Jedi Mages

Harry85

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 25/03/2004
Last Updated: 12/05/2004
Status: completed

Harry and Hermione are mages, very powerful kind of wizards.Dumbledore trains them, to defeat Voldemort, who is a sorcerer, an evil mage, and trains two people of his own. Sixth and seventh year

Chapters

1. Thoughts

2. Discovery

3. The Rage of the Mage

4. At Work

5. Training goes on

6. Start of the Term

7. Quidditch and Feelings

8. Revelation

9. The Most Powerful

10. Both of Them

11. Training

12. Dare

13. The Strongest Weapon

14. Summer

15. The Year of the Truth begins

16. Betrayal and Freedom

17. New Life

18. Pensieves and Invitations

19. Wheels in Motion

20. At the Burrow

21. Till Death Will Part Us

22. Author

23. Lovely Honeymoon

24. Hogwarts Professors

25. The Potters

1. Thoughts

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, they are the property of JK Rowling

Summary: Harry is a mage, a very powerful kind of wizard…also Hermione is one, and Dumbledore trains them…Voldemort is a sorcerer, an evil mage…and trains two people of his own…who are those people? Will Harry be able to destroy Voldemort?

A/N: This is my first fic, so please R/R!!

Chapter One

“Thoughts”

As the Hogwarts Express left Hogsmeade station, full of students returning home, an old wizard stood on the platform. He was lost in his thoughts.

“Albus…let's return to the castle…”

He nodded, and slowly started to move. He was Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The woman with him was Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration Professor in the school.

Dumbledore continued to think about one student, while returning to the castle: Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived…the boy who defeated Voldemort, the strongest Dark Wizard of the century, at the age of one. The only person who had survived the Killing Curse.

In the last few years, Harry had faced Voldemort many times, in every form: a soul in Professor Quirrel's body in his first year or a memory who used a basilisk against him in his second year. He had duelled with the Dark Lord himself, in his fourth year, after having won the Triwizard Tournament. Only few days ago, in the Department of Mysteries, he faced with five other students a group of Death Eaters, until the Order of the Phoenix arrived to help them.

Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, had been killed in the battle. This was a terrible shock for Harry. The poor boy already had many burdens on his shoulders, and now the death of Sirius and the revelation of the prophecy about how he must kill or be killed, were added to his charge.

Dumbledore knew that what he was doing was wrong, that he should have told him another truth, that night in his office, immediately after Sirius death. But he, even being the most powerful wizard alive, had still a great flaw: his great heart. He didn't wanted to make the poor boy worry with another sudden revelation, even more terrifying: Harry Potter was a mage…one of the very few who remained, led by the same Dumbledore.

The Headmaster was the first to see this quality in him, and he wanted to train the boy, giving him the chance to reach the top of his skills. But not now - it was still too early.

***********************************

Harry Potter was also lost in thought on the train. He continued to relive that bloody night in his head, and nobody, not even his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, were able to distract him.

Well, this wasn't totally true. Hermione was able to cheer up him a little. Many times he wondered what he would have done in his life without her, without his rock in the worst moments. This time she was doing her best, but it was very hard to help him, as he was very depressed, convinced that it was his fault if Sirius was dead.

Finally, the train arrived in the station, and they went down, to collect their trunks. Harry walked toward the only family that remained for him - the Dursleys. They hated everything that wasn't normal and a wizard nephew was the worst disgrace they could imagine. He had stopped caring about how they treated him when he discovered he was a wizard.

Hermione, seeing the Dursleys, and having noticed how depressed he was on the train, went to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then she whispered:

“Don't worry, Harry…you know you can always trust me, don't you? Well, I promise we'll get you out of this very soon.”

Harry nodded feebly, too distressed to notice the kiss. However, when he was in his uncle's car, he began to think about it. It was the second time she kissed him on the cheek. A little smile appeared on his lips, as he thought how Ron would have been jealous of him, seeing the scene. Ron had a massive crush on Hermione since their fourth year, after the Yule Ball, and deep in his heart, Harry thought that she also felt something for their tall, red haired friend. Suddenly, at this thought, the smile vanished.

****************************************

At the same moment, Hermione was in her parents' car, barely aware that her mum was speaking to her. She only said: “Yes” or “No” every few minutes. All she could think of was Harry - she wanted so much to hug him and tell him that all would turn out well, but she couldn't do this. He trusted her, and she couldn't be sure that all would turn out well. The only thing she knew was that her heart was broken, seeing him so depressed and discouraged. She had to be strong for him.

Ron, on the other hand, was at the Burrow, with his siblings, Fred, George, Ginny, Bill, Charlie; only Percy wasn't there, as he had left the house last year after disagreeing with his father about the return of Voldemort. Even after the night in the Ministry, he wasn't sorry for having doubted his father's judgement.

Ron, too, was thinking deeply. He wanted so much to help Harry, but he didn't know how. He had tried to cheer him up on the train, but for the first time, he failed totally and this worried him a lot, but then Hermione had been unsuccessful too, and in his heart a strange thought started to born: maybe, if Harry next year would try to distance them, he could have his chance to be with Hermione.

*******************************************

That night, Harry lay on his bed, wide awake. Although tears trickled down his face, he couldn't help thinking that Sirius would not want him to cry. He would have said: “Harry, we are at war…it is normal that someone has to die”; True…but why was it always the people he cared about that got in trouble?

His parents died, protecting him. Ginny was possessed to get to him. Hermione was petrified trying to help him. Ron had his leg broken, when they discovered the truth about Sirius. Cedric was killed only for having shared with him the Triwizard Cup. And now Sirius, his godfather, the only father figure he ever had, was gone.

He didn't know that very soon, an event was coming which would have changed his life.

2. Discovery

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, they are the property of JK Rowling

A/N: Please R/R, this will help me to improve my writing. I want to thank my wonderful beta Petunia.

Jedi Mage

Chapter Two

“Discovery”

Life at Privet Drive went slowly, for Harry. He was locked in his room, without anything magical. His trunk, his wand and his broom were locked as well in a cupboard under the stairs. His aunt passed him some food every day through the hole in the door and he spent his days lying on the bed, his mind recalling all the events of the last year. Especially the prophecy.

“I have to kill or be killed…how can I say this to Ron and Hermione? And how will they accept this?” he was thinking, when his snowy white owl, Hedwig, returned after her night hunt. At least, Harry had thought she had been hunting. Instead, she had two letters with her: one from Dumbledore, for Aunt Petunia and the other for him, from Hermione. He opened the second, and smiled a little.

“This girl always knows how to make me feeling better”, he thought while taking the parchment from the envelope:

“Dear Harry,

I am writing to you, because

I want to be sure you are doing

well…I'm so sad for you! You

know, I want to be there with you,

at this very moment, hugging you

and giving you the strength to go on…

Please, Harry! Don't be too sad!

Seeing you so depressed hurts me!

Love, Hermione”

After reading the letter, tears started to flow down his face. What have he done to deserve a so faithful and comforting friend? He didn't know, but he knew one thing: she was the most important person in his life.

Suddenly, the hole in the door opened, and a plate was pushed into the room.

“Aunt Petunia! Wait! I have a letter for you!” He passed her the letter through the hole.

There was silence as Aunt Petunia read the letter and then his door opened. She looked at him coldly.

“From this moment, you won't be locked in this room. You can go anywhere in the house, and outside, too, if you want”.

With that, she disappeared back downstairs.

That afternoon, he still remained in his room to reply to Hermione's letter:

“Dear Mione,

I'm very touched by your letter

You are always so kind to me.

I really wonder what I've done to

deserve you. Thank you so much

for your support…I'm trying to not

be too sad…

Yours, Harry”

He read and reread it many times, then he sent it with Hedwig.

For the first time in those holidays, he went down to the living room where he found Dudley watching the TV. He rolled his eyes, and went in the kitchen to drink some water.

*************************************

A few days passed, and Dumbledore, in his office at Hogwarts, was still consumed by doubt. When he would have to tell the boy the truth? That summer, at Grimmauld Place? Or later, at Hogwarts? Or the next year?

The old wizard put his head in his hands, uncertain about what to do. Professor McGonagall had often tried to help him in the past, giving him advices, but this was a decision he had to take on his own.

Finally, he decided. He would reveal the truth to Harry when his powers revealed themselves. He had a feeling that it could be soon. However, now he had another problem to face: Hermione Granger, too, was a mage. When would he inform her?

**************************************

Some days later, Harry went for his now usual walk in the neighbourhood, through the park in Magnolia Crescent. Suddenly, when returning home, he felt his scar burning. He saw three hooded figures coming from the end of the street. He thought they were Dementors, like the previous year, and being without wand, he started to run. He was trying to escape from them but didn't feel the usual coldness in his soul, even if the three figures were chasing him.

Suddenly, he heard one of them crying: “Crucio!” and he understood - they were Death Eaters! He turned, seeing the red light approaching him.

While he watched the spell come towards him, without knowing what he was doing, he waved his hand, and the spell returned on the Death Eater who cast it. He fell on the ground, screaming in pain.

The others tried to attack Harry. He wanted to escape, but his legs felt like they had turned to stone. He remained there, avoiding curses and deflecting some of them.

“Avada…” cried one of the hooded figures but he didn't get a chance to finish the spell. Harry, somehow, managed to direct on him a Cruciatus Curse that another Death Eater cast on Harry.

`You'll pay for this, Potter,' hissed one of the men. `Come on, let's go!' he roared at the others. They Disapparated with a `crack'.

Harry remained there for a long time, wondering how on earth he did what he had done. He had fought three Death Eaters without a wand!

There was only one thing to do. He returned home, and sent an owl to Dumbledore, hoping that the Headmaster could help him in finding the answers he wanted.

***********************************

On first reading the letter, Dumbledore was only concerned for Harry's safety. On re-reading the parchment the fact that Harry had fought without a wand made its way to his brain. A smile of pride appeared on Dumbledore's lips. Harry had used his hidden powers - he was really a mage and a very powerful one, too…maybe more powerful than Dumbledore himself.

Hermione, in the meantime, was feeling a bad omen…she felt something bad had happened to Harry. She wasn't too surprised when a letter from Dumbledore arrived, explaining her that Harry had been attacked; the fact that surprised her was that Harry had fought without a wand.

“If Harry can do wandless magic, perhaps he is a mage” she thought. Not many wizards and witches knew about the mages, but Hermione of course had read about them.

In the same moment, at number four Privet Drive, there was a knock on the door. Harry opened it and was amazed to see Professor Dumbledore standing there.

“Professor...why are you here?” Harry asked, looking bewildered.

“Harry…let me in…I have something important to say you…”

“Of course” Harry replied, standing aside so Dumbledore could come in.

When they were seated on a couch in the Dursleys' living room, Harry spoke first.

“What have you to say me, Professor?”

Dumbledore looked at him solemnly.

“Harry” he said quietly “You are a mage.”

3. The Rage of the Mage

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, they are the property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thank you for your reviews, I'm very happy you are liking the story!

Pixiedust: Yeah, I'm very happy they accepted me, too!

Coolone007: Well, Ron will do much more than being jealous…

I want to thank my wonderful beta, Petunia!

Chapter Three

“Rage of the Mage”

“I'm a…what?” Harry asked, surprised

“You are a mage, Harry and a powerful one, too, as I can tell from what you did to those Death Eaters” Dumbledore replied.

“But…what is a mage?”

“A mage, Harry, is a wizard able to change the structure of a spell, changing its form. For example, a mage can transform a “Lumos” spell into a “Cruciatus Curse”, or the opposite way round. A mage can also increase or decrease the power of a spell - in this way, a “Cruciatus Curse” could be reduced to the power of a tickling spell, instead of causing excruciating pain. Mages are also very good at wandless magic and at deflecting spells against their opponents.”

Harry thought about this in silence for few moments.

“So, you think I'm a mage because of the way I defeated those Death Eaters, Professor?”

“Well, Harry, I have to tell you the truth. I already knew you were a mage. I have known this from the first moment I saw you do magic. I am a mage, too, Harry. And the leader of the few still alive. So, I suppose I am experienced in recognizing the signs of being a mage.” He smiled.

Harry could feel anger boiling inside him. Dumbledore had kept more secrets from him! He stood up abruptly.

“You knew I was a mage and you said NOTHING?” he yelled.

Hearing the shouts, Petunia and Vernon came in the living room ready to punish him. Seeing Dumbledore, they stopped; Harry turned to look at them. A sign from the Headmaster sent them scuttling back to the kitchen. Harry turned back to Dumbledore.

“You don't learn from your mistakes, do you? You didn't tell me about the prophecy. You didn't tell me the risks of being deceived by Voldemort, and I led five of my friends to risk their lives and Sirius died…but you still keep important things about myself from me!”

He could feel his anger growing and growing. Dumbledore remained silent, waiting for him to calm down. After at least a quarter of hour, Harry finally sat down on the couch, but his trust in Dumbledore was at the lowest it had ever had been.

“Harry, I did so because you are still young. You have still two school years ahead of you, and the mage training is difficult and requires lots of time. I decided to wait until the moment you would show your skills naturally because, to tell you the truth, I didn't want to give you another thing to worry about.”

Harry laughed bitterly. “Last year you didn't tell me about the prophecy to not worry me and you didn't make me prefect to not give me too many responsibilities. Now, you keep my being a mage from me to not worry me - but don't you think the more things I know about me and my skills, the more possibilities I have to defeat Voldemort?” he demanded.

“Harry, I have to tell you one thing. While I'm alive, you don't have to worry about defeating Voldemort. While I'm alive, he won't kill you. I'll protect you. This is the reason why I didn't think you needed to be told before. But now, I'm here to ask you if you want to be trained as a mage.”

Again Harry was silent for a few minutes.

“No, Professor, I don't want. Not now at least, because I have learned from last year. Last year I had Occlumency with Snape, and I didn't trust him, so my results were terrible. Right now, I don't trust you so I cannot be trained now.”

Dumbledore seemed hurt by Harry's answer, but he smiled sadly, stood up, and said: “If this is what you want, I respect your decision.”

************************************

At that very moment, the same subject was under discussion at the Granger house. Professor McGonagall had gone there to speak with Hermione.

“Ms. Granger, I have some news for you. I assume you know about the attack Harry Potter had suffered.”

“Yes, I know.”

“And you know he defeated them without a wand.”

“Yes, I think he must be a mage, Professor.”

A smile appeared on Professor McGonagall's lips.

“Yes, he is a mage. I should have known you would work it out Ms Granger. Professor Dumbledore is now explaining to him what this means. I suppose you know what it means, if you were able to understand he is one of us.”

“One of us? You are a mage, Professor?” Hermione asked, amazed.

“Yes, Ms. Granger. Professor Dumbledore trained me many years ago. But what I want to say you now, Ms. Granger, is that you are a mage, too.”

Hermione was dumbfounded. Her, a mage, like Harry and Dumbledore and McGonagall! It was so strange!

“I can't be a mage” she thought. “I'm only a Muggle born witch! To be a mage very strong magic powers are needed.” But as she looked into the Professor's eyes, she knew she was telling the truth.

After a short discussion, Hermione agreed to be trained and she was sure Harry had done the same.

*******************************

After the discussion with Professor Dumbledore, Harry went to bed, angrier than he had ever been. It took some time for him to fall asleep.

He began to dream.

He was in a dark room. He walked to the centre. A light suddenly came on and he saw Voldemort with his wand in his hand. Then two Death Eaters dragged Hermione in: she was bound.

“Your Mudblood friend is here, Potter” Voldemort said. “Now you will see her die. But before that, let's enjoy her suffering…Crucio!”

Hermione screamed in pain. Voldemort was laughing. He repeated the curse. Harry tried to deflect it, but he didn't succeed. After some minutes, Voldemort cried: “Avada Kedavra!”. The green light hit Hermione in the chest, although Harry's attempt to modify the spell or to deflect it.

Hermione was dead.

Voldemort smiled cruelly.

“Do you see, Potter? Perhaps, if you had been willing to be trained as a mage, you could have saved her.”

“Hermione!!! NOOOOO!!”

Harry woke up, sweating. His pillow was totally soaked.

He had made a decision; he would accept the training. He had to protect Hermione.

4. At Work

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thank you guys for your reviews! I really need your support!

Coolone007: Well, it was not a dream coming from Voldemort…it was a dream coming from his fears…so, old Tom didn't really come to push him to be a mage.

KypDurron: Yeah, I think Harry had understood that…

Antone: Well, I tried my best to not make them out of character…so, thanks for your compliment! I think that having read five books helped a little to understand their personalities…

eMeRaLd EyEz: Well, I hope you'll like the rest of the plot, too…

Chapter Four

“At Work”

Next morning, Harry wrote a letter to Dumbledore, explaining his change of heart:

“Professor,

I have decided to accept your offer

to train me as a mage. Last night I had

a dream about Voldemort killing Hermione

in front of my eyes. I had no wand and

I could do nothing. I was completely helpless.

I need to know how to control and use my

powers, to protect her…and Ron, too.

Harry”

Dumbledore read the letter and smiled, happy with Harry's decision. He decided that if Harry had only accepted the training to defend Hermione, he should not find out yet that she was a mage too.

They would have to train separately.

He called Professor McGonagall, and asked her to go and get Hermione and take her to Grimmauld Place, where she would be trained.

Dumbledore would fetch Harry himself and take him directly to Hogwarts, so the two would be separate.

*********************

“Well, Harry, go and settle your things in the sixth year's dorm. I'll meet you in the Great Hall.” Dumbledore said. Harry nodded and headed for the dorm.

At Grimmauld Place, the Order of the Phoenix members were astonished to see Hermione with them so early. McGonagall sent her to her room, to unpack her belongings. Then she explained the situation to everyone.

“She's here because from today she will start her mage training. Dumbledore is training Harry. Harry is not to know that Hermione is a mage at the moment, until he recovers his trust in Dumbledore. It seems that another late revelation from Dumbledore has upset him very much.”

“I should have known that they would be mages,' said Remus. `But I think they are getting trained very early. They still have two school years to attend! I honestly don't think they are ready,' he added. The other members agreed with him.

“Dumbledore thinks they can do this now, so we have to trust him” McGonagall said. “Molly, I have here a letter for you, asking you to return to the Burrow. Albus doesn't want Ron knows about Hermione being a mage. He is Harry's friend, too, and there is a risk he tells him the truth” she added.

Molly seemed a little hurt by this. However, she went to call Ron and the others without replying.

While this was going on, Ron was speaking to Hermione.

“So, what are you doing here, so early?” he asked

“I can't tell you” she replied, abruptly

“Well, maybe with a little bit of tickling…” he teased, then started tickling her. She didn't take this very well.

“Leave me alone, Ron. I can't tell you. Just leave me alone!” she yelled

Ron was surprised, but thought: “Give her a little of time to forget Harry. Maybe he has already started to treat her badly, and she feels hurt. Maybe I can comfort her and then…”

“Ok, I'll stop. Have you heard from Harry? He never owled me, this summer”

“Of course I've been in contact with him,” she replied briefly.

**********************

At Hogwarts, Harry had started his training. With his wand raised, he followed Dumbledore's instructions to modify the spells.

“Cast a “Lumos”, Harry and then concentrate and try to change it into a heating spell” the Headmaster said.

Harry cried: “Lumos!” and his wand lit up. He then concentrated very hard on the heating spell, trying to make the change. The light decreased, and a little heat could be felt around the wand.

However, the transformation was not complete.

“Try again, Harry. You can do it. Think about the structure of the spell and concentrate on it.”

Harry tried many times, but each time the transformation was not complete. After almost an hour, he could finally change a “Lumos” spell into a heating one.

“Harry…now, let's try to change the heating spell into a “Rictosempra”

The Headmaster explained to him the difference in the structure of the two spells with the help of a chalkboard. Harry started to try it.

This time, he needed only three attempts to reach his aim. He felt a little relieved, but also tired.

“Let's have a break, Harry. We'll have lunch, then work again in the afternoon.”

Harry nodded, too tired to speak.

*******************************

At Grimmauld Place, after the Weasleys had left, Hermione and McGonagall started to work in the living room.

“Now, Hermione, let's start changing the spell's structure. As you know, a spell has an its own structure, which gives it its characteristics…”

After a long explanation, they started practising; “Now cast a Floating Charm on this feather and then, try to change the spell into a Summoning one”

Hermione cried: “Wingardium Leviosa!” and the feather started to float in the air then she concentrated hard on modifying the spell but it failed. She tried again, and this one she succeeded: the feather flew into her hand.

“Well done, Hermione! You have always been an outstanding student, but I'm amazed! This is very difficult to learn quickly.”

Hermione smiled about the Professor's compliment, but she couldn't help wondering how Harry was doing.

“I'm usually with him when he has to learn difficult things” she thought.

After lunch, Hermione went to rest a little in her room. All what she was able to do was thinking about Harry.

In the meanwhile, Harry was lying on his bed in the dorm, thinking.

“I'm doing this for you, Mione. You are so important to me…I can't risk to loosing you.” he thought before he fell asleep.

5. Training goes on

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are the property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all of you for reviewing! And special thanks to my wonderful beta Petunia!

KypDurron: The training will last all the year…for the other question, read this chapter.

Shawnpickett: Thank you, however Dumbledore has not made a mistake.

Chapter Five

“Training goes on”

After a long rest, Harry returned to the Great Hall. He was eager to restart the training. After all, even if he didn't really trust Dumbledore, he was enjoying the hard work. He felt fine with the training.

“I see you are ready to continue, Harry,” Dumbledore said, smiling. He stood up, and joined Harry in the centre of the Hall.

“Let's try to modify another spell, then we will move on to other aspects of your mage powers. Try to cast a Disarming Charm and then modify it to an Invisibility one.”

Harry concentrated.

“Expelliarmus!” he cried. Dumbledore's wand started to fly toward him across the room. He tried to change the spell into an Invisibility one, but the wand continued to fly towards him.

After at least an hour of attempts, Harry was able to change from the Disarming Charm to the Invisibility one and vice versa without many problems.

“Good, Harry. Now, let's go on to something different. Leave your wand on the table. I'll cast a tickling spell on you. Try to deflect it. If you are able, try to send it in a precise direction.”

Harry nodded, determination clear in his eyes.

“Rictosempra!” the Headmaster cried, and Harry saw the spell moving toward him. He waved his hand before the light, concentrating on sending it back to the Headmaster.

Moments later, a light sound was heard. Harry had deflected the spell, and sent it back to Dumbledore, missing him by inches. The light had hit the wall.

“Very good, Harry! I'm amazed. I knew you were good at this, from what happened this summer, but seeing it in person…well, it's stunning!”; the Headmaster felt very proud of Harry. If only he could regain his trust totally…

Harry was pleased by the old wizard's comment, and from that moment worked even harder. They repeated the exercise many times, and Harry never missed his target.

They began training on spells that were more difficult to deflect.

“Harry, I'm going to Disarm you. Try to deflect the spell without using the wand. Expelliarmus!”

Harry concentrated hard, and managed to push away the spell. He wasn't able to direct it back very well, though. However, he knew that with a little practice, he surely would improve.

“Let's have a little break. We can have some tea, if you want.”

“Yes, Professor, thanks.” Harry replied. He felt he was doing well and was amazed by the powers he was trying to develop. He was happy.

“I won't fail in protecting you, Mione. I can't let you be hurt.” he thought, while sipping his tea.

Suddenly, Dumbledore brought him out of his daydream.

“Harry, I have one thing to say to you. There are different types of mages. Some of them are good at modifying the spells, and so learning this is not difficult for them. Others are excellent at wandless magic, deflecting spells and directing them perfectly to their targets. Then, there are mages who are skilled at modifying the strength of a spell.

You haven't tried the last thing, yet. However, from what I can see, you are one of the second type. Normally, only one of these abilities is especially developed, even if a mage can always do all of them. A mage who is strong in two or all three of these abilities is very rare. They are the most powerful mages.”

Harry listened to the Headmaster attentively, then he stood up.

“Professor, I want to try to modify the strength of a spell. Can we continue the training, now?”

Dumbledore smiled, then he stood up, too, replying: “Of course, Harry. Let's start.”

********************************

That afternoon, at Grimmauld Place, there was an hard work going on. After her rest, Hermione went down to the living room, where she found Professor McGonagall waiting for her.

“Well, Hermione. I have seen you are very good at transforming the spells. Now let's try to do a little bit of wandless magic - deflecting spells.”

“Wandless? But I can't do wandless magic!”

“Of course you can, you are a mage, after all. Now, I'll cast the Freezing Spell on you. Try to deflect it.”

Hermione nodded as McGonagall cried: “Petrificus Totalis!”

The light was flying toward her. She moved her hand, but she was still hit by the charm. She tried over and over again, and finally, after an hour and a half she managed to deflect it properly, directing it on her target.

“I wonder how Harry's doing. This is very hard…” she thought

Then, McGonagall trained her on other spells, such as the ropes conjuring one. After an intense afternoon of training without rest, she was finally able to direct much more difficult spells on the chosen target.

While having dinner, Hermione and McGonagall chatted about the mage powers.

“You see, Hermione, every mage is different. You can practice your skills as long as you want on the three main powers of a mage, but you cannot modify your nature. You will always be more naturally inclined toward one of the powers. It depends on your trainer to notice which one you have more, and for you, I can say it is the spell structure modifying.”

Hermione nodded, thinking about what her Professor had just said.

“I wonder which power Harry is strongest in…” she thought. But she was exhausted, and soon fell asleep on the couch.

*************************************

At Hogwarts, Harry fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow and dreamed of Hermione.

The dream was the same of the other time. Now, he was able to modify and deflect the Cruciatus Curse from her but he still could do nothing about the “Avada Kedavra”.

Next morning, Harry started to work on modifying the spells' strength. Dumbledore cast a very strong Tickling Charm on him. Harry managed at the second attempt to reduce it to a light “Rictosempra”. Then, he was attacked with a heating charm which made him feel completely dry. He was starting to feel sick, when managed finally to vanish the spell's effects.

This training took all the day. In the late afternoon, Dumbledore turned to Harry with a serious look on his face.

“Harry…you know the real reason we are doing this is to defeat Voldemort. So, now I must try to harm you with unforgivable curses. You must practice modifying them.”

He paused and raised his wand.

“Crucio!”

Harry concentrated hard, but he couldn't reduce the pain. He struggled as Dumbledore cast the curse on him again and again Eventually, he was able to reduce the curse to a tickling charm. He tried to stop a Stunning Spell, and succeeded in doing this at the third attempt.

At dinner, Dumbledore seemed very impressed by Harry's powers.

********************************

That day, Hermione went through the same training, but McGonagall avoided using the unforgivable curses. Hermione was skilled in modifying the spells' strength, but she had been training for only a short while and the Professor didn't want to risk it.

The training continued for Harry and Hermione for two weeks. The evening before the term began, Hermione and Professor McGonagall took a Portkey to reach Hogwarts.

When Harry saw her opening the door of the castle, he had to fight a sudden urge to kiss her. This was ridiculous - she was his childhood friend!

6. Start of the Term

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are the property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thank you to all the reviewers, your support means a lot for me! I want to thank also my wonderful beta, Petunia.

Chapter Six

“Start of the term”

They went to have dinner in the Great Hall. Harry sat between Hermione and Dumbledore. On the other side of Hermione sat Professor McGonagall.

“Maybe it would be good if tomorrow we suspend your training, Harry. You two haven't spend a day together, this summer. Surely you would like some time together tomorrow.” said the Headmaster.

“Thanks, Professor!” Harry replied. Hermione looked at McGonagall, who nodded discreetly.

After dinner, they went to the common room. Here, they started chatting. The day had been very hard for both of them and they were exhausted so Harry fell asleep on the couch where they sat. Hermione lingered for a little looking at him and smiling. She had always loved looking at him while he was sleeping, but now, his face seemed so content that she couldn't help but kiss him on the cheek, before going to bed.

Next morning, she went down to have breakfast and found him still sleeping on the couch. She smiled and went to wake him up. Soon as she was near him, he grabbed her and started to tickle her, making her laugh and they both fell onto the couch.

“I missed her so much this summer…” Harry thought when they finally went to have breakfast.

Dumbledore, noticing the happiness in their eyes, smiled, thinking: “I'm glad they are happy with the company of the other. This will be an hard year, for both of them, and they need each other to go through this…”

The day passed quickly, for them. They went for a walk around the lake and then Hermione convinced him to study a little, until lunch. In the afternoon they chatted happily in the common room.

“Mione…you know I've been training to be a mage. But what have you done, this summer?” Harry asked

“I went for a long tour of Europe with my parents”, Hermione lied, unable to look him in the eye.

Harry felt that she was lying but decided to not push the subject, so he pretended to believe her.

“I wonder why she is lying. After all I'm her best friend, she can trust me…” he thought. There was no time to think about it anymore though, as they had to go and meet Ron and the others at the station.

****************************

Ron was a little jealous to see them together, but decided to not give up his hope.

“First or later he'll start to ignore her - he'll cut off himself from everyone. This will be my chance. The man I met yesterday, offered his help - if I accept to do what he asked me. Hermy, you will be mine, in one way or in another.”

The start of term banquet passed smoothly. The sorting was completed and they ate happily. Afterwards they returned in the common room and one by one the students began to go to bed.

Another year at Hogwarts had begun.

*****************************

After breakfast the next morning, they had the first lesson of the term - Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall introduced them to the human transfiguration, with a long explanation which made Ron fall asleep on his desk. Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

“How can a 16 years old boy be so stupid? I wonder what he would have done in his life without us.” She turned and looked lovingly at Harry.

“Harry is so different…yes, he is a little lazy, but when the moment of really doing his duty comes, he never fails.”

Next they had Charms, where Professor Flitwick taught them an advanced version of the Conjuring spell; as usual, Seamus managed to burn himself, while Neville wasn't able to conjure the requested book. Instead he transformed his quill in a sheet of paper.

Ron didn't have much more luck - he conjured only some pages in a bad looking cover.

Harry and Hermione, instead, conjured the book “Hogwarts: A History” without problems, at the first attempt. Then they looked each other and smiled.

Ron was furious, not with Hermione, but with Harry. He had never been equal to Hermione at school before, they would tease him forever for not being as good as them. And their looks to each other were so obvious!

That night, Harry and Hermione both went for their training, although Hermione made sure Harry didn't find out where she was going. After two hours, he returned to the common room and found her innocently reading by the fire. He was very tired after that night's training. Dumbledore had made him modify all the curses, even the “Avada Kedavra”, that the Headmaster cast on some mice. That exercise was the most draining.

Hermione, instead, had worked on modifying the Cruciatus for the first time. It had taken her the whole lesson to learn. She also felt tired, but she had waited up for him.

They told each other “Good Night” and again Harry felt the urge to kiss her, but resisted. She, however, kissed him on the cheek.

Harry entered his dorm, and noticed Ron was not in his bed but he felt too tired to go and look for him.

************************

The next few days were similar. They had their first Potions class in that year and Snape asked them to prepare an Invisibility Potion, one of the strongest. It was also the most difficult. Harry worked hard, but Snape still criticized him the whole lesson. Ron, behind him, was smirking, and thinking: “So, Perfect Potter is not so perfect. He still can't do Potions.”

However, at the end of the lesson, Harry brought his work to be marked. Snape was astonished. The potion was very well done - not perfect, but nobody could be perfect, not even Hermione. He was forced to give him a high mark. Ron's smirk disappeared. Harry had beaten him at that, too.

“It is not possible! He could not be so good in everything! And I wonder why he still doesn't try to isolate himself. Luckily, that guy had said he will help me…”

After Potions, Ron and Harry had Divination, while Hermione went off to Arithmancy.

Their lesson passed without event. Sybil Trewlaney had taken back her place as Divination teacher, and now she continued her foolish predictions of Harry's death.

The days passed calmly, between lessons and night training, but Harry noticed that every night Ron wasn't in his bed. He started to wonder where he was going.

“He will tell me when he's ready…” he thought, getting into bed, after another hard training night. At least, he was beginning to regain trust in Dumbledore, one thing he never thought possible after their fight in the Dursleys living room.

7. Quidditch and Feelings

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are the property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all of you who had reviewed this story, and special thanks to my wonderful beta Petunia.

KypDurron: Ron is trying to obtain what he wants with every way he can think…and this guy, you'll see later who he is, had offered to help him…

Sweetkiwi456: Yeah, the guy Ron is talking about is very evil…however, you'll see later how the thing about Hermione being a mage will be resolved.

Coolone007: No, I'm not making Ron as a Slytherin…without that guy's offer he would act as you say, but he is restraining himself waiting the moment to have the help of that person. He knows against Harry he can do very little.

Shawnpickett: It's not so sure Ron will have the opening he searches…you'll see in the next chapters…however, yes, your hypothesis about what he is doing is true…

The Dark Aeon: You'll see later why I called it Jedi Mages…however, a little connection with Star Wars is present…

Chapter Seven

“Quidditch and Feelings”

Ron was starting to hate Harry more and more every day. Hermione seemed to be always looking at him, and Harry was always looking back. It seemed less and less likely that the chance to step between them would come.

Even worse, Harry was elected as the new Gryffindor captain so he had to obey to his instructions during Quidditch training. Yes Harry was a good coach, he had created a new tactic that actually seemed very difficult for the opponents to overcome, especially from a defensive point of view. But Ron hated to be always second to Harry, and even at Quidditch he had to accept this.

“Soon I'll take my revenge on him, just like that man keeps telling me. I have to have faith in him” he thought, while leaving the changing room to go on the pitch for practice.

Hermione had said she had a lot of studying to do, refusing Harry's offer to go and watch them practice. But after a while she could not resist having a look. She reached the pitch and sneaked into the stand, trying to not be seen.

He was so lovely, concentrating on searching for the Snitch all over the field. Now he was also the captain, he had the determined expression of a leader on his face, which gave Hermione thrills down her spine. Every time he looked in her direction, she saw those wonderful green eyes, dark with purpose. She felt she could melt in his eyes.

*************************

Some days later, the time of the first Quidditch match arrived, against Ravenclaw. Harry and Cho being the captains, shook hands, and the match began. Hermione had never loved Quidditch that much, but when Harry was playing, nothing could keep her far from the game. In fact once she had been so busy watching Harry play, she didn't notice Crabbe, Ron and Goyle fighting behind her.

When he had to shake hands with her, Harry looked at Cho coldly. He understood that she was not the girl for him and he had now no interest in her. He suspected that she still felt something for him, in the depths of her heart.

They started to look for the Snitch. The Gryffindor Chasers were scoring often while the Ravenclaw ones had great difficulty even in shooting towards Ron. The few times they managed to do this the Gryffindor Keeper stopped their attempts easily - he had improved a lot, in the last year.

Finally, Harry decided to lose Cho who was following him everywhere, so he started a dive, and she followed him. He pulled up short and she crashed on the ground…the famous “Wronski Feint” had worked!

Harry saw Hermione in the Gryffindor stand, and even though she was always there, his heart skipped a beat. He luckily avoided a Bludger, and decided to restart searching for the Snitch. Suddenly he saw it and accelerating he caught it a few meters from Hermione's face. He grinned at her while the crowd cheered and she replied with an huge, heart warming smile.

He almost fell off his broom, to see her smiling so warmly at him. Thankfully, he landed safely and joined his team mates in the changing rooms.

*******************************

A week later, Harry was really nervous. That weekend was the first Hogsmeade weekend, and he had wanted to ask Hermione out for a long time. Even if he thought of this as a friendly date, not something too serious, he was still confused. It felt so strange thinking of her in this way, but every time he saw her, he wanted to kiss her, every time he heard her laughter, his heart felt lighter, every time he looked in her chocolate brown eyes, he felt dizzy and unable to speak. How could he deny that he was falling for her, for his real best friend?

Finally he decided that this was the day. He would ask her out and accept the consequences of his action. Probably she would laugh in his face, but he had to try.

When she reached the common room, that morning, Harry gathered all his courage.

“Mione…I was thinking…do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?” he asked

“Harry…we always go to Hogsmeade together.”

“Damn! What now? She didn't understand what I meant” he thought, but decided to try again.

“Yes…but I was meaning without Ron…only you and me” he said, blushing

“He's asking me for a date! Please, if this is a dream, don't wake me!” she thought

“ Are you asking me for a date?” she asked, going red

“Umm…yes…” he said, now even redder.

“Ok, Harry...I accept. Let's go and have breakfast” she said

While going to the Great Hall, she felt her heart jumping for joy. Harry had asked her out!

Harry's heart was doing the same - she had accepted to go on a date with him!

Finally, Saturday morning arrived, and Harry dressed very nervously.

“Hey, mate…what's the problem? We're going to Hogsmeade like we always do. Why are you so nervous?” Ron asked, faking concern.

“Well, Ron…this weekend, I won't be hanging around with you. I've got a date.”

“A date? But that's wonderful, mate! Who is the lucky girl?”

“Actually, I can't tell you. I'm the lucky one, though.”

“This is my chance! With that prat out of the way, I can work on Hermione” Ron thought, and smiled.

At breakfast, he noticed that Hermione was very well dressed.

“She's dressed up because she knows she'll be spending the day alone with me! Surely she loves me” he thought

“Where do you want to go, Hermy? Harry has a date, today, so we are alone…” he asked.

“Actually, Ron, I have a date too, but I can't tell you who he is” she replied, and Ron's face fell.

“She has a date…but with who? I have to follow her!” he thought

At Hogsmeade, Harry meet up with Hermione. He had given Luna the task of keeping Ron occupied, so they passed their special day without problems or spies.

When they met, Harry took her hand, and they headed to a small tea-room in a secondary street. As soon as they entered, Harry led her to a table in the corner and they sat still hand in hand.

“What do you like, Mione?” Harry asked

“I think I'll take a mug of coffee, thanks”

Harry ordered their drinks, he took a coffee too, then returned to her. They started chatting happily.

“So, how are you doing with the training?” Hermione asked

“Well, I suppose it is going well. The Headmaster is already training me on how to deflect and reduce the curses. By the way, thank you for waiting my return every night…I appreciate it very much.”

“It's nothing, Harry. After all, when the common room is deserted, it's the best time to study, isn't it?” she replied, smiling.

After a while, they went for a walk in the village. Harry had all the time his arm around her waist but she didn't mind at all. Instead she often leaned herself on him while walking.

Three times Harry almost kissed her but his brain reminded him that he was not supposed to do this. He had presented this as a friendly date and didn't want to push things too much.

Hermione understood why he was restraining himself, but she was still a little sad that he didn't kiss her.

“The time will come, Mione…just wait till he's totally ready.” she thought.

When they returned to the castle, that afternoon, however, Harry couldn't stop himself anymore, and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

8. Revelation

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all you who had reviewed, it means a lot to me, and special thanks to my splendid beta Petunia.

Coolone007: I understood what you was saying, I meant that he was acting un-Ron like because he had been offered help by this guy, so he is restraining himself, and yes, the guy hates Harry.

Shawnpickett: When the time will come, she will reveal the truth to Harry, don't worry.

Tazer: Harry will learn the truth when she will say it to him, and this isn't too far.

KypDurron: The connection with SW has to wait a little more, I'm afraid, but it will come. Tell me when you recognize it.

Chapter Eight

“Revelation”

“Damn! Now, what she will think of me? I'm the biggest prat on this earth.” Harry thought, fearing Hermione's reaction to his quick kiss. He was prepared for the worst.

She was so happy he had kissed her, even if only quickly, that she leaned against him, enjoying the closeness between them. Harry was at first surprised at her reaction then he relaxed, and they reached the castle with their arms around each other.

Just before they went in, however, they separated and reached the common room looking as two friends are supposed to look.

****************************

That evening after dinner, Harry went for his training, as usual. He reached Dumbledore's office, and the Headmaster welcomed him, then he led him to the Room of Requirement.

Harry was still wondering why they were going there, when Dumbledore opened the door and Harry saw that there was an huge course in front of him.

“Professor…what is this?” he asked

“Harry, I think you are ready to start another part of your training. From tonight, you will practice in crossing a course and facing the dangers it could hide. Until now you have always known which spell you had to deflect, or modify. From now on, you will have to react quickly to the surprise…you will need to be fast in using your powers, to face the Death Eaters and Voldemort. At the end of the lesson, I'll say you one thing, that you cannot forget. Are you ready?”

“Ok, Professor…let's start!” Harry raised his wand, and started walking into the course. Suddenly, a man appeared casting a Freezing Spell: “Petrificus Totalis!”

Harry concentrated, and deflected it back on the man, who fell to the ground.

Harry went on, and after few steps, he encountered another man, who cried:

“Incendio!”

Harry reduced the spell effects quickly, so he felt only a sense of warmness…then he counter attacked, crying: “Stupefy!”, and the opponent was stunned.

After many other opponents, Harry was now near the end of the course, when a hooded figure appeared. The figure cried: “Crucio!” and Harry avoided the curse, but wasn't able to work on it in any way. His opponent cried again: “Crucio!” and this time, Harry concentrated, waved his hand, and the curse turned from a red light to a green one…then, it hit the man in the chest. The man died. Harry had transformed a “Cruciatus Curse” into an “Avada Kedavra”.

Harry was in shock when Dumbledore reached him.

“Very good job, Harry…and the last was very surprising…nobody of the mages I know or myself, was ever able to change a spell into an “Avada Kedavra”.

“Professor…I've killed him” Harry said, trembling

“No, Harry…it was only an illusion. He wasn't a real man, so you have killed nobody. Now, listen to me.”

Harry looked the old wizard in the eyes.

“Harry, this is very important. You know you are doing this to defeat Voldemort…”

“And to protect Hermione…” Harry interrupted

“Of course” Dumbledore said, smiling, then he continued: “Well, Harry, you need to know why nobody had defeated Voldemort - he is a sorcerer.”

“And what is a sorcerer?”

“A sorcerer is a mage who has chosen to follow the Darkness. Unluckily, I didn't understand he was so interested in having the power, so when I saw in him the mage signs, I trained him. He was a very powerful mage, near to my standard. But I failed with him - he chose the evilness instead of the way all the mages normally follow, that is protecting the Wizarding World from the danger.”

“So…Voldemort is also able to do what I can do?”

“Well…I think he is still a step ahead of you, Harry. Even if I have never seen such powers as yours in anybody else, your training is still only at the beginning. So at this moment you are not able to face him. But you will be…surely you will be…”

Harry thought deeply about this.

“I'm a powerful mage…he is a powerful sorcerer. We have to fight and one of us will die. How long I have to train yet, Professor?”

“I think at the beginning of the next school year you will be ready. Now, I see you are very tired…go to bed, Harry, and don't worry. Until that moment, I'll protect you.”

Harry nodded, then he returned to the common room.

***********************

When he went in he saw Ron and Hermione kissing on a couch - his heart sank. She seemed to be enjoying it…

But, a moment later, he heard her screaming: “What are you doing, Ron? You know I don't like you! Leave me alone! Leave me!”

Harry's spirits rose again on hearing this, and prepared to pull Ron off of her. Suddenly he saw Ron fly against a wall. He smiled wondering which spell Hermione had used. He didn't realise that she had used her mage powers.

He went over to them calmly and Ron, who had been going to try and kiss her again, had to stop. His look told Harry clearly his disappointment in seeing him there. Ron turned, and faking nothing had happened, went to the dorm.

Harry went to Hermione, and embraced her, whispering: “Hey, Mione…I hope I'll never be on your bad side…you really know how to deal with unwanted attention!”

She smiled, feeling safe in his arms, and then after some minutes, she kissed him on the cheek and went to her dorm, saying: “Good Night, Harry…”

After his reply, she went to bed whispering:

“Good Night, my love…”

9. The Most Powerful

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all of you! Your reviews are very important for me. And thanks to my wonderful beta, Petunia.

Coolone007: Well, maybe she would have put him in the hospital, if he had tried again. For Harry, he was still happy for Hermione rejecting Ron…

Shawnpickett: You'll see what Ron would do now…and what he would receive…*laughs*

HnH4EvA19: Yes, Ron is a great prat…and he will go even worse.

Antone: It is still nothing about what Ron is really up to…

Chapter Nine

“The most powerful”

Harry was on his way to the dorm when he heard her whispering. He stopped and looked at her, but she didn't turn. He watched as she disappeared upstairs.

“Is it true? Did she really call me “my love”? Or am I going mad?” he thought.

He remained there thinking about this for a couple of minutes.

`I'm probably hearing things. She would never think about me in that way. Just because she didn't shout at me for kissing her this afternoon, doesn't mean she likes me,” he concluded.

As he reached his dorm he saw Ron in his bed, for the first time in months as he was supposed to be every night. Harry couldn't help wondering what his friend was up to.

The next few days passed quickly. Between lessons, Quidditch practice and mage training every night, Harry had a very little free time. Yet his thoughts were always occupied with wondering what he was supposed to do now about Hermione…should he ask her out again? Should he give up? But everything had been so good at the weekend!

Another Quidditch match arrived, this time against Hufflepuff. Harry couldn't help but be a little nervous as he stood waiting for the match to start, even if he didn't know why. Finally the speaker called the players' names. Harry was the last to be called, as the Seeker.

“POTTER!” he heard, and took off, going for a quick flight above the pitch. He landed again to shake hands with the Hufflepuff Captain. He couldn't help remembering Cedric and his tragic death at this moment.

”I need to destroy Voldemort for Cedric too,” Harry thought, while starting to take his position.

Madam Hooch blew in her whistle, and the match started.

Ginny and the other Chasers were doing a great job, defending and counter attacking, and the score very soon started to increase for Gryffindor, while for Hufflepuff it remained at zero…after some time, Harry saw the Snitch…he dived but a Bludger forced him to abandon it.

The Hufflepuff Seeker was always behind him, but when Harry saw the Snitch again he managed to lose him with a burst of speed from his Firebolt. Again he went into a dive and followed the Snitch…it turned suddenly but Harry managed to remain near it…the Snitch was heading toward the base of the rings…Harry continued to accelerate…

CRASH!!

Harry crashed into the base of one of the Hufflepuff rings. There was blood all around him, but he had caught the Snitch in his right hand!

Madam Pomfrey arrived on the pitch.

“Potter, your injuries are very serious. You have at least four broken ribs, some internal wounds, and a broken arm.”

Hermione, who had run up behind her, couldn't restrain her tears. She ran away from the field sobbing.

As Harry lay sleepless, aching from the potion Madam Pomfrey gave him, the Gryffindors were cheering the victors in the Common Room.

Ron had decided to try again with Hermione. After all the others had gone to bed, he sidled up to Hermione, who was reading on a couch, and kissed her again on the lips.

“This time Harry will not ruin my moment,” he thought.

In the hospital wing, Harry sat up suddenly, his scar throbbing weakly. He had a clear vision of what was happening to Hermione and immediately knew what to do to stop it. He concentrated fiercely…

All of a sudden, in the common room, Ron flew against the wall and was stunned.

“I didn't do anything this time,” Hermione though in shock. She didn't have time to think about it too much, as she had to leave for training.

That night, Hermione also had an obstacle course to cross.

At the end of the training, she asked McGonagall the question that had been bothering her since Ron hit the wall.

“Professor…can a mage perform wandless magic from one room to another, many floors above?”

“Well, I know about only one mage who was able to do wandless magic across a great distance, and he is our Headmaster. Maybe you should ask him.”

Hermione went straight to Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster welcomed her in. After listening to what happened, he remained silent for some minutes before speaking.

“This confirms my thoughts. Harry must be the most powerful mage of our century. I wonder if this could possibly be enough to defeat Voldemort.”

Then he asked her how her training was going, and was pleased to hear she had started the obstacle courses, too.

“I think, Ms. Granger, that soon we will need to inform Harry of you being a mage.”

“If you don't mind Professor, I can tell Harry. I don't think he'll be upset with me, and if you tell him he might get angry again. Just recently he spoke about you again as he did in his first years, and it would be a pity if he loses this trust again.”

Dumbledore nodded in agreement.

Hermione left the room, and went to the Hospital Wing to visit Harry. She had been there all afternoon, but she wanted to check on him, before going to bed.

When she arrived, he was still awake. He smiled seeing her.

“Well, I think that prat will leave you alone now,” he said.

“You did that?” she exclaimed, amazed that he spoke about it as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

“Of course. I wouldn't let him do that to you. I know you don't like him in that way.”

“And you probably don't like me that way either,” he thought, sadly.

They chatted a little, then she got up to go away. Harry stopped her, pleading “Mione, please - don't go…stay with me…”

She smiled, and cuddled herself near him on the bed. After a few minutes, both of them were asleep.

10. Both of Them

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all my faithful reviewers! I really appreciate a lot your comments. Special thanks also to my wonderful beta Petunia.

Shawnpickett: Do you really think Ron is so smart to understand? *laughs* Obviously not. *winks*

Coolone007: Well, it's the minimum Harry can do to take care of the woman he loves. However, Ron is not in cahoots with Dudley…the reality is a lot worse!

Marvybelle: No, this is only on H/Hr…sorry for deluding you…for the other answer, read this chapter!

Mister Midnight: Ok, I really cannot reply to you about Ron without giving away the rest of the story…for the Jedi thing there is a little bit more to wait.

Sk8erwitch: Well, actually it is partially true. I cannot say more, but you'll see soon.

KypDurron: Well, Harry is the strongest mage of his century…he has to do something to show it…;)

WilliamEP: This is especially from Harry and Hermione point of view, so we won't see Voldemort's followers training.

Sarastro: You'll see Harry's reaction reading this chapter. The next exercise will come soon.

Chapter Ten

“Both of Them”

Next morning, Harry woke up first, and seeing her in his arms he suddenly felt embarrassed. He released her, and thought about the previous night. He had asked her to stay, and she, without replying had got into his bed, cuddling herself near him.

“Don't think like this Harry, she'll never think about you in that way. She was probably feeling sorry for you.”

He woke her up gently.

“Mione…you need to wake up…it's better if you go and get ready for school” he whispered.

She yawned, and looked directly into his emerald green eyes. Then she nodded feebly, and got out of bed. Before going away, however, she kissed him on the cheek, and whispered:

“I'll be back as soon as possible...”

**************

Harry had to stay in the Hospital Wing for few days and Hermione spent a lot of her free time with him. She even stayed the night a couple of times. Finally, Harry was released by Madam Pomfrey, and could return to lessons and his normal activities.

It was nearly the Christmas holidays, so Harry sneaked to Hogsmeade to buy a present for Hermione. He had missed the last weekend before the holidays, so now he needed to take care of that. He found what he wanted, and returned quickly to the castle.

The last days of the term passed quickly, and Harry and Hermione found themselves on the Hogsmeade station's platform, to say goodbye to their friends who were going home. Ron was not very happy to leave them alone, but The Man had requested him to leave the castle for the holidays and he followed his advice.

***************

That evening, Harry and Hermione were alone in the common room. She was reading a novel, to distract herself, while Harry was polishing his Firebolt with the kit she had given him.

He was just thinking that maybe he should use these holidays as a chance to finally declare her his feelings, when he was startled by a touch on his shoulder.

“I'm sorry, Harry…I didn't mean to startle you. I only wanted to say “Good Night” she said.

Harry was melting into her chocolate brown eyes…the only thing he could think was to kiss her, but that was not a good time, he supposed. Eventually, he found some words, and replied:

“Good Night, Mione…” He watched her disappearing on the stairs.

Next morning, they took a long walk around the lake, and started a snow ball fight. They were soon completely soaked and decided to return in the common room to warm themselves a little before the fire.

Even after having changed their clothes and being in front of the fire, Harry noticed Hermione was still trembling. He took a risk, and hugged her, to make her feeling warmer. She leaned against his chest.

“Thanks, Harry, I really needed a little more warmth.” she said. He nodded, feeling so happy having her in his arms.

On Christmas morning, Harry was awakened by a soft kiss on his forehead. He opened his eyes, and saw her sitting on his bed, smiling at him.

“Harry, come on, let's go and open our presents” she said. She took one of his hands, and pulled him with her. They went to the common room and opened their presents, until only two remained - the one Harry had bought for Hermione, and the one Hermione had got for him.

Harry gave her the gift, and waited for her reaction, anxiously.

She unwrapped the small box, then opened it.

“Harry! This is wonderful!” she exclaimed, taking the object from the box. It was a gold necklace, with a hearth-shaped pendant. She tried to hold back the tears that came to her eyes and hugged him tightly. He had not expected this reaction from her and didn't know what to do.

After some moments, she regained her composure, and handed him his gift.

He unwrapped it, and then he looked at her with happiness in his eyes. Yet again she had given him something very very special. It was a watch, like the clock Mrs.Weasley had in her kitchen. There were two lancets, one with her name, the other with Harry's one. Both of them at that moment were pointing to “Hogwarts”.

Harry was astonished…he never expected a gift like that from her. There was an awkward silence between them until Harry said: “Thanks, Mione…I love it…it's wonderful!”

“Well…I have one too, so I can always know where you are, and if you are in danger” she said, blushing a little. She stood up and took his hand, leading him down to have breakfast.

They passed Christmas playing Exploding Snap, reading cuddled together on the same couch, enjoying the Professors' company at meals…Dumbledore could see a new sparkle in their eyes, and he was happy they were understanding their real feelings for each other. Harry would not admit it in front of her, but every time she was in his arms or near him in any way, he felt lighthearted.

That evening after dinner, Hermione led him to the Astronomy Tower. They sat on the floor, looking at the stars. Both of them made wishes. They fell asleep with contentment on their faces.

Next evening, when the moment of his training arrived, Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek and got up to leave. Hermione however took his wrist, and stopped him.

“What's happening, Mione? You know I'll be back in a little while.” he said, looking at her tenderly.

“I have to tell you something, Harry. Please, listen to me…and please…don't be upset…”

“What the hell has she to say me? Why is she so frightened of my reaction?” he thought. However, he nodded, sitting back down.

“Harry…this summer, Professor McGonagall came to my house, after the attack you suffered. She told me about you being a mage, and that Dumbledore was training you. She told me something else, too. She told me…well, she told me that I'm a mage, too.”

“You're a mage? So why you are not training with me?” Harry asked. “You haven't refused the training, have you?”

“No, Harry…I'm training every evening, at the same time you train with Dumbledore. I trained during the summer too at Grimmauld Place, while you were here with the Headmaster”

Harry seemed relieved, then, another question popped into his mind.

“Why haven't you told me this before?” he asked, a very hurt look in his eyes.

“Harry, please, forgive me! I didn't mean to hurt you. Only, I didn't know if I would have been good enough to train with you…so, I asked them to train me separately, so I wouldn't hold you back”. Tears were now running down her face, she was really sorry for having to lie to him, but she couldn't let him loose his trust in Dumbledore again; she preferred to pretend it was her fault.

“Shush, Mione! Don't cry! I'm not upset…I'm only a little surprised…” he said, wrapping his arms around her…

“Why you have decided to tell me this now?” he asked after few moments.

“Because from tonight we need to train together. We are now at the point that crossing imaginary obstacle courses is not enough - we need to confront with a real opponent, who is a mage too. We need to train in defeating someone like us” she replied, more relaxed, now.

“Ok, let's go, then!” he said, taking her hand in his, and pulling her with him.

They reached the Room of Requirements, and found Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall waiting for them.

11. Training

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thank you to all my reviewers, your support is very important for me! Thank you also to Petunia, my wonderful beta. I'm sorry to say this chapter will be the last for few days. I think I'll post again on Tuesday or Wednesday because I'm leaving for few days for Easter. See you soon!

CreepySusie: Ron is a jerk because he is jealous of Harry going with Hermione.

Shawnpickett: Well, Hermione's lie was very well constructed to make Harry not angry. After all, how can he be very angry at her? ;)

Sweetkiwi456: Well, could Harry be angry at Hermione? Obviously not.

Anonimous: I don't know who you are, however I think Ron is very out of character but why Dumbledore and Harry?

KypDurron: You will see soon if it helps or obstacles the training. However neither of it too much.

Coolone007: Yes, you've guessed well for Ron. However, no Percy has nothing to do with it.

Why do you think this was a dark cloud on Hermione? I don't think so. She knew they were doing that for the best of all of them.

JayaMioneDurron: Yes, sacrifice his trust in her if he found out the truth was a great risk. But Harry needs Dumbledore now, so she took that risk.

Chapter Eleven

“Training's next step”

In the room there was the usual course. This time, however, Harry was at one end of it and Hermione was at the other end. They started to cross the path, looking for every danger. Both of them were by now very skilled in that.

After having defeated some imaginary opponents, they met at the centre of the course; Hermione attacked first.

“Stupefy!” she cried, but Harry quickly deflected it toward her. Hermione concentrated, and changed it in a “Lumos” spell.

Harry was amazed by that, so when she cried: “Petrificus Totalis”, he was a little distracted. He managed only to deflect the spell, without giving it a good direction. He counterattacked, conjuring ropes around her wrists and ankles. Hermione deflected the spell toward Harry.

Harry concentrated, and waved his hand before the spell. It vanished, and a red light appeared in its place. The light was directed toward Hermione who tried to block the spell but Harry increased very much its strength so she didn't manage to do anything, and fell on the floor stunned.

Then, Harry cried: “Enervate!” and Hermione was released by the spell. She stood up and in that moment, Dumbledore and McGonagall entered the course.

“Well, for the first time you encountered another mage, both of you had done quite well. However, Harry, you need more attention and to not be distracted by anything. That Freezing Spell could have hit you and then you would have had very little to do if instead than her, your opponent were a Death Eater. Ms. Granger, you shouldn't have tried to deflect a so powerful Stunning Spell. You should have only avoided it. However we are sure these errors are due to your little experience. Surely, with time, both of you will improve your battling skills.” the two Professors said.

Harry and Hermione nodded then turned to return in their starting positions. Dumbledore, however, stopped them.

“For tonight I think you had had enough training. We will repeat this tomorrow, at the usual time. Good night, Harry, good night, Hermione.” The Headmaster said.

“Good night, Professors!” they replied together then exited the room and returned to their dorms.

That night, Harry had another time the dream about Voldemort killing Hermione, only this time Harry succeeded in defend her and suddenly when Voldemort cast the “Avada Kedavra” she also used her mage powers. However, even if she didn't die, in that dream they still wasn't able to defeat him.

Next morning, Harry entered the common room, and found Hedwig waiting with a letter.

“Hey, Hedwig. How are you, girl?” he said then took the envelope tied to her leg. He opened it and read:

“Dear Harry,

Ron is every day more strange.

He doesn't come to sleep,

And we are very worried.

Maybe you can speak with him,

When we return to Hogwarts.

Ginny”

“I really wonder what is he doing. In the all term I saw him in bed only two or three times. I need to discover what is happening with him.” he thought, but was interrupted by Hermione's voice.

“Good morning, Harry. How are you?”

Harry hid the letter and replied: “I'm all right, and you?”

“Oh, I'm fine. It's only I have not slept very much, this night.”

“Have you had nightmares, Mione?” he said tenderly

“Yes, one. You didn't love me.” she thought, but instead replied: “No. I don't know why but I wasn't able to sleep.”

“Well, maybe we can recuperate now” he said, looking to the couch. She took the hint and taking his hand led him to it. They lay there, her head leaned on his chest. After some minutes she was asleep, while Harry was daydreaming, looking at her angelic face.

That night, Dumbledore told them to use also curses to try to overcome the other so when they met in the centre of the path, Hermione reluctantly cried: “Crucio!”

Harry reduced it to a simple tickling spell, then counter attacked: “Stupefy!” but she deflected it to him. He changed it to a Freezing Spell, and directed it to her again.

Hermione avoided the spell then cried again: “Crucio!” and this time Harry increased its power, sending it back to her. Suddenly, however, he waved his hand, and the spell disappeared.

“Stop!” Dumbledore shouted and entered the course, anger on his face.

“Harry, you cannot avoid to use curses only because you have her before you. I know she didn't do it very happily, but however she followed my orders and cast two times the “Cruciatus Curse” on you. You have to do the same. You have to not exceed with the power but you have to try to harm her!”

Harry looked at her shook his head and reluctantly cried: “Crucio!”. Hermione deflected the spell and then modified it increasing a little its power. Harry reduced it changed the spell in a rope conjuring one and increased the power of this one.

Hermione felt her ankles and wrists bound, and could do nothing. Harry mouthed her:

“I'm sorry” and cried: “Crucio!”

In the same second she fell on the floor in pain Harry broke the spell for not making her suffer.

Dumbledore and McGonagall complimented with both of them, then sent them to bed.

While returning in the common room, Hermione asked: “Why you were so reluctant to harm me? I did it…” “And I love you…” she thought.

“Well, you are my best friend. I cannot see you in pain.” he replied, knowing that the real reason was another.

She seemed unconvinced but let the subject fall.

“Ok. Good night Harry!” then she gave him a peck on the lips.

“Good Night, Mione. ” he replied then he felt his head spinning.

”Why had she kissed me on the lips? I know it was just a peck but…is it possible she feels something for me?”

Then he went to bed, trying to avoid such thoughts.

12. Dare

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: I'm back and here I have another chapter for you! Thanks to all my faithful readers! Sorry but these days I had problems in uploading, so I'm late.

Mister_Midnight: I'm not offended at all! I really appreciate your compliments, at least I have done something good in writing this story!

KypDurron: They will do it, don't worry! Read this chapter and you'll see…

Beppo: No I don't think so.

Coolone007: The Ministry cannot track the Unforgivables, if they could Lucius Malfoy would have been sent to Azkaban a long time ago!

Shawnpickett: Well, I don't think they will do very much about that.

PixieDust: Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

WilliamEP: Well, Dumbledore is not teaching that to them to make them use it but only to be able to defend themselves from the curses.

JayaMioneDurron: Hermione has understood that…but he doesn't admit it until now…

Nurray: This is IF Harry finds out that…

Chapter Twelve

“Dare”

After the Christmas holidays Harry tried and tried to speak to Ron but his best friend continued to avoid him. He still disappeared every night, too. Harry went to Dumbledore to ask advice.

“I really don't know what to do.” Harry finished, after having explained the situation.

Dumbledore remained silent some minutes then he let Harry go away.

“I hope this does not mean what I fear it does” he muttered and a very concerned look filled his blue eyes.

***

The next stage of Harry and Hermione's training was to work together against Dumbledore and McGonagall.

They had no chance on their first try - the two Professors were so experienced that in few minutes both Harry and Hermione were overpowered.

However even though Harry was in a body bind he surprised Dumbledore. As the Headmaster was declaring the fight finished when Harry's ropes flew in the air, destroyed in thousands of pieces and Harry stood up - this time however, he was alone against two veteran mages so he was stunned and lost the fight.

Despite this, Dumbledore felt the need to congratulate him for his will power. Even in a training session Harry had not liked to be defeated and had rebelled against the situation. It was easy to imagine what he could have done in a real battle.

After a few nights Harry and Hermione finally succeeded in winning the fight against the Professors. As a reward, they were given a few nights rest from training.

***

It was the last Quidditch match against Slytherin. Harry and Draco Malfoy shook hands harshly and the match started.

As usual, the Slytherins tried every dirty trick to stop the Gryffindors but they didn't succeed in their task. Having practised only hurting their opponents, they were quite useless on the Quidditch pitch when their plan didn't work.

After an hour the score was 100 to 0 for Gryffindor and Harry decided to have a little fun with Malfoy. He went into a dive even though he had not seen the Snitch and Malfoy followed him. Harry was now perilously near to crashing…he suddenly flipped backwards over his head and stopped parallel to the ground while Malfoy crashed badly.

Harry chuckled while returning to his position in the air searching for the Snitch. His new move, the “Backward Flip Potter Feint” as he had called it, had functioned perfectly.

Harry quickly caught the Snitch in the air just over the Slytherin's fans. He showed it to them and didn't notice that one of the Slytherin's Beaters had thrown him a Bludger - this he avoided just in time to not be knocked off of his broom.

That night in the Gryffindor common room there was a huge celebration for the winners of the Quidditch Cup. Every one drank litres of Butterbeer and the music played all night. There were however two people not enjoying the feast: Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.

She had expected him to do something, that night. She was quite sure he loved her but a little doubt was still in her head and as she didn't want to do ruin their friendship and make a fool of herself, she was waiting him to act.

Harry, on the other hand, was trying to figure if this was the right occasion to show her his feelings. He didn't want to make her think he had done anything only because he was drunk. As a matter of fact he was not drunk - he was perfectly sober. Well, maybe he was a little drunk, but not from Butterbeer but from her scent…

That night neither of them slept well. Both of them lay awake and worried about the other one. They both had the same idea of going to the common room and got there at the same time. They laugh about this then stayed there, in front of the fire until morning came.

Hermione was the first to wake up. Somehow she felt her body aching terribly so she opened her eyes. Harry was fast asleep and leaning on her so heavily she could hardly breathe.

“Harry, please move…I can't breathe!” she whispered in his ear, gently stroking his black messy hair. He yawned and realising what he had been doing, moved abruptly and fell on the floor.

Hermione couldn't help to giggle while he was massaging the shoulder he fell on.

“There's nothing to laugh about!” he said pouting. He threw a pillow at her as a declaration of war…

When the other Gryffindors came down they were still fighting and Hermione was laughing hysterically as Harry was tickling her in her more sensitive places.

“What a pathetic show!” Ron thought while storming out of the room. The others, however, enjoyed the sight a little until Harry noticed them and stopped tickling her abruptly.

****

On the Easter holidays Harry remained alone in the Gryffindor Tower as Hermione went to her home to be some time with her parents and Ron disappeared again.

Harry enjoyed Hagrid's company and was happy enough but something was wrong with him. He felt sad without Hermione - he was missing her tremendously.

He didn't know what to do. He knew she would be back in few days, but he could barely go through an entire day without her. How could he pass an entire week in this condition?

“Maybe Dumbledore could give me advice.” Harry thought “After all, he is a kind of grandfather to me…yes, at times I could have been angry with him for keeping things from me but he was doing that thinking about my good, even if he wasn't always right.”

Just as he reached Dumbledore's office he suddenly thought that probably the Headmaster had more important things to do than listen to his silly love problems.

****

Finally, the last Hogsmeade weekend of that year came. Harry asked out Hermione for the hundredth time. She agreed, not expecting anything to happen between them, as it never had on any other Hogsmeade trip.

However this time he had other plans for them. From the castle to the village he walked with his arm around her. He took her to all her favourite places and shops. Finally he took her to a romantic restaurant he had discovered few days before. It was almost hidden by a cave, but it was very nice.

Hermione liked it very much, and for one moment she hoped maybe something was different this time. However she didn't remain daydreaming too long.

“This will never happen - if he wanted to do something, he would have done it by now” she was thinking, when suddenly, just as they left the restaurant, she felt his hand pulling up her chin. A moment later his lips were on hers…

This time it was not a simple peck. Harry was really kissing her! After few moments his tongue met her lips. Hermione could not believe what she was feeling. She willingly opened her mouth letting him enter…then her tongue met his. Their tongues remained fighting in their mouths until they needed to part to breathe.

“How did you dare to do that to me, Mr. Potter?” Hermione teased him while going on tiptoes to kiss him again.

After another kiss he replied: “I guess even if it was a dare you liked it, Ms. Granger...” then he wrapped again an arm around her waist pulling her closer to him, while making their way back to the village.

13. The Strongest Weapon

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all my faithful reviewers! Your comments mean very much to me. And thanks to my wonderful beta Petunia.

Coolone007: No, he hasn't it and I don't think he will have it, too. It would be too obvious as he is still in school and any of his mates could see it.

KypDurron: Have you ever had doubts on that? Lol

Beppo: Simply, Ron is a git and made his choice. Not a good one, though.

JayaMioneDurron: Well, you know how is Harry with girls…

RickyElRey: Read this chapter and you'll know. *winks*

AlexDurrani: I don't confirm it and I don't deny it…after all I cannot give my story away, can I? *smiles*

Chapter Thirteen

“The Strongest Weapon”

The term finished and by now every one in the school knew about them being a couple. Ron was not very happy though, and avoided them until the day of the departure for returning at home.

Harry and Hermione accompanied their friends to the station, then they returned to the castle.

They had lunch with the Professors and Dumbledore gave them two weeks of total relax. In the afternoon they went for a long walk in the park and after a while they seated in the shadow of a tree near the lake. They chatted a long time, always leaned one on the other and laughed a lot.

After some time Harry kissed her and she immediately replied deepening the kiss. When they were breathless they parted, catching their breath while Harry continued stroking her cheek tenderly.

“I love you, Mione. I had loved you from a long time” he finally whispered.

“I love you too, Harry” she replied enjoying the pleasure of being in his arms. Finally her dream had come true. Harry truly loved her.

Days passed smoothly for them in the empty castle. They went visiting Hagrid every day and discovered that even Snape out of the school terms could be a little more enjoyable company than usual.

Obviously Hermione obliged Harry to study a little even in those total free two weeks. He however didn't complain, the only fact of being with her made every thing they did wonderful for him.

In the evening they relaxed on the Gryffindor common room couches reading novels or playing Exploding Snap. Harry managed even to convince her to learn to play Wizard Chess and she revealed to be a talented player, too.

“Hey, Mione, I didn't teach you how to play for being defeated worse than with Ron you know that, don't you?” he said one night after the third consecutive play won by her. His pouted expression made her giggle.

“Maybe I know the way to make it up” she whispered seductively then kissed him senseless. His thoughts about chess were totally forgotten in the very moment her lips touched his.

Many nights they slept in the same bed cuddled together, her head on his chest and his arm wrapped around her back and all the mornings after that they were filled with the joy of seeing the other as the first thing opening their eyes.

Somehow the two weeks of total freedom finished and they had to restart the training. That night they reached as usual the Room of Requirements and entered finding Dumbledore and McGonagall already there.

“Good Evening, Professors” they said, and were greeted back by them.

“Harry, Hermione from this night and for all the summer at least, you will learn the only thing Voldemort can still do and you not. This is the strongest weapon a mage has and its power is connected with the soul power of the mage as the weapon derives directly from the mage's soul. I think both of you are ready to learn this but I have to alert you. This is not a simple thing to learn and neither to control. For that you need a strong control of your emotions and you have to follow all our directions.” Dumbledore said.

“And you need your mind totally clear to learn how to evocate this weapon so now please try to kick out of your mind all your thoughts” Professor McGonagall added.

“It seems an Occlumency lesson” Harry could not help to think.

“Now please raise your wands.” Dumbledore said after some minutes.

Harry and Hermione followed the order and looked to Dumbledore. Suddenly from the tip of the Headmaster's wand a blue light emerged and it formed a long stick in the air.

Harry and Hermione gasped in amazement and Dumbledore smiled to them.

“This is what you'll learn to do. This is my “Anima Flamma” or “Soul Blaze”, if you prefer. You can use it as a sword and contemporarily as a shield.” he explained.

“Harry please, cast on me the strongest “Cruciatus Curse” you can” he added.

Harry looked dumbfounded but obeyed to the old wizard and cried: “Crucio!”.

He increased the spell's strength until the red light was very brilliant.

Suddenly Dumbledore moved his sword and it deflected the spell on the roof of the room where it disappeared.

“Now you have seen it and have noticed that could deflect spells. It's time to show that it is really as a sword” Dumbledore said and used it to cut a block of iron that was in the centre of the room. It seemed that the sword had cut it like if it was butter.

“But Professor…how can we do this? How can I and Harry evocate this?” Hermione asked.

“You have to concentrate in letting your soul power to flow in your wand. Both of you can try now.”

Harry and Hermione concentrated but for some time they were able only to light their wands' tips a little.

However, after two hours of attempts Harry's wand created a green sword long as the Dumbledore's one. After few moments however it disappeared.

“Don't worry, Harry. It is already an excellent result. Actually I didn't expect from you to be able to evocate it tonight” the Headmaster said and in that very moment Hermione managed to evocate her sword. It was gold coloured but she too wasn't able to maintain it for long time.

“Well, I think for tonight it is enough. You can go to bed” Dumbledore said and they exited the room.

“Minerva, I really don't know where they can arrive. They are the fastest and more powerful apprentices I had ever had. I really wonder what they can do when they would have developed all their potential” Dumbledore said to McGonagall when Harry and Hermione were already far from the room.

In the same moment, Harry and Hermione entered the common room and wished each other good night sealing it with a tender but deep kiss.

14. Summer

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers! I really appreciate your comments. And thanks to Petunia, my beta.

Coolone007: Yeah they're only sleeping. You don't have to worry about Ron for now. He knows nothing about them being mages.

RickyElRey: The name is different but the concept is that, you're right.

Fire Gazer: Well, they are like the light sabers…after all, the title is “Jedi Mages”…a connection with SW had to be here…

KypDurron: We know that…but he doesn't know how deep is their love…plus, he thinks he would be able to defeat Harry…

HnH4EvA19: No, Tom won't attack. I'm sorry but this fic is especially on H/H, I don't think I'll speak about the other's emotions.

Mister_Midnight: I know all of you were waiting this moment…however, Hermione's is gold because I think gold is something pure, and Hermione is really a pure soul, so…Harry's is green because if I don't remember bad the Jedi in SW had green light sabers, plus it matches his eyes…

Rekka: Don't worry' I've already it all written, I'm only working on it to make it better, so I'll surely finish to post it.

Chapter Fourteen

“Summer”

Harry and Hermione continued training every night, but for a long time they were not able to control their Soul Blazes…

Many times, Harry's one literally caused little explosions, while Hermione had troubles in maintaining it…very often, she was able to evocate it only for few moments…Dumbledore and McGonagall kept encouraging them, also because they, even with these difficulties, were very much forward in their training than what the Professors expected…

One night, they entered as usual the Room of Requirements, and started to concentrate in evocating their swords…they succeeded, and trying very hard, they were finally able to control them…so, Dumbledore said:

“Ok…now, at turn, try to cut that block of iron…you'll be the first, Harry…”

Harry moved toward the centre of the room, where the block was, and slowly moved the sword toward it…in the very moment the green light touched the iron, a huge quantity of sparkles started to fly in the air, and after some moments, Harry's sword was in the middle of the block…Harry kept going, but suddenly he released his wand, letting it fall on the ground, and his sword vanished…

Dumbledore smiled, and took the wand from the floor, while Harry was massaging his hand…

“It was burning, isn't it, Harry?” the Headmaster asked

Harry nodded, still keeping his hand in the other…Dumbledore gave him his wand, and said:

“It had happened, Harry, because you had not given the necessary soul strength to the sword, so it encountered strong resistance by the metal, and the attrition had caused an intense heat in your wand…you must remember this is like a real sword, and the attrition on a real sword causes heat to flow trough it…well, now, rest a moment, while Hermione tries…”

Hermione neared the block, that McGonagall had magically restored, and started to cut the metal…but her sword light off quite soon…

McGonagall said: “You need to let all your soul strength in it, Ms. Granger…if not, you'll not be able to use your sword, you'll be able only to show it…”

Hermione evocated it again, and concentrated…the gold sword became every moment more brilliant, and finally Hermione tried again to cut the iron…this time, she had almost succeeded in cutting all the block, when her sword “exploded”…

“This time, you have put too much violence in the flowing of your soul in it…it was too abrupt for the task you were doing…” Dumbledore commented, and gave a sign to Harry to try again…

This time, Harry, learning from his and Hermione's mistakes, was able to cut properly the block, and Dumbledore clapped his hands, pride clearly in his eyes…then, it was again Hermione's turn…

After an hard training, finally the Professors let them to go and rest in their beds…Harry and Hermione were walking in a corridor, when suddenly Harry found himself alone…

He turned, and saw Hermione leaned on an armour…he walked back to her, and asked:

“Mione…what's the problem?” but she didn't respond…when he reached her, he saw she had fallen asleep…

Harry smiled, and picked her up in his arms…he brought her to her dorm, and settled her in her bed…he had given her a goodnight kiss on her forehead, and was exiting the room, when she said, with a sleepy voice:

“Thanks, Harry…you're so sweet…”

“Anything for you, my love…”

“Good Night, sweetie…” she replied, closing her eyes…

Next day, Harry received a letter, from Mrs. Weasley:

“Dear Harry,

Ron is missing…we are

Searching him since two

Days…however, he was

Act strangely since his

Arrive at home…if you

Heard about him, please

Inform us…

Molly”

Harry brought immediately the letter to Dumbledore, who took it and sent Harry back to the Gryffindor Tower, assuring him he would do everything he could…however, as soon as Harry had exited his office, the Headmaster muttered:

“I think I know what is up with him, and if it is true, we cannot do nothing, unfortunately…this is an his choice…”

Training was draining Harry's and Hermione's energies, but they were improving greatly…by now, at the middle of August, they were able to use their swords to cut all kind of objects, and to deflect most of the spells…they had to work only on deflecting the “Unforgivables”…

One night, however, even if they had had the training, Hermione, as soon as they arrived in the common room, led Harry in her dorm, a mischievous look in her eyes…

She kissed him, and he replied to her kiss…their passion was emerging, and Harry started unbuttoning her shirt, while she was doing the same…soon, their hands were touching the other's bare skin, and they let little moans escape from their mouths…soon, Harry found her bra's clasp, and removed it, cupping her breasts in his hands…then, he started taking her nipples in his mouth…

Next morning, Harry woke up with her in his arms, and both of them were naked…Harry smiled, remembering the happenings of the previous night…they had been intimate for the first time…the first time in their lives, also, as both of them were virgins…

15. The Year of the Truth begins

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: I really appreciate your comments so please go on reviewing! And Thanks to my beta Petunia. I want to apologize to all of you who thinks that this story has to have more emotions of characters out of Harry and Hermione. I'm focusing on them and their mage powers on this fic, so you won't see the others' emotions more than little hints on Ron's. I also apologize if the school year is running, but I think the training, the battle and H/Hr are the main topics of the fic.

Coolone007: Ah, now I got what you were meaning. Well, let's say that this is not a risk, because old Tom is using Ron as an instrument, and doesn't care to ask advices to him. After all he is a Weasley…

Sweetkiwi456: I'm sorry for the letter, but I am not able to fix it `cause when I change it from Word doc to HTML it makes it.

Mister_Midnight: Well, they say he is missing because they don't know what he had been doing all the year, so not seeing him they think he is missing. But we all know where he is, don't we? ;) and Harry brought the letter to Dumbledore, so if the Headmaster had not been able to give them information on him, who could? Certainly not the Daily Prophet…

Fire Gazer: Well, he had done his choice, and in not very long time you'll know what his choice is.

HnH4EvA19: Well, he is in company of the mysterious guy…if you read many reviews, many readers had guessed who this man is.

KypDurron: Probably he is doing what you fear, however he will return by his own will. Read this chapter and you'll find him at school.

Athena: Yes, you're right on Ron.

RickyElRey. Well, let's say you're right, but he won't learn from his mistake. He would not be able to do it.

JuneAngelas: Yes, Ron is doing that.

Chapter Fifteen

“The Year of the Truth Begins”

On one of the last days of summer, Dumbledore gave them a free day for going shopping at Diagon Alley. They Flooed to the Leaky Cauldron, and from there they went to buy all what they needed for the coming school year - their last year at Hogwarts.

They visited “Flourish and Blotts”, the book shop then they bought their Potions ingredients in the apothecary. Finally they wandered through the streets with their arms around each other, looking at the shops. As usual Harry was mesmerised by “Quality Quidditch Supplies”. They headed back to the Leaky Cauldron to have lunch, where they met some other Gryffindors: Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan and Lavender Brown.

They all had lunch together, then Harry and Hermione returned to Hogwarts by Floo. They settled their new belongings in their trunks and then relaxed in the common room.

Some days later they went to Hogsmeade station, to greet their friends. Harry was still worried about Ron and the lack of news from Dumbledore certainly didn't calm him down. However, he trusted his friend and in the depths of his heart was sure the red haired boy was doing nothing bad.

After the greetings, Harry and Hermione left for their Head Boy and Girl duties while all the other seventh year Gryffindors returned together to the castle, chatting happily; even Ron was trying to be the usual Ron Harry and Hermione had known through the years. They reached the castle and entered the Great Hall. All of them were attentive while watching the sorting, then they started to eat, after Dumbledore's usual speech.

After dinner, Harry and Hermione left to the prefects the duty of accompanying the first years to their dorms, and went to their private common room. As Head Boy and Head Girl, they had also private bedrooms.

They sat on a couch, in front of the fire, reading a novel. Actually, Harry was reading aloud while Hermione was hugging him with her eyes closed, while listening to him. After a while, they decided to go to bed so they wished each other Good Night and sealed it with a long, passionate kiss.

Harry was getting into bed, wondering what he had done to deserve her, when the lights in his room turned off. He turned and felt his lips captured by hers.

“You didn't think I would leave you alone tonight, Mr. Potter…did you?” she whispered. They got into the bed and fell asleep.

Days passed smoothly for both of them - Harry was still the Quidditch Captain, so had to fulfil that duty, added to the mage training and the hard work for the N.E.W.T.s, however he found always time to be dedicated to his wonderful girlfriend…and lover.

Dumbledore was very proud of them, first for their mage achievements but also for their good results at school, as McGonagall didn't fail to report. Being with Hermione had transformed Harry into the top male student in his year, while as usual Hermione was the top girl. They really formed “the perfect couple”, as many of their fellow students kept calling them.

At the beginning of October, they had reached an excellent level in using their swords, even in deflecting the “Unforgivables”…well, at least, the Imperius and the Cruciatus ones.

One night Dumbledore spoke to them before the beginning of the training.

“Harry…Hermione…I have to say you that I think you are ready for the next step, that is deflecting the “Avada Kedavra”…however, I need your opinion…if you do not feel keen to try it, we will delay it.”

“I'll try” Harry said, while Hermione was still thinking.

“Actually, I'm a little scared…but I trust Dumbledore's judgement; plus, Harry is doing it, and if he does this, I'll do it too”; she thought. She agreed.

Dumbledore cast an “Avada Kedavra” on Harry, ready to reduce it…but Harry's sword moved toward the green light, and the curse was absorbed by the sword itself. They tried this at least twenty times, before leaving the scene to Hermione.

The smartest Hogwarts witch waved her sword before the curse, and for a moment her sword trembled, letting her think the worst - but it returned to normal, and she let her breath regain it normal pace. She also did it at least twenty times, then Dumbledore stopped them.

“Well, my dears…I think from this moment, both of you are ready to face Voldemort. You need only to keep your skills sharp, so from tomorrow night we will have mage duels between you two but also you two against us…now, you may go to bed.”

Harry and Hermione left the room, and went to their rooms. Here they changed and went to sleep together again. They had discovered the pleasure of sleeping in each other's arms and it was by now an habit for them, helped by the fact they had their own rooms so they had not to worry about the other Gryffindors' judgement.

Time flew quickly, and the first Quidditch match came round, with Gryffindor against Ravenclaw. It was an easy won, as Harry caught the Snitch after only five minutes. Strangely, the Snitch was hovering just Hermione's head in the Gryffindor stand, and he almost crashed into her to catch it.

Meanwhile, the training was still going on, every night at the same place, Harry and Hermione always getting better at duelling. One night, they entered the Room of Requirement as usual, and started to battle in pairs…Harry with Dumbledore, Hermione with McGonagall.

That was a fierce battle, not like the first, in which the Professors won easily. This time, the duel lasted a long time, and finally Harry managed to dab Dumbledore's chest with the tip of his sword, making the alarm spell sound and ending that duel. Then they watched Hermione and McGonagall - the Professor defended herself valiantly, but she was still in great difficulties. Finally, Hermione won her duel, too.

Christmas holidays arrived, and Harry and Hermione were alone again in Gryffindor Tower. Ron had done his disappearing act again, and Harry reported it to Dumbledore.

“Harry…I have an idea where he could be, but this is not good, so for now I would prefer to not tell you that, if you agree. That would be a strong shock for you, and after all, if my theory is true, you'll find it out very soon.”

Harry nodded reluctantly and left the Headmaster's office wondering what Dumbledore was suggesting.

16. Betrayal and Freedom

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

AN: Thank you to all of you who are reading and reviewing my story, and thanks to Petunia, my great beta. In this chapter you'll see some main events, with a see of Ron's emotions too. Please not flame me for what happens in the end to Ron, I don't like it too, but it was necessary.

HnH4EvA19: You'll see Ron's destiny in this chapter.

Fire Gazer: Read this chapter and you'll know it; sorry if you'll be disappointed…

Shawnpickett: Yeah, I know I'm running very fast…I hope this chapter is better!

Sweetkiwi456: If you read this chapter you'll know about Ron…

Athena: Well, we all know that Harry is not really attentive to his school work, so only with Hermione's influence he can become top boy in his year…

KypDurron: Well, this chapter will say a lot on Ron…so you'll see what happens to him.

Coolone007: I know I'm going fast, as I said I hope this chapter will be better. For Ginny, she is not important in this story so I chose to not care about her. Ron's interaction with the others had been said, quickly, when they return after Christmas; he is trying to be the usual Ron.

Anonimous. Well, the training is quite over, for H/Hr, probably this chapter will be action packed, but the last two should be on the two of them.

Mister_Midnight: Well, I'm happy I'm keeping the readers hooked. It is always good for an author hearing things like this. The battles? Well, I guess you're right, I could have described them…

The time goes fast, because I'm focusing on the steps of the training, so I thought it wasn't necessary to describe the school days, and so the time is going fast, maybe a little bit too fast…;)

Hermione Potter: Well, I really hope here it is better, because now I've a beta, while before I hadn't…

Antone: You'll know all about Ron in this chapter.

Beppo: Read this chapter and you'll know!

Chapter Sixteen

“Betrayal and Freedom”

The Christmas holidays arrived, and as usual, Ron boarded on the Express. Harry and Hermione were remaining again at Hogwarts, and Ron passed the journey thinking deeply, an evil smirk occasionally appearing on his lips.

“Enjoy her as long as you can, Harry. Very soon I'll have my vengeance, with your death and her love…” he thought

He arrived at the Burrow, and during the day was the usual Ron he had always been. However, every night, as always it had been for almost a year and a half, he sneaked out of the house and Apparated to his Master's manor.

There, he was receiving the same training Harry and Hermione had received from Dumbledore and McGonagall. By now he too was able to use his sword - an orange one - to do almost anything.

“Welcome, Weasley” the usual voice greeted him. He answered back, and raised his wand, ready to start.

He worked hard all night on attacking and casting the strongest versions of the “Unforgivables”. Every time he failed, he was punished, as was his fellow apprentice, with the “Cruciatus Curse”.

When he returned to school he did his best to restrain himself from showing his powers, trying to keep them as a surprise for the night of the battle. But seeing Harry and Hermione always together, kissing in public, always made his blood boil in his veins…

He felt so sure of his vengeance though, that he was somehow able to act quite normally, even if he couldn't help to notice a little suspicion in Harry's eyes. He cursed his family silently for the letters he knew they had sent to Harry to alert him of his “disappearances”.

The thought of finally getting rid of Harry, the one who had stolen his chance of fame and love, was keeping him calm even during the Quidditch practices, when he felt bossed around by that scarred boy.

“Only because Voldemort has given him that scar, and made him famous, he thinks he can do anything…but he cannot steal my right to have the woman I dream of. I will have her, whether she is willing or not!”

Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione were still perfecting their mage skills, and every day they were surer they could defeat Voldemort.

It was by now near the Easter holidays, and they had just won the Quidditch cup after having beaten Slytherin, thanks to Harry who caught the Snitch merely inches before Malfoy.

That night, Dumbledore spoke to them after their daily training session.

“Harry, Hermione - your training is complete. You're now fully trained mages. I have been thinking deeply, and it is imperative we get rid of Voldemort as quickly as we can. I propose that tomorrow night we will leave, the three of us, to fight him…I know where he is hiding.”

“We are ready, Professor…” they replied, together

“Very well, I will call you when I wish to leave. Good Evening”

They left the room, and went to their private common room, oblivious that a red haired boy had been hidden behind a suit of an armour, and had overheard all what Dumbledore had said them, thanks to the Extendable Ears of his twin brothers.

Ron ran out of the castle, reached Hogsmeade, and Apparated to his Master's Manor. He stormed in the room in which his training was held.

“You are late, Weasley…” a cold voice said.

“I'm sorry my Lord, but I have some interesting information for you.”

“Well, tell me…if the news is really good, you will saved from punishment.”

“Potter and Granger are mages too…they are fully trained, and Dumbledore plans to come here and kill you with them, tomorrow night…”

“Mm…this is very interesting…good job, Weasley…you have saved yourself from the Cruciatus Curse, this time. Let us start the training. They'll find a bad surprise when they arrive here.”

The next night at ten o'clock, Dumbledore picked up Harry and Hermione, and with a Portkey they landed near the manor…they entered the building cautiously.

The three of them started exploring it, looking carefully in the nearby rooms. In one of them, they met six Death Eaters, but they defeated them with little trouble.

Continuing their exploration, they went to the second floor. Here they had to fight some dementors, but again they had no trouble - they conjured their Patronuses, Harry's stag and Hermione's otter. They increased the strength of the charm, so they could easily go to the last floor. Here they found nothing so they returned to the ground floor and descended into the dungeons. Harry opened the door to the remaining room left unexplored, and looked in. What he saw made him almost pass out…

He had seen Voldemort, in the centre of the room, with Draco Malfoy on one side…on the other was Ron…

“Ron! What are you doing there?” Harry exclaimed

“Is it not obvious, Potter? He is one of my servants…one of the two apprentices I have trained this year and a half…” answered Voldemort.

“Surely you didn't think I would have watched you taking Hermione from me without doing something? She belongs to ME, Harry…and you'll die for having taken her…” Ron commented, smirking.

“You're crazy, Ron! I'm not a trophy, I'm a person, and I decide who I love! I don't love you…I love Harry…I have always loved him…” Hermione cried out.

“So, my worst fears are true, Tom. You are behind the disappearances of Mr. Weasley. But let me see…Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy are mages, too?”

“Yes, Dumbledore. Well, actually they weren't…I had to modify their magical genes to make them so…but enough of this! Let the battle begin!”

Voldemort engaged Dumbledore in duel, while Ron did the same with Hermione and Malfoy with Harry…all of them summoned their swords, Voldemort's one in a brilliant red, and Malfoy's one in a almost purple colour.

Malfoy cast an Avada Kedavra on Harry, but he was able to deflect it; then, he counter attacked, crying:

“Crucio!” and increased the power of the spell so that it turned abruptly to a green light - it had become a Killing Curse…Malfoy avoided it, and the spell hit a wall. They struggled backwards and forwards, neither of them able to overcome the other…

In the meantime, Ron was trying to overcome Hermione without harming her…after all, he wanted her alive, and in good conditions, for celebrating the victory with a good shag. In doing this, he was often obliged to defend himself , as Hermione seemed to not have any pity for him - she attacked him with all kind of curses, but Ron was always able to deflect them.

While the four young mages were battling fiercely, so were the two eldest ones. Voldemort was firm in wanting to finally kill the only wizard, or mage, he had ever feared. Dumbledore was just as determined to drain Voldemort's energies as much as possible, knowing that Harry was the one who could kill him. The Headmaster knew that could be his end, but he wanted to help Harry as much as he could…they cast many spell one against the other, but neither of them was able to overcome the other's defences.

It seemed that with spells the three duels were destined to be equal…so, the six fighters started to use their Soul Blazes as real swords.

Harry attacked Malfoy with a movement worthy of one of the best swordsmen on the Earth. But Draco was able to close his guard, stopping Harry's green sword with his purple one…then, he tried to reverse the situation, pushing Harry's sword far from his body, and toward his enemy's one.

In the same moment, Hermione had luckily avoided a strong attack by Ron, who was losing his nerve. He thought it would be easy to win, but he had undervalued her, even though he knew her so well. Hermione counter attacked, but managed only to give him a light bruise on his shoulder.

Dumbledore was beginning to struggle. He was defending himself more than attacking or counter attacking, and Voldemort was cornering him. The Headmaster could not escape, and would soon have little space to manoeuvre, or try to defend himself.

Suddenly, after a long clashing of swords, with many sparks thrown in the air, Harry found a hole in Malfoy's guard, and feinted to attack there. Seeing it, Malfoy tried to cover that hole, opening in this way all his right side to Harry's true attack…one moment later, the green sword was in Malfoy's body up to the tip of Harry's wand. Harry pulled it away, and Malfoy fell on the ground…he tried to attack Harry desperately, but he was loosing strength. Harry finished him cutting by slicing off his head.

He heard moans coming from where Ron and Hermione were battling…he turned, and stood up immediately, crossing the room…

Ron had somehow managed to bind her to a wall, and was by now forcing a kiss on her, while his hands were roaming over her body. Just as he was about to cup her breasts, Harry yelled out:

“You are no better than scum! And I let you to be my best friend…die, filthy evil traitor!!” Harry's sword sliced Ron's body, from head to toe. His former best friend fell on the floor, cut in two.

Harry quickly cut the bounds and freed Hermione. She picked up her wand, and summoned her sword. As they stood there, they heard a loud scream, and then a cold laugh…they turned, and saw Dumbledore pierced by Voldemort sword.

The Headmaster fell on the floor, lifeless.

“And now you, Potter…or maybe is better to start with the Mudblood…”

Harry ran to Voldemort before he could attack Hermione, and engaged him in a sword duel. Hermione was watching, afraid to cast a spell, in case she hit Harry.

Harry was pushed away by Voldemort, and fell on the floor. When he stood up again, Voldemort's swords was menacing him…but Hermione cast an Avada Kedavra from behind him, so the Dark Lord had to deflect it, and was distracted. Harry moved and reached Hermione - now, they were together, facing the Dark Lord…they casually touched their swords together, and felt a strange feeling going through their bodies. Suddenly, the swords changed to a blinding white light, and the Phoenix song was heard. Harry and Hermione attacked Voldemort, their swords still connected, casting a Killing Curse - the strongest curse they could cast with their combined strength.

When the spell met Voldemort's sword, it was destroyed and a huge quantity of sparks was created. The curse reached Voldemort's chest and the Dark Lord fell on the ground.

Harry looked at his body, he knew they could not risk he would return again. He knew what to do but was rooted on the spot.

“Harry…you're the one who must do this…not I…” Hermione whispered softly

Harry nodded, and moved to the Dark Lord's body, then he cried: “Soul Drainer!”. It was a spell Dumbledore had told them to research, which destroyed the soul of the person it was cast on.

Voldemort's soul erupted from his body and was shattered in million pieces. Then Harry picked up Tom Riddle's wand and broke it in two.

Hermione fell on her knees and burst into tears.

Harry went to her and knelt too, then embraced her, whispering: “What's wrong, Mione?”

“I still don't believe it…we have done it!! We have killed Voldemort!!!” she replied through her tears.

“I know, Mione…I know…finally we are free…we are free to live a normal life together” he replied, wiping away her tears, while tenderly embracing her, bringing her closer to him. He gave her a reassuring smile, kissed her deeply, and then he took her hand, squeezing it a little.

They left the room, Dumbledore's body floating before them.

17. New Life

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Here I'm again, thanking all of you who are reading and reviewing my story. Thanks also to my wonderful beta Petunia. Probably after this one we will have another last chapter, but maybe we will have two…I still don't know…I was thinking to add a chapter between this and the last I have already written, but I'm still not sure.

HnH4Eva19: I'm sad Dumbledore died, too, but I thought it was necessary. For Ron, it was really him in the battle.

Athena: Well, Harry used the sword to kill him, so if that sword can cut easily the metal, why not the human body and bones? I feel bad for Dumbledore too.

Hermione Potter: Yes, we will have this chapter and then at least another one.

Creepy Susie: I can understand you, but that sword could cut everything, so it was simple to cut body parts. I know it was a little bit violent, tough…

Antone: I had to kill Dumbledore because if I didn't Voldemort would have continued to battle with him, and not with Harry…

JayaMioneDurron: I never said he would be back to normal, I meant he would return from missing. I felt bad for Harry having to kill him, too, but who other could do that?

KypDurron: You'll see the Weasleys reaction in this chapter, a bit at least…

Coolone007: No, there is no redemption for him…you'll see something about the reactions to his death in this chapter.

Chapter Seventeen

“New Life”

Exiting the room, Harry and Hermione returned where they had landed. Harry touched the Portkey they used muttering “Portus” so it was again functioning. He grasped Dumbledore's body, still holding Hermione's hand, and then she touched the Portkey, too. They felt the usual hooking sensation and after few moments they were again in the Headmaster's office. It was by now near dawn, so they thought it was a good idea inform McGonagall immediately.

They went to the kitchens searching for Dobby.

“Dobby, can you escort us to the Staff Quarters?” Harry asked when the house-elf appeared.

“Dobby is very happy to help Harry Potter, sir.”

They followed him and knocked on the Transfiguration Professor's door.

When the old witch opened the door, seeing their distressed faces, she invited them in, then cast a Silencing Charm on the room.

“Seat, please, and tell me what had happened…” she said.

They kindly thanked the old witch and seated, but Hermione was still shocked by what had happened to speak about it.

“Well, as you know, tonight we went with the Headmaster to fight Voldemort…” Harry started

“Yes, I know…go on, please…”

“Well, we inspected all the manor, and defeated some Death Eaters, then we finally found the right room, in the dungeons. I opened the door and we saw Voldemort in the centre of the room, but he was not alone. With him there were Draco Malfoy and Ronald Weasley.”

“But this is impossible…a Weasley…allied with Voldemort? I can't believe this…” McGonagall commented, starting to pace her room.

“We also were shocked…but it seems that he was very jealous of me and Hermione being a couple. He wanted her, so it seems Voldemort had promised him an help to have her and he accepted.”

McGonagall waved her hand signalling to him to continue.

Harry told her all the events of the night, and finally admitted that Dumbledore was dead. McGonagall's face was crossed by tears, however she hugged them.

“Thank you for having saved our world…now, go and have your deserved rest…” she said, still sobbing for the Headmaster's and the young Weasley's losses.

Harry took Hermione's hand, and led her to their private quarters. They weren't able to sleep, so passed the rest of the night on the couch, hugged tightly, every now and then letting tears flow on their cheeks, in memory of their beloved Headmaster and their former best friend. They remembered all the wonderful moments they had passed together with the red-haired boy.

***

Next day, Harry noticed that Minister Fudge was at the Staff table, and signalled him to the other Gryffindors. All of them were wondering what he was doing there.

“Today, we have to remember a great wizard…able to defeat one of the most powerful dark sorcerers, Grindelwald, and to train two seventeen years old students to defeat another dark wizard. We are here to commemorate the great Albus Dumbledore, dead this night, battling against Voldemort.”

Loud whisperings filled the Great Hall, and many students flinched at the name. After some moments the silence was restored and Fudge continued.

“With him there were two students of this school, the two who actually killed Voldemort”. Again many students flinched, others started cheering hearing that Voldemort was dead.

“They are two Gryffindors…Harry Potter and Hermione Granger...”

All the school looked at them, and cheered them up, but McGonagall required another time the silence.

“Please, Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger, come here. We are honoured to award both of you with the Merlin's Order, First Class. You have saved our world, and given to all of us the chance to start a new life.” the Minister added.

Harry and Hermione received their awards, and then another was assigned to Dumbledore, post mortem. When Harry and Hermione were again at the Gryffindor table, Fudge said:

“And now, we need to choose another Headmaster. Well, I think that Professor McGonagall will suit perfectly this position.”

Another time, the Great Hall was filled with clapping of hands and cheering up…

***

That evening, after dinner, McGonagall gathered Harry, Hermione and Ginny in her office, and helped the young couple to explain Ron's death to Ginny, who was shocked about her brother's actions and death and burst in tears. Harry comforted her, hugging her, while Hermione told her soothing words.

“I can't believe what he wanted to do to you two…” she said, still sobbing when she recovered a little.

“It's ok, now all of this is finished” Harry whispered her, still holding her in his arms.

“Maybe it is better if you go and take your rest, now…it had been a stressful experience…” he added after kissing softly her forehead.

She nodded and went to her dorm, still sobbing, she didn't know if more for her brother's death or his shameful behaviour.

***

From that day, everyone in school looked with new admiration to the “best couple in Hogwarts”, as Harry and Hermione were still called, but they didn't mind, because for the first time from when they had known their real nature, they were free to behave as young wizards and witches of their age were supposed to do. They by now had only two worries: the N.E.W.T.s and to face the sorrow of Ron's loss.

Harry enjoyed the new sensation, of being without burdens on his shoulders, now that the Prophecy was fulfilled. Sometimes, however, he thought about how Ron had behaved, and was really sad his former best friend had chosen the wrong way.

“If only I had talked with him earlier, maybe we could have saved him…” he often found himself thinking.

“Can you imagine if all this would be happened out of school? He could have been another Wormtail. I had complete faith in him…and he betrayed me, us, in this way! But maybe we could have done something more to understand him, to help him…” he was discussing with Hermione one evening, in the common room. She nodded sadly, and snuggled near him, tears slowly running down her cheeks.

***

Finally, the N.E.W.T.s arrived. First day, they had Charms.

In the morning, there was the written test, and Harry, thanks to Hermione, who had prepared for him a special review program, had been able to answer all the questions, even if a couple of them had given him some troubles.

Then, in the afternoon, they had the practical test, and the examiner asked him to perform a series of spells, from the Silencing Charm to the Conjuring Spell. He obviously had no problems in that, too.

Next day, they had Transfiguration. In the theory test, Harry was able to answer the questions, remembering Hermione's notices that he had studied the previous night, so they at lunch were both quite satisfied. Then, they relaxed a little near the lake, before the practical test, in which both of them were brilliant.

DADA was definitely the subject in which Harry felt very good. It was the unique subject in which he was able to be better than Hermione, both in theory than in practice, so he had definitely no problems in this exam. He had never had problems in this, but this year, with the mage powers fully trained, the practical one was really a joke, and so was for Hermione. Plus, he suspected that even if he chose to not respond, they would give him the highest mark only because he and Hermione had defeated Voldemort.

After all the other exams, as Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and Astronomy for Harry, the same less Divination and with Arithmancy and Ancient Runes for Hermione, they arrived to the last day. It was the day of Potions…

They entered the Great Hall, and Harry felt his head spinning, reading the complex questions Snape had prepared for them. He was staring the wall, when he felt someone tapping his shoulder.

Startled, he turned, and saw Snape, who snuck a paper under his exam text, and then moved, giving him a little smirk.

Harry was disbelieving…Snape had given him the solutions!! He wondered why the Professor he hated more was behaving that way, but as he was running out of time, he copied it, and put the parchment cautiously in his pocket.

During lunch, Harry whispered to Hermione what had happened, and she was just as disbelieved as him. Harry looked to the staff table, and saw McGonagall smiling at him. Suddenly he understood: McGonagall had wanted to help him to become an Auror, as she had promised him.

In the afternoon, Harry worked hard on his potion, to make all the new Headmistress's efforts for him useful and was quite satisfied with the result.

Then, the seventh years relaxed until the end of the term for all the other students…they passed their days playing Exploding Snap, or near the lake. Harry and Hermione visited Hagrid almost every day and Harry convinced her to go flying with him, teaching her a little.

In those days, both Harry and Hermione received, as all the other Gryffindors, offers to go working in the Ministry, at St.Mungo's…even the twins asked them if they wanted to work in their shop. The most amazing offer was to be an Auror. Moody trusted them and knew they were very good for the job even not having already seen their exams marks. Plus, they were after all mages so he thought they could be the best Aurors the Ministry could ask.

However, they replied to all of them that they wanted some time to think before choosing their career as Harry wanted to be an Auror, but on the other hand, living all time fighting was not so much attractive. Hermione would like to be an Auror, too, but her parents had always her to be a doctor, so being an Healer at St.Mungo's was a way to not delude them too much…

In the last days of the term, however, Harry and Hermione had also to write their speeches, as Head Boy and Head Girl, for the Graduation ceremony. They had also to help adorning the room for the ceremony, so they were really busy.

Finally, that evening came, and they had to speak in front of all their friends and by now former Professors. Harry was the first.

“You know, this castle had been my true home for seven years, and now, thinking that I have to leave it, is a little sad. Here I learnt all what I know…here, I found the friendship I had never had before…and finally, I had found love. So, this school will always live with me, every day, even if I'll be far from here, in all the things it had given me…for this reason, I want to thank all our Professors, and remember the former Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, who had been as a grandfather for me…” saying this, a tear escaped from his eyes, and he left the scene to Hermione.

“As Harry had said, this school will be every day in our daily lives…I came here, seven years ago, with the only aim to be the best witch in my year, possibly in the school, to demonstrate that also a Muggle-born witch is worth to be respected. I was interested in only studying, but my friends, and my love, opened my eyes, revealing that there was something more important: bravery…loyalty…friendship…all these feelings make the real great wizard. These feelings are what had given us the chance to start a new life, full of joy and freedom, without fear. ”

All the room clapped its hands, and then the banquet started.

After some time, in which all the seventh year students ate a lot, the room changed his appearance, the house tables were changed in small ones, with some drinks on them, and finally the music started…as Head Boy and Head Girl, Harry and Hermione opened the dances, he in his green robes, matching his wonderful eyes, and she in a bright red dress, which was perfectly shaped on her body.

Even if he had always hated to dance, and in his fourth year at the Yule Ball he had limited the experience to the minor time possible, that night he enjoyed that. Maybe it was because now he had her in his arms, or maybe because he had improved a little…

They danced a lot, especially the slow songs, close one to the other.

Around them, in the meanwhile, Neville was dancing with Ginny, who was by now his girlfriend and had obtained a special permission to go at the Ball. They were dancing very close, but not as close as Seamus and Lavender…or as Dean and Parvati…

When the night was near to his end, Harry mustered the courage to do something he wanted to do from the day he killed Ron. He sent Hermione to fetch Ginny, then they walked toward the other Weasleys.

“We…hem…we wanted to say…we are really sorry for Ron…” Harry and Hermione started when they reached their table.

Mrs. Weasley looked at them with a cold look he had never seen in her eyes, and so did Arthur.

“If you're so sorry, you should have not killed him.” Mr. Weasley replied.

“Dad! What are you saying? I know you are sad for his death but he wanted to kill them, for Merlin's sake!” Ginny yelled.

“Ginny, stay out of this. He killed your brother, how can you defend him? And you're brother had never wanted to kill Harry, neither he was a Death Eater…” Mrs. Weasley said, looking at them angrily.

“I'm really ashamed to have welcomed such a murderer in our house, so please stay away from us, both of you” Mr. Weasley said, while starting to stand up.

At this point, Fred took his parents away.

“Dad…you're making a mistake…you, too, Mum…I didn't know how to say that, but I think now it is the moment. I was in Ron's room yesterday, and found under his bed a Death Eater robe with his name engraved on the inner part.” he said.

Mrs. Weasley looked at him as he had grown a second head.

“Are you saying the truth?” she asked her voice cracking.

“I'm sorry, Mum…yes…Ron was really a Death Eater…”

Both the adult Weasleys looked at each other, a sad look in their eyes, then they looked at Harry and Hermione and started crying freely. They returned to them.

“Harry…Hermione…Fred here gave us evidence that you two were saying the truth about Ron being a Death Eater. I'm sorry for how I reacted before. Can you ever forgive us for what we said earlier?” Mr. Weasley said.

“Of course we forgive you…it was hard also for us to believe that…but we saw him directly with Voldemort, so we couldn't doubt it.” Hermione replied, she crying, too. Harry nodded, wrapping an arm around her.

At the end of the Ball, a great quantity of owls entered the room, with the results of the exams.

Neville had gained the minimum mark in almost all the subjects, apart for Herbology, in which he had gained the top mark. Seamus, instead, had received average marks in every subject, while Dean had done poorly in Astronomy and Herbology. He also had the minimum mark in Divination.

Parvati had almost all quite high marks, except for Astronomy. She had also had a low mark in Care of Magical Creatures. Lavender, too, received top marks in Divination, but was not so good in DADA and was average in all the other subjects.

Harry, instead, had achieved top marks in all the subjects, except for Divination, where he gained the minimum, and Astronomy, in which he had gained an average mark…so, totally, he had gained 11 N.E.W.T.s, as DADA, Transfiguration, Charms and even Potions had given him two N.E.W.T.s each other.

Hermione, instead, had received top marks in all the subjects, for a total of 12 N.E.W.T

After the end of the Graduation ceremony, all the seventh years returned to their dorms to pass their last night at Hogwarts. When Harry and Hermione were leaving, McGonagall stopped them, and brought them in her office.

“From both your speeches, tonight, I had sensed your huge love for the school. I know very well your skills, too, so I want to propose you to be the new DADA and Transfiguration Professors.”

They were breathless. Finally, after some minutes, they accepted warmly, it was what in the depths of their hearts they had always dreamed to be in their life, Hogwarts Professors…then left the room to reach their quarters.

When they were in their common room, they seated on the couches, chatting about their new life. At one point, Harry went on one knee, pulling out of his pocket a small box.

“Hermione…You're the only person in this world who really showed me what love is. You're the one who had been on my side no matter what. I know for sure that in my heart nobody else will ever find place…so I'm asking you…will you marry me?” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

She was speechless, tears of happiness threatening to fall… she looked at the ring, a white gold one, with a diamond in the centre, an a platinum band surrounding it. On the band there was engraved: “To Hermione, my only love”, and at each end of it there was a small emerald.

She was not able anymore to hold her tears, and not being able to speak, kissed him passionately.

“I guess this is a yes…” he said sheepishly

She nodded, and finally managed to reply.

“Yes, Harry…I'll marry you!!”

18. Pensieves and Invitations

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling

A/N: Thank you, my faithful readers, for your reviews. They really mean a lot to me. I've at the end decided to write the wedding so it will be here soon.

Creepy Susie: Well, after all they had killed Voldemort, it's obvious everyone in the Wizarding World would want them as employees…and for the marriage, it is an obvious step for their love, and after two years together, I thought it would be ok…

Coolone007: Well, I think a Death Eater robe with the name engraved on it would be enough evidence to believe that…however I like you idea, so I used it. Thank you.

HnH4EvA19: I don't plan to have a sequel, I'll have a chapter dedicated to their lives after Hogwarts, though. Something about the family, too, I think.

KypDurron: Yeah, I liked to show that even the twins can be serious on certain matters and take responsibility of their choices. Telling that to his parents could have put Fred in the same situation of Percy, but he did it the same because he knew it was the right thing to do.

Fire Gazer: I like wedding chapters/fics too! So, I'll write it soon and you'll be pleased, I hope.

Beppo: The fact is that they are soul mates, so when the Soul Blazes connect, they are at their maximum power.

Chapter Eighteen

“Pensieves and Invitations”

That night they slept on the couches of the common room, snuggled one near the other. In the morning, Harry woke up first and smiled, looking at her angelic face, remembering the events of the previous night.

He stroked softly her hair, lost in thought. He was still a little sore for the Weasleys reaction to their apology. Well, the adult Weasleys, at least, as Ginny and Fred had taken their friends' defence, in the end making their parents look at the truth.

But Harry knew that the Weasley were not too much convinced, so he remained a lot thinking how to give them other proofs than the Death Eater robe Fred found in Ron's room.

“Good Morning, love…” Hermione whispered in his hear at least half an hour later, then she kissed him softly. Harry immediately kissed her back, pulling her even closer to him.

“Good Morning, my sleeping beauty” he replied, then.

She giggled a little, then went to her dorm to get ready for the travel back to home.

They headed to the Great Hall to have breakfast, and seated on their usual spots in the Gryffindor table.

“You know, while I was awake this morning I was thinking. Maybe it could be a good idea to give the Weasleys more evidence about Ron. But I don't know how do that…” Harry said, while filling his plate with bacon and muffins.

“Yeah, that would be great. However, I think it's easy. You have only to use a Pensieve.”

A Pensieve…

“Hermione, you're great! I wonder why I didn't think this first!” Harry replied, kicking himself mentally to have been so dumb. He stood up and went to McGonagall, saying Hermione he would see her later, going to Hogsmeade to the train.

Harry went to the Headmistress's office.

“Canary Creams!” he said and the gargoyle moved, revealing the entrance.

“Harry, what can I do for you?” the Professor asked.

“Headmistress, can I borrow the Dumbledore's Pensieve? I need to put in it my own memories of the battle to show them to the Weasleys.”

“I'm sorry, but I can't give it to you. I already sent it to Gringott's to be put in the Hogwarts vault. Plus, you need your personal Pensieve to put memories into, while you can see other's memories in their Pensieve. So you need to get your own one.”

Harry's face fell, but he thanked the Professor and exited.

***

Few hours later, Harry and Hermione were in the Head Boy and Girl compartment, and he had said her about the chat with McGonagall.

“Well, you can stop to Diagon Alley and get one there. I'll go with you if you want.” she said.

Harry's eyes lit up and he nodded.

The cart lady arrived and they purchased a lot of sweets, then resumed their chat.

***

At King's Cross they met the Weasleys, there to pick up Ginny, and there was an awkward silence, till George broke the ice.

“Well, hello then, Harry, Hermione…and congratulations for the upcoming wedding…”

Harry smiled.

“Thanks, George. Hello to all of you.” Hermione replied then dragged Harry away to break the tense situation.

The Grangers offered to take Harry to Diagon Alley, then accompanying him to the Dursleys. Even though he had not to go there anymore, he wanted to really enjoy the sake of using magic on them so he wanted to go there for a week to make their life an Hell, as they made his.

In the Wizarding location, Harry wandered a lot of shops asking for a Pensieve, then he finally found a small shop. It was named “Memory's House” and it was the only Pensieve-making shop in all the United Kingdom.

The shopkeeper, a small man with blue eyes and brown hair, measured Harry in a way similar to what Ollivanders had done seven years ago, then he said them to pass and retire the object in an hour.

“Can we go to Flourish and Blotts, in the meanwhile?” Hermione asked, giving him her best pleading look.

He melted in her cinnamon eyes and nodded.

“How can I say no to you, love?” he whispered softly, while taking her arm and leading her out to the library. The found there a book on how to prepare the perfect wedding for each couple and Hermione got excited. Harry chuckled and bought it.

She beamed at him, then they went to retire the Pensieve.

“It is 90 Galleons” the shopkeeper said then added “but for you, Mr. Potter, it is 60.”

Harry protested, wanting to pay the real price, but the shopkeeper was stubborn.

“With all what you did for us, this is only fair we do something for you when we can.”

Harry sighed and paid the sixty Galleons, giving him a Wizarding cheque from Gringott's.

***

That night, at the Dursleys, Harry remained awake, reliving the night of the battle in his head. Every now and then he passed his wand on his head, retrieving the silver substance of the memories, and putting it in the bowl.

Next morning, Harry was called by his Aunt Petunia to cook breakfast. He smirked and took his wand, then went downstairs to the kitchen. He entered and waved his wand some times, moving the pan to fry the eggs and the bacon, the coffeepot and the teapot on the fires. Then he lit them and after few minutes he brought the breakfast to the terrified Dursleys.

“What are you doing? You can't do that here. You're going to be in troubles, Potter.” Vernon shouted, his face purple.

“You're wrong. I can, now. So, be nice and I'll be nice to all of you. Insult me, my parents or my friends once, and you'll beg to not be born.”

Dudley laughed and said: “You can't do anything with that stick of yours, Potter. You're a freak as your parents.” One moment later, Dudley was transfigured in a very fat pig.

Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon shouted, insulting him again.

“I'd alerted you. Furnunculus! Eat Slug!” he cried quickly and Petunia started scratching her face furiously, while Vernon was vomiting slugs on the floor.

One week later, Harry woke up late, as nobody of the Dursleys dared speak to him again, and took his trunk downstairs. He entered the kitchen and ate all he wanted.

“I'm leaving and this final. You won't see me again, and I suppose you'll be very happy of this. Of course not so much as me not seeing you. I had not to come here this week, but I wanted to give you a glance of what living in a Hell is, as I did for all my life but the months I was at Hogwarts. Adieu.”

He left the room, grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage, then he Disapparated.

Moments later a soft knock was heard on the Granger's door, and Hermione ran to open it. She found herself before Harry and enveloped him in a bear hug.

“Harry! I missed you so much this week! How are you?”

“Never been better. I scared the life out of them there, this time.” He replied smiling.

Hermione scowled, but when he said her what he did to them, she couldn't help to laugh with him. Then she led him to his room, which was communicating with hers, then she helped him settling his things there. She saw the Pensieve.

“Have you not already sent it?”

“No, I wanted to let you see it before” she nodded and took her wand, swirling the silver liquid thing and immediately feeling pulled in it.

After she experienced that, Harry packed it and wrote a short note to the Weasleys.

“Dear Ginny,

this is a Pensieve I made with

the memories of that night. I

want to show it to your parents,

but maybe it is better if you are

the one giving it to them.

See you soon,

Harry”

He tied it to Hedwig's leg with the package and the owl flew away toward the Burrow.

Harry and Hermione enjoyed the day, waiting for the Grangers' arrival for dinner. They started planning the wedding, writing the guest list and starting choosing the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Then it was the time for the best man and the maid of honour.

“I think Ginny would be happy to be your maid of honour, Hermione. However we need to wait to see how the Weasleys react to the Pensieve.” Harry said.

“Yeah, you're right. So, who have you chosen to be the best man?”

“I really don't know. I'm undecided between Remus, Hagrid and Mr. Weasley.”

“Well, Remus is the last Marauder, so maybe he would be ok, he still represents a link to your father and Sirius.”

“I know, but Hagrid had been my first friend and without him I would not be here now. And Mr. Weasley is like a father to me…”

“Well, in the meanwhile let's write the invitations, then we will decide before sending them.”

Harry nodded and kissed her softly on her forehead.

***

Ginny found Hedwig on her bed with the letter and the package when she returned from outside, before lunch. She opened it eagerly and then unwrapped the Pensieve. She entered it, and was overwhelmed by all what she witnessed.

When she came out of it, she cried again on her brother. She was still sore for the loss, but especially after what she saw, she knew Harry had no choice.

“I'll show this to them this night, after dinner” she thought and put the bowl in a secret drawer in her bedroom.

When the time came, she brought the bowl downstairs.

“Mum, Dad. This was sent by Harry today. He ask you to look at it.”

“Can't he leave us in peace? Throw it away, Ginny.”

“No, Dad. You have to see it. I did and I assure you it will explain many things.”

Mrs.Weasley took the bowl, placed it on the table and started swirling it. She was pulled in it.

Molly found herself in the Gryffindor common room.

When he went in he saw Ron and Hermione kissing on a couch - his heart sank. She seemed to be enjoying it…

But, a moment later, he heard her screaming: “What are you doing, Ron? You know I don't like you! Leave me alone! Leave me!”

Molly was disgusted with her son forcing a kiss to a girl, especially Hermione. Then she found herself in the Hospital Wing, with Harry.

As Harry lay sleepless, aching from the potion Madam Pomfrey gave him, the Gryffindors were cheering the victors in the Common Room.

Ron had decided to try again with Hermione. After all the others had gone to bed, he sidled up to Hermione, who was reading on a couch, and kissed her again on the lips.

In the hospital wing, Harry sat up suddenly, his scar throbbing weakly. He had a clear vision of what was happening to Hermione and immediately knew what to do to stop it. He concentrated fiercely…

All of a sudden, in the common room, Ron flew against the wall and was stunned.

Molly shook her head at her son's behaviour, and then the memory faded and she was now in the manor, in the hall before the door of the main room. She then saw Harry opening it, and then Ron near Lord Voldemort, with Draco Malfoy.

“Ron! What are you doing there?” Harry exclaimed

“Is it not obvious, Potter? He is one of my servants…one of the two apprentices I have trained this year and a half…” answered Voldemort.

“Surely you didn't think I would have watched you taking Hermione from me without doing something? She belongs to ME, Harry…and you'll die for having taken her…” Ron commented, smirking.

“You're crazy, Ron! I'm not a trophy, I'm a person, and I decide who I love! I don't love you…I love Harry…I have always loved him…” Hermione cried out.

Molly was shocked. Ron was really allied with Voldemort. The robe was not something to trick them.

She witnessed the battle, until…

Ron had somehow managed to bind her to a wall, and was by now forcing a kiss on her, while his hands were roaming over her body. Just as he was about to cup her breasts, Harry yelled out:

“You are no better than scum! And I let you to be my best friend…die, filthy evil traitor!!” Harry's sword sliced Ron's body, from head to toe. His former best friend fell on the floor, cut in two.

Molly started crying again for the loss of Ron, but she understood why Harry had to do that. He was allied with Voldemort, and was trying to rape Hermione.

Then the room faded, and the Gryffindor common room appeared. Harry and Hermione were there.

“Can you imagine if all this would be happened out of school? He could have been another Wormtail. I had complete faith in him…and he betrayed me, us, in this way! But maybe we could have done something more to understand him, to help him…” he was discussing with Hermione one evening, in the common room. She nodded sadly, and snuggled near him, tears slowly running down her cheeks.

Mrs.Weasley exited the Pensieve still crying. Mr. Weasley went to comfort her.

“I'll kill that boy as soon as I see him. Can't he leave our family alone? Why he has to cause us pain?” he muttered, but Mrs. Weasley stopped him.

“No, dear. Don't speak about Harry this way before you see his memories.”

“I won't give him the satisfaction to ruin our family anymore. I'll throw this Pensieve away now.” he said.

“No, you won't. You'll use it and you'll see all of that as I did.” Mrs.Weasley commanded, and her husband finally gave up, and entered the Pensieve.

He saw the same things she had seen and exited as shocked as his wife. The twins and Percy were looking at them not knowing what to expect.

“We really need to apologize to Harry” Arthur finally whispered after moments which seemed hours.

The twins grinned and went to the Pensieve to see what it contained. Finally, the Weasleys were all convinced that Ron was guilty and Harry had no choice.

***

Mrs. Granger prepared a wonderful dinner for them, roasted potatoes, chicken salad and steaks and finally an Apple pie.

Harry was very hungry so he ate a lot, then he helped to wash the dishes even if Mrs. Granger said him to rest. After dinner all of the chatted happily, then Harry and Hermione went to review their invitations for the wedding.

In them it was written:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Granger

Request the honour of your presence

At the wedding of their daughter

Hermione Jane Granger

With

Harry James Potter

The ceremony will take place on

Saturday, August the 10th, at 4 p.m.

At Potter's Manor,

Godric's Hollow, Wales.

Plus, the chosen groomsmen, the best man and the bridesmaids were to receive the request to participate the ceremony.

We would like to have you to participate to our wedding, as groomsmen/bridesmaids; please, reply as soon as possible; here there is a list of the planned couplings for the ceremony:

Best Man: Remus Lupin

Maid of Honour: Anne Grace Granger

Couple #1: Neville Longbottom/Ginny Weasley

Couple #2: Fred Weasley/Alicia Spinnet

Couple #3: George Weasley/ Angelina Johnson

Couple #4: Dean Thomas/ Parvati Patil

Couple #5: Seamus Finnegan/ Lavender Brown

Couple #6: Oliver Wood/ Katie Bell

Hermione seemed quite satisfied with the invitations, so they went to bed, ready to “put the wheels in motion” for their wedding, for the dream of their life.

19. Wheels in Motion

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling.

Antone: I know, the Dursley deserved that, but he deserved to be with his wonderful fiancÃ© so he left.

CreepySusie: If you want to know, I made the pairings thinking about those who would be good as a couple, I think Oliver/Katie could be a very cute one. Maybe too much Quidditch mad, but still cute.

Athena: I chose Remus because he is the last Marauder alive, at least the last of the real Marauders, so I thought what I would have done in Harry's situation, and I thought maybe he would have chosen him as a link to his father and his godfather.

AlexDurrani: For the Pensieve idea, I've to thank Coolone007 who suggested that in one review.

KypDurron: Well, it was understandable they would be upset and not believe that about Ron. After all, they did their best to raise him against the Dark Arts.

Chapter Nineteen

“Wheels in motion”

Next morning Harry woke up and lay on his bed, thinking about what they were planning. In a little more than a month he and Hermione would be married. Married!

It was the dream of his life coming true, in the end, and he wanted the ceremony to be perfect, as well as Hermione wanted that.

He was lost in his thoughts when he heard a soft knocking on his door.

“Harry, are you decent?” Hermione asked

“Yes, you can come in, love”

She entered the room still with her pyjamas, a yellow one decorated with small horses, and Harry met her few steps inside his room. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her at him, kissing her softly. After some moments, they parted.

“Good Morning, sweetheart” he whispered and she smiled.

“Good Morning, love. Well, I think I'll go to have a shower now, so then you can get ready, too. We have a long day before us.” She winked at him and left the room, heading for the bathroom. Harry shook his head smiling, going to pick up some fresh clothes from his trunk.

Half an hour later, Harry entered the Grangers' kitchen to have breakfast. He was dressed with sky blue jeans and a burgundy T-shirt, which was very well plastered on his quite muscular upper body.

Hermione's jaw dropped slightly but she recovered quickly. Not so quickly to not be noticed by Harry, who winked at her, and her mother, who smiled, though.

They all ate happily, feasting on the pancakes, eggs, bacon and muffins that Mrs. Granger had prepared for them.

“Mum, you really hadn't to cook so much for us.” Hermione said

“I know, my dear, but you have a very stressful day to go through and I wanted to do this. Now, get ready, we need a early start to find the perfect things we are searching.”

The two teenagers nodded and left the room, then they headed upstairs in Hermione's bedroom, where they had left the prepared invitations. Harry tied half of them on Hedwig's leg, while Hermione tied the other half on Zeus' leg. Zeus was the owl her mother had bought her after the N.E.W.T.s as a gift for the excellent results. It was a dark grey owl, more or less of Hedwig's size.

When the two owls flew away, Harry hugged her from behind and kissed her softly on the neck. She turned and he captured her lips with his, resuming the kiss they had interrupted before.

After some moments the soft kiss evolved in a very heated one, tongues clashing on the other. They fell on Hermione's bed continuing kissing each other passionately.

“Hermione, dear, we're going to be late. Come down so we can go” Anne Granger shouted, so they parted and went down.

Seeing their wrinkled clothes and messy hair, she smiled knowingly but said nothing, just opening the door and heading toward the car.

Harry and Hermione followed blushing a little and remained silent for many minutes.

“We're arrived. Let's visit this shop first.” Hermione's mother said and stopped the engine. All of them went to the flower shop, to choose the decorations for the manor and the church.

They surveyed every type of flower, orchids, geraniums, obviously roses, lilies and many others. Finally, after one hour spent in the that shop, they left, having ordered red and white roses and lilies.

Then they headed to a patisserie where they asked to see which type of wedding cakes they could do. The shopkeeper returned with a catalogue in which they found chocolate cakes, milfoils, lemon cakes…

Nothing of those satisfied them, so they left the shop and Mrs. Granger started rambling against such lazy workers, unable to bake a proper wedding cake.

“But don't worry, my dear, I'll bake it myself if necessary, but the two of you will have your perfect wedding cake, I swear.”

“Uhm…Mrs. Granger, maybe we can go and have a look to a Wizarding patisserie. There is one in Diagon Alley which is famous worldwide.” Harry said

“Yeah, Mum, maybe this is a good idea.”

She agreed, so Harry took an hold newspaper to create a Portkey.

“Portus!” he muttered and then all of them touched the piece of paper. They felt the usual pull on the navel, and landed just out of the most famous patisserie in the Wizarding World: “Pumpkin Pie and similar”.

It was an huge building, from where very good smells came to them. Harry led the two women into.

“Oh my god, Harry Potter!” the shopkeeper exclaimed, and Harry blushed.

“Yeah…I'm here to choose some wedding cakes, so if you can show us your production about it…”

“Oh, you're going to be married…I see…and I bet this wonderful young woman is the lucky one.” he said, looking at Hermione, who blushed. “Am I wrong?”

“No, you're right, she is my wonderful fiancÃ©” Harry confirmed, looking at her lovingly.

“Well, I'll return immediately with the catalogue. Wait here, please.”

Few moments later, they were looking at strawberry cakes, sponge sculptures and chocolate one with frosts and nice decorations and finally the traditional wedding cake, with the figures of newlyweds on the top.

“I think that we should purchase the traditional wedding cake and two chocolate ones, then at least one strawberry cake.” Mrs. Granger said.

“Yeah, but I was thinking, maybe we can take also one or two of the sponge sculptures…” Hermione added

After some consultation, Harry ordered two sponge sculptures, two chocolate cakes and the traditional wedding cake. They left and portkeyed back to the car.

After twenty minutes in the traffic, they reached a clothes shop.

“Mum, I still doesn't understand why I had to choose the wedding dress today if the bridesmaids will need to go and choose their ones in the next days. Why can't I go with them?”

“Because we're not sure we will find what we are searching in one day, and choosing a wedding dress is more difficult than choosing a bridesmaid's one.”

Hermione didn't seem convinced but said nothing.

They entered the shop and asked to see wedding dresses. The shopkeeper brought Hermione and her mother in a secluded area in the back of the shop, while Harry remained there, waiting. It was tradition that the groom should not see the dress before the ceremony.

Hermione tried a light pink one, with the veil till the middle of her back, but she didn't like it because it was a little too old fashioned for her taste. Then it was the turn of a white one, sleeveless, which was a little too thigh for her.

She passed two hours trying dresses without finding the one perfect for her. Yes, she liked a lot a pure white one, with had short sleeves and white gloves, it fitted her well, but still it seemed to her that it was not perfect.

“Mum, perhaps I should have a look at the wizard dresses, I'm a witch after all…”

Mrs. Granger didn't seem pleased, but nodded, and they called Harry, leaving the shop. After that, they went to have lunch in a very nice restaurant near there.

Harry was starving, and for one time he was sure he could have eaten more than Ron, so he tucked in happily when his roasted chicken with mashed potatoes arrived. Hermione giggled softly.

“What are you giggling at? Have I food on my face?” Harry asked.

“You're obviously not trained to go shopping with women, as you're clearly starving” Mrs. Granger stated smiling. Hermione nodded.

Harry felt a little embarrassed but smiled, too.

That afternoon they went to Diagon Alley again, entering “Wizard Weddings”. Harry started looking for his dress, and found a suit that he liked a lot. It was composed of black robes and a white crisped shirt that seemed quite good. He tried it and the mirror he looked himself at said:

“My dear, I saw many grooms try that suit, but on nobody it fitted so well. I think it is perfect to you.”

“Thanks” he said and exited the changing room to show it to Hermione. When she saw him, her jaw dropped again, and she really was close to drool.

“My god, Harry, you're breathtaking!” she exclaimed then. Her mother turned and saw him.

“I've really to agree, it's perfect for you, Harry. Well, one done, one to go, then.”

While the two women went to try other dresses, Harry changed back to his clothes.

One hour later, finally, Hermione found the dress for her.

“My dear, I'm sure your groom is going to faint on the aisle when he sees you. You're really gorgeous! The best bride I had ever seen with this dress. It seems it was made just for you.”

Hermione smiled and having already had her mother's approval, changed back to her clothes.

Few minutes later, she and Mrs. Granger joined Harry to the cashier with the dress already packed.

“The total is 130 Galleons, please.”

Harry paid with a Wizard cheque and they left the shop, then portkeyed back again.

When they returned to the Grangers' house, Hermione and Harry found the replies of all the wedding party. All the requested groomsmen and bridesmaids had agreed to participate. Plus, they found a letter from the Weasleys.

“Dear Harry and Hermione,

we saw the Pensieve, and we're really

ashamed for the way we thought about

the two of you. We had no right to doubt

your honesty about Ron, so if you can

forgive us, we would like to seal that hosting

the two of you for one week before the wedding.

We know you're busy, but we will do all we can

to help.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley”

Harry smiled at the letter and asked Hermione if she wanted to go. She agreed so Harry replied saying that they would be there next week. Then the two teenagers went in the dining room to have dinner.

In the meantime, Mrs. Granger had cooked a wonderful meal, with tuna salad, roast beef, ham, cheese, many raw vegetables and finally a wonderful orange sherbet.

After dinner, all of them watched an adventure movie on TV, then Harry and Hermione headed to bed. Since Harry would leave the next morning with Remus to go to Potter's Manor and rebuilt it for the rest of the week, they decided to sleep together, so they changed in their sleeping suits and then cuddled together in Hermione's bed.

Harry slid one arm around her waist and pulled her at him, inhaling her scent, and finally falling asleep after a very stressful day.

Next morning, Hermione woke up still in Harry's arms, and looked at his peaceful sleeping face. She sighed, thinking that for the rest of the week he would not be with her, and caressed softly his cheek.

“I'm very lucky to have found such a wonderful man in my life” she thought and carefully exited the bed to go and have a shower. When Harry woke up he was alone in bed, but immediately heard Hermione's voice humming in the bathroom, so he relaxed and took his glasses, sliding them on his eyes.

After breakfast, a loud “Crack!” was heard in the Granger's garden, and then a knock on the door. Hermione went to open and saw her former Professor, Remus Lupin.

“Professor! It's so good see you again!” she exclaimed

“Hermione, how many times I've to say you to call me simply Remus? I'm not your Professor anymore” he said. She smiled at him sheepishly.

Harry arrived with his small luggage and saw the last Marauder still alive. Well, at least the last of the true Marauders, as Peter Pettigrew was nothing more than a filthy traitor, even if he was still alive, though Harry was not sure of this.

“Remus! What a pleasure to see you!” he said, clapping the back of his best man.

“Hey, Harry. I'm glad to see you, too.”

“Well, thanks for accepting to be my best man.” Harry said.

“It's the minimum I can do for James' son. At this purpose, when you're ready, we can go. We have a lot of work to do.”

Harry nodded, went to say hello to the Grangers in the kitchen and then kissed Hermione softly for some long moments, then he took his luggage and Disapparated with Remus to Potter's Manor.

When he arrived there, he looked sadly at the ruins once more, then looked at Remus and asked:

“So, Remus. You know I want it to be exactly how it was when my parents lived here, so how it was? Can you tell me and then we will start working?”

Remus nodded, then explained how the Manor was.

Harry then raised his wand and conjured blocks of stone matching the ones of the ruins, and the same did Remus. Harry worked on the frontal face, Remus on the rear.

At noon they had lunch in a Wizarding place, “The Golden Snitch”, in which Harry was immediately recognized, not only as the “Boy-Who-Lived” but also as James' son. They all remembered very well his father, so Harry lingered a little more to hear stories about him.

In the afternoon, they resumed the work on the lateral faces, Harry on the right one, Remus on the left. They worked till six o'clock, placing the roof, too, then headed again to the same place to have dinner. Again, Harry heard stories about his father, and Remus too participated in telling them.

In the next days they completed the various floors, purchasing furniture as similar as possible to the original and placing it in the rooms were it was first. When they worked on the library, Harry placed an order to Flourish and Blotts to send him all the books they had. In this way he created a place Hermione would love very much. When they had completed all the Manor, the last day of the week was spent placing the books in the shelves and it took almost all the day, as Harry placed also all his old schoolbooks and some diaries of his parents he found in an hidden chamber in the basement.

The church was near the Manor as it was many years ago, so they had only to polish it and enlarge it to contain all the invited people. Then they Apparated back to the Grangers.

Hermione opened the door and gave Harry a bear hug that could rival with Mrs. Weasley's ones, then kissed him for a long time. Remus left them alone, smiling. “They're exactly as James and Lily” he thought.

“I missed you so much, honey” she whispered, finally parting for need of air.

“I missed you too, sweetheart” he replied, kissing her again.

20. At the Burrow

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling.

A/N: Thank you to all my faithful reviewers, I really appreciate your comments.

Athena: Well, after all Harry and Hermione were raised as Muggles, so it is obvious they would like to connect the two things…

Antone: Yeah, it is really sweet that they will live there. I liked this idea very much.

Coolone007: Well, your idea of the Pensieve was really good. I think it won't be tense though.

KypDurron:Well, if the Muggle shops are not good enough for the Wizarding marriage of the century, it surely wasn't Harry's and Hermione's fault…lol

JayaMioneDurron: Well, I kept her dress as a surprise for the wedding ceremony. The library…well, let's say it will be a good surprise for her, I think. *winks*

Fire Gazer: Well, in a certain way she disapproved it, but after all it was Hermione who had to choose it, so she agreed. Then she was really ecstatic about the dress, even if I didn't describe the scene too much to not linger on her dress. It will be a surprise for the wedding ceremony…

GerdieSI: Thanks to you for having read and reviewed my story.

Chapter Twenty

“At the Burrow”

After dinner, all the Grangers, Harry and Remus stayed in the living room chatting happily. Robert Granger was very attentive to all what Harry and Remus explained about the Wizarding World, and was really fascinated.

“It's a shame I can't live there. It would be a very interesting experience” he said

“Well, maybe we can make you pass as a Squib” Harry joked

“A what?”

“Someone who has magical parents but not magical powers” Remus explained. Hermione nodded.

“Oh, so there is people that has not magical powers there…” Robert muttered.

“Yes, however I was joking, the Ministry has a record of all the Squibs so it is not possible” Harry said.

Robert's face fell a little, but he recovered quickly.

“Well, I think you two should go to bed. Tomorrow a long journey is expecting us” he concluded.

“Dad, really, you don't have to accompany us to the Burrow, we can Apparate there” Hermione replied, but her father was irremovable so she sighed and taking Harry's hand led him upstairs.

“They are really deeply in love with each other” Remus, who had observed them all the evening, said when they were gone.

“Yeah, I'm so happy our little girl had found a so good man for her” Anne Granger replied, smiling broadly.

Then, Remus excused himself and Apparated away to Potter's Manor to give it some final touches the next day.

When Hermione woke up, in the morning, she felt so happy, she would have shouted it to all the world. She turned herself and saw a pair of emerald eyes looking at her.

“How long have you been watching me, love?” she asked

“Few minutes, but I can stay this way all the day, too. I love look at you, you're so beautiful…”

“That's sappy. Plus, we need to get up and ready ourselves for the trip.”

“I know. Well, I think I'll shower first” and he ran to the bathroom before she could move.

Hermione smiled, shaking her head. “He's really amazing. He had so much on his shoulders but he came out so well mannered and good hearted, I still can't believe it” she thought.

They had breakfast with her parents, in the kitchen, and again there were muffins, pancakes, jam, honey, maple syrup, eggs, bacon, cheese, ham and finally coffee and tea ready for them.

“Mum! I told you to not cook so much for us at breakfast! We're not elephants, you know.” Hermione said when she saw the table filled with food.

“Dear, you have a long trip to attend, and you won't eat for many hours, so you can eat now all what you want and don't be too hungry later.”

“She has a point, you know” her father stated, so she gave up and started filling her plate. Harry did the same, though he was thinking that Mrs. Weasley surely would not let them starve when they would arrive.

They entered the Grangers' car, and Harry sat in the rear seat. Hermione was thrilled to see the Weasleys again, so she spoke for a long time about that, but finally she dozed off, as Harry did.

Three hours later, Robert woke them up.

“Fuel stop, and also we can buy some music CDs if you want. They shop is there” he said.

The two teenagers went to the shop, and finally they chose a compilation of the last dance hits.

“Maybe this way we can stay awake the rest of the trip. You know, I think it is quite annoying driving without company to speak with.” Harry said, and went to the cashier.

Here there was a very tall boy, with dark brown hair and brown eyes, quite handsome actually, who while letting them pay for their purchase, winked at Hermione, smiling.

She rolled her eyes, and grasped Harry's hand leading him out there. Few minutes later, they restarted the trip, while listening to the CD. This way, both of them stayed awake till they reached the village near the Burrow.

When they arrived at the house, they didn't have the time to stop the engine that a red haired girl was already near the car.

“Harry! Hermione! It's so good to see you again! By the way, thanks for thinking about me as one bridesmaid.” She said, hugging both of them tightly.

“Oh, it's nothing…who other we could choose if not our little “sister”” Harry said ruffling a little her hair. She smiled.

Then they were greeted by Fred and George, who too thanked them for asking them to be part of the wedding.

Finally they went inside the house, where the two adult Weasley were waiting for them. Mrs. Weasley gave them her trademark bear hug.

“Thank you for coming! It means very much for all of us” she said, her eyes watering.

Mr. Weasley shook Harry's hand and welcomed him too.

“I imagine the two of you and your father are really hungry, so let's go, the lunch is ready.” Molly said, leading them to the room. Robert accepted the invitation so all of them filled the Weasleys' kitchen as in the old times.

After lunch, Mr. Granger left to return his house while the Weasleys and Harry and Hermione went in the garden to chat a little. First the two older Weasleys asked again forgiveness to them for their behaviour, but Harry dismissed that quickly.

“Please, I know how shocking the Pensieve was for the two of you, and believe, it was also for me, especially for the fact I had actually lived those moments, and I don't want to cancel Ron and what had happened from your memories, but I really think that the two of you acted as every parent would do in your situation, so for me the question is closed.”

Hermione nodded, and Mr. Weasley smiled at them. They chatted a lot about old times, then George and Fred dragged Harry into a match of Quidditch, two versus two, Mr. Weasley and Fred against Harry and George. Hermione, Ginny and Molly watched them, sitting under a tree.

“You really have to tell me all about the engagement and the preparations later, Hermione” Ginny squealed and Mrs. Weasley nodded, she too clearly interested. Hermione smiled and looked lovingly at Harry, flying on his Firebolt, till…

“Oh my God!” she whispered, concern on her face.

Ginny and Mrs. Weasley turned, too and all the three women saw Harry diving to catch the Quaffle, till he reached it and made a flip over his head, hitting it with the end of his broom. He scored a great goal. Only, after the flip he remained thirty feet over the ground, with only one hand on his Firebolt, trying to climb on it again.

When the match finished, Hermione went to him, with a mock angry face.

“I would like to actually have the chance to be Mrs. Potter, if you don't dislike it too much, so please until the wedding, try to avoid those moves. It nearly gave me an heart attack.”

Ginny giggled softly, but confirmed the fear they had had for him in that moment.

That night, after dinner, they talked a little then they all headed to bed. Harry led Hermione to Ginny's room, where she would sleep for that week.

“I'll miss you, sweetheart. I'm sure I'll be lonely tomorrow morning, when I wake up” Harry said.

“I'll miss you too, plus I'll have to sustain Ginny's interrogation, so I'm sure you'll prefer to stay in Ron's old room instead of in the middle of a long girl talk” she then kissed him softly, and he immediately gave in her kiss.

“I'm sure this will help me to sleep better” he said then, kissing her again. Finally they parted and wished each other good night. Hermione entered Ginny's room ready to be bombarded with questions.

When Harry entered Ron's room he felt an eerie feeling. He sat on the bed, and looked around. The Chudley Cannons posters were still on the walls, and all the room was exactly as he remembered it. He couldn't help to remember when he was there for the last time, before the Quidditch World Cup in fourth year. He couldn't help to cry on the good memories of his former best friend, the fiend he had killed. Even if he knew he couldn't have done anything different, he still couldn't banish that thought from his mind. He had murdered Ron.

After tossing around half the night, Harry couldn't take it anymore, so he went down to have some fresh air. He met Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen.

“You couldn't sleep too, could you?” she asked sadly

“Yes, I couldn't. Too much memories in that room. It made me think again that I murdered him.”

“You had no choice. It's sad, but it's true. So, don't plague yourself with those thoughts when you're so near to such an happy day as your wedding, dear.”

“I was wondering if maybe I can sleep in there with Hermione. It will make all of that more bearable.” Harry said.

“I think maybe it is better if we forget that room. Tomorrow I'll add a bed in Ginny's room. For tonight, you can sleep on the couch, to not wake them”

“To not wake who?” Ginny and Hermione asked together from the stairs.

“How long the two of you had been overhearing us?” Harry asked

“Long enough to know you've problems sleeping in Ron's room. Come on, there is plenty of space in our room” Ginny said.

Mrs. Weasley nodded, so the three teenagers went upstairs to Ginny's room, Harry entering Hermione's bed and cuddling near his fiancÃ©.

Ginny smiled. “They are really meant to be. I'm so happy for the two of them. They are really in love.” With this, she fell asleep too.

Next day, when Harry went in the kitchen to have breakfast, he found a surprise. The two elder Weasley's sons who were not arrived yet, Charlie and Bill, were waiting for him at the table, already eating breakfast.

When Harry entered the room, Hermione on his right, Ginny on his left, they greeted him.

“My, my, our Harry is become quite the ladies' man, isn't he?” Charlie teased him.

Ginny blushed, while Harry said nothing, he only smiled, then pulled Hermione closer to him, kissing her softly.

“Get a room!” the twins yelled, and all the Weasleys erupted in laughter. Harry smiled again.

“Charlie, I don't know if I'm a ladies' man but I can assure you that there is only one lady I'm interested in, and this is my wonderful wife-to-be.” He said, then they went to the table to have breakfast.

During the day Ron's room was sealed, not without tears from Mrs. Weasley, so nobody had to see it anymore. It wasn't that they were ashamed of him, but it was too much to continue seeing it, remembering the good times they had had with him.

Days passed quickly at the Burrow, with the twins informing Harry, “their partner in crime” as they defined him, on the new pranks they had invented. They also tried some of them on innocent members of the family.

One day, George met Harry just after breakfast.

“Ok, Harry, this is what you have to do. Go inside and give this candy to Ginny, say you took it at Diagon Alley when you went to order the cakes. Then, all of us will enjoy the show.”

Harry did as instructed, and few moments later Ginny had eaten the candy, she started to wink seductively at all the men in the room. Finally she sat on Bill's lap but before she could do something else Fred gave her another candy and the effect disappeared.

The twins winked at Harry and high fived each other.

Finally, the moment of the departure arrived. Harry and Hermione thanked the Weasleys for the hospitality, then grabbed their baggage.

“We will see you one week before the wedding at Potter's Manor, to complete the preparations.” Harry said, then they Apparated to the Grangers'.

Here they had dinner with Hermione's family, Mrs. Granger cooked for them roasted chicken, Russian salad, and then something she had learnt to cook in Hermione's Hogwarts years: a big pumpkin pie.

***

The day before Harry's and Hermione's departure for Potter's Manor, her aunt and uncle came to visit, with her cousin too. She was a stunning girl, with blonde hair, sky blue eyes and quite tall, too.

As soon as she saw Hermione's hand entwined with Harry's, she went to them.

“Hi, I'm Samantha. You're Harry, I suppose” she said, extending her hand for him.

“Yeah, I'm Hermione's fiancÃ©” he replied, shaking her hand. She smiled at him and started chatting.

After a while, Hermione took him away.

“Excuse her, she always tries to steal all the boys who are interested in me” she said, apologetically.

“Well, I'm not interested in you. I'm in love with you, it is different. Let me give her what she deserves.”

Then he walked to her, smiling, and started talking with her again. Then, he offered her one of Fred and George's Sexy Candies. She ate it, and Harry quickly walked out of the room.

Few moments later, Aunt Ellen yelled: “Samantha! What are you doing, trying to seduce Uncle Robert?” Harry and Hermione giggled, but then they fell on the ground laughing when they heard her reply.

“But Mum, he's so hot…” Samantha said, with sexy voice. Harry decided it was enough, so gave Hermione the counter-candy and she went, giving it to her cousin, who returned normal and, embarrassed, ran out of the house.

***

When the Weasleys arrived by Floo Powder to Potter's Manor, Harry and Hermione greeted them, then Harry showed them their rooms.

“Here there is your room, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley” he said, opening the first room in the East wing of the manor.

“Harry, dear, when will you call us simply Arthur and Molly?” Mrs. Weasley said. He smiled sheepishly.

The room was very large, with a huge bed and oak drawers. The walls were painted of a light yellow.

“Harry, this room, is very nice, thanks” Arthur commented when he saw it.

Then it was the turn of Fred and George. Harry led them to a room at the end of the corridor. When they arrived, he winked at them.

“I thought you would like to be in a safe distance from your mother, so I assigned you this room. By the way, your Sexy Candies helped me few days ago.” He explained them why and when, then showed them the room.

It was a little smaller than their parents' one, but it was still very big. It had two four poster beds and a huge mahogany wardrobe. The walls were again in light yellow.

“It is perfect, Harry”

Finally, Harry accompanied Ginny to her room, who was next to his own. It had light pink walls, flowers in it and two huge beds.

“Why there are two beds?” she asked.

“Because till the wedding Hermione will sleep here with you to keep you company. This house is huge, and it is easy to feel yourself lonely.”

He then left the room and met with Hermione in the living room, where they were alone. He hugged her from behind, nuzzling her neck and whispering:

“Hey, sweetheart.”

“Hey, honey. Have you finished assigning the rooms?” she replied

“Yes, now I'm all for you” he said with an husky voice. She turned and looked him in the eyes. Both of them could melt in the other's eyes, but she really felt her knees weaken, staring directly in his emerald pools. Sweetly, their lips met, then their tongues started battling, and a sweet kiss became a very heated one.

From a dark angle, the last true Marauder alive watched the scene and smiled.

21. Till Death Will Part Us

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling.

A/N: I'm here again. Sorry if this time it took to me more time, but the last two days I got my computer blocked by that blasted SASSER worm, so I couldn't use it. But now here I am, my faithful readers and reviewers, with the wedding!!

For those of you who didn't understand it, the last true Marauder is Remus, as James and Sirius are dead and Peter is not mentioned here, but even if he were alive, he is not a true Marauder, he is a traitor. Excuse me, I found an error and corrected that so now I'm reposting the chapter. Thanks to ASHLOCKE1900!!

Hermione_Potter: Well, the last true Marauder is Remus, if this is what confuses you. I think that Peter is a traitor, James and Sirius are dead, so Remus is the last true Marauder…This story is longer because on FF.net I never uploaded all the story…plus here I added some chapters to the original plan...

HnH4EvA19: The last true Marauder is Remus.

Fire Gazer: You guessed right! The wedding is here!!

KypDurron: Neither could I, if it was happened to me.

JayaMioneDurron: Thanks for the compliments.

Antone: Obviously Remus has a room, only he had not to unpack his things…

GerdieSI: He is Remus…

Chapter Twenty-One

“Till Death Will Part Us”

Next morning, Harry woke up with Mrs. Weasley knocking on his door.

“Harry, dear, wake up! We need an early start today!” she said through the door.

He took his glasses from the bed table and lazily picked up a nice green shirt and a pair of jeans. Then he went to have a shower.

Later, he descended in the kitchen and sat near Hermione. He kissed her softly.

“Get a room!” the twins said, laughing.

Harry stuck his tongue at them and started filling his plate with pancakes, muffins, sausages, bacon, eggs and his glass with pumpkin juice. They ate breakfast happily, then near the end, a loud knock was heard on the main entrance.

Remus went to open the door, and the rest of the wedding party filled the entrance. Oliver, Seamus, Dean, Neville, Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Parvati, Lavender and the Grangers were arrived.

They were welcomed by the others and took a bit of breakfast, too, then Remus and Harry accompanied them to their rooms. Finally, all of them headed to the church near the manor.

Harry, Remus and Hermione started working on the altar, circling it with white and red roses, and some lilies too.

George, Fred, and Ginny took care of the lateral naves, adorning them with red roses and lilies, creating some colour effects to underline the beauty of the church.

Arthur, Mrs. Weasley, Oliver and Angelina worked on the benches, putting on them alternatively white roses, lilies, red roses and then the cycle restarted, till they had done that on either sides of the church.

The others helped bringing the loads of flowers in the building.

Finally, Remus and Mr. Weasley deposed many flowers on the front face of the church, exalting the gothic style of it.

When Parvati, Lavender and Alicia had finished disposing white roses in two lines on the sides of the aisle, Remus put a charm on all the flowers to keep them fresh as in that moment.

Then they went in the kitchen to have lunch, and here they found a surprise.

Dobby, the house-elf, was cooking.

“Dobby, what are you doing here?” Harry asked

“Master Dumbledore had sent Dobby here. He said that Dobby is Harry Potter's house-elf now.”

“But we don't want to enslave you! At Hogwarts you were paid!” Hermione replied

“But Dobby wants to be where Harry Potter is, Miss Granger. Harry Potter had freed Dobby.”

“OK, Dobby, you'll remain but only if you accept a wage. We will pay you two Galleons per month. That's final.” Harry said.

“Bu tit is too much! However, if this is the only way to remain with Harry Potter, Dobby will accept.”

All of them smiled and went to the dining room. Few minutes later, Dobby brought them roasted potatoes and chicken, Caesar's salad and then a wonderful pumpkin pie.

After lunch they relaxed, the twins, Harry, Oliver Alicia, Angelina, Ginny, Katie and Mr. Weasley playing Quidditch in the backyard, Neville, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley, with the other girls, watching them.

“So, Hermione, how you feel to be married in less than a week?” Parvati asked

“I think it's wonderful. Finding love so young!” Lavender added.

“Yeah. I love him so much…he's really my soul mate, I'm sure” Hermione replied dreamily, one of the rare times in her life she was dreamy.

Mrs. Weasley smiled, it was the same way she had felt about her husband…and they were so happy, even so many years of married life.

Suddenly, Hermione gasped, and the other women turned to look at the pitch.

Harry was going in a very fast dive, following the Snitch. He was now so near the ground he surely would crash, as he had not enough space to pull up…

Harry stretched his arm, closed his right hand, and felt the usual tingling of the Snitch's wings. Then, he saw that he couldn't pull up, so he did the only thing he could think of. He jumped down of the broom, keeping it with one hand, and landed on the ground with his feet. Then, as the broom was still in full speed, he flexed on his knees and pushed himself from the land.

He then was again in the air, and was able to mount his Firebolt again. Both the teams and the spectators were keeping their breath, and when he landed properly, they all ran toward him.

Hermione hugged him and then kissed him.

“Harry James Potter, don't dare to do that again. I would like to have the chance to become Mrs. Potter, before you smash yourself on the ground, if you don't mind too much” she then said in mock anger.

All of them erupted in laughter, then finally entered the manor to have dinner.

After that, many of them retired in their rooms. Neville and Ginny, when all of the others were gone, snuck down to the living room, to have the chance to be alone a little.

But when they arrived, both of them had to stop themselves to shout “Get a room!”

Harry and Hermione were on the couch, kissing ravenously, their clothes and hair totally messed up.

Ginny sighed and led Neville back to the rooms.

Next morning, Harry woke up with a weight on his bed. He opened his eyes and saw a blurred form of a person seated there. He put his glasses on his eyes.

“Hermione! What are you doing there?” he asked her.

“I came to wake you up. We need to go with the wedding party to choose their dresses today” she replied.

Harry groaned. “Not another day of dress shopping…” he muttered. Hermione giggled softly, then pushed him on his back and leaned on him, kissing him. He immediately replied the kiss.

“You're incredible, Harry. You can face many Death Eaters and you can't face a day of shopping with you wedding party?” she said, faking a scowl at him.

“Well, I can, if my fiancÃ© kiss me again like that…” he teased her. She did it.

When Harry arrived in the kitchen, the others were all there. He ate rather quickly, then all of them Apparated to “Wizard Weddings”.

Harry went with Remus and the groomsmen, to help them choose their suits.

Finally, Remus found a dark grey robe completed with dark grey trousers and a white shirt. I t was very nice, and he took it.

George, Fred and the other guys finally chose grey robes, a little lighter that Remus one.

Hermione and Mrs. Weasley, in the meantime were looking at the bridesmaids dresses. Ginny was wonderful in a turquoise one, but it didn't fit so well on Lavender, who instead was perfect with a burgundy one. A green one, on the other hand, seemed done on purpose for Parvati.

It was a mess. The guys were all ready and were by now giving advices, and three hours were passed. The girls were still confused.

“Why don't you try this model?” the shopkeeper said, giving them rose dresses. “It has a fitting charm, which makes it as a second skin for everyone, and you can change the colour if you don't like this one”

The girls tried it, and every one of them was really stunning in it. It really fitted all of them perfectly.

They paid a real high amount, 1200 Galleons, but they were well spent. All of were satisfied with that, and so they went to have lunch to the Leaky Cauldron.

Then, Harry and Hermione went for a walk, as Neville and Ginny, Seamus and Lavender and Dean with Parvati. They enjoyed the afternoon, window shopping, and Harry was attracted by a new broom, the Firebolt 2004, but he wanted to keep his Firebolt as a memory of Sirius. Still, he was drooling on it.

Finally, with the church adorned and the dresses purchased, they could focus on the ceremony. All the groomsmen and the bridesmaid in the next days tried their movements till the perfection, and then the chorus, made by the girls, exercised in singing the planned songs. Harry was amazed by Ginny's voice, as well as Hermione was.

Finally, the night before the wedding came. Harry and Hermione were to receive their separate parties.

After dinner, Harry went with the guys, who brought him to a place he had never been before. He Apparated to Diagon Alley, then George took his arm and led him in a secondary alleyway, till all of them reached a pub, named “The Magic of Pleasure”. In it, Harry and the others were led to a private room, where they found Firewhiskey and many other alcoholic drinks. They drank for a long time, then the room was filled with music, and four gorgeous women came out.

Hermione had more or less the same fate, only that she had four very handsome men for her and her bridesmaids.

Finally, the day had arrived. Harry woke up finally late, after a week of early wake ups to prepare the ceremony. He went down to have a quick breakfast. There he met the groomsmen and the bridesmaids, plus Mr. Weasley and Molly, Robert and Mrs. Granger and Remus, ready to have some photos taken. Well, some was saying it in a very polite way.

It was at last one hundred photos, taken of Remus alone, with everyone of the groomsmen, then with every one of the bridesmaids, then all of them together, with Arthur, with Molly, with Robert, with Anne Granger, with the four of them together…

Then there was a light lunch for the them.

Harry in his room took a quick shower and then started dressing, with Remus trying to make him calm down. He was really nervous.

Finally, he finished tying his shoes, and put some perfume on. Now, he had only to wait.

Remus entertained him with stories about his parents' wedding, and how James had been a total wreck too, but then all had gone fine. Harry weakly smiled at this, then it was the moment to go to the church.

In the meantime, Hermione was being helped to get ready by all the girls, her mother and Mrs. Weasley. They fixed her hair in a nice chignon, then Ginny put make up on her face, while Lavender was helping her to put on her dress.

“Hermione, dear, have you the traditional new, old, borrowed and blue?” Molly asked, while she was dressing.

“Yes, I have this dress that is new, my mother's gloves that are old and borrowed and this blue garter” she replied.

When she was ready, Parvati, Lavender and Ginny squealed in delight, while the other girls beamed at her.

“Hermione, you're really breathtaking!” Alicia commented, and all the others nodded. She headed to the church.

Harry was there, near the altar, the priest who would officiate the ceremony speaking at him, but he wasn't listening. He was too nervous to listen. He was starting to sweat.

The guests arrived, all the Hogwarts staff, even Snape, all the Order members who were still alive, and all the Hogwarts students that were in school while Harry and Hermione were there. Well, not the Slytherins, obviously.

Then, the wedding march was heard. Few moments later, Hermione, accompanied by her father, appeared and walked the aisle till she reached Harry. All the time along the aisle, their eyes locked and never looked away. She was smiling. He was smiling. Both of them were risking to faint.

“My god, she is really wonderful!” he thought. And she was. She had a shining white dress, with short sleeves, that fitted her perfectly. The veil wasn't too long, and it was practically transparent, so Harry could see her face very well. The dress was a little more than knee length, as she didn't like the long dresses.

Harry was mesmerized.

“Who gives this woman in wedding?” the priest's voice sounded in the crowded church.

“Her father does” Robert Granger replied, then placed her hand in Harry's and walked to the benches.

“Let the ceremony begin, then”

“We are here reunited to celebrate the wedding of this very young couple. They found their love in times of fight and despair, and this made it stronger. If there is someone who thinks this wedding has to not be done, speaks now, or be silent forever.”

Nobody spoke.

“Well, now exchange your vows” the priest said.

“Hermione, I met you seven years ago. You entered that compartment, and I saw something special in you. In all these years, you helped me through many adventures, never leaving my side, even when it was easy to do so…even facing death for being on my side. You had been my rock in the difficult times, and you saw who really I was, not only “The Boy Who Lived” or “Harry Potter”, but just “Harry”. You helped me to become the man I am now. For all these reasons, I love you, Hermione” Harry said.

There was a loud clapping of hands, then Hermione spoke.

“Harry, I've to admit that I read a lot about Harry Potter, before meeting you. But I thought you would be a spoiled person, with so much fame. You aren't. You are selfless, brave, a real friend. You had to face many losses and burdens in your life, but you never lost yourself and the kind boy I met seven years ago. For these reasons, I love you, Harry.”

Another flow of clapping hands followed.

“So Harry, do you want to take this woman, Hermione, as your wife, in health and illness, in good times and in tragedies, till death will part you?”

“Yes” Harry replied, looking in her eyes.

“Do you want, Hermione, to take this man, Harry, as you husband, in health and illness, in good times and in tragedies, till death will part you?”

“Yes” Hermione replied, firmly. She was melting in his emerald pools.

Remus brought the rings and the priest gave one to Harry, the other to Hermione.

Harry made it slide on her finger, saying: “With this ring, I thee wed”. His hand was trembling.

Then, it was Hermione's turn. “With this ring, I thee wed” she said, sliding it on his finger.

“Harry, you can kiss your bride” the priest announced.

Harry gently lifted her veil, then kissed her softly. The room erupted in cheers.

After the ceremony, all the guests moved to the Parties Room in the manor, where with Dobby's help an huge banquet was ready. They ate a lot of complex dishes, caviar and oysters for example, all of them exquisite, chatting about the happy event they had witnessed.

Harry and Hermione barely touched food, not because they weren't hungry, but because they were called from a part to another of the huge room to speak with guests and to take photos.

After a while, music started to fill the room. The dances were ready to start.

Harry led Hermione in the centre of the room, opening the dances, while Ginny, Parvati and Lavender started singing.

Oh, oh,
You've been good to me, you made me glad when I was blue,
And eternally I'll always be in love with you,
And all I gotta do is thank you girl, thank you girl.

Harry and Hermione started moving in the music, her head on his chest. She had tears of happiness on her eyes. Her dream had become true.

I could tell the world, a thing or two about our love,
I know little girl, only a fool could doubt our love,
And all I gotta do is thank you girl, thank you girl.

“You know, I think this song represents perfectly what I feel for you, Hermione. This is the reason I personally chose this one” he whispered in her hear, his warm breath tickling her.

Thank you girl for loving me the way that you do, (way that you do),
That's the kind of love that is too good to be true,
And all I gotta do is thank you girl, thank you girl.

By this time, many other couples were dancing with them, Neville and Ginny one of them, as well as Dean and Parvati and Oliver and Katie.

Oh, oh,
You've been good to me, you made me glad when I was blue,
And eternally I'll always be in love with you,
And all I gotta do is thank you girl, thank you girl.

Finally, Harry and Hermione parted, and went to dance with the bridesmaids, Harry, and the groomsmen, Hermione. She was dancing with Oliver.

“I'm really happy for the two of you. I hope I and Katie will have a love like yours” he whispered her.

“I know, I'm really lucky. I love him so much” she replied.

In the meantime, Harry was dancing with Ginny. She was smiling at him.

“You know, Harry, I always knew you and Hermione were soul mates. It was obvious, you always were able to finish the other's sentence…I really wonder why it took so long to both of you to see it.”

Harry looked at Hermione dreamily.

“I would like to know it, too, Ginny” he replied.

After the dance, the guest slowly went away, and finally Harry and Hermione were alone in the house. Remus and the Weasley left to give them privacy. Harry took her in his arms and carried her to their bedroom. There, they consummated their wedding. The Potter family was birthing.

22. Author

A/N: I'm sorry for the mistakes in the previous chapter. I wrote it by night and I was a little tired. Ron and Dumbledore are dead, I fixed those errors. Again, I'm really sorry.

23. Lovely Honeymoon

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling.

A/N: Thank you to all my faithful reviewers and readers, I really need your support.

KypDurron: Yes, it was quite hilarious. In fact, they had the decency to restrain themselves…lol

Hermione Potter: I hope you'll like this one, too!!!

AlexDurrani: Well, I never had been to a wedding, but I inspired myself to the ones I read of…

HarryWouldBeAPaladin: Thanks for your suggestion.

Antone: Yeah, I've been teasing all of you a bit…but every time I wanted to write the wedding, the rest of the chapter got too long for inserting it too…so I wrote more chapters…

Mister_Midnight: No, I don't think I'll write a sequel, but I'll continue this one for two or three more chapters.

JayaMioneDurron: Well, I'm happy you liked it…there is still a little bit to this one…

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Lovely Honeymoon”

When Hermione woke up next morning, the first thing she saw was a couple of emerald eyes staring at her.

“Good Morning, Harry” she said sleepily.

“Good Morning, love” he replied, caressing her cheek.

“You know, it still seems a dream to me, being your husband. If someone would tell me that two summers ago, I would have thought they were mad” he whispered to her, now stroking gently her hair.

“Do you think it is so awful being my husband?” she replied.

He stared at her with a dumbfounded look. She giggled.

“I was joking, Harry” she explained. He smiled and started tickling her, so they fell on the ground, rolling themselves on the floor.

After few minutes, Harry kissed her fully on the lips, pulling her at him. She kissed him back, passionately, till an owl tapping on the window obliged them to part.

It carried an envelope, and when Harry opened the window to let him enter, he left it fall on the bed and flew away.

On the envelope there was written:

Mr. And Mrs. Harry Potter

Potter Manor

Godric's Hollow

Harry opened it, and there was a note.

Dear Harry and Hermione,

this is my wedding gift for you. Enjoy

your honeymoon.

See you soon,

Remus

While Harry was reading it, two tickets fell on the floor, and Hermione picked them up.

“Harry, we really need to thank him! He signed for us a royal suite in the best Wizarding hotel in the Hawaii!” Hermione squealed, reading the destination.

Harry looked at the tickets and smiled, shaking his head. Then he took a piece of parchment, his quill and wrote him.

Dear Remus,

thanks for your present!

It is really wonderful, and we're

sure we will enjoy it a lot.

We will owl you from there and then

when we are back.

Yours,

Harry and Hermione

In the meantime, Hermione had gone in the bathroom, to have a shower. Harry put out of the drawer some fresh clothes and waited for her to exit.

When she was ready, he hugged her and kissed her softly on the neck. She smiled.

“You know, last night was the best night I ever had” he said, nuzzling on her neck.

“Ditto” she whispered, while pulling him toward the bed.

One hour later, the two of them were in the kitchen, enjoying the breakfast Dobby had cooked for them. It was made of muffins, pancakes, maple syrup, honey, jam, bacon, eggs, tea, coffee and orange juice.

“Dobby, you've not to cook so much everyday only for the two of us, you know that, don't you?” Hermione asked

“Dobby knows that, mistress, but Dobby wants to do his best for Master Harry Potter and his wife, mistress” the house-elf politely replied and Harry rolled his eyes.

“He will never call me just Harry” he whispered to her. She nodded, smiling.

After breakfast, they returned in their room to pack. Harry took some shirts, his swimming trunks with the Hogwarts crest on them, and some other swimming trunks, too. Plus, some long and short trousers and a couple of sweaters. Finally he took his shoes and placed all of it on the bed.

“Do you think this dress will be fine?” Hermione asked, holding a black elegant dress, quite short and quite thigh, with very thin straps on the shoulders and a naked back.

“Well, usually there is an elegant dinner in those places, so it could be perfect for that occasion” he replied, remembering the last time he saw her with that dress. She had looked like a goddess.

While Harry was packing his clothes in his trunk, Hermione chose two other dresses, a red one and a white one, and then many bikinis and beach wear. Finally, she started surveying her wardrobe for casual clothes. She packed some t-shirts, a lot of short tops and then skirts and trousers.

When both of them had finished packing, they went to relax in the living room, as they had not to leave till the next morning. Here, they found many other presents.

Molly and Arthur had sent them a set of China plates, for the important occasions. The twins had chosen a Muggle hi-fi set, with some CDs too.

Ginny had given them some silver objects for adorning the house.

From Seamus, Neville, Dean, Parvati and Lavender they received a total furnishing for a baby's room. Hermione smiled knowingly, she had often spoken with the girls about her taste for babies' rooms, and she recognized their help in what had been purchased.

Finally, they read the huge amount of good wishes they had received from the Hogwarts staff and students.

The last letter they opened was one from McGonagall.

Dear Harry and Hermione,

I want once again to wish you a lot

of happiness. Enjoy your honeymoon,

and when you'll be back we will speak

about your future.

Minerva

Harry and Hermione talked about that a little, then Harry led her to the only room that had remained locked from the reconstruction.

He asked her to close her eyes, then he muttered: “Alohomora!” and the door opened. He took her hand and led her to the centre of the room.

“Now you can open your eyes, sweetheart” he whispered softly.

She did as he said, and her breath stopped. She was facing the huge library of Potter Manor.

“Harry, this is huge! Did you fill it yourself?” she asked, looking at him full of joy.

“Yes, I purchased all the books from “Flourish and Blotts”, then added the books we used at Hogwarts. Look, there is also a book I'm sure you'll love” he said, taking a book from the shelves.

It was “Hogwarts: A History Last Revised Edition”. Hermione started browsing through it as a child looking at his last toy.

“Harry, they had included all our adventures, too” she exclaimed after some minutes.

“Well, it was predictable. We did a piece of Hogwarts' history after all” he said, beaming at her.

She hugged him and kissed him deeply, before starting her research on the place they would pass their honeymoon.

“Oh no! I've released a monster!” Harry cried in mock horror. She hit him on an arm playfully.

Finally the moment of leaving arrived. Harry grasped his trunk, as Hermione did with hers, and both of them touched the tickets, which were a Portkey.

Few moments later, they landed in the hall of the hotel, managing to not crash on the ground. Harry went to the receptionist.

“We signed the royal suite under the name Potter” he said. The man looked at his forehead, then nodded and gave them their key.

Another man levitated their trunks and accompanied them to the suite.

“If you want to attend the welcoming party, it is near the pool, Mr. Potter” the man said, leaving the room with his tip.

Harry thanked him, then they changed their clothes. Harry wore his Hogwarts trunks and a red with white flowers shirt, which he held opened, as it was very hot.

Hermione wore a light blue bikini, under a white short shirt that she knotted just over her belly, and some beach pants. They headed then toward the pool.

Here they were greeted, as well as the other new guests, by a team of Hawaiian young witches, dancing for them the traditional dance of the isles. Then every guest was adorned with a circle of exotic flowers.

Finally, the director of the hotel welcomed them officially. A cocktail was prepared for them in the bar.

It was made of rum and fruit juice, so Harry and Hermione, who weren't usual drinkers, felt it too alcoholic. Still, they drank all of it.

Then they took two deckchairs and sat under the sun on the border of the pool.

After a while, Harry went for a dip. He swam alone for a little, then he tried to convince Hermione to join him. He hadn't success, so he continued to swim alone.

A young and very attractive witch neared him.

“Hi. I'm Kate. Do you want to swim a little with me?” she said, going even closer to him.

“No, thanks. I'm not alone, here.”

“Well, that girl didn't seem interested in swimming with you…” she said, looking at Hermione.

“That girl is my wife” Harry snapped at her, going away. The girl was speechless.

The rest of the day passed smoothly, they ate sandwiches near the pool and finally Hermione joined Harry in the water. They tried the Olympic trampoline, and Hermione showed him all the practice she had had when she lived as a Muggle.

She was amazing. Harry could even be the most powerful wizard on Earth, but she was a not less powerful witch, and often was better than him at Muggle sports.

Well, that was not a surprise, if you consider how Harry lived as a Muggle. Still, she was able to do many things.

That night, after dinner, they walked under the moon, on the white sand of the Hawaiian beach. It was their first contact with that sand, and it felt very good under the skin of their feet. It was really smooth.

All the situation was very romantic, a young couple, just married, under the stars near the sea. They sat, Hermione on Harry's lap, looking at the beauty of the sky.

She leaned on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

“It is really sweet being under the stars like this” he commented, and she turned, smiling at him. She leaned toward his face, and then kissed him sweetly.

“It is sweet being with you, everywhere we are” she replied.

They stayed that way a long time, snogging under the stars, till she started trembling.

“Are you cold, honey?” Harry asked, while giving her his sweater. She nodded, then put it on, over her light pink shirt. Harry snuck an arm around her waist and they returned to the suite.

Here, Hermione went to change to her bed clothes in the huge bathroom, with white walls, a big bathtub and also a shower box. The handles of the door and the faucets were lined with gold thin decorations. While she had a warm bath, Harry looked the rest of the suite.

The bedroom had a huge and very soft bed, one bed table on either side of it and a big wardrobe on the opposite wall. Then there was the living room. In it there was a plasma TV occupying all the wall before the couches. There was a Dolby Surround hi-fi stereo system, too, and a fridge.

“This hotel is the perfect union of magical and Muggle” Harry thought.

Then he exited on the balcony. From there, he had a wonderful sight of the ocean by night, with the soothing sound that was typical of the good days. He had never been to the seaside before, but he already loved the sound of the waves on the sand, crashing calmly, one after the other.

When he turned to go back to the bedroom, he saw Hermione just behind him.

“It is beautiful, isn't it?” she asked, a little sadly.

He noticed that.

“Mione, why are you sad?” he asked

“Oh, it's nothing. Only, the sound of the sea always make me think about the dead people I knew. Now I was thinking about your parents, even if I never met them, and Sirius. They would have been happy to see the man you had become” she replied.

Harry hugged her, kissing her forehead.

“Maybe without the Dursleys' harassment, I would have not been so good. Let's go inside, the wind is becoming chill” he whispered and led her inside, holding her hand.

Next day, they had breakfast in their room, with Harry that brought it to Hermione, taking the tray from the house-elf the hotel had sent them.

After that, they dressed and went to the beach. Here they met some Italian wizards and started chatting happily. Then, the Italians invited them to their party, that night.

Later in the day, Harry met some other Quidditch fans, and they went to play in the hotel's pitch. It was in the middle of the ocean, with the hoops coming out of the water. After a couple of matches, in which Harry caught the Snitch, they headed back to the beach.

Hermione was reading her copy of “Hogwarts: A History Last Revised Edition”, when a witch neared her.

“Excuse me, are you Hermione Granger?” she asked

Hermione stopped reading, and nodded.

“Excuse me, but I wanted to know you since your defeat of You-Know-Who. Obviously, it was Happy Potter's merit too, but I wanted to know the witch who defeated him.”

So they started chatting, and Harry found them this way. He joined the conversation, till it was time to go and get ready for the Italian party.

After a quick shower, the newlyweds headed to the beach again. There they found the Italian wizards lighting a fire. They were welcomed and were offered two seats. They ate sausages and potatoes cooked on the fire, listening the others singing and watching them dancing.

One of the Italians, John, was finally able to drag them to dance. They moved on the rhythm of the slow songs they were playing, Harry inhaling her scent of vanilla and lemon.

After another couple of hours on the beach with the Italians, Harry and Hermione headed to bed.

They had a great time for two weeks, enjoying the sun, the sea and the friends they made. Harry had never had so much fun in his life, and they had their intimate moments, too. It had been definitely a good time.

But as all the good times and things, also their honeymoon had to finish. They were by now in their last evening in the Hawaii.

For the occasion, as there was an elegant dinner followed by a ball, Hermione wore the black dress she had brought with her. Harry had convinced her to put it on, instead of the red one.

Harry, too, was dressed fine. He had a black robe over grey trousers and a white shirt.

They ate a typical Hawaiian dinner, while the young witches danced between the tables on the Hawaiian music. After all the guest had eaten, the tables were discarded and the music changed to a slow one. Harry led Hermione to dance, and wrapped his arms around her waist, while she did the same around his neck. They moved close, enraptured in the other's gaze, and didn't notice that the music had stopped. Then Harry kissed Hermione and she replied, deepening the kiss and showing him all her desire for him.

When they parted, all the other guests clapped their hands at them.

***

Few days after having come back to Godric's Hollow, Harry and Hermione Apparated to Hogsmeade, then they walked to the castle.

They met Hagrid, and chatted a little with him, then they headed toward McGonagall's office.

Here, the Headmistress welcomed them.

“Harry, Hermione, I hope you enjoyed you honeymoon” Minerva said.

“Yes, Minerva, we absolutely did” Harry replied. Then they started talking about Harry's and Hermione's decisions for the future.

“Well, Minerva, we are really honoured by your offer to become Hogwarts Professors, plus we had already had our quantity of dark wizards, so we accept the positions” Hermione said.

“Yes, we will always be available for Moody if he needs us in some emergency, but we prefer to stay here. The castle is our real house” Harry added.

And so, Hermione became Transfiguration Professor, while Harry took the Defense Against Dark Arts position. They were the youngest Professors in Hogwarts' history.

“So, now they have another bit to add to the next revised edition” Harry joked, while they were going back to Hogsmeade, to have a good Butterbeer at the Three Broomstcks.

24. Hogwarts Professors

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling.

A/N: Thank you to all that had have reviewed my story, I am happy you liked it.

Hermione Potter: I take that you liked this chapter…I hope you'll like the new one as well, then…

AlexDurrani: I think there will be another chapter, then this one will be done.

Coolone007: Kids, you say. Well, read this chapter…for the sequel, I don't plan it now, as I have many other fics that I want to post, and they need to be checked to clear up mistakes, so I've a lot to do. Plus, for the next two or three months I'll have some hectic time at the university, with some exams to do. Maybe after the summer…never say never…

KypDurron: Yeah, I think Hawaii are fabulous. I've never stayed there, I went to Bahamas and Seychelles, but I want to go there first or later.

JayaMioneDurron: Well, the story is near to the end, but it is not finished yet. I don't plan a sequel now, but as I said a little before, never say never…maybe after the summer.

Fire Gazer: Yes, this one is quite finished. Another chapter and then it will be ended.

Antone: Sorry about that! I hate A/N chapter too, but I really needed it, as many reviewers pointed out the mistakes.

Marvybelle: Thanks, Ill try to do it.

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Hogwarts Professors”

Few days later, Harry and Hermione had packed to leave Potter's Manor and return to Hogwarts. It was by now the 29th of August, and they were to start their new adventure in the castle: being Professors.

They were the youngest in all the school's story, so it was by now another thing for what they were famous.

That morning, Harry woke up and felt the spot near him empty, for the first time from their wedding. He wasn't worried, though. He knew Hermione would be hectic that morning, till they would be in the castle again. She had been for all the day before, so why not the morning of the departure?

He rubbed his eyes and headed for the bathroom, to have a shower. When he tried to open the door, though, he found it locked.

“Wait a minute, Harry. I'm quite done” Hermione's voice came from the room. Harry smiled.

“So she had not be so hectic as I thought she would be” he thought.

Few minutes later, Hermione exited the bathroom with only a towel on her, and Harry wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her.

“Good Morning, love” he whispered, then.

Hermione smiled at him. “Good morning, Harry” she replied, going to pick up some fresh clothes. Harry went to have his shower.

When he arrived downstairs to have breakfast, as usual he found that Dobby had cooked for a little army. He shook his head smiling, and sat, starting to fill his plate with bacon, eggs, pancakes and muffins.

The “Daily Prophet” arrived in that moment, so Hermione paid the owl and started reading it.

“Well, Rita is loosing her efficiency. She had published only today the new about the two of us being Professors” she commented.

In the first page there was an article about them:

Hogwarts goes for the young line

By Rita Skeeters

Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry had chosen to hire the young Potters as Professors. Harry Potter will be the new Defense against the Dark Arts Professors, while his wife, the beautiful former Hermione Granger, will be the new Transfiguration Professor, as the former teacher, Minerva McGonagall, is now the new Headmistress after the loss of Albus Dumbledore last year in the final battle with You-Know-Who.

We are very grateful for that choice, as Mrs. Potter had been the best student in the school from the times of Tom Riddle and Mr. Potter is the one who had killed You-Know-Who. Who better than him to teach our children to defend themselves?

I personally hope that the two of them would do a great job, but I'm quite sure of that, seen their records. I want to pick this occasion to give the recently wed couple my congratulations. After all, I knew they would end together since their fourth year in the school during the Triwizard Tournament.

Harry read the article. “Well, it could have been worse” he said, while standing up from the table.

Hermione nodded and followed him upstairs to check their trunks.

After a while, they were ready to go, so they said hello to Dobby and then Disapparated to Hogsmeade. There they enchanted their trunks to lighten them, and then started walking toward the castle.

When they were on the grounds, they saw Hagrid coming out of the Forest.

“Hey, Hagrid. How are you?” Harry asked.

The half giant turned, and saw them.

“Hiya, Harry. I'm fine, I'm happy to have you back here at the castle. You too, Hermione” he said, walking toward them.

They chatted a little, so Harry and Hermione learned that Grawp was still there, and was making progress learning the language and civilizing.

“He never attempts to hit me, now. And he can speak very well, considering he's a giant” Hagrid beamed.

Then Harry and Hermione reached the castle, and went to the Headmistress' office.

“Sugar Quills” Harry tried but the gargoyle didn't move.

“Lemon Drops” Hermione said, and it functioned. She smirked at him.

“You had been only lucky” Harry retorted.

When they entered, the Headmistress greeted them.

“Harry, Hermione, I'm so happy to see you had had a good travel. Please, sit” she said, gesturing for them to take the two chairs before her desk.

They talked a little, then Minerva accompanied them to the staff quarters. They took a passage behind a statue that Harry never knew existed, as it wasn't on the Marauder's Map, too.

They walked through a long corridor, seeing the various Professors' names on the doors, till they reached one with written “Professors Potter”.

“We enchanted my old quarter and the DADA Professor's one, melting them together. This way, you'll have more space, as you have to live there in two and not in one” Minerva explained.

Harry and Hermione nodded, then they started walking in their place, looking appreciatively to all what was there.

“Well, I think this is perfect” Harry said

“Yeah, I think so, too” Hermione confirmed.

“Well, then, I'll give you some time to unpack. We have a meeting in the Great Hall in two hours to plan this year's activity” McGonagall said, exiting their place.

“I still can't believe this. It is my dream come true” Hermione said, seating on the couch near Harry.

“I know how you feel, as it is the same for me” he replied, pulling her closer to him.

Two hours later, they were in the Great Hall, seated on a table with Minerva, when the other Professors started arriving.

Flitwick greeted them happily, as Sprout did, too. Vector and Trewlaney acknowledged them briefly, while Hagrid was the happier in greeting them. Then, Snape arrived.

He and Harry exchanged hatred full looks, but they shook hands coldly the same. Snape then nodded to Hermione, as greeting her.

“Well, now that we are all here” Minerva started, “ I guess you know that Mrs. Potter will be our new Transfiguration teacher, as Mr. Potter will be the DADA one”

At this Snape snorted.

“Oh, please, Severus, go over your Potter hate for good. He's not James, when you'll understand that?” the Headmistress said.

Snape didn't reply.

“Well, now, we need to elect a new Gryffindor House Head. I think it's only fair that Mr. and Mrs. Potter would have this role” McGonagall proposed. Nobody was against that, so it was decided. They would be Gryffindor Heads.

After a long talking about the year's programs, all the Professors had lunch, then Harry and Hermione retreated in their quarters to start planning lessons. They worked hard all the afternoon, then went to have dinner.

That night, they thought a little celebration was needed, so they were intimate again.

The few days till the start of the year had been full of work for the two of them, who needed to catch up with the lessons planning.

Finally, the 1st of September was there.

The students started entering the Great Hall, and they noticed Ginny. Smiles were exchanged with her.

Hermione left to go and attend to the Sorting, so she led the first years in the Great Hall, explained what they had to do, then started calling names. When the Sorting was over, McGonagall started speaking.

“I need to remember you that the Forest is forbidden to all the students. Plus, Mr. Filch has a list of the forbidden items in his office, everyone can check it. I'm sure, though, that all what comes from “Weasley's Wizard Wheezes” is not allowed in the school. I'm also happy to announce that Mr. Potter” Harry stood up “Will be our new DADA teacher while Mrs. Potter” now it was Hermione's turn to stand up, “will be the Transfiguration one, as I have to dedicate myself to the Headmistress' chores. They will also be Head of the Gryffindor house. Now, dig in!” and the food appeared on the plates.

After the feast, Harry and Hermione reached Ginny, and invited her in their quarters to chat a little. It was not so strange, as she was Head Girl, so sometimes she could go to the Professor's quarters.

“So, how was the travel?” they asked

“A little more boring than usual, without the two of you and my brother” Ginny replied, a little sad. The question had brought up again the pain for Ron's loss.

Harry and Hermione comforted her, then they resumed their chat.

“Well, we wanted to tell you that we can't show any kind of favouritism for you or the others in your year we knew, I'm sure you understand that” Hermione said.

“Of course, I understand. I'm really happy for you, though. I knew it was your dream to teach here, Hermione. I'm not sure about you, Harry, but I bet it was your dream too.”

Harry smiled broadly at her, confirming her guess.

“Yeah, and we're proud of you. Our little “sister” is Head Girl!” Harry said then, ruffling her hair.

“Hey! I'm not little anymore!” Ginny pouted, faking to be offended. They all erupted in laughter.

“Well, give our congratulations to Colin, too. I'm happy that he's Head Boy, he is a good guy” Harry said when Ginny left. She nodded, blushing a little.

Finally, Harry and Hermione went to prepare themselves to go to bed, after a long and tiring day.

When they had changed, they entered in bed, snuggling close to each other, Hermione's head on Harry's chest, and one of his arms around her back. They kissed softly, saying Good Night, then they fell asleep that way, contented smiles on their faces.

Next morning, they had breakfast in the Great Hall. Harry was a nervous wreck, and Hermione started reassuring him.

“Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'm sure of that” Hermione whispered to him when he was ready to go, squeezing his hand.

Harry entered the classroom waiting for his first class, a group of first years.

When they arrived, they took their places, then looked at him expectantly. Harry felt his hands sweating, but tried to ignore that.

“I'm sure all of you know me, however I'm Harry Potter and I'll be your Defense against the Dark Arts Professor” he started.

“First thing, as I'm sure many of you still doesn't say Voldemort's name, we need to learn to say it.” The class exchanged looks.

“Please, don't be afraid. He's dead. Plus, I said his name, and nothing had happened to me. Do you see some changes on my body?” he said

The students shook their heads.

“Ok, then. Let's try. The fear of the name doesn't do anything more than increasing the fear of the thing, someone told me one time”

The children tried and tried. At the end of the lesson, all of them were able to speak Voldemort's name quite without fear.

In the meantime, Hermione was teaching her first class of Transfiguration. She too had some first years, from Slytherin and Hufflepuff, while Harry had Ravenclaws and Gryffindors.

She entered the class and then started speaking.

“I would like to surprise you with an Animagus transformation as McGonagall did with my class, but I've to limit myself to this” she started, then transfigured her desk in a beautiful phoenix. Then she changed it back to normal.

The students looked at her in awe. She smiled, then passed them some matches and explained how to change them in silver needles.

The children then started trying to do that, but nobody was able to complete the transformation in the lesson. Only one boy, named Thomas Graves, from Slytherin, had been able to make the match silver and a little thinner, but it was not a complete needle.

“Don't worry, neither I did it in the first lesson. Transfiguration is a very hard and dangerous subject” With this, she dismissed them.

The next weeks passed smoothly. Both of them started acquiring more serenity in teaching, the fear of the first times slipping away.

The only thing that was worrying Harry were the frequent morning sicknesses that Hermione was having. He really didn't know what to think.

He was worried with that thought, when the Seventh year Gryffindors and Slytherins entered his class. He started teaching them, but he was still a bit detached.

After that he had asked them what is the way to defeat the “Imperious Curse” he saw Ginny raising her hand.

“Yes, ms. Weasley”

“I think you need a strong will to break the curse. You need to contrast the order your controller gives you” she replied.

“Exactly. Ten points to Gryffindor”

After the lesson, Harry asked Ginny to wait. He had to speak with her.

“Ginny, I'm worried for Hermione. She has these morning sicknesses and I don't know why. Can you give me some ideas?”

Ginny's eyes lit up, but she said: “I'm sorry, Harry. Maybe if I speak with her, I can understand a little better the situation”

Harry nodded and dismissed her.

It was by now Halloween, and Harry was very worried. Hermione had been with Madame Pomfrey all the afternoon, and he had not spoke with her, yet.

A the banquet, he tried to speak with her but she didn't reply him, saying only: “Later, Harry. Now enjoy the feast”

He was dumbfounded by her reply, but tried to do as told.

After that, they headed together to their quarters, but she said nothing. Only when they were on their couch, she hugged him and started crying.

“Mione, dear, what had happened? Is someone in danger?” he asked.

She looked at him, and stood up. She started pacing the room, then turned.

“I'm pregnant, Harry” she said, dreading his reaction.

25. The Potters

Disclaimer: I don't own nobody of the characters, they are property of JK Rowling.

A/N: Thank you to all my faithful readers and reviewers. I've really appreciated your comments through the whole story. So, we're finally at the end of this fic…*sniffs* I'm a little sad `cause I really enjoyed writing it. However, maybe there will be a sequel...who knows? Never say never!

I hope you'll enjoy the other fics I have already written and that I'll post soon! Love to all of you!!

AlexDurrani: Well, she doesn't know if he would be happy or not…it's silly, but understandable…

Fire Gazer: I too enjoyed writing it. But maybe there will be a sequel after the summer…

Beppo: I think it should be Snape. This is the reason I avoided that. I didn't want to give the slimy git satisfaction. Lol

Sweetkiwi456: Yes, she will still teach.

Hermione Potter: Well, if we don't help us between “colleagues”…however, I really liked your story!

Coolone007: Yeah, I agree with you on all you wrote.

Antone: Hmm…maybe not on the baby growing up, but on something that happens while the baby is growing…I'll think about that…

KypDurron: Well, she is a good hearted witch, under the appearance…

JayaMioneDurron: To teach them to not fear things or people. They were afraid of the name, not of the person anymore, so he wanted to eliminate that fear.

Eyes and Ears: Thank you!!!

Dizzi01: Well, not very cliffy, I think. I've read worse ones…however, thanks!!

Chapter Twenty-Four

“The Potters”

“You are…pregnant?” Harry asked, shocked

“Yes, I am, Harry” she said on the verge of tears for his shocked face.

Harry started pacing the room nervously.

“Listen, Harry, I know this could be shocking but…” she started rambling but could not finish the sentence.

Harry had took her in his arms and his lips were on hers before she could say another word. He kissed her first sweetly, then he deepened the kiss. She kissed him back, relieved that he was not upset.

“Having a family is all what I dreamed to have all my life” he whispered in her ear, “and I'm ecstatic to start one with you, Hermione. I love you”

Hermione smiled. “I love you too, Harry” she replied.

They sat on the couch, before the fire, Harry's arms around her. She snuggled closer to him.

Harry was looking in the fire.

“Isn't it curious that the last Potter family had been destroyed on Halloween and on Halloween a new one births?” he said thoughtfully

“I think it's fate” she replied softly, stroking his hair, trying to keep the bad memories away.

“I hope it's a good one, then” he said, before kissing her again.

“Do we know if we will have a he or a she?” Harry asked, while caressing her belly.

“No, I wanted it to be a surprise for us” she replied

“Smart choice. And do you know how long have you been this way?”

“Around two months. So the labour is expected for May, more or less” she said matter of factly.

Then they went to bed, falling asleep snuggled very close.

Next morning, Harry's smile was really blinding, and even a wall would have understood that he was particularly happy.

Ginny noticed that, and after the lessons went to visit them in their quarters.

“So, Professor Potter, why your smile had caused ten students to ask for sunglasses today?” Ginny teased him

“Ha Ha Ha…very funny, Ms. Weasley…if you're making fun of a Professor, I'll need to take points from your home” he retorted jokingly

Hermione looked at them amused.

“However, Ginny, I think it should be more appropriate if it were Hermione to tell you what had happened” Harry added.

Hermione stood up and went to her husband, who snuck an arm around her waist, and leaned on him.

“Ginny, I'm very happy to announce you that I and Harry are going to be parents” Hermione said

“What? You're pregnant?” Ginny squealed

Hermione nodded and Harry kissed her on the forehead.

“That's wonderful!” the youngest Weasley cried, while hugging her best friend, tears of happiness on her face.

“How long have you been pregnant?” Ginny asked

“Two months, more or less”

“So, the labour should be at the end of May” Ginny reasoned

They remained chatting a little more, then they all headed to the Great Hall to have dinner.

After that, Harry and Hermione went to McGonagall's office to tell her the good news.

“Please, Harry, Hermione, get a seat” the Headmistress politely said them.

They did as told.

“So, what is the reason of your visit?” Minerva asked

“We are happy to inform you that the Potter family is birthing again” Harry said proudly, while pulling Hermione closer.

“Are you saying that the two of you are going to have a baby?” the old witch asked

“Yes, we are. I'm two months pregnant” Hermione replied.

“But this is wonderful!” Minerva said, loosing her cold appearance. She warmly congratulated with them.

“A celebration is in order” she said then.

“Actually, Minerva, we would like to keep this secret as long as possible. You know how are prying the newspapers with my life” Harry replied.

“Well, I reckon you're right. Have you already informed Molly and the Weasleys and your family, Hermione?”

“No, we told only Ginny. But we'll say it to them as soon as possible”

***

Next morning, Hagrid was the first to congratulate with them, at breakfast.

“Hey, Harry, Hermione…” the half-giant started bellowing, but Harry shushed him.

“Silencio” he muttered and the rest of Hagrid's words were not heard.

The couple neared him.

“Sorry about that, Hagrid, but we would like to keep it secret” Hermione said, while removing the spell.

“I understand. However, congratulations. I had always known you would end with a baby” he said knowingly.

Both of them blushed a little.

Then the other colleagues followed suit, more discreetly, though.

Even Snape congratulated with them, with his own style.

“Congratulations, Potter, Granger. Let's only hope this child has not the arrogance of his father” the Potions master said, trying to smile but obtaining a grimace.

“Thanks, Severus. Let's hope his Potions master will be a little less greasy, too” Harry retorted

Both of them smirked, walking away.

The students were in the blue, so life at Hogwarts continued as usual for the next weeks.

Hermione had been given a potion by Madam Pomfrey to contrast the sicknesses a little, but it could not be too strong for not affecting the child, so she still had to face that, but life was quite good for all of them.

Finally, Christmas break had arrived, and Harry had asked McGonagall the permit to leave to visit the Weasleys and the Grangers.

“Obviously I allow you to go, Harry. This year we have also few students staying, so there is no problem” the Headmistress replied.

Harry already knew she would not make problems, but he wanted to ask the same.

After that, he returned to their quarters and finished packing, while Hermione was already doing that.

When they were ready, they shrunk their trunks and went to Hogsmeade with a carriage. Here, they Apparated to the Grangers.

Hermione's mum was very happy to see her daughter and hugged her. Then it was Harry's turn.

“Harry, dear, how are you?” she asked

“I'm fine. And very happy, too” he said, kissing his wife on the cheek.

Hermione giggled.

“Ah, Harry. It's good to see you” Robert Granger said, entering the living room.

“The same here, Mr. Granger”

“When will you call me Robert?”

Harry smiled sheepishly.

They started chatting, till Anne Granger took Hermione away for some “girl talk”…or maybe in this case “woman talk”, considering that they were both of age…

Robert and Harry chatted a lot more, till the two women returned.

“I hope the baby is a girl” Anne said

“Be careful, Harry. In that case, you risk to be constantly commanded by the two of them” Robert warned him jokingly. “Being outnumbered in your own home is never good, I tell for personal experience”

His wife hit him on the arm. “Robert! However, if he is a girl, how would you name her?”

“Well, I was thinking to call her Lily” Hermione said, looking at Harry.

“Yes, I think Lily can do the trick. But if we are going to call her Lily, her second name I want it to be Hermione”

She blushed.

“And why?” she asked

“Because in this way she would always remind me of the two women more important in my life. Plus, she would be also a fusion of you and my mother, through me, so if we give her my mother's name, it's only fair she has yours too” he reasoned

“Aww, that's sap” Robert said, in mock horror. That gained him another hit on the arm.

“Actually, I think it's really sweet” Anne said, approvingly.

Few days later, they Apparated to the Burrow, and were greeted by Molly's trademark bear hug.

“Mum, let them breath!” Fred said, chuckling.

Mrs. Weasley left them.

“You really have to tell me all of this!” she cried, taking Hermione away.

Harry was left with Fred, George, Charlie and Bill.

“So, Harry. You're going to be father, your prankster career is broken, now” George joked

“I've never been a real prankster. However, I'm sure I and Hermione will enjoy life all the same. Well, maybe Hermione a little less than me” he replied, and they laughed.

In that moment Arthur arrived, just in time for Christmas lunch.

On the table there were roasted lamb, mashed and roasted potatoes and a big bowl of salad. There were also fried vegetables.

All of them ate a lot, then there were the desserts. There was a pudding, a pumpkin pie and many sweets Molly had cooked herself.

When they had finished, Hermione helped Molly in the kitchen, while the men were in the living room.

“So, have you found a way to not show your pregnancy at school?” Molly asked

“I don't show it, yet, but I found a spell I'll start doing when I'll start showing. It is called the “Flatting Spell” and had been created just for this” she replied

Molly nodded.

In the meantime, Arthur was giving Harry his congratulations.

“I'm really happy for you, Harry. You're a great wizard, and after your harassed childhood and all the things you faced in the Wizarding World, you deserve all the happiness you can get” he said, shaking Harry's hand.

“Thank You, Arthur. I really owe a lot to your family”

“Oh, don't worry, Harry. We're happy to have met you and to have helped you when we could” Mr. Weasley said, waving an hand.

They stayed there till the new Year, joking, chatting, and all of them being happy. Alicia, Angelina and Neville came too, to visit their boyfriends and girlfriend, so the Burrow was really crowded that Christmas.

Eventually, the time to leave came, and Harry, Ginny and Hermione had to return to Hogwarts.

They did that with the Hogwarts Express, as Harry and Hermione had wanted to get some good memories back. They chose their usual compartment.

****

May arrived, and with it, the tension for the coming birth. Every day that passed, Harry was more nervous, seeing the so long waited moment to be a father nearing. He knew that Hermione was the one who would feel all the pain, but he was really nervous himself.

The last week, Hermione had needed to rest, so she asked Minerva if she could substitute her till the birth. The headmistress had warmly agreed.

That was the moment for the truth. Finally, all the world knew that Harry Potter and his wife were going to have a baby. Obviously the Prophet had a field day with that.

Potter becomes father

By Rita Skeeters

The Daily Prophet had been informed that Mrs. Potter is pregnant, and the labour is expected within this month. The couple had done a good job keeping this secret till now, but when Hermione Potter had to ask the former Transfiguration Professor and now Headmistress Minerva McGonagall to substitute her, the truth had to come out.

We are really happy for the couple, and being sincere, all of us I think expected that, soon or later. The sex of the child is still unknown, as choice of the mother-to-be. We will give you more details as soon as they are available.

When one night, the 29th of May, Hermione woke up in the middle of the night in a very strong pain, Harry immediately took her in his arms and brought her to the Hospital Wing, being careful to not let her hit somewhere.

Madam Pomfrey let him take her to a secluded bed, then sent him away, saying she had to work.

Harry nodded and left, remaining just out of the door, pacing back and forth.

Minerva arrived, too.

“Is she already in?” she asked

“Yes, I brought her. Poppy is working on her now” Harry replied.

“Well, now we can only seat and wait. It is useless to make a hole in the floor, you know” she said, sitting on the steps.

“I know, but I can't help to be nervous” Harry replied.

“Your father was the same” Minerva commented

One hour later, Harry was frozen hearing Hermione's cries of pain. He was really worried.

When another hour later Poppy came to call him, he walked slowly, not sure what to expect.

He was greeted by a wonderful sight. Hermione was smiling at him, keeping their baby in her arms.

“She is a wonderful little boy, Harry” Hermione said, looking at her son lovingly.

“Well, in this case, how would you like to call him? We talked about girl names but not about boy ones…” Harry replied, kissing his wife on the cheek and hugging her.

“I was thinking that James Ronald Potter sounds quite well” she said.

“Yeah, it represents my father and my first friend. I like it”

He moved to take him in his arms, and Hermione smiled.

“Meet your wonderful and loving father, little James” she whispered, looking lovingly at Harry who was already playing with his son.

They were the new Potters.

THE END