Sorry for the longer wait! Writers block and all that :(
Anyway I got the idea for the date from something similar on Instagram and then borrowed my friend's reaction to anything like that in books (usually Romance or Fantasy) as it always makes me laugh. While Hermione may be a bit OOC in this chapter that's just how I imagined her on a date (you know, less serious/wanting to have some fun)

lady sesshomaru sama 949 – she really does need a mind healer, doesn't she? After years of being manipulated by her mother to have everything crashing to pieces is really doing a number on her.

happylady – I'm so happy you liked the updates! I'm glad that you feel sorry for Ginny (and the mind healer is definitely a good idea for her) as I thought it was likely that since Molly had encouraged and enabled her 'fan girling' over Harry it would've unfortunately led it to develop into an unhealthy obsession rather than love.

Amory k – while this chapter doesn't have any challenges in it you'll definitely enjoy the next few chapters after! Everything really takes a dramatic turn when Harry and Hermione arrive back at Hogwarts at the end of the chapter!

Guest – That was so sweet! I honestly wish you had an account as I would've reached out to you (I legit almost cried reading this, especially when you said you were proud of me). I'm so happy that my little story has managed to help you, even a little. While I don't know what you're going through I have gone through hard times myself and even if it doesn't feel like it, you can get through it. It will take time, whether weeks, months or possibly years but you just need to keep going as it will get better, I promise you. I will certainly take you're advice to heart (since you've lived far longer than I have I trust you know what you're talking about) and thank you wholeheartedly for that review. It really made my day.

Chapter 14

What was he supposed to wear? He said it was casual, right? Panicked thoughts streamed through Harry's mind as he stared into the mirror. He ran a hand through his hair and his shoulders slumped when the tufts stuck up even worse. After poking and prodding it for a few more minutes while Ron died laughing on the bed behind him Neville, smothering his amusement helped Harry calm his hair a little.

"I'm a disaster," Harry said hopelessly while looking into the mirror. Ron, who by this point had recovered, snorted before agreeing.

"You just realised?" he responded smirking while Dean laughed at the despondent look on Harry's face. Neville, the only one of the three being supportive spoke up before Ron could start speaking again.

"You'll be fine, she'll probably be as nervous as you. Have you got a plan?"

"A plan?"

"For the date, where to take her?"

"Oh. A plan. I mean, yes, yes I have," Harry stammered, still focusing on his appearance. Seamus finally got sick of it and shoved Harry to the door.

"You'll be fine," he said huffing. "She's liked you for ages anyway, I doubt she'll break up with you because you suck at dates."

Harry swallowed nervously and headed down the stairs, hands trembling slightly. Honestly, he had been less nervous going to detentions with Umbridge or even facing Voldemort himself.

"Harry?" Hermione turned to him, looking relieved. He relaxed instantly at seeing her casual getup, thankful he hadn't underdressed.

"Ready?" he asked nervously, stuffing his hands in his pockets before realising he was expected to hold her hand and withdrew one quickly. Hermione rolled her eyes at him as she took it, leaning over to whisper "Breath, I promise I'm not like… I don't know, Bellatrix Lestrange?"

Harry snorted at the random comparison, tension draining out of him at the normal banter between them and judging by the proud smirk on her face that was the result she'd hoped for. This was the first proper date they had ever gone on and he wanted to get this right so for once had done his research. Honestly, he had put more effort into this than the majority of his assignments.

"So, where are we going? Madam Puddifoot's teashop?" Hermione hedged and Harry shook his head, nervously saying "I thought we could go to the Three Broomsticks at about three to skip the queue as most people will have finished lunch there by then. Before that I thought we could have a look around Tomes and Scrolls?"

He knew most people took their girlfriends to Madam Puddifoot's teashop, Ron was going there for lunch with Lavender but after the disaster with Cho and the disgusting décor he couldn't bring himself to scar Hermione for life by taking her there and had instead formulated this plan.

"Really?" Hermione looked at him, eyes gleaming excitedly. "Are you sure? You don't have to go to a bookstore just because that's what I want to do."

"Of course." It was an obvious yes to Harry. Whatever made Hermione happy made him happy. "If you don't think I don't know how to have fun in a bookshop then you're wrong." He smirked at her, his plan of action for the bookshop something he saw a muggle couple do back in the summer and thought she'd enjoy it.

"Awesome! Apparently it's got a lot of fiction books, muggle ones too which is really unusual for the magical world but I rarely get to go there. I bet there'll be some books you like, I've already thought of some I bet you'd like!"

As Hermione rattled on Harry gazed at her, barely taking anything she said in, instead enjoying her talking freely about her favourite books. He knew though they were her favourite past time she rarely ever got to talk about them thanks to Ron, who could never stomach her talking about them for more than a few minutes, unless it was a quidditch book. He was so absorbed in watching her gesture wildly about the current book she was reading he almost walked past Tomes and Scrolls. Tapping her gently, he led her into the bookshop.

Spotting the sign for 'Fiction' he led her over before stopping. "I thought we could play a game here and the winner has to –"

"Read a book of the other's choice!" Hermione replied enthusiastically, and Harry couldn't bring himself to admit that wasn't his idea at all and agreed.

"So I got this from another couple back when I was still with the Dursleys'. What you do is you pick a random book in the Romance section and flick to a random page and you have to read out whatever is going on."

"Whatever? As in – as in –" Harry grinned as Hermione stuttered over her words, face a delicate pink.

"Anything. Including some fun adult things." She laughed as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. "You have to read it in the most dramatic way possible and try and elicit a reaction from the other. The one who listens has to keep a straight face through the whole page, and if you laugh you lose."

"Oh God," Hermione groaned, "There's no way I'll win."

"Don't worry, whichever has the most… interesting things happening in will be the one you read."

Hermione squawked, face fiery as she threatened to curse him if he did so.

"I'll start."

Harry gleefully left the shop, a bag full of books slung over his shoulder, one highly amusing one Hermione would have to read tucked in there to her horror. It had only taken them a few goes to get some smut on one of the pages, Hermione's face looking on the verge of bursting into flames as she stammered the words out, Harry having been incredibly close to cracking from that alone rather than what she was reading.

"I hate you, you know," Hermione muttered, her face still red.

"Oh, my sincere apologies," Harry said dryly. "I'll just go and return these books then."

Hermione whirled around with a squeak, her face contorted with horror. "Blasphemy!" she cried, dramatically pointing at him and they burst into laughter. Grabbing her hand, he tugged her from the windy streets into the warm inn, Madam Rosmerta giving them a warm look and leading them to a private table for two near a corner.

Hermione tugged her woolly hat off, one she had knitted herself and after a year, they now looked like hats. Sirius had thankfully convinced her tricking elves into freeing themselves wasn't the way forward and promised to show her ways of doing so in the Wizengamot.

"Having fun?" Harry asked, grinning but the nerves creeping back inside. What if she hadn't enjoyed that, if she'd just have preferred normal book shopping.

"It was great! The look on your face for some of the books, I didn't know if I was reading to a tomato or a person."

He gaped at her as she let out a peal of laughter. "At least I didn't look like a dollop of ketchup when leaving the store."

She gave him a gently smack on the arm for that, their trade of insults only breaking when Madam Rosmerta dropped off two butterbeers and some food.

Just before they began eating, Hermione suddenly looked shyly at him. "You know, we've been on a date for nearly four hours now and I haven't had a kiss."

Harry grinned, "Really? What a terrible partner you have to deprive you of such a need!"

"I know! I really think he should start making up for it quickly then."

"Don't worry, he will."

Harry raised a hand to her cheek, pulling her in and pressing his lips to hers. It was just a gorgeous as every time they kissed. He honestly didn't think he could ever grow tired of this. Breaking apart, he smirked. "Good enough?"

"Not as exciting as the kissing in some of those books but it'll do I suppose," Hermione teased and he gasped mockingly, a hand on his heart.

"Well that just can't do, can it?"

"Kiss 2.0?"

Harry leaned in again rather than responding, drawing out the kiss far longer this time. Upon breaking apart Hermione's lips were now shiny and slightly swollen, somewhat out of breath.

They both then dug into their food before it grew cold, conversation flowing easily. Hermione brought up the career classes they had last year and her plans to tie her career with politics as she could never do something that contradicted with her policies and values.

Harry agreed and mentioned he'd still like to be an Auror even though Voldemort was gone now and Hermione thankfully was still enthusiastic, something he had been worried about ever since Tonks made an offhand comment about some previous relationships failing due to her being an Auror as they wanted her to do something less dangerous and she refused.

Just as they finished eating an amused voice came from behind them. "Crashing a date am I? How sweet."

Harry huffed as he turned to face his Godfather. He had forgotten that they were meeting him for a politics lesson today.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Hermione blurted out. "I completely forgot!"

"It's absolutely fine, this was a way more fun way to meet up," Sirius replied, the grin on his face only growing wider. Harry groaned as he and Hermione got up to join him, dearly wishing he hadn't forgotten about the meeting. The date would've finished way before he saw this, now he was to be teased forever.

Sirius gave Madam Rosmerta a wink as they passed and he tossed her a few coins for the floo powder as Harry paid for the meal before Sirius could. Flooing to the current residence they could use, Harry's house in Cornwall after Potter Manor was found unlivable and everyone including Sirius vetoed Grimmauld Place. Ron had voted to go to the house in Italy but Hermione vetoed it saying they needed to at least stay in England.

Upon landing in the house, the first thing Hermione uttered was "How did the meeting go with Lord Greengrass and Lord Davies? And have you had a meeting with Lady Bones? And –"

Sirius laughed, holding up with hands. "Hold up, Hermione. Give me a second to think and take a minute a breath."

Hermione blushed as they sat down, papers and books strewn across the table which Harry had yet to decide whether they were for the lesson or Sirius just hadn't bothered to tidy up (a very plausible thought). Catching his eye Sirius grinned, "Some of these are for you guys, extra reading. Fun right?"

While Harry recognised his sarcasm Hermione perked up, genuinely looking thrilled and harry could barely hold back his laughter when Sirius saw her expression. He had lived with her for half a summer, how had he not thought this would be her reaction? Harry thought privately as he bit his lip to stop laughing, shoulders shaking.

"Anyway, to answer your questions Hermione, the meeting with Lord Greengrass and Lord Davies went very well and we will be having another next week to finalise a contract for the alliance between us."

"Does it involve marriage?"

The confused look Sirius shot at Harry when Hermione asked her panicked question caused Harry to grin slightly, explaining to Sirius "Hannah and Susan taught us more about politics, including to importance of arranged marriages so now she's worried –"

"That I'll force you into one," Sirius finished with understanding. Turning to an anxious Hermione he clarified his comment. "The contract has no mention of marriage. Lord Greengrass did bring it up but I told him that no alliance of mine would ever involve a marriage contract for Harry and neither brought it up again, thankfully agreeing to continue even without that."

"Why might they've… not continued?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Right, lesson number one in politics. Marriage is one of the most important things in the magical world. Contracts in alliances almost always contain at least one arranged marriage as offering your children to another family is seen as one of the biggest signs of… trust is suppose? Faith maybe? This is because if your children then marry you have just bound the family's together, creating an almost unbreakable contract between the two houses."

"Is divorce allowed?"

"Kind of. Divorce in the traditional sense isn't, but an annulment is. If you can prove that the marriage happened on false grounds then you can claim an annulment."

"What if one of the partners cheat?"

Sirius face fell at the question. Hermione was going to through a fit at the answer. "Depends on which partner cheated. If the woman cheated she is seen as 'impure' and the man can divorce her. If the man cheats however…"

"He gets away with it," Harry guessed, voice despondent. At Sirius's nod, Hermione immediately fell into an outraged tirade.

"What?! How is that not incredibly sexist? Why is a man cheating always looked up to! Why aren't they deemed 'impure' and – and defiled!"

"Because the wizarding world always saw the woman as weaker than the man in politics. While the muggle world moved forward and became more progressive towards woman the wizarding world worked differently. Witches had some equal rights before muggle woman but anything to do with politics and the houses usually that would just be men as woman weren't thought to be able to go into politics."

At Hermione's snort both Harry and Sirius hummed in agreement with her, Sirius continuing "However you do have some matriarchal houses such as the Bones's and other's like the Abbott's which choose the heir based on the first born rather than gender. Unfortunately the majority like the Blacks are patriarchal."

"So apart from marriages, what do alliance contracts contain?" Harry asked curiously. While he wasn't known for being particularly interested in classes unlike Hermione really all he needed was a good teacher. If he was taught by people like Umbridge or Snape… admittedly he didn't think anyone could learn from them.

"They often contain clauses that mean if one house is in trouble you will go to their aid, whatever the consequences and also just generally contains promises between houses to do with political issues. The contracts usually only last up to five years before you renew them, but has to stand for a minimum of one year."

"Who uses our seats at the moment? Or if you're an orphan from a young age, who sits in your seat? Or does it just remain empty until you turn 15?"

"Your guardian does, becoming your proxy. Usually your guardian is from an allied house which is why contracts that state political beliefs is important so that the guardian doesn't just start spouting random laws that goes against the houses values. Currently I stand as Harry's proxy as even though our houses weren't previously allied I'm his Godfather which trumps that."

"As a muggleborn, how would I choose a proxy?"

"Draw up a contract," Sirius responded with a snort. "That's basically how everything in the wizarding world works. If there isn't a contract barely anything stands."

"So if I asked would you sign a contract promising to be my proxy until you think I've learnt enough to enter the Wizengamot myself?"

Sirius stared at her shocked for a minute before nodding slowly. "If you'd like me to be your proxy I'd be honoured. The contract would just be a short one as you are technically of age and only not entering because of inexperience. This means I'd inform you of current issues and we'd discuss the best form of action, rather than me making decisions in your steed. So basically the contract would just say I have to have input from you before saying anything in the Wizengamot in your name."

Hermione nodded, demanding to sign the contract now. Sirius quickly conjured a document up which they both signed after she read it through. "Will it matter if I'm muggleborn?" she then asked.

"Not for politics itself, just for possible alliances. However since you're the Heir to Ravenclaw you can probably get away with it since you're one of the most powerful houses now. Even more so that you're dating Lord Potter so have connections there and through him, connections to me. Through Harry you also are connected to two of the other founders meaning you will be one of the most powerful politicians in there following Harry and myself due to the amount of votes we hold."

"Votes?"

"All pureblood houses are on the Wizengamot. However, if you are only a pureblood house you only get 1 vote. If a house is pureblood and deemed a noble house they have 3 votes, if an ancient house they have 5 votes and lastly, the most powerful are noble and ancient houses who get 10 votes per seat. You can have more votes if family's that married into yours die out then the head of the bigger house absorbs the seat. For example, if the Weasley's died out as they married into the Black family a few generations back I, as Head of House, would absorb their seat and the Prewett seat, which was a noble house that we absorbed as Molly Weasley, who was a Prewett, married Arthur. The more votes a house holds, the more influential they are and powerful as they can sway all the bills etc. With the war having decimated most families the dark side have taken advantage of that. Neither the Potter family or the Bones family have had a seat as the Wizengamot passed a law saying if the Regent (the proxy) is female they can't vote so Amelia, Susan's regent can't vote for her and I have been in jail, so the seat has remained empty."

Harry nodded, absorbing all the information as quickly as possible while Hermione fired out more and more questions for Sirius to answer who only stopped her when it began to grow dark.

"I promised Minnie I'd have you back for this evening and I've already pushed it enough. Same time next week?"

They both agreed quickly, Sirius pulling Harry into a tight hug and whispered "Remember, if anything happens at school you'll tell me. You're not alone anymore."

Harry nodded, too choked up to answer. He had been writing to Sirius every few days but had worried if it was too much as he was very busy now he had been freed. Breaking apart, Sirius gave Hermione a quick hug before they moved to the floo, yelling "Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall's office!"