A Day in the Life of Harry Potter

Draco

Thought you'd get a laugh out of the article enclosed here (from today's Witch Weekly)- looks like Harry finally gave in to Lavender's endless owls and let her follow him around for the day for her column.

I can't believe you've only been gone for three weeks; it seems like so much longer. You'd better be back here on time next week as I'm experiencing definite Draco withdrawal symptoms!

Be careful, and give Tonks a hug from me.

Love always,

Gin

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A Day in the Life of…Harry Potter

By Lavender Brown

Harry Potter is notoriously wary of the press, quite possibly for good reason after scathing reports about himself and his friends over the years, however, after some shameless pleading by an old school friend Harry relented and has allowed this reporter to follow him around today.

No one will need to hear any of Harry's history, nor accounts of his victory over Voldemort, but his actions during the four years since that final battle are more of a mystery to the Wizarding world. Just what has Mr. Potter been up to recently?

I arrived at Harry's London home at ten in the morning on this bright spring morning, and am amused to see that from first impressions Harry has changed little in the last four years. He's dressed in a pair of worn blue jeans and a white t-shirt, he's barefoot and his unruly black hair is hanging wet in his eyes.

“Hi Lavender, sorry, I'm running a bit behind this morning.” Harry says ushering me into his home, displaying his trademark charming grin.

I'm directed into a spacious living room, one wall of which appears to be enchanted glass, letting in abundant sunlight, whilst from the outside the house had appeared to be the same as the others on the quiet street.

Harry reappears a moment later wearing a pair of casual shoes, his hair now magically dried. Harry offers me a drink, and retrieves some coffee from the kitchen, not once leaving his seat, simply flicking his hand to summon the drinks, casually displaying the wandless magic, which makes him the most powerful wizard in decades. He doesn't think twice about the display, simply chatting away to me nervously, unsure of what our day together entails.

HP: So, you're just going to follow me around for the whole day?

LB: Pretty much, just to observe your daily routine, and interview along the way.

HP: Ah, well today's Friday so it's not exactly a usual day for me. (He smiles)

LB: Why are Friday's different to any other day?

HP: Friday's my day off. I tend to catch up on small chores in the morning, and then it's the weekly lunch.

LB: Weekly lunch?

HP: Hermione, Ron and I meet for lunch every Friday without exception. It's a tradition we started not long after graduation. We all lived together for a few months then, until it became apparent we needed a bit of space, but Hermione didn't want us all to drift apart so the weekly lunches began. Of course we see each other often during the week other than the lunches, but it's usually the only time we get just the three of us.

LB: The Famous Trio.

HP: (chuckles) Yep, that's the three of us. I know we laugh about it, but we were together an awful lot of the time. We're closer than most friends will ever been, but I suppose that's to be expected considering what we've been through together. There are all sorts of muggle theories about the bond you form with those you've faced death with, and the number of times people have tried to kill us over the years it's not really surprising we're so close!

LB: (laughs) Well, that's one way to look at it! You always did have a rather twisted sense of humour I seem to remember….Anyway, So I'm getting rather a treat today, a bit of a three in one interview over lunch as well as being able to see you on your day off. But the question I guess everyone wants to know is, what are you taking a day off from?

HP: Ah, well, I'll tell you that later on. The other two were curious about your reaction so I wont disappoint them. (Harry grins) I am still officially on the pay roll of the Ministry, though for the last two years I haven't worked for them full-time.

LB: Since you worked as an auror?

HP: Yes, I went straight into the auror division when I graduated from Hogwarts. It was what I'd been trained to do since I was eleven years old really, and there were still Death Eaters out there in hiding, or some even living in the open and feigning innocence. It was a personal thing in many ways, I've lost so much at the hands of Voldemort and his supporters, and I thought I'd get to have my own life once I killed Voldemort but I knew straight away I couldn't do that: I had to help catch the other Death Eaters. It was hard work, and it's work that I do enjoy to a degree, despite the danger. I've had, and still have great friends within the auror division since I was fourteen I suppose. Tonks especially has saved my skin many times, and is a great friend.

LB: Nymphadora Tonks?

HP: (laughs) I wouldn't call her that to her face. I believe Albus was the only one she didn't threaten to hex when he used her full name, she's an incredible auror and so much fun, she could give Fred and George Weasley a run for their money, and she has done several times…She's part of my family.

LB: Whom else do you consider family? I take Ron and Hermione to be included as well as Tonks…

HP: Obviously Hermione, Ron, Megan, Tonks, Remus Lupin, Molly and Arthur Weasley, Hagrid and Olympe, Fred, George, Angelina, Katie, and Charlie Weasley, Ginny and Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Gabrielle Delacour...I suppose they're my closest family. My family was obviously a lot larger before the war…though I never knew my parents I feel close to them, their friends and mentors have told me so much of their lives I feel I knew them…Sirius Black, one of the most important people in my life, he told me the truth about so many things, he was on the run from the Dementors the few years I was able to know him, he died to save me, an amazing guy, and he definitely taught me how to break a few rules…Luna Lovegood, her death was so tragic, well all these deaths were tragic, but Luna was so young, yet perhaps the bravest I have ever seen anyone in death…Fleur Delacour, she was a close friend, and extended family, an incredible witch. Bill Weasley, so like the twins, so full of life, and a great big brother. And obviously Albus…the most amazing man, incredibly powerful, he understood and was there for me even though I didn't know it. Of course we had our differences, but he was the best mentor and friend I could have asked for. The list just goes on and on…It wasn't exactly safe to know me during the war.

LB: Some of the list is surprising to me.

HP: Who?

LB: Well, Draco Malfoy to start! If Voldemort was your nemesis I rather thought Draco would fill the number two spot, yet you consider him family?

HP: (laughs lightly) Well I guess I can't blame people who are surprised about our friendship, we did hate other for several years, well, actually I suppose we just hated what the other stood for, and to be honest we didn't know each other at all. Draco was a vital figure during the last two years of the war, he put his life on the line, turned his back on his family and was an extremely good spy for the Order of the Phoenix. He may still be an irritating guy at times, and not many people can get my hackles up, but Draco does it for amusement sometimes, he knows how to get under my skin.

LB: And that makes him family?

HP: Well, If Draco hadn't helped me get hold of my anger, and how to control it I doubt I would have fared so well in battles. He was a friend throughout the end of the war, and within the auror division, but now that he's with Ginny he's family. She's my little sister, and he makes her incredibly happy.

LB: I also didn't realise you were so close to the Delacour sisters.

HP: Well I've known them since the Tri-Wizard tournament of course, and I actually dated Fleur for a few months, but we both knew that wasn't going to work out, particularly as I think Bill would have killed me if it had! She and Bill really were perfect for one another, If they hadn't been attacked that day they would have been married now, it was a huge shock, coming after the end of the war…Gabrielle was a friend before their murders, but Molly and Arthur really welcomed her into the Weasley fold after that. They're wonderful that way; they've practically adopted Gabrielle, Hermione, Neville and myself throughout the years.

LB: I had no idea you and Fleur had dated. How did you managed to keep that one a secret?

HP: It was a long time ago…I have extremely fond memories of Fleur, and I'm not the only one who misses her and Bill every day. I miss them all every day.

LB: There weren't any other women you've dated in the list.

HP: I'm still reasonably good friends with the few women I've dated, but I have all the family I need.

Our conversation is broken here at an opportune moment as Harry looks at his watch, and indicates we should get ready to leave for lunch.

HP: Back in a moment. I'd better let Hermione know it's time to leave, she'll be caught up in her writing.

At this I expect Harry to contact her by Floo but he instead strolls along the hall to the back of the house and knocks cautiously on the door at the end of the hallway. There's no answer.

HP: `Mione, we need to head out to the restaurant. We're going to walk to give you time to finish what you're working on, meet us there in a bit?

Hermione's voice shouts a distracted “Thanks” through the doorway and Harry returns to me, grabs his jacket from by the door and leads me out into the street. We begin to walk along, though I have no idea where we're going and am admittedly rather confused.

LB: Hermione was working in your house?

HP: Oh that's her office. You know she writes books, mainly muggle books.

LB: I didn't realise she worked from your home. I hadn't heard a sound since we'd been talking.

HP: You'd never know she was there until someone interrupts her. A quick warning; never interrupt her when she's in the middle of a paragraph. I'm sure you remember what she was like if you interrupted her homework in the Common Room…I've been hexed several times in the past, you learn never to open the door until she answers! (Harry laughs and winks at me)

LB: So where do the three of you meet for lunch? A different place every week?

HP: Oh no, the same place every Friday, the same table in fact. We know the place very well. (He smiles) It's just a few minutes walk.

I'm rather surprised when Harry opens the door to what appears to be a Muggle Restaurant, though I quickly realise that these particular three friends would have a hard time eating an undisturbed lunch in a Wizarding establishment. A waitress waves and smiles at Harry as he nods and smiles to her, and to the few patrons waiting to be seated, and walks through the restaurant to a back booth. The restaurant is simple and its charm grows on you as you begin to take in your surroundings, the walls are a soft coffee colour and across them in a gentle italic are quotations, I recognise only one or two as being from songs. Harry follows my gaze.

HP: There are over 100 quotations, a few songs, a few movie quotes, several plays, but most of them are from Muggle Literature. If you look at the table, there are pages of novels covering it under a layer of Perspex glass.

There are indeed pages of literature covering the tables. It's quite unique and a charming atmosphere. I begin to understand the line of people waiting patiently for a table. Before I can ask any more about the place we're interrupted as Ron Weasley arrives with a grin.

RW: Lavender! Wow, I haven't seen you in years.

LB: Good to see you too Ron. I hope you don't mind me intruding on your lunch.

RW: Not at all, anything for Harry's adoring fans.

HP: Seriously Ron, one day I really am going to hex you into oblivion. (Ron smirks and Harry laughs at his friends teasing)

The pair though different in appearance, still maintain the teasing and friendly dynamic they've shared since meeting on the platform at Kings Cross at age eleven.

The pair are interrupted as Hermione Granger approaches the table holding four menu's.

HG: What did he do to warrant the threat of oblivion so early in the lunch? (She smiles)

Hermione slides into the booth next to Harry and Ron takes a seat next to myself.

HG: Here you are Lavender. (Handing me a menu) It's good to see you again.

LB: Same to you. It's been a few months.

HG: So you've been quizzing Harry all morning then? Has he behaved?

LB: Yes, we've had a good morning. I'm sure I'll get him to confess some sordid secrets by the end of the day. (The three of them laugh)

HP: Well I didn't know you wanted sordid secrets. I'll dig out the juicy stories after lunch. (Harry teases) Anyway, what's everyone having for lunch?

We make our choices, and as I look around for a waitress to take our orders Harry hops up and with a wave wanders through a back door into the kitchen. Seeing my puzzled look, Ron pipes up.

RW: We're good friends with everybody here. Harry doesn't like to bother Claire too much. (Claire obviously being the waitress Harry greeted on entering the restaurant)

Harry returns a few minutes later with our drinks on a tray. It's a rather bizarre sight. The most famous and powerful wizard in generations serving us drinks. However, Hermione and Ron don't blink at the sight, and I begin to remember how Harry really was at school. He may have been `The-Boy-Who-Lived', but you'd never know it to talk to him or his friends. To them he's simply Harry, he's had a tough life, but he's their friend, and I think they'd beat him into shape if he got any designs of celebrity, or demanded special treatment, though I don't believe he ever has, or ever would. Harry for many is an enigma. People are blinded by the heroic stories, his youth, and no one can deny that Harry is incredibly attractive. His green eyes are startling in their intensity, and years of Quidditch most definitely did him good, as our readers seem to agree as Harry has topped the list of `Witch Weekly's' most eligible bachelor for the last four years running.

The three friends spend several minutes catching up on news from the last few days as I observe them and catch up on news of old friends from the Gryffindor Tower. Ron and Hermione are sharing amused glances and watching Harry intently, I observe them with a smile wondering what is going on. My question is half answered when Harry who has been fidgeting for several minutes stands up.

HP: I'm just going to check on things out back.

RW: This may be a new record Potter. You only lasted four minutes twenty-two seconds! (Ron and Hermione laugh and wink at one another and Harry sticks his tongue out at them)

HP: I'll be back in a bit. Why don't you quiz these two for a bit. They know everything about me anyway. Hermione knows me better than I know myself.

As Harry disappears through the doors again, Hermione looks at me with a smile.

HG: He didn't tell you yet then?

LB: Tell me what?

RW: This is Harry's restaurant.

LB: Harry owns a restaurant now?

HG: He's the Head Chef as well. But he's a bit obsessive. Every Friday he takes a day off, we come in for lunch but he can't resist heading back to the kitchen and cooking it himself. His assistant chef Jane is amazing, but he's a perfectionist.

LB: I can't see Harry as a chef? Can he really cook?

(They both smile knowingly)

RW: You wont believe the food.

HG: And coming from Ron `bottomless pit' Weasley, you know it must be good.

RW: Hey!

HG: You know it's true!

LB: When did Harry learn to cook then?

(They share an unreadable glance. A common occurrence among the trio. Outsiders have no clues to deciphering their coded looks and short-hand language at times. They seem to come to an unspoken decision, and Hermione speaks up.)

HG: Well, you know Harry lived with his only living relatives after his parents were killed?

LB: I vaguely remember. They're muggles?

HG: Yes. His Mother's sister, her husband, and Harry's cousin who's the same age as Harry. Well, how can I put this?

RW: Those people were never Harry's family. The way they treated him…

LB: He was treated badly?

HG: (softly) Lavender, until he was eleven Harry lived in the cupboard under the stairs. A tiny horrible dark cupboard. I wanted to cry when I saw it a few years later. They eventually allowed him to take his cousin's second bedroom, a small box room. He didn't have anything of his own. He wore his revolting cousin's old clothes, and he was treated as a slave. He cooked and cleaned for them, and they told people he went to a boarding school for criminal children. That was until they just locked him in his room for several summers and just fed him through a flap in the door…thank goodness Dumbledore put a stop to that. He probably would have done sooner, but Harry didn't tell anyone how bad it had gotten. We suspected, but they were practically starving him at one point.

LB: Oh my god. Really?

HG: Nothing he ever did was good enough for them. He had to live there until he was seventeen, but I suppose he got one good thing out of it as he learnt to cook, and whatever they did to him, by ignoring him and not loving him, they taught him to cook, and he loves to cook.

RW: We were always sneaking down to the kitchens at Hogwarts the three of us, with Ginny and Neville, and personally I just loved all the food, but around seventh year Harry would wander off and chat to the House Elves, especially Dobby and Winky of course…Get the pumpkin pie for dessert - they gave him their own secret recipe, and he only went and made it better. It makes you feel like you're sitting in the Great Hall at a Welcoming Feast.

Now looking around the restaurant I can see the Trio's influence, and I can see how Harry would feel at home here. And he does truly seem relax and happy, happier than I've ever known him to be.

LB: I take it you had a hand with the decorating then Hermione?

HG: Well he did ask for advice for some of the quotations, but most of this is all Harry. All my nagging in school must have paid off because he does read a lot more now. (She laughs) He's quite the little bookworm. Just don't get him started on any of his cookbooks - seriously. Not if you ever want to leave the kitchen…I mean it's fascinating but he gets so into it, the recipes he's combined adapted, invented…

(Her tone is teasing, but I know from her eyes that she couldn't be prouder of all that Harry has achieved here)

Anyway, enough about Harry, how are you doing? Still enjoying journalism?

LB: I couldn't be happier with it. I believe you yourself once told me I was never happier than when sticking my nose into other peoples business.

(Hermione blushes and laughs)

HG: Sorry about that one Lav. I've mellowed out quite a bit since then. We got along most of the time though, those six years sharing a dormitory.

LB: We did. I know Parvati and I drove you mad with all our giggling. You'll be pleased to know I've mellowed somewhat as well.

RW: How is Parvati? Are you still in contact with her?

LB: She's living in New York now, she and Padma. They adore it. We owl each other every few weeks and I've visited several times. What about all the other Gryffindors from our year. What's everyone up to now?

RW: Well Seamus I'm sure you've come across in the journalism world with his sports columns, He and I are always bumping into each other before and after games and at Quidditch benefits, and Wasp's official interviews and photo-calls. Dean actually got married last year, she's great, and he's working for the Ministry now. Which department was it again `Mione?

HG: Improper Use of Magic. You've taken one too many bludger to the head Ron, I always have to remind you about that.

RW: And you know what Neville's up to?

LB: No, we lost touch a few years back actually. How is he?

HG: He's great. He's a Medi-wizard at St. Mungo's now. He's done some pioneering research as well. You know how he always loved Herbology. He's really made a difference.

We're interrupted as Harry appears bearing several plates of food. The food looks amazing, and smells absolutely delicious. The taste doesn't disappoint, Harry Potter is an amazing chef. I look up to find him observing my reaction to the food.

LB: Well I never would have believed it Harry, but this is the best food I've eaten in years.

HP: I knew they'd tell you as soon as I went to the kitchen. (He smiles at his friends who grin guiltily)

LB: Well I was definitely surprised, but the place is great.

HP: Thanks. We like it. (He grins and returns to his own meal)

The conversation turns to Quidditch and Ron's upcoming training schedule with the Wimbourne Wasps. Obviously I can't go into detail here about strategies and tactics discussed, suffice to say that Harry made several pointed suggestion, Ron listened intently and the two discussed possible results while Hermione smiled and we reminisced about our Hogwarts years.

LB: Whatever happened with you and Victor Krum?

HG: (laughs) I should have known that Victor would come up. (Harry and Ron both look up at the mention of Krum's name and Hermione laughs again, they turn back to their conversation guiltily) Those two were so overprotective of me, but Victor and I are still friends, we owl each other every so often.

LB: Ah but you didn't answer my question Hermione.

HG: Well that was deliberate! Ok, well e met during the Tri-Wizard tournament and he was my date for the Yule Ball that year. I spent a few weeks with his family in Bulgaria over that summer. We dated for a while but it wasn't going to work out. We remained friends though.

LB: What is it about you that seems to attract the most famous wizards of out generation?

HG: (looks puzzled for a moment) Oh you mean, Victor and these two I suppose. Well I don't think of them as famous. Victor and Ron may be Quidditch Stars but I've seen them at their worst, I guess I just treat them same as I would treat anyone else instead of fawning over them as people do when they just look at the fame and not the person beneath it.

LB: You didn't mention Harry there. Everyone I've spoken to about Harry says you're the person he's closest to.

HG: (She looks at Harry sitting next to her and smiles) Yes we're close, he's my best friend. I completely forget he's famous most of the time, when we're sitting around talking.

LB: You must spend a lot of time together as your office is in his home?

(Harry interrupts and slings his arm casually around Hermione's shoulders)

HP: You could say that! How many days in the last four years have I not seen you `Mione?

HG: Um, I think it's five now.

LB: Seriously? There have only been five days in the last four years that you haven't seen each other?

HG: Yes. (Harry's now returned to discussing racing brooms with Ron) We work around each other.

LB: It's never been a problem with dating? How much time you spend at Harry's house?

HG: It would be a bit of problem if it were as I live there! (She chuckles)

LB: You live with Harry?

HG: Yes, I've lived there for about three years now. That place is definitely too big for one person.

LB: Do you argue?

HG: Not often, and when we do it tends to be over ridiculous things like who's turn it is to wash up after dinner, even though it just takes a flick of the wand. Though he once didn't speak to me for two days.

LB: Why was that?

HG: (She blushes) Well he interrupted me when I was working.

LB: Ah, he warned me never to do that. Which particular hex did you use?

HG: Well he usually doesn't mind too much when I hex him, if he wanted to he could block them all anyway, but I was up against a deadline and I was in a foul mood so I shouted at him for about five minutes solid and said I never wanted to see him again. He just stood there in silence, then handed me the drink he's brought me and left the room. The man knows how to work a guilt trip I can tell you. By the end of the two days I stooped so low as to attempt to cook him dinner in apology, if you'd ever seen me in a kitchen you'd know that's a big step. Cooking is one thing I've never mastered; maybe that's why we live together so I don't have to cook! (She grins cheekily. Harry leans over)

HP: I heard that.

HG: I know. You have freakishly good hearing Potter. (He grins and kisses the top of her head before returning to talking with Ron)

LB: I take it he forgave you for the incident then?

HG: Yes.

LB: I'm curious about your writing. You write Muggle Novels?

HG: Most of the time yes. I am working a novel that will be possibly be published in the Wizarding press, and if that's successful I might re-publish my other novels in the Wizarding World. I'm a bit wary of it all though; I can ignore my slight fame in the Muggle World, and I've managed to fade away from the spotlight in the Wizarding World in recent years, I'm not sure how ready I am to take a step back towards it, but I can't avoid it forever.

LB: I haven't heard of any of your work, yet I keep up to date with Muggle news.

HG: Ah, well I write under a pen name. I was incredible nervous about publishing my first novel, and after it was successful it wasn't practical to publish under my real name.

LB: Can you tell me you pen name?

HG: Well, there are several quotations from my second novel around the walls in here, and a copy of my first novel is actually in the table we're sitting at. I'd rather you didn't print it though.

I am more than a little surprised to recognise the pages of the book below my plate, as I own a copy, in fact I've read and enjoyed three of Hermione's books. They are critically acclaimed as becoming modern classics in the Muggle World and incredibly intelligent and well-written, but should we expect anything less from a woman who graduated with the second largest number of NEWTS ever awarded by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The novels will undoubtedly be a success in the Wizarding World.

Harry and Ron wind up their Quidditch discussion as Ron prepares to head home. The Trio makes plans for dinner with the rest of the Weasley clan for Sunday and exchange hugs. Harry runs off to the kitchen just before Ron leaves and returns with a white box, which is revealed to contain one of his pumpkin pies for Ron and his girlfriend Megan Rest (Assistant Manager of the Wimbourne Wasps)

Harry, Hermione and I remain and eat delicious dessert. I can now personally vouch for the pumpkin pie, which is indeed better than even Hogwart's pie. We prepare to leave the restaurant, all decidedly full but happy.

HP: `Mione, I'm heading to Diagon Alley before I go food shopping, do you need anything?

HG: Ooh actually, I think that book I ordered should be in Flourish and Blotts now, and can you pick up a few quills?

HP: Sugar or writing?

HG: (She grins) A few of both?

HP: Sure. See you in a few hours. Any requests for dinner?

HG: Whatever you feel like making. I'm only going to work for a few hours this afternoon so I'll see you both in a bit.

Hermione hugs the both of us goodbye, but stops to talk quickly with the waitress who laughs and hugs her before she disappears through the doors. Harry watches her go with a smile.

LB: So we're off on a shopping excursion then?

HP: If you don't mind? But it's what I tend to do on a Friday.

Harry and I walk the short distance to Diagon Alley and discuss favourite foods. I begin to understand Hermione and Ron's teasing comments as Harry is definitely passionate about his work, and we're soon discussing different culinary movements and favourite foods. On arriving at the Leaky Cauldron Harry receives several stares and curious glances. He simply waves in greeting to Tom the barman, and heads out the back. As we walk down Diagon Alley the glances and whispers continue. I overhear several witches and wizards. “Is it really?”, “Harry Potter! Wow! He really has the scar!” Harry takes it all in his stride and I remember that he has dealt with this kind of attention since his introduction to the Wizarding world at age eleven. He follows my gaze and now notices two teenage witches following us rather unsubtly. He smothers a chuckle.

HP: Not these two again…they've somehow caught onto my routine. They're here most Friday's. They're rather sweet, harmless, but it can get a bit tiring.

LB: Do people often follow you?

HP: Not too often. Though right after the war ended it was much worse. I couldn't go shopping without getting mobbed. I had to break out the transfiguration disguises for a few months but it got better. People do approach me though. I went through a phase of being irritated by it, but they're such nice people, and I was once rude to a couple who wanted my autograph, I regretted it immediately, not only because of the look Hermione gave me. I tracked the couple down and apologised…It can be difficult, as some people ask questions I'd really rather not answer, they want to know about the war, and it brings back incredibly painful memories, the loss of so many I was close to, and even those I didn't know, it's hard to deal with. These two following us are sort of my unofficial fan club I think, Ron teases me mercilessly about them, but I've got my own ammunition to tease him with, he was a little gang of Quidditch groupies who follow him from time to time, one even broke into the stadium and hid in his locker - gave him a fright when he opened it to get his robes and found her in there! (Harry laughs and winks at me)

LB: You called them your `unofficial fan club', do you know that there is actually a Harry Potter Fan Club?

HP: (looks horrified) Really? Oh Ron's never going to let me hear the end of this. I suppose I should write to them if there is…

We enter Flourish and Blotts and Harry begins to browse through the shelves. I'm flipping through a copy of a magazine when Harry's two fans approach me.

Girl1: Hi

LB: Hi

Girl2: Are you Harry's girlfriend?

LB: No, I'm a friend. I'm writing an article about Harry for Witch Weekly.

1: Really?

2: When will it be out?

LB: Wednesday. Why is it you follow Harry around?

1: Oh, we just really like him.

2: He talks to us sometimes!

LB: Really?

1: Yes he's so nice, and Hermione's really nice to us when she's with him

2: And he's gorgeous! (They giggle, and then blush, I turn and see Harry approaching explaining the blushing. Harry greets the two girls by name, and they beam at him.)

1: Where's Hermione today?

HP: She's working; she's nearly finished the next book. I'll tell her hello from you.

2: What's the interview about Harry?

HP: Ah, well Lavender here is following me around for the day and just asking me whatever she wants. That's about all I know. We'd better get going though; we've got a few more things to pick up.

Harry smiles at them and we head to the desk to pay for his purchases, his fans watch him with smiles. He chats to Mr. Blithe and collects Hermione's book and we stop and pick up a few more items, only becoming distracted when Harry stares like a kid in Honeydukes at a new racing broom being displayed in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. I laugh.

HP: What?

LB: Why don't you just buy the broom?

HP: Oh. I don't need a new broom, I only play Quidditch with friends now, and I have a few brooms at home. (He smiles guiltily)

LB: How many brooms are a few?

HP: Um, well I refuse to throw them out so I've got about seven…and I still have the pieces of my first broom, the Nimbus 2000 that was destroyed by the Whomping Willow…it's sentimental attachment. (He smiles sheepishly) Hermione just raised an eyebrow at me last time I came home with a new broom.

LB: She looks after you then?

HP: She makes fun of me more like! (He laughs) She teases me about not needing a new broom as I can still beat Victor on my old Firebolt. She does look after me though.

LB: You can beat Victor Krum riding a broom you've had since you were a teenager?

HP: Well Vicky's getting older now! (Harry laughs teasingly) No, Victor's a great Seeker, but we were all having a friendly game last year and I caught the Snitch before him riding my Firebolt as my latest broom was being repaired.

LB: Who else was playing in the game?

HP: Oh I can't remember exactly who was around that day, but Ron obviously, Megan, Fred and George, Charlie, Angelina, Katie, Ginny, Draco, a few more of the Wasps, Victor, Gabrielle…it was a big Weasley family game, and half the Wasps were around, we usually play a few times a month, just friendly games.

LB: It sounds like a Quidditch fans fantasy league…have you considered going back and playing Quidditch professionally, I know a lot of people expected you to after the talent you displayed during school games.

HP: There have been several offers, and I have considered several of them, but I love my job, and in my free time I still do some work for the Ministry. If I could find a balance between three jobs maybe I would play, but for now I'm happy playing friendly games. I have signed up for a big charity match though.

LB: You're playing? I heard St. Mungo's was in the planning stages of a Charity Tournament but I hadn't heard any details yet.

HP: Well Neville approached me about it, and asked if I'd sponsor the event as I work closely with some of the St. Mungo's charity foundations and it seemed like a good idea. I don't know all the details but I'm sure that most of the players from our friendly games will be involved as well as current Quidditch players, and a few retired players. It should be a fun reunion.

Harry tears himself away from the shop window and we head back to the Leaky Cauldron and back into Muggle London. Food shopping with Harry turns out to be quite an experience, most wizards simply get food magically delivered to their homes, but Harry wanders happily around the Muggle store without a list and picks out seemingly random items, whatever takes his fancy. Two hours later we are back at his home and Harry leads me into an enormous kitchen. He begins unpacking the numerous shopping bags into large, very organised cupboards and an enormous Muggle refrigerator. Packages fly around the room magically stowing themselves away. We chat as he works.

LB: So Harry, you've mentioned several times in passing that you still work for the Ministry, can you tell me what you do there?

HP: Ah, well actually I can't. My work is an extension of some work I did in the Auror Division, but I'm now what you might call a Part-Time Unspeakable.

LB: You're an Unspeakable?

HP: Yes.

LB: Well that explains you reticence to discuss your work. You obviously still possess great magical power, how often do you use your powers?

HP: (Looks at me surprised and then realises that he is commanding the flying objects through wandless magic) I tend to use my magic for everyday purposes, around the house, though I cook the Muggle way both at home and at work. I'll admit that I sometimes miss the kind of magic I was able to use as an Auror, duelling, but I've been known to help out in Auror training by duelling the new recruits for fun. (He grins)

LB: Have any of them ever beaten you?

HP: No

LB: Has anyone ever beaten you in a duel?

HP: Dumbledore was the last person who beat me in a full-fledged duel when he was teaching me, when I was sixteen. Before that a few people beat me, I escaped a duel I was losing against Voldemort when I was fourteen, and I lost concentration a few times during practice duels. Hermione was the last person to use magic against me, but I could block most of her hexes if I needed to, she knows I'd never be able to hex her, well, other than a well-timed tickle curse every now and again when she nags me about the state of the bathroom…

(Hermione's entrance to the kitchen is timed perfectly)

HG: Well you know you left wet towels on the floor again this morning…

HP: I just like to make you feel needed. You love clearing up after me really… (He grins)

HG: (sarcastically) Yeah that's what it is I'm sure.

HP: Did you work out the problem with that last chapter?

HG: Yes, thank goodness. It was beginning to get on my nerves, I had to rewrite the final section of the previous chapter but I think it works now. Will you read it later?

HP: Of course. Your quills and book are in the bag on the table.

HG: Thanks; I'll just put them in the office.

LB: Can I see the office?

HG: Sure, it's this way.

Hermione's office is everything I would have expected. Two walls are filled with books from floor to ceiling, and the wall facing the garden is all glass. The large antique wooden desk faces this glass wall, and is currently littered with sheaf's of parchment covered in Hermione's elegant script. A simple black quill sits next to the parchment, the only decorations in the room other than the books, are a collection of photographs along the back of the desk, pictured are a couple I recognise to be Hermione's parents, a candid shot of Harry, Ron and Ginny dressed in Gryffindor Quidditch robes, a shot of Harry and Hermione hugging and smiling at one another, and a group shot obviously taken at one of the extended Weasley family gatherings. Sitting in Hermione's desk chair is a very familiar looking ginger cat.

LB: Crookshanks?

HG: (smiles) Yes, I still have Crookshanks.

LB: Grumpy old cat seems to have mellowed out a bit.

HG: (chuckles) He's a softy really, he's just very picky about whom he's nice to.

LB: Does Harry still have Hedwig? (Harry's distinctive Snowy Owl)

HG: Yes, I sent her out on a few deliveries this morning. She's the most remarkable owl…(pauses, and looks at me worriedly) Lavender; I'm suddenly remembering that you don't like snakes…

LB: I can't stand them. Why?

HG: (nervously calls) Harry? (Harry appears a moment later looking worried)

HP: Are you ok?

HG: Lavender's afraid of snakes.

HP: (his eyes widen) Ah. Ok, I'll just shut this door then and I'll be back in a few minutes. (He shuts the door and I can hear strange hissing sounds from outside the door)

LB: Is that…?

HG: Um, you remember that Harry can speak Parseltongue?

LB: You have snakes just roaming around the house?

HG: It's just Romeo and Juliet. They're perfectly harmless, in fact Harry tells me they're vegetarians. We were walking past a Muggle pet shop one day when he just stopped and dragged me in. The two of them were being kept in these tiny horrible cages separate from one another. Harry had heard their calls for help. We obviously couldn't leave them there in that cruelty, so they came home with us, they have free reign of the house pretty much.

LB: You don't mind two snakes slithering around the house?

HG: It was a bit of a shock the first few times I found them in the bathtub but I know they wouldn't hurt me, and they're fiercely loyal to Harry. If anyone threatens him they're right there at his heels. Juliet has been known to hiss at me if I'm arguing with Harry. (She laughs) They really are adorable, they're always together. He'll just be calling them now, if he asks them to stay in one place for a while they'll just curl up and sleep there until he calls them again, you don't need to worry about them.

LB: Anymore pets I should know about?

HG: Well Beaky spends quite a bit of time in our garden, but I think he's off visiting Hagrid at the moment.

LB: Beaky? That sounds familiar.

HG: Ah, well you met Beaky in our third year at Hogwarts. He was the Hippogriff Harry rode. He was in hiding with Sirius for a long time, and he remained in the house after Sirius' death. He's free now, but we leave him food and things. You'll probably remember Fawkes as well?

LB: Dumbledore's Phoenix?

HG: Yes, He attached himself to Harry when Albus died. Fawkes had always been very fond and protective of Harry. I'd take you to see him but he only started his rebirth this morning so he's rather fragile.

(Harry knocks and opens the door)

HP: Sorry about that. I didn't think to warn you Lavender. Romeo and Juliet are both upstairs now, they wont come down until after you leave.

Harry steps aside so that we can leave the room, and we walk back to the kitchen. I turn and notice Harry and Hermione walking side by side, Harry's hand subconsciously resting in the small of Hermione's back. Neither seems aware of the gesture. They are completely comfortable with one another, a fact that is reiterated as Harry begins to cook, Hermione weaves past him to get to the fridge to get us drinks, instinctively ducking under his arm as he reaches into a cupboard above her. They share a quick smile. A few moments later Harry opens his mouth to ask something, but Hermione passes him the knife from the counter behind her without him needing to ask. I am distracted from our friendly discussion of the upcoming Ministerial election by a nagging feeling that I'm missing something vital in my observation of Harry's life. It is only a few minutes later when I begin to suspect just what that thing is. Harry is just serving a delicious looking Chicken Alfredo onto plates, he passes a plate to Hermione and though it's only a millisecond, their hands touch and they share a look which speaks volumes. I'm stunned for a moment, then I think back to their easy conversation throughout the day, Harry's comments regarding dating and family, and most telling, the photograph of the two of them in Hermione's office. I wait a few moments, considering how to ask them about it as we eat. But Hermione, always one step ahead has picked up on my thoughtfulness.

HG: Have you guessed yet? I bet Harry you'd figure it out before the end of the day.

HP: How do you know she's guessed? (Hermione raises an eyebrow in reply and he laughs)

LB: So how long have you two been dating?

HG: Told you so. (She grins and sticks her tongue out teasingly at Harry)

HP: (Smiling) Two and a half years.

LB: You've managed to keep it a secret for that long?

HG: Well not really. Ron guessed after a day, and apparated off to tell all our friends and family in great excitement! (She giggles) But we didn't feel like being the centre of attention.

LB: So why tell people now? (They share a glance and Hermione nods at Harry apparently in answer to a silent question)

HP: Well, it seemed easier at first not to tell anyone about us, and we loved being able to be together without being hassled. But it just seemed like the right time to come out in the open, as I'm sure quite a lot of people have guesses anyway, the amount of time we spend together. Also, it wont be long before some enterprising Wizard with connections to the Muggle world breaks the news, and we wanted to be in control of that.

LB: What news exactly? (Harry takes Hermione's hand and smiles at her)

HP: We got married two weeks ago. (I look back down at their entwined fingers as Harry speaks and as he does so a white gold wedding band and a dazzling emerald engagement ring suddenly appear on Hermione's ring finger. Hermione sees my surprise and grins, holding out her left hand for me to take a look)

HG: Only people we've told can see the rings.

LB: You're married? (They both laugh at my look of shock, having only discovered they were dating moments before.)

LB: Congratulations! Do you know, Parvati always said you two would end up together.

HP: Maybe she wasn't so bad at Divination after all. (Laughs)

LB: So tell me all about it. Hermione, you can't simply announce a marriage, show me some stunning rings and leave it at that! I need details hunny…

(Harry stands and begins collecting the plates together; placing them in the sink, and with a flick of his wand the dishes are cleaning themselves. He moves to stand behind his wife and kisses the top of her head.)

HP: Why don't we go through to the living room?

Now that I'm aware of the relationship between the pair it is glaringly obvious that they are madly in love. I take a seat in a large armchair as they curl up next to one another on the sofa.

LB: I take it that it was a small wedding?

HP: There were 30 guests. Our closest friends, surrogate family, and Hermione's family and some Muggle friends and the restaurant staff. Though we only invited them all a week before the wedding.

LB: Why such short notice?

HP: Well we'd only been engaged for three days and only Hermione's parents actually knew about that. They helped us out with the arrangements.

HG: We just thought that we were engaged and we wanted to get married, so why wait? It seemed easy to just organise everything, as we didn't want any fuss. Originally we thought of telling people the day before, but we wanted everyone to be able to make it. It wouldn't have been right if a single one of them had been missing.

LB: So where did the ceremony take place?

HG: Well it seems a bit odd to some people, but we were married in London Zoo.

LB: The Zoo?

HG: Yes, well we both love wandering around there on days off, and we found out you can be married in a beautiful small private garden. They strung lights everywhere, and some friends of mine from home have a band and they played…it was perfect.

HP: I know everyone would expect us to have some big blow out wedding, but that's just not us. We'd be horribly uncomfortable in circumstances like that. The Zoo was just right, and I got to stop by and visit some old friends in the reptile house.

LB: Well it certainly doesn't sound conventional, but I'll admit it sounds quite lovely, the ideal wedding for you two.

Hermione draws her wand and mutters an incantation and a moment later a photograph album comes zooming through the doorway having been summoned. The three of us crowd around the album and the photographs enchant me as they show perhaps the happiest group of people I've ever seen. The happy couple are positively glowing with happiness, they appear relaxed and are never more than a foot away from one another in the images.

We spend the rest of the evening looking through not only their wedding album but other photograph albums charting their years at Hogwarts and beyond, Harry even showing me a much treasured possession, a photograph album compiled by Rubeus Hagrid of photographs of his parents and their friends, laughing over images, and telling stories of both The Trios adventures, and some rather similar adventures of The Marauders.

Looking at the new Mr and Mrs. Potter, their happiness is clearly visible, and they really are truly perfect for one another. Both incredibly intelligent and magically talented, yet both are down-to-earth and have no interest in fame of it's trappings. They have everything they need in their London home, with their menagerie of magical creatures, yet they have definitely not lost their sense of humour or cunning as I ask them one final question.

LB: No honeymoon?

HP: Actually, we're leaving for the honeymoon on Monday.

HG: Once my book is complete, and just in time to be far away from the country when this story is published! (They share mischievous grins and I remember that The Trio always did have a remarkable ability for avoiding trouble after their adventures and secret excursions)

I laugh and after wishing them both well we hug goodbye.

Well after seven years sharing a house with Harry Potter I could have predicted that a day spent with him would certainly be eventful, but I would never had predicted that Harry would be a talented chef, and that he and Hermione would be blissfully happy newlyweds. These are two individuals who have avoided all of the pitfalls, which can befall young individuals forced into the spotlight, and displaying courage and wisdom way beyond their years have found what many of us will be searching for for many years to come