Disclaimer: Nope they are still not mine!
Thank you everyone for giving me reviews on ff.net and portkey.org. I am really happy that people like my story and how I regard Hermione. I recently lost the person that rechecks my grammar. So if anyone is willing too, I would be utterly in your debt. This next chapter doesn't seem as interesting as the ones before, but I needed it to fill in a gap. If it seems choppy, I am really sorry. Hope you enjoy and thanks again for reading.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 3
Without Question
The next 3 weeks were spent carelessly around my house enjoying the summer. Every Wednesday and Friday, Harry and I would help my parents at the clinic with various tasks. Then we would all enjoy a lovely evening in the city. One night while my parents were out having dinner, I surprised Harry by making him dinner. I'm pleased to say he savored every morsel. Having arrangements settled with Dumbledore and the Weasleys, we were to travel to the Burrow in the next few days. My parents were sad but had plenty of other worries as well. Dad started acting overwhelming again and did everything with me. Bewildered, Harry was shocked to see me fence, paint, horseback, and play polo. Never having a son, dad treated Harry like his own. He brought him everywhere, gave him anything, and refused no as an answer. Instead of showing Harry off, mom consistently feed him food. Which was beneficial to him, because he gained a much-needed 10 pounds. Old clothes that my dad could not fit into were given to Harry. I thought he looked a lot handsomer without Dudley's old T-shirts.
In the beginning, Harry was still very formal towards my parents. Whenever he was given anything, he would thank them endlessly. It was a week after his arrival when he started acting normally around them. I'll never forget how ridiculous that incident was.
The four of us were outside working on the small garden my parents had. Mom was trimming the bushes and picking daisies. I was digging and planting for the next season to come, while my dad and Harry were rearranging the surrounding rocks and bricks for the garden. After 2 hours in the sun, we had finished for the summer. The left corner was left unplanted, leaving an area of dirt. Harry and my mom sat in lawn chairs while I tried to wash my hands with the hose.
" This is useless," I said frustrated. " Dad, I can not get any of this dirt out of my fingernails." Scoffing, I mumbled under my breath.
" Nene, I don't see why you are complaining." Mom fanned herself while drinking ice tea. " When you were young, you would make mud pies."
" Hermione making mud pies?" Harry asked dumbfounded. " She's to clean to do that." Then they had a good laugh at my expense, when dad finally spoke.
" Hermione does a lot in the mud Harry. Would you like to see?" He evilly grinned at me. Great Merlin save me. Quicker then Harry can say Quidditch; I was pushed into the mud with the water hose on me. Again laughter was mixed in to the air and I was utterly a mess. Might as well have fun. Catching my dad off guard, I pulled him in also. Soon my father and I were wrestling in the mud. Deciding to be responsible, my mom walked over and told us to clean up. There is one thing a Granger does, and that is never to let an opportunity pass you. Firmly we pulled mom into the mud, and successfully got her dirty as well.
" Douglas! Hermione! I am so disheveled. Look at the chaos, you two have made." As she was scolding us, we heard Harry chuckle in the background. " What is so funny Mr. Potter?"
Clearing his throat, he tried to answer seriously at the scene in front of him. " I just realize where Hermione inherits most of her charming personality." He said with wonderful tact. " And the fact that you three look ridiculous helps." Harry started laughing harder, and was so busy that he didn't notice us pull him in.
" Ahhhh!" He screamed as the cold water and mud hit him. " Hermione I have mud in my ears." He whined trying to retreat away.
" I don't think so Potter." Soon war broke loose and only four muddy figures were seen rolling on the ground.
The last night at my house was filled with a grand amount of people. The Jones sisters had convinced my mom to have a farewell party for Harry and I. By 4 the two were in the house giggling and gossiping with my mom. Meeting Harry for the first time, they had bombarded him with questions even Rita Skeeter wouldn't dare ask. Blushing and trying to be polite, he answered as best as he could. Finally around 6:30, every guest arrived and packed into our house. William the balding Historian gave me the latest book in world history. Dolores the local chemist gave me the newest theories she was working on. Andrew, dad's best friend and fencing partner, bought a set of swords for Harry and I to practice at school. Thoughtful gifts filled our kitchen table, and heartfelt comments were made. Being busy with guests, I didn't have much time to introduce Harry. Luckily dad took it upon himself to be his guide. Soon the night ended, and the four of us sat in the newly lite living room. Harry gently swayed back and forth in the rocking chair, while I laid on the carpet floor. Dad was massaging my mother's tired feet on the sofa. I felt like time was standing still so I could absorb the moment.
" There is one thing, which makes me appreciate the Jones sisters." Dad commented spontaneously.
" Oh, and what would that be Doug?"
" I get a good laugh after they leave." He chuckled to himself.
" You are awful." My mom said shaking her head.
" Can't you two just be quite. I was enjoying the silence." I grumbled as my cheek pressed against the warm carpet.
" Sunshine, I was about to give you your present. I guess I don't need to anymore."
" Daddy you can speak whenever you want." I swiftly answered, sitting up. Harry and my mom laughed at my response. My dad then handed me a small gift wrapped in gold paper.
" This is from your mother and I. Think of it as an early birthday present." They leaned forward awaiting my reaction. I unwrapped the shiny paper to see a wooden box with a detailed craved orchid on top. My favorite flower. Opening it, I heard the sweet melody my parents use to sing to me as a child. Oh Nene, you thought they never could understand you. I looked up with tears in my eyes.
" Thank you." No words can describe my love. I moved towards them and gave them a firm hug.
" We are so proud of you Nene. Do not ever forget that." My mom slowly answered. I'm going to miss this so much. Pulling away, my dad walked over to Harry and handed him a small box.
" Don't worry we weren't going to leave you out of it kido." He grinned with a humorous tone. Silently Harry opened the gift to see an old silver pocket watch. It was connected to a dark silver chain, which had an engraving on the back. Time is spent with your own hands, were written in small letters. "It use to belong to my grandfather. I noticed you didn't have a watch. Granddad always said a important man needed to know his time."
" I…it's…thank you." Harry stuttered out. Standing up he gave my father a hug.
" You call that a hug. I think I need to teach you a Granger hug." He then pulled Harry into a tight embrace and leaned back, lifting Harry up.
" Well Doug, I think it is time we go to bed." Yawning, my mom pulled away walking upstairs with my dad delicately pushing behind her. Harry then walked over and joined me on the couch. For several minutes we just sat there, listening to the fire burn.
" I know why you miss them so much now." Harry finally spoke. " I'm not sure how you could survive with out them." I stared into the orange flames.
" It has been a hard process but I've had great company to help me." I smiled at him. Then it was quiet again, which Harry had been doing a lot. Our conversations would always have silent pauses. It wasn't uncomfortable but he seemed to be thinking of something else all the time. " Harry are you all right?" I asked cautiously. He didn't answer. " I know there has been something occupying your mind. You don't have to tell me but you might feel better if you do." Don't push me away Harry.
" I'm worried." Okay it's a start. Before I could reply, he continued on. " He died Hermione, and I couldn't do anything. What if someone else dies because of me? What if they kill people I really care about? It's all because of me that he's doing this. Voldemort wants me yet he keeps hurting people I care for. Why can't he just leave us alone? What did I…we deserve this?" Harry surprisingly started crying into his hands. " I keep thinking of when he'll strike next because Ce…Cedric's death was so sudden. What if he does it again? I don't know if I could handle someone I care for dying." Even though his voice was muffled, I could hear him perfectly. Gently I wrapped my arms around his shoulder and pressed my head towards his. Quietly I sang him a song my mother would sing to me when I was upset. His crying soon eased and I softly spoke not to break his concentration on my voice.
" Harry, you must remember one thing. None of this is your fault. Cedric did not die from your hands. He was murdered. Not by you but him! You have to understand this if you want to continue on. I do not know when or where he will strike. And I will not grantee he will not hurt again. But no matter what happens, it is not your fault. You are not the only one fighting him. You are not alone. Nor will you ever be alone again. No matter what happens, people will always be with you. I will always be with you." I grabbed his hand with mine and placed it over his heart.
" You have always been here, Nene." He smiled sweetly.
" When did you start calling me Nene?" I narrowed my eyes.
" When you tucked me into bed, only I've been saying it in my head for the past 3 weeks." He leaned back on to the couch, bringing me with him.
" Well then, I guess you can call me that." I murmured with my head on his shoulder.
" Thank you…for everything." He whispered in to my hair.
The next morning was chaotic with things being moved downstairs and last minute adjustments. At 11:00 the doorbell rang and the familiar voice of Mr. Weasley was heard through the door. Opening the door stood a tall and thin-framed man. He looked older since I last saw him. Probably because of Voldemorts return. His red hairs seem to be less and was starting to gray. Behind him stood a very tall, Ron Weasley. His height surpassing his father's, which was about 6 feet. He red hair seem to lighten into a unique orange. His brown eyes sparkled and scanned me from head to toe. He grinned in a boyish manner showing off his Weasley dimples. Wow he looks different.
" Hermione," they spoke at once. Mr. Weasley gave me a quick hug and walked to Harry to do the same. Ron stared a while longer before embracing me with his long arms. " You look great." He said rapidly. Then he moved to Harry, with a hug as well. I was glad to see that it was a genuine hug instead of pats on the back. After my parents spoke with Mr. Weasley, we moved our belongings into the Weasley's new car. " Bill got a raise." Ron answered without even us questioning. Before we were off Harry and I bid our farewells.
" Thank you so much Doug, Belle. I really appreciate every thing you have done for me."
" Anytime Harry, I am so glad I finally met you in person." My mom kissed him on the cheek.
" Well kido I guess this is the end for now. Remember what I told you. It'll come in handy this year." Dad winked at Harry. " Now give me a hug like an old man like me deserves." He pulled Harry without any discomfort and tightly hugged him. Suddenly without notice Harry leaned back and lifted my dad. Laughing he stood up and smiled. " Only Granger's can use that. Luckily you are counted as one." I looked at Harry and saw a moist glimmer. He backed away allowing me time with my parents. We stood silently not knowing what to say.
" I…Sunshine…Nene." We laughed as we spoke all at once. I never liked leaving home. " I guess I'll go first. Mom, Dad, I'm going to miss you. Don't worry, I'll be careful. Whatever happens I'll tell you, right away. That is a promise to both of you." I took both their hands into mine.
" We will always worry Sunshine, because we are your parents. But only when you don't answer our questions about your life. If we didn't trust you or your judgment, you wouldn't leave this house. Just remember one thing. You're a Granger no matter if that means you're the greatest witch or smartest muggle. I'm proud to have a daughter like you. Don't let anyone tell you differently." He tightened his grip while brushing my loose hair behind my ears.
" I know I shouldn't be sad. You will be back for Christmas then Easter. I just don't want you changing on me again. But we both know that it will happen. Nene no matter what happens this year or the next; you will always be my baby girl. There is no changing that fact. Just remember that we are here whenever you need us. No matter how grand or tiny it may be."
" I love you, always will and never half way." We said together and we encircled into each other arms. Harry and I got into the car and settled into the departure. I turned around to wave goodbye and saw that familiar scene I saw at the airport. My father had his arm around my mother's waist, yet this time it seemed to be supporting her from falling. She pulled on his shirt, to keep him near her. They waved goodbye without ever questioning why I would chose to leave again. As they became farther away, I faced forward to see Mr. Weasley chatting with Ron in the front seat. Harry sat next to me with his right hand near my left. Slowly the voices of Mr. Weasley and Ron talking disappeared. Harry's occasional words didn't even reach my ears. I was so lost in my own thoughts; I didn't notice Harry's hand on top of mine. I didn't notice how Harry moved closer, letting his body heat mix with my cold one. I didn't notice anything, but the voice of my father's laughter and the humming of my mother's sweet tone.