Unofficial Portkey Archive

A/N: This chapter may break me in some people's eyes. I explain a lot here, in a relatively short amount of time, or at least that is how I see it. This chapter will help explain Sirius coming from the red orb, and I changed brainflows during this chapter, just trust me that everything will make sense. Read and Review please.

Chapter Eleven:

Return of Prongs

"It's a dangerous business going out your front door." - J. R. R. Tolkien

"What did you say?" Serge asked.

"I said Hermione is my home," Harry said confused. What was so wrong with that? He felt safe and calm with Hermione. He believed that his home was supposed to be like that.

"Harry, do you understand what Dumbledore said to you about your mother's protection?" Serge said, moving to the desk. He began to fish for something within the bag as Harry thought about what the protection did.

"He said that the protection would be up as long as I…." Harry's voice trailed off as he came to the realization. "My home is not with my mother's blood."

"And if I don't contact someone soon, we'll be in deep shit," Serge said, pulling out what looked like a walkie-talkie. "Guile you better be on the other fuckin' end, over." He said into it as he searched through the bag some more. "I assume you didn't bring your wand."

"I always have it," Harry said, pulling it out from behind his back. The sound of Mad-eye Moody yelling "CONSTANT VIGILANCE" rang through his ears. "And I've got my wandless magic."

"That should be fine for now," Serge said, pulling out what looked like a large pistol. "Called a magnum. Shots can pierce a steel wall six inches thick. Especially with the enhancements I've given to it." He went back to searching through the bag and pulled out another pistol as well several other types of guns. "Catch." He said, tossing Harry a gun. "Don't worry, that has rubber bullets in it. Should not hurt as much, will just give someone a very large and very painful welt. Possible break the skin from a close distance."

"This is Guile, over." The walkie-talkie said.

"Well thanks for takin' a fuckin' long time. I need you to warn my grandfather that the protection is gone, over." Serge said, looking over at Hermione. "And tell Hermione not to worry, Harry's fine at the moment, over."

"Roger," Guile said through some static.

"Now, I don't expect anything at the moment, but just to be safe, we are going to stay here," Serge said to Harry.

"I highly doubt that they are watching this place twenty-four-seven. How much long do we have to stay?" Harry asked, placing the gun on the bed stand. He did not like the cold metal in his hands. It just felt wrong to have such power in his hands. He had seen enough movies or glimpses of to know that they were dangerous.

"A long time," Serge said, shaking his head. "And that is what troubles me."

* * * * *

"What?" Hermione screamed as she listened to the conversation Dumbledore just had with Guile. He had appeared in the middle of attempting to cheer her up, but she preferred to sulk at the moment. That moment was over. "It's gone?"

"I'm afraid that it is," Dumbledore said in a soft voice. Hermione immediately turned toward her father, fury in her eyes.

"You made sure that I couldn't go with him," Hermione cried as the tears began to fall. "He is in the house of his nightmares and if anything happens to him, mentally or physically, I'm blaming you."

"Dear, please relax," Mrs. Granger said to her oldest daughter.

"Don't tell me to relax," Hermione said. "The man I love is now in danger because you wouldn't let me go with him."

"What do you mean?" Dumbledore asked. Hermione turned to look at him and some of her fury calmed.

"He's already told me I'm his home," Hermione said wiping away some of the tears. "And from what you've told me, he must call the place of his mother's blood home. If I was there, it still would be his home." She sank to her knees, crying into her hands. "It's all my fault." Her mother wrapped her in a hug as Mister Granger stood over them.

"It's not your fault, honey, it's his," Mister Granger said. Hermione's face snapped up at once, her eyes filled with a cold fury again.

"It isn't and never will be his fault," Hermione said, calmly. It betrayed her true emotions, ones of hate and anger all directed at her father for his words and actions. "You're keeping me from my love, my life and my home. I will not leave him alone, nor will I ever betray him. I love him!" She screamed the last part at her father before falling to the floor once more McGonagall gathered her granddaughter in a hug as her daughter stood up from the floor.

"Before you say another word, let me speak," Mrs. Granger said. Her husband closed his mouth and stared ahead at his wife. "We had this same fight before she left to comfort Harry. If you have not noticed or been to blind by protecting your daughter from the supposed dangers that young men can bring to her. Hermione has faced more in the past five years that either of us has seen in our lives. And throughout all of her stories and all of her tears, there was this very vivid concern and care for a boy by the name of Harry James Potter. The same boy you threatened yesterday to stay away from our daughter. I love you Charles, and I always will, but if you jeopardize our daughter's chances of happiness because of your fear of losing her, so help me."

"I will not let some boy hurt our daughter," Mister Granger said after finding his voice.

"He's not hurt her, you are," Mrs. Granger said, pointing at their daughter. "I too had my doubt about her dating, but this isn't about that. It never was. She did go with that one boy in her fourth year, but only because he had asked her before Harry did. That is what she had told us, and after the way he treated her, we didn't want that to happen again. But when we walked into this house to see Hermione with the largest smile on her face I've ever seen because of that young man with her, I knew that they were in love. Because she had the same smile on her face, as I still do when I'm with you." Tears were running down Hermione's mother's cheeks at the moment. She was just beginning to get control over her emotions as her father wrapped her mother in a hug.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so sorry."

Guile burst into the room, but what caught Hermione's eye was that he was not running. He was floating a good half foot above the ground. He immediately went over to Dumbledore's side and his feet returned to the ground. The pale expression on Dumbledore's face did not do anything to help quench her growing fears.

"Hermione come with me this moment," Dumbledore said, gliding from the room himself. "Minerva I want you to alert the Order, tell them to immediately go to Pivet Drive, Number Four."

"What happened?" Hermione asked as they stopped in front of a large fireplace.

"We're are about to find out," Dumbledore said, picking up a small handful of Floo Powder. He entered the fireplace, which grew to accommodate them both. "Hold onto me please." Hermione nodded, shaking from fear of what she was going to find. "Vernon Dursley residence." He said in a stoic voice. He threw down some of the powder and Hermione felt them being pulled.

As she tumbled out of the Dursley's fireplace, she was picked up and pulled away. She vaguely saw Dumbledore running behind her as she started to scream. The fireplace exploded once seconds after Dumbledore let it.

"Mione, relax," Harry said, putting her down. She immediately stopped screaming and buried her head in his chest, clinging to him desperately. "Get down." Harry pushed them both to the floor, held his wand raised as two Death Eaters attacked through the back door. "Stupefy! Stupefy!" He yelled.

"Nice shot," Serge said, hoping down from a hole in the ceiling.

"What's going on here?" Dumbledore asked as Serge ran off with what Hermione thought to be two sub-machine guns.

"Well, you better stay down," Harry said, pulling out a small orb from his pocket. It was white, but not unlike the red ones that Hermione saw Serge give him before his bout with Ron. "Serge, I need two more."

"Give me time," he said. They heard a grunt, followed by the sound of several hundred clips being unleashed into the night. "Bastards keep coming and coming."

"Let's tie them up before we talk." Dumbledore flicked his wand, summoning ropes. Harry smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you." He said this as he slide the orb back into his pocket.

"What's going on?" Hermione asked, clinging to Harry again. For the first time, she noticed the grim and dust that covered him. There was a small cut above his left brow, but he did not seem to notice or care.

"We think it's a combination of siege with both Muggle and Wizard tech," he said, looking out the back door, or what remained of it. "The Muggles don't see it because Serge made me cast as spell that would prevent them."

"You put up a ward?" Hermione asked as he pulled her closer. He nodded once, looking around again.

"Two down, one left," Serge yelled over the dropping shells.

"When did this start?" Dumbledore asked, still one the ground

"About two maybe three hours ago," Harry said, standing up. He pointed his wand out of the door. "Cover your eyes." He said. Hermione did as she was told and vaguely saw something that would haunt her for years to come. The bloody cubby hand of someone crushed underneath the weight of the now fallen wall. " Hermione!" She quickly did as she was told, trying to block out the images.

"God forgive me." Harry whispered to himself. "Solaris strages!" The sounds of screams echoed through his mind. He was told himself that it was war, and people were hurt in war. `That doesn't make it right." He told himself as he knelt next to Hermione. Looking at the limb hand of his cousin, he let out a deep sigh. He hated them yes, but not enough to wish for their deaths. And the look in Hermione's face made him realize she had seen it two.

"They were sitting at the table, when they attacked from above. Serge was thrown through the floor, and on top of Dudley," he said, holding his pain in. No tears would fall for his cousin, but that did not mean it did not hurt. "Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia both were killed with the Killing Curse." He grimaced at the new forming memories. "But not before watching their son die. He saved them you know?" he looked at Hermione who was helping Dumbledore off the floor.

"You mean his parents?" Hermione said, wrapping her arms around him. He nodded.

"I was down here, talking with them, trying to get them to reason with the notion of leaving here," he said, looking at the dirtied counter. "Dudley pushed them out of the way of the falling debris. Two curses came through the windows to hit them before they knew what else happened. And we've been fighting a losing battle since." He looked at the professor, who was gazing around the room, looking through all of the windows. His eyes fell to two people covered in blankets.

"I'm sorry for having you to go through this Harry," Dumbledore said shaking his head as he looked out the back door. "You'll have to forgive an old man."

"I did the moment I found out," Harry said with the smallest of smiles. "I knew that you'd never send me somewhere were I could get hurt. The Dursley's were an outside force that was not expected."

"It's done chief, and its night, lets start that light show!" Serge yelled. The sound of the shells dropping stopped.

""Will you keep her safe?" Harry looked at Dumbledore who just nodded. He started to walk out of the kitchen, only to be tackled by Hermione.

"Don't go, please don't go," Hermione said, crushing him. "Don't get hurt."

"I won't be," he said with a small smile.

"How do you know?" Hermione asked, pulling her head out of his chest. He just smiled at her and took out the small white orb again.

"We're ending it Hermione. The siege will end; no one else will be hurt." She nodded, but did not release him. "I need to do this Hermione, for you. To keep you safe."

"Hermione, let him go," Dumbledore said. She nodded, allowing the Headmaster to pull her back slowly and Harry to back up.

"I'll be back love, I promise," he said, taking off in the direction of the front door. The look in her eyes gave him the strength he needed to do this. This was war, and this war was for her, for them. It was so they could live happily ever after, like in the fairy tales he had heard about.

"Dad, I need you're help now," he said, looking down at the orb in his hands. Concentrating, Harry began to send his magic and energy through the orb, drawing his hands together in front of him. He watched as the Death Eaters began to surround him, as did the light. "God forgive me for my actions." Harry said, pushing the final amount of energy he had left into the orb. The light began to grow bright and larger, swallowing the Death Eaters. He opened his eyes at the sound of hooves planting themselves on the ground. Feeling his own feet touch the ground, he choked back the tears and smiled at the stag in front of him.

Without saying a word, Harry moved his hand up to touch the stag, who just stared at him for a moment before moving into the touch. "Dad?" Harry asked, still in shock. The stag nodded, and with a twinkle in his eyes, turned toward Death Eaters who still were closing in on them. Rearing up on his hind legs, Prongs tore into a groups of Death Eaters with a fury Harry could only imagine. One Death Eater attempted to curse the stag, who plowed into him in a matter of moments. As time passed, Harry realized the ground was lighting up with each step the stag took. Shining in a bright light, the stag easily dispatched the remainder of the Death Eaters.

Hermione vaguely saw the form of Harry's Patronus charm on the field, but there were no Dementors, so why would he summon it? Tears falling down his face, she knew her place and tore out of the house after him. "I'm here Harry, I'm here."

"Mione?" Harry asked as his knees gave out. The stag turned around as the final Death Eaters disappeared and walked back to them. Aurors and Order member began to appear. Most were taken back at the disheveled shape. "Mione, meet my Dad." The stag knelt slightly in front of his, lifting her hand with his head. She petted him gently, tears falling down her own face as she realized, by some means, Harry had brought his father back to life. A bright light and before them stood James Potter.

"Hello son," James said with a large smile. Harry was off the ground, standing up before his father. "You can hug me if you want to." There was nervousness in his voice, but Harry did not hesitate. He surrounded his father in a bear hug. A sense of warmth filled him. "It's feels good to finally be able to do that. I'm going to miss it so much."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked as the tears began to fall again. "You're back. That's all the matters."

"I'll be leaving soon," James said with a sad smile. "You must be Hermione Granger." He looked over at her, the smile shining. "I'm glad my son found you. You're what he needs, what he'll always need in life."

"Thank you, Mister-" Hermione started, but was silence by a hug.

"Call me Dad," James said. "You've grown so big Harry, I'm sorry we weren't there for you like we should've been, but remember we love and we've always have." He lifted his son's face to look at him. "I'll be back whenever you need me. Three shines of a star and I'm there." Harry nodded, hugging his father tighter.

"Tell Mum I love her," Harry said. Hermione watched through her own tears as James began to fade.

"Tell Remus that he'll be a great father," James said with a knowing smile. Harry looked puzzled for a moment as he father ruffled his hair. "Goodbye my son, and Happy Birthday." James began to fade out of sight.

"Goodbye….Dad…." His voice trailed off as James disappeared completely. His tight hug caught Hermione and he felt himself fall to the ground, his knees giving way.

Hermione held onto Harry with everything she had. It had been hard for her to listen to Harry's father say she was what he needed, but it must have been even worse for Harry to finally see his father and them lose him again. She saw Serge walking out of the house, holding two duffle bags as he walked over to the remains of a convertible.

"Aw, those bastard wreck my car," Serge said, throwing the bags into the back of the car. Hermione could see a great deal of hole in the side of the car as well as burns.

"It appears that you did the most damage to it yourself," Dumbledore said with a chuckle that lasted only momentarily. "Are you okay Harry?"

"I saw my Dad," he said. The tears were finally stopping; he was now able to take in everything he heard, everything he saw. "He was here. He saved us."

"Your father appeared, like your Patronus," Dumbledore said thinking for a moment. Harry nodded, showing the now dull white orb in his hand. "I see my grandson has shown you another why to focus magic. Or rather focus the bodies energies."

"There is more to it than that," Harry said shaking his head. "I think it focuses memories as well. But my father never knew Hermione though?"

"Well, the ones we love never truly live us, and they're always watching over us," Dumbledore said, kneeling down to eye-level.

"Nope, you're wrong," Serge said, coming over to them. "These don't channel memories. Summons channel spirits. Whether human, animal or mystical, they channel spirits. So if Harry saw his father, he probably did see his father." He walked back into the house.

"Why does he just give us partial information?" Hermione asked. "He just gives us some then leaves us hanging for more."

"Just the way he is," Dumbledore said with a chuckle.

"Harry!" Lupin said, rushing over to him. Tonks wasn't too far behind him. "Are you alright?" Harry nodded, standing up.

"I guess I am," he said as he helped Hermione up. "Prongs helped me." He smiled at Hermione who hugged his tightly.

"What?" Lupin said. Shock was written across his face. "how?"

"I really don't know, but he showed up and saved us," Harry said. "I now just need to see my mother, and I'll have finally said goodbye to them all." Tears were falling, and he felt Hermione wiping them off of his face. He gave her a smile, holding her tighter.

"He also said that you'd make a great father," Harry said, looking between Tonks and Lupin. Tonks was blushing madly at the moment and Lupin's face had turned paler.

"How did he know?" Lupin said looking at Tonks, who blushed deeper.

"You mean…." Harry's voice dropped out as Hermione squealed. Tonks nodded as Lupin wrapped his arms around her, whispering the same thing over and over again. Tonks lifted her hand to show the engagement ring. Tears were in her eyes.

"I found out this morning," she said through her tears.

"So in some sense, you're my godmother?" Harry asked, looking at Tonks. She nodded, as he gave her an awkward smile. "Can I welcome you to the family?" Harry asked, opening his arms.

"You really don't have a choice Harry," Lupin said with a laugh, pulling them both into a hug. "You two Hermione. Got to know my godson's girlfriend right?" She blushed at this as she was pulled into the hug. As they pulled apart, Harry felt a warmth rise within him. He now had a family. Lupin and Tonks would look out for him, and Hermione…Hermione would be Hermione, his light, his angel….his everything.

"Thank you Mione, for being with me," Harry whispered as he watched Serge exit the house and place the remains of his books in the back of the car. The cave in had done a number on his room, which probably was the intention.

"Alright," Serge said, wiping his hands. "I doubt that they need us here anymore, and I feel like some Chinese food."

"You are probably right, let's head back to my home," Dumbledore said with a smile. He had been look at the damaged front of the Dursleys's.

"They never deserved this," Harry said looking at the house as well.

"I agree, but I must say, that I'm grateful that no one else was killed," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "But you have some explaining to do. What is this about a ward?" Everyone but Serge turned to look at him.

"Well, Serge told me the spell, and I just used it," Harry said, pointing to the older man.

"What spell?" Dumbledore asked a twinkle in his eye.

"It was...." Harry's voice trailed off as he thought. "I think `vigil invisibilis.'" He nodded, not taking in Dumbledore's look of shock, nor Hermione for that matter. "That's it."

"How did you do that?" Hermione asked, surprised at him.

"Well, I tried it once, and it didn't work, but then Serge told me to cast it the same way I would a Patronus: gather my happiest moment and then execute the charm."

"You used emotion to use the charm?" Lupin asked, still confused. Harry nodded, still thinking.

"That's what he told me to do, otherwise I guess the charm would not have worked," Harry said, looking happily down at Hermione. "Thank you." He kissed her lightly on the lips, causing her to blush.

"For what?" Hermione said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"For helping me find something I needed to know," Harry said. He broke the gaze and looked over at Dumbledore. "I think I found it sir."

"Did you really?" Dumbledore said with a chuckle. "Well, let's return to the manor for the night, and we'll enjoy a quiet dinner. The order will be meeting this weekend, Harry, and you are invited, as are you Hermione."

"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked as Dumbledore created an emergency Portkey.

"I'll tell you tonight I'm not sure exactly, but for now, I feel like I may have the edge I need," Harry said with a smirk. "But right now, I want to take a nice long shower." Harry kissed her lightly on the lips once more as he took hold of the Portkey. She blushed again and took hold of the Portkey, hoping her father would not tear into her boyfriend (the word still caused her to smile) when they returned to Dumbledore's.

The familiar tug to the navel, and they had returned to the manor. Harry helped steady Hermione who almost fell to the ground. He found himself greeted by Hermione's family, and the remainder of his, Hagrid. Hagrid greeted him with a bear-hug, to which to he responded with the same.

"What happened?" McGonagall asked, as Dumbledore gave her a weary smile.

"We shall discuss everything this weekend," he said, calmly. "But for now, all I'll say is they are safe and Voldemort has claimed three more lives." Hagrid flinched at the name. "The Dursleys are dead." Harry knew he should feel worse, but he in one sense could not feel happier. He was not going back to them, never again would he be treated like he was. Finally maybe he could rest those demons.

"Hermione!" Her parents rushed up to hold onto her, making sure she was alright. Her mother took her into a hug, and as much as it felt good to see them again, Hermione could not help but see Harry talking solemnly to Hagrid. The gentle giant did his best as did Lupin and Tonks, but everyone knew that Harry want nothing more than to have his parents back. There was a pull at her heart as she watched Harry walk up the stairs, looking back at her slightly before continuing up the stairs.

Reassuring her parents of her safety, she told them she wanted to shower and headed up to her room. Making sure the door was closed behind her securely she headed to their bathroom, knowing Harry would not shower right away. She proceeded through the doors to Harry's room to find him on his bed, his head in his hands. As she approached to place a comforting hand on his shoulder, he flinched, and crawled away from her.

"Stay away," he sobbed. Hermione was taken back at his action. She knew he was hurting, but thought he would collapse in her arms like he had down when she first arrived here. "Please, I just stay away."

"Why?" Hermione asked, moving to the other side of the bed, only to Harry roll off of it and walk away from her. "Why are you pushing away from me?"

"You wouldn't understand," Harry said, looking out of the window. There was a storm approaching, and as much as she hated them, she needed to get over her fears at the moment to help Harry get over his.

"Try me," Hermione said, walking closer to him.

"Maybe your father was right, we-" Harry started, but was cut off.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence, Harry," Hermione said, forcing him to turn him around. "My father was wrong, dead wrong. Whatever he said, he was wrong."

"He's right Hermione, you are in danger because of me," Harry said, finally looking at her. She could see the tears falling down his face as lightning bolt hit and the thunder clapped. She jumped slightly, but continued nevertheless.

"No, I'm endanger because I am a Muggle-born, a Mudblood," Hermione spat. "To them, I'm nothing. I need you Harry. I need you to do what you do best."

"Hmph," Harry said, crossing his arms. "Kill the people who I love?"

"No, love me and protect me," Hermione said. "I need you in my life Harry, and you need me just as much."

"You're not safe with me," Harry said, trying to win the argument. But his heart flinched every time she did, with ever bolt of lightning or clap of thunder.

"That's were you're wrong," Hermione said, finally falling onto the floor. "I've never felt safer or more alive or more anything than with you. And….and…and it hurts Harry. It hurts when you're not by me. I feel like something is missing from me, something missing from my heart." She wiped her tears away, barely registering them. "Please don't leave me alone."

"Never," Harry said, finally giving into his heart. "I'm sorry I hurt you, please forgive me. I'm so sorry." He wrapped her in his arms as she cringed again from the storm raging outside.

"Just hold me Harry," Hermione said, trying to pull him closer. "You're-" She was cut off by a rather loud crash and bright bolt. She whimpered slightly, and climbed into Harry's lap. "Make it go away, please?" She looked up at him, with large puppy dog eyes.

"Don't like storms angel?" Harry said, drying her tears. She had put to rest a few of his demons. He knew they would fight time to time, and probably it would be over him protecting her too much. He knew she was not going to let him leave her, but he would be damned if he could not protect her. She shook her head as he kissed her head of hair. "Why not?"

"When I was little, I was in park playing by myself in the sandbox," Hermione said, looking up at Harry. She began to blush slightly as he stared at her. She had never told anyone about this, except her parents. They knew about it, and understood it as well. "It was cloudy to begin with, and I managed to convince my mother that I was big enough to go to the park by myself as she went shopping. The storm came so fast. I didn't really notice. I was building a castle for the brave man to rescue the princes in when it started." Harry smiled at the thoughts in his head. He had often asked for someone to rescue him. Her voice wavered for a moment. "It came for fast Harry. I didn't know what to do. I hid underneath a tree but that was struck by lightning. I thought I was going to die." Her tears fell freely now. She held onto him tightly as the storm seemed to increase. "Please make it go away Harry. Just make it go away." The need in her voice was too great. He was a lightning specialist after all, why shouldn't he be able to control the storm?"

"I'll do my best Mione," Harry whispered, kissing her forehead. Concentrating the best he could, Harry attempted to find it, the center of the storm. He knew he'd have to concentrate on that. He found it; somehow, he had found it. He could almost feel the wind, like he was riding on his Firebolt. The heat of the lightning bolts and deafening sound of the thunder crashes were easily recognized as well. "It's going to be fine, angel, everything will be fine." He whispered again. He found it, somehow he had found it, the center and after all the reading he had done on the subject, he could easily change the weather patterns.

The book was specifically on lightning specialists and he figured that there were similar ones for water, fire and shadow. But the book spoke how some specialists could create great storms if they concentrated hard enough and put enough energy into it. He figured he could do the same, except disperse the energy quicker and deplete the storm before it grew. "Come on, come on," he whispered to himself softly. He slowly the storm began to decrease but as it did, it required more of Harry's concentration to do so; to force the clouds apart was tiring alone, but having to force the rain to fall at a faster rate to dissipate them took even more out of him.

Hermione stopped shivering. The rain seemed to pick up outside, but the storm was ending. She let out a breath she did not even know she was holding. There was more to what had happened that day, but she never told anyone, not even her parents. It made her shudder just thinking about it. Shaking her head, she forced the memories back at the worn out smile Harry gave her.

"I did it love," he said, before falling onto his back.

"Harry?" Hermione said, getting off his lap and going to his side. His eyes were open and he was conscious, but that did not stop her worries. He gave her another worn smile.

"Hi," he said, panting slightly.

"Hi," she said, laying down next to him.

"You okay? The storm's gone," Harry said, the smile growing larger.

"Now I am," she said. "The question is are you okay? You seem tired."

"I am," he gave her a small smirk. "You would be too if you stopped a storm by yourself."

"What?" Her tears stopped as she stared at him. "You stopped it?"

"I read about it in a book," Harry said. "Didn't think it would be this tiring."

"Thank you," she kissed his forehead little. "Thank you for being my brave knight."

"Anything for my princess," Harry said, causing her to blush. "Can we stay here for a few moments? I need to just rest a bit before dinner." She nodded as he let out a long breath.

She lay next to him, watching him relax. He was not trying to sleep, just let his body rest for a moment before it started to work again. She did not understand how he did so, and she would have to read the book Harry was talking about, but she would find out everything she could about it, to prevent any further harm to him. Finally Harry sat up, but he still was breathing heavily.

"I need to shower, care to join me?" Harry asked, causing them both to blush. She shook her head, but kept a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Maybe later," she kissed his cheek. She stood up and helped him pull his body off the floor. "I need to shower as well, so don't take long."

"As you wish," he said, kissing her hand. He walked slowly over to the bathroom, only stopping to grab a new set of clothing before entering. He gave her a smile before he entered, and only when he was safely inside did she let out the breath she was holding. As much as she wanted Harry to help her, she still could not talk about her fears, or that day without breaking down again. Picking up the nearest book, she began to read, trying to force her mind away from its previous thoughts.

Harry came out of the shower, obvious looking happier. She was glad; it brought her back to reality and back to earth. Kissing his cheek, she headed to her room, grabbing a change of clothes before showering herself. Harry was sitting on the bed when she came out, making him smile.

"You waited for me?" she asked, knowing he was hungry. He nodded and got up off of the bed.

"Ready my angel?" He asked, offering her his arm. She blushed but took it nevertheless.

Harry had thought a great deal about what had just happened. She had helped him once again, and he had to thank her once again. But she was hiding something. He knew he could not pressure her into telling him; she would eventually open up and tell him. Concentrating, he conjured another forget-me-not for her as he stopped in the hallway.

"Why are we stopping?" Hermione asked, looking at him.

"For this," Harry said holding out the flower. "Thank you, my angel." He slid her hair back and placed the flower right about her ear. "You're beautiful, don't you ever forget that."

"Thank you," she said, kissing him lightly. She knew she was blushing as she always would he did something little like this. "I'm not beautiful." She said in a small voice. Part of her believed the statement but part of her didn't; another part just wanted to hear him say it again.

Noticing her sparkling eyes, he just smiled. "You are the most beautiful," he kissed her forehead, "exquisite," a kiss on her nose, "wonderful woman in the world." He kissed her gently on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and began to play with his hair as he pulled her closer, on hand on her back, the other playing with her hair.

"Thank you," she said. "Now, I'm hungry. Let's go find some dinner."

"Yes, angel," Harry said, picking up her hand as they left their embrace.

Everyone was already eating when they arrived, and thankful they no one took notice of them entering. Harry led Hermione to the open seats, where they normally sat. Helping her into his seat, he could see the conversation was very light, almost as if everyone was trying hard not to talk about what happened. In one sense this helped, but in another it hurt him even more than he could describe. He needed to talk about this and he could not keep it inside like he had Sirius's death.

"Harry?" Mister Granger had chosen to break the silence. "What are your intentions for my daughter?" Harry took a deep breath looking at Hermione for a moment. She was currently glaring at her father.

"If you can't figure that out sir, then there is no reason for me to tell you," Harry said calmly as he continued to eat. There was another moment of silence.

"Can you provide for her?" Mister Granger asked. "Can you take care of my daughter?"

"Once again, if you can't figure that out yourself, then there is no reason I should tell you," Harry said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm very open about my relationship with Hermione. I love her, and I guess I always have." He picked up her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She blushed and he continued. "I know you are worried about your daughter, but Mister Granger, has there been once instance were Hermione has talked bad about me? I know in my heart there has only been one instance, but I'm going to make up for with the remainder of my life." He kissed her hand at the thought of the memory. "I do not ask for your blessing or your happiness. All I ask of you Mister Granger is that you respect me, and you think no less of Hermione for the life with me she has chosen." Harry squeezed Hermione's hand once more before continuing on with his dinner.

Hermione smiled widely at Harry. She had not expected him to take a conversation with her father so well. Leaning over, she kissed his cheek, causing him to blush slightly. For once she was able to get him to blush.

"Father, I have told you before, that I love Harry," she said, causing her father to look at her. "He is the most important person in my life, and I think he always will be." She said the last part quietly, but continued nevertheless. "I can not explain why I feel this way, nor do I really want to. But what you've asked us to do is explain to you why we love each other, and why we know at such an early age. From the day on the train ride to Hogwarts, to right now Father, I've always felt like I had someone that would understand me better than anyone in the world. I found that man, that someone, and I'm not going to let you take it away from me. I may only be fifteen, but I know where my heart belongs."

"You sound like you're getting married. You're only fifteen years old!" Mister Granger said. Harry looked over at Hermione and smiled.

"Sir, I have already promised to place a ring on her finger. So in some sense, we are engaged to be engaged. And I am a man of my word," Harry said, trying to keep calm. Hermione squeezed his hand once more.

"Father, you have to calm down," Hermione said quietly. "As much as you hate the idea of me wedding someone, you have no say in this."

"I have every right as your father on who your marrying or not," Mister Granger said, but before Hermione could respond her mother did.

"No you do not Charles," Mrs. Granger said. "And neither do I. If we say no, Hermione will undoubtedly severe all ties to us." She looked at Hermione who only nodded. "As much as it pains you, and me, we came to realize when she first left that she probably was going to marry a wizard. And we've known that wizard for the last five years, Charles." She looked over at Harry this time and smiled. "When she first returned home from Hogwarts, you were the only thing she could talk about dear." Hermione began to blush deeply at her mother's comment.

"Mom," Hermione said apprehensively, attempting to keep the blush down. She knew what was coming up as well.

"Well its true," Mrs. Granger said with a light laugh. "In fact, I remember a certain someone saying she had met the man she was going to marry when she came home." Hermione's blush deepened. "It took us until her second year when we met the Weasleys to even know anything about her other friend. Even then she only mentioned him in a passing sense. But you Harry, have been the constant center of her every thought at home for the last five years. She nearly had a conniption her third year when we were in France. She had said she had found the perfect gift for you, but had no way of getting it to you." Harry leaned over and kissed the cheek of the girl who was holding his right hand rather tightly.

"Thank you love," he said, causing her blush to deepen. "Mister Granger, I have even ounce of respect for you. I also will do everything in my power to make your daughter happy. Because when she is happy, I am happy. As has said it before, nothing will stop her from being with me, and I will do every thing in my power to ensure that this comes true."

Mister Granger shook his head. "Not if it means your death." Harry looked at him in shock." I mean it; if you die, then my daughter isn't happy is she, so therefore, you failed. In other words, you can't die, or I will hurt you in the afterlife." He shook his head once more. "I may not like, but I have to agree, you make our daughter happy."

"Thank you sir," Harry said. "If you don't mind, I'd like to continue to eat?" He pointed at the plate in front of him. Keeping his right hand in Hermione's he began to eat again, hoping that there was no more interruptions.

"Since when did you become left handed, Harry?" Lupin asked with a smirk. Harry looked up at the man before turning back to him meal. Hermione smiled at Harry before answering for him.

"We would like to enjoy our dinner, please no more questions," Hermione said, not giving room for interpretations. She squeezed Harry's hand who gave her a smile. Harry felt a dog resting at his feet. Looking down, he could see Grace's pup happily sleeping over his feet.

"His name is Goliath," Grace said at Harry's questioning look. He nodded, not really knowing how to respond. Dumbledore looked over at Serge who had remained quiet until this point.

"Don't worry Grandpa, the collar is charmed to clean up any mess he makes," Serge said with a laugh. "But then again, he is a very intelligent animal."

"Not intelligent as a cat," Hermione said.

"Depends on the cat," Serge said with a shrug. "All I know is this animal here is not two months old and is already house trained."

"Cats are still far more intelligent," McGonagall said.

"Listen, I'm going to get into a fight over which pet is smarter," Serge said with a smirk. "All I'm saying is Goliath is house trained as well as very docile ninety percent of the time."

"What about the other ten percent?" McGonagall asked, only to get Serge's grin to widen.

"The other ten percent is when someone tries to hurt Grace or anyone she cares about," Serge said going back to his dinner.

"A guard dog, Serge?" Dumbledore asked with mock-surprise. Serge nodded, not bothering to give a verbal reply.

"A good idea I'd suppose," Harry said, looking at the dog again. "Dogs are supposed to be among the loyalist creatures on the planet."

"That they are, that they are," Hagrid said.

The rest of the dinner was spent discussing animals. Harry found it quite relaxing after everything that had happened during the day. He had hopes that maybe he could get to bed early and sleep in late. He never got his hopes up for too long though.

"Harry, as it is your birthday," Dumbledore said standing up from his chair. Everyone had finally finished their dinners.

"Oh dear God," Harry said, hiding his flushing face in his hands. Hermione just smiled and began to rub his back. She wanted this to be done. She had asked Dumbledore for a small party to be held for him. He always had mentioned he never had one.

"As it is your birthday, Harry," Dumbledore repeated, "I believe we must uphold tradition." Harry shook his head, trying to hide his flushed face, let alone the tears of happiness. He had never received a birthday party with a family. Now he was, and he could not explain the emotions at the moment, but with Hermione's hand found his.

"Thank you," he mouthed silently. Seeing the tears in his eyes, Hermione forced him to sit up, crushing him in a hug not a moment after. Pulling her into his lap, Harry noticed a rather large cake coming into the room. He had a family now, and with a light kiss to Hermione's forehead, he sealed a promise he made to himself a long time ago. No one was going to hurt his family ever again, and if they did, neither revenge nor retribution could come swift enough.

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