Right Before Your Eyes

Summary: AU fic where Hermione has grown up in France and Harry lives with parents who never died. Hermione's parents decide to move back to England where James has agreed Hermione can stay with them after school just as Sirius, James's old prankster buddy from school comes back to town looking for a place to stay.

Category: H/Hr with J/L predominantly as well with bits of R/Lu and D/G later on.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters therein. I do not own the lyrics to any of the songs. I own nothing.

Author's Note: Please excuse any grammatical errors with the French; I don't speak it so I'm going of what the online French dictionary says it is. Also lyrics are by Alana Davis.

Little boy wishes he wasn't small.

He'd give his turtle to be six feet tall

He's got photos of Shaq and Ewing up on his wall

And he'd try a jump shot but he's afraid he'll fall down

Harry Potter stood in front of the mirror, his arms down at his sides and a frown plastered on his face. Why couldn't he just be taller, even a few inches would help. Then perhaps it wouldn't be so easy for the boys at school to pick on him. He'd give anything to be taller.

“Harry come down for supper.”

His mother called to him. Harry sighed and walked downstairs. His father was already at the table reading the evening news. James Potter looked up when his son entered, noticing the morose look on his face he questioned him.

“What's the sad look for old boy?”

Harry glanced at his father over his glasses and sighed again.

“Dad, why am I so short? All the other boys in my class are taller than I am. Even some of the girls are taller.”

James set down the paper.

“Well then that means they'll all be midg-”

“James!”

Lily yelled at him from the kitchen. James cleared his throat.

“They'll all be really short when they're older son.”

Harry sat at the table looking hard at the tablecloth in front of him.

“I wish I were taller.”

He mumbled. Lily walked in carrying the platter of roast beef and potatoes, setting them down she leaned over and kissed her son on his forehead, absently tracing the scar he got in a bicycle accident.

“Don't worry Harry, your father was no taller than the edge of this table when he was your age and look at him now. These things just take a little time that's all.”

Harry looked up at his mum, his green eyes pleading with her to be right about this one thing. She smiled at him gently and began serving the meal.

Little girl wants to fall in love

Dressed like her mother in white evening gloves

She pretends tells her friends she's got somewhere to go

They don't ask where so they'll never know how she feels

Hermione Granger stood watching her mother getting ready for a night out on the town with her father. She watched intently as she applied the final coat of lipstick, a spritz of perfume and then out they came. The white evening gloves. How Hermione longed to have a pair of her own, not just have a pair of her own but have a place that it wouldn't seem silly to wear them. Sophia Granger looked up from her ministrations to see her daughter's eyes clouding over.

“Chérie, what troubles you so?”

Her mother asked in that special way she reserved for Hermione alone.

“Mum, will I ever grow up to be pretty?”

Her mother looked startled at this.

“Mon Dieu! Mon petit how can you ask such a thing?”

Her mother's French accent thickened as she hurried to her daughter's side.

“Belle, you are exquisite already.”

Hermione looked at her in disbelief.

“Mother, how can you say that? Look at me, I'm hideous.”

The little girl walked to the mirror and gestured at her wild, bush brown hair and rather large front teeth. Her mother walked up behind her and placed her hands on the girl's shoulders.

“I am looking at you and I see someone beautiful. Look at those eyes, so expressive!”

She picked up one of Hermione's hands.

“Look at this hand, so small and delicate yet strong as well. The hair it can be tamed mi belle, the teeth will fix themselves eventually. You simply need to grow into them a bit more.”

Sophia turned Hermione to face her.

“You are beautiful my darling. So much more than looks do you possess. Your brains, your many talents, your ability to love people so easily. Your heart is so big it isn't to be believed. Someday you will see what I am saying is true and you will come to know as I do.”

With that she dropped a kiss on her daughter's head and left the room. Following, Hermione saw her father standing by the front door waiting for her mother. He too dropped a kiss upon her head and with a small smile in her direction walked out the front door. Hermione stood a moment listening as her parents got in the car and drove away. Once she could no longer hear the car she wandered into the living room and quickly back out again. The last thing she wanted was to spend the evening with Judy, her “bonne f d'enfants” as she insisted upon being called. A nanny was a nanny was a nanny even if they did live in France. Hermione walked back up stairs to her parent's room and sat down at her mother's vanity dreaming of being older and more glamorous.

With a shorter past there's a greater hurry

Let the moment last, there's no need to worry

We should be living for today or tomorrow anyway
And don't ask for the world on a plate 'cause you just might get it
Don't ever say it's too late, you know you'll regret it because
Just when you think you're sure, your life can change right before your eyes

The Grangers were sitting at their usual table in La Fermette Marbeuf when Gerald looked at his wife questioningly.

“Hermione looked awfully serious as we were leaving. Any idea why?”

Sophia looked up from her Coq au Vin to regard her husband.

“She thinks she is not beautiful.”

Gerald looked aghast.

“Did you tell her that you looked just like her when you were her age?”

Sophia laughed as she shook her head slightly.

“She would not have believed me. I am not the one to tell her such things I suppose.”

Gerald toyed with his Shrimp Quenelles before speaking again.

“Do you think she needs to hear it from me more often then?”

Sophia hastened to ease his insecurities.

“No mon cher, not even her father can make this better. Non, I think it is another man who will be the one to do this.”

Sophia laughed at her husband's look of surprise.

“She's only ten years old!”

It took a moment for the woman to compose herself after her husband's outburst.

“I understand the concern mes amour, but there will come a time when her heart will belong to a man who is not her papa. And it is he, who shall help her to see what it is you and I know to be true.”

Gerald nodded his head grudgingly. He was silent for a moment and then spoke again.

“Do you remember when I told you Dr. Goudeau was selling his practice in England?”

At her nod he continued.

“Well he's offered to sell it to me for a good price Sophia and I was hoping that you would be my partner there as well.”

Sophia was startled.

“You wish to move to England?”

He nodded.

“But what about your practice here?”

Gerald rushed to explain.

“Dr. Trahan has agreed to take it over if we decided to go.”

“But where would we live?”

“Goudeau is also selling his house and he told me he couldn't see selling it to anyone but me.”

“And you wish me to join you in your practice?”

Brown eyes pleaded at her.

“You always said that once Hermione was in school you would start practicing again. Well Hermione is in school and she's quite responsible as it is. She could be left to herself for a few hours afterward.”

Sophia shook her head vehemently.

“Non! If we are to move to another country I do not want Hermione left alone. It will be hard enough for her as it is.”

Gerald smiled at her.

“I knew you would say that. Which is why I talked to a friend of mine in England. He and his wife live only a few minutes away from Dr. Goudeau's home and his wife said she would be willing to look after Hermione after school. They have a boy about Hermione's age and the two of them would be going to school together anyway.”

Sophia smirked at the man across from her.

“You have not given me many reasons to say no.”

Gerald laughed softly.

“So we go?”

Sophia inclined her head a bit.

“We go.”

A mother's thinking of her little boy
Left home at sixteen back in '84
He's got a dog named Lucy says she's all that he needs
Lucy knows better she hears all his dreams

Sirius Black wandered down the lonely street, his loyal black Labrador retriever gamboling by his side. Reaching a tavern Sirius looked down at his dog and wondered aloud,

“Well Lucy, do you think they allow dogs inside?”

As thought knowing the answer Lucy sat down by the door without so much as a pause.

“All right then, I'll be back out in a little while.”

As soon as he was inside Lucy lay down and put her head upon her paws preparing herself for another night alone. Soon, however, the door opened again and Sirius motioned for her to come inside. Getting up with slightly arthritic joints protesting mightily she trotted into him. Sirius looked down at her and smiled.

“Seems we have a dog lover here Lucy.”

He motioned to the robust woman behind the counter. At his movement the woman looked up and grabbed a bowl from the counter. She came over and placed the bowl in front of Lucy. Beef stew, one of her favorites. Sirius looked at the woman in front of him.

“Thanks, we've been traveling all day and haven't had a chance to stop and eat since early this morning.”

The woman looked at him and smiled.

“Well don't worry about it none. I love dogs, have three myself. The name's Rosmerta by the way.”

She extended her hand.

“Sirius.”

He replied taking it firmly. He was relieved when she refrained from making any of the usual jokes about his name.

“Well sit down Sirius and we'll get you something to eat.”

He obeyed her and after ordering a meal of fish and chips with a bottle of beer he was left alone with his loyal companion once more. As he sat there he wondered if it was fair after all this time to go and look James up. After all he did have a family and Sirius couldn't help but wonder if he would just be intruding on all of that. The arrival of his food interrupted his thought and as he ate he put the worry out of his mind.

When you search yourself, when you get down to it
If you know yourself, you know you'll get through it
So start living for today or tomorrow anyway
And don't ask for the world on a plate 'cause you just might get it
Don't ever it's too late you know you'll regret it because
Just when you're sure your life can change right before your eyes

James sat in his favorite chair listening to some jazz playing on the radio as he finished reading the evening paper. He'd just gotten a call from Gerald Granger to let him know that he and his family would be moving out here. James was happy to hear it. He missed his old college friend and couldn't wait to get to know the rest of the Grangers and show off his own family as well. He smiled to himself as he thought of the holidays their families could go on and the memories they'd make. As he was planning a short trip to Athens for them all over next summer the phone rang. He heard Lily answer it in the next room.

“James, it's for you.”

She said as she carried in the cordless from the kitchen. He took it, kissing her hand softly as he did so.

“Hello?”

He answered.

“James? James, it's um… it's Sirius. How are you old man?”

James sat a moment stunned.

“Sirius?”

He asked when he found his voice again.

“Yes, I'm, I'm in town and I hate to ask it James, but I could really use a place to stay for awhile. I mean if I had anyone else to ask I would but-”

James quickly cut him off.

“Of course you can stay here.”

He heard Sirius swallow on the other end.

“Are you sure it'll be all right with your wife?”

The hesitance was nothing like James remembered of Sirius. James reassured his friend that everything would be fine and they scheduled a time for Sirius to come over the next day. They talked for a while longer, each man loath to let the other off the phone for fear that despite their plans they might not speak again. After hanging up James went into to the kitchen where Lily was finishing up the dishes. She looked up when he came in.

“Sweetheart, that was Sirius.”

She pulled off the rubber gloves and came over to him, her face creased with worry.

“Sirius? Is he all right?”

James pulled her into a hug and nodded.

“He sounded all right but he said he needed a place to stay.”

“Well I hope you told him come here.”

James smiled; he knew Lily would understand she always had when it came to Sirius. Remus too for that matter. Another thought occurred to him.

“Remus'll want to know too.”

Lily snorted.

“He'll want to know? Is that all you think will happen James Potter? Remus Lupin will probably be on the next flight out here when he finds out and then it will be the three off you as though nothing has changed since you all got out of school.”

“Nothing, except for Peter's not being here.”

James's voice was sad as he thought of his dead friend. Back when they were in school Peter had fallen in with a bad crowd and during a police raid gone bad Peter had been killed and it seemed as though it was his death that set the tone for what their lives were going to be.

“I wish he could be here too James, but you have your other friends and your family and Gerald and his wife and daughter will be moving here soon.”

James looked down at his wife and smiled.

“I love you.”

Lily leaned up and kissed him.

“I love you too.”

With a shorter past there's a greater hurry
Don't grow up too fast there's no need to worry
Start living for today or tomorrow anyway...
Just when you're sure your life can change right before your eyes
Right before your eyes

Hermione had waited up for her parents as she did every time they went out. As soon as she heard the car pull into the drive she was downstairs and outside in a flash. She met her mother at the door.

“So where did you two go? Was it lovely? Was the food good? Did you see a play or go to the movies?”

As usual she was full of a thousand questions and her mother answered each of them with a grin. Afterward, when they were all settled in the library, Gerald sat Hermione between him and Sophia.

“Your mother and I have some news for you Hermione.”

She watched them carefully. The news didn't seem bad as they weren't behaving too strangely, but something was off.

“What is it?”

Hermione asked hoping to get this awkwardness to go away.

“Your mother and I have decided that we're moving to England.”

Hermione stiffened a bit.

“Well that's nice Dad, but what about me? I mean will I go and stay with Grand Mere?”

Gerald burst out laughing and Sophia shot him a dirty look.

“No darling, you will come with us.” Sophia waited for her daughter to say something. When she didn't Sophia began to worry.

“Hermione, are you all right?”

“Do I absolutely have to move?”

Came the quiet reply. Gerald answered that.

“It's a great opportunity for your mother and I. Plus we're going to be living in a beautiful house with large backyard and I have a friend that lives nearby and you'll stay with his wife and son after school. It'll be a great experience for us all. Also, to be honest, I'd like you to get to know your old dad's country as well.”

Hermione paused a moment and then answered.

“If it's something you and Mum really want then all I have to say is, `when do we leave?'”

TBC….

Hermione wandered around the park near her house. Correction, her old house. She and her parents would soon be on their way to England to meet up with the Potters and then go to their new house. Hermione couldn’t stand it. She just couldn’t stand it. She’d lived here for as long as she could remember and now her dad just up and decides to move them to a whole other country, forget that Hermione herself had picked up her father’s British accent rather than her mother’s French, and after he decides to move, he just foists her off onto some old friend of his from school and hopes that she can make the best of it. The nerve! She had the inclination to go and give him a piece of her mind, finally. Yes, that’s just what she’d do, she’d march up there and say,

"So when do we leave?"

What?! When do we leave? Did she honestly just ask that? Hermione watched her father for signs that she had told him he was an obnoxious prat and there was no way she was moving to England. But no, he just answered her question with a mild,

"In about a half an hour."

A half-hour huh? Well then Hermione had a thing or two to say about that,

"Ok."

Bloody! Of all the stupid, sodding things she could have said and she says "Ok"! Just like that she bloody well agreed to move and give up her life. She saw her mum signaling to her from the doorway and went over to her.

"Are you ready to go sweetheart?"

NO!

"Yes, I’ve made sure I have everything."

Change your mind mother change your mind.

"Good, your Papa will be glad to hear it."

She dropped a kiss on Hermione’s head and went about the final packing. Hermione was surprised she didn’t burn her lips for all the scalding things that were going on in her head. Oh well, she would simply have to resign herself to this there was nothing else to be done. She went outside and stared at the house and very softly began to sing,

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin'
This early morn
The taxi's waitin'
He's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could cry

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go

Finally the van was all packed and the car was loaded. Hermione’s parents motioned for her to get in and then they’d be on their way, to a new country, a new home, a new life all together. Hermione watched as the house she’d grown up in got smaller and smaller and then disappeared all together.

Harry stood with his parents in the airport waiting for the Grangers’ plane to arrive. Harry was very nervous, he had asked his mum to tell him about Hermione and all he got was she was quiet, liked to read and was exceptionally intelligent. And all Harry could wonder after that was, what if she didn’t like him? What if he didn’t like her? What if she didn’t like his frog? He continued to worry as his parents moved forward towards a couple coming off the plane. He stopped and studied the man and woman in front of him. Mr. Granger was of average height and build with a jovial grin and sparkling brown eyes. Thinning blonde hair topped it all off. Harry then turned his attention to Mrs. Granger. She was as tall as her husband with long brown hair and a kind face. She was beautiful actually, with what his mother would call fine bone structure. She smiled down at a figure that was rather hunched against her leg.

"Hermione, come out and meet the Potters."

Harry goggled at the French accent that seemed to waft across her speech. Movement diverted his attention, however. A girl about his age came forward, timidly almost like a very skittish cat. Her bushy brown hair masked her face from him but he did catch a glimpse of what looked to be an overbite. Oh dear, the bullies at school would have a heyday with her. Poor thing, he’d just have to watch out for was all. Harry started at his feeling the need to protect this girl he hadn’t even really met, just seen. Probably because he could understand what it was like to be teased. He walked over to the girl and held out his hand.

"Hi, I’m Harry."

She took his hand and met his eyes.

"Hermione, pleased to meet you."

Harry wasn’t expecting her to sound so British, he’d been expecting a thick Parisian accent. He shook her hand slightly, noting how small it was compared to his own. In fact, she was a good two inches shorter than he was. He knew that shouldn’t make him happy, but at least now he wasn’t the shortest one in class. Harry looked up at his mum and dad who were deep in conversation with the Grangers and motioned for Hermione to come sit next to him.

"I have a question for you."

He said looking into cinnamon brown eyes that hinted at secrets he could only dream of. Fringed with thick, dark lashes they mesmerized Harry so much so that he missed what Hermione said to him.

"Come again?"

He asked bewildered. Hermione blushed as she spoke again,

"I was just asking why you were staring at me like that. I know I’m new and everything but –"

Harry cut her off gently.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Your eyes just looked really interesting."

She shook her head at him.

"They’re just brown Harry. Nothing like my mum’s eyes, hers are turquoise almost."

Harry could hear the wistful tone in her voice. He wanted to make her feel better but didn’t know how. Then he remembered what he was going to ask her to begin with.

"Do you like frogs?"

Hermione jumped, a bit startled by the abruptness of the question.

"Frogs?"

She repeated as Harry nodded.

"Yeah, I’ve got one and she’s really cool. I just wondered if you liked frogs or if you were one of those girls who’s afraid of stuff like that."

Hermione giggled a little.

"I’ve never really been around frogs, but I should think I’m not afraid of them. I’ve read enough about them after all to know that for the most part they aren’t dangerous."

Harry began to get excited.

"You’ve read about them? Really?"

Hermione nodded and pulled the bag next to her up into her lap. She opened and pulled out a rather large book that looked like something a grownup would read. She put the bag back on the floor and put the book in her lap and opened to a certain page. She turned it towards him and pointed at the picture of the frog there.

"That one is my favorite. The African bullfrog."

Harry read about it.

"So much for being harmless. This says the bullfrog can inflict a serious bite."

Hermione took the book back.

"Only when threatened."

She said mildly. She looked up at Harry and smiled. And Harry, much to his own confusion, couldn’t have refused her one in return.

Across the terminal the parents stood watching their children.

"Well it looks as though the ice has been broken."

James said sounding relieved.

"Hermione’s not usually this shy. Then again this is the first time she’s ever had to move."

Gerald said watching his little girl. He smiled as he saw her talking animatedly with Harry about, what else, books. Or at least something she had read.

"Your son seems to be good at that sort of thing James."

James looked at his old friend.

"What sort of thing?"

Gerald motioned at the youngsters.

"Bringing people out of their shell and letting them feel like they’re special."

Lily moved in next to James and took his hand.

"Well Hermione may be shy, but she seems to be pretty special herself."

All the parents stood watching the two as they continued to discuss whatever it was that had them so fascinated.

"All right children, it’s time to go. Hermione get your things together."

Sophia called across the terminal to them. Harry and Hermione looked at one another and smiled.

"Well Harry, it’s been good to meet you so far. I’m looking forward to meeting your frog. What did you say her name was?"

Harry stood up along with Hermione and picked her bag off the floor.

"Her name is Chocolate and we’re not through just yet."

Hermione moved to grab her bag but he kept a grip on it.

"But Harry, we’re going to our new house tonight."

Harry began walking towards their parents and Hermione hurried to catch up.

"Well that may be, but dollars to doughnuts my mother has invited you all over for dinner at our house to "Welcome you into the neighborhood" as she would say."

And sure enough when the children reached their parents Gerald clapped Harry gently on the back and said,

"Well Harry, looks like you won’t be rid of us all as soon as you thought. Your mum here has graciously invited us over for dinner."

Harry looked over at Hermione and smiled quite smugly. She just stuck her tongue out at him and grinned. This introduction had been far more enjoyable than either of them had thought it would be. And they both had a feeling they had found a good friend within the other.

TBC….

For the first time since she moved to England Hermione was forced to walk home alone as her usual escort had managed to get himself a detention. Hermione shook her head as she thought about Harry and the fight he'd gotten into with one of the local bullies Draco Malfoy, she'd no idea what it was about but she didn't think it mattered. Fighting was fighting and there was no cause for it. Turning a little at a noise behind her she saw another boy from school, Ron Weasley, as well as his two older brothers Fred and George flying by on bicycles. Fred, or was it George, raised a hand in greeting.

"Oy Hermione!"

Hermione smiled a bit and waved back.

"Hello boys."

She replied before turning off on to the next street. Just a few more blocks and she would be at Harry's house. She'd have to explain to Mrs. Potter about the fight. Again she shook her head at Harry's irresponsibility. She continued to walk and ruminate over the possible reasons for Harry to react in such a volatile manner, so lost in thought was she that she didn't realize that she had taken a wrong turn until she was quite far into a rather seedy section of town.

"Oh dear, which way have I gone? I've got to get home. Ok, Hermione, relax and think. You're a big girl and you can get through this."

Hermione tried calming herself but a small wave of panic darted back and forth across her consciousness. As she stood at the mouth of an alley she heard a movement behind her. Turning quickly she spotted three rather large boys walking towards her. None of them looked friendly in the least. The tallest of the three motioned towards his friends as he saw Hermione.

"Well, well what `ave we `ere?"

He leaned in close to Hermione and she could smell beer on his breath. She cowered away even further but ever step she took backward he took one forward until she realized she'd been backed up against a wall. What was she going to do?

"I haven't any money if that's what you're after."

Hermione squeaked in a small voice.

The boy leered and snorted disdainfully.

"I ain't lookin' for money li'l Miss, you're in Death Eater territory now and I'm afraid we gotta teach ickle children likes yourself that it ain't appropriate to go wanderin' around in other people's territory."

He cracked his knuckles menacingly and as Hermione flinched she saw a big black blur knock into the boy.

It was one of those great stories that you can't put down at night.

The hero knew what he had to do and he wasn't afraid to fight.

The villain goes to jail while the hero goes free.

I wish it were that simple for me

Hermione looked up in surprise and saw man walking towards her. He was tall with straggly black hair and angry, blazing eyes the color of coal. He moved towards Hermione's attacker and picked him up by the collar shaking him roughly.

"You've moved from dealing with cops to bothering little girls have you?"

Hermione gasped as the other two boys advanced on the stranger, malice gleaming in their eyes. As one swung his fist the stranger lifted his free hand and caught the blow not taking his eyes of his captive. He gave the boy another shake as his hand squeezed the fist of the other boy painfully.

"I'll make you and your buddy here a deal, you promise to walk away and never let me see you bothering little kids again and I'll tell my dog not to rip out your other friend's throat."

Hermione turned and saw the third boy sprawled on the ground, a black lab stood over him with his throat locked gently but firmly between her jaws. It was clear she was waiting for her master command. Hermione turned back to the others in time to see her would be attacker nod his head fearfully. The stranger threw him back against a wall with a nod of his head.

"Good now get out of here. Lucy let `im go."

The dog released the boy and all three took to their feet and started running. The man turned to Hermione and regarded her kindly.

"You all right little one?"

Hermione nodded, not quite able to find her voice yet.

And the reason that she loved him,

was the reason I loved him too.

And he never wondered what was right or wrong,

he just knew, he just knew.

"You look a bit lost and to tell the truth so am I."

Hermione regarded him carefully and decided it would be ok to tell him.

"I got lost on my way home from school. I'm on my way to Beauchamp Place but I'm afraid I took a wrong turn somewhere."

The man looked a bit startled.

"Beauchamp Place? You wouldn't by any chance know James and Lily Potter would you?"

Hermione was startled to say the least.

"Why yes, I was on my way to their house. I'm sure they're dreadfully worried about me by now."

Shadow and shape mix together at dawn,

but by the time you catch them, simplicity's gone.

So we sort through the pieces, my friends and I,

searching through the darkness to find,

The breaks in the sky.

The man nodded thoughtfully and patted his dog absentmindedly on the head.

"I don't know if they mentioned I was coming, but I am Sirius Black."

He held out his hand and Hermione immediately took and shook glad to know she really could trust this man. He was a friend of Mr. Potter's after all.

"Yes, Mr. Potter talks about you all the time. He's been a bit worried because he was expecting you a lot sooner than this."

Sirius cleared his throat looking distinctly uncomfortable.

"Yes, well certain business has detained me up to this point. Now you know who I am, but may I be so bold as to inquire your identity?"

Hermione giggled at his overly dramatized politeness.

"My name is Hermione Granger. I stay with the Potters after school."

Sirius smiled pleased to have made her less nervous.

"Well then, shall we try to find our way there so they will cease to worry over us?"

He reached out his hand again and Hermione took it as they began retracing some of Hermione's steps in an effort to get back on track.

And the reason that she loved him,

was the reason I loved him too.

And he never wondered what was right or wrong,

he just knew, he just knew.

It wasn't long before Hermione and Sirius found their way back to the Potters'. On the way Sirius had told Hermione loads of funny stories and Lucy kept nuzzling her hand affectionately. As they approached Hermione could hear low voices coming from the living room. When they were nearer she could just make out what Harry was saying.

"I'm sorry Dad. I didn't mean for Hermione to have to walk home alone and I thought she'd have been here by now."

James's voice was the next she heard, disappointment evident in every word.

"If you hadn't gotten in that fight with the Malfoy boy then you wouldn't have gotten detention and Hermione wouldn't be lost right now."

Hermione and Sirius stopped and looked at one another, unsure if they should intrude on the despite the knowledge that their arrival would alleviate the tension.

"Well what was I supposed to do? I couldn't just let him go through with what he'd planned. I mean it would have completely humiliated Hermione."

Harry explained. Hermione was surprised that the fight had been about her and she wondered what it was Draco had been planning. She turned and nodded to Sirius and together they both walked inside. The three in the living room looked up at the entrance and immediately their faces cleared of worry.

"Hermione where have you been?"

Lily asked engulfing the girl in a large embrace.

"I took a wrong turn and then these mean boys cornered me and Mr. Black showed up and made them leave. He walked me home."

Hermione spoke in a rush, anxious to explain but she also wanted to ask Harry what Malfoy's plan had been. She looked at him hoping to get a clue when she noticed he had a dark purple bruise around his left eye.

"Mrs. Potter may Harry and I go upstairs now?"

Lily nodded and Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him towards the stairs calling a quick,

"Thank you for walking me home Mr. Black and it was nice meeting you."

Behind her as they went. Once upstairs and in Harry's room Hermione closed the door and turned to him.

"What was Draco planning?"

Harry blushed and looked at the floor.

"I'd rather not say. Um… are you all right Hermione? You said some guys cornered you."

Hermione nodded and smiled at Harry.

"Yes I'm fine. What about you, that bruise looks terrible."

"It's all right. Doesn't hurt that much."

Hermione smiled again and grabbed Harry's hand impulsively.

"Well I'm glad. And Harry thank you for standing up for me, but please, I don't want you to get in trouble so please try not to fight again."

"I can't make any guarantees Hermione but I'll try.

And we wonder, yes we wonder,

how do you make sense of this,

when the hero heals the maiden with his kiss...with his kiss?

Well, it was one of those great stories that you can't put down at night.

The hero knew what he had to do and he wasn't afraid to fight.

The villain goes to jail, while the hero goes free.

I wish it were that simple for me,

I wish it were that simple for me

Hermione nodded slowly before replying.

"I understand Harry. I suppose it's just how you are. And I guess now I've found myself two heroes to watch over me."

H

arry watched her carefully unsure, not only of how to respond, but of how to feel about Hermione having someone else as a hero. For some reason this bothered him. But for now he would just be glad she wasn't angry with him.

TBC…

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