A/N: Here's chapter 3, this chapter will probably be the longest one so far since I'm going to try and cover as much of the summer break before 6th year as I can. But I it'll probably end up being at least two or three chapters before I get to the beginning of their 6th year.

With that said please enjoy and comment and review to let me know what you think. I appreciate all of the reviews I get.

Chapter 3: Friendship, Family, and Fun!

Albus Dumbledore paced his office thinking. He was trying to figure out a way to get the information he needed from an old colleague, former Professor Slughorn.

The information that man had might just be the very thing needed to turn the tide in the war against Tom. But Horace was very reluctant to part with the true memory.

On top of these thoughts he also worried over Harry. He was overjoyed that Harry finally had a real chance at a happy life and a real family with Sirius. But Dumbledore also worried if he'd be safe enough.

He had loathed himself for having to send Harry to live with those vile Dursley's and even more so sending him back there every summer even after it became quite clear that those horrible people were abusive to him.

But Dumbledore had believed that it was the only way to protect Harry from Tom and his followers, due to the blood wards on the Dursley residence.

But now that Sirius had cleared his name and adopted Harry Albus truly believed he would do anything and everything in his power to protect Harry.

And Albus had to admit that once Harry and Sirius moved into their new home once it was ready that Harry would probably be safer there than anywhere else in England.

Dumbledore also recalled the conversation he'd had with Sirius at Grimwald Place the day that Sirius was cleared at trial…

"Sirius, first of all congratulations at finally, truly being a free man. And I'm sure you and Harry will be very happy as a family," Albus said.

Sirius replied, "thank you for all you did to help clear my name Dumbledore. And I will do everything in my power to make Harry as happy as can be.

I want to truly honor the trust that James and Lily placed in me when they made me his godfather. I'd do anything to protect him and keep him happy."

Dumbledore contemplated for a moment and decided to confide in Sirius, "if your going to truly do that then there's something I must share with you."

Then Dumbledore proceeded to tell Sirius all about his theories and everything about Voldemort and his Horcrux's. He told Sirius exactly what horcrux's were and how he believed that not only had Voldemort created one, that he'd created more than one.

He also informed him that he believed that a piece of Voldemort's soul was embedded in Harry's scar, thus making Harry an accidental Horcrux.

Sirius was pale and looked horrified when Dumbledore was finished speaking.

Sirius said, "that's horrible, we have to get that piece of Voldemort out of Harry as soon as possible."

Dumbledore said, "I would like nothing better, but sadly I know of no way to remove the piece of Voldemort's soul without harming Harry."

Sirius frowned and said, "well I guess you don't know everything Dumbledore. There is a way to remove it from Harry without harming him at all.

There is a specialized device called a soul globe. It is normally used to take and hold a soul that a dementor has sucked out of a person.

I saw them used in Azkaban to capture a soul after a dementor had sucked it out of a person but before they could "eat" it.

This is done to help control the dementors for one, by holding back their favorite food if they do not obey. And for two they do it to study the soul at the Department of Mysteries.

We should be able to use one of the soul globes to remove the piece of Voldemort's soul in Harry's scar, especially since it is most likely very fragile."

Dumbledore smiled widely and said, "that's perfect, I never even knew such a device existed. Brilliant Sirius, we'll get one and get it done as soon as possible."

Dumbledore had been true to his word and the very next day he had contacted Amelia Bones and acquired a soul globe from the Ministry.

He had then had Harry come to his office and had merely told him that he had a device that could possibly put a block on the connection between him and Voldemort. He didn't feel it necessary to inform him that he had a piece of Voldemort's soul in his head which would have possibly made him freak out and panic.

Sirius had been in agreement that it was better not to inform Harry unless absolutely necessary. No need to give him more to stress about.

Dumbledore had put the soul globe up to his scar and said the incantation, " soulerus!"

They didn't have to worry about Harry's own soul being sucked out since the globe only worked to take in and contain a soul that was already separated from it's body.

And the fragment of Voldemort's soul certainly wasn't in it's own body. Dumbledore was pleased that the it worked. The soul fragment came out of Harry's scar and was pulled into the globe, in effect now making the soul globe a Horcrux.

He would now have to find a way to destroy it but the important thing for now was that Harry was free of it and wouldn't have to die by Voldemort's hand to destroy the fragment as Dumbledore had originally believed.

Now that Harry was no longer an accidental Horcrux Dumbledore would do everything in his power to prepare Harry to face him and make sure that Tom was mortal once again when he did.

And he would do everything he could to ensure Harry not only won, but survived to live a full and happy life as well.

After Hermione had left the train station with her parents she was happy to be going home with them but at the same time she already was missing Harry terribly.

Her mum must have realized that something in Hermione's demeanor was off. As her father drove her mum turned around in the front seat to face her.

"You don't seem as happy as you normally do to be home Angel. Let me guess, you're already missing a certain bespectacled raven-haired best friend. One whom you're in love with perhaps?" Her mum asked all this in a teasing tone with a smirk on her face.

Hermione looked at her mother in shock and asked, "how did you know? I haven't told anyone that I'm in love with Harry, not even him!"

Her mum smiled wider and she could also see her father was smirking at her in the rearview mirror as well.

Her mum said, "well we didn't actually know, at least until now. We simply suspected it to be the case what with the way you always go on about him in your letters and when your home on break. You probably don't even realize it but almost every other thing you say is about Harry this, and Harry that."

Hermione blushed and said, "I didn't realize. But I guess you do have a point. And yes I'm in love with Harry Potter okay. Not that it matters, I don't think he feels the same for me."

Her dad then spoke up, "well Angel, I think you might be wrong about that. For one did you know that Harry regularly writes us about ways to do nice things for you on your birthdays and Christmas and such. Plus the fact he lets us use his owl to write to you and you to us all the time."

Hermione said, "that's just Harry being Harry. He's kind, thoughtful and sweet."

Her father continued, "while I'm sure that's part of it, it's not all of it. He obviously cares for you a great deal. Plus I saw the way he was looking at you when you said goodbye to each other. I was a teenage boy once too you know, and a boy only looks at a girl that way if he fancied her."

Hermione said, "really, I didn't even notice. I really hope your right and he does feel the same way. But I don't want to hurt our friendship either if he doesn't and I tell him how I feel and make things too awkward. Now I'm going to miss him all summer even more."

Hermione's mum teasingly said, "don't worry Angel, I don't think you'll be missing him as long as you think. In fact I'm sure you won't be missing him at all in a couple of days."

Hermione asked, "how could I not be, what are you talking about?"

Her dad answered, "well we were going to keep it a surprise but we might as well tell you. Last week Harry's godfather Sirius paid us a visit, after he had his name cleared.

He took us out to eat and we spent a little time getting to know each other. Then he said he knew how close the two of you were and that he suspected that Harry cared for you a lot more than he would admit and we told him we believed it was the same with you caring for him.

Then after that I said that we should find a way for you and Harry to spend some time together this summer Sirius surprised us by inviting the three of us to join him and Harry on their vacation to Italy."

Hermione gasped in surprise, "really, we're going to Italy with Harry?"

Her mum said, "yep, we are Angel. We already arranged everything with our dental practice. We'll be spending tomorrow together, just the three of us. Then the day after tomorrow we'll be meeting Sirius and Harry, along with Sirius's friend Remus and his girlfriend Tonks at the hotel they're all staying at next to Heathrow airport.

Then we'll stay the night there and all leave the next day on a flight to Rome."

Hermione beamed and said, "really, I get to go to Italy with Harry? That's incredible, oh thank you mum and dad for agreeing. And I'll really have to thank Sirius as well."

Her mum said, "of course Angel, though I will say that your father and I are looking forward to Italy as well. And you should really think about using this trip to get closer to Harry if you really love him."

Hermione said, "I do really love him mum, and I will try and see how things go before getting ahead of myself.

But I'm surprised you're both so okay with it. Especially you dad, aren't dad's supposed to try and chase off any boys their daughter has interest in?"

Her dad answered, "well sweetheart from everything you've said about him in your letters and when your home he seems like quite an upstanding young man.

Not to mention how he's done everything he could to help you and how he saved you from that troll in your first year. And everything since.

We're looking forward to getting to know the young man who has captured your heart on this trip. And if the two of you do get together I will probably have the dad talk with him about you.

But before you say anything I promise I won't try to intimidate or scare him. I'll just be letting him know that he better treat you very good and never intentionally hurt you.

But if he's even half the young man you've made him out to be than I truly doubt any of that would ever be something we'd have to worry about."

Hermione huffed out, "okay dad, but if you try and scare away the boy I love before we even have a chance to really become a couple, if he really feels the same way , I will never forgive you."

Her dad just smirked and said, "I wouldn't dream of it princess."

As they continued home and her parents started chatting about the trip, Hermione let her mind wander, fantasizing about actually having Harry as her boyfriend.

Harry awoke in his big, comfy bed in the luxury hotel suite they were staying in. It had been almost two days since he had left Hogwarts and he still couldn't believe the fact that he'd never have to step foot in Privit Drive or even ever have to see the Dursley's ever again.

He now had an actual family that cared for him and wanted him around. Although he knew it would take time for him to truly get to know Sirius and Remus, plus his cousin Tonks before he'd feel really close to them, he already felt closer to them than he ever had with the Dursley's.

Plus He still had more family that he had yet to meet. Tonk's parents Andromeda and Ted, whom he found out he'd be meeting after they returned from their holiday to Italy, were pretty much like an aunt and uncle. Even though they were technically cousins.

Harry remembered yesterday when Sirius and Remus had taken him to do a little shopping to get him some new clothes that actually fit him.

Now that Sirius had his name cleared and had claimed his rightful title of Lord Black, he had full access to the Black House's vast fortune. And as such he had already begun spoiling Harry.

So after their shopping they had taken Harry to his first ever amusement park and he had a total blast. Then they had a really nice dinner in an exclusive muggle restaurant.

Today there was apparently a surprise for Harry that he'd find out about soon. Harry had slept in a little and as he lay there his stomach told him it was time for breakfast.

So he got out of bed, grabbed a quick shower, dressed in some of the nice new clothes he had, a pair of dark slacks, a dark green t-shirt, and a black, long sleeve over shirt.

Then he went out of his room and found that Sirius, Remus and Tonks were all up already and sat at the table in the suites dining area. They had ordered room service and were all drinking coffee, awaiting Harry before they all started on the breakfast that was ready.

Harry sat down at the table and said morning greetings to them all. Then he helped himself to a cup of coffee as well and loaded up a plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast as everyone else began tucking into breakfast as well.

After they all finished their breakfast Harry asked, "so Padfoot, what's on the agenda for today? I know we're flying to Rome tomorrow."

Sirius grinned and said, "well after a little surprise that I've had planned for you this morning we'll talk about the plan for today."

Harry raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "what kind of surprise?"

"Well it's almost time so why don't we all head down to the hotel lobby and you'll find out." Sirius replied.

Harry just shrugged, he figured if it was a surprise from Sirius it was something good.

They all headed out of the room and took the elevator down to the lobby floor. They went and took seats in the waiting area and chatted about the trip tomorrow why they waited for whatever this surprise was.

They didn't have to wait long. About 10 minutes after they say down Harry looked up when he heard a familiar voice say his name.

He stood up just as a bushy- haired missile tackled him with her signature rib cracking hug.

Harry smiled and said, "Mione what are you doing here? Also I could use a little air."

Hermione loosed her grip a little but kept her arms around him as she pulled back just enough to look at him.

She smiled and said, "well as to why I'm here, we're going with you to Italy!"

Harry looked confused and asked, "we, who's we?"

Then Harry noticed a man and woman standing a little behind Hermione. He somewhat recognized them from the one brief meeting he'd had with them in Diagon Alley just before Harry and Hermione's second year at Hogwarts.

Hermione's mum looked like an older version of her daughter, with the same bushy, brown hair. But where as Hermione had bright brown eyes that were almost an amber color, her mom had bright blue eyes. And her mum was only a few inches taller than Hermione.

Her father on the other hand was fairly tall, about a foot taller than his wife. He had light brown, almost blondish hair cut short. And he had the build of a rugby player. He had the same color eyes as Hermione but his were slightly darker.

Hermione said, "Harry, this is my mum and dad, Doctors Ellen and Daniel Granger. Mum, Dad, this is my best friend Harry."

"It's a pleasure to meet you again Mr. and Mrs. Granger." Harry said as he went to shake their hands.

He shook Mr. Granger's hand and then moved to do the same with Mrs. Granger. But then she surprised him and instead of shaking his hand pulled him into a tight hug that was exactly like one of Hermione's hugs. He now knew where Hermione got that from.

Mrs. Granger said, "No need to be so formal Harry. With how close you and Hermione are and after everything you've been through together, and everything she's told us about you we already consider you to be family. So it's Ellen and Daniel to you."

Harry blushed but smiled and said, "thank you Mrs. Grang… Um, I mean Ellen. I know I truly consider Hermione family. She's my best friend and so much more."

He blushed even more when he realized just what he'd said. And Hermione asked, "do you really mean that Harry, that I'm you're best friend too. I figured you considered Ron to be your best friend?"

Harry answered her as he stepped back from Ellen, "well Ron was the first real friend my age that I made. But you've always actually been my best friend, even if I didn't truly realize that until fourth year and all the crap with the tournament.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you before now, I just thought you knew."

Hermione beamed at him and once again pulled him into a rib cracking Hermione hug.

Sirius spoke up, "well it's good to see you again Daniel and Ellen. And you too of course Hermione. Since we're all here now I was thinking that after you three get checked in we'd go do some sight seeing around the magical side of London. There's a lot I'm sure you've never gotten to experience.

We'll have a fun day out, have an excellent dinner at the best magical restaurant in Britain, and then return here to turn in early since we have to be up early for the flight tomorrow."

They all happily agreed and soon after The Granger's got checked in and had taken their luggage up to their suite, everyone met back in the lobby and headed out.

They spent the day having a blast. First they went to a magical theme park. It was similar to a muggle one, in that it had rollercoasters and thrill rides and such. But being magical it was much more thrilling.

The rollercoasters had sections where they left the tracks entirely and flew threw portals to a different track entirely.

The haunted house contained actual ghosts as well as actual monsters that while behind magical barriers were still frightening.

There was also a special broom ride obstacle course. Hermione didn't really want to do that one. But Harry told her that she could ride on a broom with him and he'd keep her safe so she agreed. She was still anxious but happy to be able to have her arms wrapped around Harry as they flew through the course.

Sirius offered for Daniel to ride on a broom behind him and he happily agreed, excited for the chance to fly around in a broom. Ellen agreed to ride with Tonks as well, even though she was almost as anxious as her daughter.

After they had enjoyed the theme park they went to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. Then Sirius took them to see a minor league quidditch game.

It was the first time Hermione's parents ever got to see the magical sport being played and Daniel found it fascinating.

After the game, which lasted about two hours they went to Diagon Alley for a bit so that Harry could get some money out of the bank for the trip to Italy. Converting some of it to pounds. The Granger's also had some of their pounds converted to liras for the trip.

After that Sirius took them to dinner at The Golden Dragon restaurant. After Sirius told the hostess witch his name she said, "of course Lord Black, the owner's dining room is ready for you and your guests."

At the questioning looks from Harry and the Granger's Sirius said, "this restaurant was founded by Harry's great grandfather. It's still owned by the Potter estate which means it's your restaurant Harry.

Although your grandfather and James both hired others to manage and run it. In fact the manager James hired, Miss Lara Stone still manages it today.

As your godfather, and now legal guardian, I have partial ownership until you come of age next year."

Harry said, "I own a restaurant? That's brilliant, I do enjoy cooking. Maybe some day I might take over managing the place myself."

Sirius smiled and said, "you'd certainly have made your great grandfather proud to hear that. This place was his dream."

They were then led to the special owner's room and after looking through the menus placed their orders. Harry and Sirius both got premium cut dragon steaks, cooked medium well. Remus also got a dragon steak but his was rare. Being a werewolf he preferred rarer meat.

Hermione ordered the lobster along with her parents. And Tonks got the fire crab special. They all enjoyed their meal immensely and then had gourmet hot fudge sundaes treacle tart for dessert.

After they finished dinner the Granger's offered to split the bill but Sirius told them it was all on the house since Harry and him as Harry's guardian owned the place.

After that they all headed back to the hotel and headed for their rooms, all tired after the long day of fun. Hermione hugged Harry goodnight and surprised him with a kiss on the cheek.

She said, "today was wonderful Harry. I can't wait for all the great stuff we'll get to see on the holiday. And I am very happy that Sirius invited us and that we get to spend a lot to our summer break together."

Harry smiled and said, "yeah it makes me really happy as well. Sleep well, see you in the morning Mione."

Hermione headed to the suite she had with her parents, which was right next to the one Harry shared with Sirius, Remus and Tonks.

Harry went into theirs and Sirius was waiting for him wearing a sly smirk.

He said, "so did you get a goodnight kiss from Hermione?"

Harry blushed and said, "just on the cheek, we're just friends."

Sirius just smiled wider and said, "well it's pretty clear that you both want to be more than friends. At least it's pretty obvious to everyone but the two of you apparently."

Harry said, "what, you think Hermione wants to be my girlfriend?"

Sirius answered, "given the way she looks at you I'd say that's almost a certainy."

Harry stammered out, "I'm not sure about that, but I'd be really happy if it were true."

Sirius chuckled, "I knew it, you're in love with her. We'll Harry let me give you a piece of advice. Tell her how you feel, take a chance. Because if you don't then eventually someone else will come along and ask her out and she'll probably accept if she has to wait on you too long.

And you'll be miserable and hate that you missed your chance a true happiness with the girl you love."

Harry thought for a minute and said, "you're right Padfoot, I don't want that to happen. I'll make sure to tell her before the end of our holiday to Italy."

Sirius smiled in affection and said, "good pup, you've got a beautiful, brilliant witch there, don't let her get away. Now you better head to bed, early start tomorrow. Night pup."

Harry gave his godfather a hug goodnight and headed to his room. He already had all his stuff packed for tomorrow so he just changed into his PJs and climbed into bed.

As he started to drift off to sleep he thought about how and when he'd tell his best friend that he loved her and fell asleep with a smile one his face as he thought different ideas for it.

A/N: The summer will definitely take at least two more chapters to cover. I hope your all enjoying the story so far. Thank you to everyone who's followed and favorited it so far, I appreciate you all. Please comment and let me know what you think or have any advice.