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.
I've skipped chapters 13 and 14 not because of triskaidekaphobia but to bring them in line yet again with FFN's number. That said, on with the story.
Chapter 15 Summer Arrives
Harry held Hermione's hand all the way back to London's King's Cross train station from Hogwarts. Harry's fifth year had ended on a low note. He'd been orphaned so young he couldn't remember his parents then two years ago he'd found a godfather, Sirius Black, he'd been unaware of. The two had gotten together during summers and communicated with each other during the school year. His godfather, Hermione, and her parents had spent last Christmas together in Paris where, Harry had become his godfather's heir along with Hermione's betrothed. As Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts came to a close he'd received word his godfather had been killed by a man who became very irate when he visited a former girlfriend and found her and Sirius asleep after an obviously amorous night.
The only good development was when they young woman who held his hand used her position as his betrothed to intervene when the school's headmaster had tried to convince him to return to his relatives. She'd been successful in convincing all involved he needed to stay at her home this summer.
Kings Cross Rail Station was it's normal confusion with Hermione leading the way the two of them were able to insure his and Hermione's things made their way to the back of the Granger's estate wagon.
Once they left Kings Cross train station Harry sat quietly in the back seat with Crookshanks' travel case between him and Hermione He'd release Hedwig at Hogwarts and the empty cage was stashed in the trunk. The two of them were not saying much just watching the scenery pass by.
Alan Granger opened the driver's door saying, "Come on Harry we'd best get everyone's things out of the trunk and up to your rooms before dinner. Anna runs a tight ship and we wouldn't want to keep her waiting."
At the manor Harry went up to his room and opened the window for Hedwig to fly in. Dumbledore had been very insistent given how distinctive Hedwig was the owl not be used to carry mail this summer to Harry's regret. But staying with Hermione he felt the inability to owl wasn't as bad as he first thought it might be.
It was a little past midnight when Hermione heard screams. Knowing from the last few weeks when the Gryffindor fifth year boys would send a runner to get her on the nights had a similar experience it was Harry she got out of bed and wrapped her robe around her. Crossing the hall she opened his door and slipped in going quickly to the bed and placing an arm on him saying, "Harry you are with me, you are safe."
Still asleep Harry grabbed her arm saying, "Don't leave me everyone leaves me."
Her heart went out and she lay down beside him wrapping her arms around him saying, "Harry I've got you. I'm not going anywhere." Holding him close she could feel that tension slowly leave his body letting him settle into a restful sleep something she found herself quickly joining once she realized he was safe.
The next morning she awoke to a rhythmic sound that felt like a part of her. 'What is that?' crossed her mind before she opened her eyes and realized she was lying on Harry's chest listening to his heart. 'Now that is a pleasant way to wake up.' She thought before forcing herself out of Harry's bed and back to her own room. It wasn't until she met her mother in the kitchen that she was informed her exit from Harry's room had not been without an observer. "Care to tell me why you were leaving Harry's room so early this morning? I thought our position on that happening had been made quite clear last summer," her mother inquired between sips of her morning tea.
Hermione's eyes quickly went to her mother then around the room. "We are alone if that is what you were wondering. Have things progressed further during school and do I need to forewarn your father about anything?" Jane Granger said trying to keep a smile off her face.
"Since Sirius died Harry has been having absolutely horrid nightmares normally his dorm mates dealt with them by either waking him or placing silencing charms on his bed. As his betrothed I was able to have them contact me this term and I was able to rapidly calm him down by holding him. Since it was here I stayed with him since they've been known to re-occur since his godfather's passing." Hermione stated.
"Alright I believe you, of course hearing only those screams once and nothing else does make it easier to believe." Jane said smiling at her daughter.
"What's on tap for today?" Hermione asked as she fixed her breakfast.
"Your father and I talked last night while we were getting ready for bed and we've decided the first stop today is Gringotts. Not for Harry to get money, which he probably will anyway, but to have them do a few things for us."
Knowing that any questioning of her mother would result in her learning nothing Hermione decided the wait and see approach was the best. It was only a few moments later that Harry entered followed quickly by her father both of them dressed for the day. Her father in a sport coat, his normal weekend shopping attire while Harry having gone through a growth spurt that rendered last summers clothes too small had his second best outfit, jeans and a green polo shirt, due to having worn his best coming home yesterday on the Hogwarts Express.
"I guess it's time for us to get ready Hermione." Her mother said getting up and heading for her bedroom while Hermione followed her going to her own room. After showering and dressing for the day in a nice short ruffled skirt and frilly blouse that stopped before it reached the skirt revealing her smooth skin Hermione returned to the kitchen to watch Harry's eyes widen as she entered.
"Do I look alright?" Hermione asked rechecking her outfit.
Harry finally found his voice saying, "Hermione I'm just worried that I can't do magic today because I know I'm going to have to hex certain boys if they see you looking so beautiful."
Alan Granger just smiled at Hermione but his daughter never noticed, she only had eyes for Harry. When Harry finished Alan said, "Don't worry Harry I'll just use a few father tricks I know to keep her safe for you." Bringing a blush to Harry's face while Hermione beamed as the thought
Once they were at the Leaky Cauldron's door and within the notice me not field everyone donned dark grey cloaks and with their hoods up entered passing through and in to Diagon Alley. Entering Gringotts the four of them lowered their hoods while approaching one of the tellers when a goblin walk up to them saying, "Mr. Potter if you don't mind could you and your party follow me we've been trying to get in touch with you."
Harry looked at the others and seeing everyone nodding their agreement he replied taking a slight chance, "Griphook, of course we'll follow you."
The goblin stopped short and looked at Harry asking, "You recognized me?"
Fearing he'd made a breach of etiquette Harry quickly said, "Yes Griphook. You were helpful to me on my first day in the magical world of course I'd remember. I hope I haven't broken any rules by using your name."
"Not at all Mr. Potter not at all." Griphook assured him before continuing to lead the way to a side office.
Once the door was shut behind them Alan asked, "Griphook is it possible for the goblins to cast some of the same spells you have done for my wife and I for these two," motioning to Harry and Hermione.
Griphook looked at Mr. Granger for a moment before replying, "To an extent that is possible. Mr. Potter's owl would always be able to find him, however that owl is quite distinctive and I would suggest his use be restricted if you want to stay hidden, as for the rest I feel confident that our hiding charms would work as they do for you and Mrs. Granger."
Hermione looked at her father wide eyed asking, "You and Mum have spells on you?"
"Yes Mines, we looked into it and had it done after Christmas." Her mother replied using her pet name for her daughter.
"Griphook what would these charms do?" Harry asked
"Hide you from owls and generally make you invisible to the magical world." Griphook replied.
"How would we receive our OWL results?" Hermione asked.
"I have a suggestion regarding that." A second goblin said as he entered. Seeing everyone turn to him he continued, "I am Tackrack, I am in charge of the estate division at Gringotts."
"Pleased to meet you Tackrack. I am Alan Granger, this is my wife Jane, and our daughter Hermione." Alan said.
Tackrack nodded as the individuals were introduced before replying, "Pleased to meet you all formally. Of course I know Mr. Potter. You are the reason we are meeting today."
"Me?"
"Yes. This is a little unorthodox but in your best interest I believe. Have you authorized anyone at all to withdraw funds from your family's accounts?" Tackrack asked.
"I…" Harry started to say then stopped and thought for a moment. "I believe someone withdrew funds to buy my school books last year but beyond that no."
"I thought so."
"Why did you ask Tackrack?" Alan Granger asked.
"Someone has shown up recently with a note purportedly signed by Mr. Potter allowing him to withdraw a rather large sum from The Potter family vault. As we knew Mr. Potter would be leaving Hogwarts for the summer that day we tied the request up in what do you call it… Ah, red tape. We were hoping we could contact you Mr. Potter and confirm the validity of the request."
"What is going to happen to them?" Harry replied thinking it might be one of the Death Eater's trying to gain access to his account.
Tackrack smiled showing a lot of teeth before saying, "When we see that wizard again he will be most unhappy. His privileges to bank at Gringotts will be frozen for a year when I report this. Of course it might make it difficult for him to continue his current life style but I'm sure a Hogwarts professor is smart enough to figure out a way."
Harry heard Hermione gasp and was surprised that was her only comment. Deciding to find out the full scope of the problem Harry asked, "If it would not cause problems just how much money was involved."
"Five thousand galleons." Tackrack said.
"A good sum. I thank you for looking out for my interests." Harry said.
"Not a problem. Now you said you did not receive my requests for a meeting?"
"No I've never received mail from Gringotts."
"You have not been receiving our yearly updates? You should have been receiving them every birthday since your eleventh birthday." Tackrack said.
"The only owl post I have ever received is from Hogwarts or my few friends, Oh and the Ministry of Magic sent me an under age us of magic warning, among other things."
"Curious, most curious."
Alan looked at the goblin saying, "I assume you will find out what happened to his notifications."
Tackrack looked offended replying, "Of course we will Mr. Granger. Now about those charms you requested. Mr. Potter will still need a way to get his post and such."
Harry spoke up saying, "Hedwig has always been able to find me despite all the wards that have been put up. That shouldn't be a problem."
"Mr. Potter your owl is very distinctive. If you wish to keep where you are at unknown it might be best to avoid using your owl this summer provided we reach an alternate solution."
Harry started to reply then remembered the promise he'd made to himself at Christmas. "What do you think Hermione?" he asked.
Hermione looked between the goblin and Harry before replying, "Tackrack does make a valid point. I always knew when you sent me an owl because Hedwig is so distinctive."
"She will not like this but I agree." Harry replied.
Feeling the silence starting to stretch Alan looked at Harry then asked, "Tackrack do you have any suggestions how best to accomplish this."
"Actually I do. You know Mr. Potter for such a young man you have accumulated a large number of life debts owed to you."
"I was aware of only one." Harry replied.
"I count at least six. One of them is a house elf who might be the answer to your problem."
"How can you tell about life debts?" Hermione asked.
Tackrack smiled his toothy grin saying, "Goblins can cast a spell allowing a goblin to see them."
Harry started to tick of his fingers as he listed them, "One is probably Ginny, The house elf has to be Dobby, Wormtail…"
Seeing him stumped Tackrack suggested, "The young lady with you."
"Me, oh the troll yes, probably a few of the others too." Hermione added.
Tackrack debated for a moment rather to tell Harry or not but the information was Harry's, "Your Headmaster is also one." He said.
"Dumbledore owes me a life debt?" Harry asked astonished. While Hermione's eyes went wide thinking, 'That is one I am curious about.'
"Yes and when you figure it out would you let myself or Griphook know just how it happened. I must admit to being curious just how that came about."
Harry looked at Hermione for a moment before he spoke. "I know you don't like it but Dobby is a free elf and if he came to work for me he could handle the mail and such." Harry said hoping Hermione would understand.
She wanted to rant but Harry needed a way to communicate and to be truthful so did she. "Alright Harry but he stays free and gets wages."
Harry's nod of agreement was interrupted when Tackrack asked, "The house elf is not bound to anyone?"
"No he is free."
"Then something must be done to insure he is unable to divulge any information about you or the Grangers." Tackrack said getting up and leaving the room for a few moments. When he returned there was a second goblin with him. "This is Micktock from Gringotts legal department. He says it would be best if Dobby was bound to you but he does have an oath sheet that would come close to the protection of a binding." Tackrack explained.
"How would I contact Dobby?"
"He owes you a life debt. Just call him and he will appear." Micktock said.
"Dobby I wish to see you." Harry said to the air in the room.
Only seconds later a quick pop signaled the arrival of Dobby. "The great and kind Harry Potter called humble Dobby?" the house elf asked bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"Yes Dobby, are you bound to Hogwarts?"
"No Harry Potter sir. Headmaster Dumbledore asked but Dobby refused. Dobby prefers being free."
"Dobby would you like to work for Harry?" Hermione asked.
Dobby looked up at Hermione saying, "Misses Grangie must not tease Dobby. She knows it is Dobby's greatest wish to serve the great and noble Harry Potter."
"Actually Dobby she isn't teasing you. If you want I would like you to come to work for me." Harry said only to have Dobby disappear with a pop.
"Dobby has informed Headmaster Dumbledore he quits and is ready to bond with Harry Potter." Dobby said when he returned moments later.
As Hermione glared at him Harry said, "Dobby there is no need to give up your freedom. I will pay you wages and give you time off, However Micktock does have a contract you need to sign."
How the house elf knew which goblin to turn to no one present knew but Dobby turned and faced Micktock asking, "Where does Dobby sign?"
Micktock walked Dobby through the signing of the oath sheet which Harry and the Grangers also signed as he would be working in their home. Then Dobby went to wherever house elves go to await Harry's summons.
Half an hour later Griphook Harry and Hermione had the charms Alan request cast on them and the foursome was outside the bookstore removing their robes. "We have time before lunch to get started." Alan announced hailing a taxi.
Harry looked at the other three wondering what he was in for. A short taxi ride later he started to get an understanding. Alan led the way into a small doorway beside a shop and up a flight of stairs where he was greeted with, "Dr. Granger we were surprised to get your call. I was under the impression you were set for this season."
"I am Richard, however my daughter's betrothed has joined us for the summer and he needs a few things." Alan said greeting the man with a hand shake.
"Not a problem at all. I take it this is the young man?" Richard asked turning his attention to Harry.
"Yes this is Harry."
"Pleased to meet you Harry…" Richard said holding out his hand the request for a last name obvious.
"Evans, Likewise Richard." Harry replied using the last name that was on the bankcard he'd just gotten in Gringotts.
Harry threw a help me look to Alan when Richard asked, "Mr. Evans what do you need?"
"A couple of dress casual outfits, suitable for the art crowd, two basic suits, and a tux." Alan replied.
"We could also quickly do a sport coat. It wouldn't be much bother I could have one of my assistants check what we have in the rough stage. I'm sure there is one that he could wear out of here." Richard said looking at Harry's clothes like he'd prefer to burn them.
Harry looked again to Alan before replying, "That would be fine."
"How long will this all take?" Hermione asked looking at her mother.
"At least until noon possibly later." Richard replied hustling Harry off into a fitting room with orders to strip to his boxers allowing Richard to get proper measurements.
"Do you mind if Mum and I do a little shopping?" Hermione asked her father.
"Go have fun."
Once away from the men Jane asked her daughter what they were shopping for. "Night wear for starters and I do need a few other outfits." Hermione replied a glint in her eye.
"I thought last years outfits still fit you."
"They do but Harry's here." Hermione replied as if Harry's presence explained everything.
Jane looked at her daughter debating with herself for a moment before asking, "Mines are you a virgin?"
Much to her surprise her daughter didn't blush or stammer she just replied, "Yes."
"Do you intent to return to school in the fall in the same state."
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Hermione said a hint of giggle in her voice while leading her mother into a store whose windows were filled with lacy garments designed to fuel men's dreams.
After leaving the tailor's Alan and Harry caught up with Jane and Hermione for lunch at a nearby restaurant. As they were being shown to their table Harry was grateful Richard had insisted that he wear an entirely new outfit including a sport coat out of his shop saying, "My reputation just won't stand it if I let you leave here in those."
Hermione subtle helped Harry with the menu suggesting one or two things that she though he might like. After the meal they returned to shopping hitting a few other stores on the same street. Harry had fun picking up everyday clothes as well as shoes, undergarments and everyone picked up a few other items. Hermione enjoyed the look on Harry's face when her mother walked over to a rack of underwear and turned to him asking, "boxers or briefs?" At the end of the day the the account Sirius had set up last year for Harry had a good workout as did Harry. It took all four of them to carry the packages on to the train for the ride home. Harry figured they'd spent enough on his clothes to buy Uncle Vernon's car with enough left over for gas. The two outfits he'd worn since returning from Hogwarts, had been relegated to painting clothes. What he was going to do with four pair of shoes and two pair of trainers he wasn't sure but Hermione had assured him he would need them.
Enjoying the train ride back to the manor Harry said jokingly to Mr. Granger, "Hermione will probably have to pick out my clothes for me this summer."
Alan smiled before saying, "Don't feel too bad Mrs. Granger still insists on approving my outfits before we go out for the evening." Once they were home and settled in for the night Alan and Jane were talking about the day's events. "You should have seen Harry when you and Hermione left. He looked lost. Then when Richard started to ask about fabrics and such he looked around for her again then said, "You know what Mr. Granger is wearing and I trust you to make me look as good," I swear Richard beamed. Harry has to return next week for a final fitting on his outfits. Richard assured me he has one in mind for the Art Gallery opening the Friday after next that is something special."
"So what's on tap for tomorrow?" Jane asked.
"While you two were shopping we talked about going to the driving range at the club. Depending on how he does, I might get a summer golfing partner out of this."
"Good idea, it will give me a chance for a real girl talk with Hermione." Jane replied just as she heard a scream that was quickly cut off.
Hermione had her arms wrapped around Harry holding him to her. They'd been sitting in his room talking about the day's events after he'd informed an upset owl that his mail would be going by another route this summer when he'd suddenly started sobbing about how he'd killed Sirius before breaking down in tears. Not knowing what else to do she'd grabbed him in her arms holding on for dear life. She was wondering if her parents had heard Harry yelling when she heard the door open and looked up to see her mother standing in the doorway looking at her. Hermione instinctively tightened her grip on Harry as if telling her mother that right now Harry was hers to take care of. Jane Granger nodded and closed the door. Hermione when back to whispering in Harry's ear while rocking him in her arms hoping the motion would remind him of the safety of being in a mother's arms. For the next few hours Harry alternated between ranting and sobbing on her shoulder.
Sunday morning at the Granger's Harry awoke to find himself feeling surprisingly chipper before he remembered breaking down last night, it had been Hermione who held him helping him deal with the grief of losing Sirius. It was still raw and painful to think about Sirius but he knew the healing process had started and Hermione was the reason he was feeling better.
Jane was headed downstairs to start fixing breakfast when she stopped and checked on her daughter. "Hermione glad to see you're up. Breakfast will be ready in a little bit."
"Thanks mum."
"How's Harry?"
"He's dealing with everything. I think last night was the worst I held him for a while after you saw us then I went to bed." Hermione said smiling at her mother.
"How was Harry's bed?"
"Mother how could you think I'd do that?" she bluffed.
"You have never made your bed perfectly in your entire life so the next time you sleep somewhere else at least rumple the covers on your bed, dear. Otherwise it's a dead giveaway." Jane said pulling the door closed, as Hermione looked over at Crookshanks sleeping dead center of her perfectly made bed snorting with disgust that she'd been caught by something so simple.
"Hi, Hermione." Harry said his face breaking in to a big smile when he entered the kitchen and saw her. Noticing her parents he added, "Morning everyone."
"You sound chipper this morning." Alan said looking up to see a big smile on his daughter's face as she watched Harry settle into a chair beside her.
"I had a very good night's sleep. What's the plan for today." Harry asked while Hermione was watching her mother do a double take out of the corner of her eye.
Alan Granger smiled as he said, "You and I are headed to the club after breakfast."
"Don't tell me he talked you into going golfing!" Hermione said looking at Harry.
"Ah… yes?" Harry cautiously replied seeing the look he was getting from his friend.
"Dad are you trying to turn me into a golfing widow too? Isn't it bad enough mum's one."
Alan shook his head. His daughter never did understand just how much the interaction at the club helped them both socially and economically. Something he was hoping to show Harry.
"Don't worry Hermione it's just a guy thing." Harry replied unaware of how much he sounded like Ron with that comment.
"We will talk when you get back." Hermione said smiling at Harry as she sat down to eat.