A/N: Hi everyone. I was so motivated by all of the kind words and support that I wrote this second chapter today. I hope you like it. There is a lot more to come.
Harry spent the next few days catching up on his correspondence with his friends. The only mail he had sent previous to this was the one letter to Hermione and the obligatory message to the order every few days, saying that he was fine and not to send the cavalry. He wrote to Ron and talked about quidditch and what he thought of the prospects of the Cannons, Ron's favourite team and by default, Harry's as well. He also expressed interest in Ron's idea of a girl that he liked and refused to say who it was, although he had an idea it may be a girl with an often dreamy look on her face and a taste for odd hats. Harry felt almost relieved and the implication that Ron was over his thing with Hermione, although he wasn't quite sure why, as it wasn't like Hermione was his girlfriend or anything, they had only shared dreams, had always been there for each other, could tell what the other was always thinking, could talk to each other with just a look…
Harry paused a moment in his contemplation, his eyes widening in shock as he realised how close he was to Hermione and wondered whether he had been this daft for so long, or if it was a recent thing. He sat back for a moment, the letter to Ron forgotten momentarily as he recounted all of the incidents in the past five years that he could remember and realised with a jolt that every important one was somehow related to Hermione. In the first year he had saved Hermione from the mountain troll and she had been with him and helped him with the potion task just before he had encountered Quirrel and Voldimort. He remembered the hug she had given him with a soft smile. Then in second year she had broken so many school rules to brew the poly juice potion so he and Ron could find out if Malfoy was the heir of Slitherin, and consequently grew fur and whiskers for her trouble. His smile widened as he remembered visiting her while she was sleeping one night in the hospital wing and running his fingers through her fur along her arm and she had purred. Then third year she had tried to protect him when Sirius had given him the firebolt, even though they found out eventually that it wasn't dangerous, and she used the time turner and helped rescue Buckbeak and rode with him to rescue Sirius. He realised for the first time now how concerned for his welfare she really was, braving his and Ron's outrage at her actions. Fourth year, she instantly believed him that he had not entered into the tri-wizard cup and she had helped him in so many ways during that year with spells and hexes that he could perform to defend himself; he remembered her face when he was in the hospital wing and how concerned she had looked. Then last year, even though he had been horrible to her and Ron throughout the year, she still stuck by him and refused to be cowed by his tantrums and when she saw that there was no dissuading him, she had stood by his side, to her own peril. He shuddered as he thought of when Dolohov had slashed with his wand and how those purple flames had passed through Hermione's body and Hermione collapsing with no more than a surprised "Oh!"
He remembered the raw panic that he had felt rush over him as he rushed to her side, fearful that he had lost her. He thought of how he would be if Sirius hadn't died but Hermione had died and his heart filled with so much pain and wrenched so much that he quickly stopped, his eyes filling with tears.
"Daft, blind, stupid pratt!" He informed himself after a moment's consideration.
He quickly returned to Ron's letter and signed off and over the next few hours went through his other mail and responding in kind. Last of all he drew a blank piece of parchment and wrote the letter to Hermione that he felt he should have long ago.
'Dear Hermione,
How are you doing? Are your injuries completely healed? I've been so wrapped up in my own suffering that I had forgotten how badly you were hurt. I also have an apology to make to you. I'm sorry for taking you for granted for so many things last year. You stood by me when I don't think I would have. You stood by my side and helped me throughout the year, forming the DA and designing the coins so we could all communicate. You even stood by my side at the department of mysteries, even though you suspected that it was a trap and for that I thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without you and I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you. I hope you can forgive me, because I'm not sure I could bear it to lose your friendship. I know this will probably sound funny, considering we share dreams now, but I needed to say it. I need to heal and I think this is one of the deeper wounds I need to heal.
Love,
Harry.'
Without thinking about it, he sealed the parchment and sent Hedwig with all of the mail attached to her legs, before he could change his mind about any of it.
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Tears ran down Hermione's face as she read through the letter that Harry had sent. How sweet could he be? Here he was, barely having survived Voldimort again, having lost the only father figure he had ever had and he was begging her forgiveness for taking her for granted and venting his emotions on her last year. She remembered the way he had looked on the train, lost and empty, as though all of the happiness and life had been sucked out of him forever. She had wanted to hug him tightly and comfort him and let him cry on her shoulder, but restrained herself as she knew he couldn't handle it at the time. Now, though, she thought to herself, I think its time he needed someone. She took a piece of parchment and wrote a letter to Professor Dumbledore, expressing her thoughts and her idea and sent it off with Hedwig, along with a reply to Harry's touching letter and hoped with all her might that Dumbledore would agree.
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Harry awoke at the end of the fortnight since he and Hermione had started sharing dreams with a long sigh. He never wanted to wake up anymore, now that the drudgery that was life with the Dirzley's had sunk in and now that he had Hermione in his dreams. Throughout the last week, their dancing had become more and more sensual, their bodies touching and their lips constantly meeting, even while dancing. He couldn't help himself it seemed. He longed more and more for the touch of her lips upon his, the taste of her thrilling him and evincing more passion from him than he had ever imagined. He now found himself longing for night as soon as he woke now and seemed to walk around the neighbourhood, when he did venture out, in a daze.
This morning was different; however for as soon as he woke up he heard a knocking at the front door. A short while later he heard his Uncle's angry voice, a shriek and hurried footsteps. He jumped off his bed and grabbed his wand, which was sitting beside his bed and stared at the door, not quite sure what to do. He heard footsteps outside in the hallway and heard it stop near his door. There was a soft knock and then the familiar voice of Albus Dumbledore saying
"Harry, may I come in?"
Harry visibly relaxed as he went to open the door, then stopping for a moment, he asked softly
"Before I do Professor, just to make sure, what did you say to me and Hermione in the hospital wing our third year?"
A light chuckle emanated from behind the door and then he heard
"Well I said a few things, but I think you are referring to when I said 'What we need is more time. Three turns should do it Miss Granger'"
Upon Harry hearing these words, he smiled broadly and opened the door to an equally smiling Albus Dumbledore and welcomed him into his room.
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Albus Dumbledore was quite surprised by Harry's demeanour, considering how they had parted last, in his office. The angry boy seemed to be mostly gone and the smile he gave when he opened the door was of real welcome, rather of forced politeness. He marvelled at how resilient Harry really seemed to be, but then remembered the rather long letter he had received from one Hermione Granger and the pieces fit into place.
"I trust that you're Aunt and Uncle are treating you adequately?" He asked, knowing full well that any treatment Harry received from the Dirzley's was less than adequate. Harry shrugged with a lop-sided grin and said "Well, they mostly ignore me since Moody's subtle conversation with them at King's Cross Station."
Dumbledore chuckled and nodded "Yes, I imagine that Alistair did rather get his point across most effectively. He never really has had a problem with expressing himself."
Harry chuckled at this and nodded, remembering Uncle Vernon falling over a luggage trolley after Moody revealed his magical eye. "Well I prefer that they leave me alone anyhow. It gave me a lot of time to think these last couple of weeks."
Albus nodded in complete understanding and continued "Well Harry, your time is nearly up with the Dirzley's for this summer and the problem of where you can go has come up. After recent events, I don't think it would be fair on you to go back to 12 Grimmold Place until you feel ready to and I know from experience that the Burrow, while a most charming and intriguing place, may not be what you need at this time either."
Harry thought about Mrs Weasley and the motherly concern she showed him, whenever he was there and thought how her reaction would be now that Sirius was gone. Smothered was the word that most readily came to mind and he knew that the others would also feel awkward around him, not sure what to say. Seeing that Harry understood what he was saying, Dumbledore smiled again and said lightly" However, I do feel that you may need some company and after discussing this with Miss Granger and her parents, I thought it might be good for you to spend the remaining summer holidays with them."
Harry stared at Dumbledore for a moment, his mouth hanging open slightly. Realising that he had the look of a green tree frog about to eat a most succulent fly, he closed his mouth with a snap and nodded smiling broadly. "Yes sir, I think that would be the best alternative." What he didn't say though, was that he thought the Granger's should be the first choice, as it allowed Hermione and himself to spend some quality time together, without Ron buzzing around them, irritating Hermione and sticking his foot in his mouth every once in a while.
Albus Dumbledore stood up and smiled, clapping his hands and said "Good then. We'll arrange it for next Sunday then. The Granger's will pick you up, using conventional means of transport, but don't fear you and the Granger's will be protected."
Harry thought of the advanced guard from last year and nodded, understanding. Dumbledore turned to go and Harry thought of something that had suddenly become very important.
"Um, Professor?" Harry asked, getting to his feet.
Dumbledore turned a smile on his face and an eyebrow arched in question.
Harry swallowed and continued quickly "Well I have been thinking and I don't think it would look very good if the Granger's come to pick me up and here I am dressed in Dudley's hang me downs. I was wondering if you could arrange for someone to come shopping with me in Diagon Alley?"
Dumbledore's smile did not falter as he gazed thoughtfully at Harry and then nodded, saying "Yes it is quite a good idea, as you seem to somewhat swim in those clothes. I shall arrange for Tonks to come and take you shopping in a couple of days. If that is all Harry I must depart."
Harry smiled and nodded and Dumbledore walked out of Harry's room and downstairs, Harry following. Dumbledore turned and smiled at Harry and took his hand in his and said with a twinkle in his eye "I am sure you'll enjoy yourself for the rest of the holidays Harry and remember if you need to talk, just owl me and I'll come."
Harry shook Dumbledore's hand and nodded smiling back at the headmaster. "I'm sure I will Professor."
Dumbledore opened the door and with one final wave and a swish of his cloak, was gone. Harry closed and door and smiled, then turning, made his way to the kitchen where Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dirzley were watching television. Before they could say anything, Harry said brightly "Just thought you might want to know that I'll be gone by the end of the week. One of my friend's is coming to pick me up and don't worry her parents are normal."
Vernon looked both relieved at the fact that Harry would be gone as well as the fact that he did not have to put up with more wizards coming to the house. "What, you mean they aren't your kind?" He sneered, his face resembling a rather squashed and furry tomato.
"No." Harry confirmed. "Their dentists." With that, he turned and made his way back to his bedroom.
That night, he didn't know whether it was that he was finally leaving the Dirzley's for another year, or that he would see Hermione in the flesh, his passion ignited as soon as he saw her. The music too, he noticed was more sensual than before and he recognised the opening rhythm of the Lambada as he took Hermione in his arms and their bodies intertwined and moved to the sensuous rhythm. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers and she responded by flicking her tongue out and sliding it along his lips. He responded by leaning in closer and crushing her lips to his, their mouths opening and his tongue caressing hers, mimicking their bodies as they ground together and moved through the crowd. His hands moved up and down her back and then slid into her hair, feeling her own fingers running through his hair, pulling him closer. He stopped moving as his passion overwhelmed him and he just stood there, with Hermione pressed against him, trying to drink her in, devouring her lips and tongue throughout the night.
Before he knew it the day had arrived for Tonks to take him shopping. Dumbledore had owled him a few days ago to let him know which day and he sat downstairs in the living room, nervous to get started and not sure how to explain to Tonks, his sudden desire to have a new wardrobe. He couldn't quite explain it to himself either. He had never been a material kind of person or vain about his looks, although he knew that a lot of girls would often look at him and giggle when he passed through the corridors at Hogwarts. He also knew that that Hermione did not mind what he wore, as she just took him for who he was, but he felt that he wanted to impress her, he wanted to look good, not for himself, but for her.
He was roused from his thoughts by a knock at the door. He walked quickly through the foyer and opened the door, smiling as he saw the familiar bubblegum pink hair of Tonks.
"Wotcher, Harry!" She greeted him and he smiled in return, closing the door behind him.
"I thought we would catch the nightbus." She explained as they walked up the path to the street "It's probably a lot easier than arranging a port key anyhow."
Harry nodded and as they reached the street, he took out his wand and flung out his right arm. BANG! The violently purple double-decker that was the nightbus screeched to a halt in front of them, a light pole jumping out of the way as it veered to a halt. The doors burst open and Stan Shunpike jumped out card in hand and began reading before he noticed who it was they were picking up.
"Welcome to the nightbus, transport for the stranded witch or Wizard. Cor! Ern its Neville!"
Harry smiled and shook hands with Stan while Ern skidded to a halt beside him grinning and holding his hand out too.
"How are you guys?" He asked, while having his arm nearly torn from its socket.
"Not too bad Neville, not too bad." Stan stopped for a moment and looked around, making sure there wasn't anyone around then leaning forward whispered," Tell you what Harry, Ern and I never believed for a moment that load of tripe the Daily Prophet was feeding everyone. We knew from the time we saw you that you're a good man." Stan finished this by slapping Harry on the back.
Harry felt absurdly touched by knowing that at least a few people believed him and he smiled at Stan and murmured his thanks. With the prodding of a grinning Tonks, they boarded the bus and Harry told Stan they were heading to Diagon Alley.
"No worries Neville!" He said brightly "You're our only customers today so we'll be there shortly."
Harry handed him his fare and sat in a chair close to a handy support pole, which he grabbed just in time as the bus lurched with a large BANG!
Ten minutes later they had arrived. Thanking Stan and Ern again, he and Tonks hopped off and entered the Leaky Cauldron. Tom greeted him enthusiastically as he walked through, but the pub was mostly deserted. When they arrived out near the entrance to Diagon Alley, Harry turned to Tonks and said abruptly "I need your help Tonks."
"What, forgotten which brick to tap Harry?" She asked, somewhat surprised.
Harry looked at her for a moment, then realising what she meant he shook his head vigorously and said somewhat embarrassed "Oh, no! I err, need help in buying some, um, clothes I've never bought any, I've always had Dudley's to wear, but they don't fit me and I need a change."
Tonks grinned and said "So you've finally worked it out have you?"
Harry looked at her perplexed for a moment and asked "Figured out what exactly?"
Still grinning she said casually "Oh, you and Hermione of course. Gods, everyone else worked it out a long time ago; we were all just wondering how long the two of you would take."
Harry turned scarlet and looked down at the ground, not sure what to say. A few seconds passed and then Tonks hooked an arm through his and turning him towards the wall said kindly "Don't worry Harry; we'll have you fixed up in no time."
She tapped the brick and they walked into Diagon Alley and Tonk's led him to Gringots saying that he'll need some money if he wants something good.
After the obligatory examining of Harry's vault key Harry, Tonks and the goblin banker were hurtling through the myriad tunnels under Gringots towards his vault. When they arrived Harry got out on wonky legs and the goblin, taking his key opened the door. Harry peered in, not sure if what he saw was true. It looked as if his money had tripled in size since he last visited. He turned to the goblin and asked if he was sure that this was the right vault. The goblin looked affronted, until Harry explained that there should be less money in his vault than this. The goblin relaxed a little then and said importantly "There was money deposited into your vault. All enquiries should be made with the head goblin."
Harry thought about this and quickly filled his pouch with a few hundred galleons, not quite sure how much money clothes shopping would entail.
When he arrived back up in the main foyer of Gringots, he asked the goblin to see the head goblin and was shown into a richly furnished office, where a goblin, resplendent in gold robes took Harry's hand and said most solicitously "Mr Potter, it is indeed an honour to meet you. How may I assist you?"
Somewhat taken aback by the goblin, he explained the discrepancy he saw within his vault. The goblin's brow furrowed for a moment and then cleared as he said "Oh yes! I remember now. Mr Sirius Black had a will with Gringots that was changed before he departed this world. He left a substantial amount of money to you init and consequently, upon his death, the magical contract was activated and the money was transferred to your vault."
Harry was stunned and wasn't quite sure what to say. Tonks placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Harry smiled at her, showing he was o.k., then realised that the goblin was holding out a piece of parchment to him.
"This is the deed to the title of the Black mansion; this was also transferred to your name upon Mr Black's death."
Harry took the parchment, not seeing it and tucked it into his pocket, not sure what to think. Tonks thanked the head goblin and led Harry through the foyer back out to Diagon Alley.
When the sun hit his face, he seemed to come back to himself and realised why he was shopping in the first place. His heart filled with warmth at the thought of Hermione and smiling, allowed Tonks to lead him to Pierre's Fashions. When he entered, he was greeted by a short balding man who took his hand in both of his and said "Ah Mr Potter, it is an honour to meet you and to have you in my humble place of business. How may I assist you?"
Harry stammered and stumbled for a moment, trying to think of what he did actually want, but Tonks then took charge, saving him from falling over his tongue, explaining that Harry needed an entire new wardrobe. Pierre's eyes widened in delight as he led Harry away with him, selecting items off of the racks as he walked by, piling them in Harry's arms and leading him towards the rear of the shop, where the changing rooms were. After an hour and a half, Harry walked out of Pierre's Fashions, carrying about six bags full of his new clothes. He wore a black short sleeved shirt, which accentuated his narrow waist and his broad shoulders. He also wore hip hugging black pants which clung to his legs, emphasising his muscularity. Tonks was impressed despite herself as to how well developed he was. Hermione is very lucky, she mused as they made their way through the Leaky Cauldron and caught the nightbus home.
Harry was so nervous, his hands were shaking. He had butterflies in his stomach the size of Hungarian horntails and his hands were so clammy he had to wipe them on the bed every thirty seconds to dry them. He looked at the clock again to make sure time hadn't suddenly sped up and found there was still five minutes to go until he saw Hermione. He got up and paced his room, looking in the mirror and trying to flatten his hair and, after thirty seconds of futility, gave up again. He kept telling himself, this is just Hermione, my best friend, just Hermione. Every time he did this though, another part of his mind would insist upon on recounting the dreams where he snogged his best friend senseless.
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Hermione was nervous, putting it mildly. She kept looking in the mirror to make sure her makeup was just the way she liked it and kept worrying about how her hair was behaving, which was as bushy as ever. She had desperately tried to make it behave this morning, but without sleek easy's hair potion, there was no point. She cursed herself for not keeping some and looked in the mirror again, wiping her palms on the seat to dry them. It's just Harry, she thought, just Harry. Then another voice would say, yes it's just the raven haired, emerald eyed hunk who has kissed you with such passion and desire. Do you think he will really want you the bushy haired, know-it-all? Her stomach made a lurch as the car stopped and she realised they were there.
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Harry was going to be sick; he knew it for a certainty. His stomach took an almighty lurch when he heard the knock at the door. Maybe if I stay up ere, they'll go away, he thought to himself desperately. He looked at his invisibility cloak in the corner and was about to reach for it, when there was a soft knock at his door.
"wh-who is it?" He stuttered, terrified.
There was no answer, instead the door slowly opened and he stopped breathing as he saw her for the first time. She wore black shorts that ended halfway up her thighs and Harry couldn't help but admire a god who would make legs as long and sexy as those. His eyes travelled higher and he realised she was wearing a black shirt that was tied at the midriff, exposing her bellybutton. His knees felt weak as he gazed at the somewhat nervous Hermione who squeaked, but couldn't say more.
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Oh my god! Her mind screamed at the sight of Harry. She knew that his years of Quidditch training would have done some work on his frame, but used to seeing Harry in clothes five sizes too big for his frame, Hermione was not prepared for the broad shouldered, muscular man standing in front of her, somewhat nervously. She squeaked as she tried to say hi, but no further sounds came out.
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Seeing that Hermione was as terrified as he was, helped Harry somehow get over his nerves. He moved towards her slowly, drinking in every aspect of her, trying to memorise everything he could. As he drew nearer to her, he felt the passion he had only experienced in his dreams begin to take hold. His blood began to pound and his body felt on fire. He gazed at her and smiled his lop-sided grin as he stood before her. Then not being able to wait any longer, he leaned towards her, his eyes never leaving hers.
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She was drowning; she knew it and couldn't care less. As soon as his eyes locked with hers as he approached she was lost. She gasped audibly as his eyes filled with desire and a shiver shot up her spine and exploded in her fingers and toes. She melted when he grinned at her with that beautiful mouth and her knees became weak as he leaned towards her and she thought she would fall, when she felt his arms wrap around her. She tilted her head up and tilted her head slightly to the side as his lips came nearer and nearer. Her eyes fluttered shut at the last moment and she sighed audibly as his lips met hers and it was as if an explosion went off behind her eyelids. Her arms slid up Harry's back and slid into his hair, pulling him closer as her mouth opened and her tongue slid against his lower lip.
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All control flew out the window when he felt her tongue graze his lips. With a soft grown he pulled her closer, crushing her lips against his, opening his mouth, his tongue intertwining with hers. They were interrupted by Vernon barking "Boy! Get down here!"
They broke apart, both panting at the passion that one kiss possessed. They stared at each other for a moment and smiled.
"Come on." He whispered as he led her from his room, "Better get down there and rescue your parents."
She giggled and nodded, her hand clasped in his as they made their way down the stairs.