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 25 Dumbledore's surprise
An hour later Ginny and Ron returned to the car to catch Harry and Hermione snogging while Neville slept against the window. "Hem, Hem," Ron said as if he was clearing his throat depressed when the two didn't immediately separate they just looked up to see who made the noise.
"You two aren't go to be any fun this year I can see that," Ron said.
"I beg to differ Hermione can be a lot of fun," Harry said wiggling his eyebrows.
"Hey I'm right here," she said giving Harry a playful nudge.
"Yes love."
The friends joked as the afternoon turned to evening. They'd just finished donning their robes with the boys stepping out while the girls slipped into theirs in preparation for their arrival at the Hogsmeade station when the door to their compartment opened. Draco stood in the doorway looking over the group saying, "What's this, the annual meeting of losers incorporated?"
Harry stood quickly blocking Draco from entering quickly noting that Draco and Goyle both had not drawn their wands. "Where is your other bookend Crabbe?" Harry asked surprised as the normally cool and collected Draco visibly shuddered when he mentioned Crabbe.
"None of your business scar head, I'm only here because I was directed to pass along a question. My Lord wants to know if you enjoyed your last summer at Number 4 Privet Drive." Draco said turning and with a manically laugh heading towards the front carriages leaving them alone.
Hermione was the first to speak, "Harry you've got to inform Dumbledore."
"There's no way I can until we reach Hogwarts. And it's dark enough out for any attack to all ready have happened." Harry said glancing out the train window.
"I'll go inform the head girl just in case she can do something." Ginny said getting up and leaving as Hermione wrapped an arm around her husband.
"Thanks," Harry called out his face suddenly going serious while leaning into Hermione's hug drawing comfort from her.
"What are you thinking about?" Hermione asked watching Harry.
"Draco's reaction when I mentioned Crabbe. There is something there that I'm not seeing. I'm sure of it."
"Possibly, did you notice that he said, "My Lord wants…" sounds like he's taken the mark," Hermione offered watching Harry closely.
"Could be, I think we'll try and talk to Dumbledore after the welcoming feast." Harry said his mind busy evaluating his options.
"Harry I have no way to contact Hogwarts but I've told the conductor and he will relay the message." Cho said looking at Harry trying not to let her eyes flick to Hermione's hand resting on his shoulder and failing.
"Thanks Cho," Harry said.
"If something changes I'll let you know. And congratulations you two you make a nice couple. Hermione, I still wish you'd re-consider and be a sixth year perfect."
"No thanks, I had enough problems last year." Hermione said as Cho left the compartment.
Hogsmeade train station was busy as always with students getting off and Hagrid gathering all the first years for their boat ride to Hogwarts. The Potters and the Weasleys boarded an empty carriage and were riding towards Hogwarts
Their carriage was approaching the front steps when Hermione reminded everyone, "First thing we need to do is find a professor and have him or her get word to Dumbledore."
This proved to be far easier than anyone of them imagined when they entered and found Dumbledore standing off to one side motioning Harry over. Harry kept his hold on Hermione's hand bringing her with him as he approached Dumbledore.
"Mr. Potter I've sent some people to check on your aunt and uncle. We should know something shortly. I will do my best to insure you know as soon as I do."
"Thank you Professor." Harry replied sincerely.
Suddenly Hermione started and pulled her Prefect's badge from her robes passing it to Professor Dumbledore saying, "As I will be staying with my husband in his room. It would be best for you to select a new sixth year prefect for Gryffindor."
"Are you sure Mrs. Potter? I would have no problems with you continuing to serve in that capacity."
"No I will be concerned with other issues this year." Hermione said continuing the statement in her mind, 'like dealing with my pregnancy.'
"As you wish."
Harry and Hermione waited a few moments then followed Dumbledore into the hall sitting down across from Ron and Ginny who'd saved them seats.
"What was that all about?" Ron asked looking over.
"Dumbledore wanted me to know they were checking on my aunt and uncle." Harry said.
"Oh right." Ron said quieting down as Deputy Headmistress McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house, lead the first years into the hall and the sorting ceremony began.
Harry and Hermione were grateful for he silence as everyone else's attention was focused on the sorting of the first year students. '12 years.' Harry heard Hermione think.
His mind tried to make sense of the thought then he also realized in 12 years it would be their children walking into this hall to be sorted. 'That's a long time my love.' He thought back as feeling of love and contentment flowed across their bond and filled him.
The sorting ended with D'Andre Wilson being sorted in to Gryffindor house. They all eyes turned to Dumbledore as he walked towards the podium by the sorting stool. "I have a few announcements before we tuck in. Mr. Filch has a list beside his door of banned items, Most unfortunately can be purchased at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. If you have items from there please check the list. Any banned items may be dropped off in a box outside his office during this first week without penalty.
"As I've said in prior years the Forbidden Forest is called that for a reason. It is off limits to all students unless accompanied by a professor.
"And as is evidently our custom we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor this year. Professor William Weasley will be arriving tomorrow to teach the forth through seventh year students." Dumbledore said stopping and waiting for the murmuring to die down particularly at the Gryffindor table.
"Bill's going to be teaching us!" Ginny Weasley exclaimed bouncing in her seat thrilled that her oldest brother would be around. While Ron's back was being slapped by all the well wishers sitting beside him.
"I wonder who's teaching the first through third years?" Neville asked causing the table to quickly quiet and look up at Dumbledore.
"Ah, I see curiosity among the younger students. Don't worry your instruction will be in the capable hands of Professor Harry Potter." Dumbledore added.
A shocked silence fell over the hall as every student turned to look at Harry, the first years following the other students gaze. "You've got to be joking!" a voice rang out drawing attention to the Slytherin table.
"I assure you Mr. Malfoy I am not. Mr. Potter set a new record for highest Defense Against the Dark Arts Owl ever achieved at Hogwarts and after last years training of the DA has demonstrated to the satisfaction of myself and others that he is quite qualified to teach this subject." Dumbledore replied in a hard voice.
The beaming face of Professor McGonagall as she sat at the head table more than countered the glare an ill looking Professor Snape was shooting Harry's way. The applause started slowly with the members of the DA before they switched to roaring their approval. Most of the remaining students with the noted exception of Slytherin house joining in.
As the backslapping switched to Harry Hermione beamed at him thinking, 'Dumbledore didn't say Assistant Professor, He made Harry a full Professor.'
'I know I'm shocked.' Harry thought back to his wife.
"You're a full Professor mate, just think of the points you can take from Slytherin now." Ron said happier that when his own brother was announced as the other DADA Professor.
Dumbledore again waited for the noise level to drop before he said, "Yes congratulations to all now I believe it is time, for those great words: nimble, tweak, oddment," causing the welcoming feast to magically appear on the tables.
Harry barely had time to eat he was so busy accepting the individual congratulations from his housemates and those of Hufflepuff house seated near him.
When the feast wound down and the prefects gathered up the first years leading them to their houses. Professor McGonagall appear behind Harry saying, "Professor Potter if you would accompany me I will show you the way to your rooms."
"Of course Professor McGonagall." Harry said standing and holding out his hand to Hermione.
"What's up mate? Why's Hermione going with you?" Ron asked looking up confused.
"So she'll know where I am, both you and Ginny should be heading up with the first years shouldn't you."
"He's right brother of mine. Let's get a move on." Ginny said tapping her brother on the shoulder.
McGonagall lead the way down a hall near the DADA classrooms stopping at a painting of a young couple. She said, "Robert and Alice this is Harry Potter and his wife Hermione. They will be living in your rooms. Harry please give them a password after I leave for you and Hermione to use. For now if you don't mind Robert?" causing the painting to swing aside allowing the three access to the rooms beyond.
"Professor, I thought Harry would be designated assistant Professor." Hermione said once they were inside and the painting swung shut behind them.
"That was the original thought but Dumbledore talked it over with the staff and changed his mind. Normally an assistant Professor would teach under close supervision, as Professor Weasley will be gone from Hogwarts during the times Professor Potter will be teaching it was felt he needed additional authority and the change was made. Now Mrs. Potter may I see your rings?"
Hermione looked down where her right hand was picking at the fingers on her left hand. Pulling the tape off that hide her rings from view. "My dear those are beautiful." McGonagall said smiling noting that Harry had also removed tape from his hands revealing a matching wedding band along with the head of house Potter ring.
"Thank you, I was wondering if Harry needed to study Occlumency? Both of us studied it over the summer and Harry hasn't had a twitch from his scar since."
"I will relay your information to the Headmaster I take it you have also mastered the skill?"
"Yes, I suspect I still may need to be tested but Harry seems to feel I have mastered it."
"Very good Mrs. Potter, on a different subject I was informed you were wondering if you still had access to the Gryffindor common room?" she asked.
"Yes Professor."
"Although both of you are no longer members of my house now that Mr. Potter is a full Professor, I believe it is acceptable for you to continue to have access, the password is Chudley Cannons. I will allow you to guess which perfect had first choice this year." McGonagall said chuckling.
"Ron." Hermione said laughter in her voice.
"Well spotted Mrs. Potter. Am I correct in the assumption that is the name you will be using from now on."
"Yes Professor. Tomorrow we will be visiting the common room and letting everyone there know. Tonight we are tired and just want to rest." Hermione replied.
"Then I'll just mention two things before I'll leave you two. First, tradition requires you to eat at the head table Professor Potter. Occasional lapses will be overlooked particularly if you are dealing with student issues but do make an effort to sit at the head table. Second, as you are no longer members of my house you will need to change the crest on your robes. As a Professor you have a choice between the Hogwarts crest or your family's."
"Yes Professor," Harry replied.
"What about me?" Hermione asked.
"You are a unique case Mrs. Potter. It has been decided, over some serious objections from the head of another house, that you should eat with your husband wherever he eats and your crest should match his. Now if you will excuse me I need to pay Gryffindor tower a visit." McGonagall said as she left.
"Wow, our first place." Hermione said looking around the room they were in. It was about half the size of the Gryffindor common room with two desks set up in a corner and big couch, several chair and a rug in front of the room's fireplace formed a great conversation area. Three doors lead off the room one on the wall adjacent to the entrance lead to an office for Harry to use. The second lead to a small bathroom. The third lead to a large room with a great four-poster bed. The bedroom had two rooms off from it, a large bathroom with a tub big enough for four and a smaller bare room. "I wonder what this room is for?" Hermione wondered out loud as she stood in the bare room.
With a pop a house elf appeared saying, "This room can be either storage or a nursery, mistress."
"Winky?"
"Winky is embarrassed you recognized such a disgraced elf. She has been assigned by the head elf to clean your rooms as she is a free elf."
"What difference would that make?" Hermione asked confusion evident on her face and in her voice.
Winky looked up at Harry while twisting her own ears in punishment for speaking against a witch.
"Winky stop that. Hermione they still remember you leaving the knitted caps around for them to find in Gryffindor tower. As Winky is a free elf she can pick up those things without any problem." Harry explained.
"Oh."
"Winky is sorry she said anything mistress," reaching for her own ears again.
"Winky stop that. You are a smart elf you should tell me when I make a mistake like that." Hermione said kneeling down to be even with the house elf.
"Winky shouldn't speak like that to mistress. Winky is a bad elf."
"If I ask for help is it wrong to help me?"
"No mistress."
"That is all I am asking Winky. I want you to help me not make mistakes. Would you do that for me?" Hermione replied looking Winky in the eye.
"Winky will try mistress." The elf replied.
Suddenly Hermione remembered what McGonagall had said. "Winky can you get in touch with Dobby and inform him we need a set of our robes with the Potter crest on them for tomorrow if possible." Hermione asked.
"Winky will handle it," she said before quickly disappearing.
Harry had stood back and watched Hermione hand the house elf. Once Winky was gone Harry said, "Good job, give yourself a few more months and she will be a great help."
"I hope so I'm going to need some help as this pregnancy moves along. Speaking of which why don't we try out that bed." Hermione said with a wink as she slinked past Harry.
Late that night they were awoken by Winky shaking Harry's shoulder saying, "Master Potter, Professor Dumbledore is wanting to talk to you."
Harry was the more conscious of the two and asked, "Where is he?"
"He is being in the hall just outside."
"Tell him to come in. We haven't changed the password yet."
"Winky be doing that."
As Harry moved to get up Hermione finally came awake asking, "What is up?"
"Dumbledore is here. I think it's about my aunt and uncle." Harry replied.
"I'm going with you." She said reaching for a robe to cover her as Harry was fastening his robe.
They entered their living room / study area to see Dumbledore standing just inside the door. "Professor, Mrs. Potter, I apologize for interrupting you first night here but I've just received news of your family."
"That's alright Professor, How are they?" Harry asked as Hermione put an arm around him.
"I regret to say your aunt and uncle were found dead and the dark mark was floating over their house."
"It is what I expected. I take it Dudley survived."
"Yes, He came home and found them just after our people had arrived and were dispersing the Dark Mark. He managed to put several of our people in St. Mungo's before they were able to stun him. They have asked for your guidance on how much to modify his memory."
Harry sat down on the large sofa with Hermione taking a seat beside him. He honestly wanted to say remove his memory of the magically world but he quickly realized that would encompass most of the last few five summers. Looking at Hermione he wondered if she knew of a way out of this. Reaching a decision Harry said, "Unless you or Hermione can come up with something different, I don't believe you can totally remove his knowledge of our world no matter how much I would prefer it. He's been aware of the magical world since I have. It is probably best to just modify what happened after he arrived and found his parents dead. Being taken in to custody that sort of thing then let him go. He knows enough to keep his mouth shut." Silently adding 'I hope.'
"Alright Professor Potter that is what we will do. Also Professor McGonagall informed me of your comments about Voldemort. Please let me know if that changes," Dumbledore said leaving.
"Harry I'm so sorry!" Hermione said hugging her husband.
Harry sat there wondering just what he felt about them dying. It was something he'd pictured in his thoughts many times but for them to die they way they did perhaps it was poetic justice. What they'd feared all along had finally killed them. "Let's go back to bed." Harry said rising from the sofa and holding out a hand to Hermione.
"Are you alright Harry?" Hermione asked concerned for her husband.
"Yes I'm just a little numb. I can't tell you the number of times I've wished them dead over the years and now that it's finally happened I don't know how I feel." Harry said leading Hermione back to the bedroom.
Hermione went with him knowing that sooner or later he would feel their loss.