Chapter 5
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and I never will. But that doesn't stop me from playing with JK Rowlings' characters a bit! ;)
The rest of October passed by in a blur as Harry and company did as they were told. They focused on their lessons and having fun. Harry also had Quiddich practices. His constant letters from home kept him happy. Sometimes his siblings would enclose drawings which he treasured dearly.
Halloween was lots of fun. Nothing like his original first year when a Mountain Troll decided to stroll in the dungeons prompting Ron and him to rescue Hermione. The feast was amazing and they all had a good time.
Mid-November was the first Quiddich game of the season. It was Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. Malfoy and his cronies spent their days taunting Harry.
Harry thought to himself, 'We'll show them who's laughing once we beat them in the first match.'
Harry thought that a lot of Malfoy's insults were pointless. In the original timeline Malfoy mostly made jabs about lacking a family. Now Harry had everything he could possibly desire. Harry knew for sure that if he looked into the Mirror of Erised he would only see himself standing there.
The Quiddich match was an unfounded success. Gryffindor won 230 to 20. The Gryffindor supporters cheered and whooped for joy. They are cheered for Harry.
Wood was ecstatic. "The cup is ours for the taking this year!"
Harry's day was complete when he saw his parents break away from the crowd to rush up and greet him. The moment Harry saw them his eyes lit up. Abandoning the festivities he ran over to greet them. Lilly held her son close. When he broke away from his mother Harry hugged his father tightly.
"That match was bloody brilliant!" James roared. "Never have I seen such a Quiddich match in my life! The Slytherin's play just as dirty as when we went here, don't they Lills."
Lilly nodded in agreement. Harry observed that in the distance he could see Snape eyeing them. His features became more distinct and Harry could make out the scowl etched onto his face.
James's eyes locked with Snape and he yelled, "Alright Snivillus?" Snape turned on heal and Harry noticed his robes swish away.
Lilly's eyes followed Snape and she said quietly to Harry, "He's been treating you alright Harry?"
"No better than any other students except the Slytherins." Lilly frowned.
"Let me know if he really hassles you, I'll come down here and have a few words with him."
"You don't have to do that mum!" Harry said quickly.
Lilly placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. "It's my duty as a mother to protect you from anything and everything Harry."
Harry liked what he was feeling. It felt like taking some Pepper-Up potion. These words of love, affection and encouragement were the best remedy he could ever have.
"Harry, I want to meet your friends!" James announced. "I want to know what sorts of trouble you've gotten up too." James had a mischievous glint in his eyes. Harry grinned and Lilly elbowed James in the ribs.
"Where are they love?" Lilly added.
"I left them near the bleachers."
Harry walked in the middle of his parents. "Where are Krissy and Nicky?" Harry asked.
"We left them with my friend Mary MacDonald." Lilly answered.
"I miss them..." Harry sighed.
"Don't worry son, Christmas vacation is in a few weeks." Harry smiled. For the first time in his life he would celebrate Christmas with his family. Unless, Dumbledore found a way to return to their own timeline... Harry a very large part of him hoped Dumbledore would find out only after Christmas.
Hermione, Ron and Neville were still waiting. When Ron saw them he ran up, "C'mon Harry! Victory bash in the common room! Fred and George have nicked loads of food from the kitchens." Then Ron noticed Harry parents. "Uhh...I mean..." Ron went red.
James winked at Ron. "Don't worry. Nicking food from the kitchens is every student's rite of passage!"
Ron relaxed. Ron held his hand out. "I'm Ron Weasley by the way."
James and Lilly shook his hand. "So nice to meet you. We know your parents though not that well."
Neville walked timidly from behind. "I'm Neville Longbottom."
Lilly and James exchanged glanced. "Nice to meet you Neville. We know your Grandmother." Neville blinked a few times and smile.
Neville added. "Harry's been a real good friend to me. I consider him one of my best mates." Lilly and James beamed.
Hermione sauntered forward and held out her hand. "I'm Hermione Granger; it's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
James shook hands enthusiastically with Hermione. "Don't tell me this is the famous Hermione! Harry's letters are filled with your wondrous deeds. It's great that Harry has such an amazing girlfriend."
Hermione and Harry flushed scarlet. "Dad...Hermione's just a friend." Harry muttered.
James winked at Hermione. Hermione's face kept getting darker. Lilly jabbed James in the ribs with her wand.
"Oww! Lills! That hurt!"
"Don't pay attention to my husband. It's really nice to meet you Hermione."
Hermione couldn't believe that she was actually meeting Harry's parents. They were so nice.
James who had recovered from the last jab in the ribs said, "We would like to invite you kids over during the Christmas holidays."
"Mr. Potter, you shouldn't impose because of us!" Neville started to say.
"Nonsense! Harry would love to have you all over for a few days wouldn't you honey?" Harry nodded enthusiastically.
"Alright, but I'll have to check with my mum and dad if it's alright." Hermione said and the other agreed.
"Then it's settled!" Lilly beamed at all of them.
"Harry, we have to leave now. I'm wanted at the Headquarters and Lills is needed at the hospital. We left so we could cheer you on."
Harry felt a bit sad. Lilly noticing his expression hugged him tightly. "Don't worry love. You'll be home in a few weeks." Harry hugged James and watched as his parents walked towards the Hogwarts gates. They waved from the distanced and the four preteens watched them disapperate.
Ron looked excited. "Harry! Your parents are awesome! I can't wait to spend a few days at your house!"
Harry looked at Hermione and Neville. "You guys better come too."
"We'll try." Neville responded and Hermione nodded.
Hermione weaved her arm with Harry's. "Come on Harry! There's a victory party to attend too!"
The rest of the weeks were kind of long. Harry could only keep his mind on spending Christmas vacation at home. He had a feeling this would be his best Christmas ever. Ron, Neville and Hermione got back to him about their plans. Ron, Neville and Hermione were going to spend a day at Harry's as their families had already made plans. Ron, Hermione and Neville coordinated to spend the same day at Harry's. They agreed on December 24th.
The Weasleys were going to Romania to visit Ron's brother Charlie. They were leaving on the 26th of December. The Longbottoms and the Grangers celebrated Christmas on the 25th. So everything worked out okay. Hermione was going to her Grandmother's in Wales for the 25th then the Grangers were going to Switzerland. Neville's aunts and uncles were coming in on the 25th. Harry wrote home to his parents letting them know and they wrote back saying they were happy to celebrate Christmas Eve with his friends.
Finally December 22nd came and that was the last day of classes for the Fall term. All their teachers gave them midterm exams. Harry felt he'd done reasonably well. He might have done better if he stopped daydreaming about Christmas but he was happy with the way he preformed all the same. When their last exam (Potions) was over, Harry sprinted to the Gryffindor Common room to pack. With a swoop of his wand all his possessions that were strewn across the room flopped back into his trunk. He then went down near the fireplace to wait for the others. When they all arrived they went down to supper. The four gabbed away excitedly about their upcoming vacations.
Harry woke up on the 23rd of December and he felt elated beyond belief. He was going home! The train was leaving Hogsmeade at 9AM so all students had to be up by 7:30AM so they could have some breakfast. Neville and Seamus were already up and they were packing. Dean and Ron were still fast asleep. Harry took a quick shower and wandered back. By this time Ron and Dean were slowly getting up.
Dean rubbed his eyes. "It's too early to be up..."
Ron looked sympathetically at Dean, "I know mate...I wish I could have a lie in."
Harry noticed that his trunk was gone. Before he could look for it Seamus finished packing and his trunk suddenly vanished. Seamus jumped back. Dean leaned in for a closer look.
"Wicked! We don't have to lug it to the station ourselves!"
The boys walked to the Great Hall together and they ate breakfast with gusto. Harry still hadn't seen Hermione. Hermione came down with Parvati and Lavender. The girls joined the boys. Parvati and Lavender attempted to engage Harry in conversation and Parvati kept shooting Harry flirtatious looks.
Harry noticed that Hermione was throwing them dirty looks. 'Who do they think they are flirting with Harry?' She thought darkly.
Harry felt rather flattered. As Harry chewed his toast he noticed that he hadn't thought of Ginny once since he'd been catapulted here. Ginny seemed like a distant memory. Harry realized that there were some things more important to him. Back then he was completely enamoured with her but now he knew that Ginny had been nothing but a fling.
Hermione remained silent until they were on the train. All the way until Hogsmeade Lavender and Parvati clung onto his arms. Harry tried to shake them off but they resolutely refused to leave. The boys roared with laughter at Harry's dumbfounded expression. Hermione huffed and marched forward refusing to look back at them. Hermione picked a compartment that was more or less in the middle. Her eyes stung with tears but she refused to cry.
'Why do I care? Harry can flirt with whomever he likes. I'm supposed to like Ron.'
But strangely any feelings she had for Ron were not present despite that they'd finally kissed and admitted their feelings for during the war. Any feelings she had now for Ron were completely platonic. Her feeling for Harry had turned from platonic to something more. Rubbing her eyes to remove any trace of tears she pulled out her next best friend. A book. Hermione tried to concentrate on the words her mind kept drifting back to Harry.
Forcing herself back to her book but then her thoughts strayed towards Dumbledore. Hermione deducted that soon Dumbledore will find a spell, they would all be 18 (with the exception of Harry), Harry would defeat Voldemort and he'd go back to Ginny. That thought made her heart ache even more. In anger she flung her book across the compartment. Her breathing came out in short pants and the tears crept up in her eyes. Hermione knew this was the start of a sob fest and she desperately wanted to avoid that. The compartment door opened and Ron, Neville and Harry (who had managed to ditch the giggling twins) came in laughing.
"Finally we found you Hermione! We've been looking in all the compartments for you." Neville said. Then he noticed that her bottom lip quivered. "You alright Hermione?" Neville asked concernedly. Harry and Ron whipped around and looked at Hermione.
"I-I'm f-fine. I ne-need to go to th-the lo-loo." Hermione squeaked and made a dash for the bathroom.
Once in there and locking the door Hermione broke down. She let the tears and sobs flow. She felt the train start to move. The tears and sobs gradually subsided. Hermione glanced in the mirror and saw that her eyes were completely bloodshot and she had tear streaks all down her cheeks.
'Ugh...' She quickly washed her face and preformed a glamour charm to remove any traces of her emotional outburst. Smoothing her robes and deciding she was presentable enough, Hermione unlocked the bathroom door and made her way back to the compartment.
When she entered the boys looked concerned.
"You alright Hermione?" Harry asked. Hermione plastered a fake smile.
"I'm fine. I was just feeling a bit tired Harry".
'Liar'. Her inner voice told her.
Hermione chose to ignore it. She settled herself in her seat and saw that her book had been replaced on her seat.
Harry said, "We found it near in the back." Hermione nodded her thanks and picked it up once again and forced herself to read it. The boys were playing Exploding Snap. Every so often the cards would explode with a bang. Hermione scowled. The noise was sorely irritating her. Eventually she managed to tune them out and she drifted off to sleep.
Hermione woke up due to the sunlight streaming in through the window but she felt thoroughly refreshed. However that lingering feeling she had before became more persistent. Hermione tried to tune it out. She looked around the room and saw that the boys were all passed out. She sighed. She noticed that on top of her school bag some food had been propped up along with a note.
Thought you might be hungry when you wake up. Seriously, something's wrong. Talk to me Hermione?
Harry
Hermione ripped open a chocolate frog and bit its head off. Harry stirred and opened his eyes. The crinkling of the wrapper had woken him up.
"Hey."
"Hi Harry."
"Feeling better Herm?"
"Much better. I guess I was feeling a bit cranky before."
Harry looked like he didn't believe her. But he seemed to accept her words momentarily.
"You guys are all coming over tomorrow! It'll be great."
Hermione gave her first genuine smile of the day. "You're parents seem so nice! This will be great." Harry's face grew sombre.
"Eventually all this will end and we'll end up back at square one. I'll be fighting Voldemort and going back to being famous."
Hermione tried to be diplomatic. "But when that's all over, you'll have Ginny waiting in the wings for you." Harry raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice significantly.
"Don't tell Ron okay?" Hermione looked enquiringly at Harry and leaned forward.
"I don't have any more feelings for Ginny. I'll always care for her. But she's too much like a little sister to me." Hermione was thoroughly taken aback.
"When did you decide that Harry?"
Harry took a breath. "I've been thinking about that for awhile. I realized that Ginny and I had fun but we were nothing more than a fling. I have more important things right here." Hermione tried to look at it in the logical point of view though internally she jumped for joy when she heard Harry utter those words.
"Harry you do know that this is not permanent. Within a matter of weeks perhaps we'll be back to our old life. You'll just change your mind again." Harry shook his head.
"Ginny was a distraction, nothing more. I assure you Hermione."
"Whatever Harry, but when you come running to me with wedding invitations to your wedding with Ginny I am 100% sure that I'll say I told you so!" Hermione didn't even want to think of Harry and Ginny getting married.
Shortly after that conversation they pulled into Kings Cross. The students all descended the train and embraced their family members waiting. Harry siblings raced forward and hugged him.
"I miss you Hawwy!" Nick said.
"I missed you too little man!" Harry hugged his parents.
"It's good to be back home mum and dad!" James rushed forward to gather Harry's luggage. Harry turned to his friends to say goodbye.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow right?" They all nodded in agreement wishing Harry goodbye and a "I'll see you tomorrow's."
Harry hugged Hermione. "Cheer up Herm okay?" Hermione smiled and leaned in close. Harry broke away and Hermione couldn't help but feel empty. Running over to her parents still feeling his arms around her.
Finally it was the 24th. Harry woke up excited. His friends were coming over before lunch. Yesterday Harry took the time to full explore his house. His brother and sister badgered him constantly about Hogwarts. They wanted to know every detail. At the moment Harry was shut up in his room wrapping his Christmas presents. For his brother he bought a small model of the Nimbus 2001 which was a prototype at the moment, a real snitch and a stuffed Dragon. His sister he bought a beautifully illustrated copy of muggle fairytales and some of her favourite sweets. His mother he bought a new cashmere muffler. His father he bought a new travelling cloak. Sirius he bought a new wand hollister.
For Ron, Harry bought Chuddley Canon tickets. They would be playing in Romania on the 3rd of January. For Neville he bought a book about South American plants. And finally for Hermione, he bought a book filled with difficult spells and he had also transfigured an old quill into a pretty necklace. Harry was pleased with his transfiguration work. It had taken him a few days to look for the specific spell but in the end it all worked out.
Harry carried his presents down the stairs and placed them under the tree. Lilly walked in and saw all the parcels.
"Wow! You went all out this year didn't you Harry?"
"I just wanted this Christmas to be special. And this isn't all for you! These are for my friends too!" Harry teased.
Lilly played along, "Oh and I thought my son was planning to shower me with trinkets!"
Kristina came running in. "Can I open them now?"
Lilly pulled her back. "Sorry Missy! You know our tradition. We open them early Christmas day."
Kristina pouted. "No fair! But they're taunting me by just lying there!" Harry tried to distract her.
"Come on Krissy, we got snow last night let's build a forte outside. I'll grab Nick and we can have fun."
Kristina perked up immediately, "I'll go change!"
Harry looked at Lilly. "Do you need any help in the kitchen mum?"
Lilly waved him away. "Everything's under control. Go have fun!"
Nick and Kristina came tearing down the stairs and Harry helped Nick get ready. The three of them squealed and laughed as they played in the snow. They were so wrapped up in their fun they didn't realize that someone else had joined in. Harry had a snowball thrown at his middle and he was knocked back.
The person cheered. "Right on target Potter!" Harry got up and saw Ron.
"When did you get in?"
"Just a few minutes ago. Your mum told me to head on over to the backyard and join you."
Nick and Kristina suddenly seemed shy. Nick clung to Harry's leg and Kristina hid behind her boulder.
"Who's that Hawwy?" Nick asked softly.
Harry grinned, "This is one of my best mates from school. Mum and dad told you that a few mates were coming to spend Christmas Eve with us."
Nick warmed up immediately. He ran up to Ron and tackled him. Ron landed face first in the snow. Kristina burst out laughing as Ron emerged. He looked like an odd Father Christmas.
"Get him kids!" and Harry, Kristina and Nick pelted Ron with snowballs.
They laughed and continued their snowball fight. Shortly Neville joined and the same procedure occurred. The four of them ganged up on Neville. They knew Hermione was coming soon. The conspired to get Hermione. Maybe even shove snow down her back. Soon they caught sight of Hermione's. They all hid behind a huge boulder that Ron had made. The five of them giggled as Hermione came closer. They had made several snowballs. Plenty of ammo.
"Okay boys! Where are you? Your mum told me that you are all out here Harry!"
"NOW!" Harry yelled out. The five of them popped out and hurled the snowballs at Hermione. Unfortunately for them Hermione had faster reflexes. Hermione whipped out her wand and froze them in the air with a clever freezing charm. They hovered in midair and Hermione redirected the snowballs with a flick of her wand and they flew back at the boys. The snowballs missed Nick and Kristina. The boys were knocked over. Hermione had a triumphant smirk on her lips. Kristina and Nick jumped out from behind the boulder.
"THAT WAS AWESOME! YOU ARE SO COOL!" Kristina exclaimed.
Hermione beamed at the two of them. "You two are so cute!" Hermione casually peered over the boulder. "Had enough boys?"
Ron groaned. "Did you have to fling them so hard?"
Hermione burst out laughing and the rest of them joined her in harmony.
The four friends sat in Harry's room. They had a delicious lunch and now were thoroughly stuffed. They had been keenly exploring his room in awe. Hermione was absorbed in Harry's books. She casually picked one from his bookshelf and began reading.
Lilly suddenly peaked in with a camera. "Let me take some pictures of all of you!" they posed happily. Harry pulled Hermione closer to him in the pictures. Hermione looked at Harry and beamed. Lilly said she would have the pictures developed by the end of the week and Harry could owl them. The four friends talked about everything and anything except the big elephant in the room.
Time flew bye and soon they all had to go home. The Weasleys came by first to pick Ron up. Harry and Ron exchanged presents and wished them all a Happy Christmas. Neville's grandmother came shortly and the same thing happened. Soon only Hermione was left. Harry and Hermione walked back into the living room.
"Your family is really nice Harry." Harry smiled. Hermione was examining the Christmas decorations. "Remember the last time we came here? It was exactly at this time."
"Don't I remember it?" Harry answered lowly. Hermione turned around and faced Harry.
"We'll get through this Harry. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. As long as you have me, you won't be alone."
Harry smiled. "You're all I need Hermione."
Those words made Hermione's heart soar. They tried to move towards the couch when they realized they couldn't move. Hermione looked at the ceiling and groaned but inwardly she celebrated.
"Magical Mistletoe..." she tried to keep the glee from showing on her face.
Harry looked confused. "What's that?"
"Whenever two members of the opposite sex that are of Hogwarts ages find themselves under magical mistletoe find themselves trapped until they kiss in order to break the enchantment." Hermione recited the textbook answer. Harry blushed but quickly pecked her on the cheek and tried to move but it still didn't work.
"It has to be a proper kiss Harry." Hermione whispered. Harry blushed even further.
'It's just a kiss! Why are you so nervous? Hermione's your best friend.' Harry thought.
Hermione drew forward. Clearly she was taking charge. Harry responded to her advances and their lips touched. It was a sweet innocent kiss. They drew back and their foreheads touched. Harry enjoyed it a lot.
'I want to kiss her again...' Harry thought.
This time Harry initiated the kiss and Hermione was taken aback.
'He's kissing me!' This time the kiss wasn't as brief.
"Ahem!"
Harry and Hermione pulled back suddenly startled blushing furiously.
James was grinning at the both of them. "Hermione, your parents are here."
"Right. Thank you ." Hermione looked at Harry shyly.
"Hope you have a good Christmas Harry. I'll owl you soon."
"Yeah. You too Herm." They hugged and Harry rested his arms on her lower back. Hermione felt safe in them. She reluctantly pulled back.
"Oh yeah! Before I forget..." Harry picked up a parcel from under the tree. "Here."
Hermione grinned. "You'll get yours tomorrow by owl!" Harry kissed her forehead.
"Bye Herm." Hermione waved and left. James sauntered back into the room. "Told you she was your girlfriend!" Harry cracked a smile.
The holidays went by way too quickly. Before long it was January 6th and the winter term was going to begin. Harry had a very good Christmas. His parents loved his presents and he got a pretty good haul as well. Sirius and Remus popped in on Christmas day for lunch. Harry loved having this normal Christmas.
Hermione wrote Harry a letter thanking him for the presents. She also added that they needed to have a talk when they returned back to Hogwarts. Harry felt kind of nervous. That kiss always played over and over in his head he managed to focus on other things. He played a few Quiddich games with his dad and just enjoyed his holidays overall. On the last day home Lilly took a group picture of the family. She gave it to Harry and he kept it with his most prized possessions.
On the 5th Harry's parents reached him to the train station. His brother and sister were at a sitter. Harry had already said his goodbyes to them. His parents hugged him and wished him a safe term. Lilly kept shooting him looks.
She then said softly, "It feels like this is the last time I'll see you. But I know that I'm being silly!"
Harry felt a lurch in his stomach. "You just miss me mum." Harry said trying to keep his voice neutral.
Lilly gave him a misty smile.
James clapped him on the back. "Go win the Quiddich cup son!"
"I'll try to dad." The train whistle blew and Harry raced onto the train and waved back to his parents. They waved enthusiastically and they disappeared.
Harry felt an overwhelming amount of sadness gather inside of him. He sighed and made his way to find his friends. Harry finally found them.
"Thought you missed the train Harry!" Neville announced.
"I almost did." Harry replied.
Hermione flushed but beamed at Harry. The four swapped stories about their vacations for the rest of the train ride.
They reached Hogwarts late in the evening. They had scarcely reached the Gryffindor Common room when a 3rd year came clutching a scroll.
"I have a message for Harry Potter from Professor Dumbledore." Harry took it and the rest clustered around. Harry quickly skimmed the message and his face dropped.
"What is it?" Hermione demanded.
Harry looked up at all of them. "Dumbledore's figured out a way to return."
AN: Thank you for the reviews! :) xox