As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, 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.
Chapter 9 Christmas happening in England
"So you had no competition for Harry then?"
"Oh no I had a number of witches looking to get their hooks in to my man."
"And?" Jane prompted.
"Early on one came looking a bit too energetically I convinced her it was a bad idea."
"Hermione you didn't get in a fight at school!"
"Oh I wouldn't call it a fight. We found ourselves in the same girls bathroom shortly after her attempt. She started to draw her wand I beat her to it. All of the other girls heard what happened and no one's challenged my claim on Harry since," Hermione said trying to keep the smugness she felt out of her voice and failing.
"You didn't hurt her too bad did you?" Jane asked quite willing to condone anything less than broken bones.
"She had a month long visitor." Hermione said shrugging her shoulders.
"You… Oh…. That's…." Jane sputtered for a moment before stopping and collecting herself. "I can understand how that would create a certain respect for you." Jane said her cheeks red.
Meanwhile the men were seated around a table in Paddy's room trying to figure the best way to forward the now completed letter to Remus. "Why don't you just go visit Gringotts and ask them to have their London office post it. They seemed quite willing to please you when we visited earlier." Alan asked looking at Sirius.
"Never thought of it to be honest. Might cost a bit more but it would be secure and untraceable back to us. Gringotts should be open I'll pop over and take care of it," Sirius replied before disapparating while realizing that Hermione got her brains from both her parents.
Alan looked at where Sirius used to be causing Harry to say, "Don't worry Mr. Granger he'll be back soon. That is just apparating adult witches and wizards do it all the time."
Alan smiled turning his gaze upon Harry. If his daughter didn't change her mind this boy no young man might be a better description would shortly be his son in law. Deciding this was a good time he said, "Hermione has told Jane and I about you of course but this is the first time we've had a chance to talk man to man since that ride home from the train station last year. I was wondering how you were dealing with everything."
"I just keep moving sir, It's not like I'm the only one at school whose parents are dead nor am I the only one that stuff happens to. I just seem to be a focal point for the big stuff, Mr. Granger."
"Seeing as you're going to be my son in law I think it's time you started calling me Alan. After a few moments silence they both spent searching for a new topic of discussion Alan hit upon the question he wanted to ask, "Harry tell me about Hermione at school. Jane and I see her for such a short period of time just over the holidays and summer vacations. What is she like at school?"
Harry broke in to a big smile before saying, "She's brilliant. I mean as her parents you know she's smart but that doesn't any where near cover it. She's the first in class to catch on to something new but she doesn't flaunt it, at least I don't think so, She's always helpful to anyone who asks for help studying, either our year or below us. Even a few older students reviewing for their NEWTS ask her to explain concepts they didn't understand or remember. Ron one of our classmates is always going on about how she nags us but Ron doesn't understand Hermione. She just can't stand to see anyone not fully trying to understand something."
"How do you feel about her?"
"Me? I asked her to marry me." Harry replied as if that simple statement said it all, which it did for him.
"Why?" Alan countered.
"Why did I ask her?" Getting a nod in reply Harry continued, "Because she's been by my side since early in first year and I can't see living without her. I mean she's the most beautiful girl in school and she wanted to hang out with me… she even puts up with Ron Weasley to do it. Don't get me wrong it isn't just because of her looks. She's Hermione, helpful to everyone, kind to everyone well except Malfoy but she treats him better than the rest of Gryffindor does, however she did punch him that one time."
"My daughter hit someone?"
"Oh it was bloody marvelous. Hauled off and drove him right proper. Knocked that prat flat on his arse with one punch."
"What do you plan on doing after graduation?"
"I'm not sure, earlier this year I was thinking about becoming an Auror, that's a wizarding policeman, but Hermione pointed out they have to follow the Ministry line and I don't want to be restricted like that. I did teach a group of our friends Defense against the Dark Arts for two months with Hermione's help and enjoyed that. Possibly I'll look in to teaching later on. This can't be talked about but to be honest I've got to kill this Dark Lord and I was thinking that if I marry Hermione before I attack him she'd get everything should I get killed. That way she'd be set and could take care of herself without having to work."
Alan looked at Harry with shock on his face, "You've got to kill him? What in the heck are your Auror's did you call them doing then."
Harry shrugged saying, "One of my teachers gave a prophecy that has been interpreted to mean I'm the one destined to kill him."
"Do you believe it?"
"Honestly no, but the man I'm prophesied to kill believes it. That is why he has attacked me when I was a baby and three out of the four and a half years I've been at Hogwarts. I'm still anticipating his attempt this year, they usually come in the spring," Harry said with a bit of cheek before continuing, "As long as he believes it he's going to keep coming after me. If he succeeds one of these times I want to make sure Hermione is taken care of. Just in case we don't manage to have a wedding she is already in my will to get everything and now that we are engaged it should make her claim that much stronger."
With a crack Sirius arrived back in the room asking, "So what have you two been talking about?"
Harry and Alan exchanged looks replying, "Nothing much," Before they heard a knock at the door.
Answering it they found Hermione and Jane standing there. "We were thinking about going out shopping and giving a call to Mr. Limbu and Anna while we were out. I know it's Sunday but Wednesday is Christmas and I would like to have some presents here for everyone," Jane said.
"What about what we have at home?" Alan asked.
"We can't get to those so we'll send them out later. Those for Hermione and Harry we will need to figure out a secure delivery method when the time comes. Right now I just want a few things to make it feel like Christmas," Jane said.
Harry felt bad that the Grangers wouldn't be home for Christmas. "I'm sorry everyone. You are missing a Christmas at home because of me."
"Harry James Potter, we are not missing Christmas! I am celebrating it with my fiancée and my parents are celebrating it with their future son in law and his godfather. Besides it isn't presents that make Christmas special. It is who you spend it with and for your information I do expect you to be beside me for any future Christmases we celebrate," Hermione said firmly.
"She's right Pup, This is the third Christmas that I've been out and the first that I've been free. There is no Christmas present anyone can give me that is better than spending it with you."
Jane Granger felt bad her comment had started all this. "Harry I'm sorry. I was thinking about things and Hermione and Sirius are right. It isn't things that make a Christmas it is the people you spend it with. Can you forgive your future mother in law?"
Harry looked to Hermione who did her best to avoid giving him any signals after a moment Harry stood. Approaching Jane he said, "If I can't forgive the woman who is going to be my mum who can I forgive," causing Jane to burst into tears as she enveloped Harry in a bear hug the fears she'd had earlier melting away.
In London Remus was lounging around 12 Grimmauld place, London headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, when an owl bearing the Gringotts G on the chain around it's neck dropped off a letter. Looking at the cover he saw his name in a familiar hand, one he'd seen on what felt like a million essays he reviewed over seven years. He noticed his name had the unique double loop in Lupin that meant open only when he was alone. Taking his leave of the other two people in the living room he went up to his room and after casting numerous locking and privacy charms he opened it and then placed his hand on the blank parchment saying, "I, Remus John Lupin solemnly swear I am up to no good," Watching as writing slowly appeared on the parchment.
Moony,
Why don't you take a train ride to Paris?"
The letter was unsigned but it's security and handwriting made the writer obvious. Remus had planned on spending Christmas at 12 Grimmauld place hoping to see Harry but Sirius sounded lonely. Making up his mind he packed what little muggle clothing he owned before telling everyone he was headed off. "Where are you going Remus?" a member of the Order asked from the sitting room.
"I'm going to spend the holiday's else where. I was debating staying around to see Harry but he's staying with the Grangers. Quite frankly this old house is getting me down." Remus said with a shrug.
Everyone gathered to say goodbye so no one noticed the decrepit house elf who took care of Grimmauld Place study the Black family tapestry in the drawing room closely muttering, "Mistress must be told." Once the front Hall was cleared the elf approached the painting saying, "Master Sirius has appointed Harry Potter his heir."
"Are you sure Kreacher?"
"The Black tapestry has updated with Potter's name."
"Tonight go to Narcissa. She must be informed of this development. Also tell her of the filth infesting this noble town house. Take orders from her as you would from me."
Unaware of the instructions being given at Grimmauld Place Remus continued to the closest public restroom once inside he pulled his wand before casting the charms to detect and then remove all the tracking charms placed on him and his luggage. "I know Mad eye Moody is paranoid but this is overkill." He muttered to himself before disapparating to the Leaky Cauldron then flooing to Kings Cross Station. Crossing into the muggle side he took a cab to Waterloo International station boarding the next Eurostar heading to Paris. Once he was in the tunnel he unknowingly mimicked Hermione checking again for any tracking charms he might have missed using a magically neutral place just to be sure.
Arriving late in Paris he rented a room in a small hotel choosing to rest before going to the Gringotts message drop to pick up further directions.
Narcissa Malfoy looked long at the decrepit house elf bowing before her. The position reminded her of her family's house elves before she'd married into the Malfoy family. Easing her wand out of it's hidden compartment in her robes she held it at her side as she said, "Speak."
"Mistress Black commands me to tell you her blood traitor son has made the half blood Potter scum his heir."
"I see, How is my dear Aunt?"
"Mistress is very mad. Her home is filled with blood traitors, half bloods and other vermin."
"Remind me where my aunt's home is." Narcissa commanded the house elf causing the creature to go in to what appeared to be a fit.
Finally the house elf said, "Kreacher is sorry he can not say Long Beard must have cast a spell on poor Kreacher to prevent him from informing on the blood traitors and half bloods."
"Take me there."
After a few moments of trying the elf said, "Kreacher is sorry but he can't. Kreacher can walk to the house from a place Kreacher can tell you about."
"That will work however I need time to prepare," Narcissa said noticing the elf looking at her with big eyes she added, "Return to your Mistress's house and when the house is quiet and you will not be missed come to me."
"Kreacher will comply provided mistress allows him to." The elf replied before popping out of existence.
Monday morning found Harry, Hermione, Sirius, and the Grangers paying visits to several Lawyers, some muggle, some magical, they were finding and tying up any loose ends in their plans. The Firms they used were large enough to have both Paris and London offices. Returning to their hotel they found Remus sitting in a lobby chair waiting for them.
Remus looked up as he heard the hotel door open yet again. He was in the process of looking back down at the paper in his hands when he realized just who comprised the family that had entered. "Harry" was between his mind and his lips when the surreptitiously fired silencing spell hit him. Walking over James and Paddy made a point of helping the "friend of theirs that had been waiting to meet them" up to Alan and Jane's suite where he cast privacy charms before turning to his fellow marauder.
Remus' glare final worked as Sirius removed the silencing charm after three tries. "Must have been a little excited when I cast that one." Sirius said joking.
"I cast one too." Hermione said sheepishly.
"Will someone tell me why Harry is here with you? We will discuss the Grangers later." Remus said looking at Sirius.
"Harry is here because no one currently in England is looking out for his interests." Sirius replied firmly.
"What do you mean? Dumbledore is doing everything he can."
"To insure I remain under his thumb," Harry said speaking up.
Remus looked startled at Harry's pronouncement looking from him to Sirius and back before Sirius motioned to Harry and he raised his left hand. "His Potter ring? Is that what this is all about? I heard from the Weasley's that Draco was making a big fuss out of wearing the Malfoy heir ring. So you had to insure Harry had the Potter heir ring to throw in Draco's face?" Remus asked startled.
"Take another look it's the Potter Head of House ring. That is part of why he's here the real reason he first came over is on his other hand." Sirius said.
Remus looked at the ring on Harry's right hand puzzled.
"That's the Black Heir's ring." Sirius said continuing his explanation.
"Harry is the head of house Potter and the Heir of house Black? Isn't that a bit soon? I mean Sirius you are still young."
Sirius shook his head, "There were steps taken while I was in Azkaban. I checked with specialists in both worlds. I am the last of the Blacks. It seems someone wanted my cousins children to inherit the Black fortune. This way it stays on the side of the light and out of Draco's greedy little hands."
"What about the Grangers how do they fit in?"
"Besides my parents being Harry's transportation there is this to consider," Hermione said holding out her left hand where the Potter engagement ring sparkled in all its diamond glory.
"Wow, that's some rock congratulations both of you." Remus said looking over at the two beaming teens. Turning to Sirius he asked, "So why am I here?"
"We need to visit celebrate and decide if you want to say with me outside of England." Sirius replied.
"Are you a free man?"
""Every where but England," Sirius replied with a grin.
"Dumbledore is going to go bat shit when he finds out you've adopted Harry and he's taken up his lordship," Remus mused.
Sirius nodded adding, "If not then he will when a letter from the Potter family lawyers arrives requesting the return of all Potter property."
"What? Oh, his broom," Remus said.
"That and a few other things, tell me by rights who owns Gryffindor's sword?" Sirius asked a gleam in his eye.
That brought Remus up short. He looked puzzled for a moment before saying. "You don't mean?"
"We might not win in court but Harry recovered it and used it in battle. Our argument is Dumbledore technically confiscated Harry's property when he took that sword from him."
"Harry?" Remus asked looking to the young man sitting next to Hermione.
"The family lawyers have been on automatic retainer for the last 15 years doing nothing. Sirius suggested to them their continued employment depended on their success with this case," Harry replied.
Remus nodded agreeing that might provide sufficient motivation for them to succeed.
Harry took Hermione's hand leading her down to his room where he drew her onto the bed before doing his best to snog her senseless. They emerged for a late lunch with everyone before determining the four adults were doing their own thing. They were lying beside each other when Hermione asked, "How come you are not trying to get in to my knickers? Am I ugly or is it something else."
"What?" Harry exclaimed. He'd expected any of a number of questions when she'd leaned away from him but that was not one of them.
"Why don't you want to?" Hermione asked again exasperation showing in her tone.
"I do it's just…."
"No you don't every time we get close you stop. It's because you've seen how ugly I am isn't it." Hermione countered tears forming in her eyes.
"No!" Harry protested emphatically. "You told me earlier that a girl that allowed that before marriage was just looking to trap a husband."
"When did I… Harry that was in second year we were twelve at the time." Hermione protested finally remembering the conversation they'd had about how a seventh year couple was behaving.
"There you do remember saying it."
"Yes I do and you remembered it all these years?" Hermione replied sniffling slightly.
"You said it…. I remember most of what you say. Try to anyway." Harry said with an excuse me shrug of the shoulders.
Hermione looked at Harry for a few moments before shaking her head as she replied, "Love, we are engaged to be married. It is okay for us to become familiar with each other."
"No, not until we are married. I won't dishonor you." Harry countered firmly.
"I'm on the potion."
"And I can override it by accident. Not until you are Mrs. Hermione Potter."