Unofficial Portkey Archive

Dinner at the Burrow

Ron and Luna were flying around the Quidditch pitch, not really playing Quidditch but some form of wizard tag. True there was a bludger of sorts after them but it was really a stuffed bear from Ginny's room. Mum had charmed it to fly after them for it was IT in the game of tag. They had very similar brooms so it was about as fair as it could get.

Drats Luna thought, he's going to win. I just can't dodge as fast as he can, oh wel,l at least it was fun and illogical at the same time. Suddenly Luna stopped in mid-air. Ron nearly collided with her but swerved just in time. The bear bounced harmlessly into her chest and she grabbed it absently.

Ron quickly spun around and pulled up beside Luna, a concerned look on his face, "What's wrong?"

They were slowly drifting to the ground as she sat there thinking, "Sorry Ronald, it just hit me why I love doing things with you. You're so illogical. What ever made you think of this silly game?"

"Oh, well, I love to play Quidditch so I was trying to think of something like Quidditch that I could play with you. Suddenly this popped into my head." They had both absently gotten off their brooms when they had drifted to the ground. They stood now only a foot apart, Luna still holding Ginny's bear absently against her chest.

Ron found himself leaning towards Luna, she looked so cute holding that bear. Suddenly there was a flurry of wings about his head and an owl landed on his shoulder.

Luna looked up and exclaimed, "Hedwig!" After a moment of utter confusion Ron reached up and tried to untie the note from Hedwig's leg. Since he couldn't really see it there was not much he could do. Luna dropped the bear on the ground and reached up to help. "Hold still a minute Ronald, let me do it. Oh, she has two letters let's see which one is for you. 'Mum ONLY,…girl…talk...' Oh, I wonder what that's about but since you're not a mum it's not yours, Ah, Ron, The Burrow." She untied that note. "Thank you Hedwig."

Ron flinched and exclaimed, "OW!" Hedwig lurched into flight and momentarily dug her talons into his shoulder. He stood there a moment rubbing his shoulder, "Well let's see the letter."

Luna handed it to Ron who immediately opened it and started reading. He suddenly muttered, "She's there?" and sat down hard on the ground. Now Luna was worried about him and she knelt down close beside him to give her support if he needed it. He reached the bottom of the letter and looked up at her; his face was suddenly red in anger. A heart wrenching, "no," was all he said.

Suddenly Ron stood up and lunged onto his broom. The letter fell crumpled to the ground as he rocketed off at top speed. Luna grabbed the letter and flung herself onto her and broom after him. The stuffed bear took chase again, forgotten.

Ron didn't seem to know where he was actually going. Apparently he was trying to run away from what he had just read. Luna read the note from Harry as quickly as she could. She had never flown this fast before and was having a hard time just keeping Ron in sight. When she had finished getting through the letter she folded it and stuck it in her pocket. Ron had just flown into the forest. He seemed to be heading in the general direction of her house. Now that she could keep her eyes on him he seemed to be flying very erratically. He was definitely not paying close attention to his path. She decided to try and reason out this puzzle.

Ok Brain high gear, explain.

Detail 1: Hermione is staying with Harry right now. Probability: 100%

Detail 2: Ron is livid about Harry and Hermione becoming engaged. Probability: 99%

Detail 3: Percentage of those at Hogwarts who know that they belong together: 75%

Detail 4: Hermione sent a, "girl talk," letter to her mum. They have already slept together. Probability: 90%

Detail 5: Ron is going to hit a tree at this rate, he is barely missing them. Probability: 80%

Detail 6: Harry and Hermione still value his friendship and want to know how he feels about this. Probability: 90%

Resolution 1: Ron feels inadequate; he can never be as good as his brothers or Harry. Probability: 85%

Resolution 2: Ron feels they are now a duo so the trio is broken. Probability: 75%

Resolution 3: The trio was broken last year; it is now a sextet, those of us who went to the Department of Mysteries. Probability: 99%

Resolution 4: I will need to knock some sense into his thick head. Probability: 100%

Detail 7: Ron just clipped a branch and crashed to the ground. Probability: Oh bloody hell!

She landed almost on top of Ron, where he had come to rest on the forest floor. He was lying on his left side in a small clearing. It looked as if he had missed most of the bigger branches on the way down. As she bent to look and see if he was seriously injured the stuffed bear bounced into her back. Ignoring the bear she reached down and turned Ron onto his back. He was bloody and battered but he was definitely breathing. He had broken his left forearm when he hit something but the rest of him appeared whole. She found a pair of nearly straight branches and used her scarf to tie his arm into a splint. Ron moaned once when she straightened his arm, otherwise he was silent. Luna was suddenly quite glad her dad had that weekly column in the Quibbler on first aid.

She then held both brooms parallel to each other and threw her cloak over them. Carefully she tied the cloak to each broom then placed the broom-gurney on the ground behind Ron. She pulled him back onto his side and slid one broom close against his back. She then rolled him onto his back again. Now her cloak was under him and there was a broom on each side. She commanded both brooms "UP!" Bearing their burden on the cloak between them they rose slowly. She made sure the knots were secure and he was laid as comfortably as he could be on the make-shift gurney, she tucked the stuffed bear under his head as a pillow.

Taking the tips of each broom in hand she started walking back to the Burrow, calmly whistling the tune to, "Weasley is my King."

Twenty minutes later she was almost back to the Burrow when she felt Ron shifting on the gurney behind her. She stopped whistling and came around to see how he was doing. "Ronald? Are you awake yet?"

A very dazed Ron groaned, "What happened?"

"Well Ronald when you read Harry's letter you took off on your broom, I followed you, and you crashed and broke your arm. Now we're almost back to the Burrow so your mum can fix you up. Are you ready to talk sensibly or do you need to break something else?"

"Ugh, now I remember. She can't love him! I love her!"

Without a hint of jealousy Luna replied, "Do you really Ronald? Or, do you just want to beat 'The Great Harry Potter' at something for once? If I recall correctly I believe it was you and Ginny who won the Quidditch cup for Gryffindor last year. Use that brain for once Ronald; I know it's in there, use it!"

Luna spoke both accusingly and teasingly but coming from her it seemed to strike a nerve in his head. Suddenly he was ashamed at his prior outburst, "I'm sorry."

"That letter looked like they were worried about your reaction to them getting together at last."

Ron looked at her, shock written all over his battered face.

"Oh Ronald, wake up! They have been in love for ages now, the whole ruddy school is well aware of it. Are you the only one besides Harry who was unable to recognize it?" The look on his face told the answer to that. "I guess you were. Ronald, think about it a minute. They are always together or talking about each other. Hermione worries about him constantly and Harry tries to protect her from everything. They are a perfect team Ronald yet they value your friendship and want you with them still."

He had gone from anger to confusion and then shame, now he found himself back at confusion. Was I that blind? The whole school knew and I didn't realize it? Rita Skeeter's articles in the Daily Prophet. Yes she knew and told the world. Damn, where do I fit in with them now? "What do you think I should do Luna?"

"Well, are they still your friends?"

"I think so?"

"Then congratulate them on their engagement, they asked for an owl, let's go write one."

"Thank you, if you hadn't been here I would have ruined my friendship with them."

"Welcome Ronald, we need to hurry, everyone will be arriving soon for Bill and Fleur's dinner party and we need to help your mum get ready. Lay there and think, I will get you back so we can fix you up in time for the party."

Ron started thinking as Luna once again took hold of the brooms and slowly walked along. Nearly everyone should be at the dinner tonight along with Neville, Alicia, Angelina, and Luna. Only Percy was not expected to attend though Dad and he had apparently started talking at work. Bill had told everyone that he had a special announcement for tonight. Since Bill and Fleur had announced their engagement last week, what could this be about? As it was only midday there were a few hours before anyone would arrive home. Well maybe Charlie would be early but everyone else would be working for another three hours or so. Ron suddenly became aware that Luna had been talking while he was thinking but he didn't have a clue what about. "Sorry Luna I was thinking about tonight, what was that you just said?"

"I said 'What are you going to tell them in your owl?" She turned and looked at him expectantly. One blond eyebrow raised in question her large eyes piercing him.

"Oh, I haven't thought about that yet."

Luna giggled airily, "Well you should start with congratulations and work your way up from there. You know you will be the best man at the wedding don't you? I wonder who Hermione will choose to be bride's maids? Ginny would be my first guess. She is the closest Hermione has to an actual female friend you know. I hope she is really over her crush on Harry. Charlie is here early Ronald, here he comes now."

Ron heard his brother's voice calling from far away, "What happened? How badly is he hurt?"

Before Ron could decide how to answer, Luna replied, "Well, he got upset that Harry and Hermione are engaged, decided he needed to break something, so he went and crashed into a tree and broke his arm in the process."

Ron finally spoke up, "That's not what happened! Well I didn't want to break anything, it just happened." He finished lamely as he realized that was exactly what had happened.

Charlie walked into Ron's view and looked at him concerned, "So, they have finally gotten together, wow Ron, you did a number on your head too, I hadn't heard they were even dating yet."

Luna again answered, "No dating, well unless you count the last five years, they just sent an owl to Ronald and told him they were engaged."

"Man, Harry moves fast when he moves eh?" Charlie commented.

"Don't tell me you knew they were in love already too?" Ron asked.

"Of course I did little bro, Hermione positively glows whenever she is with Harry. I wouldn't question if she knew a long time ago. What got Harry to realize it I wonder?" Charlie asked.

"Apparently Hermione is staying with him right now so, I would guess, close proximity to her made him realize it." Luna remarked blandly.

They had continued walking while Luna and Charlie talked about Harry and Hermione. When they had arrived at the back porch of the Burrow, Charlie asked, "Can you stand Ron?"

"Yeah, I think so, help me get up though."

"Sure Bro," Charlie reached under Ron's shoulder with his left hand and held his right hand as he helped Ron sit up and then stand.

Ron noticed that Charlie seemed an awful lot bigger than he remembered.. Guess wrestling dragons for a living makes you very strong. "Man, I'm dizzy but I think I can walk." Cradling his left arm, he walked inside to face his mother's wrath.

Charlie walked close behind him ready to help him if he stumbled.

"I'll be in when I get these put away, I'm sure Charlie can handle it from here anyway."

"MUM!" Ron hollered as he walked into the kitchen.

"Coming Ron," he heard her say from upstairs.

"Sit at the table," Charlie ordered, "I'll get the bone-mender from the cupboard."

"What is it?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen and saw him sitting at the table, "Oh my! What happened to you?"

"I hit a tree and broke my arm," Ron spoke up quickly before Charlie could.

"Charlie, can you set it please, you have more experience at it now than I do, give me the mender please."

"Ok, here you go."

Charlie sat down opposite Ron, "Lay your arm on the table bro," when Ron did so Charlie untied the splint and pulled back his sleeve.

Ron turned his head away, unable to watch.

"Ok this will hurt a minute then drink the potion. Try not to move or I won't be able to hold it straight."

Ron nodded his head as his mother came over to him holding a steaming mug of the bone-mender potion.

He felt his arm twisting, no he felt the bones twisting inside and he cried out in pain, just then he saw Luna come in the back door. Through the pain and the tears in his eyes he managed to gather his courage and stay as still as possible.

"Drink it Ron," Charlie told him. He took the mug offered and downed it in one gulp. He felt it burning down his throat and course through his body. His arm was on fire for an instant as the potion found the breaks. He whimpered and closed his eyes in agony. He felt caring arms embrace him in a tender hug and he returned it tightly with his free arm. He stayed there until Charlie spoke up.

"Ok, you're good as new, good thing Luna was around to bring you home so soon."

Ron opened his eyes to look at Luna and thank her but discovered she was right in front of him. It was she who had been holding him not his mother. She stepped back, sensing his discomfort at being seen like this. Ron quickly grabbed her left hand with his right and mouthed, "Thanks," to her. She smiled at him and said very softly, "welcome." Molly was across the room putting away the bone-mender potion. He looked at Charlie quickly and saw his brother grinning.

"You took that quite well Ron, that potion burns like dragon's fire." Then he whispered, "Tell her about Harry and Hermione, now."

Ron nodded his head, "Mum, I need to tell you something."

When she turned to look at him her right eyebrow was raised and she was looking pointedly at them holding hands.

"Harry and Hermione sent me an owl today, they're engaged."

"WHAT!" she held her hand over her heart and sat down in the nearest chair, "What did you say Ron?"

Charlie leapt to his feet and went over to their shocked mother, "Harry and Hermione have become engaged."

She looked at Charlie like he was speaking a foreign language, "No they're too young to get married much too young they are just children for gods sakes."

"Mrs. Weasley, maybe this will explain a little." Luna released Ron's hand and pulled out Harry's letter and started to read out loud:

"Hermione sent a letter to Dumbledore complaining that I needed someone to talk to. He then spoke to her parents and brought her here. Yes Hermione is here with me. She has forced me to come to grips with Padfoot's death. We have read his will and I have inherited Grimmauld place. Hermione's parents will be picking us up on August 1^st to go there with us. You are all welcome to join us there for August. Ok now for the hard part Ron. Hermione and I are in love, well we have been for some time but have now admitted it. We are also engaged to be married. I am terribly sorry that we can't tell you about this in person."

"Oh my, so soon, why do children have to grow up? They're far too young for this." She spoke to no one in particular. Charlie and Luna were both about to reply when she stood suddenly. "Charlie make this table big enough for fourteen, Luna could you be a dear and start setting the table. Ron go owl them and say we will be glad to join them for August. She moved towards the stove and pulled out her wand.

Ron looked admiringly at his older brother, silently thanking him for handling the discussion with their mother. As Ron stood, Luna grabbed his hand and gave it a quick squeeze then went to get the plates.

An hour later, Pig was on the way to Privet Drive with Ron's message. The Burrow was back to its former days of glory. It was an absolute madhouse. Bill and Fleur had arrived first, though they were tight lipped about their announcement Fleur seemed to be almost glowing with excitement. They had settled on the front porch talking with Charlie. Ron and Luna sat with them. Luna was working on some puzzle in the latest Quibbler while Ron was trying to figure out how to tell everyone tonight that his best friends had just gotten much closer. Fleur seemed to be very fascinated with dragons for some reason but blanched whenever Charlie mentioned a Welsh Green. Then the invasion happened as the Joke shop was apparently closed an hour early. First Ginny, then Neville tumbled out of the fireplace; just as they were standing up Fred, George, Alicia, and Angelina apparated into the living room. Only Arthur and Percy were missing, the clock showed them still at work.

Into the middle of this apparated a very somber Mr. Weasley, "Everyone, your attention please." After a brief pause for conversation to come to an end he continued. "Percy and Penelope will be joining us tonight. I ask that no ill words be spoken about prior disagreements tonight. There will be time enough later to discuss that matter." He quickly walked to a suddenly sobbing Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen and tenderly embraced her. "Come with me please Molly," and he lead her upstairs.

In the absence of their parents the Weasley clan erupted in indignation.

Then Bill spoke up over the din. "Stop this! This will not help the situation at all. Tonight is to be a happy occasion. Apparently Percy is willing to make amends and even bring Penelope with him. Show him that we can be gracious and accept him back among us."

Fleur spoke into the sudden silence, "hee is uour brover, show hem vat vou wove him like one."

Fred snickered, "I'll show him I love him, damn left almost all my stuff at the shop."

"We'll think of something bro," George quipped.

"Not tonight please guys, you heard dad, I'm sure he meant pranks to," Bill tried to speak with authority.

Just then Mr. Weasley came back down, "Thanks Bill, Percy will be here in a few minutes, make sure there is enough room at the table Charlie."

"Ok Dad," Charlie answered. Luna stood and followed him to the kitchen. Ron had thought she was still lost in her quibbler but obviously she had been paying attention after all. Just then there was a pair of pop's and Percy and Penelope apparated into the middle of the living room.

"Welcome home," Dad and Bill spoke simultaneously. Everyone else seemed to say something similar just after they did. Even Charlie and Luna could be heard from the kitchen.

"Hello everyone and thank you for the kind welcome," Percy spoke stiffly but seemed honestly sincere about it.

Molly came down. She was still crying but seemed to no longer care if everyone saw her. She almost ran to her third son and crushed him into a hug.

"Mum please I need to breath," came Percy's muffled protest.

"I missed you Percy, and you too Penelope, thank you both for coming tonight. Dinner should be ready let's go eat shall we." She turned Percy around and pulled him and Penelope towards the kitchen.

Charlie and Luna had corrected the table and there was now room for fifteen. Steaming bowls and plates ranged all up and down the center of the table. They all struggled to sort out who was sitting where.

Finally they were all seated and Charlie remarked, "No one told me a date was required tonight! I could have brought a date too." Neville and Ginny blushed at that remark, Ron found himself unable to look at his family but Luna looked at them and laughed hysterically. Fred and George laughed heartily and even Percy could be heard chuckling.

When everyone had filled their plates Bill and Fleur stood. Everyone stopped eating and looked at them expectantly.

Luna whispered so only Ron could hear, "Fleur's pregnant, that must be it, look how she is glowing."

Ron sputtered as Bill began to speak.

"Ok, I'm going to end the great mystery. Fleur's parents have invited all of us to come to France for the first week of August. They want to meet everyone before the wedding in October. Friends are also welcome to come. I'm not sure how you can manage your shop boys, maybe you can take turns, or something."

Angelina looked at Fred and told him, "We'll work something out, the shop will survive."

Cries of, "wow," went around the table.

Ginny was heard above the din, "Wow, that sounds great!"

Neville remarked to her, "Me too?"

Everyone seemed very excited about this, everyone except Ron, "What's wrong Ron?" Bill asked.

"Oy, Harry just invited us all to Grimmauld place for August, mum had me owl him yes just a few hours ago. I guess I can send him another one that we'll come the second week onwards though."

"Ok, that works. Why is he going there and not here in August?"

"Umm, Ok here's the rub. He inherited Grimmauld Place from Snuffles and Hermione and him are engaged." Ron spoke unable to look at anyone. He had still managed to get it all out so that everyone heard him clearly.

A collective gasp went around the table. Charlie and Luna nodded their heads enthusiastically while Molly shook her head sadly.

Bill reached for his pumpkin juice, "A toast!" Everyone quickly grabbed their glasses and held them up, "To Harry and Hermione, together at last!"

Everyone echoed Bill. This seemed a very significant moment to Ron as they all drank pumpkin juice to his best friends' announcement.

Just as they were all settling down to eat again Charlie spoke up, "Don't all pay me at once, I told you it would happen before seventh year!"

Fred and George grumbled but pulled out several galleon's each and morosely handed them to Charlie. After carefully looking at them he took them and pocketed them. Bill openly handed Charlie five galleons grinning. Arthur seemed to be trying to hide the fact he also was in on the bet so Charlie relented and pocketed his winnings.

"You all had a bet going on them?" Ron exclaimed, "Why wasn't I let in on this?"

"Ronniekins you were in the middle of it," George started.

"…until Luna here showed you there was life beyond…"

"…the trio…"

"We were seriously worried about you bro," Fred Concluded.

Ron shrunk into his chair, "Oy, sorry I asked."

"Don't slouch Ronald," Luna reprimanded.

Ron struggled back to an upright position and then bent back to his food, hoping to hide his red cheeks from everyone.

Nearly an hour later everyone was stuffed and even the desert of pumpkin pie and whipped topping was mostly gone. Arthur stood up, "Thank you Molly as always for such a wonderful meal. Now, I'm afraid I must make a sad announcement, it pains me greatly to end this wonderful dinner with this news but I cannot let it go unsaid. Alastor Moody was murdered last night by He-who-must-not-be-named."

Most of those gathered looked at him shock written on their faces. A collective gasp and a nearly breathless, "no," was heard around the room.

"Apparently Dumbledore has an eyewitness, but he isn't saying much yet. Bellatrix and Moody were dueling. Moody won but He-who-must-not-be-named killed him. The funeral will be tomorrow night and Dumbledore will be including a memorial for Sirius as well. Everyone needs to be here by six thirty, we will port key there together. Dumbledore will be officiating and everyone is expected to attend. There's a write up on it in today's Prophet, they are covering it as though Bellatrix wanted revenge on Moody and they killed each other."

In-Laws

Where is Dan, Emma thought as she had almost finished preparing dinner. She looked up, catching motion out the back doors and saw Hedwig land on the back porch. Putting down the spoon she had been stirring the pot with, she turned off the burner and walked outside. Hedwig looked exhausted but stuck her leg out for Emma to remove the letter. She glanced at it quickly

Mum ONLY, Dad this is girl talk, give it to mum and do not open it please. H

Oh my! I wonder what this is about? Hedwig needs my help first though. Emma placed the letter in her pocket then held her arm out and Hedwig stepped onto it. She walked carefully so as not to unbalance the tired bird, she went inside and up to Hermione's room. Though they did not have an owl, Hermione insisted on having a perch and food in her room, "Just a minute girl, I'll get you some food and water, and then you can rest all night."

Hedwig hooted her appreciation softly.

Emma placed Hedwig on the perch and filled the food bowl with treats. She then took the water bowl and filled it in the bathroom. With Hedwig eating contentedly Emma sat on her daughter's bed and took a deep breath to steady herself. There were very few things that Hermione wouldn't want Dan to be privy to. It was fortunate he had not returned home yet. Opening the letter she started to read.

Mum,

Wow, it's hard to know where to start. You already know that I love Harry, but he loves me too! When we both confessed this to each other he immediately proposed to me. Well, what was I to do, the man of my dreams just asked me to marry him? I have accepted. We want to get married soon, probably next month. I am the one pushing for a quick wedding Harry wanted to wait until after graduation. I want to spend every moment from now as his wife. We are in a lot of danger and no one knows if we will both live through it. Should I not survive this war I want the world to know how devoted I was to him. Since we are both under age we will need your approval for this to happen. Mum he is definitely the one for me. I can't imagine a moment without him in my life. Just as I have tried to help and support Harry when he needs it he has always given me support when I have needed it. We would love you both to spend time with us. Please pick us up here on August 1^st. We'll be going to that 'special' house I visited last summer. It's Harry's house now and we want to get some remodeling done before school starts. I am leaving it up to you to figure out how to tell dad about this, I think he needs to know very soon but I can't figure out how to tell him.

Love,

Hermione

P.S. To answer your question. Yes mum. And he was wonderfully understanding, helpful, and supportive. Everything I have ever dreamed of and more. He is, and always has been, a perfect gentleman to me.

"What's wrong Emma?" Dan asked. He was standing in the doorway to Hermione's room. She had apparently not heard him enter the house or call for her so he had come looking for her.

Emma looked up at him. He seemed very concerned, well of course he would be she told herself. I'm sitting in Hermione's room reading a letter that obviously just arrived and I'm crying. She folded the letter over once then patted the bed next to her. "Come sit dear, we need to talk about Harry and Hermione and before you get too worried, they are fine."

A visibly relieved Dan Granger came and sat down next to his wife. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and wiped her tears away. "Ok tell me what I need to know darling."

Emma tried to think of a logical way to explain it but after twenty years of marriage she knew better. "They're in love Dan. They want to get married next month. Oh Dan, she sounds so happy to finally be with him." It all ended up coming out in a big rush. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. "Just like I was Dan, just like we are," she corrected herself.

Dan thought about this for several minutes then spoke slowly. "Oh. I certainly didn't expect it to happen so soon but I can't say I did not expect it at all. They're an awful lot like us aren't they my love?" He felt Emma nod her head into his shoulder then pull back to look at him.

"Since you're taking that so well go ahead and read the letter she sent me." Emma unfolded the letter and held it out for him.

Dan read it in silence she noticed his eyes grew very damp. He was trembling a little when he got to the end but, she could tell it was not in anger. He dried his eyes on his sleeve, "Guess our little girl has grown up. Damn! I wanted to get to know him before any of this happened."

"What are we going to do about their wedding?"

"I've been thinking a lot since she told us she loves him. She has never even had a crush that I am aware of, yet she has talked an awful lot about Harry for the last few years. Our little girl may be young but she is very intelligent and I'm sure understands what she is getting into. Harry is the one I'm worried about dear. From what she has told us he can't have much of an understanding of what marriage is all about, the commitment, the need to compromise and work together."

"Well remember when we were talking to Dumbledore the other night? He said that Hermione was the one person that Harry trusted. She has always spoken well of him and praised his willingness to help others. Remember that troll incident in her first year Dan. Harry never explained to her why he suddenly thought of where she was and that she needed to be warned about the troll. She could have been safe in their dorm already. Yet off he ran at his own peril to find and warn her about the danger lurking in the castle. The first night back home from school remember I found her crying by her window holding her diary? She said it was because she had failed Harry three times this last year. First she hadn't learned Occulmency, mental protection, and Voldemort had used that to trick Harry. Second she had allowed him to go to the Department of Mysteries when she felt it was a trap. Third she had allowed Ron to convince her not to talk to Harry about Sirius' death before they left school."

"You never told me why she was crying that night. I feel so powerless in these magical things. Is that why you didn't object to sending her to help him?"

"Some of it, her issues are way beyond a normal sixteen year old girls, she has taken on adult responsibilities. You know she has always been serious and mature beyond her years. Think about this. She said:

"Yes, I love Harry; I can't stop thinking about him. He has become the reason I work so hard on my studies. I need to help him prepare to face Voldemort. I need to prepare myself to be worthy of standing beside him and to help him in any way I can in the final battle with Voldemort."

When she said that the other day it was etched into my mind. She told us her deepest feelings there dear, never has she been so open about anything. That is not the statement of a girl. That is a woman profoundly committed. She is devoted entirely to him and now we know that he wants to marry her. I don't think that even someone who grew up like he did would carelessly suggest such a commitment if he did not feel the same about her. Yes, he has inner demons to work through and one nasty one out there that keeps trying to kill him, but look at this letter from her Dan. She has always said how nice he was, I can't imagine that if she feels this way about him even after knowing everything she does about him that we won't find him a wonderful son-in-law."

"I could never deny my daughter her happiness you know that. Just show me where to sign the paperwork. Damn, loose a son gain a son-in-law. Strange how the world works huh Emma?" He smiled at her.

Emma smiled back, "Yes dear, quite strange."

Suddenly they both heard a soft popping noise from the hallway in front of them. Startled they both looked up to find Dumbledore standing in Hermione's doorway. His half moon spectacles glinted in the lights and he looked decidedly out of place in such a mundane setting.

He stepped through the doorway and addressed them. "Ahh, I see you have also received a letter from them. Poor Hedwig, she flew all over England today." He pointed to Hedwig who was now sound asleep on the perch. Then pulled a small white paper bag out of his robe and offered it to them, "Lemon drop? I find them quite soothing."

Each of them took one automatically and felt a soothing warmth start to come over them. Taking one himself Dumbledore continued, "This development changes a few things. You are going to Grimmauld place with them in three weeks?"

"Yes," Dan answered as Emma nodded yes.

"The two of you may need to stay there indefinitely I'm afraid. Once this is known to Voldemort you will become prime targets for him. I will not permit either Hermione or Harry to suffer through the loss of either of you. I must ask you to make arrangements for an extended sabbatical from your practice and your home. I have already warded this house, years ago actually, but Number 12 Grimmauld Place is definitely the safest place to be. There I have let you in on the secret you will now be able to see the building when you get there."

He pulled out his wand and summoned three trunks like Hermione's. "Since you will be away for some time you may wish to take a lot of things with you. These will hold far more than they appear capable of, yet weigh no more than they do now. I do not believe it will be safe for any of you to return here for some time. She may wish for some things from her room, so please pack for her." He looked pointedly at Hermione's large collection of books. "Oh, let me help you with those."

Dumbledore pointed his wand at the books in the corner, "minimus," and flicked rapidly it in a small circular pattern. Instantly the massive volumes on the shelves that seemed to cover half of Hermione's room were each reduced to the size of playing cards. "Locomotor books," as the astonished Granger's looked on, all of Hermione's books suddenly leapt into the air, formed up, and started marching in a neat queue towards one of the trunks. Dumbledore tapped the trunk with his wand once and it sprung open. Looking like the conductor at some strange concert Dumbledore directed the books which stacked themselves inside the trunk very neatly. When the hundreds of books had all finished the trunk was still only about one quarter full. "Yes plenty of room for clothes or anything else you think she may wish to have."

Dan and Emma seemed only capable of minor movement. They both nodded their heads in agreement.

He pulled a small brass ring out of his robe looking down at them and they caught a glimmer of sadness. "Alastor Moody has been killed by Voldemort. I have made this into a portkey to take you to the funeral site. A portkey is a device for traveling. I would like you both there as this has been another traumatic experience for them. They are strong and with each other's support, I believe they are capable of the task before them. This portkey will activate when both of you touch it. I would suggest about six tomorrow evening. There will also be a memorial for Mr. Black. I would have liked to do it earlier but only now does Harry appear ready to deal with this." He handed the brass ring to Dan who took it gingerly, as though it were very delicate or very dangerous. "Until tomorrow night then, Farewell," with a soft pop he was gone.

Dan and Emma sat there for a few minutes, "What have we gotten into dear?" Dan asked softly.

"I think we have just been pulled into the turmoil surrounding Harry, turmoil that Hermione has chosen to be part of because he needs her, turmoil which Dumbledore seems to expect Harry and Hermione to do something about."

"The task he just mentioned," Dan nodded thoughtfully then seemed to come back to himself, "Well, I hope we can find something to do at this Grimmauld Place once they go back to school."

With a twinkle in her eye Emma replied to him, "I think we can manage to "find something" to do Dan. Meanwhile let's go have dinner and discuss what we are going to take with us for a year long sabbatical."

Dan stood, helping his wife up he handed her the letter and put the brass ring into his pocket, "How about we tell the office we are going on a world tour for the next year or so?"

"Pity, we'll be in some house the whole time, a world tour would be fun."

They left the door open for Hedwig but turned off the lights and headed downstairs for dinner.

The Proposal

Hermione woke up early. There was so much work to do, but she couldn't help but think about the five years she had spent trying to help Harry become confident in his abilities. He had come a long ways from that first year. He had been muttering in his sleep tonight. Once again it was about being locked in that damned cupboard under the stairs. Damn those Dursley's to hell! I wish I could just wipe out all those years of abuse they heaped upon him. I will, drive every moment they made him suffer from his mind! I will prove to him that he is not worthless!

She lay in bed watching him sleep. What a wonderful night last night had been. She thrilled at the thought of just living like this forever. No Voldemort, no school, and no one else to intrude into their perfect world. I have found paradise. I wonder how powerful my Petronius is now, with these happy thoughts Dementor's don't stand a chance.

She had read before that while a man sleeps he often becomes erect. Harry certainly had proven that author correct. He was making the sheets stand up like a tent right now. I wonder what he is dreaming about? Hmmm now there's a thought. I think I'll intrude into his dream world later though. "Time to wake up Harry, I'm getting hungry and you're the first course," she whispered.

She got up and leaned over him, her hair cascading down around them both, she brushed one of her nipples over his lips. He licked his lips teasing her nipple with his tongue. She could feel the wetness between her legs that told her she was ready for him so she mounted him and slowly took him inside her. As he woke fully she pressed her nipple into his mouth, he latched on greedily. "Good morning my Love, time to wake up," she teased as she started to move up and down his shaft.

He reached up and grabbed both of her breasts, squeezing them both and using them as handles to keep her from pulling out of his mouth. She started moving faster on top of him and he bucked like a wild animal. She had noticed his love making had become more primitive and less tender the more confident he became. She found this thrilling. She had unleashed a wild animal inside him and yet she could tame it.

His tongue was all over her nipple. It teased everywhere while his mouth sucked greedily. She had never imagined that her nipples could provide such pleasure. He suddenly switched to her other nipple and she looked at the one he had just released, it was standing out begging for more attention. Seemingly reading her thoughts he slid his hand to her nipple and pinched it between his thumb and forefinger, he squeezed and twisted it gently.

She tried to slow her pace a little. She could feel him coming close to his climax. He fought her though. He bucked upwards into her harder and faster. She gave into his pace and she felt herself reaching her own peak. He suddenly released her breasts and grabbed her hips he started pressing her down onto him at the same time he thrust up into her hard. His mouth still clung greedily to her nipple and she felt him teasing it mercilessly. Then she came, her contractions squeezing around him tighter. He exploded inside her, she continued moving until he released her nipple and tried to hold her still for a minute. He had at last been overwhelmed by the pleasure she was giving him. She had tamed the beast again.

She collapsed onto him. Cradled his head in her hands and brought her mouth to his for a long deep kiss. When she finally pulled back to look at him he certainly looked like she had raised his confidence another notch.

He opened his eyes to look into hers chocolate brown met emerald green and that familiar link was renewed. He could almost feel her thoughts. He certainly knew how she was feeling and what she wanted next. "Good morning beautiful. I wish we could just stay here forever but the world won't let us will it?"

Hermione lay with her legs folded up on either side of him her chest pressed tightly against his, her arms around his head. He held her tightly around her waist so she couldn't get up if she wanted to.

"No, the world still needs saving, but I do want to spend every moment we can together like this. We have three weeks until my parents come to take us to Grimmauld Place and another four weeks after that before school starts. Let's make this our honeymoon. I'm sure we won't have a more peaceful place for quite some time after we leave here."

"Ok," Harry started applying quick, soft kisses to her face, she held herself still and enjoyed them. He slowed his pace and turned them into lingering kisses, when he reached her mouth she was smiling with pleasure.

"You make me so happy. I am very glad I wrote that letter to Dumbledore."

"Me too, me too."

Her stomach took this opportunity to grumble its displeasure at being so empty.

"Ahh, someone needs feeding." He released her and pushed her over onto her back. Then he kissed slowly down her right arm, ending with her delicate fingers. He stood and pulled on his boxers then pulled his wand out from under the mattress. He smiled at Hermione and turned towards their dining table. "Conjurus," and a large breakfast of pancakes and sausage appeared. "Start eating I'm showering first, or join me if you dare!" He grinned back at her and tucking his wand into the back of his boxers started walking towards the bathroom.

Since her stomach growled again she called after him, "It seems the beast in my belly needs taming first."

He stopped in his tracks and looked at her concern written all over his face. "Umm, you're still doing that spell to keep from getting pregnant aren't you?"

Giggling she replied, "Of course, I'm just hungry. You make a girl work a lot you know."

Grinning back at her he challenged, "Eat a lot, you're going to need your energy for that Imperious Curse practice you wanted."

"Oh no, not more push-ups surely?"

"Maybe," he teased and walked into the bathroom.

She got up, put on her bathrobe, and stuck her wand under the belt. As she ate the delicious pancakes she contemplated his parting tease. Why can't he make me do something silly to show he has me under the curse? Why does he want to make me exercise? Does he think I'm fat? True, I'm not model thin but he certainly seemed to enjoy my curves. Well I will just have to ask him why before I go getting all upset about it. Maybe he just wants me to get stronger? That would be funny, Hermione the female body builder. She heard the shower stop, well no time like the present. She stood and holding her wand threw her robe onto the bed. She walked into the bathroom stark naked and looked at herself critically in the mirror. Her waist was very narrow but her hips had gotten quite wide she thought, her breasts were still developing but she was already wearing a 'C' cup bra. Her bushy long hair was all in tangleser h and needed some serious brushing. I may not have Cho or Lavender's looks but he's stuck with plain old bookish me now. Harry was just climbing out of the shower to dry off. She met his green eyes and asked, "Harry why do you want me to exercise? Do I look fat to you? You had better be honest with me because I will know if you are lying."

He seemed very surprised by her question but he threw his towel over his head and dried his face quickly. Then he put his glasses on before looking her in the eye, "No, You're not fat. You look absolutely angelic to me." He sighed, "I guess the reason I want you to exercise instead of cluck like a chicken has more to do with how I feel about you. I don't want to embarrass you, even when only I will know about it. I respect and admire you and could never do anything to you that I thought would make you unhappy. Exercise seemed a good compromise, it's not embarrassing to exercise. It's just work and you have never backed down from work." He had been drying himself absently but had continued to look at her while he talked.

"Oh, you're so sweet, and here I felt that you thought I was fat and needed to exercise. Ok, you can make me do whatever you want under the curse. I understand why you picked exercise and you're right, it's work, nothing more." She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him into a tender kiss before picking up another towel and helping him finish getting dry. "Ok, my turn to shower and get this hair under control, go eat and I will finish eating after my shower."

As she stepped towards the shower he groped one of her butt cheeks tightly. She squealed pleasantly and jumped as he walked from the room with a huge grin upon his face. Man I have wanted to do that for a long time.

"Harry James Potter!" She started angrily, "thank you," she finished sweetly. She was not used to being groped yet but found it quite thrilling that he wanted to.

He chuckled to himself and gently closed the door to the bathroom as he left. Ahh breakfast, he thought as he found a clean pair of boxers in his drawer. He pulled them on and then his slacks, he threw a t-shirt over his head and sat down to eat some of the pancakes. He heard a scratching at the window and stood to let the owl in. He found two there waiting for him, an official looking one with a larger parcel and Pig from Ron. As soon as he opened his window Pig came fluttering excitedly into the room. The large owl looked at him and dropped his parcel into his waiting hands. Ahh Hermione's books, he grabbed an owl treat from Hedwig's perch and gave it to the owl from Flourish and Blotts. The large tawny owl took off into the morning light. Placing the books on the desk he tried to coax Pig into his hand with another owl treat. Pig it seemed was too excited to notice the treat as he flitted about Harry. So Harry snatched Pig out of the air and held the excited bird up to his face. "Calm down little one you made it to me good boy now let me take that message and then you can rest a while before you go." He carefully removed the tightly folded letter and placed Pig on Hedwig's perch. Pig hooted excitedly and then drank some water.

Harry sat back down at the table and finally started eating his pancakes while he read Ron's letter.

Harry & Hermione

Guess I will need to get used to addressing letters to you two like this. Well you sure know how to give a guy a heart attack don't you. Ok, I admit I was absolutely ticked that you two had gotten together. Fortunately Luna and a tree were nearby to knock some sense into me, let Luna explain she will love it. I am not completely comfortable with this yet. Couldn't you have at least dated first to give a bloke a chance to get used to the idea? I'm not the only one who nearly had a heart attack, mum went spar. I think she decided there was nothing she could do about it at the moment but I don't believe she has given up on putting a hold on the wedding. I don't think she objects to the fact that you two are together just that you're too young to get married. She kept going on about how you were just kids. I will do what I can from this end but I'm not good at this sort of thing.

Mum says yes we will join you at Padfoot's old place for August. It has been very boring around here, well until I bumped into Luna in the woods one day. Let her explain that one too. You know she lives just on the other side of the woods out back? She seems to make me want to come up with things to do with her. I really don't understand her sometimes, ok most of the time. She has invited me to go to Switzerland with her and her dad next week. It's a camping expedition to try and find a Crumple-Horned something or some such creature. Mum said I could go so I will be away all next week.

Hope to see you soon.

Ron

PS: Oh Luna told me to say congratulations on finally getting together. According to her the entire school knew it was just a matter of time before you did.

Now that was an interesting letter. I don't think Ron has ever been so thoughtful. I wonder if hanging out with Luna Lovegood is making him think for a change. Well he and Luna seem to be getting along well. Wonder if that helped him understand Hermione and I getting together so suddenly?

Harry had nearly finished eating when Hermione finally came out of the steaming bathroom. "Your book order arrived and so did pig with Ron's reply."

She raised one eyebrow at that statement. She had wrapped a towel around her hair, otherwise she was completely nude. He felt the now familiar desire to throw her on the bed and shag her senseless. Instead he stood and picked up her robe. He held it open and she slipped into it. Now standing behind her wrapped the robe and his arms around her tightly. He held the robe with one hand and quickly tied the belt around her slim waist. Giving her one last hug he kissed her tenderly in the crook of her neck and helped her into her chair. Returning to his own chair he noticed she was grinning adoringly at him.

"I love it when you pamper me. Thank you," she picked up Ron's letter and started in on a fresh stack of pancakes. He was so good at reading her needs, but as she thought about it he always had been. "Oh no, Mrs. Weasley is going to be tough on us."

"Yes, I thought about her too, but since your parents are now responsible for both of us she really has no say in the matter. As long as they support us no one has any right to stop us. Do you really think they will agree?"

Hermione organized her thoughts while she finished her mouthful. She met his eyes before replying, "Yes, they went through a similar situation when they were young remember. I'm confident they will at least not forbid it. They will probably want us to wait another year. I can hear my dad 'But you haven't even dated yet how do you know you can live together for the rest of your lives?' What I don't think many people will realize is how much we have already shared over the last five years. We have already lived together, well as close as we could, at Hogwarts. I have tried to understand how you think and you seem to have done the same for me. We do think a lot alike and that has helped us through our adventures. It can only help us grow closer. My parents talk about everything. One of their rules is never to part in anger, no matter how upset they get they refuse to leave the same room until they have talked whatever it is out and come to a compromise. Like I confronted you in the bathroom earlier about my misunderstanding as to why you wanted me to exercise. As long as we communicate like we always have I really wonder if we will ever fight. Once everyone sees us together they will probably stop objecting."

"We fought loads of times. What about just last year when I wanted to run off to the Department of Mysteries, you argued with me then?"

"No, that was not an argument. You were understandably distraught and wanted to go help. Since I knew you were not thinking the situation through I had to do it for you. I forced you to stop and think about what you were doing before you rushed off and did something rash. In the end we compromised didn't we?"

"Yes, I guess you're right as usual, beautiful."

"Good, once you understand that I'm always right we will get along perfectly." She started laughing before he did at that joke. He laughed along with her; he was still smiling when she continued. "Seriously, I know you do think most things out but I hope you will listen to me when I object to something you want to do."

Suddenly very serious he replied. "Always, I have learned my lesson on that score all too well."

"Oh! I'm sorry." She quickly came around the table. He stood and crushed her into a hug. She heard his glasses hit the table, and then he buried his face into her shoulder and let the tears flow again.

"I miss him so much, if only I had listened to you," he could no longer speak as his raw emotions wracked through him.

She held him tightly as he cried. She found herself swaying, as though rocking a baby in her arms. There were no words for this. Fortunately she knew he didn't need any words, just her support. She poured her support into her hug, surrounding him with her love once again pulling him back to the present.

He slowly took control of himself again, "Damn, I thought I was through crying over this. I guess it will take some time," she nodded and tightened her hug before slowly releasing him. He stepped back so he could look her in the eyes. "Thank you. I really appreciate you being here for me." He brought his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly.

When they parted he rested his forehead against hers and looked into her eyes just an inch away. "I will always be here for you, Always."

"And I for you, and I for you."

She kissed him then stepped back, "We need to get some work done this morning. Let me get dressed, I want to try legimancy first. See if you can keep me out of your head shall we?"

"But I don't want to keep you out of my head," he chuckled as he released her. He picked his glasses up from the table and put them on again. "Ok, you get dressed and I will clean up breakfast. Do you think we should write Ron back?"

"Yes, tell him thanks for understanding and good luck on his camping trip." She went to the dresser and pulled out a pair of knickers and a bra. She glanced at him. He was not staring at her but was, as usual, paying attention to what she was doing. She grinned to herself. Let's see how much attention he is paying. She took off the towel on her hair, then her robe. Yep now he was staring at her, she deliberately took her time pulling on her knickers then putting on her bra. She saw him gulping as he watched her, he was totally fascinated. He would probably stay there for hours if I just kept taking off and putting on clothes. She went to their closet and picked out a white skirt and a peach jumper, after she pulled them on she noticed him shake his head and finally dissipate the remains of breakfast. She went back to the dresser and pulled out two pairs of socks. One she threw at him. Again showing his amazing dexterity, that would have surely made him a premier seeker, he ducked and snatched them out of the air as she had expected. The other pair she carried to the couch and started putting on.

He came and sat beside her, doing the same. He pulled out his wand, "Accio Hermione's shoes," snatching them out of the air as they whizzed towards them he handed them to her.

"Thanks."

"Anytime, Accio my shoes," again he deftly caught them and put them on. "Ok, now that were dressed I expect you want to test my defenses eh?"

"Yes actually, let's see if the great Harry Potter can keep little old me out of his head when he wants to. I'm going to seek the memory you most want to hide from me. How about that time Cho cornered you in the room of requirement after DA class."

A look of horror went across his face.

"Ah Ha, there is something you don't want me to know about that night! I knew it. So are you motivated now to really try and do this?"

He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself but images of naked Hermione, wet hair cascading down her back slowly getting dressed kept intruding into his thoughts; before he knew it she was attacking, "Legilimens."

Cho Chang was walking towards him suddenly, Hermione stood between them she was naked and her wet hair cascaded down her back just past her butt, she pushed Cho away so forcefully she literally disappeared. Only Hermione remained, she turned to him and kissed him deliciously.

"Harry!"

He saw she was blushing furiously at him but she was smiling from ear to ear as well, "What, did I do something wrong?"

She was quite embarrassed but explained anyway, "Actually you did just what you were supposed to do, redirect me to another thought. It's all in Occulmency; What is it and How to do it you should read it all. But you can hardly face Voldemort with an image of me nude."

He thought for a minute for something else to try, "Oh Really? Hmm, ok try this one then, go on do your worst."

"Legilimens."

Cho Chang was walking towards him when suddenly Harry was naked and wet standing in a nice warm shower, pleasure coursing through him, he looked down and saw an equally wet and naked Hermione with his member deep within her mouth. Somewhere Voldemort started squirming in pain. She felt him focus on the remembered pleasure and direct it towards his scar. The force of the sending was like a physical blow. Damn he was strong. Somewhere Voldemort had just passed out from sheer agony at Harry's pleasure.

Grinning he faced her calmly beside her on the couch, if he thought she was red before now she looked like a freshly cooked lobster. "Well how was that? Do you think that will teach him to stay out of my head?"

She covered her open mouth with one delicate hand, "Oh My! That was amazing, and very embarrassing." She looked down at her shoes before continuing, "did you really like it that much?" she asked quietly.

He had doubted that she could get any more embarrassed but he was wrong, even the tips of her ears were now decidedly red. He cupped her chin and made her look at him. "Yes that was quite amazing, I can only hope you continue where you left off someday. But I can understand if you don't want to."

She tried to turn her head away but he wouldn't let her.

"Aren't you the one that told me we needed to communicate everything to each other? I am being honest, I sincerely appreciate all you do for me and none of it will ever be known by anyone but us."

She nodded her head before gathering courage to speak. "Ok, You're right, though brutally honest. I can continue that later, especially now that I know how much you liked it."

"Now about that memory with Cho Chang, read it if you really want to, I won't block you this time. I have no secrets from you, my mind is an open book for you and you're welcome to read it cover to cover."

She shook her head slightly. "Not today, maybe some other time, I trust you when you said she means nothing to you. I do appreciate you being open with me. I have no great secrets from you either. I have invited you into my head before, please do it now."

"Oh, Ok, um how? I know you don't think about a specific memory like you just did so how do you do it?"

"Just think of being inside my mind, not viewing anything specific but sharing my brain space."

"Oh, that sounds so simple. Ok, here goes." He pulled out his wand and looked deeply into her eyes. She took a deep breath as he spoke, "Legilimens."

Suddenly she felt his presence inside her mind. He felt huge and for a moment stifling, like he was going to drown her with his very presence. Then their thoughts touched and merged. Her organized world was blown away by the joining. She felt him gently probing and looking around, much of her life flashed before her, all of it before she met him on the train. Her memories with her parents seemed to be his focus. She opened a window for him to her memories of their love for her.

Here is what loving parents are like dear, he was instantly overwhelmed by her memories. He retreated but she held onto him and brought him back to the memories. This is a loving home; this is what he denied you. This is what he took from you the night your parents were murdered. I give you every one of them; live them with me again now.

She was three and had fallen on the sidewalk. Her father's strong arms picked her up and held her tightly. It's ok, just a scratch on the knee let me kiss it and make it better. Love poured into her from that kiss on her knee and she felt safe again.

She was nine and her favorite cat had just been run over by a car in the lane behind their house. Mother held her while she cried. Father had Socks in a shoe box and was digging a hole for the burial. Together they said good bye to him and laid him to rest next to her mothers rose bush that Socks had loved to nap under.

She was eleven and her Father had just opened the door to the next stage of her life. Minerva McGonagall had walked inside, pointy hat and all to proclaim that Hermione was a witch. She had presented Hermione with her acceptance letter to Hogwarts and sat there all afternoon carefully explaining to the shocked family just what this all meant. The next day she had returned and taken them all to Diagon Alley where she helped them change their money and purchase school supplies. The day after Diagon Alley Professor McGonagall had again returned and shown them how to get onto Platform 9 ¾ before leaving to go onto the next muggle witch or wizard that needed instructions. Through it all her parents helped and accepted this news, never letting her feel unwanted or unloved. A hundred more similar memories passed in a flash, all of them were now etched into his mind just as they were in hers.

Harry? - yes? - Are you all right? - Give me a bit to recover please, no more for now. - All right, she enveloped him tenderly and held him. Outside her mind their bodies had been wrapped together for an eternity now, lying upon the couch as though asleep. She felt him reconnect to her and once again she was aware of his strength of character. I love you - thank you - I love you too my dear - One more window I need to show you before you go - What is that? - Krum.

She felt him brace as her memories of Viktor washed over him. A very shy Viktor asking her out to the Yule Ball, a shocked Hermione accepting. Viktor elated, Viktor upset that she always talked about Harry. Jealous Viktor after the Yule Ball, trying to get her to even look at him after the second task. Her telling Viktor before Durmstrang left that he would only ever be a friend, her heart belonged to another. A heartbroken Viktor departing. I did not go visit him last summer either.

She felt relief coming from him as he finally understood what had happened between her and Krum. There are no more secrets; I will forever belong to you - And I to you My Love, I am yours always. He retreated back into his own mind.

She was suddenly aware she was lying on top of him on the couch. His strong arms were around her waist holding her. She held onto his chest tightly, their legs intertwined, her head resting on his chest just below his neck. She looked up at him and his eyes were still closed. "Are you tired Harry?" he gently squeezed his hug a little tighter then relaxed again.

"No, I'm fine, just shocked still, give me a few minutes."

She stretched up and kissed him softly upon the cheek, then put her head down on his chest to wait for him.

Several minutes later, just as she thought he had fallen asleep, he spoke up. "Your mind is very organized, almost like I imagined really. Everything categorized and neatly tucked away. I was going to avoid Viktor but thanks for showing me, now I understand." He took a deep breath. "I also feel like I know your parents very well now love, thank you for that. It moved me deeply, especially when I remembered their offer to adopt me and share that love with me."

"You're very welcome. Anytime you need support I will be here for you, anytime you need help mine will be everything I can provide, if you want advice you know you can trust me with anything. Now, we need to see if I can learn to break the Imperious Curse like you can. That way you will know that I am myself at all times." She started to stand up but he pulled her back down to him.

"Ok, but before we start that, I want you to see what it was like for me to fight it. Maybe that will help you learn yourself. Read those memories from me then we will see how you do." He let her go and helped her stand up.

"All right, that sounds like a good idea." She stood and waited for him to also stand and look at her expectantly before she cast the spell, "Legilimens."

It was the most wonderful feeling. Harry felt a floating sensation as every thought and worry in his head was wiped gently away, leaving nothing but a vague, untraceable happiness. He stood there feeling immensely relaxed, only dimly aware of everyone watching him.

And then he heard Mad-Eye Moody's voice, echoing in some distant chamber of his empty brain: Jump onto the desk…jump onto the desk…

Harry bent his knees obediently, preparing to spring.

Jump onto the desk…

Why though? Another voice had awoken in the back of his brain. Stupid thing to do, really, said the voice.

Jump onto the desk…

No, I don't think I will, thanks, said the other voice, a little more firmly…no I don't really want to…

Jump NOW!

The next thing Harry felt was considerable pain. He had both jumped and tried to prevent himself from jumping

{Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling p231}

"Very interesting, that should help me a lot." She put her wand away then tied her hair back with a ribbon and looked at him expectantly, "Ok go."

He pulled out his wand, "Imperius!"

She immediately started doing jumping jacks. He stood there a minute watching her breasts bounce up and down before releasing her from the curse. "Well, any voices?" he asked.

Breathing heavily she answered, "Yes, I could hear it but it, was not strong enough to make me stop. Whew, I'm sweating already." She removed her jumper and threw it on the couch. Her skin glistened with sweat, "again."

"Imperius!"

She once again started doing jumping jacks, though she may have hesitated a moment after his order. Now he could really appreciate her bouncing assets. He let her do jumping jacks for a full ten minutes before he broke the curse. He had conjured a large chilled glass of pumpkin juice and held it and a hand towel out to her. She immediately collapsed onto one knee panting. He kneeled down next to her and wiped her forehead off. She took the drink and drank most of it before she looked up at him.

"Ok slave driver, let's do this one more time. I kept arguing with myself about doing jumping jacks but your command was still too strong." She stood and removed her skirt. "Remind me to wear fewer clothes next time." She grinned at him mischievously, stood and took a deep breath. He could see her concentrating immensely, "Ok, Go."

"Imperius!"

This time she stood still for nearly thirty seconds. He had to repeat his order twice and concentrate hard on getting her to obey. Hesitantly she started doing jumping jacks. He had to keep reinforcing the order every minute as she kept slowing down. This time when he released her she had a look of triumph on her sweaty face. "Excellent Love, I had to concentrate to keep you under control that time."

"I know, I fought you, I almost won a few times but then your will got stronger. How close was I to breaking free?"

"Without me applying my full attention and effort very close. I was just able to conjure you a fresh glass of juice. I don't think I could have done anything more demanding though. You would definitely make whoever tried to control you work for it." He kissed her sweaty temples and told her "Ok, you go shower and rest, I will get lunch ready."

"Thanks that helped me a lot. I think I can break free after all." She was bouncing with happiness as she kissed him lightly and headed off to the shower.

Grinning, Harry sat down and wrote their reply to Ron.

Ron,

Thanks Mate, we were very glad to hear from you. Sorry we didn't date first but I just had to ask her once I knew how she felt about me. Hermione says good luck on your expedition. It's a Crumple-Horned Snorkack by the way, pay attention Ron. I hope we get a chance to talk soon.

Harry & Hermione

It was short but seemed to cover all the bases. He attached it to Pig's excited leg and sent him on his way back to Ron. Then he conjured a light lunch of salad and ham sandwiches, with chilled pumpkin juice of course. She emerged from her shower and paraded herself before him as she repeated her earlier dressing performance. They sat and ate, relaxing in each other's presence. Just as they were finishing their lunch a soft knock came from the door. Well, where the door should be anyway. They stood and faced the door, both taking out their wands. Harry approached the door.

"Duru Aparen," Hermione incanted and the door appeared again in the blank section of the wall.

"Who is it?" Harry asked

"Albus," a very familiar voice came from the hallway.

"Alohamora," Harry incanted and reached out and opened the door for the Headmaster.

Professor Dumbledore stood in the doorway. He looked tired but still had that twinkle in his eyes that told Harry he was up to something as usual. "Good afternoon, I understand from Miss Granger's letter that congratulations are in order."

"Thank you Sir," Both Harry and Hermione spoke together.

Harry stepped out of the way and Professor Dumbledore stepped inside. He then closed and locked the door as Dumbledore looked around Harry's expanded room.

"Ahh, I see the two of you have settled in nicely together. So much like your parents, so much I find it hard not to address the two of you by their names. I love what you have done to the room, quite a warm place."

Harry had looked stricken at the mention of his parents. Hermione quickly came to his side and held his hand tightly. He smiled his thanks at her then looked up at Professor Dumbledore. "Why didn't you just apparate inside here sir?"

"Well Harry, I have learned that when arriving several hours early to speak with a young couple it is prudent to knock before entering the room."

Hermione found herself blushing and looking at the floor, Harry looked down but was grinning.

"Ahh, again I am correct in my assumptions. Is there anything else you wish to tell me at this time Harry? Hermione?"

"No Sir," came Harry's response

"Not yet Professor," was Hermione's

"Very well on to business then. Harry, I formally offer you the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts." He pulled a large scroll out of his robe. "Here is the official contract, signed already by myself and the Board of Governors."

Harry and Hermione sat down on the couch, still holding hands, their jaws nearly on the ground as Professor Dumbledore continued.

"There are a pair of conditions that must be met before you may accept this position. These conditions are imposed by Minister Fudge and the Ministry of Magic. I feel you are ready now to take on this position. The conditions are, first you pass with an Outstanding your Defense N.E.W.T. Second you pass a 'practical' exam given by the Auror's. If you pass both of these before September the first, then you have met the requirements and may accept this position."

"Wow," Hermione spoke breathlessly.

"Sir, I don't think I can do all that!"

"I believe you can Harry, you already possess most of the necessary skills. You will merely need to expand and hone them. All of which will help tremendously in preparing you to face Voldemort. You will need an instructor, it was to be Alastor but I shall provide your instructions as needed. I will also provide an environment for you to practice and test yourself in." He looked at them smiling warmly. "You can do this Harry, you were an excellent teacher last year in my "army", I wish you to continue in that same vein. We will need an army before this is over Harry. I want you to make every student able to stand up to the Death Eaters, I do not expect them to be able to stand against Voldemort but any of his minions' yes, I most certainly do expect that of them."

"Sir, I'm only fifteen, how can I be a professor"

"How can you be engaged to that lovely girl beside you? For several years now you have shouldered the burden of a man, and proven that you can bear it well. I am sorry that you did not have much of a childhood, I never intended for you to grow up the way you did. But despite the immense burden you have born all your life you are still a strong upstanding young man."

Hermione had been thinking fiercely while Harry and Dumbledore spoke. "We can do this together. We have quite a lot of time actually to get ready for the N.E.W.T, I am more worried about the 'practical' exam though. What do you think they are going to do for that Professor? Harry has already proven he can handle Dementors, Dragons, Blast End Skrewts and many other things."

"Ahh yes, my belief is that it will be a dirty wizard duel. They will probably start with two and then keep adding Auror's until he is overwhelmed. Should he be overwhelmed too early then he will fail it. Last long enough and he passes, remain standing as long as possible is what it comes down to."

"Sir, I can barely duel a single person, how am I going to handle this?"

"Practice Harry, practice," Dumbledore pulled out his wand and pointed it at another blank section of his wall. "Duro Creare Reum Requiren," he moved his wand in an intricate pattern and an elaborate door appeared in the wall, it immediately faded out. "Ahh it worked, I was waiting to try that one out for some time."

"Sir is that another room of requirement?" Hermione asked, quite intrigued.

Dumbledore thought for a moment, "Actually it is the door from Hogwarts, I have just moved it here for now, I have spent some time studying it at Hogwarts. Let's try it out shall we. Harry think of what we need, a room to test you for your defense exam."

Harry thought a moment and then paced in front of the door a few times. Suddenly the door reappeared and he went to open it. The room was the size of an arena yet appeared completely empty. He stepped inside and was suddenly transported to the other side of the room.

He could see across the room to where the door had been. Hermione was chained to the wall, wearing a long flimsy flowing dress. She cried from across the room 'Help me Harry' a huge snake, nearly the size of the Basilisk, was making its way across the room towards her.

From a platform high up on the wall he heard a voice he had hoped never to hear again, Umbridge. "Get him my pretties," and a horde of monkey men straight out of The Wizard of Oz appeared and charged towards him.

He had no time to think, he reacted with the first thing he could think of. He whipped out his wand and shouted, "Expellarimus!" a dozen monkey men suddenly flew in the opposite direction, smashing into many of their brethren as a dozen pikes flew at Harry trying to spear him. He leapt to the side and ran towards Hermione, that snake was getting close, too close for him. He could hear the rest of the monkey men giving chase behind him.

Suddenly out of the shadows before him Fred and George appeared, sitting astride their trusty brooms and dressed in full Quidditch gear, beater bats in hand, struggling bludger in the other. "We got em mate," Fred hollered as they each slammed a bludger past him towards the rushing monkey men then they shot past him on their brooms.

"Go save her mate," George ordered.

Harry ran on towards Hermione, I need a sword he thought, and then felt his wand grow heavy. He looked and sure enough there was the sword of Godric Gryffindor in his hand. Ok snake you're dead now he thought as he ran on. He could see Hermione struggling at the chains that bound her to the wall. Her wrists and ankles were bloody where the chains had bit into her while she struggled. Now he could see the size of the snake better, this was huge. He ran up to the side of it and plunged Godric's sword into it. The snake turned its head towards Harry and he noticed there were no eyes and it had a three hinged mouth, just like the worms in Dune he thought. Man this is bizarre. The worm tried to strike at him but he pulled his sword from its side and rolled out of the way as it slammed into the ground where he had been.

He rolled to his feet and charged the worm. Again he plunged his sword into it as it reared to strike at him again. Though it now had two deep gashes that both oozed blood the worm seemed unaffected by this. The thing was so huge I'm just scratching it.

He heard Umbridge cackle in glee from her perch on the wall. He dared not look though. "Hurry Harry the witch is coming down." Hermione cried at him.

Harry tried to think of another way to take out this worm, it will take me hours to hack it to death. Suddenly inspiration hit him, damn he needed his wand. He looked down and the sword had shrunk to wand size. He pointed it at the worm and hollered, "Imperius." The worm obediently turned away from them. He saw the wicked witch Umbridge flying on her broom down towards them, cackling as she came. Her cackles turned to screams as the worm reared up and swallowed her whole. The worm started away across the vast room, towards where the twins were still battling the monkey men.

"Get me out of these chains" Hermione pleaded. He turned back to her and cast four quick alohamora's. Her arms went around him as soon as they were released. "My Hero!" she claimed his mouth for a thank you kiss.

Suddenly the door opened and Harry was standing there before Dumbledore, Hermione was still in his arms but she was wearing what she had on before he came into the room. He looked around but the room was empty again.

"What happened?"

"The room challenged you Harry and you won." Hermione kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, even if it was all an illusion."

"But where did Fred and George come from?"

"Those were illusions too Harry. That was your way of dealing with the monkey men, you summoned up a pair of defenders to protect you from them. Fred and George in their positions as Beaters have tried to protect you from harm for the last five years. I am certain that the more time you spend in here practicing the less help you will need and the harder the challenges will be." Dumbledore walked out of the room and they followed. "Here you will find all the study material needed to get you up to N.E.W.T. level in your Defense skills." There were several thick volumes laying on one of their study tables next to the large scroll that was the contract.

"Sir, could you arrange for me to take the N.E.W.T. test with Harry please. Since I am going to be learning with him, it would be wonderful to get that test out of the way."

"Already done Miss Granger, you may sit the exam as well, and observe the practical test with me." He sighed, took a large brass ring out of his pocket and placed it on the table. "This is a portkey to take you to Alastor's funeral, it will activate when both of you touch it. I would suggest about six this evening. There will also be a memorial for Sirius after Alastor is laid to rest. I believe you are now ready for such a memorial Harry?"

Hesitantly Harry responded, "Yes sir, I believe I am, will I be required to speak?"

"Not required no, but you are most welcome to. The portkey will take you to the house which I share with my brother over the summer. He will be there if I am not. The Grangers should arrive there approximately the same time as you both. You may stay there until it is time for the ceremony, you will have at least half an hour to speak with them without interruption."

Both Harry and Hermione looked a little nervous at this news but were quickly both smiling. "My parents will be there too? Thank you Professor." Hermione suddenly rushed over to Albus and gave him a quick hug.

"Thank you for thinking of that, one more thing though, do you know what happened to my Firebolt? Last I heard it was locked in the dungeons at Hogwarts surrounded by security trolls."

"Yes, it is in my office actually, I will bring it and Godric's sword to the funeral tonight."

"The sword Professor? Why do I need that?"

"I think you will need to practice with it some more. After seeing how you used it in there, I must give it to you. It is indeed capable of shrinking and acting as a wand. It has a core of dragon heart and will not only focus magic but amplify it as well. Somehow you knew that and used it in that way. It will serve you well Harry, no one since Godric has wielded it in combat, well until you did in your second year that is." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling in mischief, "I will come here daily, excluding weekends, at four to instruct you for one hour, starting tomorrow. I will see you both tonight." And with a soft pop he was gone.

"Do you really think we can do this?"

She looked up from the books Dumbledore had left them. "Yes, the N.E.W.T. will just require studying to pass. The practical is another matter, but I think you will do fine in it ultimately. Where is Hedwig? I need some more books from Flourish and Blotts."

"Umm, she hasn't returned from delivering the letters to Dumbledore, Ron, and your parents. I bet she is mad at me for giving her so much work at once."

"And you sent Pig off already with Ron's letter? Drats, well I guess it will wait until Hedwig returns then."

"What does one wear to a wizard funeral?"

Absently, as she had started reading the index of all three books at once, she replied. "Relatives wear black robes, everyone else wears gray. It's in a book over there somewhere." She gestured vaguely towards the book shelves.

He could see she was going to be distracted for a while so he decided to clean up the room a bit before settling down to read whatever book she would let go of. Dumbledore wants me to teach Defense next year, this is just amazing. Well if it will help us defeat Voldemort then it's worth it, time to get to work Potter, vacation time is over. With that thought he set to cleaning up the remains of lunch, then cleaned their laundry with a few scourgify's and put the clothes neatly away.

He sat down opposite Hermione and looked over the books. She was reading one called Advanced Shielding and Warding: Protecting yourself and others from Dark Wizards. By Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody he looked at the other two books lying on the table. The first was How to pass the DADA N.E.W.T. By the N.E.W.T. Committee. The second was Advanced subduing spells: Auror manual number 5 By Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. He picked up the Auror manual and started looking through it. Well, Moody had been an Auror instructor. He took the book to the couch and settled down to read, he could never understand how Hermione could read in a stiff chair for hours. She was absently waving her wand in an intricate pattern mouthing the words to some spell she was reading about. Smiling at her he started to read and as expected the book was written in typical Moody fashion. Constant Vigilance mentioned every few paragraphs, smiling he settled down to read.