we think you and Mr. Potter should go to Gringotts right now. You need to make arrangements as to where you're going to house your spirit guide… Your bond with the dragon is very special. It should be harnessed. You must go as soon as possible before there will be unwanted interventions," Sharpfang explained as he handed Harry and Hermione a rope.

"But shouldn't we wait for Director Ragnok to – "

"Supporting the Avatar is a prime concern for us. The Director will make time for you," Riptooth added.

"Er, should I go with you?" Charlie asked.

"Gringotts will be contacting you once arrangements are finalized. For now, keep the dragon safe," Sharpfang said curtly and Charlie nodded in understanding.

"I'll say goodbye to Blaze first. Let her know that I'll be making sure that she'll be able to stay with me," Hermione said.

"I'll go with her. Translator and all that," Harry grinned.

"Of course. We'll be waiting here," Sharpfang agreed.

oOOOOo

"Avatar Hermione, Mr. Potter, welcome to Gringotts! Per Dobby, it seems that you both had another interesting day," Ragnok greeted.

"Greetings, Director Ragnok! May your vaults be filled with gold and your enemies crush beneath your feet." Hermione and Harry chorused.

"You two are so in-sync that it makes me happy to see you two so in love and so united… Soul bonds are such a thing of beauty. Of course, you'll only be able to confirm it when you marry but I have a strong feeling about you two," Ragnok smiled but on a big strong goblin, it looked like a grimace.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said and Hermione nodded.

"What do you plan for your dragon, Avatar Hermione?" Ragnok cut to the chase.

"She's descended from a dragon that once was a spirit guide for Avatar Roku, sir… And I like Blaze. She's very – I don't know. We just click." Hermione smiled as she recalled her quick flight awhile ago.

"You have two options. One, as a member of the House of Potter, your betrothed buys it for you… Or, as my ward, I can pay for it. That's not really the problem but you need to find a place for her to stay in the short-term and long-term. Of course, she can stay in Gringotts in the meantime or at a Potter property of your choice."

"Er, I'm not sure if I have a house like that, sir." Harry was confused. In the previous timeline, he was well-off but he's not that rich.

"Ah, yes. The Potter family has one of the most complicated protective wards on their properties… If you're a Head of House but not the incumbent Lord, you must pass some sort of ancient family magic test to be acknowledged as one first, if not, then you'll only have limited access and can only enter select properties… Anyway, because of your entry into the tournament that's supposedly for students of age, then at Gringotts, we see you as an adult. So, do you want to see if your family magic deems you worthy of being the new Lord Potter?" Ragnok expounded.

Harry glanced at Hermione and they shared a conversation just with the locking of his emerald green eyes to her chocolate brown ones. Ragnok watched with fascination as these two youngsters communicated before simultaneously nodding to each other.

"We'll do it, sir," Harry said with determination.

"Great." Ragnok pulled out a book-sized plank made of granite. It looked like a ward stone but it obviously wasn't because there were no runes on it. Harry had done a claiming of inheritance and reading of the wills meeting in the previous timeline but he'd never done anything like this before. It must be because when I brought Ginny with me into the Potter family vault, I felt an angry reaction from within it… The family magic never approved of Ginny… Even after we got married, she couldn't access ninety percent of the contents of the vault… She wasn't even allowed to touch the heirloom jewelry… I should have known there was a reason behind that.

"Mr. Potter?" Ragnok prodded.

"Er, sorry, sir. Just lost in thought… So, what should I do?" Harry was confused.

"That's part of the test, Mr. Potter," Ragnok chuckled and Harry nodded.

Harry closed his eyes to concentrate on the pull on his magic. Waiting for a few minutes, he felt something from within. An instinct. A feeling that coursed through him that caused his right hand to reach out to the stone. Placing his palm on the stone, Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I, Harry James Potter, son of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Evans, offer my blood to show my intent to claim the lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. May magic bless me and deem me worthy!" Harry felt the stone prick his finger and a droplet of blood touched the stone. It glowed white for a few seconds and when the wound healed, Harry now had a square ruby set in a thick gold band that's engraved with the words Verum Sine Timore.

"May I be the first to congratulate you, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, the Earl of Gloucester!" Ragnok said in earnest.

"Oh my!" Hermione exclaimed.

"What's wrong, darling?" Harry had a worried look on his face.

"Harry… look," Hermione held out her hand that now sported a new ring. Instead of her betrothal ring, she was wearing the matriarch ring that was a more delicate yet stunning version of Harry's lord ring.

"You – you're Lady Potter now! You two are time-travelers, aren't you? Only a marriage bond or an activated soul bond can cause something like this… The raw connection between you two… The brilliant plan to stop Voldemort and people like his followers…" Ragnok was dumbfounded.

Harry and Hermione were pale-faced. Their secret was out.

"Sir, we can explain – " they chorused but Ragnok held out his hand so they stopped talking.

"A goddess, the spirit of magic within…

A wizard, the Master of Death…

Go back in time to make things right.

Magical beings shall forth unite,

To prevent the darkness to reignite."

Harry and Hermione were gobsmacked at the words Ragnok had said.

"Er, sir?" Harry prodded.

"After thousands of years, you two have arrived… The goblins and other races like us will finally be treated as equals," Ragnok muttered.

"Ah, sir?" Hermione said warily.

"Mr. Potter, Avatar Hermione, please tell me all that had happened in your previous life… With the words of this prophecy from a goblin seer many many years ago, you came back in time to right a great wrong… Please tell me all that you know." Ragnok pleaded.

Harry and Hermione Potter told the Goblin Chief of all that had happened in the previous timeline – how they defeated Voldemort, about the deaths and the darkness. More importantly, they informed Ragnok about the most important reason for their return – to prevent the birth of Rose Granger-Weasley and to save the lives of all the children that would be her victims.

oOOOOo

The new Lord and Lady Potter left Gringotts feeling overwhelmed, anxious, happy, frightened, and many other things. It was a myriad of emotions because the revelation from Director Ragnok, about another prophecy that would affect their lives was something they never expected. Of course, they knew that there would be a lot of changes that were bound to happen. That was their goal after all. But this – the Horntail as Hermione's spirit guide along with the goblin prophecy – was just too much!

They were at the Room of Requirement again after asking Dobby to pop them straight into the magical room that had become their sanctuary. It served as their safety cocoon inside the castle. A place where they could be themselves under no false pretenses of being a teenager.

When they landed in a cozy room that resembled the Granger home, the couple walked toward the couch and sat next to each other both lost in their own thoughts. The revelations they shared with Director Ragnok astounded the goblin but they were reassured that he would tell his best curse breakers to think of an alternative to the ritual that resurrected Voldemort. They were determined to twist the ritual in their favor this time around so they could avoid all the darkness, death, and danger. The Goblin Chief wanted them to defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters before the start of the second task if that was possible.

The Director promised to talk to Amelia Bones about their plan to take down Voldemort should the curse breakers find an alternate ritual as soon as possible. Under the guise that the soul piece in Harry's scar allowed him to see parts of Voldemort's current hideout, they could plan a coup together.

Given all that they had seen of the extent of Hermione's powers, Ragnok had a theory that since the Dark Mark was vile magic anchored to Voldemort, then Hermione could wipe out all the Death Eaters at once should she succeed in removing Voldemort's magic. It was a great risk but they were determined to try. Once Voldemort was a muggle, it would be easy for Harry to deliver the final blow just to meet the basic requirement of the prophecy by Trelawney.

After all, what if the power the Dark Lord knows not was the love and support of one Hermione Granger, the Brightest Witch of the Age, and the Most Powerful Being Alive. The prophecy could be interpreted in many ways but they all agreed that it's better to take all the pureblood supremacists down in one go. Should they succeed, then it would just be Dumbledore left.

Deciding to break the comfortable silence, Harry broke the tension by trying to ask a silly question, "Hermione?"

"Hmmm?"

"Do you think your father would kill me for marrying you without asking his permission first?" Harry asked warily and Hermione chuckled at how adorable her new husband was being.

"Well, why don't we keep this a secret – " seeing the hurt in his eyes, she held his hand, "I'm proud to be with you. As a clueless first year, after you saved me from the troll, it was a childhood dream of mine to marry you, my best friend… But Harry, I think we must keep this a secret for now… With Voldemort, the Weasleys, and the Death Eaters, who knows how they'll react when the news is made public. Also, what if Dumbledore learned about our marriage and associate it with us being time-travelers? I don't want either of us, nor our families to get hurt," she explained.

Seeing the sincerity in her warm brown eyes, Harry smiled. "I understand, Hermione. Sorry about that, it's just you know how I get insecure and how I second guess myself when it comes to – "

"Yes, the bloody Dursleys! I know…" she sighed. "We should do something to punish them for what they did to you," she muttered.

"They're not worth it, Hermione," he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

"Can we go there someday, flaunt how rich, successful, and happy you are at the very least?" She pouted.

"I'll think about it, darling… You're so cute when you're being petty and vengeful," he chuckled.

"Harry?"

"Yes, darling?"

"Do you think – do you think I can wipe out Voldemort's magic? I – I'm scared… What if I fail and he'll hurt you and well, we've been very lucky ever since our return... We have been getting our way every single time… But what if the changes we made and are trying to attempt will have dire consequences?" Hermione was teary-eyed as she asked that. Her eyes radiated the fear and the worries she felt.

"We will succeed, Hermione. We can do it together. I'll always be here… Whatever happens, I know we'll finish this together. We did it once, without all the help from the ministry and the goblins… We did it before without your Avatar powers. So, I am confident we can do it." Harry said seriously. The determination and certainty in his eyes reassured Hermione that they would be alright.

"Can we just stay here for the night? I don't want to be alone," Hermione whispered.

"Of course, darling. We'll just have Dobby pop us back to our dorms early in the morning," Harry kissed the top of her head as he cuddled closer to her.

oOOOOo

The next day, Harry, Hermione, and Neville walked toward the Ravenclaw dormitories, a habit they had become accustomed to ever since becoming friends with Luna. Harry and Hermione knew about the bullying that the blonde Ravenclaw had been subjected to in the previous timeline so they made sure to have her housemates know who was protecting Luna now. Neville asked why the couple insisted on waiting for their new friend every day and when he learned of the bullying, he became fiercely protective of Luna as well.

When Luna walked out the door, she smiled at Neville first. As she turned to her two friends, she gasped. "House Lovegood congratulates the Lord and Lady Potter on their marriage," she said with a respectful curtsy.

Harry and Hermione were shocked. Neville looked at his two friends with his jaw hanging open. The couple glanced around and thanked the heavens that it was just the four of them and the goblin guards in the hallway.

"How did you know that Luna?" Hermione asked.

Luna shrugged. "I see things other people don't. The nargles told me," she smiled at her friends.

"We hope you can keep this a secret for now. You too, Nev," Harry said.

"Of course," Neville nodded.

"Well… should we go to breakfast? I'm hungry," Luna said dreamily as she tucked her hand around Neville's arm.

"Yeah, let's… Hermione kept me up last night," Harry said cheekily.

"Harry!" Hermione elbowed him making Neville and Luna chuckle.

"We were up last night talking! You three have such perverted minds," Harry pouted.

"Nice save, mate," Neville winked and Harry wiggled his eyebrows mischievously. Luna giggled and Hermione could only roll her eyes in exasperation.

"So… Luna, how are you? No more disappearing things and all?" Hermione asked gently.

"Oh, everything's returned now… I think the blibbering humdingers are scared of you, Hermione," Hermione smiled.

"Well, they better be! Right, darling?" Harry winked.

"As they should. I'm very protective of my friends," Hermione nodded.

oOOOOo

A few days later, the announcement of the Yule Ball became the number one topic all over the castle. Hermione was very thankful that the rest of the student body now had something else to talk about. Ever since the first task, students had been gossiping about how she bonded with the Hungarian Horntail. In private, Luna asked about what happened to the dragon, she was very interested in magical creatures after all. They happily informed their friend that Gringotts would care for Blaze for now but in the summer, Hermione's spirit guide would be moved to Gloucester Manor, the seat of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter.

Since Harry was clearly off the market, the girls in the castle were following the other male champions around with hopeful looks on their faces. Sitting at breakfast with her friends, Hermione looked around and chuckled as she overheard Lavender and Pavarti talking about dresses.

Suddenly, she heard Harry clearing his throat. Turning to her secret husband, she gasped. Harry was standing in front of her holding out a very familiar shoebox. Her favorite brand of shoes – Manolo Blahnik.

"Hermione Granger, would you do me the great honor of gracing the Yule Ball on my arm as my date?" Harry grinned.

"I'd love to," Hermione replied eagerly despite the blush on her cheeks. Harry held her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. The cheeky prat even winked at her and she rolled her eyes. She knew what he was doing. He was doing this in public to ward off the overly persistent Viktor and Fleur.

"Try it on, Hermione!" Luna encouraged.

"May I, my Lady?" Harry grinned as he removed the royal blue stilettos encrusted with crystals that formed a rectangle on the toe box.

"Of course," Hermione happily shifted in her seat and raised her skirt. Harry knelt and removed her school shoes. He then helped her ease into the same style of pumps that she loved to wear in her previous life.

The Weasley twins stood from their seats and gave Harry a salute. "Teach us, Master! Show us the way to win the hearts of hot birds!" the twins chorused. The other Gryffindor wizards wolf-whistled while the girls swooned.

Neville followed Harry's lead and turned to Luna. "Ms. Lovegood, will you do me the great – "

"I'd love to be your date to the Yule Ball, Neville," Luna kissed him on the cheek. Neville blushed and Luna giggled.

Watching the display, the other wizards glared at Harry. The bloody Boy Who Lived just had to set the bar so high that they would have a hard time asking girls to be their dates after that. The witches at Hogwarts were so jealous of Hermione Granger because it was very obvious that their dream wizard, Harry Potter, was so enamored with her.

Ginny Weasley who watched the display, frowned deeply as tears were threatening to fall down her cheeks. The Boy Who Lived was supposed to be hers. Harry Potter was supposed to be her hero. He would make her popular, rich, and the envy of all the other witches. Her mother told her that he was hers. And now, here was her Harry lavishing Hermione Granger with a shoe that she wanted to wear but couldn't. Not only was the beautiful shoe too expensive for her but her large ugly feet couldn't fit into them. She remembered the special love potion her mother had sent over a few weeks ago. Maybe she should just dose the Boy Who Lived. If the potion brought her mother and father together, then maybe she would get her happily ever after with her Harry too.

Viktor Krum watched the byplay with venom. Harry Potter just marked his territory again. He must do something about this. He wanted Hermioninny and Viktor Krum always got what he wanted. Maybe he could challenge Potter to a duel for her hand. That way, his goddess could see who was the better man. What could a fourteen-year-old wizard do to him after all?

Fleur Delacour realized that instead of wanting 'Ermione Granger for herself, maybe she could offer to be the third person in the Potter–Granger tandem. 'Arry Potter was not bad looking. Maybe the Boy Who Lived would accept her offer to share 'Ermione with her. Oui! I should approach 'Arry about sharing 'Ermione…

Ron could only glare at Harry as his former best mate paraded his immense wealth in front of everyone again. Harry already got the girl. Why did he have to boast of that fact in such a grand display? Hermione was supposed to be his. According to his mother, he needed a strong and brilliant woman to keep him in line. Oh well, Harry can have Hermione. She's not a hot bird so I'll find someone better…

oOOOOo

After checking if the clue in the golden egg was the same as in the last timeline, a dazed Harry walked back to his dormitory with a shit-eating grin on his face. Not only was the clue the same, which meant that he only needed some gillyweed to ace the task but the highlight of his entire week was that Hermione joined him underwater. Since they were using the Room of Requirement, Harry was treated to a very enticing view of his wife dressed in nothing but a bikini and the water droplets dripping down her skin.

When he pushed his bed curtains away, he noticed a box settled in the center of the mattress. Seeing a note, he read, 'to my dearest Harry, I made these cookies to show my unwavering love for you. Your Hermione.'

Looking closely at the handwriting, he smirked. This wasn't Hermione's elegant scrawl. He opened the box and inhaled the cookies. It smelled of jasmine, parchment, vanilla, and treacle tart. Bingo! Now we have something to use so we could take down Molly, Ginny, and Ron.

Glancing around the dormitory, he sighed in relief when he could hear Ron's loud snoring from his bed. It was time to cross out another problem on their to-do list. So, he grabbed the box and headed downstairs.

He was surprised when he saw that Hermione was already sitting there in the common room. Since she was all alone, he noticed that she was conjuring flames in her hand and kept on transferring it to and fro like a ball. It was like watching her juggle balls of fire. The deep frown on her face and the box in front of her said it all. She was livid because she received a special box too.

"Hello, darling! I got your special cookies that showed your unwavering love for me," Harry said sarcastically and she chuckled.

"That's what your note said?" She asked and he nodded.

"What does yours say?" He sat beside her.

"I didn't get cookies. I got a hideous locket with a note that says, wear this to the Yule Ball as a sign of my love," she snorted.

"What shall we do now, my darling?" Harry smirked.

"We take them down," Hermione growled.

"Your viciousness is such a turn on," Harry kissed her cheek.

"Let's take these to Sharpfang and Riptooth outside… They'll take it to Director Ragnok and tomorrow, we'll be making headlines again," Hermione smirked.

"That's my girl," Harry winked.

Together, they walked hand-in-hand and exited the portrait hole with their special boxes and the love notes attached to them.

oOOOOo

Ginny Weasley woke up feeling excited for the day. She woke up early, got ready, and went down to the common room expecting to find her Harry waiting for her. She shrugged. Maybe he was still sleeping and dreaming about her. She felt giddy at the thought. She was confident that her plan would work.

In as much as she hated to accept it, her Harry was madly in love with Hermione. So, as soon as he spotted the box and the letter supposedly written by his betrothed, she was certain that he'd immediately sample the cookies.

Her mother had reassured her that her special formula of love potions was foolproof. Molly Prewett successfully married Arthur Weasley after all. If her mother and father had their happily ever after with seven children, then Ginny Weasley was confident that she would get her happy ending with her Harry too.

With her getting Harry through the cookies and Hermione wearing the necklace keyed to Ron, one day, they would all be One Big Happy Weasley Family. With the Boy Who Lived and the Brightest Witch of the Age as official members of the Weasley family, no one would ever look down on their family again.

As she made her way to the Great Hall, she could feel herself floating on air because she was so happy. Her dreams were finally coming true.

oOOOOo

The Golden Couple had a long night. After seeing the sketchy gifts on their beds, they covertly left Hogwarts with Sharpfang and Riptooth so they could report the attempt to separate them.

Of course, Director Ragnok was livid and he called for Minister Bones and Rita Skeeter. The minister then called her boyfriend, Sirius Black, who in turn brought Remus, Emma, Dan, and Tonks. With all these people severely angered by the lame attempt at mind control and line theft, Ragnok and Amelia sent their best warriors and aurors to arrest Molly Weasley.

As soon as they were back at Hogwarts just a few minutes before sunrise, they planned to act like nothing was wrong. They needed to catch those involved in the plot off guard. So, they decided to lounge about in the Room of Requirement and sent a Patronus to Neville that they would be meeting him by the moving tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy so they could fetch Luna at the Ravenclaw Tower together.

After briefing Neville and Luna about the attempt to dose them with potions and mind-control spells, their two loyal friends were angered on their behalf. Neville wanted to strangle Ron who was still snoring away in their dormitory while Luna wanted to curse Ginny with everlasting pimples. The ardent support of their friends made Harry and Hermione chuckle. They were very lucky to have earned Luna and Neville's friendship indeed.

When Dobby gave them the signal that Ginny and Ron were now at the Great Hall, the four friends had matching mischievous glints on their faces as they prepared for the bedlam that would surely happen.

oOOOOo

Ginny Weasley couldn't take it anymore. Her Harry was supposed to be all over her right now. Instead, he was busy alternately feeding Hermione and accepting the food she was handing out to him. Her Harry would lean in and whisper something to Hermione's ear and she would giggle with her cheeks flushing pink.

This wasn't supposed to happen! Harry should have broken his betrothal to Hermione by now and she would gladly accept it so she could be with Ron.

Ginny glanced at her brother who was also astounded that their attempts to snag Harry and Hermione had failed. In fact, the Golden Couple seemed to be more enamored with each other.

She sighed. Maybe she would have to increase the dose later. She was prepared to wait. She was determined to be Mrs. Harry Potter after all.

While Ginny was a patient girl, her brother, Ron, was a stupid, impatient, and jealous git who destroyed all her plans with his raging temper. At the first loud bellow from her idiotic brother, all the careful planning she made and the potion brewing their mother had done went down the drain.

"What the hell is wrong with you two? Why are you still all over Potter, Hermione? You're supposed to be with me now!" Ron hissed angrily as he stood from the bench, chicken leg in one hand. The people sitting near him threw him intense glares because he was sputtering food and saliva all over them.

Harry winked at Hermione who only smirked in reply. With an arm wrapped around his wife, Harry turned to their once best friend, "Why would you ever think that Hermione would be all over you by now, Ron? What did you do? Give Hermione a love potion?" He said this in a loud voice and the people who heard him gasped in surprise.

"I – I – well, I – " Ron stammered. His face turned red due to anger, confusion, and nerves.

"Mr. Potter! How dare you accuse another student of such vile – " Albus Dumbledore's angry rant was interrupted when the door to the Great Hall opened and a group of goblins and aurors entered with Minister Amelia Bones, Cornelius Fudge, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and the Granger parents in tow.

"We have a warrant of arrest for Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Ginevra Molly Weasley, and Ronald Billius Weasley!" Minister Bones' voice could be heard throughout the Great Hall since every student and member of the staff was stunned into silence at the shocking turn of events. They had seen so many astounding events this year but no one ever expected to see the day wherein the great Albus Dumbledore would be handed a warrant of arrest.

"My dear Amelia – "

"Shut up you old coot! We already have Molly Weasley in custody and she spilled the beans. Your muggle potioneer, Severus Snape, also told us everything he knows. The health and magical diagnostics on Ms. Hermione Granger, Mr. Harry Potter, and the former Minister provide more evidence as to the list of crimes you will be held accountable for… Surrender now, Albus Dumbledore!" Amelia said in a calm and cold voice.

"You can't do this to me!" Dumbledore hissed.

"Aurors, take the two Weasleys now," Amelia told the aurors.

Ginny and Ron were about to run for the door when they felt something stopping them. Looking down, they understood why. Hermione used her powers to lock their feet on the floor with rocks.

"Hermione, please!" Ron cried.

"What you attempted to do to me and Harry was beyond criminal, Ron. You deserve everything coming your way," Hermione said coldly. The aurors took their wands as evidence and their hands were tied by magic suppression cuffs. The rocks on their feet disappeared and the two youngest Weasleys were escorted outside.

"We can do this hard way or the easy way, Albus," Amelia said.

"You will never – "

"Expelliarmus!" Professor McGonagall disarmed the headmaster to the surprise of everyone.

"Minerva, how could you – "

"I'm sorry, Albus… But if you truly were innocent, you would have nothing to fear… Something just doesn't feel right with the way things have been happening recently. We all just want answers and I think you're the only one who can answer them. Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger have been through so much in their entire Hogwarts career… I feel that it's just not a coincidence at all…" Minerva McGonagall sighed sadly.

"Fawkes!" Albus called for his bonded phoenix. When a flash of flame appeared, he had a look of victory in his eyes. To his horror, the phoenix flew toward Harry Potter and Hermione Granger instead. This made him extremely angry. He now knew who to blame.

"You! You caused all of this!" He angrily shouted while pointing to Hermione Granger. Instead of feeling frightened, Harry and Hermione walked closer toward the great manipulator. They stopped when they reached the place where their family and friends stood.

"You caused all of this on yourself, headmaster. For leaving my Harry to suffer at the Dursleys, for causing Sirius to rot in Azkaban, for blocking my powers, for dosing Mr. Fudge with loyalty potions that weakened his mind," Hermione replied calmly.

Letting his anger get the better of him, he moved to strangle this impertinent little witch who had caused the downfall of all his plans. Before he could reach Hermione though, he was hit by a flame of fire, a wave of water, a gust of wind, and the ground he stood on suddenly had a crack.

He gasped. Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, and Harry Potter were now able to perform elemental magic. This should never be allowed! Hermione Granger now had followers just like a certain Dark Lord who was existing as a wraith.

"You shall not harm my best friend!" Luna Lovegood said angrily as she dropped a wave of water on the headmaster again.

"Yeah! Hermione has done nothing wrong and she is a good student. Helping the rest of us, slaying dementors, and other great things… What did she ever do to you?" Neville seconded.

"Aye! Yer shouldn't hurt Hermione, sir!" Seamus agreed as he sent a small flash of flame that lightly burnt the headmaster's robe again.

"Fine! I'll go with the aurors! But you'll regret this! You have a future Dark Lady in your midst! A Dark Lady that even now, has a steady group of followers that can perform elemental magic! A Dark Lady with goblin – "

"Shut your gob, Albus Dumbledore!" Everyone who had seen Hermione do this before winced. She was glowing again and she spoke in the unified tongues of all the incarnations of the Avatar.

"You tried to weaken my magic so that I won't realize my real identity. You played with the fate of an innocent child, Harry Potter. You destroyed a man who only wanted to serve his fellowmen, Cornelius Fudge. I am very tempted to remove your magic. But even that isn't punishment enough… This is for all the pain you've caused in the lives of people you have manipulated through the years…" Avatar Hermione focused on the blood coursing through the veins of the old wizard.

"Ahhh! What are you doing to me?" Albus Dumbledore screamed in pain as his body submitted to the command of the young witch with the spirit of magic within her.

Avatar Hermione bent the blood in the old wizard's body to have him submit to her will. She forced him to kneel and to hold his hands out in surrender.

"Aurors! Goblin guards! Bind him now… He won't be able to fight you anymore." The Avatar addressed the valiant group tasked to capture the wizard who was esteemed as second only to Merlin.

Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt were the ones who stepped forward to bind the headmaster with magical suppression cuffs as Sharpfang and Riptooth had their blades at the ready. When the headmaster was securely bound, the glow in Hermione Granger dissipated.

"Just to clear the record, I, Hermione Jean Granger, never have any desires to be a Dark Lady. I only want to be an educator so I can share the ancient technique of elemental bending, the true origin of magic. If I want to rule something that would only be the house I will be building with my future husband, Harry James Potter. May magic attest to my claim. Expecto Patronum!" When a lion corporeal Patronus floated around the Great Hall, everyone was amazed. The lion hovered over Harry and licked his fingers.

"Hey… this big guy feels just like me," Harry teased and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I think you have just seen a glimpse of your animagus form, Harry Potter," Luna remarked with a dreamy-eyed glint in her eyes. Harry and Hermione glanced at each other before shrugging. That was something else they most definitely wanted to learn.

When the Patronus vanished, Amelia Bones cleared her throat bringing everyone's attention back to her. "The aurors and the goblin warriors will be bringing all three in for questioning. I'll let you know when the trial will be. Since Director Ragnok is livid, to say the least, please expect the trial to be as soon as possible… We'll let you know if you need to testify."

"Thank you, Madam Bones," the Golden Couple chorused.

"Hey, pup! I guess you'll be a big bad lion then, eh?" Sirius ruffled Harry's hair while Hermione hugged her parents.

"Mum, Dad, I'd like you to meet my friends… Luna, Neville, Seamus, these are my parents, Dan and Emma," Hermione introduced.

"Bloody hell! Harry Potter, you are one lucky dog!" Seamus exclaimed and Hermione rolled her eyes while her mum felt flattered.

"Kid is right though, pup," Sirius remarked as he could see the young Hermione growing up to be as fine and elegant as her mother, Emma.

"Back off Finnigan!" Harry feigned annoyance.

"Boys! Such idiots!" Hermione huffed and everyone laughed.

Hermione Granger may be the mighty Avatar but when she's not glowing or playing with the elements, she would always be everyone's loveable know-it-all.

"Er, guys?" Fred and George chorused.

"We're sorry about your mum, Ron, and Ginny," Harry said and Hermione nodded.

"No, Harry… We're sorry on behalf of our mum and younger siblings… We truly didn't know that they were going to do that. We'll even make an oath," George said and Fred nodded his head in earnest.

"Oh, there's no need for that… We trust you two." Hermione smiled before hugging each of the twins.

"Say, Granger, have you ever considered ditching young Mr. Potter over here for two dashingly funny redhead twins?" Fred said mischievously.

"Well, if Mr. Potter screws up, I'll think about it," Hermione pretended to think.

"You're mine, Granger," Harry growled playfully as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Ohh… Are you sure about this one, Hermione? Seems like a jealous prat to me," Luna chimed in.

"Hey! You're supposed to be on my side, Luna," Harry pouted and they all shared a laugh.

Professor McGonagall decided to rein in the tension and the rumors circling the room. She pointed her wand to her throat and announced, "Students, all classes are suspended for the entire day due to the excitement this morning… Now run along and go enjoy the rest of the day but please be courteous to our guests." The students cheered at the news and the professors could only shake their heads in exasperation.

"Well, I guess we can stay for a bit then, eh?" Sirius grinned.

"Oh, mum, dad! You'll finally get to tour Hogwarts!" Hermione was bouncing with excitement. Everyone who witnessed her amazing feats of power could only smile at her right now. Despite all her powers, Hermione Granger remained the same.

The fake Moody watched all the events that had happened with both fear and delight seeping through his bones. On one hand, he was happy that the old coot Dumbledore, the enemy of his master, was out of the picture. The Dark Lord's return and victory over Britain would be much easier without Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix getting in the way. Even without Dumbledore in the picture, Barty Crouch Jr. was very afraid. With Hermione Granger firmly at Potter's side, he was certain that his master stood no chance at all. He didn't know what Granger did to Dumbledore a while ago. The screams the old coot made reminded him of a victim of a very potent crucio. The worst part, whatever Granger did, it was like a wandless crucio mixed with an imperio. The little mudblood witch was just so powerful that it's making him dubious. If he were honest with himself, he knew that his master stood no chance against the beautiful little mudblood.

oOOOOo

Fleur Delacour had thought long and hard about her strategy and decided that it was best to just take the plunge. She noticed that 'Arry Potter was all alone in the library right now so she knew it was time to approach him about her offer.

She cleared her throat and 'Arry Potter looked up from his book. When she saw his startling green eyes turned wary behind his round glasses, she tried blasting him with a subtle amount of Veela allure.

"Miss Delacour, I am immune to Veela magic. I'm very in love with my Hermione so it's no use," Harry Potter said curtly and she frowned. This was harder than she thought.

"I am zorry, Monsieur Potter… I just wanted to talk to you," she muttered.

"Please, sit."

"I want to be with 'Ermione, so, I am willing to share 'er with you," she went straight to the point.

She heard the raven-haired wizard sigh. "Look, Ms. Delacour, Hermione Granger is not a property you can possess. To you, she's just the Most Powerful Being Alive and that's why you want her. To me, she's my everything. She's my best friend, my girlfriend, the future mother of my kids… I love her. You want her for status or maybe to boost your magic. But for me, I need her like air. I need her to be able to live my life. So, I will only tell you this once before I blow my top the next time you try something like this again… I will never share Hermione Granger with anyone. I am hers and she is mine… I am willing to battle anything and anyone who wants to tear us apart. Is that clear?" This was said with such stern and seriousness that it seemed like his emerald green eyes were penetrating her very soul.

Fleur nodded meekly. She understood now. She never stood a chance. 'Arry and 'Ermione were it for each other. It was true love and who was she to intervene.

"I am zorry. 'Ermione eez just – "

"Yes, my Hermione is very special, I know."

"I won't bozzer you again," she promised.

"Ms. Delacour, you will find the right one for you if you focus on getting to know their character… Don't just focus on their powers," those words from 'Arry would remain with her for the rest of the day as she reflected on his advice.

oOOOOo

"Love? Are you alright?" Hermione kissed his cheek when she saw him standing outside her Arithmancy classroom.

"Fleur talked to me," he replied.

"Oh." Hermione dragged Harry to an empty classroom so they could talk. When he sat on an armchair, she gave him a look that encouraged him to spill the beans.

"Fleur told me that she was willing to share you with me and I was like oh hell no! I'm bloody pissed right now! What does she take you for? A piece of land that we could split in half! This is so annoying now. I just wanted to shout to the world that Hermione Granger is my bloody wife! I mean come on! I waited an entire lifetime for you! I bloody had to die again and go back in time and – argh! This is so annoying!" Harry ranted.

Hermione could only smile at him. "Are you done now?"

"Yes," he muttered. The frown on his face was still present.

"Good," Hermione plonked herself on his lap and proceeded to kiss him senseless.

When they pulled apart, he had a dopey look on his face that made her giggle. She pressed her forehead to his and closed her eyes. "Don't let Fleur or Viktor or anyone else bother you… I love you, Harry Potter. Fleur may be Veela and Viktor the world's best seeker but I don't want them. I want you. I love you. Do you understand that?" Her breath was fanning his face and her words were like music to his ears.

"Hermione..."

"Hmmm?"

"We have to introduce Fleur to Bill Weasley," Harry murmured.

"Oh… right. They need to get married so that Teddy can marry Victoire in the future," Hermione mused.

"Er, yes… But that's not the reason why I said that" he chuckled.

Hermione opened her eyes and she playfully swatted his shoulder. "Stop being jealous, Potter! You already have your ring on my finger," she snorted.

"But nobody else but Ragnok knows," he whined.

"So what? I love you and you love me. That's all that matters," she countered.

"Fine," he pouted.

"Harry?"

"Hmmm?"

"What color are your dress robes?"

"Do you honestly want to talk about clothes right now?"

"Well, what else is there to talk about?"

"We could use this time for more pleasant things… Help me to ease my jealousy at least," he wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

"If I snog you right now, I could have Dobby buy you new dress robes to match my dress?" She negotiated.

"Of course! I'll even wear Ron's ghastly robes," he grinned.

"If all I had to do is snog you to get you to do whatever it is that I want you to, maybe you'll end up with straight Os in your OWLS," she huffed and he nodded eagerly.

"You're lucky I love you, Potter," she rolled her eyes before leaning in to kiss him again.

When they left the unused classroom, Harry's temper was much calmer and his eyes were sparkling with joy. Luna and Neville noticed the change in his demeanor much to their amusement. The four friends proceeded to enjoy their privacy as they trained, hung out, and just enjoyed their time together in the Room of Requirement.

oOOOOo

On the day of the Yule Ball, the castle was buzzing with excitement. Two hours after lunch, Hermione and Luna bid their dates goodbye so they could start getting ready. Harry and Neville could only chuckle at that because to them, the two witches would always look beautiful even if they went to the ball in just their school uniform.

The two friends decided to make use of the Room of Requirement so they could ask for whatever it was that they needed. It would also provide them privacy from the other girls who would be panicking about their own problems with hairstyles, makeup, dresses, jewelry, and shoes.

Hermione already asked Dobby to drop off the new suit that she bought for Harry so that they would match. Since Harry bought her new shoes, she reckoned that it was time for her to up the ante of wizarding fashion just like in the previous timeline. When she climbed the ranks at the ministry, her wardrobe choices were often praised by magazines and as Harry pointed out, it helped bridge the gap between muggleborns and purebloods. Whether magical or not, women shared a love for fashion and witches paved the way for their husbands to respect the ingenuity of muggles, clothes-wise at least.

She also secretly purchased a new chic dress for herself that would highlight the gorgeous blue Manolo Blahnik pumps that her husband bought for her. Harry's tie would match the color of her shoes and her dress was simple and elegant – the style that she learned to develop in her previous life.

Since she already had the periwinkle blue dress in her trunk, her mother bought it for her before September 1st, she decided to let Luna wear it instead. In the first timeline, her Ravenclaw friend didn't attend the Yule Ball since nobody asked her to go. This time around, she was going to be Neville's date and she had nothing to wear. Letting Luna wear the periwinkle dress was like hitting two birds with one stone. One, it would hopefully make Luna the belle of the ball, just like she was before. Two, it would show the bullies who disregarded Loony Lovegood that she was a blooming beauty they could no longer ignore.

She felt so happy when a teary-eyed Luna hugged her in gratefulness. Luna Lovegood was her dearest friend when she aged and her connection with Harry severed. Because of that, she was determined to be the very best friend to the bullied Ravenclaw this time around. Besides, there was a pearl of unique wisdom in Luna that she started to appreciate in her later years when they became the best of friends.

Hermione did her hair and makeup and offered Luna some help as well. After that, they both got dressed. As she expected, Luna looked stunning in her periwinkle blue dress.

"Ooh… You look gorgeous, Lu! Neville's eyes will definitely pop out," she teased and the dreamy-eyed blonde blushed at the praise.

"You look beautiful too, Hermione… I've never seen a dress with that design before," Luna's eyes skimmed through her outfit and she gave a playful twirl. Luna giggled at that before adding, "muggles create the most beautiful dresses."

"I do agree, Lu. I do agree," she sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She wore an ivory one-shoulder dress. It was tight-fitted and ended an inch above her knees. What she loved about the dress was the cape that made the look very ethereal. It was modern, a perfect blend of wizarding fashion (the cape) and muggle fashion (the fit and silhouette of the dress). More importantly, it highlighted the gorgeous shoes she wore. She tied her hair in a messy chignon, with the shorter fringe of her curls framing her face. Her makeup was simple, it was barely there and the only show-stopper was the blood-red lipstick. She wore a pair of dangling ruby earrings (courtesy of the Potter vault which Dobby retrieved for her) to match the Lady Potter ring. She knew that Harry was still pouting about keeping their marriage a secret so she decided to show off her ring tonight. After all, nobody would notice the ring since the style of her dress was enough to make the purebloods talk.

"So, do you think we're ready to go?" Luna fidgeted with a shy smile.

"I think we are… Remember Luna, your best accessory is a smile. So, chin up and walk confidently. You look beautiful," she held out a hand to her friend who eagerly accepted it. With that, they exited the Room of Requirement eager to meet their dates by the grand staircase.

oOOOOo

Hermione gestured for Luna to go down the stairs first while she hid in a corner to enjoy the reactions of the crowd. As expected, every person in the Great Hall was drawn to the beautiful petite blonde witch. She even giggled when she saw the gobsmacked look on Neville's face that caused Harry to need to elbow the besotted wizard to get his brain to start working again.

Mission accomplished, she mused.

When Neville recovered and Luna joined both boys at the end of the stairs, it was her turn to meet her husband. She took a deep calming breath. She remembered Harry's reaction to seeing her in the gown Luna was wearing right now. Even if she knew that he loved her very much, she still felt a little nervous. The nerves were a normal reaction because every girl wanted to attract the boy they loved after all.

Steeling her nerves, she slowly walked to the stairs. She could hear gasps, whispers, and the stunned reactions of everyone else but she didn't care. She had her eyes on Harry who was looking at her with the same intensity that he once had in their previous life. While that version of Harry looked at her with surprise and attraction, the Harry in front of her made her feel so much love, desire, and passion that it made her knees weak. His emerald green eyes sparkled with an intensity that she could feel herself getting lost in them.

Harry held out a hand for her to take and she immediately accepted it. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw the Lady Potter ring no longer concealed by charms. And then, he broke into a wide smile that melted her heart.

"Good evening, my lady. You take my breath away," he whispered as he kissed her knuckles. His emerald green eyes seemed to penetrate her very soul and she blushed.

"Thank you, Harry. You clean up real nice yourself," she grinned.

Harry tucked her hand on his arm and he turned to their friends. "Nev, Lu, we'll hang with you once all the formal stuff is over," Harry said with exasperation and they all chuckled at that.

"Of course, mate. We'll see you later," Neville grinned and Luna waved at them. When Neville and Luna joined the table occupied by Seamus, Dean, Lavender, and Parvati, Harry turned to his wife.

"Well, Lady Potter, it seems that you're wearing your ring proudly tonight," he whispered to her ear. His eyes were sparkling with joy. He wanted to shout to the rooftops that this amazing and gorgeous witch was his wife. For now, he was satisfied that she wore her ring with pride.

"Consider this as a preview of our wedding, my lord. Besides, I wanted to showcase my shoes so I decided to wear white," she whispered back.

"You look beautiful, darling," he said.

"Thank you. You look handsome too," she replied.

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger there you are – Oh my! Is that!?" Professor McGonagall pointed to the ring on Hermione's finger.

"It's an heirloom, Professor. I wanted Hermione to have it," Harry shrugged.

Minerva McGonagall glanced around the room to make sure that they wouldn't be overheard by prying ears. Seeing that everyone was focused on their own business, she whispered, "I was very close to your grandmother, Harry… I know about the magic in that ring. So are you two – "

"Yes, Professor. We are. Hermione is my soulmate," Harry cut her off with a proud smile.

"Oh… I see. Well, congratulations to you two! I do hope you'll keep this a secret. The ring won't attract much attention right now because it's a ball. During normal days though, please use concealment charms until you're ready to announce your wedding ceremonies," the professor advised.

"Thank you, professor," the couple chorused.

"Well then, please follow me… The champions and their dates have a place of honor," the professor beckoned them to follow so they happily obeyed.

oOOOOo

Harry looked at Hermione and he still couldn't believe that she managed to exceed his expectations of her beauty in the elegant white dress she wore tonight. Seeing her like this reminded him of the beautiful and sophisticated witch she would grow up to be.

The crass whispers of horny bastards in the ministry used to call her the Most Fuckable Witch in the Ministry and when she became the minister, they called her the Minister I'd Like to Fuck. He could not help but stare at her, not believing his luck that this time around, she was his wife.

While the young Hermione in her periwinkle dress was a stunning beauty, the belle of the ball, this Hermione – his Hermione – looked so much better in his eyes. She looked so confident, so powerful, and so elegant. Merlin! I am a lucky bastard!

"Harry… Stop staring," Hermione rolled her eyes from her seat beside him.

"Er, sorry, it's just – well you looked so beautiful the first time around, the periwinkle blue dress looked amazing on you... but this," he gestured to her dress before continuing, "wow!"

"Well, I was once a MILF as you said. I reckoned this dress had the same vibe… I was going for that look," she winked and he chuckled.

"Hermione, when did you get your teeth fixed? I even forgot about them and when I saw you tonight I remembered that Malfoy wasn't able to curse you this time so – " he shrugged.

"I was thinking you'd never remember that," she chuckled before she whispered, "as soon as we got back here, I performed shrinking charms every day… Bit by bit until I reached the size I wanted," she continued.

"Krum is glaring at me so intently right now that I could feel him wishing for my head to explode," he whispered and she chuckled.

"Just ignore him… He's bound to give up soon. I mean Fleur is much calmer now," she whispered back.

"This Yule Ball is so much better than my last one," he remarked and she chuckled.

When the champions were asked to dance, Harry and Hermione stole the show. Their movements were graceful, elegant, and the chemistry between them was so intense that the audience was just mesmerized.

Cho and Cedric were also evenly matched because even if the Hufflepuff wasn't a great dancer, at least he only had eyes for his beautiful date. Meanwhile, Viktor and his date, a Slytherin sixth year, looked like fools on the dance floor. The Bulgarian Seeker kept stepping on his date's feet because he was too engrossed with watching Hermione Granger instead, much to the consternation of his partner.

Fleur, on the other hand, was busy warding off the advances of the drooling Roger Davies. Finally, when the dance opened for all students, the mismatched couples broke off to seek their friends. Harry and Hermione, as well as Cho and Cedric, remained on the dance floor as the rest of the students joined them.

The Golden Couple had so much fun during the ball. They each danced with Neville and Luna while Hermione twirled on George and Fred Weasley's arms as well. It was so much better than the awkward ball that happened in the previous timeline.

Viktor Krum spent the rest of the night green with envy. He could only hope that Harry Potter would seriously get hurt in the last two tasks. That way, he could show the lovely and powerful Hermioninny who was the better wizard.

oOOOOo

In the depths of Gringotts, a curse breaker and a goblin researcher used the knowledge they had coerced from the potions master, Severus Snape, about the resurrection ritual Voldemort was bound to perform so he could regain a new body. Finally, after days of rigorous research, they found the answer to their questions about how they could twist the ritual to end the Dark Wanker forever.

The goblin researcher all but ran towards the Office of the Chief of the Goblin Nation. It was time to help Avatar Hermione and the Wizard of Prophecy in ending the darkness that was Voldemort.

Upon receiving the good news from the researchers, Ragnok had a sinister grin on his face. After years of suffering from the tyranny of the purebloods, the dawning of a new era of equality and prosperity would soon arise.

Voldemort was going to die soon and with his death, it would be easier to wipe out all the Death Eaters. With that in mind, he summoned a quill to write a letter to the Lord and Lady Potter. He must schedule a meeting soon. Together with Minister Bones, they could all join forces and plan their final attack on the dark wizard that was Tom Marvolo Riddle…

---

A/N: Bloodbending is one of the worst things that could happen to a person in the Avatar universe. Yikes! Imagine a crucio and an imperio combined. Then again, energy bending removes the ability to perform elemental magic so I'm not sure which is worse.

Manolo Blahnik is a real luxury shoe brand. Hermione's got a classy elegant style, okay?

On a side note, I think this my first ever Yule Ball moment. Huh! Weird.

Lastly, I'll be signing off on this fic for some time. I'm working on editing my Dark Lord Harry Potter story, All Because of You. I'm also writing a big chapter for my Master of Death Harry Potter story, My Cheating Heart, so I'll be busy with other fics. (Check them out if you want)

Those two aforementioned stories along with God Save The Children are all intense and action-packed so I'm truly missing my classic fluffy and smutty pieces. Maybe I'll write a fic that features a bisexual Hermione soon. Or I'll add a chapter to my kid Harmony fics. I need to take a break from writing such intense scenes. So, I'll take a stab on something light-hearted and fluffy. Sorry if this is bad news for you but I actually write things I want to read and in as much as intense stories have me on the edge of my seat, a girl just needs some 'aww' inducing moments from time to time.