As I did not write the Harry Potter series I am not the original author, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.

BTW: Yes this school year will be rushed through with very very little comment. I got tired of all the Draco / Harry posturing I'd need to write. Don't like go read some really great posturing stuff then if you want come back for Christmas and the following summer.

Chapter 6 Hogwarts letters 1

Two days later Harry and Hermione met in the hall for a kiss before going down for breakfast just as they'd done every morning since the dance, "Hi, Harry are you looking forward to visiting Diagon Alley?"

"No," Hermione looked at him with a raised eyebrow causing him to add, "Going there means I'm going back to Hogwarts. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this summer. No real chores, spent two months swimming and having a blast, found a lost beauty on the beach and now she's my girlfriend. Why would I want to return to the realm of Malfoy and Snape?"

"Because we need to go to school?" Harry shook his head, "Because I'm going there?"

"That works for me," Harry said.

"Not just yet," Hermione said with a smile.

Three hours later Mr. Lumbu dropped them off at the Leaky Cauldron for a day of shopping. "First stop after Gringotts is Madam Malkin's for new school robes," Hermione said leading the way. Harry looked over and saw Tom about to say Hi, but Harry held his finger to his lips in the universal quiet symbol then waved as he rushed after his girlfriend.

"Then Flourish & Blotts for books, don't forget you've got to top off your potion supplies and we both need owl treats," Hermione rattled on as they walked down the alley to the goblin's bank.

Hermione refused to go down to Harry's vault with him. More he suspected due to his and Ron's tales of the cart ride then her announced reason of not wanting to intrude on his personal business. Back in the Lobby with a full bag of galleons Harry noticed Hermione had a companion with her, "Professor Dumbledore, I wasn't expecting to see you until tomorrow."

"Harry you must go back to your Aunt's house tonight," Dumbledore said firmly his eyes twinkling as he looked at Harry.

'Avoid his eyes,' Harry remembered his godfather saying so he looked to Hermione then inclined his head towards Dumbledore. She shook her head very slightly no.

Harry fixed his eyes on the colorful robe the Headmaster was wearing noting the stars were moving slightly. "Headmaster I've all ready made arrangements for tonight and my school trunk is no longer at my aunts. I doubt I will ever be going back there."

"But Harry they miss you."

"Like a bad tooth ache," Harry said drawing a snort of laughter from Hermione.

"Seeing as how you are here with Miss Granger may I assume you are staying with her?"

"Headmaster I can not control what you assume but you know what happens when you assume," Harry replied looking over at Hermione.

"Then why is she here with you?"

"My girlfriend is helping me shop now if you don't mind there are a number of things we need to accomplish today," Harry said moving over to take Hermione's hand before walking out with Dumbledore following along.

"Headmaster I am positive the two of us are quite capable of making sure my robes fit me," Harry said as Dumbledore walked beside him towards Madam Malkin's.

"Harry you need to understand the danger you are in."

"Professor if I am in danger it is being aggravated by your presence. Everyone is wondering why you are walking with two students."

"But should Voldemort attack you do not have the protection your mother gave you."

"He's has my blood in him after the tournament thus rendering your fabled blood protection moot. Professor give it up I'll be under your thumb tomorrow and in all honesty that is too soon for me. The reason I'm shopping today is my girlfriend talked me into returning to school. I would rather find a quiet place where I can relax and not worry about dark lords and overbearing headmasters. I've done some figuring this summer and the gold my parents left me would last quite a while if I didn't over do. Even longer should I find a job and I've been told several times I am a passable cook and gardener. Thanks to the training I received while acting as a house elf for the Dursleys."

Dumbledore stopped allowing Harry and Hermione to enter Madam Malkin's alone. He couldn't believe Harry just said it was only Hermione's wanting to attend school that had prevented him from just up and leaving the wizarding world after all he'd done for him. Dumbledore decided that his aims would best be served by having someone else in the order watching over them and disapparated to find a replacement.

Hermione was sitting at Florean Fortescue's across from Madam Malkin's splitting a ice cream Sunday with Harry after spending the last few hours trying to convince him that he needed to look better than he did last year. She'd finally gotten her way and this Sunday was her treat as a peace offering. "Congratulations," A young blond girl said walking up to them.

Moon eyes sexy blond sprang in to Hermione's mind at the sight of the girl 'oh yes', Hermione thought before asking, "Luna Lovegood are you school shopping also?" smiling at what Harry would say if he knew just how she remembered this girls name.

"Oh no I'm on an errand for my father, and I saw you two and decided to say hi."

"Hello Luna," Harry added.

"Hello Harry Potter, didn't I see you two with Headmaster Dumbledore earlier?" Luna asked.

"Yes, he was trying to persuade Harry to return to his Aunt's home." Hermione explained unsure why she was doing so.

"Why would Harry want to return to a pile of lumber?" Luna asked clearly puzzled.

I agree Luna, but you know our headmaster," Hermione countered.

"Right that's sorted. I'll see you on the train Harry and Hermione Potter," Luna said taking her leave.

Once she was gone Harry asked, "Pile of Lumber?"

"Luna has a unique way of talking that I've just started to figure out. Now if instead of a pile of lumber what would you have thought if she'd called them a bunch of plankers?"

"Oh!" Harry replied in a tone of astonishment.

"Yea that's what I thought too. I'm starting to understand that girl and it worries me."

After a trip back to the manor Harry insisted on telling her parents about the possible interference coming from their Headmaster. "Oh don't worry about Dumbledore he and I had a discussion when Hermione decided to attend Hogwarts and he agreed to not bother us." Alan said firmly causing Harry to start to question the man only to stop at Hermione's insistence.

The next morning the awoke to a full English breakfast laid on by Anna and after hugs and in Hermione's case kisses from all the adults they rode to Kings Cross. Harry got cart and put both their trunks on it pushing it before them as they made their way to Platform 9 3/4

Everyone stood around platform 9 ¾ greeting old friends and watching to see who was coming through the barrier with whom. Molly Weasley was the first to notice the arrival of Hermione with a boy tagging along. 'Merlin that can't be he's looking far to fit.' She thought her eyes never leaving him as he made his way pushing a cart with two trunks, a cat carrier, and the item that clinched it for her a cage with a snowy owl perched majestically inside. "Harry!" She screamed leaving her assembled family running over to give the boy a hug.

"Hello Mrs. Weasley," Harry finally said quietly when Molly released her suffocating hug placing her hands on his shoulders and holding him at arms length as she looked him over carefully.

"You don't look any worse for the summer," She said finally.

"Worse, he looks bloody fantastic," Ginny Weasley muttered under her breath having followed her mother over. When she realized she'd said it out loud she looked around to see if anyone had heard her. To her confusion Hermione Granger was looking back at her and nodded slightly before winking.

"Dumbledore's going to be in a right state when he sees you, leaving your aunt's home for all summer like that."

"Now Molly that's between the headmaster and Harry," Mr. Weasley said coming over and placing an arm around his wife.

"Still he shouldn't have disappeared without the Headmaster's approval," Molly said getting in the last word. Looking around she asked, "Hermione where are your folks I don't see them anywhere."

"Oh they dropped me off out front and Harry found this luggage cart and helped me with my things," Hermione said leaving the impression she'd met Harry here at the station.

"Hey Hermione," Ron Weasley called out walking over from where he'd been talking with his dorm mates.

"Hi Ron," Hermione replied feeling Harry's arm wrap around her waist and anchor her to him.

"Hey Ron," Harry said holding out his free hand to shake Ron's

"Blimey mate you've grown," Ron replied not noticing Harry staking a claim on Hermione.

"I had a good summer. But look at you what are you another foot taller?" Harry teased.

"Nah I only grew a few inches," Ron replied smiling.

"Come on everyone let's find a compartment for the ride." Ginny called out starting their rush to the train.

Harry Potter sat beside Hermione Granger holding hands under the table as they watched the sorting of the new students. They were just boyfriend and girlfriend but He would have been shocked to realize the though of someday his children would be the ones being sorted was being mirrored in Hermione's head not to add his vision of his daughter resembled the young Hermione he met on his first train ride to Hogwarts. His thoughts drifted back to the train ride while most of their fellow fifth year students had offered their congratulations upon seeing Him and Hermione holding hands the glare from Ron which was quickly followed by a dose of the venom normally reserved for those of Slytherian house. With Harry holding her hand Hermione now had the confidence she'd been missing over her first five years and she unleashed the sarcastic side she'd been keeping hidden until now. Shocked the attack came from the girl he was hoping to make his this year instead of, until this train ride, the boy he thought of as best mate. His ego bruised and battered Ron sulked away his sister following choosing to spend the train ride to Hogwarts with Shamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas two of his other roommates while Hermione and Harry shared their compartment with Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom.

September 7th

Mum Dad,

Harry and I have just finished up our Essays for the week and I thought it was time to write. The train ride went as I expected and unfortunately not as Harry hoped.

Everything started out fine in the station but when we sat in the cabin Ginny Weasley managed to end up sandwiching Harry against the wall leaving me either the seat next to her or the one facing Harry naturally I took the one facing Harry as Ron Weasley sat beside me. Ron was quick to slip an arm around my shoulders and Harry politely asked him to remove the arm from "His" girlfriend. Well Ron got all red in the face and started sputtering while Ginny looked shocked then asked when I'd slipped him the love potion. Boy Harry didn't like that at all and replied that unlike her mother I didn't need a love potion to get a boyfriend. I'd forgot I'd told him Mrs. had slipped Mr. Weasley a love potion in school to get him interested. Any way things went down hill from there and the two Weasley's quickly left us alone and I shifted over to his side to prevent further problems. We had a number of his and my friends visiting to see for themselves the new couple. With very few exceptions we received congratulations from all the visitors. Ron and Ginny calmed down by the time we arrived at Hogwarts and managed a weak and halfhearted apology on the carriage ride from the train station.

Yet again we've got a new Defense professor and this one is a politician first. She interrupted the headmaster at our welcoming feast when she stood giving her own welcoming speech during which She was quick to inform us she's the "Under Secretary to the Minister for Magic" and was here as her opening words were, "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of you witches and wizards to be of vital importance" only to stop when something happened. Just what it was I'm not sure but the other Professors quickly left the head table moving through the seated students checking a lot of wands Harry's and mine were among the first checked for some reason. However they didn't find a culprit, I think, at least no one was removed or had house points deducted. Our first class with her was I don't think interesting is the right word she spent most of the class trying to get Harry to react and I spend most of the class preventing any reaction from him. Even after class Harry took quite a while to calm down. The professor's view is surprisingly do nothing other than talk your way out of trouble and if attacked wait for the Aurors to arrive and deal with the attack. When a classmate asked about passing our O.W.L.S. she said that with proper study we'd be able to cast the necessary spells without any practice. Then she gave him three days detention for replying, "I don't know about that I have classmates that take three class periods before they can properly cast a new spell," Harry's still not sure rather it was his comment or the resultant laughter that warranted the detention. Luckily Harry already has a plan to get him and I through those exams. Not really sure if I like his idea but the good part is we'll be casting spells in a safe location. It's within the castle but only Harry can get in so don't worry about that.

I'll write more later,

Love Hermione.

October 27

Hermione

Mum, Dad,

I've enclosed a separate letter for Mum it's a personal girls only letter!

Life here has been interesting, from what I've been able to figure out our Defense Professor failed to recognize who was dating who and had one of our classmates who had no apparent important family connections using a quill in detention that left scars on their hand. I was told that it wrote in the person's own blood but I'm doing research to see if that's even possible. The problem for the professor is the boy in question is dating Hanna Abbott who is best friends with Susan Bones who recognized what it was and told her aunt who is the Head of the Aurors (Magical Bobbies). She came to school to check and once she had the proof she required she removed the professor.

Classes are going much better and Harry's grades are improving. Our potions master is still unreasonable to Harry but Harry's focusing better and doing his best to ignore the taunts from the man. Dumbledore has requested Harry go to the Potions Master to learn how to block his mind but so far Harry has avoided going. I ordered some books that Harry and I are using to try a learn it before Harry has to get lessons from the person that taunts him so.

Love from,

Hermione.

P.S. Harry says Hi.

Mum,

Harry and I have been studying together in his safe location and without the distraction Ron and the other Gryffindors provide his essays have noticeability improved. Harry's taking a ribbing from the other males for the time we are spending together but Harry just smiles and ignores them.

His study location is quite private and we've set it up so in addition to doing our studying there we can also just relax away from everyone and not worry about being bothered by anyone. His house elf, Dobby makes sure we have snacks and beverages available when we are there. He did take Dad's warning to heart. It took more than a bit of persuasion that meeting the girls was not what Dad was talking about. Not sure I want dad to know that but I did promise to keep you up to date with my progress.

Your daughter.

November 21

Mum, Dad,

Things here at school have settled down since October 31st. That was a difficult day for Harry. As you know that is the day he became an orphan. It seems that after spending this summer with his godfather and us the loss of his parents has hit him harder than in prior years. Harry told me now he has a better understanding of just what he lost that day. Needless to say that confession and the subsequent time I spent holding him and letting him greave brought the two of us even closer. I have to admit at the beginning it felt like I was literally holding him together.

I wished I could say things are great here but the ministry has again sent another person to teach us Defense and this one had just graduated and he wasn't even the highest scoring Defense student in his year. He tried continuing the taunting of Harry trying to get a rise out of him so the Ministry will have a reason to take action. Unfortunately for him he made the mistake of taking Harry on in a duel under the pretense of teaching the class how to duel. Harry played with him for a few minutes until the "Instructor" became frustrated and started to cast some spells that shouldn't have been cast under the terms of the duel. Harry stopped playing and seconds later he had our new professor out cold and the professor's wand in his hand. He tried to have Harry expelled but with all the witnesses his version of events didn't stand up for long. So Professor Weasley is back to just having us read from the book. Yes Mum His related to Ron and Ginny. He's their older brother Percy who was head boy two years ago. Harry and I are keeping up our spell practice in our private place. I've asked Harry several times to teach others or allow them to join us but he said it was up to them to find their own place. At his suggestion I cast a few discrete listening charms and it turns out several of our classmates are doing just what Harry and I are without telling anyone so I apologized to Harry and stopped suggesting He do any teaching.

Love,

Hermione.

December 12,

Mum, Dad,

Harry's godfather will be unable to take him for over Christmas/Solstice break. Can He come home with Me?

Love, Your daughter,

Hermione