Chapter 22: Home

June 24, 2002 – Monday

Gryffindor Tower

After returning to Hogwarts following the battle with Glory, Harry did as he said he would. He and the others in Gryffindor threw Dawn a big Welcome Home party. For Harry's welcome home gift, he gave Dawn the 1000 galleon prize that he had been awarded for first place in the tournament. Because of the missing second cup, the judges had awarded Harry first place and given Cedric second place, against Dumbledore's objections to the contrary, saying Dawn had gotten there first. But the other judges had been adamant that without the second cup and with Harry returning with Cedric's body before Dawn did, that Harry and Cedric should be awarded first and second place respectively.

Dawn looked at the generous gift with a mixture of surprise and gratitude, her eyes glistening with emotion. "You don't have to do that, Harry," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Harry's response was a gentle smile, a twinkle in his eyes. "Technically, you won fair and square, Dawn. The only reason the judges didn't award it to you is because of the missing second cup. But you won, not me. You were there first, and Cedric and I tied for second."

Dawn's heart swelled with appreciation as she looked at her friend. She leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Harry's cheek. "Thank you, Harry," she said, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "Thank you for being there for me."

Harry blushed at the unexpected gesture and smiled, his heart warmed by Dawn's words. "I told you I had you covered," he replied, his voice filled with affection and camaraderie.

Dawn beamed at him, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and friendship. "Yes, you did," she said, feeling a deep sense of warmth and connection with her loyal friend.

July 3, 2002 – Wednesday

The Ledbury, London, England

After the end-of-year feast, Hermione, Buffy, and Dawn boarded the train for their journey back to London, leaving behind the magical world of Hogwarts. Waiting for them at the station were Hermione's adopted parents, the Grangers.

The Grangers took the sisters out to dinner, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As they enjoyed their meal, they began to discuss Hermione's summer plans.

"We've been thinking," Mrs. Granger began, her voice filled with maternal care, "that Hermione should spend a portion of the summer with you and Dawn, Buffy, and then spend a portion with us."

Buffy nodded thoughtfully, considering the proposal. "I think that's a good arrangement. What do you think, 'Mione?"

Hermione's face lit up with a smile, her eyes reflecting her happiness. "I'd like that a lot."

Mr. Granger joined the conversation, his tone thoughtful and caring. "Now, of course, this won't be official, but Helen and I talked, and Buffy, you should consider that you have joint custody with us for Hermione. We would, of course, have offered the same arrangement with Joyce if she were still with us. You are Hermione's biological family, and as the eldest, you should have a say in Hermione's upbringing."

Buffy nodded appreciatively, touched by the Grangers' thoughtful gesture. "That's very thoughtful of you."

"Lastly, we set up a university fund for Hermione when she was a baby. We would like to set one up now for Dawn as well," Mrs. Granger said, her eyes filled with warmth. "We're not hurting for money as we make a good living as dentists. So don't worry about that."

Buffy nodded and looked to Dawn, "It's up to you, Dawnie."

Dawn looked to Hermione, who nodded with a smile, "I accept."

Mr. Granger smiled, his voice filled with kindness. "Good. Now we should discuss Hermione and Dawn's birthday. Since their birthday is in September, we normally have Hermione's in August before Hermione returns to Hogwarts."

Buffy nodded. "That sounds like a good time to do it. And I was thinking of having it here. Most of Hermione and Dawn's friends attend Hogwarts, so they live in England, and I am sure they would want to attend. It would likely be easier for them to attend one here. My friends who would want to attend will either fly out or come through the fireplace."

Mrs. Granger smiled, her eyes reflecting approval. "That sounds like a good idea."

Buffy nodded with enthusiasm, her heart warmed by the thought of making the celebration even more special. "I was actually thinking of maybe making it a double birthday party. You've met Hermione's friend Harry Potter?" she asked as the Grangers nodded. "From what Hermione has told me, his family is not the best in the world, and most of the time, they don't celebrate his birthday. I was thinking that we should invite him to Hermione and Dawn's party and then surprise him with a cake and gifts of his own to celebrate his birthday also."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Mrs. Granger said, her voice filled with kindness. She turned to Hermione. "What do you think, Hermione?"

Hermione's face lit up with a bright smile, her eyes shining. "I think Harry would like that."

Summers Home, Sunnydale, California

Over the course of the next two weeks, Hermione meticulously packed her belongings for her upcoming stay in Sunnydale. It was a bittersweet process, leaving behind the memories of Hogwarts for a while. They then called Dumbledore and requested that he create a portkey for them. The only items they didn't take, much to Hermione's disappointment, were her school supplies, and Buffy and Dawn's Hogwarts-related belongings. It had been decided that it would be more practical to leave them at Hogwarts, sparing the hassle of transporting them back and forth each time they returned to Sunnydale.

Once they arrived in Sunnydale, they stayed for just a few days, working to transform Buffy's old room into a welcoming space for Hermione while moving Buffy into their mother's old room. With the preparations complete, they headed back to England with a week to get everything ready for the double birthday party. (A/N)

Hermione took on the responsibility of writing the invitations and sending them out. She ensured that everyone was informed about the double party and emphasized the need for secrecy, especially with regard to Harry. She wanted the surprise to be perfect.

Then Hermione composed a heartfelt letter to Harry, inviting him to the party. She informed him that Buffy would be coming to pick him up at 10 o'clock on July 31st and urged him to be ready. Harry had initially expressed uncertainty about attending, but Hermione wasn't about to take no for an answer. She rolled her eyes at his response and penned a follow-up letter, letting him know that it was vital for him to come as both she and Dawn would be deeply disappointed if one of their dearest friends didn't show up. Harry, unable to resist their plea, finally agreed to come, his heart warmed by their friendship and persistence.

July 31, 2002 – Wednesday

#4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England

A cab pulled up in front of #4 Privet Drive. "Wait here. We will be returning momentarily," Buffy said as she got out of the cab. She walked up to the front door and lightly knocked.

A moment later, a large and portly man, Buffy could only assume was Harry's uncle, Vernon Dursley, opened the door. "Yes?" he asked, his expression wary.

Buffy smiled warmly, her demeanor exuding confidence. "I'm here for Harry. He was invited to my sisters' birthday party and to spend the rest of the summer with us, assuming you and your wife consent."

Vernon looked at Buffy, a hint of suspicion in his eyes as he considered the proposition. "Very well," he grumbled. He turned and motioned for Buffy to enter. "Boy!"

Harry, who had been upstairs, came down the stairs and saw Buffy waiting for him. "You wanted to see me, Uncle Vernon?" he asked, a mixture of curiosity and anxiety in his voice.

Vernon addressed his nephew with little emotion. "Gather your things. You will be staying the rest of the summer with your friend here."

Harry's eyes sparkled with joy as he quickly ran back upstairs. Moments later, he returned, carrying Hedwig's empty cage and his trunk, his excitement evident.

Buffy effortlessly picked up the trunk with her Slayer strength. A smirk played on her lips as she noticed Vernon's jaw dropping in surprise. "I work out, a lot. You can't tell it by the way I look, can you?" she quipped, her confidence shining.

Vernon, still taken aback by Buffy's strength, could only shake his head in response. Without further ado, Harry and Buffy made their way out to the waiting cab. The driver efficiently assisted them in placing the cage and trunk in the cab's boot. With everything securely stowed, the driver then set off, taking them back to the Grangers' house. (A/N 2)

Granger's House

As they entered the front door of the house, a chorus of voices erupted, all shouting in unison, "Surprise!"

Harry looked around, completely taken aback. "What?" he stammered, his eyes wide with shock.

Buffy beamed with excitement, her voice filled with joy. "It's a double party. Two cakes, and double the presents. One cake and set of presents is for Hermione and Dawn. The other set of presents and the other cake is for you."

Harry's jaw dropped in disbelief. "You're throwing me a birthday party along with Hermione and Dawn?"

Buffy nodded, her eyes shining with affection. "Yep."

Overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness, Harry turned and hugged Buffy tightly. "Thank you," he whispered, gratitude and happiness flooding his heart. The warmth and support of his friends meant more to him than he could express in words.

Buffy observed her sisters and Harry with a contented smile, their laughter and camaraderie filling the day with joy. The three of them appeared to be relishing the moments spent with their loving family and friends. Buffy was immensely pleased that Hermione and Dawn had such wonderful friends in Harry and Ron, despite the ups and downs they had faced. She was confident that their friendships would endure long after the four of them had left Hogwarts.

As the evening settled in, Buffy, along with her friends Hermione, Dawn, and Harry, prepared to return to Sunnydale. They left Harry's trunk at the Grangers' house, just as they had done with Hermione and Dawn's belongings.

Summers Home

"Oh, Buffy," Harry began as they sat in the cozy living room of the Summers' house. "I have a hearing on August 12th for a breach of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery."

Buffy let out a sigh, her brow furrowing in concern. "We'll get you back to England on the 10th. How's that?"

A warm smile spread across Harry's face. "That will be fine," he replied, his gratitude for Buffy's support evident in his expression.

Buffy, her concern evident, leaned in closer to Harry. "Harry, what's the hearing for? Is everything okay?"

Harry hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and determination. "I, um, had to cast the Patronus charm to ward off a pair of Dementors. It's considered underage magic, and they want to investigate."

Buffy's eyes widened with understanding as she realized the gravity of the situation. "Dementors? Harry, that's really serious. Are you going to be in trouble for this?"

Harry nodded, his expression reflecting a mix of worry and guilt. "I might be, but I had to protect myself and my cousin Dudley. I didn't really have a choice."

Buffy placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll do whatever it takes to help you out, Harry. You're not alone in this." Her determination to support her friend was unwavering, and they would face this challenge together.


Author's Note: Originally Dawn and Hermione's birthday was set in July just before Harry's sometime. Then when I started the rewrite I moved their birthday to Hermione's canon birthday in September. That's in part why the birthday party is during the summer.

Author's Note 2: It is thanks to the Youtuber Failrace that I know that what those of us in America call the trunk is referred to as the boot by our British friends.