The Dark Phoenix

Early Sunday morning, Harry was packed and ready to go. "Hedwig, you can fly on ahead to Hermione's. I know you don't like being in a cage if you don't have to be. I'll see you there." Out the window she went. Now all he had to do was go down for breakfast and then, wait. Breakfast was the usual grapefruit, as was still on a diet. It was all Harry could do to keep from bursting out in laughter when asked if he was sticking to his diet while scribbling on a pad. The look of shock on 's face when he realized that his perfect boy was outright lying to his face was worth the expense for the discerning pen.

Ten minutes to ten a car pulls into the drive, a little nicer than uncle 's. noticed this too as he held back the curtain to look. "Hmm, Mercedes-Benz, Limousine model. Thought of buying one meself." Vernon Dursley tended to judge people by the car they drove.

Though not a good way to judge people, Harry was still glad the Grangers had made a good first impression on uncle . Like a shot Harry was out the door dragging his trunk and carrying Hedwig's empty cage. As Mr. Granger got out of the car and approached. Harry noticed he was tall, slim of build, wore glasses in front of brown eyes and had very curly brown hair tinged with a little gray. It was easy to see that Hermione got her eyes and hair from her dad. Harry stopped, putting his trunk on end, as Mr. Granger held out a hand and a smile to him.

"Harry. There's no mistaking you from Hermione's description. Though I think we've almost met a couple of times in Diagon Alley. Good to meet you properly," as he shook Harry's hand, he briefly glanced at Harry's forehead before looking past him. "And I presume this is your uncle and aunt?"

Harry turned around to see that uncle and aunt Petunia had actually come out the door. Part of the reason he had gone out the door so quickly was that he was afraid the Dursley's might be rude so he was trying to make a quick exit. But they were pleasant enough as even ventured out and stood behind his parents. Hermione stood beside her dad and smiled broadly when Harry saw her and he smiled back just as big. Harry made introductions as Mr. Granger shook hands with and Petunia, and nodded to Dudley, as refused to move out from behind his mom and dad. When Harry introduced Hermione the Dursley's only stared.

Hermione seemed to be prepared for the reaction, "Dad, I'll help Harry put his trunk in the car."

, Petunia and Mr. Granger exchanged, short, but civil pleasantries while was craning a look at Hermione. Hermione opened the back of the car and helped Harry load in his trunk. As they were ready to leave, Hermione motioned Harry to sit in the back seat with her. Pulling out of the drive Harry waved goodbye to his aunt and uncle, they half heartedly waved in return, while was still leaning around from behind, just looking.

"Thanks for picking me up Mr. Granger, hope it wasn't much trouble."

"No trouble at all Harry. And you can call me David" as he drove down the highway.

"So that was your cousin behind your aunt and uncle?" asked Hermione. "Looked as though both of them were not quite enough to hide him. He is just a little on the large size isn't he?" They both snickered.

Harry was looking at her now, lightly dressed for the warm weather and with a rich tan. "Why are you looking at me like that Harry?" she said smiling.

"I was just thinking you look good with a tan."

"You too — and you look sharp — new clothes?" and then she reached out and took his hands. "Harry, what have you done to your hands?" She had concern in her eyes looking him over. "You don't look like you've been eating well either."

"They're a lot better now. I dug up a stump in the back yard. And the Dursley's are still on a diet plan for . Not very appetizing meals. Besides I haven't been very hungry since . . .," Harry let the rest trail off.

Hermione's eyes watered slightly as the urge to embrace him welled up. She wanted so much to help take away the pain her friend must still be feeling. She remembered what Professor Dumbledore had told her and Ron shortly before leaving Hogwarts for the summer.

"I would like you both to know Harry may need a friend, or friends," as he looked to each of them. "Harry has been through a horrific ordeal and is likely taking the death of Cedric rather hard. Be patient. It would be kind of you both, if you were there for him, when he's ready."

Hermione gave Harry's hands a gentle but light squeeze and glanced at the rear view mirror, she took her hands away changing the subject for him. She talked of her summer, Crookshanks, her muggle friends, and that she was disappointed her summer homework was all done, but that she was working on a project of her own.

Ohmygosh! Summer homework. Harry hadn't done any.

The look of panic on Harry's face was not lost on Hermione. "Uh oh, looks like someone is behind again," she teased. "I have an idea. You can delay going to Ron's for a few days and I can help you get your homework done. Dad, could Harry stay with us a few days while I help him get caught up on summer homework?"

"Sure, pumpkin. Harry can stay in the guest room."

'Pumpkin? Must be her dad's pet name for Hermione. Kind of cute', Harry thought. "By the way, how am I getting to Ron's from your house?"

"You'll see," she said grinning.