Disclaimer: These characters are still not mine!
Well I hope the people that are reading this story is enjoying it. I'm not quite sure where I am taking it yet. I have a general outline, but as I write this story it seems to be guiding it's own course. Hope you all like it!
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 2
Surprises and New Perceptions
After the initial shock and excitement of having a new baby, the rest of the summer became rather normal. Time with my mom was usually spent shopping and redecorating for the new family member. My dad and I enjoyed our times bonding with our common hobbies and discussed various issues. Also I would be busy with frequent letter from Ron, which were generally about family, Harry, and his summer. Ginny would send pages of annoyance about her brothers and being the only girl in the family. As much as she loved her brothers, there was only so much a female could take of male testosterone. Repeatedly she would ask me if I was going to the Burrow towards the end of the summer. Of course I received my letters from Harry, which seemed distant and vague. Mainly he wrote about Dudley being overweight and the malice attitudes of his aunt and uncle. Whenever I wrote to Harry about how he was doing or feeling, he would generally answer and change the subject. This made me extremely worried and wonder everyday how he was doing. Then the night before Harry's birthday, I was surprised to see someone at my doorstep.
At first I thought I was dreaming with the light knocking. Slowly the volume and sequence grew louder and louder. In my parent's room, I could hear rumbling and dismay of the noise from the front door. I peeked my head out the door to see my dad slowly descending the stairs. I followed him, curious of what dad would do to a 2:00 am intruder.
" Look, I do not know who you are but what in god's name do you think you are doing. It is 2 in the morning. Normal people sleep at this time." My father yelled after opening the door. I felt bad for the poor person.
" Hello Mr. Granger I'm sorry for the intrusion but I needed a place to stay. I'm Harry. Hermione's friend from school." By this time mom was besides me, and was as shocked as I was at the name.
" Harry James Potter!" I bellowed, running towards the dark figure. " What are you doing here? You should be with the Dursleys. Do they know you're here? Does anyone know you're here?" I rambled out while trying to get a look at him in the shadows of the night.
" Nene let the poor boy into the house first." Mom quietly commanded guiding Harry from the outside.
" Don't worry Harry I'll take your trunk and owl." My dad said trying to sound nicer after yelling at my best friend. I pulled Harry with his firebolt into the living room. He sat down in the love seat in front of the fireplace. I turned to the hallway to hear my parents quietly whispering before entering the room. So I faced Harry and saw an expression I've never seen before.
" Harry are you okay?" I looked straight into his emerald eyes.
" Hermione, what did you do to your hair?" He questioned in awe and took a strand of hair into his fingers.
" You don't like the blonde color?" I glanced down because I didn't want to hear his disapproval. I actually liked the change.
" No, it's not that I don't like it. It's going to take awhile to get use to it. I like it though, it brings out your eyes." His hand moved from my hair onto my right hand. I looked into his green eyes at his movement. Oh Harry you seem so different. " I've missed you Hermione." Then he pulled me into a tight hug. His left hand rubbed my back and I laid my head on his shoulder. For the first time, I wasn't thinking of anything, but being in his arms.
< Cough, cough > I head my dad, as my parents finally walked in. They sat in the other sofa right next to us. " Well Harry," my dad said. " I would be glad to have you stay with us. But how about you answer those questions Hermione asked earlier." He leaned forward anticipating his answer. My mom leaned against him with her arms entwined with his. She was peacefully waiting with a gentle smile on her face.
" Honestly I couldn't handle my aunt and uncle anymore. Last year was an awful experience for me and they took my lack of enthusiasm for granted. I was given so many chores and manual work, which made me not to eat or sleep much. Though I was having that problem before, it seems to worsen from them. Well my godfather and his friend came to the Dursleys because he was worried about me. So this ended up in a huge argument, and we all left furious at them. In the middle of our journey, we realize I needed a place to stay. So we ended up in your front door. I'm sorry for waking you up. If you want me to leave, I can. I can always stay at the Leaky Cauldron." Bowing his head, Harry looked very tired and worn out.
Quickly my mom stood and pulled Harry to his feet. " Well I can see why Hermione has become so adventurous. Come on, I'll show you the guestroom. I just redecorated so you will be the first to use it." She dragged him up the stairs. I directed my eyes to my dad and raised my eyebrows in question about Harry staying here. With a quietly laugh and a quick nod, we both followed them upstairs. In the hallway, we could hear my mom fussing over the young boy.
" Do call me Victoria or Belle, if you want. I have never been one to be so formal." Her gentle voice raised higher and hands on her hips.
" But Mrs. Granger, I don't want to be so impolite." Harry said while trying to sound formal. He is being way too nice.
" Before she starts lecturing kido, I think Victoria will be fine. Also call me Doug. We've raised Hermione to believe in equality. And since you are a friend of Hermione, you are a friend too us." Dad patted Harry's head, while seating next to him on the bed.
" Well now that we are all friends, I think it is time you two go to bed. You both have to work tomorrow." I said with a mock serious tone.
" Yes Hermione. Goodnight Harry." They looked sincerely at him. " Goodnight Nene." Both walking out and gave kisses on my cheek.
" Nene? When was your nickname Nene?" Harry yawned while asking me.
" Since I was 3, now get into bed." I gently pushed him down. Taking his black wire frame glasses, I set it on top of the night stand. I pulled the cotton blue blanket over his chest and brushed his black hair revealing his lighting scar.
" I have never been tuck in before." Replying in a weary voice, with a boyish grin.
" Well I will in the future, if you ever want me too."
" Really?"
" Yes…goodnight Harry." He slowly closed his eyes and went to sleep. As I was closing the door, I heard him murmur, Thank you.
The next morning, I went into the kitchen to see several packages and a note from my parents.
Nene,
We made pancakes and left them in the refrigerator. This morning dad was getting the paper when he saw owl's carrying several gifts. I am assuming they are Harry's. Also you have a letter from Hogwarts, allow with Harry's. There is money in the cookie jar, if you want to buy lunch or ice cream. Tele me if you need anything.
Mom
Why would Harry have so many packages? Oh no, its Harry's birthday. I absolutely forgot. Quick Hermione, use your brain.
" Hermione are you downstairs?" I head Harry yell from his room.
" Yes Harry, I'm in the kitchen." Calm down Nene. 1,2,3…breathe.
" Mione, why are you pacing?" He asked with amusement in his smile. Then his eyes shifted from me to the kitchen table.
" Are those all mine?"
" Yeah, they all came this morning. Happy Birthday Harry." I went over to him with a quick hug.
" Want to open them with me?"
" Of course!" So I sat down next him opening his gifts. First was from Hagrid with a quick note about his summer. We both knew that he was looking for other giants to ally with the Light side, but something's are better left unsaid. Harry opened the box to find a hand woven blanket of red and gold. In the middle was a lion laying with one eye opened. The next was from Remus and Sirius. It came with a birthday card to Harry and an apology note to my family. Inside the gift were two different books. One was black leather, which smelled like mint. The other was dark red and looked abused and worn out. Harry opened the red book to see the words: The Marauder's Book of Knowledge. There was a parchment slipped in between the book.
Harry,
This book was left in my care since none of the other Marauder's was responsible as me. (Tell Padfoot I said that) It carries all our secrets of potions, tricks, pranks, and making women swoon. I leave it now in your hands, to do whatever you want. As a favor to the Marauders, page 47 should be done on Halloween.
Moony a.k.a. Remus
" Harry what is on page 47, and why do you need to make women swoon? Harry stop smiling and let me read it." I ordered hoping he would listen.
" No Mione you have to wait and see. I'll read it first then I'll let you read it, okay?"
" Fine, what is the next book?" Changing my gaze towards the leather book. Harry grabbed the book and opened the first page. He became very silent and I grew worried.
" Harry?" Oh what did Sirius do now?
" It's…it's my mom's journal from 5-7 year." Handing me the black book, without looking up. I opened it to see Sirius's handwriting.
Harry,
I know these past years have been difficult since Voldemort's return. But I promised your parents the best life I could give you. I'm sorry it has not been that way. Since Moony and I won't be able to be there with you, we hope that your mom can. I hope this lets you understand who your parents were. Stay out of trouble, but get plenty of pranks done!
Padfoot a.k.a. Snuffles
P.S. Tell Hermione I'm really sorry about the late night call.
I turned the next page, to see small but clear crisp handwritings in black ink.
Lilly "Jewels" Evans
76-78 Perfect
Headgirl of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
For a while neither of us moved or spoke, I didn't know what to say to him in this situation. Finally he spoke in a distance voice. " I never had something from my mom before. I don't think any gift can beat this one." He looked up and gave me his genuine smile. It was a smile, which meant everything he said was true. " Oh look, I got stuff from the Weasleys." There goes that moment. Harry received treats from Mrs. Weasley. A box of miscellaneous objects from Fred and George, which he refused to tell me about. Chocolate frogs with assorted flavor jelly beans from Ginny. Ron's gift was a narrow box with his card on top.
Harry,
Happy Birthday Mate! Hope the Dursleys aren't mistreating you. I asked mom and she said that it would be safer for you to stay with them. I don't know how safe they could be since they never care in the first place. So as I'm trying to convince my parents, I hope this can ease your mind a bit.
Ron
Opening it we saw the words Wand Holder written inside. It was brown leather with two straps on it. The bottom strap had a base to keep the wand steady. The other strap was adjustable around the wrist. " This is great. I really need to thank Ron for this." Harry grinned while strapping it onto his arm. The next letters were from Hogwarts. It contained our supplies for the next year. Then I noticed the second letter address to me. As I was reading it, I became speech less and excited. I sensed it got very quiet around me. I looked up to see Harry smiling knowingly at me.
" Are you a perfect like I thought you would be?" He raised his eyebrow up and down.
" I… how did you know?" I said staring back at the letter.
" They would be crazy not to give it to you." Then I heard the rumbling noise of his stomach. I laughed.
" Go and get changed. I'll warm up breakfast." Feeling embarrassed he quickly went upstairs. Well now that all those gifts are open, I better think of something. Oh need to call mom first.
After several rings, I heard Nancy the secretary answer. " Hello Granger's Orthodontics, how may I help you?" She stated automatically.
" Hi Nancy is my mom available."
" Hi Hermione, actually a patient just went in. Your dad is though. Would you like to talk to him?"
" Oh could you put me through then?"
" Certainly."
" Thanks Nancy." After the click, I heard my dad pick up the phone.
" Morning sunshine, what is the problem?"
" Does there have to be a problem for me to call you?"
" You are calling when we are at work. Usually you only do that when there is." He knew me to well.
" Hehe, well you know all the gifts you found today."
" Yes, those owls took most of my breakfast."
" Well it's Harry's birthday today and I was wondering if we could take him out to Rosita?"
" Of course we can, it is his birthday. I will definitely tell your mother. I will call Rosita also."
" Thanks Dad."
" Your welcome." We both hung up, and I felt relief to have one part of my gift done. Soon after breakfast, Harry and I did various things around the house. We finished homework for school, laughed at each other, and even did some chores. Around evening I heard the front door open from the study room. The voices of my parents traveled through the halls of their return. I made out Harry from his room greet them home. I swiftly closed my book and left the cozy room. As I turned into the living room, I overheard Harry's refusal.
" We don't have to go out tonight. It is only my birthday." He said leaning against the fireplace.
" Nonsense Harry, it is because of your birthday that we must go out. Besides you will absolutely adore this restaurant. Doug and I go there all the time." Mom said while rocking on the rocking chair.
" She's right Harry. They go there all the time without me." I sauntered in, seating next to my dad on the sofa.
" All right, if it isn't out of your way." He reluctantly answered.
" Well since we are going, I'll get Harry something to wear. I still have some of my old clothes, don't I Victoria?" Dad said heading towards his room.
" You should, I'll go look with you." Before Harry could refuse, they were upstairs.
" Harry don't feel bad. This place just doesn't allow jeans or T-shirts. Besides it's no big deal anyway." I smiled and walked up to him.
" I just don't want to be inconvenient to you or your parents."
" You've been inconvenient since 1st year." I poked him jokingly. " As they said before, you are a friend, so relax."
" Thanks Mione."
" Anytime, now get upstairs so we can go eat."
" Yes mam."
Later we arrived at Rosita the sleek restaurant in downtown London. Once inside I could smell the sweet aroma of Spanish delicacies. Gypsy music played softly in the background, and dim lights covered the entire room. We sat down with four candles burning melodiously on the table. The stairs in the back were still highly lite, so people would not trip on them. I glanced at my parents wearing matching outfits. Dad had his blue dress shirt and black tie, which went great with his Aramni suit. Mom wore her dark blue satin dress. Her hair was twisted up, allowing her long neck to be shown off. Her silver shawl covered her bare shoulders and glittered in the candlelight. They looked so darling. As they whispered in each other's ear, I turned towards Harry to see what he thought. The expression on his face said it all. His eyes were roaming from the busy bar to the Spanish ornaments on the walls. He was wearing my dad's forest green shirt with a matching black tie and pants. I was surprised it fit him so well. His once short height now stood at 5'10. He still seemed skinny yet his shoulder looked broader and arms more muscular. Harry had grown and I hadn't even notice till now.
Dinner was spent talking and enjoying each other's company. Dad had some how ordered a cake and was decorated with brooms and wands. Laughing Harry blew the candles out and thanked my parents for the evening. " It is our pleasure kido. Don't think the night is over yet." Dad replied with a playful grin. " Rosita is going to start soon and I promised a beautiful woman I would dance with her." Now staring only at my mother.
" Why Doug, I wonder who she could be?"
" I guess you will have to find out." Grabbing her hand, they left towards the back without even a glance too us.
" Are they always like that?" Harry stared into space.
" Yeah, they have their annoying moments but I love watching them be so in love with each other."
" I envy them"
" Everyone does." Silence then fell over us, yet I was comfortable just sitting there.
" Where did they go?" He scanned for their faces.
" Do you want to see?"
" Can we?"
" Come on…" So I lead him towards the back and up the metal staircase. Once upstairs we heard the Spanish guitar allowing with a sultry voice. We sat down at an empty table surrounded by dancers and busy tables. On the dance floor, I could see my parents gracefully move with the music. Harry notices them as well and smiled at their affections. Suddenly I remembered I hadn't given Harry's gift yet. Rosita and her band were drawing near the end of their song. So I got up and walk to the singer. She was in her forties with curly black hair. She had a few wrinkles surrounding her amber eyes. Rosita smiled at my request with her dark red lips. I looked behind to see Harry with confusion written on his face. With two steps, I reached the stage and towards the microphone.
" Seniors and Senoritas. We have a special singer tonight. I introduce to you Hermione Granger!" All eyes fell on me, including my parents and Harry. Okay Granger, you got this far.
" Thank you Rosita. Today is a very special day because it is my best friend's birthday. He is 15 and we have known each other for 4 years now. I hope you like this." Swallowing the lump in my throat, I sang Fields of Gold by Sting. As I was singing, I saw several couples still dancing, which included my parents. Others were either listening or went back to their own conversations. Harry just sat there surprised with eyes wide open. Finishing the song I bowed from the applause, and thanked Rosita. I returned to find Harry still looking perplexed at me. Slowly I sat down, feeling a little hurt because he didn't seem to like it.
"Was I that bad Harry?" He grabbed my hand and did something unbelievable. He kissed it.
" Between your amazing singing and Sirius's present, I think this day will never be beaten by anything else." He gently brushed his thumb and glazed into my eyes.
" I'm glad you enjoyed it." I nervously answered bowing my head. Then I felt a slight tug from my arm. I looked up to see Harry standing.
" Do you want to dance?" He gave his most charming smile. Oh he will make girls melt this year.
" Why not, you never ask a girl to dance. I do not want to lose this chance." I answered following him to the dance floor.
" Usually girls are not as beautiful as you." He boldly stated and wrapped his left arm around my waist. I stared dumbfounded at his statement. Never had I heard him say that to me. Searching his eyes for some answer, I received a wink and delicate pull towards him.
" Thanks." We danced the night away without any difficulty or tension. The mood was perfect, worries gone, and only the two of us relishing the moment.