A.N.
Fox walks onto the stage dressed as Jessica rabbit, a microphone in one hand a cosmopolitan in another. She takes a sip of the drink and the lights dim. Fox placed the drink on a stool that appears beside her. And then she begins to sing, she leans down low and gently caresses one of the audience's faces and Wolf appears dressed like a wolf in a double breasted suit. He grabs fox's hand and spins her to face him. She slides her body up and down his once and says in a husky voice, "Should we leave them to the story now?"
Wolf grabs the mic from her, kisses her hard and says into the mic, "Standard disclaimer nonsense blah blah folks as you can see I'm a little busy so catch you later, on with the story!"
Wolf leads fox of stage and she wiggles her fingers in the direction of the audience with a naughty grin on her face. "Hope everyone had a happy Halloween!" She says and winks then disappears behind the curtain.
A growl comes from back stage and a squeal and Harry runs out onto the stage with Hermione in tow. And he yells behind him "We didn't want to see ALL that guys!"
Harry and Hermione come running across stage and as they pass by the microphone you here Hermione say, "True but it does give me some ideas!"
Harry pauses and looks back at the curtain they left then Hermione and says, "Yeah but I don't think I'm THAT flexible."
Hermione quirk's an eye brow at him and says "Not up to the challenge Mr. Potter?"
Harry bows to the audience and says, "On with the show I've got my honor to defend" And they apparate away with a parting squeal from Hermione!
Chapter 5
Weasley's not so graceful exit.
Harry walked distractedly into his dorm. Ron was still asleep; Seamus was just waking up, Dean was toweling his hair apparently just having exited the Wash Room and Neville was packing his School bag. Neville raised a hand and said, "Hiya Harry!" Neville said in his usual timid but cheerful voice. Harry waved a hand in Neville's direction mildly irritated at his cheerfulness so early in the morning.
"Some night you had hero, where you been Harry?" Dean asked half muffled from toweling his hair.
"You know saving the world from something or other." Harry chuckled at Ron's sleepy but spot on imitation of a rather pompous sounding Harry.
I forgot how they start mornings around here. Harry thought to himself.
Harry tossed a pillow at Ron's head and heard a thud and groan as it made contact. Harry reached his trunk in time to duck the pillows attempted return to owner. He chuckled as he walked to the wash room with his necessities and shot behind him as he closed the door, "You need to work on your aim ronikins!"
Because of the closed door Harry did not see all the warning signs. Ron Weasley was bloody well mad to say the least. His fists clenched and his face reddened as he heard Harry say the one thing that could ruin a guy's day. His mom's pet name for him Ron's ears burned as the guys laughed at him and he knew full well he was red all over.
Ron forcibly grabbed his things and stormed into the wash room. He saw Harry's things set up as usual, on the far sink and Harry had taken up the far shower. The curtain to Harry's shower was already drawn and the water was running. Ron plopped his things down on the sink farthest from Harry grumbling under his breath as he went. He cocked an eye brow at Harry's shower curtain swearing that he heard him humming a tune he did not recognize. Ron shook his head as he went to his own shower muttering about his mental best friend.
Harry started down the stairs having beat Ron out of the dorm by several minutes. As Harry reached the bottom stair his eyes caught Hermione's and they both stopped and stared at the other. Harry quickly motioned her into a corner and joined her and said, "Not that you don't look radiant but isn't that going to be a bit noticeable?" He said motioning to her now tame hair.
She responded with a smirk, "I could say the same thing about you Mr. Potter!" she said reaching up and tousling his hair. "Besides", she continued, "All I have to say is I stumbled across a spell in the library!"
Harry looked as if he was looking off in the distance for a moment and then slowly his eyes met hers. "How was a goofy kid like me ever lucky enough to get a girl as intelligent and beautiful as you to fall in love with me?" Harry said looking deeply into her eyes.
Hers eyes went wide for but a moment and then she smiled playfully. "Well are you sure I wasn't clever enough to convince you to fall in love with me?"
Harry smiled and chuckled as he grabbed his and Hermione's bags and they started toward the Great Hall. As they left the growing crowd in the common room. Harry leaned close and whispered, "Well luck or cleverness I'm glad it happened."
Hermione flashed Harry a shy smile blushing furiously and Harry smiled back. The rest of the walk to the Great Hall was a mundane discussion of what classes they would be taking next year. The two of them decided to take Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical creatures, which they both agreed they would explain to Ron as soon as possible. Neither of them wanted anything to do with Professor Trelawney and her questionable study of divination.
They entered the Great Hall and took the nearest seats they could find. They sat next to each other and made sure there was an open seat across the table for Ron. They continued their discussion on next years classes as they filled their plates from the assortment available both paying more attention to their conversation then what they were eating. Harry almost had taken his first fork full of eggs when a panicked look flashed across his face. Turning to Hermione Harry rushed in a frantic whisper, "What's our first class today, I can't remember?"
Hermione giggled and shook her head and whispered back with a laugh in her voice, "Charms!"
Harry smiled and said, "Thank Merlin for your memory,"
Hermione whispered casually reaching for a scone, "actually I peaked at Lavenders schedule"
Just then Ron plopped down gruffly across from them. "Oy! How come you two didn't wait for me this morning?"
Harry's eyes darted to Hermione before looking back to Ron and saying, "Well we were both pretty hungry and we got wrapped up in a discussion about next years classes. Hermione talked me into taking Arithmancy and Runes, and I thought Care of Magical Creatures would be interesting."
As Harry talked Ron had been piling food onto his plate and just stuffed a crumpet into his mouth and said surprised, "wroo dig whraut?" ,turning to look at Hermione with surprise written all over his face.
Hermione crinkled her nose in disgust, "Don't talk with your mouth full Ron. And to answer your question Harry and I discussed the classes offered next year and decided that those two would better Arm him for the future." She said giving Ron a serious look.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Hermione, we are in second year, why in the name of Merlin are you worried about our future careers? Besides everyone knows Harry's gonna be a professional Quiditch Player!" Ron said swallowing the Crumpet.
Harry arched an eyebrow and said, "I am?" with a bemused look on his face.
As Ron shoveled eggs into his mouth he gave an affirmative nod and said, "Ov corshe yru awr!" Harry just shook his head as he and Hermione brushed bits of eggs of themselves.
"While I haven't ruled that out Ron I'm not sure what career I'm going to try for when school is done. That's still a long way off and besides that's not what Hermione meant."
Ron gave Harry his classic clueless look and said, "Well I can't think of any reason to give up an easy O like Divination!" If you ask me you're both mental and you Harry are letting Hermione affect your thinking!"
Hermione's eyes narrowed, "What exactly do you mean by that Ronald?" she said heatedly.
Ron sputtered but before he could respond Harry cut in saying, "Thanks Ron that's the nicest thing you ever said about me!"
Hermione and Ron both turned to look at Harry, but Harry just began eating again as if nothing were a miss. Hermione shook her head and turned to her breakfast and began eating. But Harry's silent Prayer that Ron would let it drop was unfulfilled.
"Bloody Hell she'll turn him into a Bookworm!" Ron muttered under his breath too loudly as he went back to his food. He looked up suddenly as all conversation nearby died away and fearfully looked up at Hermione realizing he'd been heard.
Hermione's eyes were closed and she was breathing deeply. She sat her fork down and got up from the table. As she grabbed up her satchel Ron started to speak, "Hermione I…"
But Hermione cut him off quickly with daggers in her words, "Piss off Weasley!" she growled and stormed out of the Great Hall.
Harry stood and grabbed his own satchel and was about to leave when Ron started to speak again, "What's her….."
But Harry lifted a hand to silence him. Now the entire room seemed to quiet as Harry spoke still standing. "Ron you're a right Git you know that? You never know when to let it go!" Harry then hurried off without another word after Hermione.
Ron watched him go then slumped in his seat trying to disappear, as every eye in the Great Hall was on him.
At the head table Albus Dumbledore Had watched the events unfold with a contemplative expression. He folded his hands as he watched Harry go and thought to himself, this bears looking into I'll have to keep an eye on this situation.
~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
Harry caught up to Hermione near the Charms classroom. As he ran up behind her he noticed her head was lowered and her shoulders were shaking. He grabbed her into a hug, looking around to make sure the corridor was empty, feeling an intense amount of anger at one Ronald Weasley. He rubbed her back a moment and said, "Hermione don't pay that Git any mind!" He heard her giggle and looking down he stepped back to hold her at arms length to see her face. What he saw was not the tears he expected but her eyes dancing with mirth and Hermione biting her lip in an obvious attempt to keep from laughing out loud.
"Ok!" Harry said as he watched her quizzically for a moment. It suddenly dawned on him what she was trying not to laugh about. Harry snickered and said, "Aw bugger, a fine performance that was Miss Granger you even had me going!"
She smiled, desperately wanting to kiss him on the cheek but restrained herself." Why thank you Mr. Potter you seem to have forgotten that you aren't the only one who can be cunning." She said with a sly grin. "But it was very sweet of you to come and check on me and it probably added a bit more legitimacy to my performance." She said softening her tone.
As the two of them turned back to the classroom Harry said, "No thanks necessary Hermione I'll always be here for you no matter what."
Hermione smiled and said, "And I'll always be here for you."
The two of them continued to the classroom and took seats near the front. They affectively avoided Ron for the entire class finishing their work diligently earning several House Points, Harry finishing his work shortly after Hermione every time.
At the end of class the two of them gathered there things and headed towards Transfiguration but on their way there Ron stopped them in the hallway.
"Hey, Hermione I'm sorry I upset you. You know I didn't mean anything by it right?" Ron said to her sheepishly.
Hermione starred at Ron a moment then sighed and said, "I know Ron. It's just something I had to put up with for so long when I was younger that it still bothers me."
"Right, but you can still be a bit mental about classes and such you know. I mean bloody hell you still read up on classes before we even take them. Loosening up a bit would do us all some good, even you!" Ron said with a smirk.
Harry groaned and slapped himself in the forehead while Hermione's face reddened as she took a step toward Ron. "Mental, about my classes huh? Loosen up a bit, really? Well Ronald if you think I'm such a stick in the mud you can check your own homework from now on and you can write your own notes and if you think I'm going to let you copy ANY of my work assignments you've fallen of your broom one to many times! Also being serious about ones classes is not so mental when you need to copy my notes is it. You are an insensitive, ignorant little boy, with the emotional range of a teaspoon! And if you weren't always so worried about Quiditch maybe you'd actually learn something!"
Hermione didn't give Ron a chance to respond she turned on her heel and stalked to the Transfiguration classroom without a glance back.
Harry shook his head as he watched Hermione leave, then turned to Ron and said, "Ron people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." Harry then turned and headed to the classroom as well.
But Ron Weasley wasn't through dining on his foot. "Some friend you are mate I thought we were friends first what's the deal with you taking her side over mine?" Ron said in a huff.
"It's not like that Ron it's that she's right and your wrong and she's my friend too!" Harry said.
Pfft! "Who's right doesn't matter to mates, mates are supposed to stick together or don't you even understand that?" Ron said his ears turning red. "You've been on my back all day, first you hit my head up against my head board with that cheap pillow shot, then you embarrass me in front of the guys, and now this is the second time you've taken Hermione's side against mine! This is the thanks I get for saving you from your family. Maybe Dursley had the right of it!" One look from Harry and Ron knew he'd taken his ranting too far.
Harry's eyes narrowed as he starred Ron down a moment, "Etui, Weasley we will speak again only when you've had your cranial-anal-ectomy!" Harry said then turned and stalked away to class.
Ron turned to Dean Thomas who had just witnessed the exchange and stood frozen in place watching Harry go, with his jaw hanging open, and asked him, "What the bloody hell does that mean?"
Dean shook his head and looked at Ron sympathetically and said, "It means once you get your head out of your arse!"
"He's the one acting like a bloody arse!" Ron said and stormed to class.
Ron sat on the opposite side of the room from Harry and Hermione. Once again they were the first two in class to finish any of the assignments. At the end of class Professor McGonagall asked who in the class had already decided what to take, in classes, next year. Most of the hands went up a few like Dean, Ron, and Seamus was apparently undecided. McGonagall firmly told them, "I suggest to you that have not decided that you do so before the week is out, those of you that have chosen may come up to my desk one at a time and inform me of your decision."
Both Harry and Hermione signed up for the three electives they had discussed. After signing up the two of them went to the Great Hall for lunch. They sat as far away as they could from Ron the same was true for their afternoon History of Magic class and dinner that evening.
After dinner the two of them made their way to the library to do a bit of light research. Hermione's nose was buried in a book at a table by herself while Harry was perusing the many shelves looking for a certain tome. After a while he pulled a book from the shelves and brought it to Hermione. Smirking as he sat down across from her, "You'd think this book would be restricted by the ministry," He said holding the book up. "The History of Azkaban." Harry read. "The entire floor plan of the prison s mapped out for you." Harry said.
Hermione shrugged and said, "Well, why would they worry about it? Between the Dementors and the wards they have up they believe there's no chance anyone could escape. They don't think having the floor plan's to the prison is a problem because it's not like you can just pop in or create a port key. They believe they control the only way on or off the island at least according to this." She said gesturing to the book she was reading.
Harry simply nodded then said, "I take it you've already come up with a plan." "Well….. two plans actually." She said.
Harry arched an eye brow and said. "Really? You mean that you've figured out more than one way around the wards in ten minutes?"
"Yes I have, she said smiling, and the first plan is a kind of snatch and grabs using Fawkes. The second is an infiltration type plan using your Metamorphmagus powers." Hermione said proudly.
Harry gave her a disbelieving look. "You mean to tell me that place isn't warded against animal's that can travel by magic?"
"No it isn't", Hermione said, "But to be honest Harry before this moment would have ever considered warding a prison for Dark wizards against a Phoenix?"
Harry sighed and said, "No, I wouldn't have. I think we should go with your first plan. The second one has too much potential for something to go badly."
Hermione nodded,"But I still think we should iron out the details of both plans just in case our first try doesn't work." Hermione said in a thoughtful whisper.
It was Harry's turn to nod, "I agree but do you honestly believe were going to get more than one chance at this?"
Hermione's only answer was a look of grim determination sat on her face. The two of them stayed, till the librarian kicked them out, hashing out the details of both plans. By the time they left the library they only thing they had left to do was talk to Fawkes.
They now had a clear plan of how to get Sirius Black out of Azkaban.
The next several days passed without incident even Snape and Malfoy were quite during potions and left Harry and Hermione alone. Of course it may have been the true reason was Harry was once again the hero after killing the Basilisk but what ever the reason it suited Harry just fine. Because the less Harry had to deal with the greasy git and the little ferret the better his days were.
The situation with Ron seemed to have reached a lull. While Harry knew Ron's pride was keeping him from apologizing he knew that he and Hermione needed some distance from Ron while they adjusted to being their younger selves again. Other than Dumbledore, Ron was most likely to catch them in a slip-up. For now the situation was best left alone, at least until the next school year when they could better explain any differences in the way they acted as part of the changes they were going to go through over the summer. Despite all of that a part of Harry still missed his friend and he was sure Hermione felt the same way.
It wasn't until Friday at lunch that something interesting happened. Harry had just started his meal when a regal looking owl landed in front of him drawing more than a few curious looks. Harry relieved it of its parcel and with a curt nod the owl flew away. Harry decided it best to place it in his satchel for later inspection. That night after dinner Harry and Hermione found themselves in the room of requirement, on a comfortable sofa in front of a fire, going over the documents Griphook had sent.
"Well, Harry said with a bit of surprise, it seems that the Dursleys were all very eager to be rid of me. They were very cooperative with the solicitor that Gringgotts sent and they only needed the temptation of a few thousand pounds to go along with it all. They signed the papers emancipating me in the muggle world so that just leaves taking care of things in the magical world. But that will have to wait until we bust out Sirius.
Harry asked, "Have you heard back from you're your folks yet?"
Hermione gave and affirmative nod, "Yes there willing to let you stay for a while and mum is working on dad to get it okayed for you to go on holiday with us. So you might as well say that everything is taken care of on my end," she said with a knowing smirk.
Harry gave Hermione a wry smile, "Has there ever been a time when you Granger women didn't get exactly what you wanted from your husband?"
Hermione simply stuck her tongue out at him and punched him playfully. "We do have ways of making you men see things our way!" She said batting her eye lashes and comically puckering her lips.
Harry shook his head and went back to the scrolls that Griphook had sent. Included in them were; Harry's muggle emancipation, a financial statement for both his trust vault and the main Potter vault as well as an inventory of the Potter Heirlooms vault. Hermione was looking over the Potter stock portfolio which included both muggle and magical companies alike. By the time they were done they knew exactly how much Harry was worth. This was going to be very useful in the future in funding any of their little projects.
The last few weeks of school passed quickly. Ron stayed to himself or spent his time with Dean and Seamus. Harry and Hermione quietly studied and planned out their summer vacation with Hermione's parents, something Hermione had insisted on. The two of them planned to enjoy the fact that they were young again; especially Harry, for whom the first time around had not been exactly pleasant. They also planned the Azkaban Raid, as well as discussing how to get Harry out from under Dumbledore's watchful gaze.
Well least that was the plan for when he was away from school; they knew it would have to appear as though someone was watching out for Harry's safety.
As gullible as the Ministry was there was no way anyone would believe a twelve year old boy could take care of himself. Fudge may be a bloody fool, but he was not so foolish as to let the hero of the wizarding world be out on the street on his own at such a young age. Harry and Hermione believed that Fudge would know such an action would spell the end of his political career. They also had to decide what they were going to tell Hermione's parents and Sirius, once they got him out, as well as how much of it was going to be the truth. Neither Harry nor Hermione believed that full disclosure was wise at this point. With Griphook's approval and a good amount of gold slipped his way, they decided to tell everyone about Harry finding Lily's diary in the heirlooms vault, after Gringgotts had contacted him about his inheritance upon his reemergence in the wizarding world.
All too soon everyone was packing for the journey home, Harry decided to simply incinerate the clothes the Dursleys had given him "out of the goodness of their hearts". Harry almost managed to say that last part with a straight face when discussing what to do with the garments with Hermione. Harry packed the belongings from his original trunk into the one he brought from the future and left his old trunk in the Room of the requirement, after charming the one he brought from future to look like his first one.
A shopping trip to Diagon Ally was planned so that Hermione could get some items she needed to make her life a lot easier also Harry needed a few items he had been unable to bring back with him. Mostly due to the fact that they no longer existed, one of these items was a wand holster made by Olivander, and a Ordering Catalogue from Flourish and Blotts so they could easily get any book that was not already in Harry or Sirius's collections, also it made ordering the next years textbooks much simpler. It also delighted Hermione to be able to get her textbooks within a couple of days of getting her book lists without bothering her parents to take her to Diagon Ally. Despite how much she had changed since growing up the first time a good book was still something she cherished.
After saying their goodbyes to a few friends, they settled into the last compartment on the train. Hermione feeling giddy and nervous with the excitement of the days to come began chattering about how wonderful it would be to see her parents again, the vacation planned for later in the summer, and of course the jail break both the literal one for Sirius and the figurative one for Harry. Harry was smiled sideways at her as she rambled on happily, until she noticed the look on his face. "What?" she asked giggling.
"Oh nothing," he said happily, "just enjoying how you get excited over the simplest of things."
She smiled and leaned onto his shoulder sighed, and continued as though he had not said a word. As the two of them watched the scenery rush past.
A.N.: Sorry the flu and holidays and kids and… well the list goes on and on but I would like to state for the record we will never abandon this story it may take a while every now and then to get a chapter out but we are dedicated to the completion of this story.
Also sometimes the chapter takes a while to get just right, but remember we are only human.
Thanks for all the wonderful reviews keep'em coming.
Love and other indoor sports
Fox n Wolf
