Chapter 65: Reise, Reise

Harry stood in front of the wall, amazed at what he was seeing. He stood at the base of one of the remnants of the Berlin wall. He was standing on the side that used to face East Berlin, its grey façade a cold reminder of history not long past. He could still see bullet holes in the wall. Behind him a guard tower stood. Hermione stood next to him, her eyes sad.

"You know," Richard stood next to Harry as he ran his hand down the wall. "Most people come to Germany and do more touristy things. I didn't expect you two to want to come here and see this."

"It's not every day you get to see a monument of division," Harry said. "It's a good to be reminded of that."

"Personally I just find history to be fascinating," Hermione said. "A way of remembering the past to apply lessons to the future."

"Yup," Helen said. "You're still our Hermione. When you left for Hogwarts, we thought it would change you but you're still the same as you've always been."

Harry chuckled and added his comment.

"Please," he said. "The force that is Hermione Granger is immutable, bending everything else to her will."

A few days later, the group found themselves at another unfortunate historical monument. The Grangers never even questioned the kids wanting to tour Auschwitz, they just booked the trip to Poland to visit.

"So tragic," Sirius said. "All this death; this pain and destruction. All for what?"

"It's so sad," Hermione's eyes drank in every detail.

"And can never be allowed to happen again," Harry said. "Magical world or muggle."

"Agreed," Richard and Sirius said at the same time.

At the camp, they found a memorial only Harry, Hermione and Sirius could see, dedicated to Gertrude Hochenhalter, a German witch who hid and relocated hundreds of jews out of Nazi-occupied territory. She nearly broke the Statue of Secrecy to do it but she viewed the risk worthwhile in the cause of saving lives.

"In a world of Grindelwald's," the inscription read. "Be a Gertrude."

As the vacation moved south, the group started to enjoy more touristy things. They visited a monastery that was one of the first to brew beer, its recipe a secret to this day. After seeing the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel, Harry and Hermione separated from the adults for a quiet date.

They stopped at a café for a meal where they sat at a small, round table which allowed them the opportunity to hold hands and enjoy one another's company. Hermione ordered schnitzel with spaetzle. Harry decided he couldn't do better so he ordered the same.

"Are you having a good time?" Harry asked, stroking her hand as he got lost in her eyes as he had so many times before.

"Yes," she batted her eyelashes and leaned in for a kiss. "It is nice to be away from Britain for a while. You're not recognized or if you are people nod and move along. There isn't anyone wanting us dead."

"Does it bother you?" Harry asked. "My fame? Do you feel like you're brushed aside by it? Is it hard for you do deal with?"

"I thought asking multiple questions was my thing," Hermione smirked. "I'll be honest: it's not easy to deal with at times. People look past me to get to you, to talk with you but overall? It is worth it; you are worth it."

"If it ever feels like too much," Harry said. "Please let me know. You're the most important thing in my life. If I lost my magic but still had you, I would consider that a win."

"And that is why I love you," Hermione punctuated her remark with another kiss. "Why it is all worthwhile."

"Just remember that no matter what anyone says, what anyone does. Whatever rumors are created, it is you I want by my side, Hermione."

Across town, Sirius was sitting down to lunch with the Grangers.

"Thank you again for taking Harry in," Sirius said.

"He has been a joy," Helen said. "When he visited that first Christmas, my heart went out to him. He was too thin, wearing rags three times too big and you could see his spirit was damaged, beaten down. It has been our joy to have him as a part of the family."

"You did the same for him as James did for me," Sirius said. "I was never starved nor beaten but the verbal and emotional attacks took a toll on me. Eventually, I just couldn't take it anymore. When I was at my lowest, James, Charlus and Dorea were there for me, just as you have been for Harry."

"And just like you, Harry has been wonderful for the family," Richard said. "He's been so much like the son we always wanted but were never able to have."

After Harry and Hermione finished their streusel, they poked around a few of the shops. They were about to walk away from a shop, Harry held Hermione back and pointed at a necklace in the window. Entering the shop, they asked the shopkeeper what it was.

"This is a heart necklace," she pulled the pendant off the stand in which it was standing. "Meant to be worn with a Dirndl. Do you like it?"

Hermione held the necklace in her hand. It was a heart-shaped pendant with an emerald in the middle. The heart was made up of two Otters holding hands.

"She'll take it," Harry said. Hermione was about to pay when Harry threw down money to buy it instead. When she started to protest, Harry just grinned at her. "Happy Anniversary."

"Oh that's how it's going to be?" Hermione cocked her eyebrow. Harry smiled in victory until Hermione pointed to the case. "I'll take these."

The shopkeeper pulled a set of silver cufflinks each in the shape of an antler.

"What are the odds?" Harry said. "That we would find something in the same shop to match us so perfectly."

"About the same as a little girl seeing a small boy in need of help in a busy train station," Hermione said. "Then walking up to him and becoming his best friend and subsequently falling in love with him?"

"You're right; let's not do the math," Harry said.

"Such a cute couple," the shopkeeper smiled as they had forgotten she was even there. She wrapped up Harry's cufflinks and let Harry put the necklace onto Hermione. "If you would like, there is a clothing shop three doors down that sells Dirndls to properly show off that necklace."

"Thank you," Hermione said as Harry finished tying the necklace around Hermione.

Taking her advice, they visited the store and found an elegant Dirndl that had a red bodice with gold embroidery on the skirt. Hermione was taken to a room to try it on. Harry sat on a chair, idly wondering what was taking so long. When Hermione came out Harry stood up but left his jaw on the floor. With a white shirt underneath, the Dirndl gave Hermione an enticing amount of cleavage upon which her necklace sat while the skirt kept her legs visible. She even had some shoes to match.

"I don't have to ask if you like it," Hermione said, noticing where his eyes were drawn.

"Well it is a very pretty necklace," Harry retorted. Hermione crinkled her nose in laughter and paid for the clothes and shoes. Dobby quietly popped in and took her original clothes back to the hotel.

"Maybe we need to get you some lederhosen," Hermione said. "To match."

"I don't think I have the legs to pull it off," Harry said. "Maybe we should get some for Neville."

"Only if you get one for yourself," Hermione joked but her eyes were drawn to a khaki jacket and pants combination on display. "Actually, I think this would suit you."

Harry thought she was joking until she moved him next to the ensemble.

"Add a white shirt underneath and, ooh yes," Light was dancing in Hermione's eyes. "Go try this on."

"Really?" Harry cocked a skeptical eye.

"Indulge me, please," Hermione begged with her doe eyes.

"All that cleavage and your eyes are still the most irresistible feature," Harry grumbled as he pulled the ensemble into a changing room. Indulging her was the best thing he could do as he admired the fit of the pants and the way the jacket fit perfectly. With the white shirt underneath, he thought he looked a little like Indiana Jones without the hat. With one last look in the mirror, Harry stepped out of the dressing room.

"Oh yes," Hermione beamed and looked around for the final feature. She picked up a fedora hat that was lighter than the Indiana Jones one but not as light as the jacket. With the hat on, it tied the outfit together and made Harry look older than the 13 he was. "This is perfect."

"She has a good eye," the male shopkeeper said. "Your girl has an excellent sense of fashion."

Once they paid for Harry's clothes, they exited the store back onto the street. when a noise caught their attention. Looking to their right, they saw a teenage boy running full speed down the street.

"Hide me," his desperate eyes sought theirs. Harry saw a crowd coming down the street after him, most of them women. Harry opened the door to the shop and then pushed it closed, bringing Hermione in for a kiss once it was closed. The group moved past, ignoring the kissing couple.

"Mmm," Hermione cooed. "You're damn sexy right now, do you know that?"

"I could say the same about you," Harry leaned in for another kiss.

"Where did he go?" One of the women said.

"He can't have gone far," another added. "C'mon. we'll find him. I absolutely have to get his autograph! he's so dreamy!"

The group continued down the street, turned right and moved out of sight. Harry split apart from Hermione and opened the door.

"You can come out now," Harry said.

"Blagodarya," the boy said. He had a large nose and thick eyebrows beneath his close-cropped hair. "Thank you."

The boy looked down the street and huffed out an annoyed sigh.

"I just vanted one day to myself," the boy said. "I am supposed to meet my family for dinner but I can't if I am avoiding these fangirls. Even though I am only here for a weekend, I can't get avay."

Harry understood a little of the feeling though he had no idea why that group would chase a boy. The boy seemed astonished at their lack of reaction and extended his hand.

"Sorry for not introducing myself," the boy said. "Krum. Viktor Krum."

"Hermione Granger," Hermione shook his hand. "And this is my boyfriend Harry."

"Harry Potter," Harry held out his hand.

"I haff heard of you," Krum's eyes widened in realization. Harry sighed, getting ready to remove his hat to show off his scar. "Vord has reached the leagues of this fearless seeker playing for the Hogvarts Gryffindor team named Harry Potter. You've got half the seekers in the leagues vorried that you'll turn pro and take their spots. Don't be shocked if the scouts start approaching you with offers to sign."

"You're magical?" Hermione asked, aghast.

"You really do not know me?" Krum was both impressed and astonished. "This is new experience. I have had to deal with fans and press since I vas 13. At 15 I got accepted my first offer. I von my first game vith Dynamo Moscow and here ve are."

"Sorry," Harry said. "We both grew up in the non-magical world. Never even seen a professional match, though I think I've heard my dormmates extol your skills."

That was true, Ron and Seamus would go on and on about Quidditch for hours at a time. Ron in particular was fond of the Seeker for Dynamo, even though his focus was primarily on the British Premier Quidditch League, even though his beloved Canons was toiling down in the English Quidditch League after being relegated years ago.

"I am glad. It is nice for someone to know me as Viktor and not as Viktor Krum, 17-year-old seeker extraordinaire from Bulgaria," Krum gestured wildly and then collapsed inwardly. "They only see me as vhat I can do on a broomstick and not who I am."

Krum huffed and hunched his shoulders.

"Look at me," Krum said. "Just met you and I'm saying all the shit that I usually don't even acknowledge."

"I know someone who can understand," Hermione said with a glance at Harry. "I can't imagine what it's like, having people think they know you before you ever meet them."

"It's only going to get vorse," Krum said his entire body folding in on one another. "After the vorld cup, it'll be impossible to make friendships and vonder vhat their angle is, to say nothing of relationships."

"Just cherish those who are honest and true," Hermione consoled the older boy. "It's not any easier for them, being friends with a famous person."

"You are wise, Hermy-own," Hermione grimaced at the butchering of her name. "Thank you for the kind vords. Be good to her, Harry. Scouts- and the media- sometimes will do anything to get your attention. Don't let them do anything to drive the two of you apart."

"I will, thank you," Harry said. "Scouts are really talking about me?"

Harry asked. Harry knew scouts came to their last game but he figured they came to watch Oliver, not him.

"Da," Krum smiled. "Our team's scout vas one of the few to not flinch vhen you charged their section to catch the Snitch. He couldn't stop talking about for veeks. You really impressed them."

"Yeah and terrified me," Hermione said under her breath, making Krum chortle.

Krum leaned in and spoke to Harry.

"My advice: take your time and let everyone make their pitch. Let them come to you and don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

"Thank you, Krum-"

"-Viktor," Krum said.

"Viktor," Harry said. "I never even thought of going pro, at least not in Quidditch. I will keep that in mind, thank you."

"I must admit I am jealous," Krum said. "You have all the skills in Quidditch and you get to kiss the most beautiful girl."

Hermione blushed at his compliment at thanked him. Krum took the opportunity to speak again.

"Forgive me," Hermione said. "But you sound pretty German for a Bulgarian."

"I vas born in Bulgaria," Krum answered. "But vas raised in Germany vhen I showed an aptitude in Quidditch. It vas better for me to learn the game here."

"Vhy don't you come to the match tomorrow?" Krum changed the subject. "My treat. It vouldn't be the vorst idea to see a professional match, even if it is just a friendly vith Bayern."

"That would be great," Harry said. "Just call for Dobby. He'll take care of everything once you have it all set up."

"Da," Viktor then pulled a hat off the rack, pulled on some sunglasses and walked out of the shop after paying, careful to avoid any crowds.

After they parted ways with Krum, Harry and Hermione regrouped with the adults.

"Where did you get that?" Helen asked. Initially off-put by the cleavage her daughter was displaying, she changed her opinion when she saw the craftsmanship of the outfit and immediately wanted one for herself.

"There's a shop back that way," Hermione pointed back down the street. "I was told it would match my necklace."

"That's so pretty," Helen grabbed the necklace to admire it. "Such a perfect fit for you in so many ways."

"It's my anniversary gift from Harry," Hermione beamed. "I didn't even realize it had been a year."

"Time flies when you're worried about Dementors and werewolves," Harry said.

"Good eye, Harry. It's a perfect necklace," Richard said. "I like the outfit, Harry."

"Hermione picked it out," Harry said. "She thought it would look good on me. She was right."

"Good call," Sirius said. "Always trust a woman's taste in fashion."

"Noted," Harry said.

"Can you show me this shop?" Helen asked Hermione. "I have to get one of these- what did you call them?"

"Dirndl," Hermione said. "Come on, it's just this way."

Hermione pulled her mom down the street, allowing the men to walk at a sedate pace. As they were walking, Harry told them about meeting Krum and the tickets he was going to provide them with.

That night, Harry, Sirius and the Grangers got to witness their first professional game from a private box. In particular, Harry took to watching Krum and the Bayern seeker Müller weave in and out of one another. They were quick to insert themselves into the Chaser formation to disrupt plays but never hung around long enough to be kept from their job of searching for the Snitch. Harry almost wished he had a notebook for everything he was seeing. As much as he was challenged by Diggory, these two Seekers were on another level, to say nothing of the intricate Chaser formations. The Quaffle was rarely held for more than a second. With everyone flying Firebolts, the time to make a decision was rapidly shortened.

"This is fantastic," Richard was on the edge of his seat. "It's like footy, basketball and hockey all rolled into one. I wish I could play."

"Am I usually this crazy?" Harry asked Hermione.

"No," Hermione bumped him with her shoulder. "You're crazier. They look perfectly normal while you're barrel rolling and corkscrewing through the supports of the damn stadium. This looks positively tame."

"She's right," Helen said with Sirius nodding next to her. "I've seen the pictures."

Harry blushed in embarrassment and turned back toward the game. Hermione just laughed and snaked her arms around to hug his arm. Now Harry was blushing for an entirely different reason; that reason, or reasons, depending on how you looked at it, currently pressed into him.

"James was the same way," Sirius said. "He was a menace with the Quaffle. Nobody could guess what he was going to do next."

"Well, I guess that…" Harry broke off whatever he was going to say as he leaned forward. Before anyone else could ask what he was doing, Krum began his dive.

"He's seen the Snitch, hasn't he?" Hermione asked the rhetorical question.

"Yes but he isn't diving for it," Harry said. "Snitch is closer to Müller. He's trying to bait Müller into following him."

As he finished speaking, the Bayern seeker dove in pursuit of Krum. Once Müller was at Krum's heels, Krum pulled a perfect U-turn and sped toward the other end of the field. Before Müller knew what was happening, Krum was circling the stadium with the Snitch nestled in his fist.

"You saw the Snitch before Krum did," Hermione's mouth was agape. "A professional Seeker, maybe the best around, and you saw it first."

"It's easier when you're watching from the stands," Harry said. "No adrenalin, no crowd nor the opposing team."

"Would you just shut up and take a compliment," Hermione cuffed him upside the head.

"Thank you," Harry said as he rubbed his head.

After the match, Krum visited them in the box.

"Thank you for the opportunity," Harry shook his hand. "It was truly a spectacle. I didn't know the game could be played so fast."

"It vas my pleasure," Krum smiled. "I vill see you shortly, I am sure."

"At least we'll see you," Harry said. "We'll be at the World Cup. I'm sure after watching you, Bulgaria will be there."

"That's not vhat," Krum started to say but was pulled away before he could finish.

"Well that was something," Sirius said as he brought Harry into a side-armed hug. "Glad I could take you to your first professional match. Tomorrow is our last day here and I know just what to do."

The next night, Sirius led the group to the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. Hermione was once again in her Dirndl with Harry in his bought outfit. Helen decided to wear one as well. Instead of red, she got a forest green one. Sirius and Richard were both in suits with the collar open.

"Welcome to one of the best experiences you can ever have," Sirius beamed. "Good food, great drink, and entertainment? Spectacular."

Sirius's eyes drifted as one of the girls walked by carrying two full steins of golden liquid.

"Eyes up, Black," Hermione chided. "Wouldn't want you to stumble into a situation you're not prepared to deal with the consequences, would we?"

"Of course not," Sirius said offhandedly, his eyes not leaving the retreating form of the woman.

"Let's get seats before you get us kicked out," Helen and Hermione each took an arm and found an open spot at one of the banquet tables.

As they sat, one of the ladies who introduced herself as Madeline came to grab their order.

"And how old is everyone?" Madeline asked with a serious look at Harry and Hermione. She spoke nearly perfect English with only a slight accent.

"14," Sirius put a hand on Harry's arm and answered for them all. "They're both 14."

"And are you their guardian?" Madeline asked Sirius.

"We are," Helen said. "And yes they can have a couple sips from ours."

Helen finished with a serious look that held every warning possible to Sirius and the kids.

"Three beers and five dinners coming right up," Madeline sauntered away, swinging her hips with every step. Once she got a ways away, she turned, smiled at Sirius and gave a wink.

"He's going to get himself into trouble," Hermione leaned into Harry.

"How many drinks do you think he gets?" Harry chuckled.

"Three?" Hermione wagered.

"Four," Harry countered.

"Five," Helen and Richard said in stereo.

As the four laughed at the man who was acting more like his animagus form, Madeline slammed down three steins, the table groaning under the sudden weight.

"First time here?" Madeline asked the group. Everyone but Sirius nodded. "Well, then let me teach you the proper way to drink with another.

"Raise your stein, say 'Prost!' and clink hard with the other person. After that, take a deep drink. Don't worry about doing it too hard, the steins can take it. The point of this goes back centuries when it was common to poison someone's drink. When you cheer this way, it is inevitable that you will get some of the person's drink to splash into yours. Therefore, if it is poisoned, the person will be drinking their own poison."

"Fascinating," Hermione was enthralled by the history lesson she was receiving.

"Now you know how to drink in Germany," Madeline said. "The band will be starting in just a few minutes and your food will be out shortly thereafter. Don't worry about knowing the songs; just try to sing along as much as you can!"

The group of five did as told, they clinked their glasses together hard.

"Prost!" They all cheered and drank. Sirius, Helen and Richard all drank deeply. Richard and Helen let Harry and Hermione sip from their respective glasses. They both took a small sip and gagged.

"Ugh!" Harry pulled the mug sharply away from his mouth while Hermione was more graceful.

"That's so bitter!" Hermione held her hand up to her mouth.

"It's an acquired taste," Sirius said after lowering his drink with half the liquid gone.

"There's a way to drink it that helps," Richard said. "Flatten your tongue and take a long sip. Let the liquid wash over your tongue before swallowing. This allows you to absorb and appreciate the full flavor."

Harry did as Richard said and the flavor changed. It was still bitter but he could taste the hops and appreciate the smooth finish to the beer. Harry considered the flavor for a moment and decided it wasn't terrible. Hermione watched Harry take his next sip before taking hers. For her, it was better but still not her favorite.

"Definitely isn't pumpkin juice," she said. "But it's not awful."

"I think I prefer wine, myself," Helen said. "But I can appreciate a good drink when I have the opportunity."

As Hermione took another sip, the band took the stage.

"Guten Abend," a man in with a white beard wearing lederhosen stood on stage in front of the band. "Wir sind die Musiker des Münichenes. Eins, zwei, drei!"

(Good evening. We are the Musicians of Munich, 1, 2, 3)

In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus

Eins, zwei, g'suffa

Da läuft so manches Fässchen aus

Eins, zwei, g'suffa

Da hat schon mancher brave Mann

Eins, zwei, g'suffa

Gezeigt, was er so vertragen kann

Schon früh am Morgen fing er an

Und spät am Abend kam er nach Haus'

So schön ist's im Hofbräuhaus

Song after song played, varying klezmer as the groups clapped and sang along. Sirius tried his best but usually just ended up making up his own lyrics.

(To the tune of Rosamund or Beer Barrel Polka)

"Roll out the beer now," Sirius sloshed his beer as he danced to the music. "We really want to drink it now. Roll out the beer, we're sober and that totally stinks."

On through the night, the band played, the group danced and by the final song, everyone forgot about the world outside of the haus.

"Danke schon," the leader said. "Das ist unser letztes lied. Gut wunsche und kommts bald wieder an.

(Thank you. This is our last song. We wish you well and come again soon)

"Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Gemütlichkeit

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Gemütlichkeit

Eins, zwei, drei, suffa!"

At the last refrain, everyone in the hall finished their beers. For Sirius, who still had half of his fifth beer to go, this was a tall task but at last, he finished and slammed the tankard on the table.

"Well done," Madeline said with an impressed look on her face. "Thank you for coming in and being with us today. Be sure to take care of him, yes?"

Helen nodded and grabbed Sirius' arm to lift him up.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Sirius slurred. He shook Helen off and tried to stand on his own. When he stumbled, Richard was there to catch him.

"Alright let's get you to the hotel," Harry took his other arm and they walked him out of the building.

"Thanks," Sirius stumbled through. "You know you look so much like James, Harry. But not those eyes. Oh how I'm glad you have her eyes and so much more. She was the real heart of the house. Everyone- in the house at least- loooved her.

"James was my brother, yes but Lily she became our conscience. In the days when the war came closer to the school, she stood for the innocent, fought against bigotry and became a symbol to all of us. Oh, how we loved her."

Harry was half-amused, half-awed by Sirius' ramblings. Neville's gran gave him stories of Alice and Lily but Harry had very few stories of Lily in school. Even as he stumbled along the street and his words, he never stopped talking.

"You're really the best of them," Sirius said again. Harry had lost count of how many times he was told this. They got him to the hotel and into the elevator.

"And you've got this girl," Hermione yelped as Sirius leaned heavily onto her. "Helen, Richard. You've raised a wonderful daughter."

"Thank you, Sirius," Helen cajoled him and pulled him off her daughter before Hermione collapsed. "Let's get you some water and into bed."

"I love you guys," Sirius said as he was tucked in.

"Good night, Padfoot," Harry said. "Sleep well."

With Sirius taken care of, they adjourned to the main room, and Hermione cuddled into Harry.

"Alright," Richard stretched and yawned. "I think I'm going to head to bed."

"I will as well," Helen added with a serious look at Richard. "Don't stay up too late you two. We have a relatively early flight tomorrow."

Hermione cuddled into Harry's chest.

"Did you have a good vacation?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Hermione said. "But nothing quite beats the last one."

"Well we can't have a near-kiss while overlooking France every year," Harry said. "But if we can find an outfit like that every year, it'll be well worth it."

"Maybe you'd like to see how you take it off," Hermione said with a saucy look. Harry swallowed hard and nodded. Hermione giggled and pulled him off the sofa to her room where Dobby locked and silenced the room.

A short while later, a smiling Harry slipped out of her room and into his own, not quite ready for vacation to end.

(A/N: Thank you to Proganthony for helping to turn this chapter into its final form with a few scenes that were missing. BTW the song is a Rammstein song. Reise means travel in German so it just fit.

The discussion on how to properly cheers with another is something I was told on a brewery tour. The founders toured Bavaria to learn how to properly brew and that was a story they learned and imparted on everyone on the tour.

In my research of the Berlin wall. In 94, some of the guard towers were still up so I hope it is all mostly historically accurate. I used a trip to Budapest to describe some of the damage and history etched in the walls. Also in my research, the drinking age in Germany is 14 with the permission of a guardian. It was fun to revisit some memories of visiting the Hofbrauhaus for this chapter. It was also fun to dust off my German skills, even if it was for two sentences.

If you felt that scene at the end ended abruptly, I apologize. I have tried to write steamier scenes and they just don't work. Maybe I'm tougher on myself but they just sound ridiculous whenever I write them out.

Thank you to all the comments, especially with suggestions on how I can keep improving. The next three chapters are coming along so hopefully I will be able to get back on a semi-regular posting schedule.)