Celebrate

It had been five days, five joyful but excruciating days for Hermione since Harry had defeated Voldemort for the final time. She was ecstatic right along with the entire wizarding community that the Dark Lord was gone. Unfortunately she had not been able to see the person responsible for saving them all. As one would expect, Ministry officials seemingly came out of the woodwork to celebrate and have their picture taken with the wizarding world’s greatest photo opportunity, Harry Potter. Harry had spent the last five days recovering and then being wined and dined by seemingly every Ministry official he thought could exist. Thanks to Dumbledore’s insistence, Harry would finally get to return to Hogwarts to continue his sixth year studies and gain some relative peace and quiet from his adoring public, and Hermione couldn’t wait.

Although the past five and a half years at Hogwarts had been the most exciting of her life, there had always been a dark cloud that hung over the school. Now that cloud had been lifted by the person she thought was capable of anything. She couldn’t wait for them to be able to go to school, and only go to school. No secret plots to uncover, no unseen villains to thwart, and no more worries about loved ones being in danger. They could finally be teenagers, what an odd thought. She knew now that she could reveal her true feelings for Harry and get a true reaction. Harry had not had a serious romantic relationship with a girl in his time at Hogwarts and Hermione knew why. She knew he was afraid to let anyone get that close to him for fear that his feelings would put them in danger. The only reason he hadn’t tried to isolate himself from Ron and Hermione’s friendship is because he knew they wouldn’t stand for it. “Now he has no excuse,” she thought, “should make the rest of the year quite interesting.”

She was roused out of her thoughts by her other best friend Ronald Weasley. “Bloody hell, Hermione. What are you doing in here? Dinner has already started and Harry should be back any moment. Let’s go!”

She had never seen the Great Hall in such a beautiful state. In honor of Harry, the entire hall was decked out in the Gryffindor scarlet and gold colors. Everywhere you looked you could see the regal lion crest overseeing the proceedings. But it wasn’t the decorations that were responsible for the atmosphere, it was the emotions coursing through everyone in attendance. What was that Muggle saying used at Christmas time? “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” That’s what they had in spades tonight. Even the Slytherins, despite their supposed leanings toward all things evil, were in high spirits for the most part. As Hermione and Ron sat down to enjoy their meal Dumbledore stood up to speak.

“I have just been informed that Mr. Potter has been delayed from returning for several more hours by the Ministry of Magic. He should return sometime tonight but unfortunately not in time to enjoy the feast in his honor. I would ask all of you to give Harry some space when he returns. I can assure you that he showed more bravery and cunning than any of us could have expected, from anyone. I daresay that you will be speechless when the details of the encounter are made public. By all means congratulate and thank him if you so desire for his defeat of Voldemort, but please do not press for details.”

At this point Dumbledore turned his gaze to the Gryffindor table. Hermione could have sworn he looked specifically at her as he continued to speak.

“I trust everyone will welcome Harry back tonight and in the coming days. Now back to the feast!”

Hermione couldn’t help but be disappointed by the news that Harry’s return had been temporarily postponed. “I wonder what’s keeping Harry?”

“Publicity seekers in the Ministry no doubt,” Ron piped in. Dad owled me about how shamelessly everyone has been trying to get their name attached to Harry, especially Fudge, can you believe it? First he claims Harry is delusional and made the whole story up after the third task and now he’s breaking his arm patting him on the back. Dad said that when the reporters found out how close Harry was to our family they started bombarding him with questions.”

“What’s the real Harry Potter like? Does he cry at night? Did you know his parents? Boxers or briefs? Honestly it’s totally ridiculous.”

The news did not dampen the spirits of the gathering however. For once the only things the Hogwarts students had to worry about was finishing their Potions essay and finding a spell to help get rid of pimples. In other words, the things they should have been able to worry about for the last several years.

Eventually the feast ended and everyone returned to their respective houses. Although the planned festivities were now over the real party was about to begin in the Gryffindor common room. As soon as everyone had arrived back in their dormitories Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan were headed out the portrait hole as fast as they had come in.

“And where do you think you two are headed?” Hermione said in her official Prefect tone.

“Well, you heard what Dumbledore said didn’t you? Dean retorted while giving a sideways glance to Seamus. “We’re headed out to get some…supplies,” he said with a grin.

“Supplies for what?”

“Why to welcome Mr. Potter back of course! Come on Seamus!”

Hermione turned and grinned at Ron. “Looks like it’s going to be an interesting night.”

Ron stared at Hermione as his jaw dropped seemingly to the ground. “You cannot be serious. First You-Know-Who is defeated and now Hermione Granger is actually looking forward to breaking rules? I wasn’t sure I’d ever see either thing happen in my lifetime and now they’ve both occurred in a week. Unbelievable.”

Hermione glared at Ron and responded. “Well if tonight doesn’t call for a little rule breaking I don’t know what would. Don’t worry Ron, I’ll be back to my old self in a few days I’m sure.”

“Marvelous,” Ron said, with sarcasm dripping from his voice and a smile on his face. “Well, what do you think we’ll do around here now that our adventures are officially over?”

“Concentrate on our studies of course, you know the N.E.W.T.s are coming up next year…”

“Typical, utterly typical,” Ron said with a laugh as he headed up to his room. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, Hermione. I can’t wait for the fun to begin.”

“Me either,” Hermione thought to herself. Something told her that they weren’t thinking about the same thing however…

Harry Potter just wanted to go home, was that too much to ask? His injuries had healed enough to be released from the hospital after two days. His right leg wasn’t fully healed but a cane and an order to stay off of it as much as possible were sufficient enough for the doctors to release him and send him on his way. Cornelius Fudge and his cronies had other ideas however.

“It’s amazing how politicians love to get their picture taken with a hero. Suppose it’s sort of like heroism by association,” Harry thought to himself with a slight chuckle.

For the last two and a half days since his release he had been shuffled between Ministry offices repeatedly to recount his victory for official court records. After each meeting “the dance” would begin. Seemingly by coincidence, reporters and photographers would be waiting outside the office door as the officials left, all trying to stand as closely to Harry as possible. “We have no comment at this time except to say that we are delighted that this reign of terror has ended and we want to thank Mr. Potter for his assistance in this matter. There are many heroes in this war…” and on and on they went. Harry found it humorous how each official had such a well prepared speech for what was supposedly an unplanned press conference.

Every once in awhile Harry would ask a question just to see them squirm.

“I was always told that security at the Ministry is even tighter than at Hogwarts.”

“You are correct Mr. Potter, nothing happens here that we don’t know about,” was the standard response.

“Then why are all these reporters allowed to wander the halls?”

“Umm, well you see, that is to say, well, it’s been very hectic with your magnificent victory over You-Know-Who-“

“His name was Voldemort”

“Yes, correct, well, as I was saying it’s been extremely hectic…”

After three days the meetings had finally reached an end and Harry was set to return to Hogwarts, or so he thought. Cornelius Fudge had arranged for he and Harry to be interviewed by Beatrice Parker, a reporter for the Daily Prophet. Ever since Hermione had released Rita Skeeter six months ago Harry had read the Daily Prophet regularly to see if Rita had been up to her old exploits. Because of this Harry was aware of Ms. Parker’s writing and believed her to be an honest, impartial reporter. He agreed to the interview on one condition- as soon as the interview was over he would be leaving for Hogwarts.

The interview went as expected. Harry would give short, concise answers only to be elaborated on ad nauseum by the esteemed Mr. Fudge. “God here he goes again,” Harry thought as Fudge started up once more. Harry’s only respite from these meetings were the last two evenings which he spent at the Burrow with Arthur and Molly Weasley. Fudge’s voice began to fade out as Harry remembered the event that took place two nights ago.

“Does it ever seem odd to you?” Harry asked Mrs. Weasley as they sat together in comfortable silence..

“What’s that dear?”

“It’s just that it’s so quiet around here without your kids running about. Don’t get me wrong, after all the talking I’ve had to listen to lately I’m not complaining. It just seems…odd.”

Molly put down her knitting and looked at Harry. “I know what you mean…it’s always nice the first few days of the school term to have a quiet home, especially the lack of explosions.” She chuckled to herself as she thought about the twins and their “inventions”. “But I much prefer the noise of my children to the silence. Oh look at the time Harry, I promised the doctors you’d get to bed early if they let you stay here, you better get a move on.”

“Besides,” Arthur piped in, “you want to make sure to get a lot of rest for all the pictures they’ll be taking of you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, can’t wait,” Harry said with a smile as he limped up the stairs.

After reaching the top of the stairs Harry instinctively walked towards the steps to Ron’s room to go to bed. He was stopped by the voice of Arthur who had followed him up the steps with Molly.

“Harry, you won’t be sleeping in there tonight, you can use Percy’s old room, right here.”

Harry walked into the mostly empty room and was surprised to see two Quidditch posters, one of the English National team and one of the Chudley Cannons, on the wall.

“I never knew Percy liked Quidditch.”

“He doesn’t Harry, we put those up today.”

“That’s very nice of you but you didn’t have to go to the trouble, I’ll only be here a couple of days.”

Arthur and Molly looked at each other and stepped into the room, slight smiles on both their faces. Arthur spoke.

“Harry, Molly and I had a discussion, a very short discussion, about you last night. It was short because we were both in complete agreement and no real talking was necessary.”

Arthur then walked over to Harry, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“I think you know how fond Molly and I are of you. The truth is we both consider you one of our children. We know we can never replace your real mother and father but we want you to know that you do have a family, and it’s here. This is your room now Harry, if you want it. This is your home for as long as you would like it to be.”

Harry was roused out of his daydream by Ms. Parker.

“Mr. Potter…Mr. Potter?”

“Yes, sorry about that, must have been lost in my thoughts. What was that you were asking?”

“I was wondering how it felt knowing that someone at the Ministry had been looking out for you all these years?”

He was surprised to be asked about Mr. Weasley. Arthur seemed to be the only Ministry official who hadn’t been hovering around him the last few days and Harry did not think most reporters knew about their close relationship. Unlike the short, terse replies he had been giving up to that point, he now spoke with his heart.

“Well, as you probably know, my childhood was not, um, good. My parents died when I was so young and I lived with relatives who were…distant…to say the least. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are the closest thing to a real family that I have ever known. I guess it doesn’t matter whether or not he works for the Ministry to me. The only thing that matters is that they have been there for me whenever I’ve needed them. I really don’t think I could have made it through everything I have without them.”

Harry’s answer was greeted by confused looks from Ms. Parker and Fudge.

“Sorry, Mr. Potter, I was speaking about your close relationship with Mr. Fudge, not Arthur Weasley. Didn’t you hear him speaking about it?”

“Oh, my mistake.” Harry shot a suspicious glance toward Fudge. “Like I said I was lost in my thoughts for a minute. If you could repeat back what he said I’d be happy to comment.”

Harry was extremely interested to hear about his “close” relationship with Fudge.

Ms. Parker read her transcript of Mr. Fudge’s words back to him.

“I’ve tried to look after him since he arrived at Hogwarts. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about the circumstances in which he grew up…tragic really. I’ve always considered myself a mentor to Harry. He knows he can come to me, night or day, if he needs something.”

Harry snorted as the words of his “mentor” were read back to him. He smiled and cast a quick glance over to Fudge, who seemed to be growing increasingly uncomfortable. Harry couldn’t help but grin as he thought about Fudge’s words and how ridiculous they were.

“Well, that’s very interesting. Maybe the best thing I could say is I wasn’t aware of Mr. Fudge’s affection for me until after I defeated Voldemort and leave it at that.”

“Very well, then. Mr. Potter, since you brought his name up let me ask you about Arthur Weas-“

Ms. Parker’s question was cut off by an agitated Fudge.

“Well that’s all the time we have for you, Ms. Parker. I’m sure you know that Harry needs to get back to Hogwarts tonight, wouldn’t want to keep him.”

Suddenly Harry wasn’t minding the interview nearly as much. Seeing Fudge squirm as someone was getting credit besides himself was actually enjoyable. “That’s okay Mr. Fudge, I’d be happy to answer her question. And please, Ms. Parker, call me Harry.”

After a few more questions that didn’t involve the advancement of his career Fudge had heard enough.

“I really must insist we end this now, Ms. Parker, I’m sure you’ll understand, what with Harry’s condition. The boy needs his rest you know.”

“I understand Mr. Fudge, thank you for your time. Thank you as well Mr. Pott-, Harry.”

“My pleasure,” Harry responded with a smile. He really didn’t know what had come over him. Something had changed inside since his defeat of Voldemort. Gone were the fears and insecurities that had seemed to hound him on a daily basis. He would never forget the lives that had been lost but he found himself looking for the joy in life instead of constantly searching out the possible dread and fear that used to lurk inevitably around every corner. “So this is what having a life feels like,” he thought to himself.

Fudge interrupted Harry’s thoughts with the words he’d been waiting to hear for days. “Your car is waiting for you, Mr. Potter. You’ll be back at Hogwarts by the end of the night.”

“About bloody time…” he muttered as he walked out of the Ministry, hoping he would not be back anytime soon.

As he climbed into the car he thought about the last five days. He had ended Voldemort’s reign and become part of a real family in less than a week’s time. “Only one more thing to take care of. Hope she’s still awake when I get there...” he thought as the car pulled away from the Ministry. And then it happened, a new sort of fear began to grow inside of Harry. The source of the fear was a person that held more power over Harry than Voldemort ever had…Miss Hermione Granger.

Hermione’s initial excitement at the idea of the planned party in the common room and the arrival of the guest of honor had worn off when her mind drifted to the first through fourth-year Gryffindors that surrounded her. The idea of their eyes staring at her as she more than likely drank decidedly un-Prefect like drinks and tried to seduce the love of her life sent shudders through her skin. She pulled Ron aside and braced for his response as she prepared to tell him the bad news that the festivities would have to be cancelled.

“Ron, I hate to tell you this but I think we need to call off this party. We can’t have eleven and twelve year olds running around while the students they are supposed to look up to as examples get smashed and do Merlin knows what else.”

Instead of anger Hermione saw a knowing grin appear on Ron’s face.

“Honestly, Hermione for someone so smart sometimes you can be incredibly thick. Are you a bloody Prefect or not? Do your best impersonation of Percy and send them to their rooms.”

Ron was right. Sometimes she couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

Hermione had not had to really enforce too much discipline since her tenure as a Prefect had begun at the beginning of the school term. She suspected the perception others had of her being a miniature version of Professor McGonagall had kept most in line and having Harry Potter as your best friend didn’t hurt either. She felt somewhat guilty for what she was about to do but it was fleeting as her mind drifted back to those green eyes she would be seeing soon. She gathered herself as she prepared her most Percy Weasley-like tone and began to speak.

“Attention everyone, attention. I want all first through fourth years in their dormitories in the next five minutes for the night…no exceptions.”

As expected a collective groan broke out in the common room. Unexpectedly one of the unfortunate victims of the decree had the courage to voice their protest.

“Why do we have to go to bed while you get to enjoy yourselves?”

Hermione glanced over to Ron before she arched an eyebrow of disgusted surprise at her confronter and shot back.

“Because I’m a bloody Prefect and I said so. But I thank you for forcing me to reconsider my decision. Upon further reflection I’ve allowed you far too much time down here. You now have two minutes to get to your dormitories.”

As the defeated masses trudged up the stairs Ron bounded over to Hermione’s side. She looked at him hesitantly awaiting his reaction.

“So how was that?”

His face beamed as he began to speak. “Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. To be honest you had me so scared I started to head to my room.”

“You better keep yourself in line tonight Weasley or I just might be sending you up there as well.”

“I do believe you would, Granger…I do believe you would.”

As the conversation ended Seamus and Dean returned from their excursion. “That was an awfully quick trip to Hogsmeade,” Hermione thought to herself as the two bounded in with proud looks on their faces. Ron looked down to their arms, finding only food and none of the beverages he had expected.

“What the hell is that?”

Seamus shot Dean a confused look as he began to speak. “Well we thought Harry might be hungry so we went to get some food.”

Seamus placed the food on the table, put an arm around Ron’s shoulder and hunched over as if ready to tell him an extraordinary secret. He began to speak in a whisper.

“You’re not going to believe this but earlier in the year we found a secret passage to the kitchens. But keep this between us. We don’t want anyone to know”

Hermione smiled to herself at Seamus’ pride, reveling in the discovery she and Ron had known about for several years. “So you found the pear then?”

“You know about the pear?” Seamus replied while staring in shock at Hermione.

At this point Ron took over the further education of Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas.

“Boys, we’ve known about that passage for quite awhile now. We thought you would be bringing something back a little bit…stronger…shall we say…”

Seamus’ confused stare drifted from Hermione to Ron. “But we would have to know about a passage to Hogsmeade to get that.”

Ron turned to Hermione and a question was asked without any words being spoken. After she nodded her approval Ron turned to his two new pupils.

“You two wait here, I’ll be right back.”

Dean, equally as confused as Seamus, turned to Hermione to speak. “What’s he up to?”

Hermione patted Dean on the shoulder and spoke. “Let’s just say after what you’re about to see you owe us.”

While her words started to sink in Ron bounded down the stairs, Marauders Map in hand. He headed to the portrait hole and motioned Dean and Seamus to join him. “Boys, your childhood innocence is about to end. Are you ready to take your first step into manhood?”

After seeing two excited nods Ron continued. “Then follow me.”

As the portrait door closed she could faintly hear the phrase that she had heard uttered, in her opinion, far too often.

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good…”

***

The trio had been gone for about ninety minutes when Hermione noticed the portratit door begin to swing open.

“Well it’s about time. Did you forget the way?”

To Hermione’s utter horror she was not greeted by the three boys as expected. She instead came face to face with Minerva McGonagall.

“I’m sorry, Miss Granger. I didn’t know you were expecting me.”

“Professor McGonagall! I thought that you were…that is to say…did you need to speak to someone?”

“Professor Dumbledore has sent me to bring you along with Mr. Weasley to his office. Harry has arrived and he thought you two would like to greet him first.”

Hermione’s heart soared with the news that Harry had indeed arrived back at Hogwarts. Her joy was short-lived however as she realized that Ron was not there and, although she was very smart, she had not learned of a spell that could produce an insufferable red-headed sixteen year old boy out of thin air.

“Umm, Ron is…well…he’s sick…and he went straight to bed saying he didn’t want to be disturbed.” Hermione cringed at her lie as she silently tallied all the rules she had broken already that evening.

“Mmm…sounds serious, Miss Granger. Perhaps we should conjure a stretcher and take him to the hospital wing.”

“No! I mean he fell asleep straightaway when we got back and we probably shouldn’t disturb him.”

McGonagall shot a suspicious glare at Hermione. “Well in that case I suppose I should rely on your expert medical opinion and let him be. Follow me, Miss Granger”

They walked to Professor Dumbledore’s office in silence. Hermione prayed no more questions about Ron’s illness would be asked as she had always been a horrible liar. She was amazed that McGonagall had bought her explanation in the first place. As the entrance to Dumbledore’s office came into view she silently let out a sigh of relief.

“I have a few things to take care of so you can see your way up. The password is Fizzly Wiggle”.

As Professor McGonagall began to walk away she turned back, taking a book out of her robe and handing it to Hermione. “I almost forgot, Professor Dumbledore asked me to give this to you. He thought it might be of some use tonight, page 67 in particular.”

Hermione scanned the book’s title as it was handed to her, Practical Parenting Spells, and quickly turned to page 67. It was an age restriction spell, similar to the one used on the Goblet of Fire in their fourth year. Hermione looked up at Professor McGonagall, not understanding what the spell was for.

“Professor, why do I need this tonight?”

“The Headmaster seems to think you will need a spell to help discourage those lower than sixth years from drinking certain…liquids. Fairly simple really…a witch of your intelligence shouldn’t have any problem.”

Hermione felt her jaw drop to the floor as she realized that, as usual, Dumbledore knew exactly what they were planning.

McGonagall continued her speech as Hermione still recovered from the prior revelation. “I also was told to inform you that the entire Hogwarts faculty has been afflicted with a deafness charm.”

“A deafness charm?”

“Yes, curious thing really. No member of the faculty will be able to hear anything that happens inside the Gryffindor common room once you and Harry arrive safely back inside. Have no fear though, our condition should have cleared up by the morning.”

Hermione could see a grin sliding up on McGonagall’s face as she turned to walk away.

“Good evening, Miss Granger. Please tell Mr. Weasley I do hope he feels better.”

“Th…thank you…I will.”

McGonagall’s words had temporarily caused Hermione to forget why she was standing in front of Dumbledore’s office in the first place. It was only a matter of seconds before that hair and those eyes drifted back into her consciousness.

“Here we go!” she said, letting out a giggle as she turned to the entrance of the office.

“Fizzly Wiggle”

As she began the walk up the steps to Dumbledore’s office Hermione purposely took her time to gather her thoughts. “Calm down, Hermione. Nothing has to happen tonight,” she told herself. Harry had never had a chance to really have fun in his life without having to worry about something. She wanted him to enjoy the evening before she let him know how deep her feelings ran for him. As she walked the internal dialogue began.

“You can do this. For tonight he’s still only your best friend.”

“Unless he initiates something of course.”

“Don’t be silly. He couldn’t possibly be thinking the same thing, could he? Of course not. Just be patient.”

“You never know…”

“Oh shut-up!”

By the time she reached the top step she’d convinced herself to remain suitably calm when she saw him. She would hug him of course, but she would not let her emotions get the best of her. “He’s had people fawning over him for a week, the last thing he needs is me carrying on.”

And then she heard his voice.

“Hermione!”

“Sod it,” she muttered as she sprinted to Harry and wrapped him in a hug.

As she hugged him all the thoughts and emotions that she had felt in their five and a half years together hit her in a rush. There had not been a day since their friendship had begun that she didn’t think about his safety and worry whether she’d ever see him again. She remembered the horrible minutes that passed after Harry and Cedric Diggory disappeared after the third task. Everything in her brain had screamed to her that Harry was dead and she could do nothing about it. The helplessness and despair she felt in those minutes had never been forgotten.

As Harry held her she realized that she had begun to cry. She knew that she should stop, she should step back from those arms that seemed to fit around her perfectly and compose herself. But she couldn’t. She had reigned in her feelings for too long and never wanted to do it again. Harry instinctively tightened his embrace as her crying intensified.

Harry knew why she was crying because he was feeling the same thing. A few tears dropped from his eyes as he comforted his best friend. He began to speak in a voice slightly above a whisper.

“It’s okay Mione…it’s all over. We don’t have to worry anymore…we’re safe. You can cry as long as you like. I’m not going anywhere.”

His words echoed in her mind.

I’m not going anywhere.

She didn’t think it was possible but she somehow pulled him closer. As she thought about those words her tears began to ebb and were replaced with a smile.

“How do you do it?”

“What’s that?”

“Say exactly the right thing at exactly the right time.”

Hermione pulled back and began wiping her face. “I’m sorry to be so emotional Harry, I’ve just worried about you for so long. Until I heard your voice I don’t think it fully dawned on me that it’s really over.”

Harry gently wiped a remaining tear from her face and embraced her again.

“Don’t be sorry. I’ve been waiting five days for that hug and it didn’t disappoint.”

Hermione chuckled to herself. “You’re doing it again.”

“What?”

“Saying exactly the right thing at exactly the right time.”

“What can I say? It’s a gift.”

She smiled and playfully pushed him away. “It’s good to see your victory over Voldemort didn’t go to your head you egotistical git.”

Harry quickly raised his hands in mock protest. “Just kidding…just kidding. Please forgive me, it will never happen again.”

“Well, since you single handedly saved the wizarding world again, I suppose I can give you another chance.”

The clearing of Dumbledore’s throat broke Hermione out of her trance as she realized there was someone else in the room. “Well it is his office after all,” she thought.

“Miss Granger, where is the third member of the trio?”

“Yeah, where is Ron?”

She wondered if she should repeat the lie she had told earlier. Hermione was certain Dumbledore knew the truth but she supposed she should play along anyway. “He’s sick and went to bed early.”

Dumbledore gave her a knowing smile and, to Hermione’s relief, accepted her excuse.

“Well then, it looks like it will be up to you to escort Harry. I trust you have everything well in hand, Hermione?”

Harry shot a confused look Hermione’s way as she prepared to respond.

“Yes sir, thank you for the book.”

“Excellent. I won’t keep you two any longer as I’m sure you are anxious to see your friends.”

Harry glanced at Hermione. “Are they still awake?”

“Oh Harry, sometimes you really have no clue do you? Everyone has been on pins and needles waiting for you to return, even the Slytherins.”

“What? You’re joking right?”

Dumbledore interjected. “Please forgive Harry. I don’t think the gravity of his accomplishments have quite sunk in. I trust you can help convey how much he is appreciated?”

“Yes sir”

“Very good, now off you go.”

As Hermione turned to walk down the steps, she was stopped by Harry’s voice.

“One second, Hermione, I need to get something.”

She watched him lean down, pick up his cane, and hobble over to her. It took all of Hermione’s willpower not to wrap him in another hug. The reality of what could have been the outcome of his encounter suddenly hit her but she did her best to hide it from Harry.

“Oh Harry, are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine really. But I think I need some help getting down the stairs. Do you mind?” He reached out his left hand to her so she could steady his walk down the steps.

Hermione looked at Harry in mock disdain. “Well, I suppose, since you’re injured I could force myself.”

“Mother Theresa has nothing on you Hermione.”

They had held hands before, they’d been best friends for almost six years after all. But this time was different. Instead of cupping their hands together, Harry purposely intertwined his fingers with Hermione’s. Harry’s action quickened Hermione’s pulse and suddenly that little voice returned.

I told you.

If she were honest with herself she would have to admit that a part of her liked the fact that Harry was injured and needed her help. She hoped that wasn’t the only reason he had wanted to hold her hand as they continued their cautious walk down the steps.

When they reached the bottom, the hands remained together as they continued the slow walk back to the Gryffindor common room.

As they walked it dawned on Hermione how odd it was that that Harry’s leg had not healed in the five days since he was injured. After all, Gilderoy Lockhart had removed Harry’s bones and he healed overnight.

“Harry, why is your leg taking so long to recover? I would think with all the magical healing spells and potions at their disposal, they could have fixed you straightaway.”

As he prepared to respond, a slight frown appeared on his face.

“My leg was injured by a powerful curse. Because of the nature of the spell they told me it would take longer to heal as the magic involved still lingers inside. They were very encouraged however by my progress. I was told that they’ve never seen anyone recover quite as quickly from this type of injury. Some have been crippled for life.”

Hermione let out a small gasp at his words. “Do they think you’ll make a full recovery?”

“Yes, but it looks like it will take some time. I’m afraid Quidditch is out for remainder of the term as well.”

“Harry, I’m so sorry.”

The smile had returned to Harry’s face as he replied.

“It’s okay, really it is. If you had told me that the worst thing that would come out of facing Voldemort is I couldn’t play Quidditch for a few months I would have been very happy. Besides, I think it’s time I started devoting my time to other interests.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Such as?”

“Well studying for one thing. I’ve been thinking it would not do well for the Boy Who Lived to fail his N.E.W.T.s. You wouldn’t mind having a little more company in the library would you?”

“Not at all,” she said as she bowed her head, attempting to hide her now burning cheeks. “Were there any other interests you were thinking of?”

Her question was interrupted by an extremely irritable voice calling from behind. It was Severus Snape.

“Mr. Potter!”

As he turned to face Snape, Harry spoke in a hushed tone that only Hermione could hear.

“I can’t believe he’s going to yell at me now. Well at least I know I’m officially back.”

Hermione smiled to herself and glanced up to look at Snape, who seemed to be very conflicted.

“Yes Professor”

“Congratulations.”

“What?”

“I said congratulations.” Snape paused, a pained look grew on his face as if his mouth refused to say the words he wanted it to. “Your parents would have been very proud.”

“What?”

“If you think I’m going to be saying that ever again you are sorely mistaken. Good evening.”

As Snape turned and walked away, Harry shot a confused glance at Hermione.

“Did that just happen?”

Hermione let out a small laugh. This really was going to be a fun evening. “Harry if I hadn’t heard it with my own ears I would not have believed it.”

Harry laughed as well as Snape’s words repeated in his mind. “I have a feeling I’m going to have to pay for his kind words for the rest of the term in Potions class. But it was worth it.”

As they continued their walk, Hermione returned to the conversation that had begun before Snape’s interruption. “You never did answer my question, Harry.”

“What question was that?”

“You know very well what question, Potter. Were there any other interests you were going to pursue?”

Harry smiled and continued walking, looking straight ahead. “Oh, that question. Well as a matter of fact…oh look Hermione we’ve made it to the portrait hole. Wouldn’t want to keep our fellow Gryffindors waiting.”

“Very well then, but don’t think you’re getting out of it that easily. We will continue this discussion later.”

Harry smiled and squeezed her hand. “Looking forward to it. Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes”

The fat lady smiled at Harry and turned her eyes toward Hermione. “Sorry dear, Miss Granger changed the password while you were gone.”

“Trying to keep me out eh Granger? Well what’s the password?”

Hermione tried to keep a straight face as she began to tell him. She’d been looking forward to seeing the expression on his face ever since she had changed it.

“Duddy Dearest”

A smiling look of disbelief crept unto Harry’s face as her words sunk in. “You didn’t really did you?” He started laughing out loud as he thought of the cousin he hoped he never had to see again.

“Well, I wanted to think of a proper way to welcome you back.”

Harry looked at her suspiciously. “You didn’t conjure up a cupboard for me to sleep in did you?”

She could barely get the “no” about between her laughter.

“Good, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go in but I think I’ll risk it. I cannot imagine what other surprises you have in store for me, Miss Granger.”

As Harry entered the portrait hole, Hermione whispered a quiet answer.

“You have no idea, Mr. Potter. You have no idea…”

As he made his way through the portrait hole, Harry couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. He was home. It was all over and he was home. This was the moment he had been waiting for since his final defeat of Voldemort. Actually that wasn’t quite true. His arrival back at the Gryffindor common room was the second moment he had been waiting for. The first had occurred fifteen minutes prior when he held the most wonderful creature on earth in his arms, and it had gone quite splendidly, much to his surprise.

Harry had spent the greater portion of his trip back to Hogwarts petrified at the thought of seeing Hermione. “This is your chance old boy,” he told himself. “No more tired excuses of having the fate of the world on your shoulders and all the other assorted rubbish. If you don’t tell her now it’s because you are afraid.”

It was silly really. He had thought for quite awhile that Hermione had the same feelings for him. He recognized all the signs: the glances she shot his way when she thought he wasn’t looking, the “accidental” brushes of arms and legs against each other, the reddening of cheeks after seemingly innocent comments were made, and the list went on and on. Harry knew all about these acts because he had been the perpetrator of the very same things toward her. Even with this knowledge, the insecurities he held that were born out of years of emotional neglect still resided deep within him. If she rejected him he honestly did not know what he would do. It was easy with the Dursleys. He had never known any affection from them and therefore held no emotional attachment or need for their love. But with her it was different. From the moment their friendship had begun she trusted and believed in him completely. Even Ron, though a great friend, had doubted Harry briefly in the past and sometimes resented his fame, but not her. She was always there, unconditionally. Hermione not being there after he revealed his feelings terrified him.

These were the thoughts going through Harry Potter’s head as he waited for Hermione and Ron to take him back to the common room. These were also the thoughts that were erased permanently from Harry Potter’s mind as soon as he saw Hermione reaching the top of the stairs. It was just as it had always been. The nervousness and apprehension he feared would manifest itself when he saw her were absent. Being with her was the most natural thing in the world for Harry and even his childish insecurities couldn’t hinder it.

From the moment they embraced he couldn’t believe the things he was saying and doing. He held her hand. He wiped a tear from her face. He called her Mione, something he had never done before. And it all was so easy…so right. There was no real need to frantically tell her what he felt inside because it was obvious to both of them. A stranger off the streets of Hogsmeade would be able to see it with one glance. In fact, it was so obvious that Harry believed even Professor Trelawney would sense it, which was saying something. No, there was no rush to say anything. “Let’s just see how this evening goes,” Harry thought as he pulled his head up to view the common room.

As Harry entered the room the multiple conversations he had been hearing ceased and all eyes turned toward him.

“He’s back!” someone shouted as the group turned en masse toward Harry.

The biggest smile and fastest feet among the group belonged to a fifth-year with red hair who reached Harry first. She approached him in a sprint to rival Hermone’s earlier run and hugged him equally as hard. “Oh Harry I’m so glad you’re back. I thought I was going to pull my hair out waiting to see you. You did it! You did it!”

Her tone quieted and tears formed in her eyes as she said two words that he wasn’t expecting.

“Thank you…Thank you so much, Harry. For everything.”

Harry and Ginny had become quite close over the past year and a half. Ginny’s crush had subsided (although it did have its occasional flare-ups) and they had become much like brother and sister. Harry had always sensed she lived in the shadows of her brothers and had taken it upon himself, with Hermione’s help, to remedy the situation once she was able to carry on a conversation with him. She had become the unofficial fourth member of the “trio” and he was glad for it.

As the words came out of her mouth a reassuring smile crept onto Harry’s face. “No tears tonight, Gin. Okay? Tom is gone forever, I promise. All right?”

As his words ended the tears stopped followed by a happy nod.

“That’s better. And you are very welcome.”

The next twenty minutes played out much the same as each and every Gryffindor above fourth-year (except for three of Harry’s roommates who were otherwise occupied) took a turn slapping, hugging, or shaking Harry. Throughout each conversation Harry would keep an eye out for where Hermione had gone. It was the same routine he had practiced for over a year. Sneaking glances at Hermione when she wasn’t looking just to soak her in. There was one difference tonight however. Unlike in the past when he would look away if he thought her gaze was going to turn to him, he now welcomed it. When their eyes would meet, smiles would be exchanged and everything would be right in the world again. He had finally spoken with everyone and had begun to make his way to a couch to rest his leg when he heard her voice from behind.

“Do you need help Harry?

He grabbed her hand again, lacing their fingers together as they had been before and smiled. “Not particularly.”

As he said those words he felt a gentle squeeze of acknowledgement from Hermione’s hand. “Did I just say that?” he thought as they silently made their way to the couch. When he sat down he realized how few of his fellow Gryffindors had been there to greet him.

“Hermione, where is everyone else? I know that Ron is upstairs, but I didn’t see Dean and Seamus. And where are all the younger students?” He was quietly disappointed that more people hadn’t stayed up to see him. Especially Ron.

Hermione, sensing his disappointment, smiled and began to explain. “Well I sent everyone below fifth-year to their rooms for the evening and Seamus and Dean are with Ron.”

Now Harry was even more confused. “They’re sick as well?”

“No they aren’t sick…and Ron isn’t sick either. They’ve gone out to get-“

“Harry!”

Harry turned to look over the back of the couch to see three very excited young men. He could tell they weren’t just happy to see him. They were…up to something.

The three ran to where Harry was seated before he could pull himself up. Without thinking Ron grabbed Harry’s hand and pulled him up into a hug without a trace of embarrassment. The hug was kept short but it was long enough to convey its purpose.

“It’s good to have you back, mate. You all right then?”

“My leg is a little torn up but yeah, I’m all right.” Harry smiled and glanced at Hermione before he continued. “It’s good to see you up and about though. Hermione has been spreading a vicious rumor that you were sick.”

All eyes turned to Hermione as she explained. “Well I had to tell McGonagall and Dumbledore something didn’t I? I couldn’t bloody well say you took a short trip to Hogsmeade to bring back party supplies. And judging by what you brought back it wasn’t worth it. One bottle Ron? You were gone for two hours and all you brought back was one bottle?”

All three boys let out a laugh at Hermione’s comment. “This isn’t everything we brought back,” Ron answered as all three began taking small items out of their pockets and spacing them out on the floor. “You see thanks to our young friend Harry here, we couldn’t carry everything back without a little help.”

As he spoke his last word Ron turned the cap of the one bottle he held in his hand and instantly the room was filled with every delight Hogsmeade had to offer.

Virtually everything edible that was available in the tiny wizarding town was now placed in front of Harry. Food, candy, and ale, lots of ale, now covered the floor. It was as if the three had been given a shopping spree in each of the stores and could pick whatever they wanted. Harry was shocked that they could afford all this. He knew that Fred and George had been sending money to Ron periodically thanks to the success of their now thriving business, but it could not have paid for all this. Hermione, thinking the same as Harry, voiced the question before he could open his mouth.

“Ron, how did you pay for all this?”

Harry thought Ron’s face may break he was smiling so hard. “That’s the beauty of it, Hermione. We didn’t have to pay for a thing. Madam Rosmerta wasn’t going to sell us the ale because of our age until Dean accidentally mentioned we were buying it for a party to welcome Harry back. When she found out it was for Harry she started handing it over for free! I believe her exact words were “if he’s old enough to save our arses several times over he’s old enough to have a pint.” And that’s not all. Word started getting around the town why we were there and shops that had already closed for the night started opening back up so they could give us things to bring back. We had so much by the time we were done Madam Rosmerta had to put a reduction charm on all of it so we could bring it back. That’s why it took so long for us to return. They just wanted to keep giving us more and more. We finally had to put an end to it or we would have been there all night.”

Harry was stunned. “They gave you all this… for free?”

“Actually Harry they all had one request. The only thing they asked was that we made sure to thank you for what you did. For saving them from…him.”

Harry looked at all they had brought back in a daze. He had been around so much glad-handing and self-promotion at the Ministry that he had become somewhat jaded about what he had accomplished. But in the short time he had spent back at Hogwarts it was becoming increasingly clear how appreciated his acts were. He was broken out of his thoughts by Seamus who began to speak.

“Actually Ron, I believe there was one other request that Madam Rosmerta made.”

Ron shot a disbelieving look at Seamus. “You didn’t think I was serious when I said I would do that did you? Surely you’re not going to make me-“

Dean cut him off before he could finish. “Now, now, Ron you promised. You wouldn’t want us to tell her you broke your promise would you?”

Harry had never seen Ron look so desperate. Ron looked at Seamus and Dean and then turned toward Harry. It appeared as if he was summoning every ounce of courage he had as he walked determinedly toward the couch.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he muttered as he grabbed Harry’s face and kissed him on the forehead as quickly as possible.

The room was quiet for a split second until it erupted in laughter. To Ron’s horror even Harry was laughing. “Ronald Weasley, how dare you! You kiss me without even asking me out on a formal date!”

Ron had buried his hands in his pockets and slouched his shoulders as his face turned beet red. “Harry, you’re supposed to be embarrassed as well you know and not joining in on the fun.”

Harry smiled at Ron and continued the torture. “Ron, how could I be embarrassed at something that felt so…so…right? Please don’t be mad at me, Ronniekins. Come here and give us another kiss.”

“Oh sod off!” Ron shouted as he turned his head to the floor, trying to conceal the grin that was creeping onto his face.

As the laughter continued, Ron allowed the grin to overtake him and began laughing as well. “Honestly, Harry if you hadn’t just saved us all I’d take your cane and smack you over the head for what you just said.”

Ron then walked over to Harry and offered him the bottle that he had already opened. “But since you did I guess all I can say is welcome back. We missed you.”

As he handed the bottle to his best friend Ron took stock of the change that had taken place in Harry since he had last seen him. It wasn’t the size of Harry’s smile that had been on his face from the moment that Ron had arrived back in the common room, it was the duration of the smile that struck him.

Although they had shared many fun times in the six years Ron had known Harry, there had always been a hint of hesitancy, an air of unfinished business to his facial expressions. No matter how big his smiles had been, they would fade all too quickly as he could see Harry’s thoughts turning back to the tortures of his past and his responsibilities in the future. For every happy action, there seemed to be a greater depressing reaction that would always follow. Harry’s joy and excitement at winning the Tri-Wizard tournament lasted for mere seconds as he was subjected to god-knows-what torture at the hands of Voldemort. Harry had never revealed what truly happened during their confrontation, all Ron knew was Voldemort had risen again thanks to Harry’s blood and Harry had to watch Cedric Diggory die. This limited amount of knowledge was enough for Ron. He didn’t need to know the gruesome details. He suspected the reality would far exceed anything he could imagine in his head.

Ever since that day Ron had two unspoken questions that ran through his mind repeatedly. “Why does he do it? Why does he go on?” He was Harry Potter, not the Boy-Who-Lived, but the Boy-Who-Never-Gave-Up. He wasn’t a folk-lore legend to be revered in wizarding books, but a flesh and blood person who chose to meet adversity head-on time and time again, for everyone else’s benefit. But why did he keep on with the fight when virtually everyone else would have given up under similar circumstances?

Ron had never felt as guilty as he did that summer after their fourth-year. “How could I ever accuse him of putting his name in the Goblet? How could I tell him he wanted to be the center of attention?” His resentment of Harry’s popularity and fortune shamed Ron. To be fair Ron’s behavior was not out of character for any fourteen-year old boy and his flashes of anger had always been brief. Any jealousy he had ever shown toward Harry, however, disappeared over that summer.

He remembered the night that summer when all his jealousy was permanently washed away. His mind flashed to Cedric Diggory’s family. Based on what he had seen of Cedric and his parents it was quite clear that lack of money was not a major concern in their life. They weren’t the richest wizarding family by any means but they were certainly comfortable financially. He thought of Cedric’s parents who were probably lying in their bed attempting to go to sleep just like he was. It was a certainty that the bed they slept in was much nicer than his and the bedroom they occupied was much more expensively decorated. It was equally as certain that they would gladly give away those possessions and all others to have their son back. “Money isn’t a comfort,” he remembered thinking, “family and friends are.”

He knew Harry would have gladly traded his new robes for Ron’s hand me downs because it would mean that Harry had brothers that the robes would have been handed down from. It was at that point a decision was made and Ron Weasley gained yet another sibling. “He does have at least one brother and it’s me. It’s time I bloody well started acting like it all the time, not just when it suits me.” And so began Harry’s official adoption into the Weasley family.

While handing off the bottle, Ron noticed the close proximity of Harry and Hermione and the hand-holding that was taking place. He made a mental note to ask Harry about it later and then spoke. “Harry, I can’t believe you thought that was funny. I was expecting your face to be as red as mine. And what about those comments? Did you suddenly develop a sense of humor while you were gone?”

“Very funny Ron, very funny.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Prefect Hermione Granger as she stood up to set the ground rules for the evening to her fellow students as they all made a mad dash to the food and most especially, the drinks.

“Hang on everyone, hang on. Before I lose complete control I have some bad news for you fifth-years. I’m afraid your drinking is going to be limited to the butterbeer that was brought back. No ale.”

As expected the news garnered an enthusiastic response. Not positive but enthusiastic nonetheless. As the angry fifth-years all began talking at once to Hermione she waved them off and continued. “I have no choice. Dumbledore and McGonagall know about the party and made it clear that no one under sixth-year should drink the ale.”

At this point Hermione attempted to reason with the angry mob. “Besides you don’t need alcohol to have fun…right?”

These words were clearly a mistake. Colin Creevy voiced the thoughts of every one of his fellow fifth-years. “Does that mean you won’t be drinking any either then? Seeing as how easy it is to have a good time without it?”

There was no doubt in her mind that she would most definitely be enjoying the ale that night but she could think of nothing to counter Colin’s argument. Fortunately Ron came to her defense…sort of.

“Colin my boy, it is painfully obvious you have not spent very much time with Hermione. If you had you would know that it is extremely difficult for her to have a good time, under any circumstance.”

He then picked up a bottle, pulled off the cap and handed it to Hermione. “The drinking of ale is an absolute requirement for her if we even want her to crack a smile tonight. Oh yeah. There is one other reason why she’ll be drinking and you won’t. SHE’S A BLOODY SIXTH-YEAR AND YOU’RE NOT. She doesn’t have to give you a reason. So enjoy your butterbeer.”

“Bugger off, Ron,” he heard from his extremely disgusted sister as she grabbed a butterbeer and sat down.

As the battle ended Ron turned his eyes to Hermione with a self-satisfied smile. “Before you say anything, there is no need to thank me, Hermione. I was happy I could help.”

“Don’t worry. Ron. I’m not in any hurry to thank you for that drivel. How is it that even when you help you’re still able to end up insulting me?”

“We all have our own unique talents, Hermione. You for example, are good at academics. Harry here excels at Quidditch. I on the other hand, have the unique ability to get under your skin without having you resort to violence…yet. I am merely using the talents I have been given for the greater good.”

Hermione responded as a smile grew on her face. “Are you saying this for anyone’s benefit besides yourself? I’ve never seen anyone take so much pleasure in hearing the sound of their own voice, Ron.”

Harry sat and watched his two best friends go through their daily routine of fighting amongst each other. It was as normal for them to bicker as it was to brush their teeth in the morning. Both seemed to enjoy themselves, as long as it was done in small doses. This was made abundantly clear by the disastrous few weeks Ron and Hermione “dated” at the beginning of fifth year. Harry shuddered to himself as he thought of the near constant battles that raged during those tumultuous weeks. He never was told which one initiated the break-up. It was his guess that it was a mutually agreed upon decision, probably the only thing they agreed on during those weeks, that they should go back to being friends. Honestly, he didn’t care who initiated the breakup, just that the breakup occurred. The little fact that he was realizing he was in love with Hermione at the time also made him very pleased that their romantic relationship ended.

As he began to stand up and end their sparring session he looked down at the bottle in his hands. The label looked familiar but he couldn’t quite remember why. And then it hit him. He could hardly contain his laughter as he put the bottle down and began to walk over to the steps leading to his room.

“Hermione, do you think you could help me upstairs?”

If Harry had been looking for the quickest way to end Ron and Hermione’s argument he had most definitely found it. Hermione stopped herself mid-sentence and immediately started walking toward Harry. “Certainly, Harry.”

Unfortunately she responded a little too quickly to Harry’s request, an action that Ron immediately picked up on. “You two make sure you lock the door once you get up there. Wouldn’t want anyone interrupting Hermione’s help would we?”

Hermione wheeled around to face Ron and shot back. “Very funny, Ron. You know perfectly well that Harry needs help with his leg.”

The opportunity was too delicious to pass up. He knew he should let it go but it was rare that such a chance to embarrass Hermione and Harry at the same time came up. Ron could not have stopped the words from coming out of his mouth if he tried.

“And just which leg would that be, Hermione?”

Hermione, clearly not grasping Ron’s innuendo, innocently answered. “Ron, what are you on about? It’s obvious that he needs help because of his right leg.” She could not figure out why everyone else seemed to be chuckling. Harry filled in the blanks for her.

“Umm…Hermione. I don’t think he means that leg,” Harry said as he pointed to his injury. His finger then drifted to the area between his legs. “I think he’s referring to that leg. You know, the third leg.”

Hermione’s face went scarlet as the realization of what Ron meant hit her. She was truly at a loss words as her mouth opened in shock. She was broken out of her confused thoughts as Harry’s arm wrapped around her waist and he leaned over to whisper in her ear. Suddenly an entirely different batch of confused thoughts entered her consciousness.

“Don’t worry Hermione, let me handle this.”

Without thinking she whispered a quick response. “You can handle anything you want, Harry.”

Harry was surprised at her words but he quickly regained his composure as he smiled and quietly answered her. “I’m going to remember you said that, Hermione.”

He then turned his attention to Ron. “Now Ronnie, don’t get your knickers in a knot. You know I only have eyes for you.”

Now it was Ron’s turn to have his face change colors. “That’s not funny, Harry. Cut that out.”

Harry smiled at Ron, as if enchanted by his words. “Okay Ronnie, you win. You know I could never say no to you.”

“Stop it Harry! That is not funny!”

Harry’s enchanted smile suddenly turned wicked as the sounds of laughter grew. “You could have fooled me Ron. I think you’re the only one who doesn’t think it’s funny.”

Harry then turned back to Hermione, who was now laughing as well, and extended his hand. “Shall we?”

“Definitely…we’ll be right back Ron. I promise I’ll keep my hands off of him.”

“Hermione that is not funny! You stop right-”

Ron then realized he was fighting a losing battle. “Fine, you win. Please, I’m begging you two to go upstairs.”

Hermione had never gotten the upper-hand so convincingly against Ron and she let out a giggle as they ascended the stairs.

“See you in a bit, Ronniekins!”

The actions of his best friend since he had returned started sinking in to Ron. The jokes Harry had been making, his affection toward Hermione, the smiles that were no longer replaced with nervous preoccupied stares. Harry was a new person. He had gotten his greatest wish. Harry was allowing himself to be…Harry

Ron finally had the answer to the questions he’d asked himself about Harry for so long. Why did he do it? Why did he go on? He did it so one day he could be at a party with his friends. He did it so one day he could trade good-natured insults with his best mate. He did it so one day he could hold the love of his life’s hand and sit with her on a couch. He did it so he could live.

Ron hoped no one could see the small tears now welling up in his eyes. “It’s nice to finally meet you Harry,” he said as the pair disappeared up the steps.

Hermione was still laughing at Harry’s remarks to Ron by the time they made it to his room which, given the state of his leg and the slow trip it had been, was saying something. She couldn’t get over how much fun she was having already. Her reunion with Harry had been everything she had hoped for and more. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it but Harry had changed somehow. He still had all the traits and characteristics that had attracted her to him but there was a definite change that had occurred. There was just more of him. More affection, more talking, more mischief, more smiling (don’t get her started on that smile), more…everything.

Unfortunately she was now facing a dilemma. She had promised herself that she wouldn’t force a relationship to start that night. But as she spent more and more time with him it became increasingly more difficult to keep the promise she made to herself. Their walk to the common room and Harry’s actions after they arrived provided a tantalizing preview of what Hermione potentially had in store for her and she found herself bursting at the seams for more. She had experienced more excitement in the sixty minutes since his return than in her prior sixteen years, and all they had done was hold hands! She crumbled inside imagining what affect other “actions” would have on her. It was at this point a realization came to Hermione. Things had been going fabulously so far because she wasn’t thinking and overanalyzing everything. “Enjoy the moment, do what feels right,” she told herself. “If Harry wants to initiate something be ready for it.”

“God am I ready for it,” that other voice in her head answered as she watched Harry make his way over to his bed. His voice broke Hermione out of her thoughts.

“Hermione, could you give me a hand? I need to get something out from under here.”

With her help Harry pulled a case out that he had hidden and placed it on his bed. It reminded of her of the slightly oversized, battered briefcases she’d imagined a traveling salesman would carry. Big enough to fit a lot of items in but small enough to be portable. As he began to open the case he stopped himself suddenly and turned to Hermione.

“Could you lock the door Hermione?”

“What are you up to Harry?

Harry’s mischievous grin returned as he spoke. “Just lock the door and you’ll find out.”

“Keep smiling like that and I’ll do whatever you want,” thought Hermione as she quickly turned and locked the door.

Harry’s smile disappeared as he stared into Hermione’s eyes with an extremely serious expression. For the life of her Hermione couldn’t tell if he was really serious or just having fun with her.

“Before I open this you have to promise you won’t tell anyone what’s inside, especially Ron.”

Now her interest was piqued. She nodded quickly and waited to see what was inside.

He opened the case to reveal what looked to be an assortment of ordinary, every-day items. Various sorts of candy, a quill, parchment, a toothbrush, and on and on it went. She looked at the velvet-lined case and noticed that each side was labeled. The left compartment was labeled “Slytherins” and the right was labeled “Everyone Else.” Needless to say Hermione was confused about the need to keep these items a secret. She was roused from her thoughts by the sound of Harry’s voice as he picked up a bottle out of the case.

“Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant! How do they come up with this stuff?”

Hermione’s confusion increased based on Harry’s reaction to what appeared to be a simple bottle, much like the one she held in her hand. “You don’t want me to tell Ron about your bottle Harry?”

Harry laughed and caught himself, not wanting to cause attention from anyone downstairs. “Maybe I should start from the beginning. What I’m about to tell you is also a secret, especially to Ron. Okay?”

Harry waited for Hermione’s nod and then continued.

“Remember the money I won for the Tri-Wizard tournament? Didn’t you ever wonder what I did with it?”

In truth Hermione had been curious about what he had done with the winnings. She eventually came to the conclusion that he just added it to his account at Gringotts or something else equally as innocuous. “Looks like I was wrong,” she thought to herself as she smiled and waited for Harry to continue.

“I gave it to Fred and George on the train home after fourth-year. I didn’t want it and I knew they could use it for their joke shop.” Harry waited for his words to sink in before he continued.

“Well because of my generosity Fred and George decided I was now a 1/3^rd owner of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. It really is amazing how seriously they take it, Hermione. They send me an itemized statement each month of how my “investment” is doing. Mrs. Weasley would be shocked at how professional they’ve become, at least when they’re not trying to duplicate the smell of cow dung.”

Hermione laughed at Harry’s remark. “Merlin he’s funny,” she thought, “has he always been this funny?”

Harry motioned to Hermione to stay quiet and continued.

“Before we came back to Hogwarts this year they gave me this case. Fred told me if I was going to be living off their hard work that I had to do some myself. So I became the official Product Tester for Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. Actually that’s not entirely accurate, I don’t test the products myself. I let others test them and observe.”

Hermione slowly realized what he was saying and put her hand over her mouth in shock. Harry had just revealed the answer to the mystery of the year at Hogwarts. Everyone assumed that with Fred and George Weasley gone that the practical jokes would cease. To the contrary, however, they had actually increased and no one knew who was behind them. Unlike Fred and George who gladly took credit for all their pranks, the new perpetrator had remained a secret, until now.

“So you were responsible for Crabbe and Goyle ending up in makeup and cocktail dresses?”

“The He/She shaving cream. It was time released to take effect forty-five minutes after it was used. Yeah that was me.

“And the rainbow wig on Dumbledore?”

“Hmm…the John 3:16 Jelly Beans. Yeah. That was actually meant for Snape but Dumbledore handled it rather well I thought.”

“And Draco turning into that…that…thing?”

“The Ferret Flakes. I can’t deny it…that was me also”

As she recalled another one of the pranks, her eyes intensified and she folded her arms. “And I have you to thank for my bra and panties ending up on the outside of my uniform?”

“I was hoping you would have forgotten about that one. That was the Inside-Out Undergarment Spray. I’m really sorry about that but I had to test it on someone I could stand close to.”

She attempted to keep a straight face at what she had just been told. Hermione tried to look at Harry with the most stern expression she could muster before she spoke. “Harry James Potter!” But that was all she could get out before she started laughing at the absurdity of it all. It was ridiculous really. The savior of the wizarding world. The blooming Boy-Who-Lived. He spent his free time turning his fellow students into drag queens. Knowing Harry was behind the jokes had somehow warmed her inside. In a strange way the knowledge that he was having fun pleased her to no end and she just couldn’t be angry, despite how embarrassed she had been at the time.

She saw a look of relief on Harry’s face as he realized she wasn’t angry with him.

“Do you want to know why I was laughing at the bottle?”

Hermione instantly became excited as she realized from that point on she would be in on the jokes. She nodded eagerly and waited for Harry to continue.

He pointed to the bottle still in her hand. “Look at the label on that one first.”

She turned her eyes to the bottle as he requested. The lettering was in the flowing script she had become accustomed to seeing in the wizarding world. She looked at the name, Waterston’s Wizarding Ale, and then at the logo just below it. It was a picture of two regal wizards, looking very similar to Professor Dumbledore, facing each other and raising their bottles as if they were in the process of a toast. As she completed her observation she looked back up at Harry, who then handed her the other bottle.

“Now look at this one.”

The lettering style and graphics were remarkably similar to the other bottle. If she hadn’t been looking for them the differences would probably not have been noticed. The name had been changed to Weasley’s Wizarding Ale. The logo was very similar to the other bottle as well. It was a picture of two wizards, in robes much like the ones on the previous bottle, toasting. There were a few differences however. The white flowing hair had been replaced with short red locks. And the sophisticated, serious expressions had been replaced by two extremely large grins. The robes worn by the wizards on the new bottle were the same color and style but the length was much shorter. They extended only to the wizards’ waists allowing Hermione to see the polka dot boxer shorts and argyle socks each wizard was wearing. Below the picture there were more words. Bottoms Up! You Stupid Twit!

Hermione covered her mouth to stifle the laughs now coming out of her mouth. “What does it do?”

“I don’t know. Fred and George seem to think it’s better if I don’t know what the jokes are ahead of time, that way I can give them a more honest response. The only way we can find out is by testing it on one of our classmates. What do you think?”

“I think you need to get your invisibility cloak so I can sneak that bottle downstairs.”

Hermione was shocked at the words that had come out of her mouth. She simply did not operate this way. Rules had been broken in the past but it had always been for a reason: to save one of her friend’s necks or to prevent them from doing something stupid. But never just for fun, until tonight. She looked at Harry who was positively beaming.

“This is no way to make Head Girl next year, Hermione. But I’m glad I have a partner in crime and I’m extremely pleased that it’s you.”

His compliment emboldened her and she spoke. “I’ve been thinking being named Head Girl isn’t that important. I think it may be time to devote myself to other interests.”

It was now Harry’s turn to blush. “And what would those interests be, Miss Granger?”

She smiled and lightly kissed him on the cheek. “We’ll talk about it when I get back up here. Now get your cloak before I lose my nerve.”

Harry placed his hand where Hermione’s lips had been as if he didn’t believe what had just happened. He quickly composed himself and retrieved the invisibility cloak from under his bed. Hermione reached her hand out so Harry could give her the cloak to put on but he did not comply. Instead he slowly pushed himself up until they were standing face to face.

“That’s okay Hermione…let me put it on for you.”

Her silent nod told him to proceed and he began to place the cloak over her shoulders. As he leaned in he returned a softer, longer kiss to her cheek and then hovered next to her ear. “Hurry back. We definitely have some things to talk about.”

Hermione was at a loss. All sense of time and space had left her. So many thoughts were streaming through her brain she could not focus on any single one. She aimlessly turned and began to walk toward the door only to be interrupted by Harry’s voice.

“Umm, Hermione… you might want to take the bottle with you. It would probably make the trip a bit more productive.”

“Right,” was all she was able to get out between her smile as she grabbed the bottle and embarked on her journey to the dark side.

She hadn’t been lying to Harry when she said being named Head Girl was no longer as important to her as it had once been. Harry’s time away had done a wonderful job of putting things in perspective. She could survive being passed over for Head Girl next year. She would be upset and probably cry a bit but she would definitely get over it relatively quickly. But losing Harry? That was another story. Even the thought of it now was enough to bring tears to her eyes. She knew if that had happened she would never get over it. She may very likely have met someone else someday, fallen in love and raised a family. But it would never be as good as it could have been…with him. She could feel it in her very bones.

Hermione snapped herself out of her thoughts and turned her focus to the mission at hand. “Ron and Harry will never let me live it down if I get caught during my first attempt at this foolishness,” she thought as she approached the bottom of the stairs.

The trip across was rather easy. Even though Hermione and Harry had only been upstairs for fifteen minutes the party had kicked into high gear. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ron chatting up Lavender Brown. She could hear him explaining to Lavender that she would be the perfect candidate to “cure” him of his feelings for Harry. “He’ll never change,” she thought as she made her way to the ale. If she were honest with herself she would admit that she hoped he never would.

The chatter and music that was now playing aided Hermione’s cause immensely. Her greatest fear was that someone would hear the rattle as she placed the Weasley’s brew in the middle of the other bottles but no one shot as much as a glance her way. As she stood planning her escape route back to the steps she realized she had never placed the age restriction spell on the bottles as Dumbledore requested. Luckily she had read about the spell when they had arrived back in the common room while Harry was otherwise occupied. She slowly pulled out her wand and whispered the spell over the bottles. “Ancestrus Restricto Fifteen”. She was silently hoping that someone under age would disobey her order so she could see the effect of the spell. The only thing the book said was that it would result in an embarrassing situation for the violator as punishment for their childish actions. “I wonder if they’ll wind up wearing their underwear on the outside...that’s bloody embarrassing,” she thought and caught the laugh she instinctively wanted to let out.

Before she began her walk back she grabbed three of the normal bottles to take with her. That meant Hermione and Harry had two bottles each to finish before they had to come back downstairs. “He’s all mine until then,” she thought as she quietly retraced her steps back to the stairwell.

Before she began her ascent up the steps a familiar feeling came over her. It was less than two hours ago that she had stood at the bottom of a stairwell with the same butterflies raging in her stomach and the same hope filling her heart. “Hopefully we’ll have done more than hold hands by the time we come back down this time,” she said with a smile as she quietly made her way up the steps.

.

The excitement in the air was palpable as Harry waited for Hermione to return from her trip downstairs. His nerves were on edge as he thought of the events that had transpired thus far and the exciting possibilities that lay ahead. The nerves were not a symptom of a fear of rejection, far from it. They sprung from his absolute confidence that Hermione returned his feelings for her and she was as ready and willing as he was to get things started. Her kiss on his cheek had confirmed it.

When you stand minutes away from realizing your greatest wish in life it tends to make you want to speed up the process a bit. If the events of the evening had been a book he would have flipped ahead by now to get to the good parts. But all he could do was wait and pray that she didn’t get caught, thereby delaying the finale to the dance they had been performing since he returned. The waiting reminded him of the Muggle television shows he had seen that would end at the most exciting part, only to be followed by those infuriating words, “To Be Continued.” He hated cliffhangers then and he most certainly hated them now. “Enough of this ‘let’s see how the evening goes’ rubbish, it’s time to get the ball rolling,” he thought as he anxiously waited. As he heard her footsteps through the open door he silently exulted at his change of fortune in the past five days.

As she quietly pulled the invisibility cloak off, their eyes met and an understanding was reached. It was time and they both knew it. Hermione shot a nervous smile Harry’s way and began to speak. “Harry I-“

Her words were interrupted by Harry. “Hermione, lock the door.”

“Why?”

Just like he had done the last time he had made such a request, Harry shot a smile to speed along his request. But the smile was different this time. Instead of the mischief and up-to-no-good quality of the prior request, this smile exuded warmth and tenderness. The words he spoke were the same but their breadth was magnified. “Just lock the door and you’ll find out.”

She locked the door and quietly sat next to Harry on his bed, offering up one of the bottles she had brought back. Her analytical side demanded to be heard. The confusion she had been experiencing needed to be resolved as soon as possible.

“Harry, what we’ve been doing tonight…I mean…I think I know what we’ve been doing…but…what do you think we’ve been doing?”

The words came so easily. He didn’t have to think as he set down the bottle and began to speak. “Well let me tell you what I’ve been doing. Since the moment you came up those steps in Professor Dumbledore’s office I’ve been allowing myself to act the way I’ve wanted to for so long that I…well I can’t remember when I didn’t want to act that way. My feelings run so much deeper than friendship for you but I just couldn’t say anything until this horrible thing was over. Well now it really is over and I’ve let myself say and do what I’ve wanted…and now that I’ve started I can’t stop, and I don’t want to. I just want to keep doing it more and more because it feels so perfect. I told myself not to rush anything tonight but I can’t help it. It just feels too…good. Does that sound about right?”

Hermione couldn’t answer. The outpouring of emotions she had experienced on his return hit her in full force once again. In Dumbledore’s office she cried out of sheer joy that the fears of his leaving and never returning were finally over. This time she cried as all her remaining fears were permanently extricated…the fears that told her he didn’t feel the same way as she did. She reveled in those tears and the release they provided. His finger on her chin as he tenderly lifted her gaze caused her to shudder. As she looked into those eyes she found her voice.

“Oh Harry, you couldn’t have said it more perfectly if you’d tried. I’m sorry I’m crying but I’ve waited and hoped for this day for so long I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if something had-“

The finger that had previously been on her chin was now placed on her lips to quiet her.

“Remember what I said to Ginny downstairs? From this point on the same applies to you. No more tears tonight, okay? And no more talk about what could have happened because it didn’t. I meant what I said earlier. I’m not going anywhere…ever.”

His hand moved as he cupped her cheek tenderly. Hermione tilted her head toward his hand as if willing the touch to be stronger, more intense. She closed her eyes and let that feeling and his words envelop her. That one word he added to his prior statement of the evening said more than any other combination of words could. Ever…as in forever.

The tears turned to joy and then laughter as she opened her eyes to the face she could never grow tired of seeing. “Damn you, Harry Potter!”

“What?”

“You did it again didn’t you?”

“What?”

“Said exactly the right thing at exactly the right time.”

He smiled and gently wiped a stray tear from her face. “I promise I’ll stop if you let me have just one more go at it. All right?

She nodded and gazed into his eyes, wondering how he could possible say anything more perfect than his last words.

“I love you, Hermione. I think I’ve loved you for years but I was too thick to realize it. The last two hours…sitting up here with you…have made every horrible thing I’ve had to go through to get to this point worth it. You were worth it.”

“He did it again,” she thought as he smiled and slowly closed the distance between them. This was it…the kiss she’d waited for her entire life. She had silently worried that if this moment ever did happen that it would be a disappointment. She’d thought and dreamed about it so often she feared it could never meet the unreachable expectations that she’d imagined. Hermione had been partially correct. It didn’t meet her expectations, it exceeded them tenfold. It was impossible to imagine feeling this good…this right. She felt herself pushing him down as she leaned on top of him, pushing her lips against his as if she wanted to consume every part of him. “If I’d known it was going to feel this good I would have never been able to keep my hands off of him for so long,” she thought as she hungrily attacked Harry.

As the minutes passed and the passion increased, other areas began to be explored as well. Hermione grasped at the only remaining thread of self-control she still maintained and pulled back from Harry, who let out a groan.

His pained voice startled Hermione who feared she had hurt him when she pulled back so quickly. “Harry, I’m so sorry, did I hurt your leg?”

He let out a defeated laugh and eased her fears. “Only the leg Ron was referring to earlier. You really are quite a tease you know.”

Hermione smiled and leaned down for another kiss before making Harry Potter a very happy young man. “Well if you’re going to take that tone with me maybe I shouldn’t tell you why I thought we should stop…for now.”

She said the magic words as Harry bolted up and waited for her to continue. He kissed her hand gently and spoke. “You better have some pretty good reasons because I was enjoying myself immensely.”

“Well for one if we had gone much further I don’t think I could have stopped myself. I imagine Ron is going to come looking for us soon and I do not want that interruption.”

“Secondly, you have a lot of people downstairs, including Ron and Ginny, who’ve been waiting to see you since you left. As much as I’d like to keep you to myself all night it doesn’t seem right.”

Harry looked at her as if he was letting her reasons soak in and then spoke. “Very valid points Miss Granger but if that’s all you have I must say I’m not convinced.”

As his words ended he leaned forward to commence their activities, only to be stopped by Hermione’s hands gently stopping him.

“Now, now Harry you must listen to all my points before coming to any conclusions. If I may continue?”

Harry nodded his head and smiled, clearly enjoying the conversation.

“I am a school Prefect. And as a Prefect I am afforded certain privileges. One of which being a private bedroom with a password that only I know. I think this would be an excellent place to resume our activities later this evening.”

She could see the wheels turning as Harry processed what she had just told him. As with most of the things she had been saying and doing that night, it had not been planned. She, like Harry, had been speaking and acting with her heart and not her head. The results thus far had been splendid and there was no reason to stop. She had no idea how far they would go later that night but she was most definitely not afraid of whatever was going to happen.

“Hermione, are you saying what I think your saying?”

She leaned in for another kiss. “I guess you’ll just have to stay sober enough to find out now won’t you?”

As he reached over to the table to grab his bottle he smiled and began to speak. “Well you’ve gone and done it haven’t you?”

“What’s that?”

“Ruined the rest of my bloody evening. I’ll be counting the minutes until the party’s over so we can continue what we started.”

He took a drink of the ale and made a slight face. “Besides I don’t think you’ll have to worry about my sobriety too much tonight. I’ve never drank anything like this before so I was planning on taking it slow.”

Hermione was confused. Harry, Ron and the twins had made many late night visits to Hogsmeade last year and she knew that they weren’t drinking butterbeer. “But what about those times you went out with Ron, George and Fred? Honestly you were so loud when you came back I could hear you from my room.”

The tense expression Harry used to wear constantly on his face returned briefly. “You heard them, Hermione. I never drank when I went with them…in case something happened.”

He didn’t have to elaborate. She knew he was talking about the thing that had robbed Harry of his childhood and adolescence. He had been afraid to lose any type of control in case Voldemort came back. This was the one subject she had hoped to avoid that evening and she did her best to change the subject. She grabbed her bottle, took a drink and made the exact expression Harry had after his first taste. “Well it looks like were both virgins then.”

Her words had done the trick as she saw Harry’s eyes grow wide and a slight tinge grow on his cheeks. She held up her bottle and continued. “I meant the alcohol you stupid git. I know you may find this very hard to believe but I’ve never had any either.”

Harry smiled at her words and caressed her face once again. “Well I guess we’ll have to lose our virginity together Hermione…the drinking I mean.”

He lifted his bottle and waited for Hermione to do the same. “To losing our virginity!”

She smiled at his toast and drew him into another deep kiss, then repeated it back to him in a whisper. “To losing our virginity….”

After several seconds it was Harry’s turn to pull away. “I think we better go downstairs now Hermione. I don’t think I could stay up here much longer and control myself.”

As they made their way across the room Harry pulled on her hand to stop. “There’s one more thing I need to say to you. Something I should have said to you a long time ago.”

“Thank you. Your friendship and support have been the greatest gift I could have ever received. Everyone has been congratulating me and patting me on the back but I know it wasn’t just me. I would have never survived everything I have without you.”

She saw his eyes begin to well up as he bowed his head and paused. “Thank you…thank you for giving me a reason to go on when I didn’t want to. You saved me Hermione…you saved me.”

Her heart melted as Hermione watched Harry break down. It dawned on her that she had never seen him cry. Through every traumatic event he suffered he steadfastly refused to give in to the tears…until now. She held him as he sobbed and intermittently spoke the words again and again.

“Thank you.”

She stroked his hair and let him cry until he had no tears left. As the tears subsided she drew him into another kiss. She broke away and softy replied to his words.

“I love you Harry…you’re welcome.”

As he sat in the common room Neville Longbottom couldn’t shake the sense of melancholy that had seemed to invade his thoughts since Harry’s victory over Voldemort. He was initially excited along with everyone else that the nightmare had finally ended…but his true feelings betrayed him. It was in similar “safe” times that his life was tragically altered fifteen years ago…when his parents fell.

They were still alive of course, but in body only. He often thought he would have been luckier if they had been killed instead of being left to rot away, mindless souls in seemingly healthy bodies. At least with death there is closure…a tombstone being a final and vivid reminder that what once was is no more. But what kind of closure is there when the supposed happiest times of the year, the holidays, are spent looking into the vacant eyes of the parents you never really had? No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t erase the images of their faces from his mind that evening. Joy and celebration surrounded him but it did not penetrate his consciousness. “Everyone was celebrating when they were taken from me,” he thought to himself silently.

He suffered these thoughts alone, never revealing the condition of his parents with anyone in his five plus years at Hogwarts. It wasn’t clear to him if his fellow students weren’t aware of what happened to his parents or simply were uncomfortable saying anything to him about it. His penchant for being the butt of jokes and his overall insecurities were thought to be the reasons why he normally remained quiet, but they weren’t the real source of his timid nature. The truth was he had been scarred much like Harry. Not the external scar on Harry’s forehead that had become famous but the internal scars they both suffered. They were scarred by thoughts of the life that could have been and the parents they never knew.

It was for this reason that Neville never envied Harry’s fame and popularity. He knew Harry would have much preferred being just another student at Hogwarts with two parents who were alive to raise him. All the newspaper articles in the world couldn’t replace what they had both lost and he knew it. In fact, Harry had been one of the rare students that Neville could recall never having fun at his expense. Even his fellow Gryffindors aimed a majority of their good-natured teasing at him, but not Harry.

As he saw Harry walking down the steps with Hermione, he knew a change had occurred. He quickly looked at his watch to gauge how long Harry had been back. “It only took them two hours to get it over with…I guess Ron wins the bet.”

There had been a debate earlier in the week between the four sixth-year Gryffindor boys how long it would take Harry and Hermione to admit their feelings. Neville’s was the longest prediction at three days and Ron’s was the shortest at four hours. Ron’s exact words had been “I wouldn’t be surprised if they started snogging on the common room floor the minute they see each other.” While that statement hadn’t exactly come to pass it was remarkably close.

Although he wasn’t in a celebratory mood that evening he did want to thank Harry for what he had done. Voldemort wasn’t directly responsible for his parents’ condition, but the hate and thirst for power he had bred in his Death Eaters was. Neville wanted Harry to know how much he had appreciated his bravery in hopefully ending the evil that invaded those men. “He’s a true Gryffindor,” he thought as he looked across the room at Harry and Hermione before turning his gaze back out the window.

*****

As Harry and Hermione walked down the steps and back to the party his eyes began to search for the one Gryffindor he wanted to speak to as soon as possible…Neville Longbottom. Since Harry’s “testing” of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes’ products had begun he purposefully avoided targeting Neville and he wanted to let him know about the joke about to happen that night. Harry had always been quick to defend Neville since they were first-years but his defense and empathy grew after learning of the tragedy that had consumed his parents. The truth was he felt guilty. Since he started at Hogwarts Harry had everyone’s sympathy because of the way his parents had died. Neville’s upbringing had been no brighter, in fact he thought it may have been worse. The thought of looking at your own parents’ lifeless eyes year after year seemed terrifying and unreasonably cruel. But never in their first four years at Hogwarts did he so much as ask him or care what had happened to Neville’s parents. If anyone could relate to Neville’s situation it was Harry. But he had apparently been to busy with his own problems to concern himself with a five minute conversation with Neville, and Harry hated himself for it.

Harry spotted Neville sitting alone, vacantly staring out the window, oblivious to the laughter and conversation swirling around him. It dawned on Harry that Neville’s parents’ torture occurred shortly after Voldemort supposedly had been killed the first time. He leaned in to Hermione and whispered in her ear. “I’ll be right back…there’s something I need to take care of.”

As he walked toward Neville he grabbed a bottle of ale, checked the label, and continued his walk. As he made his way to where Neville was sitting, he tapped him on the shoulder with the bottle to get his attention. As Neville turned around Harry offered the bottle and began to speak. “I see you’re not joining in the festivities. Is everything all right?”

Neville, as always, made up something to draw attention away from the real reason for his expression. He smiled weakly at Harry and began to explain. “I’m just a bit tired, haven’t been feeling well the last few days.”

They sat in silence staring out the window as Harry debated about whether he should say something to Neville. He turned his gaze back to his friend and recognized the grief behind those eyes. It was the same grief Harry had held inside for just as many years. As he returned to looking back out the window he spoke. “It’s your parents isn’t it?”

Neville’s head swung and locked onto Harry, his mouth wide open due to the shock of Harry’s words. He then quickly began looking around to see if anyone else had been listening.

Harry, sensing the reasons for his actions, began to speak. “Don’t worry Neville, no one else knows but me and I’m not going to tell anyone.”

Neville turned back to Harry and began to speak quietly so he wouldn’t be overheard. “Harry, how did you know? Who told you?”

“It’s a long story and it’s not really important how I know. But what is important to know is that you’re not alone. I know this doesn’t make what happened to them any easier to deal with but you do have people who care about you…not just your grandmother.”

Harry waited for his words to sink in before he continued. “I also wanted to tell you to avoid drinking from the bottle with two red-headed wizards on the label. It appears that the prankster has been at it again and drinking from that bottle would definitely not be a good idea.”

Neville’s expression turned from shock to a grin as he realized what Harry’s words meant. “It’s you isn’t it? You’re the one behind all the jokes around here?”

Harry was happy to let him in on his little secret. If there was anyone who deserved to be on the other side of the jokes it was Neville. “Let’s just say I have an inside source for all the latest Weasley products and leave it at that. Just remember to pay attention to the label all right? And don’t say anything to Ron about this…you and Hermione are the only ones who know.”

Neville smiled and nodded, clearly touched by Harry’s prior words and his inclusion on the joke. “Sure thing Harry. And if you ever need any help let me know. I’d love to see something happen to Snape.”

Harry laughed at Neville’s suggestion. “Looks like I’m having a bad influence on you but I’ll keep that in mind. With my leg in the shape it’s in I may just take you up on that offer.”

As he stood up to rejoin the party, Harry placed a hand on Neville’s shoulder and spoke. “I know your parents are proud of you Neville. Trust me when I say I know how hard it is to make it through what you have had to growing up. You’re a true Gryffindor Neville, never forget that.”

Harry began his walk back to Hermione only to be interrupted by Neville’s voice. “Harry, I wanted to tell you…thank you…for ending all this. This may sound odd but what you did makes what happened to my parents mean something…you know?”

Harry smiled and responded, once again struck by the true appreciation he had been experiencing since he had returned. “Neville what happened to your parents is as meaningful as what happened to my parents...maybe even more so. My parents had no time to think, they just reacted to what was happening and tried to defend me. Your parents made a conscious choice not to reveal anything. They were defending us all. Killing that bastard didn’t make what they did important. It always was important and always will be. Remember what Dumbledore said about doing what is easy or what is right? They chose to do what was right and that will never be forgotten.”

“Now drink up and have a good time tonight. All right?”

As he made his way to Hermione she smiled and grabbed his hand. “What was that all about, Harry? You looked awfully serious…”

Harry smiled as he saw Neville grab a specific bottle of ale out from the group and hand it to Seamus…beaming all the while. “It was nothing Hermione, just taking care of something I should have years ago. You might want to look at Seamus though, I think were about to see Fred and George’s contribution to the evening’s entertainment.

All in all, it had been a very good evening for Seamus Finnigan. Not only had he enjoyed one of the most wonderful meals he’d ever had at Hogwarts, an entire new world had been opened up to him thanks to Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The tunnel to Hogsmeade that he’d been shown and the map they had used to avoid trouble were truly mind-blowing. He thought he had been adventurous making his earlier jaunt to the kitchens, but that paled in comparison to the subsequent trip he had taken. And what a trip it had been. To see an entire community come alive just by speaking two words, Harry Potter, was exhilarating. But he derived the greatest excitement from what they had brought back from Hogsmeade. It was one of the greatest gifts you could give any teenage male, free alcohol.

It all came to a crashing halt, however, after a simple request was made to Neville to bring him a bottle on his way over to join in the conversation. He had noticed the grin on Neville’s face after he had made his request. It seemed as if he was enjoying getting the bottle for him. “Must be as happy as the rest of this that it’s all over,” he thought as he began to take a drink from his third (and definitely not last) bottle of ale.

As he swallowed the ale, he suddenly lost complete control of his body. His upper torso was jerked down and he was forced to grab his ankles. “What the?” were the only words he could get out before the situation turned infinitely graver. He could feel his belt being unlatched and watched from his upside-down perspective as his trousers sunk down to the very same ankles he was forced to hold. It all happened so quickly he couldn’t quite grasp what had just happened. It had taken less than five seconds for him to begin essentially mooning every fifth-year and up in the Gryffindor common room. His eyes turned to the bottle that he had dropped onto the floor. He saw the label and the words written at the bottom. Bottoms Up! You Stupid Twit!

“Bloody hell,” was all he could say as he braced himself for further humiliation. As he struggled to regain his thoughts he was hit with another wave of absurdity. But it couldn’t be happening could it? His posterior began to speak in a voice that bore a remarkable resemblance to the voice of Fred Weasley.

“Good evening everyone. As you can see this poor boy has been struck by an awful affliction. But fear not! All hope is not lost. For you see it is only through the actions of you, his true friends, that…that, what is your name dear boy?”

Seamus was still in a daze as the actions had unfolded. Under normal circumstances he would have never answered a question coming from his arse, but these were definitely not normal circumstances. “Umm…Seamus.”

“Ahh yes, as I was saying. It is only through your actions that poor Seamus can be saved. You see Seamus has been hit with a powerful curse…one that will take powerful action on your part to reverse. He was the victim of that diabolical conglomerate, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and their Bottoms Up Ale.”

“The remedy to the situation is simple…please direct your attention to the sign now flashing on Seamus’ arse. Could someone please tell Seamus what the sign says? Unfortunately he is in no position to be able to read it. Tragic really.”

It was Harry who spoke up, but barely. He choked out the words between his and everyone else’s laughter. “It says “My name is Seamus and I’m a stupid twit, please kick me!””

“Thank you young man. That is correct. To release our friend from his shackles his behind must be kicked a minimum of ten times. Please keep in mind that the magic involved in this tragic assault is extremely powerful. To counteract its effects the kicks must be powerful as well. So please don’t be shy.”

It was a veritable stampede as the Gryffindors quickly formed a makeshift line to help “save” their friend Seamus. The only one Seamus could tell wasn’t competing for one of the ten coveted kicks was Harry and he suspected it was the condition of his leg that kept him from the struggle. The fact that Harry was doubled over in laughter also impeded his ability to beat the rush to help.

For the second time that evening, the fastest feet belonged to Ginny Weasley. She laughed and spoke before she let loose. “No need to thank me Seamus. Just doing my part,” she spat out between the giggles.

After her solid kick the voice began the count. “One.”

The procession of kicks continued with the voice triumphantly adding them up one by one until at last the highly anticipated number ten had been reached. But to Seamus’ horror even after the tenth blow had been delivered he still could not stand up. He remained in that exceedingly embarrassing position, looking at the upside-down smiles of his classmates through his bare legs. Unbeknownst to him the sign on his boxer shorts had changed to read “Thank You”. Then the damn voice returned.

“Well done, well done everyone. You should be extremely touched Seamus. I can’t recall ever seeing a group of friends so eagerly coming to the aid of one of their comrades. You are truly loved. Now to finally rid yourself of this situation please repeat after me.”

Seamus gathered himself as he awaited the humiliating words he would have to speak.

“Thank you all for saving me from myself, for I am extremely thick.

Seamus gritted his teeth and growled out the words. “Thank you all for saving me from myself, for I am extremely thick.

“It is a miracle I can even get dressed in the morning.”

“Will this ever end?’ he thought as he repeated the latest humiliating words. “It is a miracle I can even get dressed in the morning.”

“Thank you again because, as I said, I am extremely thick.”

“Thank you again because, as I said, I am extremely thick.”

As the last word rolled off of his tongue Seamus regained full control of his body. After quickly pulling up his pants he surveyed the group to try and spot the guilty party. All he saw was a group of laughing faces staring back at him and his extremely red cheeks. The group applauded in appreciation of the entertainment he had unwittingly provided. “I definitely need to drink more ale,” he thought as he grabbed another bottle and carefully checked the label before taking a drink.

Seamus unfortunately had given up his search for the culprit too quickly. If he had remained looking he might have seen none other than Harry Potter raising his bottle to Neville Longbottom and mouthing three words.

“Well done, mate.”

The unfortunate mishap suffered by Seamus Finnigan had distracted everyone from the major change that had occurred in Harry and Hermione’s relationship. But as things settled down seemingly all eyes turned toward them and their new closeness. Neville was right…it was obvious that something had happened up in Harry’s room.

Hermione noticed the looks and leaned into Harry to whisper. She knew Harry hated the attention he always drew and wanted to let him know they could try to keep their relationship a secret for now if he wanted to. “Harry, I think we’ve become the center of attention. If you don’t want everyone to know-.”

But her offer was cut off before it could be made. He pulled her closer and smiled. “Now why wouldn’t I want everyone to know Hermione? If I didn’t know better I would think you were embarrassed to be associated with me.”

She bowed her head and smiled. “You know that’s not what I meant Harry. I just know you hate how everything in your life seems to be so public.”

A warm smile cascaded down on her as he responded. “Well I guess I’m going to have to get used to it in this case because I can’t help myself. Take this for example.”

He leaned down and kissed her gently. Time stood still and all noise ceased as she let Harry envelop her. She was again amazed how wonderful it felt to lose control with Harry. For the second time that evening they were roused by the clearing of a throat, this time by Ron.

As they broke apart and looked at Ron they were met by a steely gaze. He grabbed them quickly and began pulling them to a corner. “We need to have a talk,” he grunted as he led them to what they thought would be an interrogation.

Harry attempted to plead their case. “Ron we were-,” but he was cut off by Ron’s hand being put up in the air telling him to stop.

“You know what you two have done don’t you,” Ron said as a statement more than a question.

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other with nervous expressions. This was definitely not going as they planned.

Ron folded his arms and continued. “Well I’ll tell you what you’ve done. You’ve just won me six Galleons.”

The couple looked at each other once again, but this time their expressions had changed from fear to confusion.

“What are you on about, Ron?” Hermione piped in, eager to have the questions in her mind answered as always.

“Well I had a little bet with Seamus, Dean and Neville. They all thought it would take at least a day for you two to finally get up enough courage to admit how you felt about each other. I, on the other hand, knew you two wouldn’t be able to keep your hands to yourselves for that long. So thanks to you and your complete lack of control I just made six Galleons.”

Harry was the first to speak. “You knew? But I never told you a thing! How did you know?”

Ron smiled at his best friend and responded. “You two must really think I’m thick don’t you?”

He instinctively put his hand up again and aimed it at Hermione to avoid the pointed barb he knew was coming. “That was a rhetorical question, Hermione. No need to respond.”

She smiled to herself as he continued. “Honestly you two weren’t fooling anyone. Hermione you’ve been bouncing off the walls waiting for Harry to get back.”

Hermione blushed and Harry smiled, thinking about the effect he had on her.

Ron then pointed his attention to his roommate. “And you’re no better, Harry. I’ve had to listen to you moan Hermione’s name so often in your sleep over the last year I thought I was going to smother you with my pillow on a few occasions.”

It was now Harry’s turn to blush and Hermione’s to gloat at Ron’s words.

Harry voiced the question they had both worried about since they admitted their feelings for each other. “So you’re okay with this Ron? With us?”

Ron smiled and folded his arms again. “Well I don’t have a bloody choice do I? Besides if I threw a fit right now I might get accused of being in love with you again Harry. I have definitely had enough of that for one evening.”

They all laughed at Ron’s comments as he continued. “I do have one request however.”

It was Hermione’s turn to fold her arms and fire back at Ron. “Now Ron if you’re going to ask for one last kiss from Harry I must put my foot down. I just don’t think I can trust you to keep your hands off of him.”

“Very funny, Hermione,” Ron responded, silently hoping that would be the final joke regarding his earlier kiss. “Now may I continue what I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted?”

He waited for Hermione’s smiling nod before he continued. “As I said I have only one request. Never…ever…gang up on me again like you did before you went upstairs. I have enough trouble handling Hermione by herself Harry. If you join in I have absolutely no chance.”

Harry patted Ron’s shoulder and responded. “Agreed. Besides what would I do for entertainment around here if I didn’t have your arguments to occupy my time? Sometimes I feel like conjuring up a bowl of popcorn to enjoy while you two go at it.”

As Hermione and Harry began to walk back and join the party Ron spoke up again. “Hermione, could I speak to Harry alone for a moment? I promise to keep my hands to myself.”

Hermione nodded and kissed Harry gently on the cheek before making her way back to the party. She noticed another redhead who seemed quite intent on talking to her as soon as possible.

Ron turned toward Harry and began speaking again. Only this time it was in a much quieter tone. “Since we’re getting everything out in the open tonight, I think it’s time you let me in on your other secret Harry.”

Harry could think of only one other thing he had been keeping from Ron and he was positive that Ron didn’t know anything about it. “What are you talking about Ron?”

“You’re going to make this difficult aren’t you? I’m talking about the money that Fred and George used to start their business…the mishap that just occurred with Seamus…Crabbe and Goyle in eveningwear…Dumbledore and his new hairstyle…Malfoy assuming his true animagus form…Do I need to go on?”

Harry was shocked. He’d done everything he could to keep his gift to Fred and George a secret but somehow Ron had found out. “But how did you know?”

“I had my suspicions when Fred and George suddenly had money to get their business going. I wasn’t quite sure you were the source until they offered to buy my new dress robes. Those two would never…ever…feel bad about me having to wear such embarrassing clothing. If it were up to them the robes I wore to the ball would have been pink as well. Well anyway, when they offered to buy my dress robes I knew it had to be your doing.”

Ron paused to let his words sink in before continuing. “Once all the pranks started happening this year I figured that had to be you as well. Don’t forget Harry, I lived with Fred and George while they were making up all those jokes. I knew they had to be giving them to someone at Hogwarts and you were the most logical choice.”

“But why didn’t you say anything. You were always so stubborn about accepting…help.”

Ron chuckled at Harry’s polite attempt to mention how poor his family was. “It’s okay Harry, you can say the word. I was always stubborn about accepting money right?”

Harry frowned and mournfully nodded his head, regretting the fact that he had brought the subject up.

“I guess you could say that I did a lot of thinking over that summer about what was and what wasn’t important. You thought I would accept the robes from Fred and George because they’re my family right?”

Harry nodded again, still surprised at how well Ron apparently had taken the news.

“Well the way I look at it I did get them from a family member, Harry. I mean you’ve got a room at the Burrow now right? Your last name may be Potter but you are definitely a Weasley as well, mate.”

Harry was stunned at the words coming out of Ron’s mouth. He knew he had considered Ron to be as close as a brother since the end of first-year but this simply was not something the male species talked about. To have Ron actually say it out loud truly made him feel as if he was a part of the Weasley family. “Ron, I don’t know what to say…thanks”

Ron broke the sincerity of the moment with a flourish. “I think this is the point where we should hug but if Hermione saw us I know I would never hear the end of it. So this will have to do.”

Ron extended his hand and Harry accepted. If a handshake could ever be described as heartfelt it would have been this one. As the two shook hands Ron asked the question he had wondered ever since Seamus had been the butt of the last joke. “Harry, how did you get that bottle down here in the shape you’re in? Even with your invisibility cloak I would think it would be impossible the way you’re hobbling around.”

Harry smiled knowing the next words out of his mouth would truly shock Ron. “Would you believe Hermione did it? It was actually her idea.”

Ron laughed so hard other conversations stopped because of the noise. “Are you serious?”

Harry’s nod set Ron off on another fit of laughter. “It appears you’ve had quite a negative influence on our Prefect doesn’t it.”

Harry laughed as he responded. “It looks like it.”

“It’s about bloody time,” Ron said with a smile as the two made their way back to the party.

Ginny Weasley had definitely moved beyond her childhood crush of Harry Potter. The irrational thoughts of that innocent schoolgirl had been replaced with the reasoned intellect of the young woman she was becoming. Harry was one of her best friends now after all. The staring at the floor and stuttering speeches were a thing of the past and she felt completely comfortable in his presence. Yes, she definitely did not think about Harry in that way anymore.

But then he would do something. Something that would remind her of how special he truly was. He would volunteer to help her out on a particularly difficult Potions assignment, knowing she would have to face Snape’s wrath if it was done incorrectly. He would stick up for her against Malfoy’s insults about her poor upbringing and Mudblood loving parents. He would treat her with more kindness and respect than she ever thought she deserved. It was at those times that the butterflies would return and her mind would wander briefly to the thoughts she held constantly when she was younger. The thoughts of him.

This particular night she had been particularly proud of herself. She, along with everyone else could tell that Harry and Hermione had become a “couple” in their time upstairs. The kiss they shared after the joke played on Seamus had confirmed it. They were definitely together and to Ginny’s relief she was happy for them. Two of her best friends had found each other and she could feel that it was…right. As she saw Hermione gently kiss Harry’s cheek and make her way back to the party she anxiously awaited the details of what had happened upstairs.

As Hermione approached her Ginny grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side so they could talk. “Hermione, what did you do to that boy?”

Hermione laughed and bowed her head as she spoke. “It’s more like what he did to me Ginny. That was the most incredible thirty minutes of my life.”

Ginny giggled at Hermione’s description and a look of surprise grew on her face as a truly shocking thought entered her mind. “You didn’t do…it… when you were up there did you?”

Hermione’s surprised expression matched Ginny’s until she started to laugh. “Oh no, nothing like that happened, although if we’d stayed up there much longer I’m not sure I could have kept my hands to myself. He just does something to me Ginny. I can’t explain it.”

“Tell me about it,” flashed through Ginny’s mind until she quickly dismissed it and spoke. “I’m so happy for you two Hermione.” She paused and then asked the question with an answer she already knew. “You love him don’t you?”

Hermione hesitated before she answered, remembering the strong feelings Ginny had harbored for Harry when she was younger. “With all my heart.” Tears formed in her eyes as she smiled and continued speaking. “He told me he loved me Ginny…he told me he loved me.”

Their conversation was interrupted as Ron and Harry walked over to join in on the conversation.

“And what are you two lovely ladies talking about?” Harry said with a smirk as he grabbed Hermione’s hand.

Ginny smiled and answered back. “What else could we be talking about Harry? We were talking about you of course.”

“All good things I hope?”

Harry’s self-deprecating question earned a chuckle from Ron. “Geez Harry don’t you ever get tired of hearing about yourself? You’re becoming a regular Gilderoy Lockhart ever since you defeated You-Kn…Voldemort.”

“Very funny Ron.” Harry then gently shook the bottle in his hand as if gauging the amount remaining. “Ron could you get another bottle for me? Don’t forget to check the label.”

Ron laughed remembering how fabulously his brothers’ prank had worked. “Don’t worry. If there’s one thing I’ve learned growing up with Fred and George is that you check everything.”

As Ron walked away Harry leaned over and whispered something in Hermione’s ear. Hermione nodded and turned towards Ginny with a knowing smile. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere you two.”

As Hermione walked toward Ron, Harry’s focus turned back to Ginny.

“Ginny I wanted to talk to you about something before Ron came back.”

Ginny was at a loss wondering what Harry would need to speak with her about that night. It was clear he had sent Hermione on a mission to keep Ron from returning for a few minutes so she and Harry could be alone.

“It’s about my leg Ginny. I should be as good as new eventually but the doctors have told me that Quidditch is out for the rest of the year.”

Harry’s words had done nothing to erase Ginny’s confusion. For the life of her she could not understand why he was talking to her about this. Harry filled in the blanks.

“Gryffindor is going to need another Seeker for the two remaining games of the year Ginny. I think it should be you.”

Confusion turned to shock as Ginny couldn’t quite digest what Harry had said. The greatest flyer she had ever seen was suggesting that she take over his position.

Sensing her doubts, Harry continued. “I’ve flown against you enough at the Burrow to know how good you are Ginny. I wouldn’t be suggesting this if I didn’t think you could do it.”

Fear and insecurity enveloped Ginny as she imagined every possible excuse she could think of to change Harry’s mind.

“I’ve never been on a real team before Harry…I wouldn’t know what to do.”

“Rubbish. If someone as thick as me can be the Seeker you certainly can. Look for the little gold ball and try to catch it…seems pretty simple to me. Besides we have plenty of time before our next match to practice. I can teach you everything I know…which shouldn’t take long.”

Ginny smiled at Harry’s retort. But she wasn’t done with her arguments.

“The rest of the team would never agree …they would want someone more experienced.”

“More rubbish. They trust my opinion Ginny. Who else do you think should decide who the Seeker should be besides me? If they aren’t convinced than I’ll just have to convince them. And you’ll convince them when they see you in action.”

This was not going as she had hoped. Harry seemed to have a response for every argument Ginny threw at him. She decided to hit him with the clincher…the argument he wouldn’t have an answer for.

“Harry I can’t play Seeker with my old broom. You have to be fast and my broom just isn’t good enough.”

Harry smiled and eliminated her final excuse. “I’ve already thought about that Ginny. Just because I won’t be flying that doesn’t mean my broom won’t. You can use my Firebolt.”

“Oh no” was all she could think of as she ran out of arguments against Harry’s suggestion. The truth was her heart soared at the thought of taking over for Harry, even if it was only for two matches. But her insecurities refused to let her embrace the opportunity…until Harry made his final comment.

“You can do this Ginny…there is no other option as far as I’m concerned. Believe in yourself and know that you can do this. I believe in you.”

Those words erased the insecurities and Harry’s confidence enveloped her. She began to laugh as her excitement grew and she nodded her head in agreement. “If you think I can do it than I’ll try.”

“I know you can do it Ginny…there isn’t a doubt in my mind. I can’t wait to see the look on Malfoy’s face when you beat him to the Snitch.”

Ginny couldn’t help but smile at the picture Harry had placed in her mind. “That would be delicious,” she thought as Malfoy’s shocked expression danced in her head.

Harry became more excited at Ginny’s acceptance of his proposition. “We’ll start practicing tomorrow night after class all right? I’m sure given the circumstances we’ll be allowed extra time on the pitch. I can’t wait to see you up there Ginny.”

Ginny laughed at Harry’s enthusiasm. “Umm…Harry… tomorrow’s Saturday. We don’t have classes.”

Harry’s smile grew larger. “Even better…we’ll get started right after lunch okay? You won’t regret this. I’ve got to tell Hermione. She always said that we needed more females on the Quidditch team. I guess she’s going to get her wish.”

As Harry began to walk away Ginny’s fears began to creep back. “What was I thinking? We haven’t lost a match in ages. I can’t do this.” The words he had spoken earlier halted her growing hesitation.

“Believe in yourself and know that you can do this. I believe in you.”

She lifted her eyes to see Harry holding Hermione’s hand once again, obviously telling her the news. Her eyes then closed as those butterflies returned to her stomach. “I can’t believe I’m so nervous about being the Seeker,” she told herself, attempting to explain the butterflies away.

As she opened her eyes and looked at Harry again, the butterflies increased and she stopped denying the real reason that they had returned. “You’re an awful liar Ginny,” she thought to herself as a sad smile crept onto her face.

A/N: Ginny as a Seeker. What a great idea!

As the party progressed and the ale continued to flow the proceedings became considerably louder. It seemed as if every sixth-year and above wasn’t shy about toasting Harry’s victory, again and again. Every sixth-year and above that is, except two. Harry and Hermione had purposely reigned in their drinking the entire evening. Neither wanted to dull the senses too severely for anything that may happen after the party. As it was both their first times, the two ales they had each finished were having a slight affect however. At least they thought they were having an affect. It was difficult to tell if the lightheadedness and sense of abandon they both had been experiencing was due to the alcohol or the tremendous evening they both were enjoying. After their unbelievable “discussion” upstairs they had spent the last hour being greeted with a constant chorus of “I knew it all along” and “you two are so cute together” and various other congratulatory phrases. These comments were made by the female Gryffindors of course. The males tended to make their comments quietly to only Harry. “What the hell happened up there Harry?” and “it’s good to see that at least one body part still works” were the general comments he was hearing from the male Gryffindors.

Finally they had spoken to everyone who had been interested in their new status as a couple and Harry and Hermione were left to themselves at the party. Harry pointed to an empty couch at the other end of the room. “Mind if we sit down? My leg is starting to act up a bit.”

A nervous expression immediately appeared on Hermione’s face as she responded. “Oh Harry why didn’t you say something sooner? I can’t believe I let you stand here for that long without giving a thought to your leg. I am so sorry.”

Harry smiled again as he pulled Hermione toward the couch. “It’s okay Mione…I said it just hurt a bit. You don’t have to look out for me you know. I’m a big boy.”

She laughed at his joke and silently reveled in thinking of what a “big boy” he had become, and he was all hers. “Well maybe I like looking out for you Harry. I’ve become quite good at it over the last few years if I do say so myself.”

As they sat on the couch, Harry placed his arm around Hermione as she dug in as close as possible, nestling her head under his chin. Hermione thought about the nickname he had just used for the second time that night. She hadn’t been called Mione by anyone other than her parents and she had always hated it when they said it. She had thought it sounded childish and preferred her more mature full name. “Harry you’ve called me Mione twice tonight. You’ve never called me that before, why now?”

Harry began lightly rubbing her palm as he answered. “Well you have to promise not to get mad until you hear me out…okay?”

His answer had surprised her. “Why would I get mad Harry I was just wondering-“

Harry quietly interrupted. “Just promise, okay.”

Even though she couldn’t see his face she knew he was smiling at her…with that smile. The smile that made her melt in his presence. The smile she saw too rarely in the past few years as Harry wrestled with everything that had occurred in his life and what was to happen in the future. The smile that she feared she would never see again if he had not defeated Voldemort. She blushed at the picture of it in her mind as she gently replied. “I promise.”

Harry took a breath and explained. “Well, I’ve always thought your full name was a bit formal…a bit cold.”

She was surprised and initially hurt by his answer. Sensing her thoughts, Harry turned her head so she was looking into his eyes.

“Now before you say anything, you promised to let me finish. All right?”

One glance at his smile was all it took for the hurt to be washed away and that blush to return. “All right Harry…go on.”

“Well as I said I’ve always thought your name was a bit formal. But that’s not how I see you. It may fit everyone else’s picture of what you are…Prefect and top student and future Head Girl of Hogwarts…but not me. To me you’ve always been much…softer…gentler…than that. I can’t really explain it but it just doesn’t fit with what I know about you. Despite the appearance you try to give off I know the truth. That person they see is not the person I’ve known for the last five years. I suppose Mione just seems to be closer to my perspective of who you really are.”

He waited to hear her response but he was met with silence. He saw her hand move to her face as she wiped the tears that he had apparently caused and his heart sank “Hermione I’m so sorry, I’ll never call you that again. I meant it as a compliment…I really did.”

As she continued to wipe away the tears she chuckled and responded. “Harry, after what you just said to me my heart is going to skip every time you call me that from now on. My parents used to call me that when I was younger and I hated it. Now I think it may be the most beautiful word I’ve ever heard.”

She could feel his chest exhale in relief at her words. “So your not mad then?”

She lifted her head, drew him into a deep kiss and slowly pulled away. “Say it Harry, I want you to say it.”

“I love you, Mione.”

She let his words and what they meant wash over her as she rested her head on his chest. His words had made her feel alive once again. She smiled and spoke. “Tell me something else Harry.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Umm…When did you fall in love with me?”

Harry softly laughed at her question before he spoke. “We may be getting into that ‘saying the perfect thing at the perfect time’ problem again.”

Hermione laughed in response. “I think I’ll risk it.”

Harry gently played with her hair as he continued. “Fair enough but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I’m not sure when I fell in love with you. Like I said earlier I have a feeling it was long before I was smart enough to realize it. How about I tell you when it finally did sink in?

He saw the back of her head nod and continued. “Well it was right after you and Ron had broken up last year. It was a Saturday that we were allowed to go to Hogsmeade but you had decided to stay at school to study. I was planning on going with Sally Fairmont. Do you know her?”

Hermione’s thoughts drifted to the sixth-year Hufflepuff that Harry was referring to. She was blond, tall and beautiful, everything Hermione thought she was not. She nodded her head again and Harry continued.

“I had gone with you to the library early in the morning to work on an essay for Potions class. You knew I was planning on going to Hogsmeade and reminded me when it was time to leave and get ready. As I was putting my things in my bag I realized that I was disappointed thatI was leaving. I wanted to stay in that dusty library and do wretched Potions work instead of going to Hogsmeade because you were there. Well once it hit me there was no way I was going to Hogsmeade with Sally. I made up some stupid excuse about being hit by a Bludger during Quidditch practice and told her I couldn’t go. I stayed in the library with you for the rest of the day. One of the best days of my life actually.”

Hermione smiled as she recalled that day in her head. “I remember that day Harry. I was so happy when you came back.”

Harry continued to stroke her hair and spoke. “So how about you? When did you know?”

Hermione smiled as she remembered that wonderful and confusing day. “I realized it a bit before you. I was still seeing Ron and we had just had another row. I came into the Common Room furious and saw you sitting by the fire reading. I sat down next to you and we started talking. By the time we stopped talking several hours had passed and everyone else had gone to bed. When we finally went to bed I realized how easy it had been with you that night. The whole time I was going out with Ron it seemed like it took so much work and effort. But with you it was different…I didn’t even have to try. And then I realized that I never had to try with you. I don’t think I slept for a minute that night.”

Harry smiled at her words. “Yes I seem to have that affect on a lot of women.”

Hermione chuckled and responded. “It’s a pity I don’t have the same affect on you. You apparently sleep like a baby while screaming out my name.”

Harry turned her head to face him once again. “Now, now Hermione you shouldn’t exaggerate. Ron said I moaned your name, not screamed it.”

She nuzzled closer and playfully punched him in the stomach. “My mistake Sleeping Beauty.”

Hermione had never felt more comfortable in her life than at that very moment. Being wrapped in his embrace was where she belonged. “Harry…I could stay like this all night.”

But they only remained there for a few more seconds. The sound of uproarious laughter caused Hermione to bolt up and look over the couch to where the commotion was coming from.

Harry had turned around as well and was shocked at what he saw. A confused smile grew on his face as he spoke. “What happened to him?”

Hermione could barely get the words out between her laughter. “Well it looks like I performed the spell correctly.”

Colin Creevy was pissed…there was absolutely no other word for it. He was pissed that he wasn’t Harry Potter. He was pissed that he was only fifteen. And most especially…he was pissed at Prefect Hermione Granger. She let him gaze on that wonderful nectar and then cruelly pulled it away, blaming it on Dumbledore and McGonagall. But this was a night that he was not to be denied. He was going to step out from behind his camera and live that night…regardless of what Hermione Granger had to say about it.

As the minutes passed he carefully planned his attack. He briefly considered grabbing a bottle when Hermione and Harry had gone upstairs but he changed his mind. The risk was too great that they would come back down unexpectedly. It would be better if he could constantly keep his eyes on her. He patiently waited as the two returned and began talking to everyone. “Does she have to keep facing the ale?” he thought as the minutes seemed to drag by. He began to lose hope until he saw them slowly make their way over to the other side of the room.

It was perfect! They looked so comfortable there he knew they would not be moving anytime soon. It was as if the Gods had smiled on him…they even had their backs to everyone at the party. As long as he stayed in the crowd she would never know and he would win. He watched as she kissed Harry and pushed herself closer to him. “She’s not going anywhere,” he slyly thought. “Just a few more minutes to make sure and then the fun begins.”

Colin had no idea how true his prediction would become. Unfortunately, however, the fun would be experienced by everyone else at the party. He, on the other hand, was about to experience the greatest humiliation of his life. He had always wondered what the experience of tasting alcohol would be like. It was a safe assumption that the experience he was about to have was nothing like what he had imagined.

“It’s about time,” passed through his mind as he quietly grabbed a bottle and removed the cap, all the while tracking Hermione’s movements. He was about to taste it…victory. He had waited for what seemed like an eternity for that drink and he was going to enjoy it. And then something remarkable occurred. As the bottle touched his lips it was blocked by the thumb of his other hand being involuntarily shoved into his mouth by some unseen force. When his thumb had fully entered he immediately began sucking on it. He attempted to pull the thumb out but it would not be moved. But that wasn’t the most disturbing change taking place. His clothes started disappearing.

He watched in horror as his shirt, pants, shoes and socks slowly dissolved away, leaving his undergarments as the only barrier from being completely naked. His underwear, thankfully, remained on. But it unfortunately did not stay in its original state. As Colin glanced down to his waist his eyes grew larger as he watched the underwear he was wearing transforming into something else. Fifteen-year old Colin Creevy, potty trained for thirteen of those years, was now once again wearing a diaper. As the realization of what he was now wearing was being digested he felt another sensation on his head. He could feel some sort of hat forming on top and cotton straps dropping down both sides of his face and tying themselves under his chin. The horrible realization came to him as he pieced together what was happening. He was now involuntarily sucking his thumb and wearing nothing but a diaper. There was only one logical assumption that could be made about his new headgear. He was now wearing a baby bonnet.

Colin was roused out of his thoughts by the laughter of the crowd now beginning to surround him. The crowd separated as someone attempted to wade through to get a better view. He silently cursed his fate as Hermione made her way through to the front, folded her arms and smiled at the scene playing out in front of her.

“Well Colin, it appears that you didn’t take my order very seriously did you?”

Colin realized he was still holding the bottle in his left hand and quickly set it down. “Swowwy” was the only word he could get out as his lips steadfastly refused to stop sucking on that damn thumb.

“You’ve been a very bad boy haven’t you? I hope you’ve learned your lesson that you never, ever, want to cross me.”

She could hear Ron mutter “that’s the truth” from behind her as she continued staring at the hilarious sight that the spell had caused.

“You see I didn’t just give that order and assume it would be followed. I put a spell on the bottles to prevent anyone below sixth-year from being able to drink them. I’d say the spell did its job. Luckily for you I know the counter-spell to return you to normal.”

As Hermione pulled out her wand to put Colin out of his misery Ron spoke up and grabbed her arm.

“Hang on hang on. You’re not going to let him off that easily are you Hermione?”

Colin spit out the name of his new torturer. “Ron!” Only it sounded more like “Rww!” due to his current condition. Thankfully the string of profanities that then left his mouth could not be easily understood either.

Ron smirked at Colin and responded to his unintelligible words. “Now now Colin I have no idea what you just said but I don’t think it was very pleasant. You are in no position to be taking such a tone. Wouldn’t you agree Hermione?”

Colin prayed that, as usually happened, Hermione would disagree with Ron’s opinion and end his torture. To his horror he saw her eyes dancing and a smirk to rival Ron’s growing on her face.

She placed a finger to her lips as if pondering a momentous decision. “You do have a point. Not only did he disobey my order but he disobeyed Professor Dumbledore’s as well. That just can’t be ignored can it? What do you think Ron?”

Colin had seen those two argue with such ferocity he shuddered to think of the impact they could have being on the same side. He sought out the face of the final member of the trio. Surely Harry would end this. He saw Harry step forward from the crowd and stand next to Hermione. “Thank Merlin he’s going to rescue me!” thought Colin. And then he saw a smirk growing on the face of the trio’s third member. “That’s not good,” ran through his mind as Harry spoke.

“Hermione, don’t you think you should give Colin a break.”

A surprised look appeared on Hermione’s face, disappointed that Harry apparently did not think her actions were funny. “What do you mean Harry?”

Colin immediately began feeling guilty for doubting his good friend Harry Potter. It was quite clear that his favorite hero was going to save the day once again. If he could have dislodged that damned thumb from his mouth he thought he would give Harry a kiss to rival Ron’s earlier effort.

Colin should have trusted his earlier instincts.

Harry’s smirk turned positively evil as he answered Hermione. “I’m sure Colin has a perfectly good reason why he was holding that bottle. Why don’t we hear him out before rushing to judgment?”

Hermione’s face brightened as she fully understood Harry’s words. She turned her gaze toward Colin and began to speak. “Now Colin, if you can give me a clear reason why I should end your punishment I will take it under consideration in making my decision.”

For the second time that evening Colin Creevy was pissed. Extremely pissed. “Hwoomywn! Oo cn we theweeith!”

“Colin that wasn’t very clear at all! I have to say I am not convinced that you are totally remorseful. Did you understand what he said Ron? Harry?”

Both boys smiled and shook their head, agreeing with Hermione’s assessment.

Ron then volunteered a suggestion. “Perhaps we could tell him what to say Hermione. Seamus…what was it that you said earlier?”

Seamus was all too happy to repeat the words he had been forced to speak earlier in the evening. He imagined it would be quite funnier this time around. He spoke the words that had been permanently etched in his brain.

“Thank you all for saving me from myself, for I am extremely thick. It’s a miracle I can even get dressed in the morning. Thank you again because, as I said, I am extremely thick.”

Ron folded his arms and looked at Harry and Hermione. “What do you think you two? Obviously he should just be thanking Hermione instead of all of us but the rest of it sounded about right to me.”

Hermione and Harry looked at each other and nodded, clearly enjoying the moment.

Ron turned his gaze back to Colin. “Right then, do you need me to say it again before you start?”

Colin shook his head angrily. He imagined the thumb, diaper, and bonnet tended to downplay the seriousness he was trying to convey with his expression.

It was Hermione’s turn to speak. “Well go on then.”

“Thn oo Hwoomywn fw thavng mm fwm mythlf, fw I mm extwmwy thck. Ith ith a mwcle I cn emn gt dwth nn th mwng. Thn oo agn becaw, ath I thd, I mm extwmwy thck.

Hermione’s tone then turned much more motherly, as if she was really scolding a four-year old. “Now have we learned our lesson, Colin? Never disobey mummy Hermione ever again.”

Colin quickly nodded his head sensing that the end of his torture was near.

She raised her wand once again and uttered the counter-spell. “Ancestrus Restoro”

As Colin’s clothes returned and he was allowed to remove his thumb, applause started again for the second act of the evening’s entertainment. The star of the first act approached Colin and patted him on the back. “Thanks Colin!”

Colin shot a disgusted face at Seamus. “What are you on about?”

“Well after that little performance, all the talk won’t be about what happened to me tonight. So thanks!”

He watched Seamus walk away as he joined his friends to recount Colin’s humiliation. He then turned his eyes back to the ale that still sat within arm’s reach. “Stupid bloody ale” was all he could get out as he defeatedly walked away, avoiding all eye contact.

There was no doubt that Colin Creevy was still pissed and would remain that way for the indefinite future.

After their tag team effort against Colin the trio returned to what they had been doing just prior to the torture they had inflicted. Harry and Hermione returned immediately to the couch and to each other and Ron resumed his consumption of ale. Ron’s nights out with the twins and Harry the prior year had made him quite comfortable drinking alcohol. His funds, however, had never allowed him to become quite as comfortable as he would have liked. Fortunately for him money was not an issue this night and he could drink as much as he wanted…and he did.

Everything was right in the world. Voldemort was gone, his best mate was back and Ron was actually happy that Harry and Hermione had gotten together finally. He did not want to be a third wheel that night and the alcohol and the remaining Gryffindors provided a welcome alternative. As he grabbed another bottle he looked at the backs of their heads as they sat so close together on the couch. “I can’t believe I ever thought Hermione and I belonged together,” he thought as he let out a chuckle. He then turned his gaze in an attempt to find Lavender Brown in hopes of renewing their earlier conversation. He had been fairly certain that he and Lavender did not belong together either but the alcohol was causing a remarkable change of opinion to occur.

*********

As the next ninety minutes passed by Harry and Hermione did not move. A great majority of the time was spent in silence, both pondering the momentous changes that had taken place that night and what lay ahead later that evening. Neither had brought up if and when they would be retiring to Hermione’s private room since their conversation upstairs and the anticipation was killing Harry. He wanted to wait for Hermione to bring the subject up but his curiosity and anticipation finally got the best of him and he had to speak.

“Hermione?”

“Mmmmm?” Hermione dreamily replied. She had spent the last fifteen minutes with her eyes closed soaking it all in…soaking him in.

Harry took a deep breath as he began to speak his well thought out lie. “What we were talking about earlier upstairs…about going up to your room later. Well if you don’t want to do that tonight I’ll understand. Things have happened pretty quickly tonight and I don’t want you to feel any pressure.”

“He’s such a horrible liar,” she thought to herself as her newfound devilish side reared its ugly head once again. Hermione had been looking forward to going back to her room all night but she decided to torture Harry before telling him.

“I’m so glad to hear you say that Harry,” she said in her most serious tone. “I think we may be moving a little fast. You do understand don’t you?”

“Oh sure,” Harry replied, dejection clearly in his voice.

Hermione smiled to herself as she continued her ruse for a few more moments. “In fact I’m not sure we should even be kissing yet. I suppose holding hands would be fine for now and perhaps in few weeks we can begin kissing again…maybe. Is that all right?”

Harry was regretting ever asking the question. He was much happier not knowing his fate for the rest of the evening. Now he knew his fate for the indefinite future and it was bleak. But what could he say? Before he could respond Hermione restored his faith.

“On second thought,” was all she said before lifting her head and pulling him into a long, passionate kiss.

As she pulled away, Harry opened his eyes and saw the same smirk she had earlier leveled at Colin. He finally realized she had been having fun at his expense and Harry was entirely too happy to be upset. “You little…” was all he could say as he leaned down for another kiss.

After the kiss had ended she nuzzled her head against him once more and erased all doubts about where they would be heading after the party. “If I have to levitate you up to my room tonight I will Harry. I’ve waited too long to spend time with you and I’m not waiting anymore. You’re all mine whether you like it or not Potter.”

“Well given the condition of my leg I suppose it would be useless to fight you Hermione. I suppose I’ll just have to let you ravish me regardless of how horrible it may be.”

Hermione smiled at his remarks. “Your selflessness is touching Harry. Always sacrificing for others…you really are quite the hero.”

The conversation was interrupted by a familiar but slightly different than normal voice from across the room.

“Harry!!! Hermione!!!”

Harry immediately recognized what was happening and quickly filled Hermione in. “Hermione there’s something you need to know about Ron when he starts drinking. He becomes extremely-“

Harry’s words were cut off as Ron’s arms wrapped around them and enveloped them in a sturdy hug. As Ron started to laugh Harry finished his sentence.

“…friendly”

Harry laughed at his best friends current state as he cast a smiling glance at Hermione. “Having a good time Ron?”

His question was met with a slightly askew smile from Ron. “I think you could say that. I’ll let you on a little secret though.”

Ron then began speaking in a labored whisper that was virtually the same volume as his normal voice. “I’m a little drunk.”

“I would have never known,” responded Hermione with a smile. “Umm Ron, could you let go of my shoulder? I’d like to get the blood circulating again if possible.”

Ron laughed but did not release his grip. Instead he actually pulled the two closer. “Oh Hermione you’re so funny. I love you guys.”

Hermione leaned forward to look past Ron’s face and see Harry’s expression regarding what was happening. It looked as if Harry had been through this many times before. She imagined Ron had professed his love for Harry on their trips back from Hogsmeade many times while draped on Harry’s arms. She delicately pulled Ron’s arm off and spoke. “We love you to Ron.”

Ron turned and smiled at Harry. “I think we need to start making our trips to Hogsmeade again, Harry. Now that you can drink that town won’t know what hit them. And now that Hermione’s been corrupted she can come along as well.”

Harry couldn’t wait to make such a trip and actually drink something. “You just want me to go for the free ale Ron. But you’ve got a deal on one condition.”

Harry removed Ron’s arm from his shoulder before continuing. “Stop hugging me so much. Your public displays of affection are becoming quite disturbing.”

Ron laughed and wrapped them both in a hug again. “You guys!!!”

His hug was interrupted as he realized his other best mate that evening was empty. “Need more ale…I’ll be right back.”

While making his way to the ale a remarkable idea occurred to Ron. They had been taught the summoning spell late in their fifth year and he was one of the quickest to master it. He could simply summon a bottle of ale using the spell and he wouldn’t have to make the rest of that long walk. As he pulled out his wand he was temporarily stopped from uttering the spell by Hermione.

“Ron what are you doing?” Hermione had been enjoying watching Ron’s meandering walk away from the couch and was alarmed that he would be attempting to perform magic in such a state.

“No worries Hermione…I’m just going to summon a bottle. Much less of a walk that way.”

Hermione wasn’t sure to be concerned or amused at the thought of Ron attempting the spell. Her better side won the battle and she attempted to stop him. “Ron are you sure that’s such a good idea? That spell takes a tremendous amount of focus and in your…state…you may not be able to concentrate enough.”

Ron quickly shot back. “Do I need to remind you how quickly I was able to learn the spell Hermione? Much quicker than you in fact.”

Ron’s mild insult allowed Hermione’s dark side to take over the conversation. She smiled and replied. Very well then. Good luck Ron…don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Warn me! Bollocks…” Ron thought as he began to say the words. Hermione could be so annoying sometimes…it was a spell he had performed numerous times in the last several months. There was no doubt in his mind that the bottle he summoned would be on its way towards him as soon as he uttered the words. He squinted his eyes, focused on the desired bottle and uttered the spell. “Accio bottle.”

Ron had been right. Immediately after he said the words the bottle he had requested was quickly flying towards him. Unfortunately Hermione had been correct as well. Due to his inability to properly focus six other bottles had received the same message and were also flying straight toward Ron.

“Dammit she’s right again” ran through Ron’s mind as he thought of the pummeling he was in for if those bottles reached their intended target. He realized he was standing near the steps to his room and immediately began to run up the stairs, hoping to reach his room and shut his door before the bottles caught up. He could hear Hermione yell out “Nice job Ron” as he continued his sprint and made his way to the top.

He had been hoping Harry and Hermione had left the door to their room open when they had come down earlier but his hopes were quickly dashed as he reached the top and found the door to be closed. As he attempted to open the door he glanced over his shoulder to see where the bottles were. He barely had enough time to turn his head around as the first bottle reached him, followed by the six others. He quickly hunched down as the bottles ricocheted off of his back and side until finally sinking down to sit in defeat. As painful as the bottles hitting his body had been he knew he was in for something much more torturous as Hermione sprinted up the steps.

She pulled out her wand and uttered a spell, quickly cleaning up the mess made by the four bottles that had broken after hitting the steps. She then grabbed one of the remaining unbroken bottles and handed it to Ron, smiling all the time. “I apologize for doubting you Ron…that spell was quite advanced. I’ve only been able to summon one thing at a time. You however were able to summon seven things at once. Well done.”

“Very funny, Hermione,” replied Ron as he took the bottle. The bottles hitting his body were not as painful as he had feared and he suspected he would feel much worse in the morning after the affects of the alcohol had worn off.

Hermione smiled and helped Ron up before responding. “Are you all right Ron? Those bottles were moving awfully fast.”

“Yeah I’m fine…thanks, Hermione.”

As he made his way to his feet another female made her way to the top to see how Ron was doing. It was Lavender.

“Oh Ron are you okay? That looked positively dreadful.”

Suddenly the injuries he had suffered became increasingly more serious. Ron winced as he spoke. “I’ll be fine, Lav…but do you mind helping me down the steps? My back is really hurting.”

Lavender pulled Ron’s arm over her neck and smiled. “Certainly, Ron…let’s go sit for awhile. All right?”

As they made their way down the steps Ron shot a glance at Hermione who had folded her arms and was shaking her head with a smile at his actions. “See you later, Hermione.”

“Yes Ron, and I do hope you feel better.”

As Hermione made her way back to Harry he quickly asked about Ron’s condition. “Is he okay Hermione? He looked pretty banged up when he came down with Lavender?”

She laughed and filled him in. “Let’s just say his injuries became more serious once Lavender started showing some concern.”

Harry looked across the room at Ron, as their eyes met Ron smiled quickly and winked at Harry. “That dog! How much do you want to bet he’ll need Lavender’s help to make it back to his room later?”

Hermione laughed and said the words Harry had been waiting to hear since they came back downstairs. “Speaking of going back to one’s room, I think we’ve put in enough time at the party Harry. Are you ready to g-?”

He spit “yes” out before she could finish her sentence. Then a thought occurred to him. “How are we going to go up there without everyone noticing, Hermione? I don’t mind everyone knowing about us but if they see us going to your room we’ll never hear the end of it.”

Hermione smiled and grabbed Harry’s hand. “Don’t you know me well enough to know I would have thought about that already? I’ll simply help you up to your room for the evening and take your invisibility cloak with me when I go to my room. I’ll wait a few minutes and come get you under the cloak. How does that sound?”

“Marvelous” was the only word he could say after hearing her plan. “Ron was right Hermione. I have had a horrible influence on you.”

She leaned up for a kiss before responding. “I know…isn’t it wonderful?”

“Most definitely…now let’s go.”

Hermione let go of Harry’s hand and spoke. “I want to take care of one more thing first.”

Harry watched as Hermione walked over to Ron and whispered something in his ear. Ron turned to look at Harry and smiled before Hermione made her way back.

“What was that all about?” Harry asked as he grabbed Hermione’s hand and made his way to the steps.

“Oh I just let him in on our plans for the evening and told him that he would have the room that you two share to himself for the evening in case he had any…guests.”

Harry laughed as he looked over to Ron and Lavender talking together on the couch. “Ahh…young Ron has found love as well?”

Hermione chuckled before responding. “I wouldn’t call it love yet but it’s definitely something.”

“Aren’t you worried about our boy corrupting Lavender?”

Hermione laughed. “Based on what Lavender’s told me in the past I’m more concerned about Ron being corrupted.”

Upon reaching Harry’s room Hermione quickly reached under his bed and pulled out the invisibility cloak. She reached up and kissed Harry again before turning to leave. “I’ll be back in a few minutes Harry,” she said as she began her descent.

“Please hurry Hermione,” Harry desperately whispered as the sound of her footsteps faded.

“You’re a wreck Potter…relax,” Harry told himself as he nervously awaited Hermione’s return. He quickly looked around the room for a much-needed distraction and spotted the worn photo album given to him by Hagrid during his first year at Hogwarts. That book had become his life preserver over the past few years. Whenever it all got to be too much the pictures inside that book would calm him and restore his hope. As he pulled the album to his lap a hint of the sadness he had felt for so many years briefly returned, but it was different this time. Always in the past he wished that his parents were alive for him…so he would be happy. But tonight he wished they were there so he could express his profound appreciation for the sacrifice they had made. They gave him life…twice.

He opened the book just like he had done a thousand times before and looked at the first page. It was a picture of his parents while they were still at Hogwarts, about the same age as he and Hermione. The expressions on their faces matched what he had been feeling all that night. Happiness. Pure, unadulterated happiness. In his first few years at school he was never able to grasp how two people could look that joyous…like nothing and no one could destroy their mood. He always hoped that some day, if he survived long enough, he might find that in someone. Little did he know at the time that someone sat right next to him on many occasions while he had looked at that very picture.

The next page showed another trio. Mum, dad, and baby Harry smiling and waving at the camera. Being only a few months old, Harry could not wave his arm by himself. His dad had done the trick, gently moving his wrist while his mother held him and kissed his forehead. It had always been his favorite picture and it touched his heart more deeply than ever that night. He gently traced the outline of his parents’ faces as a warm smile grew on his face. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“They know,” Hermione spoke from behind as she placed her hands on his shoulders. She had returned quietly and was watching as Harry had lost himself in the pictures.

“They know what?”

“They know what you’ve done. They know who you’ve become. They’re proud of you… I can feel it Harry.”

A lone tear fell on the picture and was quickly wiped away by Harry, embarrassed that he had cried for the second time that evening. Hermione’s hands left his shoulders as she wrapped her arms around him from behind and gently kissed his cheek. “Remember what you said Harry? No more tears tonight.”

Her words warmed him as his eyes dried and his smile grew larger. She was right…he felt it as well. Somehow his parents knew that their sacrifice had been worth it. Their son had survived because of what they had done and he was now as happy as they had once been. “Thank you Hermione,” he softly spoke as he pushed himself up and turned around to look in her eyes. “I suppose I did set the ground rules for the evening and I’ve already violated them once. Wouldn’t want to upset the Prefect with my incessant rule-breaking.”

Hermione grabbed his cane with one hand and gave it to Harry. She then took his free hand and began pulling him slowly toward the door. “That’s better. Now let’s go before I have to start deducting points.”

Before they made it to the door Harry pulled back on her arm and enveloped her in a hug. “Not yet” was all he said as he continued to hold her close. His heart soared as he felt her sink into his body in an attempt to get as close as possible. As he held her the smiles his parents held in that picture flew back into his mind. What he had told her earlier was true. All the misery he had endured had been worth it. He could not imagine being happier than he was at that moment while they held each other in silence.

Worried that Harry was upset, Hermione finally broke the silence. She gently spoke as she pulled him tighter. “Harry, are you okay?”

He slowly pulled away and kissed her on the forehead. “Never better,” were his only words as he smiled and looked into her eyes. “We can go now.”

Hermione reached a hand up and gently caressed his cheek. “We are going to be so good together Harry. Tonight has been wonderful.” She grabbed the invisibility cloak and covered them both, standing as close to Harry as possible. “And it’s only the beginning,” she murmured as they quietly made their way down the steps.

As they slowly crossed the common room she could feel his breath on her neck. The sensation was unlike anything she had ever felt before. It exemplified everything she had craved from him for so long. She could literally feel him…his presence. Her stomach lurched as they approached the first step of the stairwell leading to her room. This was it. Her old life was officially over and the new adventure was about to begin.

Hermione purposefully slowed her steps as they made their way up the stairs. The anticipation was beginning to take hold and she desperately clung to any bit of self-control she had. Harry stopped holding her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist as they approached the top step, bringing them even closer. She closed her eyes and absorbed the feel of him…his arm, his waist, his head gently resting against hers now…it was bliss. As she lost herself in these thoughts she unknowingly had stopped walking into her room. Harry’s voice broke her out of the trance.

“Mione are you all right?”

She slowly opened her eyes and gazed into his. Always in the past she had forced herself to look away from them when their gaze met hers…but not tonight. She stared into them and lost herself once again. “This is heaven,” she thought as she responded to his question wearing a warm smile. “Never better.”

Harry smiled at her words and leaned down for a gentle kiss. The cloak was dropped as they slowly made their way to Hermione’s bed, never relinquishing the kiss. Harry’s knees buckled as they hit the bed and he sat down. Hermione leaned down with him, refusing for the kiss to end. Eventually she pulled away and quickly made her way over to shut and lock the door. She then pulled out her wand and uttered another locking charm as well as a silencing spell on the room. As she made her way back to him she saw a look of insecurity grow on Harry’s face as he began to speak.

“Hermione…I’m not sure we should do this.”

She was stunned. The evening had been so perfect. All her doubts about his feelings toward her had been erased. But now he seemed hesitant…unsure of his emotions. “What do you mean Harry?” was all she could say as the worries grew in her mind.

“I think I know where we are headed…and believe me I want it to head that way. It’s just…I’ve never done that before…and with my leg in the shape it’s in…well I don’t want you to be disappointed.”

He was nervous, the most powerful teenage wizard in the history of magic was nervous. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair and began to speak. “Harry, whatever happens…it will not be a disappointment. I’ve only been disappointed with you once in my life.”

Harry was surprised at her words. “When did I disappoint you? The Firebolt thing?”

She laughed and sat down next to him resting her head on his shoulder. “No it was not when you were angry with me about the Firebolt. I expected you to be angry about that and you definitely met my expectations.”

He laughed as he recalled how stupidly he and Ron had behaved. “Sorry about that.”

She grabbed his hand and continued. “It was the first time I met you actually. I had read so much about you after I received my Hogwarts letter I had concocted an outrageous picture in my head of what you would look like. A foot taller than everyone else…devastatingly handsome…rippling muscles.”

Harry remembered what he looked like at that age and chuckled at how wrong she had been. “Hermione I was only eleven! At least you got the devastatingly handsome part right.”

“Very funny Harry. I know it was silly. But when I met you I really was surprised and a little disappointed that you were just like everyone else. But I was wrong. Even before we became friends I watched you and saw how you treated people…how you always defended Neville and Ron…how you came after me when the troll was in the castle. You were not and are not like everyone else Harry.” Hermione then lifted her head and looked into those eyes again. “I had no idea what to expect when you came back tonight. For once in my life I had no plan for what was going to happen and it’s been wonderful. Whatever we can or can’t do…it doesn’t really matter. I know it will be perfect either way.”

“Really?” was the only response Harry could muster.

Hermione giggled slightly and replied. “You still have no idea what kind of affect you have on me do you? I think you could sit here all night and read out loud from one of those Quidditch books you and Ron like so much and I still wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off of you.”

“Maybe tomorrow night” was all Harry said as he lifted a hand and caressed her cheek. Hermione closed her eyes once again and let his touch overtake her. His hand left her face and made its way to the back of her neck and slowly pulled her towards him for another kiss.

They stayed that way for what seemed like a lifetime, neither one wanting to end the moment. As the kiss finally ended Hermione gently pushed on Harry’s shoulders until he was lying down. She reached her leg over so she was straddling him and slowly began unbuttoning his shirt, never breaking eye contact. “Remember what I said, whatever happens tonight…it will be-”

But her words were interrupted by another kiss from Harry. It was clear that the words she had spoken had released all of the insecurities he had been holding in his mind. He attacked her mouth with a ferocity she had not quite expected and she was overwhelmed. He slowly pulled away and finished her sentence. “-wonderful.”

As she continued to unbutton his shirt Harry stared into those wonderful brown eyes, still not believing his tremendous good fortune that night “Merlin it really has been a good week,” was the last thought that ran through Harry’s mind before he lost himself in Hermione for the remainder of the evening.

Harry awoke with a start, the throbbing in his right leg a reminder of the activities that had taken place only hours before. He had probably set the recovery of his leg back a few days with the exertion he had put it through but he couldn’t have cared less. If it was possible for pain to feel good this was the time. It reminded him of the pain he felt waking up the morning after a particularly intense Quidditch practice. He would be stiff and sore but not really hurting…just worn out from pushing himself to the limit doing something he loved. And he had definitely been pushed to the limit doing something he loved, several times, the previous night. Hermione had been right. They had no idea where the evening was going to take them when they started but it had turned out perfectly. The only problem was he knew they would have to limit their activities in the immediate future somewhat if he ever wanted his leg to fully recover. But that was a problem for another day. There were two days remaining in his fabulous week and he was planning on living them to the fullest before coming back down to earth on Monday. He let out a groan as he slowly sat up, placed his feet on the floor and put on his shirt.

“Glad to see you finally decided to wake up,” Hermione joked as she continued to get dressed. “How are you feeling this morning?”

“Besides the fact that my leg feels like it’s about to fall off I’m perfect,” was all he could grunt out as he pulled himself up and hobbled across the floor to where she was standing. “How about you? How are you feeling?”

“Lovely. Different, but lovely,” she softly replied.

Harry lightly grasped her shoulders from behind, looking at their reflection through the mirror she was using to get ready. “I know what you mean. I suppose last night changes everything.”

She leaned back so she was resting against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. “I certainly hope so.” She glanced at the clock on her dresser and quickly stood back up. “Goodness Harry, look at the time. We need to hurry up if we want to get some breakfast.”

“Right. I’ll meet you in the common room in twenty minutes,” he responded as he pulled the invisibility cloak over his head and walked toward the door so he could change clothes in his room. He was stopped by Hermione’s voice.

“Harry, I thought you couldn’t make it down the steps by yourself.”

He’d been caught. His first request for Hermione’s help last evening in Dumbledore’s office was simply an excuse to hold her hand. Harry pulled the cloak off revealing a sheepish expression. “Umm would you believe I made a miraculous recovery?”

Hermione laughed as she realized what he had done. “You just wanted to hold my hand didn’t you?”

“Well it worked didn’t it?” was the only response he could come up with as he responded with a smile. “You didn’t seem to mind either as I recall.” The smile he received from Hermione spurred him to continue. “Besides, by the end of the day I’m fairly well worn out. I may need your help again tonight to go to bed.”

Hermione walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t push your luck Potter. Now hurry up or we’ll miss the food. I’m starving.”

“Work up an appetite last night did you?”

She chuckled and bowed her head, slightly embarrassed. “I guess you could say that. Now get out of here. I’ll see you in twenty minutes.”

As he made his way up the steps to his room Harry wondered what he would find once he opened the door. Ron had looked as if he was becoming awfully friendly with Lavender and it appeared that anything was possible. He felt a tinge of disappointment as he reached the door and realized it was not locked. Harry feared that he would be teased mercilessly by Ron about where he had spent the night and was hoping to have some ammunition to fire back Ron’s way. His hope was restored however as he saw the state of Ron’s bed.

Ron had always been a very still sleeper. It was sometimes hard to tell that anyone had been sleeping in his bed after he got up in the morning because he moved so little while asleep. That was not the case this morning. Although Ron was alone in his bed it was quite clear that he had company earlier and they had been very active. One blanket had been thrown on the floor and the other blanket was crumpled in a corner of the bed, as if it were shoved out of the way quickly. And unlike the normal pajamas he wore this morning Ron was only wearing a pair of boxer shorts…backward. . “Looks like he made good use of the room last night,” was all Harry could say as a smile overtook his face. Harry couldn’t wait…he had to know what happened as soon as possible.

“Ronniekins,” he murmured while nudging his roommate to wake him up.

Apparently Ron was in the middle of a dream most likely inspired by the events of last night. Instead of opening his eyes he responded to Harry’s touch while still sleeping. “Mmmmm…that feels nice” was all Harry could make out of Ron’s garbled response.

“This opportunity is too good to pass up,” Harry thought as he continued the fun. “Ronnie can you hear me?” Harry whispered in his most feminine voice.

‘Yes love,” was Ron’s reply as he turned over in his sleep.

Harry could hardly contain his laughter. “Do you love me Ronnie?”

“You know I do love now come back to bed.”

“Before I do there’s something I have to tell you.”

Ron rolled over again, a sleepy smile on his face. “Mmmmm?”

“Ron I’m pregnant.”

“That’s wonderful love…now co-“ was all that was said before Harry’s last word broke through Ron’s subconscious. His eyes snapped open and he bolted up in his bed, unsure of what had just happened. The sight of Harry now lying on the floor in hysterics did nothing to erase the confusion. As he became more awake the nocturnal conversation he had just had with Harry was replayed in his mind. “You bastard” was all he could say before he started laughing as well, launching a pillow at Harry.

Harry sat up and leaned his back against his own bed, somehow willing himself to stop laughing. “Now Ron is that any way to treat the mother of your child?”

Ron responded as he hurled his other pillow at Harry, connecting with his head. “I now have a horrid picture in my mind of you in a maternity dress, nine months pregnant with Ron Jr. I may never sleep again.”

Ron’s comment caused another wave of laughter in Harry before he was able to speak. “What happened in here last night Ron? Don’t tell me you were alone because it is obvious you weren’t.”

Ron ran a hand through his hair and bowed his head. “I’ll tell you but you probably won’t believe it. Lavender seduced me Harry. She volunteered to help me up here last night and then attacked me. I woke up a couple of hours ago and she had already left. No note…nothing. She used me Harry. I was used.”

A hesitant expression appeared on Harry’s face as he spoke. “And how do you feel about that?”

The grin returned to Ron’s face as he responded. “Bloody fantastic.”

Harry buried his head in his hands. “You’re a real romantic Ron. Sounds like you two were made for each other.”

Ron pulled himself up from his bed and began getting dressed, grimacing slightly from the results of the summoning spell he had performed the previous night. “I think so too.”

As he watched Ron pulling on his shirt Harry interjected. “Ron are you going to at least take a shower?”

Ron continued getting dressed and responded. “No time,” he muttered as he walked in to the bathroom to brush his teeth. “I want to get down to breakfast and find Lavender.”

After finishing in the bathroom Ron uttered a spell to tame his hair and began quickly walking toward the door. A thought struck him and he stopped. “I told you what happened up here last night. What exactly happened in Hermione’s room?”

Harry’s expression turned serious and he began speaking very quietly. “I’ll tell you but you have to promise not to say anything to Hermione.”

Harry thought Ron’s neck was going to break from the furious nodding his head was now doing.

“We…”

Ron leaned forward, anticipating Harry’s next words.

“We…”

A look of frustration grew as Ron waited for the payoff. “Well?”

“…studied Herbology.”

“Right…if you’re not going to tell me just say so Harry.”

Harry began walking toward the bathroom and spoke. “I’m not going to tell you.”

Ron chuckled and turned to leave. As he reached the doorway he stopped and spoke once more. “I’ll see you at breakfast Harry. It really is good to have you back. We…I missed you.”

Harry turned and smiled at his best friend. “I missed you to Ron. Now get out of here and go find your soul mate. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

He wasn’t sure how he did it but he managed to get showered and dressed in his remaining ten minutes and made it back to the common room on schedule. As expected Hermione had finished before him and was waiting for his arrival. He had worried that there would be a fair amount of awkwardness between them now that they had consummated their relationship…but there was absolutely none. Although it had never been acknowledged they had essentially been going out for a year. Neither had gone on a date with anyone else during that period and they spent virtually all of their free time together. They had just taken the next step last night. Her warm smile as she saw him coming down the steps and the equally warm feeling he felt in his chest as he saw her confirmed it. As he reached the bottom step he grabbed the hand that she held out for him and they began their quiet walk to the Great Hall.

Harry was glad they would be arriving late for breakfast. He had been treated like a celebrity for the last week and was hoping the Great Hall would be fairly deserted by the time they had arrived. Any time something had happened in the past that thrust him back into the spotlight their seemed to be an equal number praising and cursing him…but regardless of what side they were on they all had something to say. While getting dressed he had pondered sneaking down to the kitchens and eating in peace and quiet but thought better of it. “Best to get it over with,” he thought. “Don’t want people to think I’m avoiding them,” although that’s exactly what he wanted to do.

They had made it halfway to their destination when it occurred to Harry that they had not seen another student in the hallways. “Must be a Hogsmeade weekend,” Harry thought as they continued their walk. As he started to ask Hermione he heard footsteps from behind.

“Excuse me,” was all that was said as a student quickly brushed by, walking as fast as he could to get away from them. Harry recognized the voice and hair immediately. Malfoy. But it couldn’t be. Malfoy had actually gone out of his way to avoid contact with Harry and seemed uncomfortable in his presence. No matter what had happened in the past Harry could count on Draco Malfoy to make a condescending remark…but not this morning.

“Wasn’t that?” was all Harry could get out before he saw Hermione’s sad nod answering his question.

“When you left the parents who had aligned themselves with Voldemort began calling their children to leave the school and come home. And it wasn’t just Slytherins Harry. There were a fair amount from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw that left as well…even a few younger students from Gryffindor.”

Her answer had only confused him more. “But what is he still doing here then?”

“He stayed Harry. Malfoy was the only one who was summoned that didn’t go. He defied his parents and refused to leave. I’ve heard that he’s been disowned by his father but I don’t know if it’s true.”

She waited for her words to sink in and continued. “He hasn’t spoken a word about it to anyone as far as I know. It’s almost as if he’s embarrassed.”

They walked in silence as Harry turned the startling news around in his mind. He thought of how horrible it must feel to be ashamed of actually doing something so honorable. His mind drifted back to the past few days at the Ministry and the supposed pillars of society whose only real ambition was to gain more power and fame from Voldemort’s defeat. Now he was confronted with the news that the person he thought had no redeeming qualities had sacrificed everything he had ever known to do what was right. Harry wondered if the surprises would ever end.

When they approached the doors to the Great Hall Hermione once again thought of Harry’s hatred of all the attention he received and began to pull her hand away in an attempt to avoid further gossip. But she was stopped as Harry pulled her hand back with a gentle squeeze. “Not a chance,” was all he said as he smiled and began to push the doors open.

Harry could feel his jaw drop as he realized that every student and faculty member was seated in the room. It appeared that everyone had remained so they could welcome him back. The hallways were empty because every student had arrived early at breakfast to make sure they didn’t miss his arrival.

In the past when he had made one of these entrances, the chatter would increase immediately as everyone began talking about him. Whether it was negative or positive everyone had an opinion. But this morning was different. As he and Hermione walked through the doorway a silence fell over the room as all eyes turned his direction. The silence seemed to freeze him in place as his feet refused to move.

He wasn’t sure whether it started at the Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw table but someone began to clap. Quickly everyone else joined in until the hall was alive with applause…and it wouldn’t end. Eventually students started standing up as the noise seemed to invigorate the entire proceeding and soon everyone was on their feet. The sound seemed to feed on itself and grow in volume as all in attendance let go of the fears and anxieties they had held inside for so long. Harry turned to look at Hermione and realized that she had released her grip and stepped back so she could join in on the applause, stopping occasionally to wipe the tears that were now falling from her eyes.

Her tears weren’t the only ones that were falling. He looked around the hall and found many students crying as they clapped. It was as if their emotions were trying to explode out of their bodies. His eyes turned to the Slytherin table to find that they were all standing and joining in the celebration as well. Malfoy was standing with the other students but his hands remained solemnly at his side. He seemed to be acknowledging Harry’s feat while refusing to actively participate in the celebration. “He’s lost too much to celebrate,” Harry thought to himself as he felt Hermione’s hand in his once again as she pulled him toward the Gryffindor table.

Dumbledore’s earlier assessment had been correct. The gravity of what he had accomplished had not fully sunk in…until now. Harry was now surrounded by people whose lives were touched by his actions…and it wasn’t just them. The people in that room had brothers, sisters, parents, friends…all profoundly affected by what he had done. “It’s over,” he thought to himself as he reached his seat across from Ron. “It’s finally over.”

Ron reached over and patted him on the shoulder, shouting so he could be heard above the noise. “You really know how to make an entrance Harry!”

A shrug of the shoulders and a smile was all Harry could manage as the raucous applause continued.

The applause didn’t end until Dumbledore finally motioned for everyone to sit down. He surveyed the tables with his warm smile and began to speak. “More than a year ago I stood in front of many of you on a much more solemn occasion. One of our own had been lost and the future of our world was uncertain. I spoke that day of the need for all of us to remain united if we were to conquer the evil we faced. Everyone in this room today made a choice to stand against the darkness.” His eyes turned toward the Slytherin table before continuing. “Some made this choice and have suffered greatly because of it. Today I wish to salute all of you for heeding my words that day. You chose to do what was right instead of what was easy and because of that we can celebrate this morning.” Dumbledore’s gaze then fell directly on Harry. “And finally I would like to thank Harry Potter. Mr. Potter’s road in life has never been easy but the choices he has made along the way have always been right. I know I speak for everyone here today when I say thank you Harry. The gratitude in this room for your actions cannot be adequately put into words and I am wise enough to know I shouldn’t try. Instead I will simply repeat those words one more time.”

“Thank you.”

After the applause had died down once again Albus Dumbledore’s attention had returned back to his breakfast. His meal was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder by Minerva McGonagall.

“Albus,” was all that was said as she pointed to the Gryffindor table. The scene that was being played out in front of his eyes brought a smile to the great wizard’s face.

It was Harry, eating his breakfast with a smile and enjoying an animated conversation with Ron Weasley. His hand was being held by Hermione Granger who appeared to be sitting awfully close to Harry and grinning as she listened to her two best friends’ discussion. He continued watching as Hermione rested her head on Harry’s shoulder and he began gently rubbing her back.

“Have a good life Harry,” Dumbledore spoke as he continued watching. “You’ve earned it.”

Author’s note: The epilogue is told from the perspective of Harry’s grandson (who was named after Harry). It is my attempt to give Harry the happy ending I think he deserves. I hope you enjoy it and thanks for reading my story.

The cold ground crackled under Harry’s feet as he slowly made his way through the cemetery. Since it was a Muggle graveyard Apparating to his destination was out of the question. The sight of someone appearing out of thin air would be distressing enough to a Muggle. But having it happen in a graveyard? His mind shuddered to think of the response he would have garnered.

He didn’t mind the walk though. It gave him time to replay the conversation he had just had with his son over in his mind. Nathaniel had just returned home for the Christmas holiday during his first year at Hogwarts and as expected was full of questions. “How come you never told me about that stuff Dad? I mean…I knew our family was famous but I had no idea. Honestly I think everyone else knew more about my family than I did.”

His son had owled him during his first week at school with these very questions and he had written back telling him they would talk about it when he was home. Well today was the day and the father had attempted to give the same speech he had heard on his first trip home after starting at Hogwarts. He knew he hadn’t done quite as well as the person that talked to him but he could tell the message had been delivered.

As the gravestone came into view his heart sank slightly at the vivid reminder that one of his heroes, the person that had given that speech to him, the person he was named after, was really gone forever. It had been almost a year since he’d left them and not a day had passed when he didn’t think about him and the message he delivered that day. His steps involuntarily slowed as he came ever closer to the final resting place, as if by refusing to see the gravestone it would mean he wasn’t really gone. But as slow as he walked he still eventually ended up at his destination. The simplicity of the gravestone was stunning considering who it was for.

Harry James Potter

Beloved husband, father and friend

“Never have five words said so little and so much at the same time,” he thought to himself as he crouched down to remove a small bit of crabgrass that had begun to grow. That was it…five words. Nothing about how he had saved them all on several occasions. Nothing about the suffering he had to endure as a child or how he managed to rise above it all again and again. People passed by this marker every day with absolutely no idea of the impact he had on their lives.

It was at his grandfather’s insistence that he was buried in a Muggle cemetery with such a simple marker. The grandson chuckled as he remembered his words when he had informed the family of his wishes. “I did plenty for them when I was alive. I’m going to do what I want when I’m dead.” He could still picture the smile and wink his granddad had delivered along with those words. His grandmother had always said she could never refuse her husband when he flashed that smile her way and when he saw the grin that day the grandson knew why.

She was the one who came up with those words for the gravestone. “Leave it to Hermione to decide,” he had said when he knew he didn’t have much time left. “She knows me better than I ever could.” And he was right. In five words she summarized everything his grandfather had held close to his heart. In five words she told about his life in more detail than any historical textbook ever could.

“Nate came back from school today, Granddad,” he said hesitantly, eyes fixed to the name engraved on that tombstone. “He was full of the same questions I had when I came back the first time. I did my best to explain it the way you did and I think he got the point. I hope so anyway…”

“Your father said you’ve been asking a lot of questions since you got back Harry and he asked me to talk to you. What do you want to know?”

Young Harry looked at his grandfather with a somewhat pained expression on his face and spoke. “Why didn’t you tell me about everything you did Granddad? What you did was so important I don’t understand why you never talk about it.”

His grandfather smiled and answered the question. “You are correct Harry. The things that happened to me when I was younger were important…but not for the reasons everyone else thinks. Would you like to know why it was important to me?”

A tentative nod was all the grandson could muster as his grandfather motioned for him to sit. He watched as his grandfather stood up from his seat and started removing pictures that had been placed on the mantle above the fireplace. “What’s he on about?” was all he could think as his grandfather sat back down, his arms now full with framed pictures.

The grandfather flashed a warm smile as he began to speak. “The only reason those things I did are important to me Harry is because they allowed me to have what was really important.”

“I don’t understand…what are you talking about that was more important?”

“I’m talking about this,” was all that was said as he handed the first picture to his grandson. It was a picture of his grandparents along with Uncle Ron (that’s what his father had always called him at least) on the day of their graduation from Hogwarts. They were arm and arm, releasing the grip periodically to wave at the camera with broad smiles on their faces. He gazed at the smiling faces until his attention was interrupted by his grandfather’s voice.

“And this,” he said as he handed the next picture to Harry. His grandparents wedding day...there was Uncle Ron again as well as a girl with red hair standing next to his grandmother. The grins were even larger than the previous picture but instead of waving to the camera his grandparents kept stealing glances at each other as if they were confirming that what had happened was real and not a dream. Harry turned his eyes back to his grandfather who seemed to be admiring the remaining picture in his hands. It almost looked like he was about ready to cry.

“Aaahhh…and this one I think is my favorite of the lot,” his grandfather said as he grinned and handed the picture to his grandson. In an instant Harry felt a smile cross his face as he took in the picture. It was taken the prior summer before he had started at Hogwarts. His grandfather had decided he was ready to receive an early flying lesson and was explaining how to mount the broom when he realized that his wife was taking their picture. He waved to the camera and grabbed Harry around the shoulders so he would wave as well. As he continued to look at the picture his mind drifted back to that day and how funny his grandparents were.

- - - - - - - - -

“I don’t think this is such a good idea. There’s a reason they aren’t to begin flying until they go to school you know. It’s just too dangerous.”

“Aw come on, Mione look at him,” his grandfather had said as he motioned to his grandson. “He’s dying to try. And besides I need to know if he inherited his flying skills from your side of the family. If he did he needs all the practice he can get.”

His grandmother wasn’t angry at his teasing, she actually seemed to be enjoying it. She placed her hands on her hips and spoke to her grandson. “He’s incorrigible you know. I’m not sure why I put up with him.” Her expression turned serious as she continued looking at young Harry. “I’ll let you do this on one condition. You keep an eye on your grandfather for me all right? At his age he’s likely to break a hip up there,” was all she said as a devilish smile grew on her face.

Harry turned his eyes to his grandfather who was smiling. “Hey I’m not that old!” was the only response he could spit out as he winked at his grandson.

“You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better love,” his grandmother replied as she turned to go back inside. “I’m going to get out my medical textbooks out just in case. There’s no telling what you’ll do to yourself up there in your advanced condition.”

As she walked inside he watched as his grandfather shook his head and smiled. “I’ve known that women for almost fifty years and I have yet to get the last word. Ah well... too late to trade her in now. Don’t know if she could survive without me anyway. Come on Harry let’s get started before she changes her mind.”

- - - - - - - -

Harry was broken out of his thoughts as he felt his grandfather’s hand on his shoulder. He had gotten up from where he was sitting and sat next to Harry while he stared at the picture. As he looked up his grandfather spoke.

“Harry, now that you’ve been at school and learned more about what your grandmother and I did when we were younger do you love us more?”

Harry didn’t have to think long on his answer…he didn’t think it was possible to be more fond of his grandparents than he already was. He quickly shook his head no.

“Why do you think that is?” was his grandfather’s next question.

Harry bit his lip as he pondered the question in his mind. “Well I guess I don’t love you for all that stuff. You two are my family and are always so nice. Whenever we come over I always have such a good time and you always seem to be so happy. I guess that other stuff isn’t that impor-”

He caught himself as he revealed the answer he had been searching for and looked up at his grandfather. “Right in one,” was all his grandfather said as he tousled his grandson’s hair before continuing.

“When your father told me he was going to name you after me your grandmother and I were adamantly against it. We didn’t think it was fair for you to grow up with such a famous name…thought there would be too much pressure. Do you know what changed our minds?”

His grandfather waited for Harry to shake his head “no” before continuing.

“He said he wasn’t naming you Harry because of what made me so famous. He said…” his voice stopped as the words seemed to become more difficult to say. “He said he wanted to name you Harry because I had been such a good father.”

His grandfather paused again, still clearly touched after all these years by his son’s words. “When I was younger and Voldemort was finally defeated it seemed like I attended a million celebrations in my honor…all praising me for what I had done. What your father said that day meant more to me than all those other speeches combined. You see Harry, that’s what is really important. You are what’s really important”

The rest of that day consisted of his grandfather telling him endless stories of his days at Hogwarts. Tales of boggarts and hippogriffs…broken wands and flying cars…fire breathing dragons and kisses on the cheek…story after story, each one more exciting than the next. Harry imagined these were probably the same stories Nathaniel was being told by his great-grandmother at that very moment.

“Thanks Granddad,” was all Harry could say as he crouched down again and slowly began tracing the outline of those words.

Beloved husband, father and friend

“That about covers it,” he said with a smile as he stood up and began walking out of the cemetery, his heart warmed by the memories that had just washed over him. He made his way out of the cemetery quickly, wanting to get home as soon as possible. Despite the cold air Harry suddenly had the urge to go flying with his son.