"Why wouldn't you want to go swimming today?!"
"That's not what I said, Ron. I said that Harry and I can't go swimming with you this morning."
"That still doesn't tell me why."
"Because Bill is taking Harry and me shopping in Exeter."
"Oh, well, I'll tag along then."
"I don't think that would be a good idea."
"Why not?!"
"For the same reason we're not taking a full Order escort: we're going shopping in the muggle world and sticking out would actually be more dangerous than only taking one guard along."
"I know about the muggle world! Dad's the Head of the Missuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, remember?"
"What's a traffic light and how does it work?"
"Um...one of those lamps muggles put near their roads to make sure they can see where they're going?"
"That wasn't actually a bad guess, Hermione."
"It was still wrong. I don't need you confusing the issue, Harry."
"Sorry."
"Oi, what does it matter if I don't know what one of those traffic light thingies is? You two'll be able to explain everything, right?"
"Having to explain things like that would make us stand out like a sore thumb. The whole point here is to keep a low profile. It would be safer for all of us if you stay at the Burrow."
"Fine! Have your little adventure and leave poor Ron Weasley in the dust; not like he would know what to do in a store any way, right?" Ron stormed out of the kitchen they had been arguing in and Hermione heaved a sigh. I really wish a disagreement between us could be resolved without yelling; even just once would be nice. Ron has to know that he doesn't understand the normal world enough to get by with out drawing a massive amount of attention. It's not like we're heading off to fight the war and leaving him behind.
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"Thanks."
"You don't have to thank me, Harry. Every word was the truth. It had nothing to do with you wanting as few witnesses to this as possible." Hermione winked and grinned at Harry to show she was teasing. "If you're thanking me for taking you shopping in the first place, you should probably wait until after we finish to be sure you want to." Hermione thought Harry was about to say something, but the fireplace flared green and Bill stepped out, causing Harry to shut his mouth and his expression to close off. I still can't understand how I never saw that reaction for what it was.
"Good morning, you two. Ready to go?"
"We are."
"Alright then, each of you grab an arm and let's go."
I hate that sensation.
"Don't worry, guys. It's a lot more tolerable than that when you're the one apparating."
"Define 'tolerable'."
"And maybe don't rub our noses in the fact that it wasn't as bad for you." Bill just grinned brightly at Harry's complaint.
"Where did you put us down anyway, Bill?"
"This is apparently Exeter Cathedral. These trees make it the closest apparition point to where the stores are supposed to be, according to one of my colleagues."
"You have colleagues who shop in Exeter?"
"Hey, surprised me too. I thought I was going to have to check with the ministry." And that would have made this expedition exponentially more dangerous.
"Did your colleague happen to tell you how to get to those shops from here?"
"It didn't really come up."
"What? But you were talking about-...never mind. We'll just have to ask someone over by those cafes." I swear there is something about Weasleys that makes them want to bring any kind of news in the most infuriating way possible. Honestly, couldn't he have just said that it was too dangerous to discuss specifics at work? Trying to keep her chuntering from becoming verbal Hermione stalked off followed by a grinning Bill and a slightly wary looking Harry.
"Excuse me? Ma'am?"
"Yes?"
"Sorry to bother you, but do you know if there is a sporting goods store nearby?"
"Oh my, yes. You're really quite close, dear. Just down Martins Lane over there. First crossroads you come to, right across from the Marks and Spencer. You can't miss it."
"Thank you very much, ma'am."
"Not at all, dear. Have a nice day."
"You too." What a stroke of luck. I guess Bill's coworker was right: we are close to the stores. Hermione led the way down the alley the lady had indicated and soon came to the mentioned crossroads. It was a little strange to see a sporting goods franchise in what looked like a historical building, but Hermione didn't let it bother her. She quickly crossed the road and ducked into the store, Harry and Bill close on her heels.
"Good morning. May I help you find anything?"
"Certainly. I was wondering if you have, I think it was called a 'rash guard', for my friend here?"
"I'm sure that we'll be able to find something in the swimwear section. Are you planning on taking up surfing then?"
"Not really." I hope she doesn't keep questioning Harry on this. He's going to bolt if she gets too close to the real reason we're here.
"Ah, easily sunburnt, huh? I remember an ex-boyfriend of mine had that problem. Silly bugger insisted that it would even out into a tan every time he burnt. Never got past looking like a milk bottle on stilts though. Good to see that you're showing some sense." The sales girl happily nattered at them as she led them to the swimwear section. She found the rack of what looked like shirts made of swimsuit material quite easily and started holding up several in front of Harry. "Let's see, you've got a fairly slim build, so we'll have quite a lot of choice. How about this one? Go on, the changing rooms are over there. Try it on." Harry walked over to the changing rooms with a slightly overwhelmed look on his face and the rash guard the sales girl had thrust into his hands.
"Miss? He could probably use a pair of swimming shorts as well."
"Ooooohh. Don't worry, we'll have him kitted out in no time." The girl darted off and started rummaging through another rack. Hermione watched her for a while before her attention was drawn to a nervous shuffle behind her.
"I think it's a bit small." The hell it is. That is an absolutely perfect fit.
"I think it looks fine, Harry. It's supposed to be a bit tight after all."
"Bloody hell! You look right fit!" I appreciate the sentiment on Harry's behalf, now shut up and keep to selling us what we need.
"Really?"
"Absolutely. Now try these on. It'll finish the look for you." The girl thrust a pair of bright floral swimming shorts into Harry's hands. Hermione could see his eyes growing wide at the sight of them.
"Just try them on, Harry. We don't have to buy them if you don't like them." Harry gave the barest of nods and turned back to the changing rooms. Once he was behind the curtain the sales girl gave a low whistle.
"I don't know where you found that one, but you are one lucky girl. I'd kill to have a boyfriend like that. Heck, if you didn't have him snapped up, I'd try something myself." Hermione's protest died on her lips at that last sentence. There is no need to expose Harry to this trollop. What he doesn't know won't hurt him. A snicker from behind her uncomfortably reminded Hermione that there was a third wheel along on this little excursion.
"Not a word."
"I wouldn't dream of it. I've heard some scary things about your boyfriend." There has to be some gene that makes them act like this.
"Shut. Up." Bill's mouth opened and then closed into a smile as he held his hands up.
"Everything alright?" Ack! Of course Harry would choose this moment to come out of the changing room. Hermione turned back to look at Harry and forgot her embarrassment for a moment.
"I- That looks really good on you, Harry."
"Are you sure? I feel like the trunks are a little...cartoonish."
"Nonsense. They pair very well with that black rash guard. Especially since you only have that red stripe under your arms. It adds a little colour and going to the beach is supposed to be a happy, colourful experience!" We do not need your nonsense right now, lady.
"I'm sure. Trust me, you look very good like this." Hermione was somewhat surprised to see Harry nod slowly as he took in her statement.
"I trust you." That didn't sound like it had anything to do with his swimwear. Harry had already ducked back into the changing room. Hermione took the chance to grab a beach towel that Harry could use when they went swimming. When he re-emerged from the changing room, he walked up to Hermione with a thoughtful look on his face.
"I just thought of something: I don't have any money on me. Maybe we should ask Bill to go to...the bank and make a withdrawal and exchange for me." Harry's voice was pitched too low for their enthusiastic helper to hear.
"Don't worry about it. I brought along my Barclays card. I can pay for it and we'll be back under the wards of the Burrow in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
"I can't let you pay for this."
"Under the current circumstances, I don't see that you have a choice. Consider it a birthday present."
"You already got me a birthday present!"
"An early Christmas present then."
"...you're planning to buy me something else for Christmas aren't you?"
"Maybe."
"I knew it. I'm not letting you pay for this unless you let me pay you back."
"And how do you propose we do that?"
"I'll pay for your books this year."
"Harry, this isn't worth nearly as much as my books will be."
"It is to me." I...darn it, Harry! How am I supposed to argue with that?
"Two books."
"Five."
"Three, and that's my final offer."
"Fine. Three books and a really big birthday present."
"Haaaarry!"
"Take it or leave it."
"Fine." You can be so stubborn sometimes. I'll have to do some research on how your time with those...people affected you. Harry had turned to the sales girl and told her they would be taking the chosen garments, much to her obvious delight. Hermione handled the payment as efficiently as she could and hustled the boys out of the store. She wasn't fast enough to dodge the sales girl's parting comment.
"You two take care of each other. If it doesn't work out you can always come and see me."
"Hermione, what is she on about?"
"It doesn't matter, Harry. And you, will you stop snickering for pity's sake?!"
"What? This outing has been worth it from start to finish."
"You would say that."
"I feel like I'm missing something."
"It's nothing, Harry. Just something trying to be a sense of humour."
"I do believe that I've just been offended."
"Just- can we just go home, please?"
"Your wish is my command."
"Weasleys!" Harry was looking utterly lost between Bill and Hermione as she fumed. When they got back to the copse of trees they had appeared in a little over half an hour ago Harry and Hermione grabbed Bill's arms and endured the sensation of side-along apparition once more before reappearing in the kitchen of the Burrow.
"Everything here? Nobody missing body parts? Good. It's been a wonderfully entertaining shopping trip, but I need to get into work."
"We understand, Bill. Thank you for taking us."
"Yeah, thanks." Bill just waved at them and threw a handful of Floo powder into the fireplace before he was whisked off to Gringotts.
"So, Harry, ready to show off your new swimming gear to everyone?"
"I...maybe?"
"Don't worry, it really does look good on you."
"I trust you." I know, Harry. It's actually a little scary how seriously you seem to mean that.
"Alright then. You go up and get changed. I'll find Ron and Ginny and see if they're still up for a dip."
:-:-:-:-:
She's absolutely mental, that one. Ron was tugging his trunks over his hips as he chuntered to himself. It's a bad sign that Harry and Hermione went shopping. That has to have a bonding effect what with the danger of leaving the Burrow involved. Before he could get too down Ron gave himself a shake. No, the plan can still work. I'll start looking for an opening to bring up flying lessons for Hermione. In the mean time I just need to remember that she is the one who came to me about going swimming. That means that, even if only subconsciously, she wants to be half-naked with me. Reassured, Ron grabbed his towel and headed down to the kitchen.
Downstairs he found Harry and Hermione waiting for him. Wait. That's what all the fuss was about? The poor bloke is still covered from elbow to knee. Typical. I should have remembered that Harry's an absolute prude on a good day. This guarantees that Hermione will be spending more time thinking about skin contact between her and me than she will about whatever it is that Harry's wearing...I wonder if he's realised that he's essentially turned into a house-elf for her? It certainly fits with her need to make things 'fair'.
It didn't take long for Ginny to join them. Ron hid a smile when he saw her give Harry's outfit a long blink before jamming a smile on her face.
"You look really good, Harry."
"Thanks, Ginny."
"You're really going to be swimming in that, mate?"
"I guess."
"Honestly, you two. Harry will be fine."
"Well, if Professor Granger says it, we'll believe it, hey? Shall we get going then?"
The group headed down to the swimming pond like they had every day so far. This time Harry joined in, but after a fifteen minute splashing war Ron was the first to leave the water. Damn it. I need to think this over for a moment. First, how is Harry always between me and Hermione? It's like he's purposely positioning himself so that I can't touch her. Has he figured it out and decided to 'protect' her? I just don't see how he could have figured it out though. Maybe it's just a coincidence? But that would be a lot of coincidences. I couldn't 'accidentally' touch Hermione even once. Arrgh! I can't figure out whether or not this is going to be a problem for my plan. Ron chanced a look towards the pond and saw that Harry and Hermione were just lazily swimming around the edge with Ginny. Hmph, well at least all the fun went out of it once I left the water. She'll have to notice that. I think that I definitely want to be on the lookout for the chance to offer her some tutoring though.
:-:-:-:-:
Another tense day. I seem to be having a lot of those since Hermione found out about...well, about the Dursleys. Harry was carefully hanging his swimming gear up to dry. It's been an amazing day as well. I never thought that I would be able to go swimming with my friends. I really owe her. I'll have to see if she finds something she needs help with aside from Defence tutoring. I just know that she's going to be asking to look over my homework when we get back to school so tutoring isn't going to be enough. I also need to start thinking of one hell of a birthday present. Maybe Bill or Fleur can help me figure something out that links with Arithmancy. I'll have to think on that some more.
A knock on the door disturbed Harry's thought process. Somehow I think I can guess. Harry opened the door and smiled at Hermione.
"Come in. This is starting to become a regular occurrence. Would you like to take the other bed in here?" You're blushing? You look cute when you blush. Heh, this is pretty fun.
"I'm just here to check that we didn't miss one of your injuries since you refuse to have them properly checked out."
"Hmmm, sounds like you're just trying to get my shirt off." Yes, there is definitely something to be said for teasing Hermione like this.Harry was already pulling his shirt over his head though. It's weird. Just last week I would never have even thought of letting anyone see my scars, but with Hermione...it's different somehow. "Do you need me to lay down on the bed again?"
"No. I want to make sure I didn't miss anything so a different angle might help. Why don't you sit down?"
"Works for me." A few minutes later he wasn't so sure. Damn. Every time. Every single time I feel her fingers I start to lose control of myself. Hermione, you have no idea what you do to me. Hermione had managed to find some bruising on his ribs that she had immediately and carefully attacked with Bruise Salve. Now her fingers were tracing along his ribs as she made sure she hadn't missed anything else. Eventually she seemed satisfied and put the jar on Harry's bedside table and sat down on the bed next to him.
"Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"Why haven't you ever told anyone about all this? Surely someone could have done something? Child abuse is illegal." I should have known that her curiosity would keep her going after this. Should I tell her? Yes, I should. She deserves the warning if nothing else.
"I did."
"Excuse me?"
"I did tell someone once. It didn't end well."
"What happened?"
"Ms. King was my second form teacher. After about two weeks of school she told the class that we could come to her to talk about anything, even if there was something at home that we were worried about or that we felt we couldn't talk to anyone else about. I remember that she looked straight at me when she said that. I think she probably knew that something was going on." I probably wasn't good enough at hiding it yet at age six.
"It took me another week to work up the courage to talk to her. Ms. King was always really nice to everyone, the perfect teacher for kids at that age. After I told her everything about my life with the Dursleys, she told me she would help me. I remember the police and the NSPCC showing up. They arrested the Dursleys and took Dudley and me away. We were taken to some sort of centre where they tried to treat my wounds and calm Dudley down. He was throwing a record breaking tantrum." I think I still remember the looks on the volunteers' faces as they tried to avoid getting bitten.
"I went to sleep that night the happiest I'd ever been. I had enough to eat and a real bed and it was just beyond anything I'd ever experienced. The next morning I woke up and I was back in the Dursleys' house. I thought it might have been a dream except that Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia remembered it too. They weren't too happy." Harry couldn't stop his hand from drifting up to the old burn scars on his ribs. "I never heard from Ms. King again after the police came by. I heard a rumour years later that she had quit teaching to become a prostitute. It didn't make any sense to me at the time, but now that I know that magic is real and what it's capable of..."
"What did they do to you?" Harry's head snapped up to look at Hermione. Tears? You shouldn't have to cry. Not for me, not ever.
"We should probably stop. It's in the past and doesn't really matter."
"What. Did. They. Do?" What do I do? Do I tell her? In for a penny, in for a pound right? She might as well get the full story now. She already knows most of it and I can't see her giving up on this.
"Uncle Vernon waited until it was dark so he had an excuse to close the blinds. He hung me from the light fixture by my wrists and gagged me. They stoked up the fire and left the fireplace poker in it so it got red hot at the tip. He pressed that against my ribs." Harry never heard Hermione's gasp next to him, lost in the memory. "He would punch and kick me while he waited for the poker to heat up again. After he had pressed that thing against my ribs six times I couldn't stay conscious anymore. Most of what I remember from that night is Uncle Vernon screaming at me that I was never to tell anyone about my punishments ever again." Harry heaved a shuddering breath as he came back to the here and now. Why is my face wet? And when did it get pressed into Hermione's chest? Harry felt a tear drop onto his forehead and run down his face. He could feel Hermione making a rocking motion. More tears. Why can't I just make her smile?
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted you to realise that there is a good reason why you shouldn't tell anyone."
"I know, Harry. I know."
"Promise me you won't get involved. I turn seventeen next summer and I think I'll be getting kicked out of the house on my birthday anyway. If I'm not we'll deal with that when we get to it. I just don't want you to disappear. I...I don't think I could handle that. Voldemort or the Dursleys, I don't care what they do to me, as long as your safe." Damn it. I can't get the words to come out right. She...she needs to understand that she's the most important person here. If she's not happy at the end of this, then there's no point to the war. Oh. That feels...nice. Hermione had squeezed him a little tighter.
"I promise that I won't put myself at risk over this, Harry."
"Thank you." Hermione let him go and Harry could finally see her tear-stained smile. Well, at least it's a smile.
"I should probably get to bed. Thank you for sharing that with me, Harry. It means a lot to me that you could tell me." Her hand came up to touch his cheek. "Good night, Harry. I'll see you tomorrow." That's right. Hermione will still be here tomorrow. She isn't going to disappear. She's too smart to get caught now that she knows.
"Good night, Hermione. Thanks for listening." Hermione slipped out of his room with that smile still on her face.
:-:-:-:-:
I'm going to kill them. I'll tear those disgusting animals limb from limb. No, that's not enough. They have to suffer as much as possible. In order to get at those beasts I'll have to figure out who's protecting them and how. Looks like I have my project for the year. Hermione was stalking back to her room with her face pulled into a subconscious snarl of rage without a trace of the smile she had worn for Harry's sake. That was...they didn't just hurt Harry. They tortured him and someone else made him think that he could never do anything about it and that trying would only get other people hurt. That must have been just as hard on him. That Harry still cares about people is a miracle. Hermione took a deep breath in a futile effort to calm down. One thing at a time. We deal with You-Know-Who first. After Harry gets rid of him we can teach the Dursleys why they should never have laid a finger on my best friend. It'll give me some time to polish a plan that will truly do them justice. That night Hermione fell asleep imagining possible revenges on Harry's detestable relatives.
AN: NSPCC stands for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. They pretty much do what it says on the tin.
In English primary schools the years are sometimes refferred to as 'forms', in case you didn't catch that.
As always: thank you for reading.