A/N: Just a reminder: Sirius is not dead and not imprisoned in this story. I guess it's AU because of it, but I just want to clear up the confusion.
Also, I completely forgot to thank Jen in the last chapter for the diary idea. Thanks so much!!
Ok, this is the last chapter. Thanks so much for all the reviews!
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After my midnight firewhiskey and my chat with Lily and James, I wandered up to my room. A dim light stretched from the bottom of Hermione's door. I couldn't decide if she was reading to clear her head or writing in her diary about the evening's events.
A light came from Harry's door as well. Yet, I heard talking. I knew those two better than to think they were in the same room; they would still be too embarrassed to see the other. So, being the nosy godfather that I am, I crouched down and turned into Snuffles for better hearing.
"I don't know, Mum. I just wish you were here to tell me what to do. I'm sure Sirius was quite the ladies' man in his day, but I don't think he would have any great advice about Hermione. She's different than any other girl. She's … I can't even begin to describe her."
So Harry wasn't lying when he said he spoke to his parents as well.
"It's really not fair, you know? I'm trying to figure out how I'm supposed to take down one of the world's greatest evils, get through my classes and win the heart of the girl I love, and I'm only 16! I think I was close tonight with Hermione, but we got interrupted. It was strange, we were both just talking and we both started to say something at the same time. We started laughing and then both said, 'sorry, you go.' Then she dropped her napkin. We both went to pick it up and bumped heads. We just seemed to look at each other and started to lean in. It was freaky the way it happened. But then Sirius came in and we got startled, I guess."
If I were in human form, I would have blushed. I really derailed that train.
"I don't blame him, though. I mean, it is his house. Maybe this is fate's way of telling me that it's just not meant to be. But there's nothing that I would like more right now. I need something like this. I feel like I've learned so much since she's come into my life. And not just the magic facts she stuffs into my head. I'm learning about life and love and myself. I've never felt love like this before. I mean, I know you guys loved me and Sirius loves me, and I give that love back, but this is so different. Now this is when I wish Dad were here. I can easily talk to Sirius about this, and we have, but it would just be so great if I could talk to my father. Well, I should get to sleep now. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, so who knows what Sirius has planned. Thanks for listening, Mum and Dad. Good night."
The light from Harry's room went out and I sighed. I transformed back to a human and went to my room. I was at a loss. Harry loved Hermione. Hermione loved Harry. It seemed like it should be the easiest thing in the world to just get them together. I mean, with James and Lily, they hated each other at first, so there was the challenge. Now, my challenge was that they loved each other? How did that work?
I slipped under the covers and said a silent prayer that this would work out somehow.
The next morning was rough, despite the fact that it was Christmas Eve. There was no Ron to be the in-between, so that left me. Breakfast was eerily quiet.
It wasn't that anyone was angry or ignoring, it was just awkward silence. That "Now what?" kind of deal.
"So, Harry, Hermione, would you guys be up for a trip to Diagon Alley? It's really beautifully decorated for Christmas. Plus, I need to pick up a few things and I know Hermione would love an excuse to get to Flourish and Blotts. And Harry, weren't you saying that you'd like to get some supplies for your broom?"
"Yes. I think a trip to Diagon Alley would be fine," he mumbled.
"There is a new book I would like to get," Hermione piped up. "I'd like to go."
"Good. Then it's settled. Let's finish breakfast and get ready to go," I said.
'Anything to get away from this silence,' I thought to myself.
Once we were ready to go, we all stood by the fireplace. I could tell by the looks on their faces that they wished they could Apparate.
"Ok, who's going first?" I asked.
"Um, I'll go," Harry volunteered reluctantly. He took his Floo Powder and was gone.
"Hermione, are you ok?" I asked quickly as she stepped into the fireplace.
"I am, Sirius. Just confused, you know?"
"Yeah, I do. If you need to talk, I'm here."
"I know. Thanks. Diagon Alley!"
And then she was gone as well. Looking back, letting her get into the fireplace first really gave her an escape route I wasn't planning on. Damn, these kids were getting smarter and smarter.
Once we got there, nothing was really changing and it was driving me crazy.
We stopped in Flourish and Blotts and Hermione took off.
"Harry, don't you think it's time to talk to her?" I asked.
"Do you know how difficult that will be?" he replied.
"Yes, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it."
"I know, I know. But she's Hermione. I don't want to ruin our friendship."
"How do you know that it will ruin it? Perhaps it'll strengthen it. Add a new level to it."
Harry shrugged.
"Look. I'd like to think that I know witches. And I really think she wants this as much as you do. Besides, it looked like I was interrupting a sweet little kiss in the dining room."
Harry blushed a crimson that matched his Gryffindor colors.
"I just wish I knew how to follow through," he admitted.
"I think you'll know the right moment. But, Harry, I seriously think you'll regret it if you don't find out where this could go."
"Seriously?" he asked just as sarcastically as his father used to.
"Yes, wise guy. Seriously, Siriusly, however you want to spell it. I just know that you should do this. Find out what a great couple you could make."
Just then Hermione appeared with an armful of books and was approaching the counter.
"Ok, Romeo. Go help Juliet," I said, pushing him a bit.
He quickly went to her aid and I began to find hope.
He carried a bag of her books (Merlin, that girl could read!) and we walked to Quality Quidditch Supplies. At least by this time, they were speaking. Nothing tremendous, but it was better than nothing.
Harry suddenly remembered that he didn't buy Hedwig's traditional owl treats and ran the Magical Menagerie to buy them. I took this opportunity to talk to Hermione.
"Hermione, don't you think you should talk to Harry?" I asked.
"I have been," she said, obviously trying to avoid the subject.
"Nice try," I said. "You know exactly what I mean, though. I can see right through you and what you're hiding. You forget that I grew up with Lily and James, I know how to play this game."
She shot me a curious look.
"Lily and James danced around their feelings too. Everyone saw it but them. Just don't waste your time, Hermione. Life can be shorter than you think."
Hermione quickly turned to the store and watched as Harry paid for the treats. She had a wistful look upon her face and she merely nodded without even looking at me. Maybe I was making progress after all. And I didn't even need fireworks.
We got home again and all stared at the tiny space left in Hermione's trunk and then turned to the huge pile of books she just bought.
She sighed and made the trunk bigger.
"I had hoped I wouldn't have to do this again," she said and began packing it all away.
We left her to her task and went down to the kitchen to see about dinner. I flicked my wand and began sending pots and pans flying around the kitchen. I was at least good at making basic dishes and that's what tonight's menu called for.
"So, Harry, any clue on what you're going to do?" I asked tentatively.
"No. But I'm hoping that things will just point me to what I need to do," he answered.
"Let's cross our fingers, huh?" I replied.
Harry just nodded and began to pour the pumpkin juice.
Hermione came down soon after and we had a meal much more enjoyable than breakfast. I began to see more and more why they would make an amazing couple. They both knew that they loved the other, and I'm sure they had some notion that the other loved them, but neither wanted to jeopardize the other's friendship. I knew that friendship was the most important foundation for a relationship and they had it and then some. I just hoped that the fates would steer them in the right direction.
After dinner, Hermione yawned.
"Well, it's been a really long day. I think I'm off to bed, boys," she said.
We all said our good nights and she left.
"I think I'm off to bed, too," Harry said. "Good night."
"Good night, Harry. I don't think I'm far behind you," I agreed as he left.
I went to the living room to turn out the lights when something caught my eye. There was a twig on the couch.
I walked over to throw it away when I noticed what it really was - it was mistletoe!
Now, I know that I didn't buy any, and I could be sure that neither Harry nor Hermione had any, so …
I looked up and sighed.
"Thanks, guys. I knew I could count on you. Your son will thank you too, I'm sure."
I put the wonderful tradition up in the doorway and ran to bed. The sooner I got to bed, the sooner this plan could get underway.
That morning, I woke to some very loud laughing from downstairs. Surely that wasn't the morose teenagers from two days ago?
However, as I made my way to the living room, I found that it was that pair. They were shaking the packages under the tree and guessing what they all were.
"'To Mr. Harry Potter. From Dobby,'" Harry read. "Gotta be socks."
"'To Harry Potter's girl. From Dobby,"' Hermione read, seemingly unscaved by being called that. "Pretty heavy to be socks. Could be a book."
"Happy Christmas, you two!" I called from the doorway.
"Happy Christmas, Sirius!" they replied.
"Do you want to eat breakfast first, or tackle the presents?" I asked.
They both gave me looks that said, "Honestly! What do you think?"
"Ok, breakfast it is," I said as I turned to leave.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled.
"Ok, ok. Let's get to the presents. Who wants to take the first one?"
"Hermione can," Harry said.
She picked up a box and read the card.
"This one is from my parents. Most of my gifts are at their house, but they wanted me to open this one now."
She opened it and found a golden bookmark with the Hogwarts crest on it.
"Oh, it's beautiful! I'll have to owl them after breakfast! Harry, you take the next one."
That one was from me. I had gotten him the new brand of broom wax and a comb that was supposed to tame even the worst hair. But I had my doubts that it would even touch Harry's.
Next was my turn and it was from Hermione. She gave me a big smile as I looked at a beautiful silver frame with a picture of Lily, James, Remus and I on our graduation day. We were waving enthusiastically at the camera. I noticed that there was someone missing though. I glanced at her.
"I got copied the picture from Professor Lupin. And I magicked Pettigrew out. I thought it made it a little better," she said.
"And you were so right. Thank you," I replied, staring at the picture, tears in my eyes. But, I certainly didn't want to ruin Christmas, so I told Hermione to open her next one. It was from me.
"Oh Sirius! They're wonderful!" she cried as she opened a package of magical book covers.
"Well, Harry's told me how much you re-read your books and I didn't want you wearing them out. The saleslady told me that this will really protect them."
"Thank you so much!"
"You're quite welcome. Harry, I believe it's your turn."
It was Hermione's gift next. He opened the box and found her scrapbook.
"Hermione! This is so great!" he said, never taking his eyes from the pages.
"I know you have some loose pictures, so I left space for them. And I made a place for the pictures we take today as well," she told him.
"Here's my first Quidditch match! I can't even imagine how long it took you to gather all of this! And here's you hugging me after that game. Look how little we were! Thank you, Mione!"
She blushed several shades of red and replied, "You're welcome, Harry."
"Sirius, you go next," Harry told me. I figured that he wanted Hermione's gift for last.
I picked up my gift and quickly opened it. It was a book called, "Magical Advancements in the Last Twenty Years."
"I thought you'd like to know what you missed while you were gone," he said.
"I really would. Maybe now I can catch up to you guys. Thanks so much!"
Then it came down to Harry's present for Hermione.
She carefully unwrapped it and slowly opened the box.
"Oh, Harry!" she said, happier than I have heard her in a while.
He wouldn't tell even me what he bought for her so I was just as eager to see it.
"Harry, it's just gorgeous! And look at the pictures in it! Will you put it on me?" she asked.
As she pulled her hair up, I got to see the magnificent object. It was a golden locket and both pictures were of Harry and Hermione. On the front was a sapphire heart and on the back was the inscription, "Love always, Harry."
"Wow, Harry! That's beautiful. What inspired that?" I asked.
"The intended wearer," he said.
Hermione blushed again. And with that, promptly stood up and announced, "I'm going to get some pumpkin juice. Would anyone else like some?"
"Yes, I believe I would," I replied.
"Yes, please," Harry said, his tone laced with confusion.
She took off for the kitchen, leaving Harry to stare at me in disbelief.
"What just happened?" he asked.
"Harry, men will never understand women. Learn that now and learn it well," I replied.
My godson sighed and watched the doorway, waiting for the object of his affection to return.
"Why don't you go help her," I suggested.
He stood to do just that, but as he got to the doorway, he turned to say something to me. Unfortunately, I'll never know what he wanted to say, because at that exact moment, Hermione came to the doorway, carefully watching her tray of glasses.
I leapt to my feet called, "Accio tray!" to keep the tray from crashing at their feet.
At that point, I noticed that they were holding onto each other for support, tightly. And they were just under that beautiful piece of foliage.
"Are you ok?" Harry asked, shakily.
"Yeah, you?" Hermione replied.
"I'm ok."
"Um, Harry, Hermione?" I said, with a huge grin on my face.
They both turned slowly. I used my wand to point above their heads … where they noticed the mistletoe.
They then turned their attention to each other.
"Well, they say it's bad luck to ignore the tradition," Harry told her.
"Yes, that … true," she replied.
"So, I guess we should uphold the tradition."
"Yes, I suppose we should."
And from then on out, it was magic. He tilted her head up with his right hand and placed his left on her back. I don't think she knew what to do with her hands until his lips gently reached hers. Then suddenly they flew up around his neck.
Now, I carefully Apparated out at this point. I had to give the kids their privacy. I didn't want to stick around for such a personal moment. But I do know that from that moment on, they were inseparable.
When Ron came to visit the day after Christmas, they were reluctant about telling him and how it would affect their trio.
However, his only reply was, "It's about bloody time!"
For the rest of the holiday, the four of us (five when Lavender came to visit) chatted and played games and teased our new favorite pair for the kisses they thought they were hiding.
The last night of break, I noticed Hermione's light on in her room again. I carefully knocked upon the door. This time I wasn't so sure Harry wasn't in there.
"Come in," she called.
"I just wanted to say good night, Hermione," I said as I poked my head into the room.
"And to make sure that Harry isn't in here?" she playfully asked.
"Well, that too. He's not right?"
"Of course not, Sirius."
"I know, I know. I just had to," I said, blushing.
"I understand. You're new to parenting. It's ok."
"Thanks. Well, pleasant dreams."
"Good night, Sirius."
As I closed her door, I noticed that she began to write in the book in her lap. Ah, that precious diary.
When I got to Harry's door, his light was on as well.
"Mum, Dad, it's strange, but now it feels like everything is falling into place," I heard him say.
I knocked on his door as well, not wanting to barge in on his conversation.
"Yes?" he replied.
"Just wanted to say good night, Harry," I said.
"Ok. I was just telling Mum and Dad about my good fortune lately."
"I see. And what do they say?"
"Well, I'm sure they're happy for me, but like you said, they're not great conversationalists."
"Too true. But, I can guarantee you that they are more than happy for you. And they are so proud that you've found such a wonderful girl."
Harry beamed.
"Well, I'll let you get back to your talk. Good night, Harry."
"Good night, Sirius."
And when I left, I heard Harry begin to talk to his parents some more. It made me curious, so I crept back to Hermione's room.
"So, anyway, Mr. & Mrs. Potter, I promise you that I will take care of your son the best I can. And I thank you so much for bringing him into this world. He means so much to me and not just for his bloody prophecy. I love him for him. And I wanted you to know that. Well, good night," I heard her say to her future in-laws.
Boy, the Potters were busy tonight. Well, one more couldn't hurt.
When I got to my room, I settled into bed and began my conversation as well, hoping that Harry and Hermione were finished so I could have my best friends' full attention.
"James, Lily, I can't thank you enough. I know it had to have been you that provided that mistletoe and it worked brilliantly! I hope you were watching, because the plan went without a flaw. Harry finally has someone to love. And she's wonderful, but I'm sure you already knew that.
"She's gonna be his savior, you know? If he's going to fight for anyone in this battle coming up, it'll be for her. And she's going to be a spitfire to contest with as well. I pity anyone who comes in-between them, romantically or otherwise. They remind me so much of you guys that it's scary. Our shy and brilliant bookworm and our mischievous but lovable Quidditch star. I only hope history doesn't repeat itself fully. But I honestly don't think these two will let that happen.
"Good night, guys. And thanks again."
As I watched Harry, Hermione, Lavender and Ron climb onto the Hogwarts Express the next day, I felt a surge of pride. The first thing I did when I got home was owl Remus.
Dear Moony,
I hate to say it, but I told you so. Oh who am I kidding? I'm not sorry in the least! I got Harry and Hermione together over Christmas holiday. Ok, maybe it wasn't totally me. But an innocently hung piece of mistletoe (I suspect it was from our dear Prongs and his wife) and voila! Instant couple. I mean, how brilliant was that? They are so adorable together. He's so protective of her and she's just smitten with him. Always staring into each other's eyes like Lily and James would do. It's nice to have that reminder of those two.
Well, I have to get going, I just wanted you to know the good news.
Hope your Christmas was great! Please let me know when we can get together for a drink.
Your friend,
Padfoot
I sent the letter away and thought about the future. I had the black-haired, green-eyed godson pegged pretty well, even back in my Hogwarts days. Now, I pictured a little girl with bushy brown hair and her father's green eyes and a little boy with that sloppy black hair and his mother's brown eyes. And I couldn't wait till I could see how right I was.
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A/N: I'm considering an epilogue to this story. I think I'll probably do it. What do you guys think?