Chapter Two – The Power of Summoning

A week had gone by since Rae had arrived. Harry had spent a lot of time getting to know Rae, she was a great girl and Harry finally felt like he had a family again. Ever since Sirius had died he felt alone. Of course his friends were there, but they weren't really family, Sirius was like a father to Harry and now he had somewhat adopted Rae into his heart as a sister.

"Are you sure you'll be ok in Paris, little sis?" Harry asked Rae at the breakfast table. Rae was going to Paris to tie up a few loose ends.

"I'll be fine, Harry," Rae said giggling, "And I am not your little sister, we were born on the same day!"

"You're shorter than me, so you are little," Harry challenged with a smirk.

"Harry. You are six and a half foot tall; practically EVERYONE is shorter than you."

Harry pouted; he had lost yet another argument. Just then Hermione entered the kitchen, looking bright and happy. She looked at Harry's defeated face and put two and two together, "Not another sibling fight?" She asked.

Harry and Rae grinned, sheepishly.

"You two are hopeless," Hermione said, slightly amused at their childishness.

"But Mione it's fun to argue with my sister," Harry whined, mockingly.

"Yes, Harry I know you have been deprived of that privilege your whole life but Rae needs to get ready. Her portkey will activate in ten minutes."

"Oh, crap, better get dressed," Rae said jumping up and heading to her room.

"Ok, guys I'll see you at the end of the month," Rae said, "Harry! I'll be fine, don't give me that look."

"Ok, Ok, have fun," Harry said as Rae hugged him goodbye.

"See ya bro, bye Hermione," Rae touched the portkey and vanished.

"It's so sweet the way you care for Rae," Hermione observed, "I'm glad you have a sister now, well she's a sister where it counts anyway."

"Yeah it is good. But my heart belongs to you Mione," Harry sensed that Hermione felt slightly neglected over the last week, the first week of their new relationship. But now, with Rae gone and Ron postponing his arrival again, they were alone for a month and Harry intended on spending every minute with Hermione. He collected her into his arms, throwing her over his shoulder and walked her into the lounge room.

"Harry," Hermione squealed, "Put me down!"

"Oh alright," Harry acted defeated as he put Hermione down on the couch and lay on top of her. Harry leaned down and kissed her gently but fervently on the lips. Hermione returned the kiss, hungrily, while letting her hands roam over Harry's strong back. They stayed in each others embrace for the rest of the morning.

That afternoon, the couple decided to get some work done. They collected some books together and headed for a shady tree in the backyard to research the remaining horcruxes. They settled into each others arms, at the base of the tree and recapped their last research session.

"So we're looking fro a way to lure Nagini to us…" Hermione mused.

"Or a way to summon her," Harry said, flicking through the pages of 'The Art of Snake Charming.' It was as ancient a form of magic as divination, and just as hazy and illogical, but something, anything would help at the moment.

"Summoning… it sounds too easy. Maybe…" Hermione thought aloud, while perusing 'The Power of Summoning Potions.'

After an hour of silent reading, Harry tossed his book aside.

"You're not giving up are you?" Hermione asked.

"No. We need a break," Harry took the book from Hermione and put it aside as well, "Come here," he said huskily. Hermione grinned as Harry lowered his head to hers and engaged her in a fiery kiss. Hermione moaned as her hands found a home in his unruly hair. Harry leaned forward and guided Hermione to the ground, lying partially on top of her. He kissed her neck and trailed his kisses back towards her lips.

"Harry," Hermione said for no real reason but to speak his name.

"Mione," Harry whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too!" Hermione breathed with all the beauty in the world.

Just then a gust of wind blew around them, scattering leaves and blowing the books' pages.

"Mione!" Harry said jumping up and grabbing the book Hermione was reading before.

"What?!"

"Look. Summoning Potion number 55: Summoning an Animal."

"Jackpot!" Hermione whispered looking at the book over Harry's shoulder, "It's complex."

"If the 12 year old Mione could brew a perfect Polyjuice Potion, then the 17 year old Mione can do this!" Harry declared, somewhat proudly.

"Ha ha," Hermione drawled, "Maybe we could ask the Half-blood Prince for help?"

"Oh that was low, very low," Harry said with a grin. They had made some progress on hunting down the remaining horcruxes.

"We will need help collecting some of these ingredients. They're pretty rare," Hermione said, studying the potion recipe, "But once we have them it'll be quick – only needs to brew for five hours."

"Well we've got plenty of time. Let's just enjoy the rest of the summer, ok baby?" Harry said, lying back on the grass and closing his eyes.

"What do you mean 'we've got time'?"

Without opening his eyes, Harry replied, "We need to wait for Lupin to get back from hunting down something of Ravenclaw's or Gryffindor's. Until then we can't destroy Nagini. The snake has to be last or Voldemort will know – he'll notice his pet missing and retaliate. I can't face him again until he is mortal."

"Good point," Hermione said quietly. She couldn't believe she didn't think of that.

"Mione? Don't worry. You don't have to think of everything." Harry was still lying with his eyes closed but now he was smiling.

"How did you know that's what I was thinking? Can you read minds now?"

"No. I just know you so well. Now do you care to join me in relaxing?"

Hermione smiled in response and lay down next to Harry on the grass, resting her head on his chest. Before long they were both asleep.

Harry woke up to the sound of fluttering wings. The day had progressed along and now the sun was disappearing behind the tree tops. He looked towards the noise and saw a large tawny owl holding two letters. After detaching the letters and watching the owl fly off, Harry turned to Hermione.

"Mione? Wake up. There's a letter for you."

As Hermione stirred, Harry opened his letter:

Harry Potter,

I apologize for the lateness of this letter, I am still trying to organize myself in my new office.
It is my pleasure to announce and congratulate you on being appointed Head Boy for this school year. I am sure yourself and the appointed Head Girl will deliver high standards in fulfilling your responsibilities.

Enclosed is a list of those responsibilities, instructions on what you are to do aboard the Hogwarts Express and, of course, your badge.

Congratulations again, Mr. Potter.

Regards,

M. McGonagall
Headmistress

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"I'm Head Girl!" Hermione squealed looking up from her letter. Harry was looking at his letter with a shocked, almost dumbfounded, expression.

"Harry? What does your letter say?"

"I'm… I'm Head Boy," Harry said disbelievingly.

"Really? Ohh that's great sweetie!"

"Yeah it is – just sort of… unexpected."

After celebrating the new posts with a hug and kiss, the couple headed back inside. Hey needed to contact Ron with their news. And attempt to contact Lupin to see if he had any news.