Chapter 17: The Proposal
Hermione woke up early; there was so much work to do, but she couldn't help but think about the five years she had spent trying to help Harry become confident in his abilities. He had come a long ways from that first year. He had been muttering in his sleep tonight; about being locked in that damned cupboard under the stairs. Damn those Dursley's to hell; I wish I could just wipe out all those years of abuse they heaped upon him. I will, drive every moment they made him suffer from his mind; I will prove to him that he is not worthless.
She lay in bed watching Harry sleep. What a wonderful night last night had been; she thrilled at the thought of just living like this with Harry forever. No Voldemort, no school, and no one else to intrude into their perfect world. I have found paradise; I wonder how powerful my Petronius is now, with these happy thoughts Dementor's don't stand a chance.
She had read before that while a man sleeps he often becomes erect; Harry certainly had proven that author correct. He was making the sheets stand up like a tent right now; I wonder what he is dreaming about? Hmmm now there's a thought. I think I will intrude into his dream world later though. "Time to wake up Harry, I'm getting hungry and you're the first course" she whispered.
She got up and leaned over him, her hair cascading down around them both, she brushed one of her nipples over his lips. He licked his lips teasing her nipple with his tongue. She could feel the wetness between her legs that told her she was ready for him so she mounted him and slowly took him inside her. As he woke fully she pressed her nipple into his mouth, he latched on greedily. "Good morning my Love time to wake up" she teased as she started to move up and down his shaft.
He reached up and grabbed both of her breasts, squeezing them both and using them as handles to keep her from pulling out of his mouth. She started moving faster on top of him and he bucked like a wild animal. She had noticed his love making had become more primitive and less tender the more confident he became. She found this thrilling; she had unleashed a wild animal inside him and yet she could tame it.
His tongue was all over her nipple; teasing everywhere while his mouth sucked greedily; she had never imagined that her nipples could provide such pleasure. He suddenly switched to her other nipple and she looked at the one he had just released, it was standing out begging for more attention. Seemingly reading her thoughts he slid his hand to her nipple and pinched it between his thumb and forefinger, he squeezed and twisted it gently.
She tried to slow her pace a little; she could feel him coming close to his climax. He fought her though; bucking upwards into her harder and faster. She gave into his pace and she felt herself reaching her own peak. He suddenly released her breasts and grabbed her hips he started pressing her down onto him at the same time he thrust up into her hard. His mouth still clung greedily to her nipple and she felt him teasing it mercilessly. Then she came her contractions squeezing around him tighter. He exploded inside her, she continued moving until he released her nipple and tried to hold her still for a minute. He had at last been overwhelmed by the pleasure she was giving him; she had tamed the beast again.
She collapsed onto him; and cradled his head in her hands and brought her mouth to his for a long deep kiss. When she finally pulled back to look at him he certainly looked like she had raised his confidence another notch.
Harry opened his eyes to look into hers; chocolate brown met emerald green and that familiar link was renewed. He could almost feel her thoughts; he certainly knew how she was feeling and what she wanted next. "Good morning beautiful. I wish we could just stay here forever but the world won't let us will it?"
Hermione lay with her legs folded up on either side of him her chest pressed tightly against his, her arms around his head. He held her tightly around her waist so she couldn't get up if she wanted to.
"No, the world still needs saving Harry, but I do want to spend every moment we can together like this. We have three weeks until my parents come to take us to Grimauld Place and another four weeks after that before school starts. Let's make this our honeymoon Harry; I'm sure we won't have a more peaceful place for quite some time after we leave here."
"Ok Mione" Harry started applying quick, soft kisses to her face, she held herself still and enjoyed them. He slowed his pace and turned them into lingering kisses, when he reached her mouth she was smiling with pleasure.
"Harry you make me so happy. I am very glad I wrote that letter to Dumbledore."
"Me too Mione, me too."
Hermione's stomach took this opportunity to grumble its displeasure at being so empty.
"Ahh, someone needs feeding." Harry released Hermione and pushed her over onto her back. He then kissed slowly down her right arm, ending with her delicate fingers. He stood and pulled on his boxers then pulled his wand out from under the mattress. He smiled at Hermione and turned towards their dining table. "Conjurus" and a large breakfast of pancakes and sausage appeared. "Start eating I'm showering first, or join me if you dare!" He grinned back at Hermione and tucking his wand into the back of his boxers started walking towards the bathroom.
Since her stomach growled again she called after him "It seems the beast in my belly needs taming first."
He stopped in his tracks and looked at her concern written all over his face. "Umm you're still doing that spell to keep from getting pregnant aren't you?"
Giggling she replied "Of course Harry, I'm just hungry; you make a girl work a lot you know."
Grinning back at her he challenged, "Eat a lot, you're going to need your energy for that Imperious Curse practice you wanted."
"Oh no Harry, not more push-ups surely?"
"Maybe" he teased and walked into the bathroom.
Hermione got up, put on her bathrobe, and stuck her wand under the belt. As she ate the delicious pancakes she contemplated his parting tease. Why can't he make me do something silly to show he has me under the curse? Why does he want to make me exercise? Does he think I'm fat? True, she was not model thin but he certainly seemed to enjoy her curves. Well I will just have to ask him why before I go getting all upset about it. Maybe he just wants me to get stronger? That would be funny, Hermione the female body builder. She heard the shower stop, well no time like the present. She stood and holding her wand threw her robe onto the bed. She walked into the bathroom stark naked and looked at herself critically in the mirror. Her waist was very narrow but her hips had gotten quite wide she thought, her breasts were still developing but she was already wearing a 'C' cup bra. Her bushy long hair was all in tangleser h and needed some serious brushing. I may not have Cho or Lavender's looks but he's stuck with plain old bookish me now. Harry was just climbing out of the shower to dry off. She met his green eyes and asked "Harry why do you want me to exercise? Do I look fat to you? You had better be honest with me because I will know if you are lying."
Harry seemed very surprised by her question but he threw his towel over his head and dried his face quickly. Then he put his glasses on before looking her in the eye, "No Mione, You are not fat. You look absolutely angelic to me." He sighed. "I guess the reason I want you to exercise instead of cluck like a chicken has more to do with how I feel about you. I don't want to embarrass you, even when only I will know about it. I respect and admire you and could never do anything to you that I thought would make you unhappy. Exercise seemed a good compromise, it's not embarrassing to exercise; it's just work and you have never backed down from work." Harry had been drying himself absently but had continued to look at her while he talked.
"Oh Harry, you're so sweet, and here I felt that you thought I was fat and needed to exercise. Ok Harry, you can make me do whatever you want under the curse. I understand why you picked exercise and you're right, it's work, nothing more." Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him into a tender kiss before picking up another towel and helping him finish getting dry. "Ok, my turn to shower and get this hair under control, go eat and I will finish eating after my shower."
As she stepped towards the shower Harry groped one of her butt cheeks tightly. She squealed pleasantly and jumped as Harry walked from the room with a huge grin upon his face. Man I have wanted to do that for a long time.
"Harry James Potter!" Hermione started angrily, "thank you" she finished sweetly. She was not used to being groped yet but found it quite thrilling that Harry wanted to.
Harry chuckled to himself and gently closed the door to the bathroom as he left. Ahh breakfast, Harry thought as he found a clean pair of boxers in his drawer. He pulled them on and then his slacks, he threw a t-shirt over his head and sat down to eat some of the pancakes. He heard a scratching at the window and stood to let the owl in. He found two there waiting for him, an official looking one with a larger parcel and Pig from Ron. As soon as he opened his window Pig came fluttering excitedly into the room. The large owl looked at Harry and dropped his parcel into his waiting hands. Ahh Hermione's books, he grabbed an owl treat from Hedwig's perch and gave it to the owl from Flourish and Blotts. The large tawny owl took off into the morning light. Placing the books on the desk he tried to coax Pig into his hand with another owl treat. Pig it seemed was too excited to notice the treat as he flitted about Harry. So Harry snatched Pig out of the air and held the excited bird up to his face. "Calm down little one you made it to me good boy now let me take that message and then you can rest a while before you go." He carefully removed the tightly folded letter and placed Pig on Hedwig's perch. Pig hooted excitedly and then drank some water.
Harry sat back down at the table and finally started eating his pancakes while he read Ron's letter.
Harry & Hermione
Guess I will need to get used to addressing letters to you two like this. Well you sure know how to give a guy a heart attack don't you. OK, I admit I was absolutely ticked that you two had gotten together. Fortunately Luna and a tree were nearby to knock some sense into me, let Luna explain she will love it. I am not completely comfortable with this yet; couldn't you have at least dated first to give a bloke a chance to get used to the idea? I'm not the only one who nearly had a heart attack, mum went spar. I think she decided there was nothing she could do about it at the moment but I don't believe she has given up on putting a hold on the wedding. I don't think she objects to the fact that you two are together just that you're too young to get married. She kept going on about how you were just kids. I will do what I can from this end but I'm not good at this sort of thing.
Mum says yes we will join you at Padfoot's old place for August. It has been very boring around here, well until I bumped into Luna in the woods one day. Let her explain that one too. You know she lives just on the other side of the woods out back? She seems to make me want to come up with things to do with her; I really don't understand her sometimes, ok most of the time. She has invited me to go to Switzerland with her and her dad next week. It's a camping expedition to try and find a Crumple-Horned something or some such creature. Mum said I could go so I will be away all next week.
Hope to see you soon.
Ron
PS: Oh Luna told me to say congratulations on finally getting together. According to her the entire school knew it was just a matter of time before you did.
Now that was an interesting letter. I don't think Ron has ever been so thoughtful. I wonder if hanging out with Luna Lovegood is making him think for a change. Well he and Luna seemed to be getting along well. Wonder if that helped him understand Hermione and I getting together so suddenly?
Harry had nearly finished eating when Hermione finally came out of the steaming bathroom. "Your book order arrived and so did pig with Ron's reply."
She raised one eyebrow at that statement. She had wrapped a towel around her hair, otherwise she was completely nude. He felt the now familiar desire to throw her on the bed and shag her senseless. Instead he stood and picked up her robe. He held it open and she slipped into it. Harry, now standing behind her wrapped the robe and his arms around her tightly; he held the robe with one hand and quickly tied the belt around her slim waist. Giving her one last hug he kissed her tenderly in the crook of her neck and helped her into her chair. Returning to his own chair he noticed she was grinning adoringly at him.
"I love it when you pamper me. Thank you" Hermione picked up Ron's letter and started in on a fresh stack of pancakes. He was so good at reading her needs, but as she thought about it he always had been. "Oh no, Mrs. Weasley is going to be tough on us."
"Yes I thought about her too, but since your parents are now responsible for both of us she really has no say in the matter. As long as they support us no one has any right to stop us. Do you really think they will agree Mione?"
Hermione organized her thoughts while she finished her mouthful. She met his eyes before replying "Yes Harry, they went thru a similar situation when they were young remember. I am confident they will at least not forbid it. They will probably want us to wait another year. I can hear my dad 'But you haven't even dated yet how do you know you can live together for the rest of your lives?' What I don't think many people will realize is how much we have already shared over the last five years. We have already lived together, well as close as we could, at Hogwarts. I have tried to understand how you think and you seem to have done the same for me. We do think a lot alike and that has helped us thru our adventures. It can only help us grow closer; my parents talk about everything Harry. One of their rules is never to part in anger, no matter how upset they get they refuse to leave the same room until they have talked whatever it is out and come to a compromise. Like I confronted you in the bathroom earlier about my misunderstanding as to why you wanted me to exercise. As long as we communicate like we always have I really wonder if we will ever fight. Once everyone sees us together they will probably stop objecting Harry."
"We fought loads of times. What about just last year when I wanted to run off to the Department of Mysteries, you argued with me then?"
"No that was not an argument. You were understandably distraught and wanted to go help. Since I knew you were not thinking the situation thru I had to do it for you. I forced you to stop and think about what you were doing before you rushed off and did something rash. In the end we compromised didn't we Harry?"
"Yes, I guess you're right as usual, beautiful."
"Good, once you understand that I'm always right we will get along perfectly." She started laughing before he did at that joke. Harry laughed along with her; he was still smiling when she continued. "Seriously, I know you do think most things out but I hope you will listen to me when I object to something you want to do."
Suddenly very serious he replied. "Always Mione. I have learned my lesson on that score all too well."
"Oh Harry! I'm sorry." She quickly came around the table. He stood and crushed her into a hug. She heard his glasses hit the table, then he buried his face into her shoulder and let the tears flow again.
"I miss him so much Mione, if only I had listened to you" he could no longer speak as his raw emotions wracked thru him.
She held him tightly as he cried, she started to sway a little, as though rocking a baby in her arms. There were no words for this, fortunately she knew he didn't need any words, just her support. She poured her support into her hug, surrounding him with her love once again pulling him back to the present.
He slowly took control of himself again. "Damn, I thought I was through crying over this. I guess it will take some time" she nodded and tightened her hug for a minute before slowly releasing him. Harry stepped back so he could look her in the eyes. "Thank you Mione. I really appreciate you being here for me." He brought his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly.
When they parted to breathe he rested his forehead against hers and looked into her eyes just an inch away. "Harry I will always be here for you, Always."
"And I for you Hermione, and I for you."
She kissed him then stepped back. "We need to get some work done this morning Harry. Let me get dressed, I want to try legimancy first. See if you can keep me out of your head shall we?"
"But I don't want to keep you out of my head" he chuckled as he released her. He picked his glasses up from the table and put them on again. "Ok, you get dressed and I will clean up breakfast. Do you think we should write Ron back?"
"Yes, tell him thanks for understanding and good luck on his camping trip." She went to the dresser and pulled out a pair of knickers and a bra. She glanced at Harry, he was not staring at her but was, as usual, paying attention to what she was doing. She grinned to herself, let's see how much attention he is paying. She took off the towel on her hair, then her robe. Yep now Harry was staring at her, she deliberately took her time pulling on her knickers then putting on her bra. She saw him gulping as he watched her, he was totally fascinated. He would probably stay there for hours if she just kept taking off and putting on clothes. She went to their closet and picked out a white skirt and a peach jumper, after she pulled them on she noticed him shake his head and finally dissipate the remains of breakfast. She went back to the dresser and pulled out two pairs of socks. One she threw at him. Again showing his amazing dexterity, that would have surely made him a premier seeker, he ducked and snatched them out of the air as she had expected. The other pair she carried to the couch and started putting on.
Harry came and sat beside her doing the same. He pulled out his wand "Accio Hermione's shoes" snatching them out of the air as they whizzed towards them he handed them to her.
"Thanks"
"Anytime Mione, Accio my shoes" again he deftly caught them and put them on. "Ok now that were dressed I expect you want to test my defenses eh?"
"Yes actually, let's see if the great Harry Potter can keep little old me out of his head when he wants to. I'm going to seek the memory you most want to hide from me. How about that time Cho cornered you in the room of requirement after DA class."
A look of horror went across Harry's face.
"Ah Ha, there is something you don't want me to know about that night! I knew it. So are you motivated now to really try and do this?"
Harry took a deep breath and tried to calm himself but images of naked Hermione, wet hair cascading down her back slowly getting dressed kept intruding into his thoughts. Before he knew it Hermione was attacking "Legilimens."
Cho Chang was walking towards him suddenly, Hermione stood between them she was naked and her wet hair cascaded down her back just past her butt, she pushed Cho away so forcefully she literally disappeared. Only Hermione remained, she turned to him and kissed him deliciously.
"Harry!"
He saw Hermione was blushing furiously at him but she was smiling from ear to ear as well. "What Mione, did I do something wrong?"
She was quite embarrassed but explained anyway. "Actually Harry you did just what you were supposed to do, redirect me to another thought. It's all in Occulmency; What is it and How to do it you should read it all. But you can hardly face Voldemort with an image of me nude."
Harry thought for a minute for something else to try "Oh Really? Hmm, ok try this one then, go on do your worst Mione"
"Legilimens"
Cho Chang was walking towards him when suddenly Harry was naked and wet standing in a nice warm shower, pleasure coursing thru him, he looked down and saw an equally wet and naked Hermione with his member deep within her mouth. Somewhere Voldemort started squirming in pain. She felt him focus on the remembered pleasure and direct it towards his scar; she felt the force of the sending like a physical blow. Damn he was strong. Somewhere Voldemort had just passed out from sheer agony at Harry's pleasure.
A grinning Harry faced her calmly next to her on the couch, if he thought she was red before now she looked like a freshly cooked lobster. "Well how was that Mione? Do you think that will teach him to stay out of my head?"
Hermione covered her open mouth with one delicate hand "Oh My Harry! That was amazing and very embarrassing." She looked down at her shoes before continuing "did you really like it that much?" she asked quietly.
Harry had doubted that she could get any more embarrassed but he was wrong, even the tips of her ears were now decidedly red. He cupped her chin and made her look at him. "Yes Mione that was quite amazing, I can only hope you continue where you left off someday. But I can understand if you don't want to."
She tried to turn her head away but he wouldn't let her.
"Mione aren't you the one that told me we needed to communicate everything to each other? I am being honest, I sincerely appreciate all you do for me and none of it will ever be known by anyone but us."
She nodded her head before gathering courage to speak. "Ok Harry, You're right, though brutally honest. I can continue that later, especially now that I know how much you liked it."
"Now about that memory with Cho Chang, read it if you really want to, I won't block you this time. I have no secrets from you Hermione, my mind is an open book for you and you're welcome to read it cover to cover."
She shook her head slightly. "Not today, maybe some other time, I trust you when you said she means nothing to you. I do appreciate you being open with me, I have no great secrets from you either Harry. I have invited you into my head before, please do it now."
"Oh, Ok Mione, um how? I know you don't think about a specific memory like you just did so how do you do it?"
"Just think of being inside my mind, not viewing anything specific but sharing my brain space."
"Oh that sounds so simple. Ok here goes." He pulled out his wand and looked into her eyes deeply. Hermione took a deep breath as he spoke "Legilimens."
Suddenly she felt his presence inside her mind. He felt huge and for a moment stifling, like he was going to drown her with his very presence. Then their thoughts touched and merged. Her organized world was blown away by the joining. She felt him gently probing and looking around, much of her life flashed before her, all of it before she met Harry on the train. Her memories with her parents seemed to be his focus; she opened a window for him to her memories of their love for her.
Here is what loving parents are like dear, he was instantly overwhelmed by her memories. He retreated but she held onto him and brought him back to the memories. This is a loving home Harry, this is what he denied you; this is what he took from you the night your parents were murdered. I give you every one of them, live them with me again now Harry.
She was three and had fallen on the sidewalk; her father's strong arms picked her up and held her tightly. Its ok Hermione, just a scratch on the knee let me kiss it and make it better. Love poured into her from that kiss on her knee and she felt safe again.
She was nine and her favorite cat had just been run over by a car in the lane behind their house. Mother held her while she cried; father had Socks in a shoe box and was digging a hole for the burial. Together they said good bye to him and laid him to rest next to her mothers Rose bush that Socks had loved to nap under.
She was ten and her Father had just opened the door to the next stage of her life. Minerva McGonagall had walked inside, pointy hat and all to proclaim that Hermione was a witch. She had presented Hermione with her acceptance letter to Hogwarts and sat there all afternoon carefully explaining to the shocked family just what this all meant. The next day she had returned and taken them all to Diagon Alley where she helped them change their money and purchase Hermione's school supplies. The day after Diagon Alley Professor McGonagall had again returned and shown them how to get onto Platform 9 ¾ before leaving to go onto the next muggle witch or wizard that needed instructions. Thru it all her parents helped and accepted this news, never letting Hermione feel unwanted or unloved. A hundred more similar memories passed in a flash, all of them were now etched into Harry's mind just as they were in Hermione's.
Harry? Yes? came the soft reply. Are you alright? Give me a bit to recover please, no more for now. Alright Harry, she enveloped him tenderly and held him. Outside her mind their bodies had been wrapped together for an eternity now, lying upon the couch as though asleep. She felt him reconnect to her and once again she was aware of his strength of character. I love you, thank you. I love you too my dear. One more window I need to show you before you go Harry. What is that? Krum.
She felt him brace as her memories of Viktor washed over him. A very shy Viktor asking her out to the Yule Ball, a shocked Hermione accepting. Viktor elated, Viktor upset that she always talked about Harry. Jealous Viktor after the Yule Ball, trying to get Hermione to even look at him after the second task. Her telling Viktor before Durmstrang left that he would only ever be a friend, Her heart belonged to another. A heartbroken Viktor departing. I did not go visit him last summer either.
She felt relief coming from him as he finally understood what had happened between her and Krum. There are no more secrets, I will forever belong to you. And I to you My Love, I am yours always. Harry retreated back into his own mind.
Hermione was suddenly aware she was lying on top of Harry on the couch. His strong arms were around her waist holding her tightly. She held onto his chest tightly, their legs intertwined, her head resting on his chest just below his neck. She looked up at him and his eyes were still closed. "Are you tired Harry?" he gently squeezed his hug a little tighter then relaxed again.
"No Mione, I'm fine, just shocked still, give me a few minutes."
She stretched up and kissed him softly upon the cheek, then put her head down on his chest to wait for him.
Several minutes later, just as she thought he had fallen asleep, he spoke up. "Your mind is very organized, almost like I imagined really. Everything categorized and neatly tucked away. I was going to avoid Viktor but thanks for showing me, now I understand." He took a deep breath. "I also feel like I know your parents very well now love, thank you for that. It moved me deeply, especially when I remembered their offer to adopt me and share that love with me."
"You're very welcome Harry. Anytime you need support I will be here for you, anytime you need help mine will be everything I can provide, if you want advice you know you can trust me with anything. Now we need to see if I can learn to break the Imperious Curse like you can Harry. That way you will know that I am myself at all times." She started to stand up but he pulled her back down to him.
"Ok Hermione but before we start that, I want you to see what it was like for me to fight it. Maybe that will help you learn yourself. Read those memories from me then we will see how you do." He let her go and helped her stand up.
"Alright Harry, that sounds like a good idea." She stood and waited for him to also stand and look at her expectantly before she cast the spell. "Legilimens"
It was the most wonderful feeling. Harry felt a floating sensation as every thought and worry in his head was wiped gently away, leaving nothing but a vague, untraceable happiness. He stood there feeling immensely relaxed, only dimly aware of everyone watching him.
And then he heard Mad-Eye Moody's voice, echoing in some distant chamber of his empty brain: Jump onto the desk…jump onto the desk…
Harry bent his knees obediently, preparing to spring.
Jump onto the desk…
Why though? Another voice had awoken in the back of his brain. Stupid thing to do, really, said the voice.
Jump onto the desk…
No, I don't think I will, thanks, said the other voice, a little more firmly…no I don't really want to…
Jump NOW!
The next thing Harry felt was considerable pain. He had both jumped and tried to prevent himself from jumping
{Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling p231}
"Very interesting Harry that should help me a lot." She put her wand away then tied her hair back with a ribbon and looked at him expectantly. "Ok go"
Harry pulled out his wand. "Imperius"
Hermione immediately started doing jumping jacks. Harry stood there a minute watching her breasts bounce up and down before releasing her from the curse. "Well, any voices?" he asked.
Breathing heavily Hermione answered "Yes, I could hear it but it, was not strong enough to make me stop. Whew, I'm sweating already." She removed her jumper and threw it on the couch. Her skin glistened with sweat. "Ok Harry, again."
"Imperius"
Hermione once again started doing jumping jacks, though she may have hesitated a moment after his order. Now he could really appreciate her bouncing assets. He let her do jumping jacks for a full ten minutes before he broke the curse. He had conjured a large chilled glass of pumpkin juice and held it and a hand towel out to her. She immediately collapsed onto one knee panting. He kneeled down next to her and wiped her forehead off. She took the drink and drank most of it before she looked up at him.
"Ok slave driver, let's do this one more time. I kept arguing with myself about doing jumping jacks but your command was still too strong." She stood and removed her skirt. "Remind me to wear fewer clothes next time." She grinned at him mischievously, stood and took a deep breath. He could see her concentrating immensely. "Ok, Go"
"Imperius"
This time she stood still for nearly thirty seconds. Harry had to repeat his order twice and concentrate hard on getting her to obey. Hesitantly she started doing jumping jacks. He had to keep reinforcing the order every minute as she kept slowing down. This time when he released her she had a look of triumph on her sweaty face. "Excellent Love, I had to concentrate to keep you under control that time."
"I know, I fought you, I almost won a few times but then your will got stronger. How close was I to breaking free?"
"Without me applying my full attention and effort very close. I was just able to conjure you a fresh glass of juice; I don't think I could have done anything more demanding though. You would definitely make whoever tried to control you work for it." He kissed her sweaty temples and told her "Ok, you go shower and rest, I will get lunch ready."
"Thanks Harry, that helped me a lot. I think I can break free after all." She was bouncing with happiness as she kissed him lightly and headed off to the shower.
Grinning, Harry sat down and wrote their reply to Ron.
Ron,
Thanks Mate, we were very glad to hear from you. Sorry we didn't date first but I just had to ask her once I knew how she felt about me. Hermione says good luck on your expedition. It's a Crumple-Horned Snorkack by the way, pay attention Ron. I hope we get a chance to talk soon.
Harry & Hermione
It was short but seemed to cover all the bases. He attached it to Pig's excited leg and sent him on his way back to Ron. Then he conjured a light lunch of salad and ham sandwiches, with chilled pumpkin juice of course. Hermione emerged from her shower and paraded herself before him as she repeated her earlier dressing performance. They sat and ate, relaxing in each other's presence.
Just as they were finishing their lunch a soft knock came from the door. Well, where the door should be anyway. They stood and faced the door, both taking out their wands; Harry approached the door.
"Duru Aparen" Hermione incanted and the door appeared again in the blank section of the wall.
"Who is it?" Harry asked
"Albus" a very familiar voice came from the hallway.
"Alohamora" Harry incanted and reached out and opened the door for the Headmaster.
Professor Dumbledore stood in the doorway; he looked tired but still had that twinkle in his eyes that told Harry he was up to something as usual. "Good afternoon, I understand from Miss Granger's letter that congratulations are in order."
"Thank you Sir" Both Harry and Hermione spoke together.
Harry stepped out of the way and Professor Dumbledore stepped inside. He then closed and locked the door as Dumbledore looked around Harry's expanded room.
"Ahh, I see the two of you have settled in nicely together. So much like your parents Harry, so much I find it hard not to address the two of you by their names. I love what you have done to the room, quite a warm place."
Harry had looked stricken at the mention of his parents; Hermione quickly came to his side and held his hand tightly. Harry smiled his thanks at her then looked up at Professor Dumbledore. "Why didn't you just apparate inside here sir?"
"Well Harry, I have learned that when arriving several hours early to speak with a young couple it is prudent to knock before entering the room."
Hermione found herself blushing and looking at the floor, Harry looked down but was grinning.
"Ahh, again I am correct in my assumptions. Is there anything else you wish to tell me at this time Harry? Hermione?"
"No Sir" came Harry's response
"Not yet Professor" was Hermione's
"Very well on to business then. Harry, I formally offer you the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts." He pulled a large scroll out of his robe. "Here is the official contract, signed already by Myself and the Board of Governors."
Harry and Hermione sat down on the couch, still holding hands, their jaws nearly on the ground as Professor Dumbledore continued.
"There are a pair of conditions that must be met before you may accept this position. These conditions are imposed by Minister Fudge and the Ministry of Magic; I feel you are ready now to take on this position. The conditions are, First you pass with an Outstanding your Defense N.E.W.T. Second you pass a 'practical' exam given by the Auror's. If you pass both of these before September the first, then you have met the requirements and may accept this position."
"wow" Hermione spoke breathlessly.
"Sir, I don't think I can do all that!"
"I believe you can Harry, you already possess most of the necessary skills. You will merely need to expand and hone them. All of which will help tremendously in preparing you to face Voldemort. You will need an instructor, it was to be Alastor but I shall provide your instructions as needed. I will also provide an environment for you to practice and test yourself in." He looked at Harry and Hermione smiling warmly. "You can do this Harry, you were an excellent teacher last year in my "army", I wish you to continue in that same vein. We will need an army before this is over Harry. I want you to make every student able to stand up to the Death Eaters, I do not expect them to be able to stand against Voldemort but any of his minions' yes, I most certainly do expect that of them."
"Sir, I'm only fifteen, how can I be a professor"
"How can you be engaged to that lovely girl beside you? For several years now you have shouldered the burden of a man, and proven that you can bear it well. I am sorry that you did not have much of a childhood, I never intended for you to grow up the way you did. But despite the immense burden you have born all your life you are still a strong upstanding young man."
Hermione had been thinking fiercely while Harry and Dumbledore spoke. "We can do this together Harry. We have quite a lot of time actually to get ready for the N.E.W.T, I am more worried about the 'practical' exam though. What do you think they are going to do for that Professor? Harry has already proven he can handle Dementors, Dragons, Blast End Skrewts and many other things."
"Ahh yes my belief is that it will be a dirty wizard duel. They will probably start with two and then keep adding Auror's until Harry is overwhelmed. Should he be overwhelmed too early then he will fail it. Last long enough and he passes, remain standing as long as possible is what it comes down to."
"Sir, I can barely duel a single person, how am I going to handle this?"
"Practice Harry, Practice." Dumbledore pulled out his wand and pointed it at another blank section of his wall. "Duro Creare Reum Requiren" he moved his wand in an intricate pattern and an elaborate door appeared in the wall, it immediately faded out. "Ahh it worked, I was waiting to try that one out some time."
"Sir is that another room of requirement?" Hermione asked, quite intrigued.
Dumbledore thought for a moment "Actually it is the door from Hogwarts, I have just moved it here for now, I have spent some time studying it at Hogwarts. Let's try it out shall we. Harry think of what we need, a room to test you for your defense exam."
Harry thought a moment and then paced in front of the door a few times. Suddenly the door reappeared and he went to open it. The room was the size of an arena yet appeared completely empty. Harry stepped inside and was suddenly transported to the other side of the room.
He could see across the room to where the door had been. Hermione was chained to the wall, wearing a long flimsy flowing dress. She cried from across the room 'Help me Harry' a huge snake, nearly the size of the Basilisk, was making its way across the room towards her.
From a platform high up on the wall he heard a voice he had hoped never to hear again, Umbridge. "Get him my pretties" and a horde of monkey men straight out of The Wizard of Oz appeared and charged towards Harry.
Harry had no time to think, he reacted with the first thing he could think of. He whipped out his wand and shouted "Expellarimus" a dozen monkey men suddenly flew in the opposite direction, smashing into many of their brethren as a dozen pikes flew at Harry trying to spear him. He leapt to the side and ran towards Hermione, that snake was getting close, too close for him. He could hear the rest of the monkey men giving chase behind him.
Suddenly out of the shadows before him Fred and George appeared, sitting astride their trusty brooms and dressed in full Quidditch gear, beater bats in hand, struggling bludger in the other. "We got em mate" Fred hollered as they each slammed a bludger past him towards the rushing monkey men then they shot past him on their brooms.
"Go save her mate" George ordered.
Harry ran on towards Hermione, I need a sword he thought, and then felt his wand grow heavy. He looked and sure enough there was the sword of Godric Gryffindor in his hand. Ok snake you're dead now he thought as he ran on. He could see Hermione struggling at the chains that bound her to the wall; her wrists and ankles were bloody where the chains had bit into her while she struggled. Now he could see the size of the snake better, this was huge. He ran up to the side of it and plunged Godric's sword into it. The snake turned its head towards Harry and he noticed there were no eyes and it had a three hinged mouth, just like the worms in Dune he though. Man this is bizarre. The worm tried to strike at him but he pulled his sword from its side and rolled out of the way as it slammed into the ground where he had been.
Harry rolled to his feet and charged the worm. He again plunged his sword into it as it reared to strike at him again. Though it now had two deep gashes that both oozed blood the worm seemed unaffected by this. The thing was so huge he figured he is just scratching it.
He heard Umbridge cackle in glee from her perch on the wall. He dared not look though. "Hurry Harry the witch is coming down." Hermione cried at him.
Harry tried to think of another way to take out this worm, he decided it would take him hours to hack it to death. Suddenly inspiration hit him, damn he needed his wand. He looked down and the sword had shrunk to wand size. He pointed it at the worm and hollered "Imperius" The worm obediently turned away from Harry and Hermione. He saw the wicked witch Umbridge flying on her broom down towards them, cackling as she came. Her cackles turned to screams as the worm reared up and swallowed her whole. The worm started away across the vast room, towards where the twins were still battling the monkey men.
"Harry get me out of these chains" Hermione pleaded. Harry turned back to her and cast four quick alohamora's. Her arms went around him as soon as they were released. "My Hero!" she claimed his mouth for a thank you kiss.
Suddenly the door opened and Harry was standing there before Dumbledore, Hermione was still in his arms but she was wearing what she had on before he came into the room. He looked around but the room was empty again.
"What happened?"
"The room challenged you Harry and you won." Hermione kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you Harry, even if it was all an illusion"
"But where did Fred and George come from?"
"Those were illusions too Harry. That was your way of dealing with the monkey men, you summoned up a pair of defenders to protect you from them. Fred and George in their positions as Beaters have tried to protect you from harm for the last five years. I am certain that the more time you spend in here practicing the less help you will need and the harder the challenges will be." Dumbledore walked out of the room and they followed. "Here you will find all the study material needed to get you up to N.E.W.T. level in your Defense skills." There were several thick volumes laying on one of their study tables next to the large scroll that was the contract.
"Sir, could you arrange for me to take the N.E.W.T. test with Harry please. Since I am going to be learning with him, it would be wonderful to get that test out of the way."
"Already done Miss Granger, you may sit the exam as well, and observe the practical test with me." He sighed taking out a large brass ring; he laid it on the table. "This is a portkey to take you to Alastor's funeral, it will activate when both of you touch it. I would suggest about six this evening. There will also be a memorial for Sirius after Alastor is laid to rest, I believe you are now ready for such a memorial Harry?"
Hesitantly Harry responded "Yes sir, I believe I am, will I be required to speak?"
"Not required no, but you are most welcome to. The portkey will take you to the house which I share with my brother over the summer. He will be there if I am not. The Grangers should arrive there approximately the same time as you both. You may stay there until it is time for the ceremony, you will have at least half an hour to speak with them without interruption."
Both Harry and Hermione looked a little nervous at this news but were quickly both smiling. "My parents will be there too? Thank you Professor." Hermione suddenly rushed over to Albus and gave him a quick hug.
"Thank you for thinking of that, one more thing though, do you know what happened to my Firebolt? Last I heard it was locked in the dungeons at Hogwarts surrounded by security trolls."
"Yes, it is in my office actually, I will bring it and Godric's sword to the funeral tonight."
"The sword Professor? Why do I need that?"
"I think you will need to practice with it some more. After seeing how you used it in there, I must give it to you. It is indeed capable of shrinking and acting as a wand. It has a core of dragon heart and will not only focus magic but amplify it as well. Somehow you knew that and used it in that way. It will server you well Harry, no one since Godric has wielded it in combat, well until you did in your second year that is." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling in mischief. "I will come here daily, excluding weekends, at four to instruct you for one hour, starting tomorrow."
"I will see you both tonight." And with a soft pop he was gone.
"Do you really think we can do this Mione?"
She looked up from the books Dumbledore had left them. "Yes Harry, the NEWT will just require studying to pass. The practical is another matter, but I think you will do fine in it ultimately. Where is Hedwig? I need some more books from Flourish and Blotts."
"Umm, she has not returned from delivering the letters to Dumbledore, Ron, and your parents. I bet she is mad at me for giving her so much work at once."
"And you sent Pig off already with Ron's letter? Drats, well I guess it will wait until Hedwig returns then."
"Hermione what does one wear to a wizard funeral?"
Absently, as she had started reading the index of all three books at once, she replied. "Relatives wear black robes, everyone else wears gray. It's in a book over there somewhere." She gestured vaguely towards the book shelves.
He could see she was going to be distracted for a while so he decided to clean up the room a bit before settling down to read whatever book she would let go of. Dumbledore wants me to teach DADA next year, this is just amazing. Well if it will help us defeat Voldemort then it's worth it, time to get to work Potter, vacation time is over. With that thought he set to cleaning up the remains of lunch, then cleaned their laundry with a few scourgify's and put the clothes neatly away.
He sat down opposite Hermione and looked over the books. She was reading one called Advanced Shielding and Warding: Protecting yourself and others from Dark Wizards. By Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody Harry looked at the other two books lying on the table. The first was How to pass the DADA N.E.W.T. By the N.E.W.T. Committee. The second was Advanced subduing spells: Auror manual number 5 By Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. Harry picked up the Auror manual and started looking thru it. Well Moody had been an Auror instructor. Harry took the book to the couch and settled down to read, he could never understand how Hermione could read in a stiff chair for hours. She was absently waving her wand in an intricate pattern mouthing the words to some spell she was reading about. Smiling at her he started to read and as expected the book was written in typical Moody fashion. Constant Vigilance mentioned every few paragraphs, smiling he settled down to read.