Author's Note: I have taken the liberty of giving Mr. and Mrs. Granger first names. They are Robert and Emily.
Chapter 34-New Beginnings
"What? You love who? Bloody hell! Over my dead body! If he touches you, I'll knock him into next week! Ginny, what are you just boy crazy or what? For Merlin sake, I'd rather you have a centaur for a boyfriend." Ron was still yelling when Ginny backed out of the room unsure of what to say.
In the corridor, Harry, Hermione and Luna were laughing so hard they had to hold each other up. Draco wasn't so amused. "Geez, you'd think you told him I got you pregnant." Harry was coughing he'd laughed so hard. "Hey, Potter, it isn't that funny!" Draco was beside himself with embarrassment.
"No, Draco, don't be mad at us. What? You think it's easy for a guy who just spent two glorious months with your Dad's friends in the Hotel of Horrors and he'd be glad to hear the possibility that you could be at the family reunions? Get real, mate. Give the guy some time to get used to the idea." Harry almost started laughing again.
Draco still was not persuaded. He grabbed Ginny's hand and walked off. "Whatever, mate? I just hate being left out." He kept walking.
Harry watched as they walked away. "Hermione…Luna…give me a few minutes with Ron."
Harry went into the room. His face and arms still had faint blemishes that were unnoticeable because Ron was still fuming and beet red. "Do you believe my sister? If she's shagging him, I'll kill 'em both."
"Hey, hey…my brotha with a different motha," said Harry doing his best hip-hop move. "Really, mate. I didn't think you knew the words you've been using for the last five minutes. Settle down." Ron stopped for a second shocked at Harry.
"What the bloody hell was that all about?" Ron motioned with his hand and fingers. "And the brothers of different mothers bit?" He laughed. Harry looked funny as hell doing that, he thought.
"Mate, I mean listen." Harry demanded. "Without Draco, Luna and Ginny would have been lost. You know how much I hated him. He and Ginny split time with Hermione and I taking care of Luna. I don't know how it happened either, but it has. We'd just better get used to it. Finally, your sister met someone who isn't a flake."
"Yeah, that Potter bloke she fancied turned out to be a bloody nutter! You have to be kidding me! I don't 'effing' believe it! Did the whole world lose its clue? A Malfoy and a Weasley? Next thing you'll be telling me is that Hermione's parents are going to let you live with them. What a joke?" Ron couldn't settle down.
"Well, now that you mention it. I am going to spend the summer with them in America. You know the colonies…er… the United States for you morons. Oh, yeah, you went to wizard school. You probably don't understand that joke do you, you rube!" Harry was giving it back to him now. "What? To think I bloody risked my life to bring back my ungrateful best friend so he can call me a nutter. I don't 'effing' believe that either. I guess we're even on that score, huh?"
"You what? You're going to spend the summer with Hermione? Her parents approved of this? Now, I know you're mad. If I went away with Luna to the States, we'd never leave the hotel room." Ron laughed. "Really?" He shook his head in disbelief. "You say Malfoy has changed, huh?"
"Ron, your mum and dad like him. He helped everyone get through a lot of stuff. You should have seen them at first. She'd give him a dirty look and he'd come back for more." Harry told him about the first couple of weeks when Malfoy was still recovering. "And, then he told me that he wanted to feel part of something like you and I have, mate. He said it was too late for him to make it up to me and Hermione, but he'd like to try. He was a stand-up bloke that night." Harry cleared his throat. "Mate, I missed you. By the way, that wasn't a joke…you are like my brother. I never gave up hope. And, neither did Malfoy. Give the bloke a chance. If not for your best mate, then do it for Ginny."
Ron noticed that Harry was as serious as he'd ever been. He was not ashamed to tell him that he cared for him or that Malfoy was okay. "Go get Ginny and Draco for me, will ya Harry? If you feel it's the right thing, I'll do it." Ron watched Harry for a second. "Harry, me too mate. I love you like a brother too. Now get the bloody hell out of here." Ron felt a slight tear in his eye.
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New Year's passed and classes began that Monday morning. Ron was able to use crutches, but decided to put Ginny and Draco to work. He'd told Draco that if he could push him around Hogwarts for a whole week without getting him killed, he'd think about being nice to him. He laughed when he said it, but no one--including Harry--was sure he was joking.
Classes went well considering the number of people who would stop Ron and ask him how he felt and what had happened. Ron liked being a celebrity of sorts. He was really getting sick of hearing Weasley is our King from every first-year he passed. Harry and Draco told the first years they'd hex them if they didn't pay their respects to Ron. Neither Harry nor Draco minded the two nights of detention Dumbledore gave them for their little joke. It gave those little blighters nightmares and it irritated Ron. Getting Ron going was more fun than they used to have making fun of Draco.
This continued until finally Ron gave in and told Draco that he was welcome to the 'family' sort of. Ron was amazed at how fast things changed after that. No more singing and no more antagonistic behavior from Draco or Harry.
The next few weeks provided milestone after milestone. Ron was finally able to walk without crutches or a cane and only a slight limp because the muscles were strengthening unevenly. Luna was working hard at being able to get herself in and out of the wheelchair on her own. And they'd had time to perfect the art of French-kissing. To his fascination, Ron had forgotten what a good kisser Luna was. He just wished he could find some magic potion or something that could help her. Ron had an idea, maybe Hermione could help.
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The first week of February came quickly. It had been almost a month since Ron had talked to Hermione about sending an owl to her mum and dad. Ron was sitting in Luna's room waiting for her to get ready for their weekly Sunday jaunt around the Hogwarts grounds, when Hermione walked in unexpectedly. "Ron, are you alone?"
Ron was excited. He'd dreamed she'd know something everyday for the past month. "My dad said that if we could take Luna to London, his friend Dr. Porter would look at her. The records we sent…well the doctor said he'd had some luck with patients who had spinal injuries like hers. He'll have to evaluate her though." Ron looked at Hermione and surprised her with a big kiss on the lips. He looked at her and she at him. "Whoa, sorry about that." They were both embarrassed but so happy they forgot about it quickly. Now how do they tell Luna?
Luna came out of the ladies' room a few minutes later to find Ron sitting in his usual chair reading his magazine…upside down. Hermione was standing at the window twisting the curls of hair at her temples. They were both acting the way they did when there was something going on. "Ron, are you trying to learn a Quidditch move in reverse?" He looked at the magazine and realized he'd been daydreaming.
"Luna…Hermione and I have something to tell you." Luna looked upset. She rolled over to Hermione and looked her in the eye.
"Yeah, go on. So what are you and Hermione doing?" Luna had taken his comment the wrong way.
"No, no, nothing like that. Hermione's dad is a dentist. He has lots of doctors for friends, so we snuck out your chart from the infirmary here. This Dr. Porter her dad knows says that he's been successful with injuries such as yours. Not always, but more than half of the time. All we have to do is get you to London." Luna looked at them both with trepidation and joy. Secretly, she was afraid for two reasons. The pain of muggle medicine was legendary in the magical world. And, if it didn't work would Ron want to leave for someone who could give him what he needed?
Ron knew she'd be less than completely enthusiastic. "Ron, I…I…I'm afraid. Do I have to do it?" She said with a nervous voice.
"Of course, you don't have to do it. I just want you to be happy, sweetie. I want you to feel your best." Ron said in an assuring voice. He walked over and put his hand on her shoulder as she looked out the window with Hermione.
"I know this sounds foolish, but…" She paused. "What if it doesn't work or if he can't do anything? Are you going to get tired of me? Is that why you want me to go?"
Hermione felt sick. She hadn't thought of the pain that must have been on Luna's heart all this time. She looked at Ron who looked heartbroken and at a loss for words. Hermione knelt down and took Luna's hand. "Luna, you have inspired me. So I know what a wonderful person you are. So does Ron, Harry, Draco, and Ginny. Ron loves you more than life itself. When he asked me to find out, he didn't want you to know. He didn't want you to get your hopes up. He told me that he didn't care whether a muggle doctor could help or not as long as he could do something to help make you happy. Harry and I have talked about this every day since I owled my father. We all want the best for you. You have to go through the pain and therapy. It's your choice."
Luna looked into Ron's eyes and realized how lucky she was. Ron was going to be there no matter what. For a second, she recalled talking to Harry the year before about how people played tricks on her by taking her things. Then returning them just before school let out. Harry had asked if he could help. Now she truly knew the meaning of friendship and it was the right guy at the right time.
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The next day was the second most wonderful of the school year. Their plans to take Luna to the doctor in London were confirmed for the same day as the Wizengamot inquiry. The inquiry had been thought to be nothing but a formality. But now, it was a fait accompli. No inquiry. The members had informed Professor Dumbledore that as long as Harry continued his training and worked to control his emotions that this would never be on his record after leaving Hogwarts. And to make the day even brighter, Professor McGonagall called Harry and Hermione into her office for more good news.
"Hermione….Harry….I would like to express my gratitude for the job you did getting the Yule Ball planned. Since it was interrupted so unpleasantly, Professor Dumbledore and I decided that we would schedule a spring dance for the Saturday after exams. We would like you two to do the planning again. Or, if you'd like, you can just update the original plan for an outside festival in the courtyard." Professor McGonagall was so excited that she was breathless telling them.
They looked at each other and said, "When do we start?" They spent the next few minutes telling Professor McGonagall the story about Luna's appointment. Professor McGonagall liked Luna very much and offered to help get them transportation to London the night before the appointment. She gave them permission to stay at a London hotel if Professor Dumbledore would provide chaperones from the aurors in the Order. Six more Death Eaters had been captured since Ron's return and the threat was considerably lower.
Hermione had made arrangements for them to be picked up in London on the day of the appointment. She sent an immediate owl to her father to get reservations at a London hotel near Dr. Porter's office for the night before. They had recently learned that often this kind of injury was caused by compression of the spine and a possible bone spur that pressed on the nerve. If that was the diagnosis, Luna would go under the knife the next day.
Since the appointment was now only three days away, everyone including the Weasley's and Draco was scurrying to find what they would wear to London. They were as excited as they'd ever been. The last time they went was to the Department of Mysteries and that hadn't turned out so well.
Hermione received the return owl on Friday and gave the details to Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore. The only unexpected twist was that her parents wanted to meet Harry that evening. They'd met once before at Flourish and Blott's in Diagon Alley, but only for a minute or two. This was going to be a shock for Harry. He had just been joking that he was glad to have three plus months to get ready to 'meet the parents.' He was going to have to move his time table up a bit.
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Sunday afternoon was one of the most stressful Harry had had in a long time. The last time he had to meet a muggle who was even remotely related to him was when he blew up his Aunt Marge. He hoped nothing like that would happen this time. It would make being Hermione's boyfriend a little difficult. He laughed at the thought.
Ron and Luna were going to Diagon Alley by the Hogwarts Express because it was easier for the wheelchair. Ron was thankful that his family would accompany them to spend time with Luna's father. They would all get there that evening around 7 PM. Hermione and Harry were going to go to a remote spot near 13 Grimmauld Place via portkey at 2 PM to spend the afternoon with her parents.
Harry was standing in the courtyard with his bag in his hand. Hermione was going to help him find a suit and tie for dinner that night. Her parents felt it was just as important to impress Harry as it was for him to make a good impression on them. She didn't tell Harry this, of course. There was enough pressure.
"Harry, here we go." Hermione came out of the door and looked over at the window where Draco, Ginny, Ron and Luna were waving. "It's 1:59 PM." Suddenly that familiar yank behind the belly button had them both going as they hung onto the umbrella that Dumbledore had charmed for a portkey. They were to go to 13 Grimmauld Place and let Tonks and Hellman know they were there. They would inconspicuously follow them until they returned.
They came out of the journey and managed to maintain their feet. They were both thankful that they didn't scrape themselves on the street rolling around. After fulfilling their obligation to notify the aurors, they found a cabbie to take them to the hotel. They would shop around there until 4 PM when Hermione's parents would arrive. They found a nice charcoal grey, wool double-breasted suit, blue tie and white shirt. Even thought it fit him perfectly with no alterations, Harry felt like he was going to be put on the display at the zoo.
"So, in which cage at the zoo will I be? Oh, yeah I know, the primate house with the sign: 'Homo Sapiens Magicus.' That'll really be a sight.' He smiled with that boyish grin that always made Hermione want to kiss him. She did.
It was wonderful to be with him in the real world. She walked Harry down one block. They turned left toward the shops. She had actually made Harry come one hour earlier than they needed to so she could surprise him. Two store fronts down there was a music shop that had new and old music CDs. Her father told her about it in the last owl letter. It even had the old vinyl records. They had an hour before they'd meet her parents.
Harry was obsessed. Hermione was obsessed in book shops. Harry was the same way in the music shop. He'd play the demos for one or two minutes and go to the next one. Finally, he saw the one he wanted. He recognized it. It was an American group from New Orleans or someplace like that. It was "Three Doors Down". It was the CD that Fred had sent them. He'd never seen the cover.
"Hey, Hermione look here." Hermione came over looking at Harry reading the words. He'd bought the CD. "You know this one." She read it over and smiled. She could hear the song in her head. "Maybe they'll be somewhere live in the States when we get there." For the first time, Hermione heard Harry mention something he wanted to do in the States.
"Come on, Harry. We're going to be late. My parents like things to be tidy. You know, on time. That sort of stuff." Hermione begged him to come quickly. Finally he did.
They arrived at the restaurant one minute early to find Mr. and Mrs. Granger standing with the maitre'd. "Granger, table for 4 please. We have reservations."
Harry heard Mr. Granger's voice. It was different before. He hadn't slept with his daughter the last time he saw him. For Merlin's sake they'd been 12 years old then. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Granger." Harry put out his hand to Mr. Granger as Mrs. Granger hugged Hermione.
"Well, hello, Mr. Potter. I'm sorry….Harry. I don't want to be so formal because it seems we've already met the way Hermione tells us so much about you. You can call me Robert, if it suits you. And this is Emily." Harry took Emily's hand graciously. Harry relaxed noticeably. Every adult muggle he'd ever met seemed like such a prude and Hermione's father and mother seemed genuine.
He hugged Hermione. "Did you take him to the music shop?" Hermione nodded. She smiled.
"I didn't tell him you recommended it highly. I almost couldn't get him out of there to get to dinner on time." Hermione sad with little grin. "He's absolutely obsessed with this band "Three Doors Down".
"Well, I wouldn't say obsessed." Harry said trying to save face. Then he saw Hermione squint her eyes at him and give him a playful scowl. "Okay. Obsessed, but only a little bit." The Granger's laughed with Hermione and Harry.
The ice was broken. Harry felt as at home with adults as he ever had. They didn't know him as 'The Boy Who Lived'. They knew him as the boy who loved their daughter. He wondered if she'd told her parents that they were in love. Mr. Granger looked over at Harry after the main course and said, "So, Harry, we're leaving the day after school ends for New York City. You have accepted our invitation to join us, haven't you? I know it must be awkward for you, but Hermione says she worries about you during the summer."
"Every summer for the past three summers, isn't that right Robert?" Emily said. Hermione blushed.
Harry tried to change the subject. He could tell Hermione was embarrassed. "I would love to go, Mr. Granger. I mean…Rob…No offense sir, but I feel more comfortable calling you Mr. Granger. You too Mrs. Granger. I would love to go if it won't disrupt your plans."
"Not at all, Harry dear. We have an international conference to attend and decided that we should just make it a holiday to remember. We thought you and Hermione could keep each other company while we attended the conference. Then we'd go to Chicago, Los Angeles, and then maybe to New Orleans." Emily had just hooked Harry into going for sure now. New Orleans…jazz….blues….Bourbon Street.
"We can't let our daughter pull the wool over your eyes any longer Harry. If you hadn't figured it out by the end of this year, she was going to 'hex you into the stone age' I think is how she put it." Robert laughed.
"Dad, you're embarrassing me." Hermione was embarrassed only because she'd not told Harry first.
"Really. I'll have to be careful if we go to any museums this summer. I might become part of the exhibit." They all laughed.
They discussed what they knew about the procedures that would be done tomorrow to diagnose the seriousness of Luna's paralysis. Mr. Granger told them about how the technology had changed and how precise the type of imaging they were going to use was. Harry felt better. It sounded like it might actually be an advance over Magical Medicine.
At the end of the night, Mr. and Mrs. Granger bid Harry good night and said they'd see Hermione in a few minutes.
"Well, Harry, that wasn't so bad, now was it?" Hermione asked.
"It was actually kind of cool. I like your parents. They treat me like somebody. I never got that feeling from anyone associated with the Dursley's." Harry said.
"Well, Harry, I'll see you in the morning." She looked at him tenderly, moved close and caressed the side of his face.
"Hermione, thank you for always looking after me. I guess I always had a guardian angel and never knew it. I love you." Harry said as he moved in to kiss her.
"Ditto." Hermione said when they stepped back from each other. "Good night." She turned and opened the door to the Granger suite waving as she closed the door.
Harry went off to find the Weasley's room. They'd taken the suite and charmed it like the tents at the Quidditch World Cup. It was like a hotel inside a hotel in their room. He snuck up to the room they'd set aside with his name on it and pulled out his walkman. He listened to "Three Doors Down" until he fell asleep.