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pg 732 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, “The rest of the journey started pleasantly enough;”

After Harry played a few games of exploding snap he excused himself and sat down sinking into deep thought about everything that had happened over the course of the year. Harry thought about the tournament, his fight with Ron, and even the Yule Ball. As he looked back he realized how much Hermione had actually done for him, and as usual how much he took her for granted.

Harry broke from his musings as he watched his friends continue to play their game of exploding snap. Ron and Hermione were bickering about something and Harry couldn’t help but wonder how someone as nice as Hermione could fancy Ron. He let out a sigh and glanced out the window as the countryside flew by. He didn’t notice that Hermione took the opportunity to watch him concernedly as she was trying to formulate how to get him out of the Dursley’s house as soon as possible.

Harry turned his attention back to his friends and caught Hermione staring at him in an unusual way. She blushed and turned back to the game which prompted Harry to frown before he asked, “Hermione, can I have a word with you in private?”

The twins and Ron looked at Harry strangely and he also noticed Ron’s ears getting red with a hint of jealousy at the unusual request. Hermione however beamed him a smile and said, “Sure Harry, let me finish this game and then we can talk in an empty compartment.”

Harry nodded and turned his attention back to the window and began to think about steps he could take with Voldemort’s return to make sure his friends didn’t end up like Cedric. Hermione broke him from his musings as she tapped on his shoulder and asked concernedly, “Are you feeling all right Harry?” He reassured her with a smile and stood and followed her out the door to an empty compartment down the hall. Fortunately, Malfoy and his goons had been cleaned out of the hall.

Hermione pulled Harry into an empty compartment and sealed the entrance shut before she asked in a curious tone, “What did you want to talk about Harry?”

Harry sat down and with a soft tone said, “I wanted to thank you for everything this year and to apologize for taking you for granted for far too long.” Hermione made to speak and he silenced her with a smile and said, “I know you’d never ask for that but you deserve it Hermione, you really are quite brilliant and any guy would be very lucky to have you as a girlfriend.”

Hermione blushed and then bit her lower lip for a moment before she asked, “Would you feel lucky to have me as a girlfriend Harry?”

Harry blushed as brightly as Hermione and replied, “I would, but since you like Ron I’m not going to interfere.”

Hermione snorted and asked, “Why does everyone think I fancy Ron?”

Harry was surprised and replied, “Well, I guess everyone sees your bickering as a form of flirting.”

Hermione shook her head and with a smile said, “Ron is my friend, but I could never have a relationship with someone who is as petty and jealous as he was this year with you Harry.” She stared down at her feet and said, “I actually wanted to go with you to the Yule Ball but it took a monumental effort just to get the both of you to realize I’m a girl. What I said to Ron during our fight on the stairs was out of frustration and not a proclamation of my feelings.”

Harry digested the statement and asked, “Why didn’t you ever tell me you liked me like that?”

Hermione looked up at Harry and frowned before she answered, “You were too busy drooling over Cho and I didn’t want to risk our friendship over feelings I wasn’t sure you returned.”

Harry nodded dumbly and then conceded, “I admit that I was bit too preoccupied with Cho to even consider you as a date. But, that is more of a reflection of me being a git than you. You really are quite pretty and I mean that. You were stunning at the Yule Ball but I think you are beautiful like you are right now.”

Hermione blushed and said, “Thank you Harry. Despite what you might think, you are the first person aside from my parents to ever tell me that.”

Harry sighed and ran a hand though his hair and said, “W-would you like to be my girlfriend Hermione?”

Hermione leaned in and kissed him on the cheek before she softly answered, “Only if you promise to write me more this summer.”

Harry smiled crookedly and replied, “I think I can manage that. But, you have to help me when we explain this to Ron.” Hermione took a deep breath and nodded before she stood and took Harry’s hand helping him up off of the bench in the compartment. As Harry opened the door Hermione leaned in and gave him a short kiss on the lips.

After they parted she softly said, “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that. You’re the first boy I ever kissed like that, and I‘m glad I waited.”

Harry arched his eyebrow and asked, “What about Krum? I thought you told me he was more of a 'physical being'.”

Hermione giggled and replied, “He might have kissed me on the cheek a few times, but I said that more to make you jealous than anything else.”

Harry smiled as they exited the compartment and replied, “I think I‘d like to hear the full story some time soon. But now we have to tell Ron about us.” His grin became crooked as his eyes nearly sparkled and he whispered into her ear, “Although, I must admit I'd much rather hear the story than deal with Ron.” Hermione giggled as they walked back down the train corridor to their compartment to break the news to the third member of the trio.

As they entered the compartment they both sighed as Ron’s eyes narrowed upon seeing their linked hands. Ron stood as all of the blood in his body concentrated in his ears and face before he angrily snapped, “Bloody hell Harry, you know I like Hermione. How could you do this to me?”

The twins spotting Ron on the verge of a meltdown excused themselves from the compartment but not before Harry grabbed Fred and said, “After we’re finished talking to Ron, I need to talk to you two about something else.” Fred nodded and shut the door quietly.

Harry’s eyes flared with anger at Ron before he motioned his friend to take a seat as he sat next to Hermione, all the while holding her hand. After a moment to compose his thoughts Harry quietly asked, “Ron when did you ever tell me that you like Hermione that way?”

Ron bit off a retort and rubbed his face tiredly before he replied after a moments thought, “I guess I never actually came out and said it did I?” Harry shook his head; silently pleased Ron had reasoned his way through that before he tried to punch him in the face.

Hermione took the opportunity to continue to talk, “Ron, you are one of my best friends in the entire world; but I don’t fancy you like that. You need to understand that Harry didn’t steal me from you, because I was never yours in the first place. In all honesty, if Harry tried to objectify me like that I would probably hex him until the sun came up. But Harry doesn't treat me like a possession, he treats me like a person.” Harry smiled at Hermione and squeezed her hand gently, which brought forth a radiant smile, which Harry thought, looked quite beautiful on her face.

Ron watched the silent by play between the two and in a resigned voice said, “I guess I thought that because Hermione treated me like I was something special that she might fancy me. It’s just so hard growing up in a big family, and not being able to be known for who you are, but simply what you are.”

Hermione nodded understandingly and said, “We both understand that Ron, but just because you are the youngest boy in a family full of boys it doesn’t mean that people simply see you as anything other than special. In fact, I know a few girls that fancy you quite a bit.”

Ron brightened and asked, “Really?”

Hermione nodded and said, “But I’m not going to tell you who they are. Girls like for guys to pay attention to the signs and then make the first move.” Ron nodded as Harry and Hermione watched amusedly as the wheels turned in his head trying to figure out which girls fancied him.

Harry leaned over to Hermione and gave her a kiss on the edge of her mouth before he whispered into her ear, “I need to talk to Fred and George for a few minutes. I’ll be back then and we can talk a little bit longer.”

Hermione nodded before her eyes grew wide and she said, “Oh Harry, I have to properly introduce you to my parents.” Harry gulped and she added, “Especially now that you’re my boyfriend.” Harry lightened up considerably at the proclamation from Hermione, getting a rush of warmth when the words came out of her mouth.

Harry exited the compartment and found Fred and George sitting with Angelina and Katie in an animated discussion about something he was sure he didn’t want to know. Harry knocked on the door and as it opened Katie and Angelina came out the door. Katie smiled and said, “I hear congratulations are in order Harry.” Harry nodded and she continued, “Actually, I think we should go talk to Hermione and warn her about you beforehand.” Harry frowned and shook his head wondering what Katie meant before he was pulled into the compartment by the reason for his trip.

Harry was still shaking his head at what Katie had said, before Fred asked, “Ok Harrykins, what did you want to talk with us about?”

Harry smiled and pulled out the bag with his winnings from the tri-wizard tournament. Before Fred and George could assert their own version of Weasley pride Harry said, “I want you guys to accept this money to start your shop with. Think of me as a silent partner ok?”

Fred and George shared a look before George nodded and said, “We’ll take the money Harry. But, only if you promise to take a share of the profits and spend it on Hermione and other fun stuff.”

Harry sighed and replied, “That’s fine guys but there is something else I need you guys to promise me. You need to get Ron some new dress robes and promise not to tell him where the money to buy them came from.” Fred and George nodded and Harry smiled before he said, “I plan on joining the pranking ranks next year as a right of my heritage.”

Fred and George looked confused before Harry clarified, “Prongs was my dad and it’s my duty as the son of a marauder to carry on.” Their faces lit up and Harry added, “I’ll be doing most of my pranks without your products, but I might need some of your prototypes to do the pranks.”

Fred chuckled and asked, “But, what if our silent investor turns out to be a prefect?”

Harry sighed and said, “I doubt that happens, but if it does, it won’t stop me from fulfilling my obligations.”

George shook his head and replied, “Well I for one hope that you get the job so that you can help our business by turning your head to some of our pranks and demonstrations.”

Harry opened the door to the compartment and replied, “Only if Hermione isn’t around guys.” They both nodded solemnly as Harry laughed and shut the door.

On the walk back to their compartment Harry began to think about undergoing the process to be a full status Marauder and become an animagus. As Harry walked down the corridor in deep thought he was broken from his musings as he bumped into Angelina and Katie.

The girls shared a smile before Angelina said, “Oh dear, he has fallen hard. He can’t even walk around anymore without that goofy grin on his face.”

Harry put on his most affronted face but it didn’t work with the grin he was sporting from a mixture of being Hermione’s boyfriend and deciding he wanted to follow in his father’s footprints and be an animagus. He finally sighed and said, “Are you girls done harassing Hermione now?”

Katie chuckled as they maneuvered around him in the corridor and said, “Yes I think we’ve corrupted her enough for now.”

Harry shook his head and entered the compartment to find Hermione looking rather smug as Ron was busy reading a book on the Cannons. Harry took a seat next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist before he asked, “What has you looking so smug Hermione?”

Hermione smiled sweetly at Harry and said, “Oh it’s just something Katie and Angelina were telling me Harry. It was nothing for you to worry about my lovely boyfriend.”

Harry gave her a skeptical look before he leaned over and whispered into her ear, “I’ll take your word for it for now dear. But, in time I would expect you would tell me things because I plan on sharing things with you I’ve never told anyone before.” Hermione nodded and shivered slightly from Harry’s breath on her neck. Harry smiled fondly and added, “Can you buy me a book on how to become an animagus?”

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment and glanced at Ron before comprehension dawned on her face and she smiled before she whispered into Harry’s ear, “I’ll send you the book I own on the process, but only if you agree to allow me to do it with you.” Harry nodded and she added, “I’ll work on making the potion for the both of us and when I see you we can both take it and then find our forms.”

Harry pulled back and gave Hermione a quick peck on the lips. The rest of the trip went by quickly, as Harry and Hermione were simply content to set together and enjoy the closeness of the other.

About fifteen minutes before they reached the station Hermione said, “Harry, why don’t you change into your nicest set of clothes so that you can make a good impression on my parents.”

Harry sighed and said, “These are my nicest set of muggle clothes Hermione. Haven’t you ever wondered why I never wore something better than Dudley’s cast-offs?”

Hermione’s eyes widened and she asked, “You mean you’ve never actually had clothes that fit and I’ve never noticed?” Harry nodded and Hermione whimpered before she buried her head into Harry’s shoulder and cried for a couple of minutes.

Hermione finally pulled away from Harry’s shoulder and had a determined look on her face before she flicked her wand and Harry’s clothes instantly became much more stylish and actually fit him well.

Hermione simply said, “I’ll talk to my parents about getting you some proper clothes.” With another flick of her wand some measurements floated in the air around Harry. Hermione answered his unasked question as she pulled a piece of parchment from her pocket and wrote the figures down with a quill, “I saw Madam Malkin doing it this year when I got my gown for the Yule Ball.”

Harry finally gathered his wits enough to speak and quietly said, “You really don’t have to get me anything.”

Hermione sniffed and replied, “If you have clothes that fit properly, I imagine I’ll be enjoying them as much as you.” Harry blushed and she softly added, “Harry, this is what people who love you do.”

Harry simply smiled and pulled Hermione into a hug before he whispered into her ear, “Thank you.”

The train pulled into King’s Cross and the three friends exited the train and dragged their trunks and familiars with them.

They reached the main platform beyond the Hogwarts express and Hermione grabbed Harry’s hand and somehow still managed to drag her trunk and Crookshank’s carrier as well. They said their goodbyes to Ron and as they turned they both noticed Molly's scowl at their linked hands and Ginny's crestfallen expression on her face. They shared a brief look indicating they would have a discussion on how to deal with the new development as soon as possible.

They approached her parents and Hermione’s mother’s eyes lit up at their linked hands while her father’s eyes widened slightly in surprise although he was smiling.

Hermione released Harry’s hand and her cargo and jumped into her father’s arms as she squealed, “Oh mom and dad I’ve missed you so much this year.”

Hermione’s mother smiled and said, “Hermione dear, aren’t you going to introduce us to your friend here although based on his appearance, I can only think of one person it could actually be.”

Hermione blushed as her father released her and she walked back to Harry took his hand and said, “Mum, dad this is Harry my best friend I've mentioned in my letters. He just asked me to be his girlfriend on the trip here, and I said yes.”

Hermione’s mother looked quite pleased and said, “Harry, my name is Maureen Granger and this is my husband David. We are both very pleased to meet you and to hear the good news.”

Harry smiled and replied, “Thank you Mrs. Granger that means a lot to me. Hermione is really a special person and I feel rather lucky to be her friend, let alone boyfriend.”

David Granger appeared to soften considerably and offered his hand before he said, “I think we can both agree about that Harry.” Harry reached out and shook his hand firmly which brought a smile to Mr. Granger's face before he said, “I echo my wife’s sentiments and say I am pleased to hear my daughter has chosen so well with her boyfriend. With everything we’ve heard about you in her letters, I am happy to see she wasn’t exaggerating.”

Harry and Hermione blushed and Maureen Granger took pity on the two teens and asked, “Did you both have a good year?”

Harry’s face clouded with pain at the question and Maureen look startled at the response before Hermione simply said, “Mum, Dad, Harry’s had a rough year and I think I can better explain it when we get home ok?” They both nodded before she turned to Harry and said, “I promise I’ll have you out of the Dursley’s before your birthday Harry, even if you have to stay with me and my parents.”

Harry smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the lips not comfortable doing any more in front of her parents before he glanced down the station and spotted Vernon waiting for him with a rather murderous expression on his face. Harry sighed upon seeing this and said, “It appears as though my handler is growing impatient love.” Hermione’s face brightened at the term of endearment before he continued, “I’ll be writing you soon and I expect a letter in return.”

Hermione nodded before Maureen Granger stepped in and handed Harry a large phone. She simply said, “Harry, take this cellular phone. Normally we have it for emergency calls for our practice. But, this way you and Hermione can actually talk every day instead of trading letters. I think this way it will be put to a better use.”

Hermione looked gratefully at her mother while Harry slid the phone into his pocket, careful to make sure Vernon hadn’t seen anything. With one last kiss on the lips Harry and Hermione parted and he dragged his trunk and Hedwig towards Vernon and another summer with the Dursleys.

Although every time before in the past he loathed the thought of spending time with the Dursleys, today he couldn’t help but feel somehow lighter knowing he had Hermione firmly at his side. For the first time in his life Harry truly had the hope of a better life.

A/N: Please review and tell me what you thought of my little one shot. It will eventually become a series.