A/N: Hi all. I'm glad you liked the previous chapter so much; I know a lot of you were hanging out for that. Enjoy!
Harry and Hermione spent the rest of their first day as fiancées cuddling close together during classes and stealing kisses whenever they could during lessons. Their hands constantly touched each other and Harry even had the audacity to pinch Hermione on the bottom while in potions, but wasn't caught by Snape's eagle eyes. They took every opportunity during study sessions in the library during free periods to become inadvertently lost in the stacks and passionately kiss while slipping their hands under each other's clothes, touching each other's skin and lighting one another on fire. They weren't trying to tease each other, but inadvertently did so just by the mere presence of each other and the light touches and caresses and kisses they managed to grab. Harry knew for certain that he felt as if he was on fire by the end of the day and he couldn't wait until he could get Hermione alone and ravish her. Hermione confessed to Harry as they walked through corridors that she couldn't wait to tear his clothes off either. Harry had never heard the hungry tone in Hermione's voice before. It made him shiver every time he heard it, knowing that the tone was meant for him and promised him of many things to come later that night. Professor McGonagall stopped them before they arrived at Gryffindor tower and told them that Professor Dumbledore would like to see them. They both exchanged looks and hoped that they hadn't been caught by someone or that someone had complained about their open affection towards each other. They walked quietly behind Professor McGonagall, holding hands. She led them up to the gargoyle and gave the password "Blood suckers!"
The gargoyle leapt aside and Harry and Hermione stepped onto the moving staircase. They made their way up to the door of the principal and knocked, waiting. They heard Dumbledore's voice urging them in and they opened the door and walked through. Dumbledore was seated behind his desk as usual and both Harry and Hermione were relieved to see that he had a large smile on his face. They visibly relaxed and shared amused glances with each other before taking seats next to each other, directly across from the headmaster. Dumbledore surveyed them both and said with a smile "My congratulations to the pair of you for making this decision. I must say I couldn't be more pleased that you two have decided to make your union formal."
Both Harry and Hermione smiled and Harry spoke up, saying "Thankyou sir. We are glad that we have your blessing. We would like to ask you if you can perform the hand feisting for us here at Hogwarts."
Dumbledore's smile widened and he stood, walking around his desk and took one of Harry's and one of Hermione's hands in each of his and said "It would be my pleasure. I performed the same ceremony for your parents, you know Harry."
Harry didn't know this of course, but smiled, thinking that he was following somehow in his parents footsteps.
"Have you given much thought to when you would like the ceremony?" Dumbledore asked after a moment. Harry looked at Hermione and she nodded slightly at him, smiling. He turned back to Dumbledore and said "Well we don't want to wait too long. We were thinking of around Christmas time, when most of the school has gone home. That way we can invite guests and it won't disrupt school too much."
Dumbledore smiled and nodded at this, clearly pleased with their decision. Harry then crossed his legs and cleared his throat and said somewhat apprehensively "Um, Professor, we need a favour from you."
Dumbledore inclined his head, listening and Harry continued "Well we both would like to tell our parents. Hermione would like to tell her parents and I would like to tell the Weasley's since they are the closest thing to a family that I have. We would like to tell them in person though. Is it possible that we can get permission to see them this weekend perhaps? We just feel it is so important to tell them face to face."
Dumbledore was already smiling as Harry finished and said mildly "Well I see no problem in arranging port keys for you and Miss Granger to see your families. I'll arrange it all for you. Come and see me Saturday morning and you can see them then."
Harry and Hermione both beamed at Professor Dumbledore and thanked him profusely for his kindness. He smiled and squeezed their hands, saying "Anything I can do for young love, I will. Haven't you noticed how many broom cupboards there are in the castle?"
They all laughed at this and chatted amicably for a while. Dumbledore then asked "Have you given much thought to your living arrangements?"
Harry and Hermione looked at each other, clearly startled, and then looked back at Dumbledore. Hermione spoke up, saying "Well no we haven't really."
Dumbledore nodded, saying mildly "Well you probably thought Miss Granger would continue to sneak into the boy's dormitory at night?"
Harry couldn't help but snigger and Hermione after a moment of being in utter shock had a quiet fit of the giggles. They both realised how naïve they had been to think that they could fool the greatest wizard in their world. He didn't seem angry at this knowledge, so they both grinned openly, blushing slightly.
Dumbledore chuckled, saying "I can assure you that you were not the first ones to want to be together all the time, including at night. That is why the boy's dormitory does not have the same charm on the staircase as the girls. The girl has to be willing you see. It is also why the boy's beds also have drapes around them for added privacy."
Harry and Hermione both nodded, their questions answered about Gryffindor tower by this one statement. Obviously the founders knew that students would fall in love and made sure that while no one was taken advantage of, couples could still be together if they chose to be. Dumbledore perched on the edge of his desk and said "Now that you are both engaged and you're wedding not that far away, I think it a good idea that we give you separate accommodations."
Harry frowned and said "But wouldn't the board of governors have something to say about such arrangements?"
Dumbledore smiled and shook his head slightly and said "While the age for performing magic is 17, there have always been instances in the history of Hogwarts where students have been engaged and married before that time. The age of consent is 16 in the wizarding world to engage in carnal acts and you both meet that requirement. The board of governors only have policy as to what is taught here and who is hired, but the day to day running is left to me and no one else can supersede my judgment in matters like this."
Harry and Hermione both looked at each other and smiled, happy that soon they would be living together as a proper couple. Dumbledore said that after they had seen their parents on Saturday and returned to the castle, he would show them their new accommodations. They both thanked Dumbledore again and made their way back to Gryffindor tower, arm in arm.
When they climbed through the portrait hole, Ron noticed the smiles on their faces and said with a leer "Been busy, I suppose?"
Hermione slapped Ron lightly on the arm and blushed. Harry chuckled quietly and said "No, we have just been to see Dumbledore to talk about the wedding. We're going to see Hermione's parents and yours. Do you want to come?"
Ron nodded eagerly and Harry continued "Also we have decided to have the hand feisting at Christmas and I would like you to be my best man, Ron."
Ron smiled and pulled Harry into a manly hug and clapped him on the back, saying "It would be my honour, mate. You'll have to do the same for me though, mate, when the time comes."
Harry hugged Ron back and grinned, nodding his agreement. Hermione smiled at her two boys and joined in the hug. When they disentangled from each other, they also broke the news to Ron about their living arrangements. Ron's eyes grew wide and he said "You two had better be careful you don't get pregnant before the wedding!"
The couple shared a look between them and Harry said "Well we already are. Hermione is performing the contraception charm which lasts for 24 hours at a time. So don't worry about that."
Ron looked at them suspiciously for a moment and asked "You've already done it?"
Hermione turned crimson and Harry nodded, thoroughly embarrassed. They then explained how Hermione had been sneaking into the boy's dormitory for most of the term. Ron grinned and shook his head and said "I'll have to remember that one myself."
They both looked at him and Harry broke up and Hermione joined him after a moment, the implications of what Ron had said hitting them fully. Ron grinned at his two friends, but didn't say anything more. They spent the rest of the evening in front of the fire and talking about their futures. Hermione snuggled in Harry's lap and he held her close to him as they talked with Ron. They asked Ron how things were going with Luna and he smiled, saying "Well I must say she is different, but not in a bad way. She acts all dreamy around others, but not with me. I can really talk to her and she understands me so well. I understand her as well. I don't know why I use to tease her so much. She is wonderful."
Harry and Hermione smiled at Ron, glad he had found someone. After another half an hour Ron made his way upstairs, leaving the couple to snuggle in front of the fire. They looked into each other's eyes and Harry said "So, how is it to know you're going to be Mrs Potter soon?"
Hermione smiled and kissed him softly, saying "It feels wonderful, love. I can't wait."
Soon they made their way upstairs and Hermione didn't bother with the disillusionment charm. They made slow, passionate love that night. They kissed softly and slowly, their bodies intertwined, moving together, feeding off of each other's passion. They climaxed together and rested in each other's arms, completely satisfied, feeling secure.
Before they knew it the end of the week was near. They completed their final lesson of the week and made their way to the great hall for dinner. Harry felt somewhat apprehensive at the thought of telling Jim face to face that he wanted to marry his daughter, but Hermione reassured him that he would be fine. "Remember you are a very powerful wizard Harry. I don't think he'll react too badly though."
Harry felt a little more reassured by this and helped himself to the roast potatoes in front of him. Hermione then voiced her opinion that she didn't know how the Weasley's would react, considering how protective of Harry Mrs Weasley was. Harry answered her fear, saying "I hope she will understand that we are happy with each other 'Mione. She may be a little shocked at first, but she'll accept it."
Hermione leaned over and kissed Harry on the cheek, saying "You always know what to say to make me feel better, don't you?"
Harry nodded, grinning and Hermione began to put food onto her plate as well. Ron, seeing Hermione kiss Harry, yelled out "Oy! You two get a room why don't you?"
Everybody laughed at this, even the teachers at the head table. Harry and Hermione went to bed early that night, wanting to make sure they were alert in the morning. They exhausted themselves making passionate love and drifted off into dreamless sleep.
They awoke early the next morning. Harry woke Ron as Hermione left to get dressed and went and had a shower. Ron was sitting on the end of his bed as he came back out and said "You nervous?"
Harry nodded, his pale face telling more about his feelings. Ron clapped him on the back as he made his way to the bathroom and said "Well just think, at least her father can't do magic and you can!"
Harry grinned at this and made his way downstairs, just as Hermione made her way down from her own dormitory. She looks radiant, Harry thought to himself as he greeted her with a kiss. She wore black pants and a white knit top. Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail and she had applied light make-up, which accented her brown, sparkling eyes. They sat down and waited for Ron, who came down five minutes later. They went downstairs and ate a light breakfast before making their way up to Dumbledore's office. Harry gave the password and Ron made a face at the thought of the blood flavoured lollies he had seen at Honeydukes. They rode the staircase up to Dumbledore's office and greeted the headmaster with smiles as he beckoned them inside. They saw an old newspaper, a shoe with a hole in the toe and a deflated football. Dumbledore explained that both Harry and Hermione had to hold each item for them to work. Harry frowned and asked "Sir, why is there three items? We are only going to two places."
Dumbledore smiled and said "Well you said to me you wanted to tell your parents, Harry. I thought you might want to see where your parents were laid to rest and introduce your lovely bride to them."
Harry's mouth opened and closed, but he couldn't think of anything to say. Hermione took his hand in hers and smiled and Ron moved to his side and clutched his shoulder in support. Harry eventually smiled at both of them in thanks and taking a deep breath, took hold of the items. He held out the newspaper and Hermione touched it as Harry grabbed Ron's hand. Harry felt the familiar tug behind his navel and they were whisked away in a rush of colour and sound. They slammed into the ground after a few moments and Harry staggered, but caught himself and he held out a hand to steady Hermione. Ron seemed used to the travel by now and merely walked a couple of paces to wear the momentum off. Harry looked around and realised that they were on the edge of a forest in a clearing. He looked behind him and saw a cottage with shingles on the roof and honeysuckle that climbed up the porch supports and covered most of the roof. Harry realised that this must be his parent's place and wondered who had repaired it, as he remembered Hagrid telling him that it had been destroyed by the battle between his parents and Voldemort. Ron touched his shoulder and pointed to a trail that led into the forest. Harry nodded and they set off along the path.
They walked for half an hour before coming to a clearing near the centre of the forest. Hermione held Harry's hand as they saw the two gravestones that were at the centre of the clearing, with a stone lion sitting between them, as if guarding them. They walked slowly up until they stood at the foot of the graves. Harry could see the names of his parents and the message
'May their rest be peaceful and the joy in their lives be remembered'
Harry was touched by this simple message and thought how alike his parents were to him and 'Mione. He stepped between the two graves and looking at both he said
"Hi mum, Dad. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner, but I never knew where you were. I love you both, but I think you already know that, wherever you are. I'm getting married to a wonderful girl. I think you would have liked her. She reminds me of what I know of you, mum. You were always strong and smart, standing up for what you believed in. She is just the same. She makes me so happy. I just wish you were here to be with us."
As he said these words, tears rolled down his cheeks and Hermione placed an arm about his shoulders. He looked up at her and smiled, saying "I know they would have loved you too 'Mione. I'm sure of it."
Hermione smiled, her eyes a little wetas well and she hugged him close to her, touched by his words. After a few more minutes, Harry turned to Ron and asked "Ready to go?"
Ron nodded and smiled. He grabbed hold of Harry's hand and Harry held out the shoe to Hermione, who pulled a face and touched the shoe. They were off again and a moment later they slammed to a halt in front of the Granger's home. Ron looked at the house, interested since he had never been to Hermione's place before. Harry went up and knocked on the door and it was opened by Ellen after a few moments. Ellen smiled and pulled Harry and Hermione into a crushing embrace.
"It's so good to see the two of you!" She exclaimed. She turned to Ron who was standing a little awkwardly away from them. "You must be Ron." She said, holding out her hand. Ron shook her hand, his ears turning pink and mumbled that he was pleased to meet her. She led them all inside to the living room. Jim embraced his daughter and shook Harry's hand, smiling and welcomed Ron to their home. They all sat down and Jim, after a moment's silence, said "Well we received your message saying you were coming, but aren't quite sure what it's all about."
Harry cleared his throat nervously and Hermione squeezed his hand supportively. He looked at Hermione's parents and said somewhat nervously
"You both know that I love your daughter. I would die to protect her and would do anything to make her happy."
Hermione's parents nodded and waited for more. Harry continued
"I was badly injured a week or two into the term and it really made me realise how important she was to me and it became quite apparent how important I was to her. I decided that I wanted Hermione in my life on a permanent basis. I want to be with her always and I feel so happy when I am with her. On her birthday I asked for her hand in marriage."
Jim looked a little shocked at this revelation that Harry had been hurt and even more so at the information that Harry had asked his daughter to marry him. Ellen, however, didn't seem surprised at all and rushed over, hugging Hermione. She broke away momentarily and asked "You did say yes didn't you dear?"
Hermione laughed and hugged her mother saying "Of course I did. I want to be with Harry forh the rest of my life. I have never been surer of anything as much as I am of this!"
Jim then came over and smiling, held his hand out to Harry. Harry rose to his feet and shook Jim's hand. Jim then pulled him into a bear hug and said "Welcome to the family, Harry."
Harry smiled and Ellen then hugged him expressing her delight at the news. Hermione then joined them in a four-way hug. Everyone had tears in their eyes when they broke out of the hug. Ellen then went out and prepared some tea and Hermione joined her to help. Ellen gave her a warm smile as they prepared the tray and said "So, how is he in the sack dear?"
Hermione nearly dropped the cup she was holding in shock, but Ellen quickly caught it and placed it on the tray, chuckling. Hermione stared at her and Ellen with her hands on her hips said in a mocking voice "Oh, come on Hermione. It's all written on your face that you two are a hell of a lot closer than you were during the holidays. You also have that look in your eyes of a well loved woman. So?"
Hermione grinned and blushed and Ellen laughed lightly, saying "That good, huh?"
Hermione nodded shyly and Ellen hugged her daughter to her, saying "Well honey, you have a great man there on your hands. Treat him right and I'm sure he'll make you happy."
Hermione sniffed and hugged her mother back, saying "He already does, mum."
They then brought the tray out into the living room, where Ron was telling Jim about some Quidditch matches that he had seen over the summer. Hermione smiled, seeing that her father was spellbound by the play-by-play description Ron was giving. Harry smiled at her as they walked in and she felt a surge of love towards him. They all sat and chatted amicably for an hour and then said their goodbyes as they had to go to the Weasley's. They gave the Grangers the date of the wedding and let them know they would be in touch. They walked outside and Harry grabbed hold of Ron and then held the punctured football out to Hermione, who took hold. They went off again and a moment later arrived in the front yard of The Burrow.
They had only been there for a moment when the front door swung open and Mrs Weasley stood there beaming at them.
Harry then remembered the clock that the
Weasley's owned and realised that Mrs Weasley had known the moment they had arrived. She came forward and embraced
them all and ushered them inside. They all walked into the kitchen and were greeted by Mr Weasley who was sitting at
the table reading a copy of The Daily Prophet. They all sat down and chatted, while Mrs Weasley bustled around, making
tea. They were informed that the twins would be home soon, so Harry and Hermione held their news until the two arrived.
Half an hour later the fire in the lounge roared and the twins came tumbling out, along with Angelina Johnson and
Alicia Spinnet, their girlfriends. They all greeted Harry, Hermione and Ron, sitting down at the table. Fred then
stopped talking and pointed at Hermione's hand, asking "What's that?"
He was pointing to Hermione's ring. Harry then launched into the explanation of what had happened during the summer, with them both getting together and the attack at Hogwarts. He then spoke fondly of the care that Hermione had taken of him and how scared and worried she had looked when she came into the hospital wing just after he had woken up. He took her hand in his and said "I decided I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, so I asked her to marry me and she accepted."
There were shrieks around the room from all of the girls and Mr Weasley, Fred and George rushed over to Harry, shaking his hand and congratulating him. They kissed and hugged Hermione, congratulating her as well. Angelina and Alicia both kissed Harry on the cheek and congratulated him and squealed over Hermione's ring, congratulating her as well. Harry looked up at Mrs Weasley. She had tears in her eyes and she pulled Harry and Hermione into a hug, saying "Oh, I'm so happy for the both of you! I knew that that Skeeter woman was onto something, even back then, but that the two of you hadn't realised it yet. Oh, I'm so happy!"
They both hugged Mrs Weasley back, tears rolling down their cheeks as well, the relief also overwhelming.
The three of them stayed for dinner and a merry time was had by all. Harry and Hermione tucked into Mrs Weasley's delicious cooking, having missed her special brand of cuisine. Ron stuffed his face as usual, but was soon waylaid by his two brothers.
"So, has ickle ronnykins got a girlfriend?" Fred enquired in a falsetto voice. Ron turned crimson and it was evident to all what the answer was. Mrs Weasley then asked "So then Ron, who is the girl?"
Ron seemed to be choking on the mouth of potatoes he had in his mouth and quickly took a large swig of pumpkin juice. When it was evident that he could not delay the inevitable any longer, he said "It's a Ravenclaw girl called Luna Lovegood. Her father is the owner of The Quibbler."
Fred and George snorted into their food and earned slaps over the head from their respective girlfriends. Mrs Weasley looked thoughtful and said "Oh yes, Ginny has mentioned her a few times. I've met her father, he's a very nice man."
Ron goggled at his mother for a moment, his stomach dropping at the thought of Luna's father and what he might do to Ron when he found out he was dating his daughter. Mr Weasley cleared his throat, wiping his mouth and said "I'm very proud of you Ron, for seeing past what everyone says about her. She is a nice girl; I've met her during the summer when I had business at The Quibbler for the Ministry."
Ron smiled and Mrs Weasley began to serve dessert, which was Apple pie with clotted cream.
Finally the three said their goodbyes and received one final hug from Mrs Weasley. They took hold of the football once more and they were transported back into Dumbledore's office. He looked up from his work, smiling.
"So, from the fact that Harry has all of his limbs where they should be, I gather it all went well?" He enquired.
The three nodded and told him about their day. Dumbledore smiled once they had finished and said "Excellent. There is nothing to stop the ceremony then since you both have the blessing of your families. Mr Weasley, you may go back to Gryffindor tower and I'll show you two your new quarters."
Ron smiled at the two of them and disappeared downstairs. They then turned and followed Dumbledore along the same path that Ron had taken, but stopped several metres short of the portrait of the fat lady, in front of a pretty looking witch from medieval times, if her clothing was anything to go by.
"Griselda, this is Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. They are the couple I told you about. "
He then turned to the two and said, smiling "I'll leave you in the capable hands of Griselda and let you become more acquainted with your quarters."
His moustache twitched at this last comment and he turned and disappeared around the corner. They looked back to the painting to find Griselda smiling at them.
"Welcome to the two of you. I'll be the guardian for your quarters. During my lifetime, I was a seer who was able to see auras. I still have the talent, even in this painting, so there is no need for a password as I can tell you apart from any other in this castle. You may enter."
They thanked Griselda and walked through to the room behind the painting. It was a smaller version of the common room, with its own smaller fire crackling in the hearth. There was a large table in one corner for them to study and a bookshelf lined with large, thick tomes. They walked through and examined their bedroom. It was a large circular room, with a large king sized four-poster bed in the centre. Their two trunks had been already moved and sat at the foot of their new bed and their personal affects were placed neatly on the bed side cupboards. There was a mirror in one corner and Hermione walked over to look into it. She was surprised when it spoke up, saying "You look lovely, Dear."
Hermione jumped and blushed. Harry sniggered and she threw him a dirty look. She advanced on him and he backed up, suddenly wary at the look on her face. She quickly lunged at him and pinned him on the bed, her legs about his hips, her hands holding his arms above his head. He smiled innocently up at her and said "Hi there."
She giggled and kissed him softly, saying "Hi yourself, my fiancée. I love you."
Harry kissed her and answered, saying "I love you too 'Mione. Isn't this great?"
Hermione smiled, sitting up, letting go of his arms and looked around.
"Yes, it's excellent."
Harry then gave her a naughty look and said "Well, I think we'll have fun christening the place. In here, in the bathroom, in the common room out there, on the table, on the couch, on the rug by the fire…"
Hermione laughed as he continued describing the places he wanted to make love to her in. She cut him off by kissing him and said in a sultry voice "Well, quit talking about it and make love to me now."
Which he did, gladly.