A Life Much Greater

jms granger

Rating: R
Genres: Drama, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 13/12/2005
Last Updated: 15/12/2005
Status: in_progress

An A/U story. Hermione is an 18 year old girl who never went to Hogwarts, A girl who's life was untouched by Voldemort, A girl who never met Harry Potter on the train to school. A chance encounter with a certain raven haired man turns her world up side down, but what tricks do the fates (and other more fun sources) have in store for her as she makes her journey... Rated for later chapters. Much better than the Summary, trust me...R and R and Enjoy!

Chapters

1. To Change a Life

2. A Marauders Surprise...

3. What Is Love?

1. To Change a Life

Disclaimer: I'm not Jk Rowling. Although my first initial is J, the others aren't K and R.

To Change a Life

It had always been her dream to visit London, when her parents had taken her over before she had never yet got there as she had always had see the family in Cornwall, but now she was here indefinitely, or at least if her Dad got the position at Kings college that he was after. London was as she had dreamt it, a thriving metropolis of a mixture between sky rise buildings and family homes that peppered the surroundings. Everyone seemed so exotic to her as she watched them walking past her in their suits for work, or in their casual clothes as they lounged around for their days relaxing in the sun baked park. As for the teenagers that were flocking the streets they seemed to be practically running the city in their large groups as they pursued their summer holiday, they slightly frightened her by how different they were to her friends back home who were more relaxed and calm than these. However, they intrigued her more than she could have imagined, a way of life and being that was very foreign to her that promised to change her more than anything else could have done in life. She got a feeling that was like the one she got on Christmas morning, where the excitement of the day ahead filled her body every morning she woke up in this beautiful city.

`Hermione, you ready?' came a voice from downstairs.

`Nearly, mother' she shouted back, it was a lie as she was still in her pajamas, mornings had never been the easiest time for her. She had a quick shower and got changed into a pair of light blue jeans and a simple light yellow v-neck, it was a simple outfit as was how she usually dressed. Before she went downstairs to her mother she noticed that it had only taken her about half an hour to get ready, a new record that her mother would be pleased with today. As she pushed open the door she was surprised to find her mother having cooked a large breakfast, but not ready yet.

`Morning mother, how come you're not ready yet? Don't tell me I finally beat you' Hermione said throwing herself down onto a chair and sipping at a hot cup of tea which warmed her up instantly and was sure to get her ready for the day.

`Love, I've got to go with you're father to Kings today' she stated while taking her own seat. Hermione's jaw dropped, she had been hoping to go and look around more today, the waiter at the restaurant they had been to yesterday told her of a great site seeing tour along the Thames and she had wanted to do that today. She also had other places that she really had to visit.

`Mother, I really wanted to do something today!' Hermione said slightly irritably, instantly slamming herself for being immature `I mean, I really wanted to go on the Thames tour today' she said calmly picking up a piece of toast and taking a bite, she always had a good appetite at breakfast.

`I'm sorry love, but I've got to, you're still going though, aren't you?' she said sweetly to her, running a hand along her hair `You've got such lovely hair, Hermione, why can't you let me take you to the hairdressers? It'd look lovely!'

`Mother, I'm happy enough with my hair as it is!' she said embarrassedly pulling away from her mothers hands that were running through her hair, which Hermione admitted was a little bushy but she was generally happy with `I'm not sure about today, maybe I'll just sit around with a book, we could always do that tour tomorrow' Hermione said. The truth was though that she wasn't happy about the idea of running around London by herself, she may be many things but she was still only eighteen years old in a city where she knew no one. The door was pushed open and in walked her father, she gave him a smile as he put his hands on her shoulders.

`So how are the two most beautiful women in the world today?' he said brightly as he let go of her and helped himself to a cup of tea `so where are you going today Hermione? You going to check out that tour we heard about yesterday?' he said brightly grabbing a stack of toast onto a plate and sitting down.

`Actually I was thinking of staying in today, seeing that tour tomorrow with mo…' Hermione trailed of as she saw the look of disapproval on her fathers face `Go on then, what is it you want to say?'

`Just that I know you're worried about going out for the day alone' he said strictly `and what have I always told you to do when you fear something?'

`To face it head on' Hermione said truthfully. She had always been raised to be a strong woman, to face every battle head on, it was the only way she knew how to live, `Ok then, you've twisted my arm!' she said playfully dramatic throwing her hands up in the air.

`Good on you, love. I'm running as late as usual, I better go up and get ready, enjoy yourself today and be safe' she said getting up and pulling Hermione into a hug before giving her husband a kiss on the lips and leaving to go up stairs.

`I can see where I got it from' Hermione said chuckling, her mother was nearly as bad at getting ready in the mornings as she was. Her dad laughed appreciatively but carried on staring at her. She stood up and got her purse from the kitchen top where she always kept it, she didn't need a jacket as the summer weather was hot and humid enough to take care of that.

`Be careful today honey, London may look all nice and tidy but it can be rough…' her dad said warningly to her, she though just smirked and turned around and looked at him.

`Daddy, listen. I'd like to see anyone try. I'm 18 now and I wouldn't have to hold back' she said giving him a smile and a hug before leaving `Remember that you're daughters a fully qualified witch!'

****()__________()****

Hermione had checked out the times for the tour at the local library and had decided on doing it that evening, she reasoned to herself that it would look beautiful if done at sunset and up close the Thames wasn't any where near as nice as she had previously believed. The water was dirty and disgusting and large packs of school kids were hanging out around the banks who were giving her strange looks, and although she knew she didn't have to fear them she also knew that putting herself in a situation where she would have to use magic would be foolish. She decided that going to Diagon Alley first to stock up on books and to have a look would be the best thing to do, after all the promise of going to the famous Diagon Alley had been on the forefront of her mind every time she was in England. So she caught the tube across London and found the pub which had the entrance out back. She was so excited that she was barely paying attention as she bolted through the pub and into the back, rapping the stones with her wand and watching the amazing site as the wall opened up to Diagon Alley.

She was amazed when she saw it, a wizarding world with the hustle and bustle of London, a sight vastly different to anything she had ever seen. She pushed through the crowds and stopped outside Ollivander's, the most famous wand makers in the world. Looking around she could see the huge Gringotts that was here and was amazed by how everyone was acting so normal where everything around her was so amazing. She felt foolish like all tourists do as she wandered around amazed at things that everyone else took for granted.

As her eyes carried on window shopping as she walked past Flourish and Blotts she felt her feet trip over a pair of legs, sending her falling face first down towards the ground as her feet lost their balance. Suddenly a pair of strong hands caught her and held her in its arms.

`Come on, get up honey' the man said to her setting her back on her feet. As she looked at him she recognized who he was almost instantly, the photos in the history books had made his messy raven colored hair famous, adults and school kids alike all knew his name.

`I know you!' she said a little excitedly, it wasn't often that she met a real life hero who was the star of so many books she had read. He was still holding her in his arms as her feet now threatened to give way at her excitement. Before she could continue she heard a laugh from close to her as another man made his presence known.

`Holding a pretty girl in you're arms? Doesn't look so innocent! I'd hope Lily doesn't see that, James' came the mans voice followed by another laugh that reminded Hermione somewhat of a dog. She threw herself from his arms and settled herself on her feet, feeling a small blush spread through her face as she looked at the two of them properly. She felt the blush disappearing as she realized for certain who the two were, being replaced by excitement at the fact that she had just bumped into James Potter and Sirius Black, two of the men most responsible for the downfall of Voldemort, the most powerful dark wizard that there had ever been.

`I'm sorry, I wasn't looking…' she said apologetically as the two of them looked at her strangely, like they were appraising her, they didn't seem to be hearing her as they continued to watch her `…you seem busy…so I guess I'll be going…' she said but neither said anything but she caught them stealing glances at each other. So she shrugged and turned to leave but Sirius caught her arm and finally spoke.

`Hey, I'm sorry for the lack of response. James here is getting on a bit and that near fall seems to have rather shaken him!' Sirius said teasingly to James, who seemed to have awoken again.

`While poor old Sirius here can't talk to a pretty young girl anymore without breaking out into a panic' James said back to him, nudging him jokingly in the ribs to get out the way, Hermione laughed as Sirius broke into playacting hurt, physically and emotionally as he rubbed his side and looked upset. James chuckled as well before speaking to her once again `I'm James and this is Sirius, and what's you're name?' he asked politely offering her his hand, Sirius now beginning to moan slightly as the fake pain seemed to worsen.

`I'm Hermione Granger' she said taking his hand, still laughing at Sirius act. She could tell that he enjoyed making her laugh, one of the jokers who thrived off an audience she figured, however she was enjoying being his audience but James seemed to have his whole attention turned solely on her.

`So what are you doing in Diagon Alley this glorious day?' Sirius said, having given up his play acting and was now back to the conversation `I don't think I've seen you here before?' he said interested.

`Well that's because this is my first time here' Hermione said honestly, she couldn't quite understand it but she seemed to really like these two and she usually was more suspicious of people.

`It's your first day and you bump into the two of us! Sirius said proudly

`I am a rather unlucky girl' she said jokingly causing James and Sirius to break into laughter.

So, where are you from…did you say you're name was Hermione?' James asked after recovering first from laughing.

`Yes and I'm from France, I went to Beauxbatons. I'm over here with my parents, their muggle dentists, and their here in London at the moment for a job at Kings College. Kings College is a muggle university, and their both there now for something to do with the job, and so I'm here to check out Dia…' Hermione was cut off by James from carrying on.

`Whoa there, Hermione. There's plenty of time left for you're life story another day…' James said teasingly making Hermione give him a playful punch. Hermione blushed a little bit after doing this, she couldn't believe how at ease she already felt with these two. They reminded her of two big kids as they pretended to look shocked at her little punch, James rubbing his arm like it had been stung.

`So, Hermione from Beauxbatons, what were you doing before James here practically attacked you on the street?' Sirius said teasingly, but James had nudged him in the side and mumbled `watch out' at which the two spun around to greet someone. The woman walked up to the three of them giving Sirius and James a suspicious look before turning to Hermione and looking curiously at her. Hermione naturally recognized the woman, by her red hair and green eyes, as Lily Potter and gave her a smile. She gave Hermione a smile and spoke kindly to her.

`These two aren't bothering you, are they…?' Lily asked.

`It's Hermione, and no their not. James saved me from falling over just now' Hermione said nicely back, she wasn't sure why but she wanted this woman to like her.

`Ever the hero…' Lily said sternly to James, her voice telling Hermione that she was suspicious that they were up to something, and by the look on their two faces Hermione could tell that she had had a lot of reasons to in the past `And I bet Sirius was just as helpful?' she said turning her attention to Sirius who just looked away and mumbled something that Hermione couldn't hear. Lily turned back to her and gave her a friendly smile `I'm Lily, pleased to meet you Hermione' James gave her a peck on the cheek before talking.

`Hermione was just telling us how it's her first time in Diagon Alley and she's here all alone…I was just thinking that she might join us?' James said pleadingly to his wife, giving her a second kiss on the cheek when he finished. A small smile that crept over Lily's face that told Hermione that Lily adored the pair of them, even when she thought they were up to no good. Lily paused for a moment before turning to Hermione and speaking.

`If you'd like to come you're more than welcome, and I promise that James and Sirius will behave!' Lily said teasingly as the two of them broke into a genuine frown causing Hermione to laugh.

`Oh, don't worry…I don't want to put you all out…' she said, she didn't want to be a third wheel.

`Nonsense, Hermione, we'd be more than glad too. We're just about to have lunch in the pub. And it's not just us oldies either, there's plenty of people you're age there as well' Lily said friendly taking her arm and starting to lead her away, before she was led completely away though she could see James and Sirius sharing a look and a smirk.

Lily pulled her quickly through the crowds giving her a verbal tour of Ollivander's, Flourish and Blotts and the other shops in Diagon Alley. Hermione couldn't quite take everything that was happening in, she was just an ordinary witch from Beauxbatons and now she was being pulled through busy Diagon Alley with perhaps the three most famous witches and wizards in the world. Lily didn't seem to notice how everyone watched them, as they whispered things as they saw them. James and Sirius though marched through the crowd behind the pair of them like heroes, occasionally waving majestically to people in the crowd, Hermione had to laugh when she caught Sirius' eye and realized that the pair of them were just enjoying themselves while playing the hero.

Too quickly Hermione found herself in a room full of tables and people talking and laughing with their friends, evidently this was where she was to have lunch. The bar tender came up to them and spoke directly to Lily.

`Good to see you again, everyone's at your usual table' he said friendly to Lily who just nodded as she looked around. Hermione noticed that James and Sirius had already run off to a table and greeted some people who were already there who Hermione couldn't really see. Lily led Hermione across the room to the table, where Sirius had someone enveloped in a huge hug.

`Hermione, I'd like you to meet Ron Weasley, Ron this is Hermione…' Lily said introducing her to a tall red head. He looked at her curiously and Hermione had a strange feeling of familiarity float through her when she looked at him.

`Hi Hermione' Ron said friendly and shook her hand, he held her hand for a moment longer than necessary before letting go.

`Nice to meet you, Ron. Um…you've got something on you're cheek' she said trying to be nice as she noticed a smudge stain on his face. Ron however blushed furiously and just stared at her making her feel a little awkward.

`We picked her up of the streets!' Sirius interrupted proudly with his hands on her shoulders nodding friendly to Ron who sat back down at the table looking at a menu `I must say James and I do have impeccable taste while shopping!' Hermione spun around and stared at Sirius.

`And I guess you see me as you're new purchase?' Hermione said mock sternly to Sirius with her hands on her hips.

`And a very good one!' Sirius teased back sticking out his tongue in a childish fashion causing Hermione to break into a laugh.

`Hermione, I want you to meet someone…' James said grabbing Hermione by the arm and pulling her round to meet someone else. She was amazed at the young man in front of her, he was the spitting image of James, just younger and with Lily's gorgeous green eyes. Hermione could tell that he worked out as he was well built at about 6 foot, looking into those gorgeous green eyes Hermione knew she could trust this man and that he was a good person `This is Harry, my son'

`Hi, Harry, I'm Hermione' Hermione said simply offering her hand to him, but Harry didn't react. Instead he just stared at her with such intensity that she began to blush. It took a few moments of awkwardness before Hermione could tear herself from looking at him to speak again `You're Dad and Sirius grabbed me from the streets and ordered me here' she said friendly to him, hoping to get any reaction from him. The reaction took a few moments to come as Harry physically shook his head and smiled at her.

`Hermione. It's good to meet you, and I apologize for anything they did. It is the Marauders way after all!' Harry said friendly taking Hermione's still outstretched hand and shaking it.

`The Marauders?' Hermione asked confused, something in the name seemed to interest her, like she had heard it somewhere before.

`You haven't heard of the Marauders!' Sirius interrupted in dramatic shock pulling Hermione to an empty seat next to him, Harry quickly took the seat next to hers and tried to share in the conversation `The Marauders are from Hogwarts, a band of only the best of the best are allowed to join, only 4 members are known to have in their entire history! Well, their target is to create havoc and mayhem for the purpose of the benefit of all people, the search for goodness and fun!' Sirius told the story dramatically, Hermione was listening raptly but couldn't help but have a part of her mind on the young man next to her, the young man who she could feel staring at her.

`So who are the Marauders?' She asked seriously, suspecting she already knew at least two of the members.

`Well that's what makes the legend so intriguing…' Sirius said lowering his voice to barely more than a whisper `Everyone that has found out has never spread word, and no member has ever broken the secret either…any single person could be a Marauder and you'd never find out…' Sirius whispered so softly that Hermione now had to stretch closely just to hear him. She couldn't believe that he could be telling this story so well if he was one himself, she must have guessed wrong. Suddenly a hand that grabbed her shoulder made her jump and let out a little scream, looking around she saw it was James that had grabbed her and she gave him a little playful hit on the arm for making her jump.

`Is he telling you the legend of the Marauders?' James asked Hermione, but Sirius answered for her.

`Yes I was, I think everyone should hear it then we could find out who they were and sign up ourselves!' he said weirdly to James. Hermione looked around and saw that everyone at the table had a grin on their faces like Hermione wasn't part of the joke.

`Don't worry about Sirius here, the Marauders aren't real. They're a made up Hogwarts myth, an urban legend. Sirius likes to see himself as one and is just obsessed with them…' James said confidently to Hermione, but a problem had sparked from this that Hermione had to ask.

`But it was Harry who brought them up?' she said confused, James however only smiled.

`Well when we made Sirius Harry's godfather we knew things like this would happen, thus I must take responsibility for Harry's stupidity' James said with a sad little shake of the head.

`That's really hurtful, you know that James?' Sirius said `I'll let you know that I'm a great godfather, probably the best ever!' Sirius said with mock hurt.

`Of course you are, Beloved Godfather' Harry spoke up throwing James a pretend angry look `Now I suggest we order, otherwise Ron might just get so hungry he eats our plates.'

`Then Sirius can eat from a dog dish, we all know how he loves to do that' Lily said, which the whole group laughed loudly to, even Sirius was giving his bark like laugh, the laugh that Hermione assumed must of made the joke funny.

As everyone sat down Hermione looked around at the group that had practically abducted her from her trip to Diagon Alley and couldn't help but smile to herself. She was sat with three living legends in the Potters and Sirius, the superstars of the wizarding world. All of them who seemed determined to adopt her into their lives, seemingly on the whim of James and Sirius. And as of James and Sirius, it was incredibly shocking to finally meet them, they had been billed as two of the saviors of the world, along with Dumbledore and Lily, and Hermione had always thought of them as dusty old respectable men, not the two practical teenagers they actually were. They were such mischief makers that she found herself instantly drawn to them, amazing for the school prefect she inherently was. And Lily was amazing, so friendly to a complete stranger to invite her into their lives, and she had to respect anyone who could put up with the antics of James and Sirius for so long. Ron and Harry also seemed great, Ron was a friendly joker while Harry was the more serious of the two. Hermione felt a small blush creep through her face when she thought of Harry, she could feel a strange feeling of butterflies she had never felt before. All in all she couldn't quite believe what had just happened to her, she was never very popular at school, many people had called her a `know-it-all' and now she was sat at the table of the most fascinating and friendly people she had ever met. She didn't know if destiny had only this afternoon in store for her to spend with these people, or many years to come, but she knew that she must enjoy the time she had, for to not enjoy people such as this was surely a crime. Or at least it should be a crime. One last question played upon her mind, who were the Marauders?

****()_____()****

Harry stared at the girl next to him, laughing as his godfather did his impression of Ron eating, a favorite of his where he spent a minute rubbing food across his face. Harry had quickly found out that he couldn't bear not to look at Hermione, he didn't know why but he knew he had to keep her in his life. The moment he had met her he had found himself lost for words and just kept staring into those big beautiful brown eyes that she wore so brilliantly. Harry knew she was a beautiful girl, with her big brown hair tied back to show her perfect delicate features. Her petite frame didn't fool anyone into thinking she was a defenseless little girl, she was even able to keep his dad and Sirius under control, a feat only ever mastered by his mother, and a feat even Dumbledore had failed miserably at. The two of them seemed drawn to her, most people were bashful when meeting the famous James and Sirius, but this young girl was arguing back at them and scolding them for things like she had always been in their lives. To say she amazed Harry was a massive underestimation, Harry had never felt like this before in his life. They had spent the last couple hours just talking and laughing around the table, it was now getting late, and the evening still felt like it had only just started. If Harry could get his way he would keep this new girl in his life the whole night, before she ran of back to her own world. Harry had noticed that Sirius and his dad had taken to whispering every now and again and he knew it must be about Hermione, he just didn't know what the Marauders had in store for the girl, and he hoped she could take their jokes. Harry laughed to himself when he realized that he should be hoping that they can defend themselves because Hermione was evidently a match for them and wasn't going to be a star struck fan letting them get away with anything.

`Look at the time everyone, its half 7!' Lily called across the table. Harry found himself groaning and was amazed, it must have been the first time he had wanted to miss watching a Quidditch game in his life. Obviously by the groaning coming from everyone that they all felt the same.

`Hermione's coming, isn't she?' Harry asked thanking his maker that he had been able to keep the panic out of his voice, Harry nearly laughed as he saw Sirius and James faces light up at the idea, Hermione though was the first to speak.

`I don't think so, Harry' she said kindly looking at him. He felt his heart jump as she looked straight into his eyes, luckily he had never been one for blushing too much otherwise his face would have exploded at this moment.

`Come on Hermione!' Sirius pleaded, Harry hated his godfather for a moment as Hermione took her eyes of his and onto him `We can get you tickets, we are the `chosen ones' after all' he said laughing, obviously sure that Hermione was going to agree.

`I'm sorry, I really want to, it's just my parents expected me back at 6 and it's already 7' she said, Harry could tell that she was genuinely miserable for having to call it an end to the day `and we have plans for dinner out tonight…'

The whole table looked a bit dejected before Lily spoke up.

`Well then you'll have to come next time, and we won't take no for an answer!' Lily said strictly to Hermione.

Harry had fallen into silent thoughts as he tried to come up with a plan to get Hermione on his own, he watched as she made her way around everyone saying goodbye, writing down something on a piece of paper for his dad and Sirius before coming up to him.

`Hey, Harry' she said looking at him again, he tried to clear his throat but dammed himself for his inability to speak while she looked at him `I'm off, it's been good to see you' she turned to leave and panic spread through Harry like an explosion

`Stop!' Harry said loudly to her, making her spin back around.

`What is it, Harry?' Hermione asked looking at him again, all Harry could think of doing was being direct as she was much too clever for him to lie to, convincingly at least.

`I have to see you tomorrow! I haven't met anyone like you before, ever, and to let you walk out now and never see you again would be stupid of me. And Sirius has always taught me that stupidity is good in small doses, not a huge dose like this mistake would be. Tell me what I have to do to see you tomorrow and I'll do it…' Harry asked seriously. Hermione paused looking at him in deep thought for a few moments.

`How about this then…' she started and Harry sat up straight, desperate not to miss a word of what he had to do `You come up with what you have to do, then do it, and then I'll tell you if that's enough? That's the best you're getting from me so I'd take it!' she said teasingly before giving him a smile and turning back on the group, who Harry realized were now watching with their mouths ajar at Harry's words. `Bye everyone, I'll see you soon' and with a crack she disapparated. Although Harry wasn't much for blushing he found himself quickly doing it as everyone continues to stare at him in shock.

`I guess that answered that question! Ron, you owe me a Galleon…' Sirius said brightly.

****_____()()()_____****

Hey, hope you enjoyed it…please review! I need feedback, what was good and what was bad…Please?

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2. A Marauders Surprise...

Disclaimer: I'm not Jk Rowling. Although my first initial is J, the others aren't K and R.

A Marauders Surprise…

Hermione could see in her parents' faces that she had started to get repetitive and that they might even be wondering if she had started to lose her mind. She hadn't been able to stop talking about her afternoon all through dinner and the entire journey home, and now it was the next morning and she still couldn't stop. She had never had real friends at school, sure she had people she had hung around with but she had never had a group of friends who she really liked and missed when she wasn't with. She hated the fact that she seemed to have become so attached to all of them so quickly, over half of them were adults and were more than likely to get bored of her and find new, more interesting people than herself. But Harry was her age and even thinking his name now seemed to bring with it a rush of excitement, a feeling of butterflies in the pit of her stomach that not even her boyfriends from Beauxbatons had been able to make in her. He had received the best aspects of both of his parents, James boyish good looks mixed with Lily's gorgeous green eyes that Hermione could stare at forever, James mischievous glint and Lily's kindhearted soul. Harry, like his whole group, could keep her laughing all day and night, in fact he had already made her laugh for an entire evening, and she had found that night that he was just so easy to be around. Running through Harry's qualities in her mind she knew that he was practically perfect, so had he really been asking her out on a date? Hermione rubbished the suggestion as she realized that any girl would kill for the chance to go on a date with Harry Potter, the son of the `chosen couple' as the prophet had labeled them. What could he possibly want with ordinary muggle born Hermione Granger, school prefect and labeled `know-it-all'? But she could tell that he liked her, and if his friendship was all she could gain then she was going to grasp that with both hands.

`So I'm guessing you enjoyed yourself?' her dad asked cheekily after she had relived the whole afternoon one more time. Hermione gave him a playful scowl and took another drink from her cup of tea.

`Now don't get angry when I say this…' her mother started in a tone that Hermione instantly knew would get her angry `Don't you think it's a little weird how two fully grown and world famous wizards would grab an 18 year old witch of the street and take her for lunch?' Hermione, who had been expecting to get angry, couldn't help but let out a little laugh when she heard James and Sirius described as `a little weird'.

`Mother, their more than a little weird, haven't you been listening?' Hermione said causing her mother to let out a little chuckle `Honestly mother, don't you think you've raised me to be able to spot a pervert?' she said kindly, a smile coming to her face as she imagined their reaction at being called perverts. Her mother seemed to accept this and took a bite from her toast as she looked at the newspaper in front of her, her dad though was giving her a questioning look, `Go on then dad, ask away'

`It's this Harry guy…' he started, Hermione felt her heart give a slight lurch at the mention of his name `you've kept strangely quiet about him? We've heard more about that Ron boy than him, and I'm guessing with James as a father and Sirius as godfather he must be somewhat of a character?' he said suspiciously. Hermione knew that she had got her questioning mind from her father who never seemed to miss a trick, but at this precise moment she would have gladly given it up to not have had that question asked.

`Well…um…' suddenly she heard a tapping from the door and she thanked her maker for the good timing of paper boys `I'll get that' and she stood up and bounded towards the door leaving her dad behind with an even more suspicious look on his face. As she reached the door she realized she was still in her pajamas and as it was summer this consisted of not much more than a low cut t-shirt and a small pair of shorts. She considered running up and grabbing her robe but she decided she'd just not fully open the door instead. As she pushed the door slightly open she was greeted by two smiling faces, in her excitement she opened the door fully to the visitors, forgetting how she was dressed.

`See James, told you it'd work out well if we came early!' Sirius said laughing as the two looked pointedly away, Hermione blushed furiously and beckoned them in.

`The kitchens that way, my mum and dad are in there, I'm going to get changed' she said as quickly as possibly before running up the stairs to her room in a sprint, the pairs laughter following her. She kept on thinking about how long it'd take for her to live this down as she threw on an old pair of jeans and a plain t-shirt. She pulled her hair up into a pony tail before running back down stairs to the kitchen to find James and Sirius helping themselves to some breakfast while talking animatedly to her parents. James turned to Hermione and smiled cheekily, practically the same glint in his eye that Harry had.

`You've got yourself changed for us? We're honored!' he said teasingly.

`Ha-ha' Hermione said sarcastically helping herself back to her chair she had just left.

`Don't worry Hermione, I won't tell Lily, my lips are sealed!' Sirius said mock seriously, pretending to button up his lips.

`Although I might' she said strictly causing Sirius to stop halfway through zipping his mouth as James laughed `so what are you two doing up at this time in the morning?' she asked suspiciously, she had only known them a day but she could already tell that they were up to something.

`Haven't been to sleep yet' Sirius said off handedly `Official ma…ministry business' he finished.

`You work for the ministry?' Hermione asked curiously, she couldn't guess what section Sirius could possibly be working in.

`Nope' Sirius said casually as he picked up some toast and took a bite, but before Hermione could ask another question James spoke up.

`Well we've just asked Mike and Emma if we could take you somewhere this evening' he said in an official and pompous voice. She turned her head to look at her parents, both had a huge smile on their face, obviously enjoying the antics of these two.

`And we told them that even if you didn't want to go you would still have to!' her dad said strictly, obviously all his original misgivings about them had been laid to rest as he met them, Hermione shot him a huge smile and turned back to James.

`So where are you abducting me to today?' she asked jokingly.

`Abducting is such an ugly word, we prefer the term borrowing when we talk about people' Sirius joked causing her parents to laugh, before getting serious `Well it's a secret known only to a handful, me, James, Remus, Harry and you're parents…' Sirius said with a business like manner.

`Who's Remus?' Hermione asked curiously.

`He's a friend of the family's, so he's a friend of yours' James said simply and nicely causing Hermione to break into a smile, she had never had such caring friends before.

`What about Lily?' Hermione asked, she was eager to see her again, the two of them looked away awkwardly for a moment.

`She's to know later…at the moment we've classified it as a need to know basis' James said seriously giving Hermione the impression that they might be up to something `but she will definitely be there later, promise'

`Do you think the Marauders will be there?' Sirius asked excitedly causing a grin to form on James' face.

`Well, we can only hope!' James replied with a little laugh `Ok then, here's the plan Hermione. You have to use the Floo network from your house…'

`We're not linked to the network here' Hermione interrupted but James carried on like she hadn't.

`…Which we have most kindly had linked up to the network. You are to go to Godrics Hollow at 4 o'clock to meet Harry, he's expecting you' Hermione felt her heart leap again at the idea that she'd be seeing Harry in a few hours time `and then we will rendezvous at 7 o'clock on the dot' he finished and looked impressed with himself.

`So if we're meeting at 7 why do I have to meet Harry at 4?' Hermione asked, she was eager to find out what the two of them was up to.

`Because the plan may change before hand and we need to get in touch with you at the drop of a hat…thus Harry's our man for the job!' James answered.

`We finally found a job he can do!' Sirius said pleased as the pair of them laughed, Hermione knew they were just joking as she had already heard many stories that involved Harry's help. He wasn't quite the trouble maker of these two, but he wasn't too far behind.

`Ok, I'm game…but this better not be anything illegal…' Hermione said warningly at which both James and Sirius both faked hurt and shock at.

`Like we'd ever come to drag you into something illegal!' James said indignantly.

`At the very least we would never have told you're parents!' Sirius said hurt, which her mum and dad both laughed at `Well we better get going' Sirius said standing up which James copied.

`It's been great meeting both of you…' James said as the four adults, well the two adults and James and Sirius, shook hands and bid each other goodbye `We'll see you tonight, Hermione…' James said in something like a threat, before the sound of two cracks signaled their disapparation leaving her alone in the kitchen with her parents. She paused for a moment awaiting their reaction to the morning's guest but it didn't come.

`So, what did you think?' Hermione asked gently, she had been worried they wouldn't like them but the smile that formed on their lips told her she would be ok.

`They sure are two characters' her dad said laughing softly `and to think they were the ones to stop you-know-who…'

`I thought they were great, I really want to meet that Harry, he sounds like a nice boy' her mother said looking at her watch in shock `God, it's nearly eleven! We've got to get a move on' she said standing up quickly.

`Where are you going?' Hermione asked confused.

`Where are we going, love' Her mother corrected `We're going on that tour then I thought we'd do some shopping…maybe get you're hair cut?' she asked gently expecting the usual quick response from Hermione. Unknown to her mother though the image of Harry was passing through her mind, could a hair cut really hurt? Maybe it'd even look good.

`Sure mum, that sounds a great idea' Hermione said brightly before bounding of upstairs to have a shower and get ready, leaving her mother staring after her with a knowing smile.

****()_____()****

Hermione knew she should be tired but her heart wouldn't let her. She had spent hours shopping with her mother and getting her hair done, the tour along the Thames forgotten, and now it was nearly 4 o'clock and she was ready to go and see Harry. Her heart was beating fast as she paced around her bedroom before examining herself in the mirror. She had to hand it to her mother, she had been proven right about the hair which had been cut slightly shorter and tidied up. The outfit she had picked was nice as well, her mother had wanted to get her loads of elaborate girly dresses but she had put her foot down on that one, she was now wearing a pair of low cut modern jeans and a tight baby blue plain t-shirt. As she appraised this she knew it was more modern, but was still simple and smart enough to be suitable for her. Her mother though had won on the argument about the shoes, her simple trainers had been switched for a pair of heeled slip ons, slightly too sparkly for Hermione's usual taste but she had to admit that they were gorgeous, just not strictly her.

`Hermione its 4 now' she heard her mother call from downstairs.

`Ok mother, I'm coming down' and with one last bracing look in the mirror she left to go down to the living room that held the fireplace. She knew that James and Sirius would have something big in store tonight, she just had no idea what it would involve and who it would affect.

`You look fantastic love' her mother said proudly pulling her into a hug.

`Yeah, you really do' her father said not quite as happily about the fact as her mother was.

`Ok, I better get going' she said bravely giving each of them one last hug before stepping into the large fireplace. As she threw down the Floo powder she shouted `Godrics Hollow' and as the green flames enveloped her she heard her father shouting after her to `be safe'.

As the spinning stopped she stumbled out of the fireplace, proud that she had been able to stay upright on her feet, especially with heels on. She looked around the room and quickly found Harry sitting at a table in the living room reading a newspaper before looking at her and standing up. He was dressed smartly in a pair of simple trousers and shoes and a satin dark emerald shirt that brought out his striking green eyes all too well for Hermione to see. His dark raven colored hair was as messy as it had previously been but Hermione could tell that he had attempted to get it under control but failed. She couldn't quite understand why he would try to smarten it up though, she thought it made him look somewhat windswept and gave him a slightly more dangerous look to him that was definitely incredibly handsome, and the magazine she had been reading in the hairdressers had told her that the `messy look' was definitely `in'. He was definitely looking at her intently as she studied him.

`Hey Harry, am I early?' she asked.

`Nope' he said casually while still staring at her, he gave a little shake of his head that Hermione found way too attractive, and looked friendly at her `Just in time, I made you a cup of tea in the hope you'd arrive soon' he said and beckoned her over to a chair opposite his. She sat down and she looked around the room trying not to look at him to much in case she began to drool.

`So…what have they got in plan for tonight?' she asked Harry, trying to think of a subject that wasn't about how she wanted to rip his clothes of, the only real thought occupying her mind. Harry laughed gently before answering.

`You tell me what they've told you…' Harry said playfully, Hermione didn't quite get what he meant but she thought she'd try it anyway.

`They told me to get round here at 4…' she started but Harry interrupted her.

`Actually it was 3…' he said with a smile, Hermione continued.

`…and that we'd meet them at 7…' Harry interrupted again.

`5, that's when we're meeting…' Harry said with a larger smile, Hermione was confused.

`…and that Lily doesn't know yet' she finished waiting for Harry to correct this.

`I think that one was actually true when they spoke to you, she knows now though' he said while laughing `Don't worry about them leading you on a bit. It's their clever idea that as few people should know any entire plan as possible, just them, so they deliberately mislead others…you do get use to it' Harry said reassuringly. Hermione though thought the idea was actually rather good, she wasn't surprised to think that James and Sirius had come up with this, their lives seemed to consist largely of their plans.

`You didn't answer my question, what's their plan then?' she asked curiously, she noticed Harry flinch slightly and knew that he wouldn't tell her the whole truth, it was good to find out that she could read him so easily.

`Um.., I don't know everything, and they'd kill me if I told you…I'm sorry' Harry said honestly, she was amazed that he didn't lie to her to try and get out, just honestly said that he couldn't tell her. She also knew that if she was to push it then she could get it out, but she didn't want to ruin their surprise, she'd just let time show her what was planned.

`It's Ok, Harry, I'm sure it'll be worth the wait…' she said at him teasingly.

He lent a little closer and said softly `You have no idea…' his eyes were locked onto hers as he gave her a little charming smile, Hermione couldn't help herself from wanting to kiss those lips and it was only the fact that Harry backed slowly away that stopped her from trying to kiss him there and then.

`So… is this your house?' she said conversationally, peeling her eyes away from Harry and standing up to stretch, Harry didn't reply and as Hermione looked at him she saw he was staring at her while she stretched, a little smile found its way onto her lips at the thought of him staring at her `Harry, did you hear me?' she said softly to him, she watched him once again physically shake his head before he answered her.

`Sorry…got distracted…' he stammered out peeling his eyes off her and looking around the room `Yeah, this is my house, my favorite one any way' Hermione suddenly realized that the Potters must have been rich being such an old family, but having seen the antics of James the thought had never crossed her mind `Do you mind if I say something?' he asked.

`I don't know if I mind till you say it, then it might be too late…it's your choice' she said teasingly making Harry break into a little laugh.

`You're pretty small so I think that I'll take the risk' he teased back earning a playful punch from her `do you know that you're the first person I've properly met that hasn't asked me about my parents and Voldemort' he said causing her to give a little jolt at hearing his name, Harry quickly added `…and Sirius of course' as an afterthought. She had never had quite the same fear of his name as everyone else had but she had never heard anyone say it before and to hear it from him was shocking.

`Well it's none of my business, is it?' she said truthfully `I'm not going to lie and say I couldn't give a damn and would never want to hear about it, but at the moment I'm just getting to know the lot of you…not what you've done or who you've battled, but you as people…as my friends…' she said, she was blushing slightly as Harry looked intently at her in obvious amaze for a few silent moments before he relaxed again and gave a huge laugh.

`That's one heck of an answer, Hermione' he said between laughing, she could tell that he knew she had been honest and she laughed along with him `I bet you were the `know-it-all' at your school!'

`You got me down to a tee' she said smiling, for once she didn't feel embarrassed at being herald by that title as Harry had said it kindly and not nastily `and need I ask what you were? Quidditch captain and head boy? Getting detention for breaking the rules as often as breaking the girls' hearts?' She said cheekily, she blushed slightly as she realized how much she had been flirting with him.

`ohhh, so close to the perfect answer!' Harry proclaimed `no heart breaking for me. You should honestly see me with women, I stumble over my words and make a fool of myself every time, and I mean every time!' he had said it so dramatically that Hermione couldn't help but let out a loud laugh.

`You seem to be able to talk to me fine…' she said flirting, she didn't know what had got into her but she couldn't help but flirt with this gorgeous man.

`But you see, you're different…' he said, going silent as their eyes locked for a moment, Hermione couldn't help but think how ironic it was that she could already care for him this much and to have only just met him. Already she couldn't picture her life without him in it. He broke eye contact with her after a few more moments and looked down at his watch `It's 5 already, we better get going…' he said softly looking at her again before standing up and taking her in his hand, the sudden feel of contact sent a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the warm weather but with the fact that a person she was feeling a rush of emotion for was holding onto her hand `I'm going to apparate us there, are you ok with that?' he asked gently. The feeling of his fingers around her small hand had cut of all ability to her vocal cords by some strange feat of the human body and Hermione found that all she could do was nod. `Ok then… we're gone' and she felt him turn and she instantly felt the peculiar sensation of being squeezed through a tube that came with apparition.

`SURPRISE!' was the roar that greeted her reappearance, as she looked around the busy room she realized it was full of both people she knew from school as well as many who she didn't know, all looking happily at her. She felt 2 pairs of arms grab her by the shoulders and lead her into the middle of the room, looking around at the owners of the arms she was unsurprised to find they belonged to James and Sirius.

`EVERYONE LISTEN UP!' Sirius bellowed to make the room quite down before he spoke in his usual loud voice `As many of you know this is Hermione Granger, we bought her in Diagon Alley just yesterday…' everyone laughed at his joke as she gave him a playful slap on the arm `…and tonight we're all here to wish her a Happy Birthday!' and everyone started to cheer.

`But it's not my birthday!' Hermione said confused looking around at all the birthday decorations, she was sure someone had seriously messed up.

`Don't blame us, Hermione. This was Harry's idea…He'll explain' Lily said friendly pulling her into a hug. Harry stepped in front and addressed her, loudly enough so he could explain it to everyone as well.

`Well, I know it seems strange…but hopefully it'll make sense. I…I mean all of us, think you're fantastic…' Harry started at which they all nodded along in agreement `and I was thinking how bad it was that you hadn't come into our lives previously, that we hadn't gone to school together, that we weren't able to watch Quidditch together or to share the holidays with each other. More in specific for today though was that you've had 18 birthdays and we've missed every single one of them…so this is 18 years worth of lost birthday parties rolled into one!' Harry said a little happily but Hermione could tell that he was a little apprehensive as he was starting to worry if this was a dumb idea after all. Hermione though was amazed and was struggling to hold back tears. The idea was amazing and showed just how great these people were, how much they really wanted her in their lives, how much they already loved . She let the tears come and threw arms around Harry and gave him a huge hug as she sobbed on his shoulder, she could hear everyone clapping around her but all she cared for at that moment was that she was in Harry's arms, the boy that she had only just met but had wanted to make up for what he had missed, even though he didn't even know her at the time to miss it. She finally pulled herself form his arms and looked at him, a huge grin was across his face as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

`Harry…this is the greatest surprise ever…thank you so much' she said and turned around to the others before talking again `Thank you all so much, this is beyond belief. I love you all so much!' she said gleefully as Lily pulled her into another hug.

`And all we wanted was another excuse to throw a party!' she heard Sirius say to the crowd who all laughed. Lily let go and gave her a smile as she felt another pair of arms around her.

`Honey, now you're part of the family' James said to her `trust me when in tell you that you'll come to regret joining!' he said teasingly letting her go. Sirius pulled her into a bear hug before she could even gain her footing.

`Don't listen to James, we're all great, especially me!' he said laughing `I think I'll name you my un-official god daughter!' he said letting her go from the bear hug.

`Trust me you definitely will regret joining that!' Harry said teasingly causing Sirius to pretend to storm away hurt in a huff. `So, Hermione…'

`Yes?' she asked, single word use was a good tactic at the moment otherwise she could just spill how much she wanted him now.

`Is that enough then?' he asked cheekily, she started to scan her memory and tried to think what he meant but he continued to speak `you said I had to do something to get you in my life, is this enough?' he asked. She thought for a moment, looking into those gorgeous green eyes of his before speaking.

`Not quite…' she said and watched his face drop in shock `But later I'm sure you'll be able to finish the job' she said cheekily and gave him a quick wink and ran of into the crowd to enjoy her party.

****()_____()****

The party was as bigger roaring success as Harry knew it would be, organized by the Marauders how could it not? As he watched Hermione running around talking to her friends from school and those she had just met he couldn't help but grin. He had managed, in the space of one night, to bring her fully into his life and to join in hers. He had spoken to her friends from school, all who seemed amazed at having spoken to the son of the `Golden Couple' and asked the usual questions about Voldemort. He had been nervous to meet Hermione's parents but it had gone surprisingly well, obviously they had already been smitten by his dad and Sirius and they were all too eager to be friendly with him, although her dad kept on shooting him suspicious looks that Harry knew was reasonable, after all he was desperate to kiss his daughter. He had introduced Hermione to Mad Eye Moody, who she was slightly weary of like everyone else, but she was over the moon to meet Albus Dumbledore. As always Dumbledore was perfect with her and let her question his mercilessly about Hogwarts and the Wizengamot among other things. Afterwards all she could say was that he was `the greatest wizard in the world' which Harry added `but mad' to after every proclamation. He had always liked Dumbledore, he had grown up knowing him and had thus never really been able to see him as headmaster but just his barmy old uncle. Now the party was getting late and people had started to leave, Sirius was still dancing though and had now pulled Lily up to accompany him as James watched on laughing at their attempt at ballroom dancing.

`Hello, Harry' said a familiar voice from behind Harry, he dragged his eyes from Sirius' attempt to lead Lily in the tango to speak to the man.

`Hey Moony' Harry said `I was a little worried you wouldn't make it' Harry said kindly shaking his hand.

`And miss you're grand gesture? No way' he said laughing, obviously the reasons behind Hermione's party had been clear, to a Marauder anyway. `Strange though…' he said trailing of.

`What's strange?' Harry asked suspiciously.

`Just strange that it took you only 24 hours to commit to a grand gesture' Lupin said teasingly while laughing to himself `it took James over 6 years!' Harry knew that he was talking about how his mum and dad got together in the 7th year at Hogwarts, but he had never heard the whole story, right now though he was really intrigued by it.

`So what was my dads' grand gesture? And how did Padfoot feature?' Harry asked laughing, he knew whatever it was Sirius would have probably had as much to do with the planning as his dad would have, Lupin only laughed before speaking.

`That story is for another night, I'm afraid…'Lupin said, Harry knew it was close to the full moon and that he must be pretty weak at the moment `Now though, I see the guest of honor at this party all alone…maybe you should go to talk to her?' Lupin said smiling before giving Harry a small smile and walking away across the room towards James, Sirius and Lily, who were now trying to dance all together at the same time. Harry though had caught sight of Hermione and saw her smiling at him, beckoning him to come over, as he walked over he felt nerves running through his body, he was sure he must look stupid grinning so widely but as he tried to wipe it from his face he was panicky incase he looked unhappy. In the end he stuck with a small smile as he approached her.

`Hey, you enjoyed the party?' Harry asked, hating himself that he didn't have something funny and witty to say. Hermione though didn't seem to mind and just gave him a smile.

`It's been fantastic…thank you so much Harry' and she positively beamed at him `It's a little hot in here, do you want to get some air?' she asked, Harry panicky and just found himself smiling and nodding like a fool, Hermione had a slight smirk on her face as she led him to an outside patio and turned to look at him. Harry felt his face flushing again, for someone who didn't really blush he seemed to be doing a lot of it lately he thought to himself. He looked at her and found that when he was staring into her eyes he seemed to shed all his cares and that the only thing that mattered in the world was being close to her, having her in his life.

`I've got to say, Harry, that I'm a little annoyed you haven't asked me to dance!' she said in mock pain, Harry though heard the word `dance' and panicked.

`I don't dance…' He spurted out causing a smile to come over Hermione's voice.

`And what if dancing with me was the thing you had to do to get me in you're life?' she asked cheekily, flashing him a smile that could literally melt him. In fact from the bit of sweat that had started to come he thought that he might literally be starting to melt.

`Then I'd dance with you for as long as you'd allow me. I'd dance with you till the stars went blue' he said stepping closer, although the panic was spreading through him he couldn't help but feel a burning need to bring himself closer to her. He their faces were practically touching as he held both her hands in his own and whispered to her `Will you dance with me?' Even though it was nearly midnight and dark already, Harry could tell that she was blushing furiously as she nodded to him.

He started to lead her slowly around the patio in a slow dance, the only kind of dance he could do without breaking the toes of his partner. She had her head resting against his chest and he could smell the beautiful scent of lavender as he twirled her slowly around, the feeling of her heart beating fast against his chest. As he looked up at stars, holding Hermione in his arms he knew this moment was nearly perfect, nearly but not quite.

`It's been perfect tonight…' Hermione said softly without moving from his chest. Harry removed her slowly and looked into her deep brown eyes, eyes that he knew he was destined to forever lose himself in.

`Not perfect…' Harry whispered moving his face closer to hers `Not yet…' and with that he pushed his lips into hers, feeling her mouth melt against his. It was a soft loving kiss in which Harry lost himself completely in. feeling her moving her lips along his, slipping her top lip between his he let out a soft moan before pulling apart to look at her again.

`Now it's perfect' they both said.

****()____()____()****

That's the second chapter, hoped you liked it…I enjoyed the writing part...please read and review…

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3. What Is Love?

Disclaimer: I'm not Jk Rowling. Although my first initial is J, the others aren't K and R.

What is Love?

James looked at his only son as he tip toed through the house and smiled to himself, it was past two o'clock in the morning now and by all regards Harry should be in a huge amount of trouble.

`Harry' James said loudly simultaneously waving his wand to bring the lights back on, Harry's reaction was priceless as he practically jumped out of his skin before relaxing.

`You scared me, dad, I though you were mum' Harry said making his way across the kitchen to join him at a table, throwing himself into a chair James couldn't help but notice the huge grin that seemed to be stuck onto his face.

`What time do you call this?' James said strictly `Sneaking out at all times of the night, I expected better from you!'

`Only because you expected me to not get caught!' Harry said cheekily causing James to suppress a small laugh `The Marauders gave up their right to punish a long time ago!' James laughed again, Harry did have a point.

`What if your mother caught you?' James asked mock strictly, really he wanted to know how well Harry had actually planned this.

`Then I would of apologized an awful lot and played the fact that I just had to see Hermione, make it sound romantic as hell' Harry said without thinking, not a great plan James decided as he could see a major problem.

`I never really thought of hell as romantic, but whatever floats your boat!' James teased his son `but Lily would have still punished you?' James asked curiously, playing on Lily's heartstrings could save you from getting into serious trouble but not from receiving a punishment.

`Ah, but you see this way she would still let me see Hermione! And as that's all I really want to do, I could cope without my broomstick or whatever' Harry said triumphantly, James thought for a moment and let out a laugh, he really had thought this through, he was very proud of his son.

`Well done, son. Well done indeed!' James said laughingly `you would have made a good Marauder!'

`From you I'll take that as a compliment' Harry teased `so what are you doing up tonight?' he asked.

`We had some plans to go over, then I realized you weren't in so I waited up' James explained, Harry's eyes had gone suspicious when he had said plans. Damn Harry's eyes, James thought, being identical to Lily's had given his son an unfair advantage over his dad that was both unnatural and damn inconveniencing to James. He remembered a hundred times when Harry was still a baby when he would have to leave the room because of how guilty Harry was making him feel.

`Hermione suspects you're up to something' Harry said suspiciously, this threw James completely.

`Hermione suspects what?' James asked confused, how could she suspect his and Sirius' plan?

`She knows you're planning something big…and I know it has to do with her' Harry said staring at his father, James quickly looked away, a practice he had developed after spending so many years keeping secrets from skilled Legillemens.

`Why would we planning something to do with her?' James asked honestly, well not strictly honest James admitted to himself, but he faked it well `She's our friend!'

`Because she's your new friend, that's why you're planning it…' Harry said, those damn green eyes boring into him once again `and because you know it'll be near impossible to get her. A challenge no self respecting Marauder could pass up' he finished. He had got it nearly perfect, Harry was getting much too clever nowadays.

`You got me!' James owned up, he knew when it was time to stop hiding `you going to tell her?'

`Of course not!' Harry said indignantly, James smiled again in pride at his son `I think it'll be hysterical watching you trying to pull it off, and I know it wouldn't be anything dangerous. Also I have a bet with Ron that you won't be able to do it!' he added as the two of them shared a laugh.

`That's my son! You're one lucky boy, you know that? Getting my good looks and my Marauders spirit!' James said proudly as he looked at his son, no words could describe how much he loved him.

`Lucky…unlucky' Harry said teasingly. James knew he could spend all night laughing with his son, but he really he had to find out some things.

`So…you and Hermione going well?' James asked in a conversational way, James noted a smile that crept over his face at the mention of her name.

`Brilliantly' Harry said truthfully, the two of them had never had trouble being honest with their feelings with each other as some fathers and sons did, a fact that James wouldn't swap for anything `She's brilliant, and smart and beautiful…I've never met anyone like her…' he trailed of in a grin.

`Sounds like the first fall of love' James said seriously, Harry however tensed up slightly.

`I'm not sure about love dad…' Harry said softly, obviously thinking hard about it `I mean, I'll know it when I'm actually in love, won't I?'

`That's what they say…' James said seriously, thinking about the first time he realized he was in love with Lily `Harry, here's a piece of advice for you. Don't rush these things, if you try you'll only mess it up. I believe that you fall in love without realizing it, and that the moment you realize it is waited until you need to know. It waits for the right moment to hit you, for the perfect moment that will change everything' The words came easily to him as he had made this belief a long time ago, and had seen nothing in the world since to ever convince him otherwise. Harry sat there thoughtfully looking at him for a few moments before a smile spread across his face.

`I guess it doesn't help to think of the future, does it?' Harry said simply `You've just got to let it happen. Look at Voldemort and the prophecy, knowing he could hear the future brought his downfall, and I don't want a downfall with me and Hermione' a paralyzing chill had swept through James' body, not at Voldemorts name like so many, but at the word Prophecy. He quickly threw it off and smiled back at Harry who hadn't seemed to realize what had happened with his father `I better be going to bed, I'm taking Hermione out in the morning and don't want to be dead on my feet. Goodnight dad' and he stood up and walked towards the door, as he reached him James called him.

`Harry…' he said, causing Harry to turn around `I think you and Hermione are both really lucky to have found each other already' he said simply but earnestly causing Harry to smile before leaving. James found himself temporarily alone, thinking of the words Harry had said about Voldemort, the chill just wouldn't go away. He heard a noise coming from the other door, a noise he had become attuned to so well in the years that he instantly recognizing it as Lily. He looked up at her and smiled.

`You make yourself hard to hate sometimes, you know that?' Lily said gently walking up to James.

`I know!' he said `It's all this Potter charm that I have'

`Shut it smart ass' Lily said giving him a kiss, James felt her lips against his and felt the familiar burn of a fire go through his body that he got with every kiss that he received from the women he loved `I was just about to have a go at you for not punishing him, but then you come out with something as nice as that! I've decide that I'll let the two of you of… this time' she said smiled cheekily, her arms around his waste. He wished that he could spend every moment of forever with Lily, he worshipped her. She peppered him with kissed along his neck in just the way she knew would get him going, they knew each other so well `gather all that Potter charm you speak of and take me to bed' she whispered in his ear. James had never agreed so much with anyone or anything in his life as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to their room.

****()____()****

Hermione dragged a comb through her hair, it had got slightly bushier in the last week but it was still looking good, Hermione thanked her mother every time she looked in the mirror. As she sat there looking in the mirror she examined herself, technically she still looked like herself, same face, and same color hair but now her smile painted her entirely different. For the first time in her life she was totally, blissfully, happy with herself and the world. As she looked at herself she could practically see a glow around her, and she knew where this glow came from, a certain raven haired man named Harry Potter who had captured her from her previous life and brought her to this new world, a world where feelings and fun was the essence of the day. She thought about the last month and knew that she had never been happier, they had spent every free moment together and she for one wanted more. The next morning after her `birthday' party she had woken up to find Harry already at her house having breakfast with her parents, she had found this so sweet as he explained to her, between private kisses, that he couldn't bear to not be near her. From that day on either he would be waiting for her when she awoke or she would be over at Godrics Hollow awaiting him. Visiting Godrics hollow was always a laugh, she could spend an hour or two waiting for Harry in which James and Sirius would keep her entertained with stories from their and Harry's past, or simply they would just have a bit of friendly banter. She was originally worried if things would change between them now that her and Harry had been getting close, but nothing did, they were the same old Sirius and James that she had learnt to quickly love. She had also grown very close with Lily over the time as well and had gone out shopping with her a few times, she quickly realized that as loving and caring as Lily was she also had a dry humor and was easily a match for them two. While James and Sirius had become like her favorite uncles, Lily had quickly become both her best friend and second mother. Hermione was constantly amazed at how quickly she had been adopted into this family, amazed but also glad beyond words.

Hermione walked around the room and changed for the day, the weather was getting too hot for her to wear jeans all the time so she put on a skirt her mother had picked out for her, nice and loose in a light pink color but it was a little short for her taste, she sighed and thought that at the least it'd keep her cool. After the first few days with Harry she had been taken to the Burrow to meet his `second family', the Weasleys. The Burrow itself was amazing, looking like someone had just attached rooms anywhere they felt like, Hermione instantly fell in love with it. Meeting all the Weasleys was a bit of a blur, Mrs. Weasley was like a caricature of the perfect mother and Hermione adored her, while Mr. Weasley was hysterical as he questioned her on the principals of `VD'. It took Hermione 10 minutes to understand he meant `DVD', 10 minutes to explain this to him and another 10 minutes to explain what a DVD was. It was one of the funniest half an hours she was ever likely to spend. She had met Ron again and knew that they were destined to be friends as he put at ease with his sense of humor. Ginny though was a little cold at first, but Hermione accepted this as Harry had warned her that they had a `history', luckily for her though Ginny quickly warmed up to her and they spent a while laughing and gossiping. Hermione was anxious when meeting the twins, they had been described as a younger version of James and Sirius but Hermione knew that her liking them even had been a one off, she was a school prefect and a stickler for rules. Luckily for her though the one off had been changed to a two off as the twins cracked her up endlessly, they were indeed like a younger version of James and Sirius, but they also were entirely dedicated to their business, which Hermione respected. Hearing of the things they had developed Hermione was amazed, some of the tricks and jokes were extremely advanced magic and thus their skills also helped her like them. All in all she loved the Weasleys, and also loved to see that Harry had two such great families behind him, she knew that he'd always be safe and happy and this brought a smile to her face every time she thought about it.

She thought about how well things were going with Harry and saw a huge grin appear on her face in the mirror. The two of them argued sometimes, sometimes in shouting rows, but whatever it was about was forgotten by the end of it as they found themselves unable to stay mad at each other, always ending in huge snogging sessions. She knew that he was as mad for her as she was for him, no one was that good an actor! She knew she wouldn't be able to play the `proper' lady for too much longer, she was now finding herself thinking inappropriate thoughts about him at totally random times. Yesterday at the restaurant with her parents they thought she was choking as her face turned red at a particular thought about being with Harry, she had tried to shake it off by blaming hot food, as it was a cold soup she had been eating at the time she knew that it hadn't been bought. But before she let her fantasies make there way into actually happening she wanted Harry to work for it, he was the one making her feel like this after all and she wanted a little playback, she thought wickedly to herself.

She had put on a simple white vest and a pair of white trainers, she looked in the mirror and thought she looked pretty cute today, as she had no idea what their plans was for the day she had deliberately dressed casual and now she was ready to go to him. She turned around to go downstairs to say a quick goodbye to her parents as she heard a crack in her room, spinning around she saw Harry standing there, in a pair of casual jeans and a blue t shirt, as always he looked gorgeous.

`You apparated straight into my room!' she said angrily `That's really rude!'

`I was hoping to catch you while you were still getting ready, you know I love to watch you…brush you're hair…' he said with a cheeky smile, that grin of his that could always melt her like butter. She didn't care if she was mad at him anymore and she threw her arms around him and pushed him down onto the bed, pushing her mouth roughly onto his, the addictive jolt of electricity she got every time they kissed shooting through her body. She pushed her tongue softly into his mouth, exploring his taste with her tongue while he ran his hands through her hair. She broke the kiss and started to kiss slowly along the base of his neck, letting the tip of her tongue trace lines along it, she could hear him moaning softly as she did this, she had already found out that this worked brilliantly on him. She licked up towards his ear and bit it softly, kissing it after wards in a loving factor.

`We better get going, Harry James Potter, we don't want to miss the sun…' she said teasingly, she smiled as the sound of his slight groan told her that missing the sun was the last thing he cared about at that moment.

`I swear you're trying to kill me' he said moaning as she started to kiss along the other side of his neck, running a hand up his shirt along his toned chest, running her nails softly along him as she heard him moan a little stronger.

She stopped for a moment to consider if he had worked hard enough yet, and decided against it, she could still just about stop herself still so she bounded of the bed and walked towards the door, after opening it she turned around.

`Up Harry, I want to do that tour along the Thames today' she said with a cheeky grin. He lay still for a moment, obviously trying to gain the will power to move again before he stood up and walked over to her with a smile on his face.

`Whatever my Queen orders is what I obey' he said teasingly and walked through the door with a grin on his face, a grin that was mirrored on Hermione's face. If there was ever any doubt about it before, she knew they were one hundred percent mad for each other.

****()____()****

Did he love her? He didn't know. What he did know that was every moment he was away from her he missed her with an aching and that every moment he was with her he wanted to have her in his arms, to feel her heart beat against his chest, to feel that burning of fire throughout his body when he felt his lips against hers. But did he love her? Did it even matter? Of course it mattered, it was the biggest question he had ever had asked, he wanted to love her, he needed to love her…did that mean he loved her? He knew he was going round in circles and that the question would eventually be answered , but that didn't stop his mind from posing it again and again. He had spent another blissful day with her, they hadn't actually gone on the Thames tour but had spent the day shopping and saw a muggle movie at the cinema which was playing old movies. Hermione had practically squealed when she saw that the movie was the red shoes, one of her favorites of all time as she explained to Harry. Although it was about ballet of all things Harry had enjoyed it, while Hermione had cried desperately at the end. He loved being there to put an arm around her as she was upset, he wanted to protect her from anything. He was now eager for the next day to start, he looked at his watch and realized it would be about another 8 hours till he could see her, the idea of 8 hours away from Hermione was enough to make him nearly break down. But he reasoned that he would have the chance to spend so many hours with her in his life that 8 hours now was a reasonable price to pay. Reasonable but still painful.

`Harry, are you listening?' he heard the voice as it broke him from his musings.

`Uh? Sorry, Sirius' he said to his godfather who he noticed the funny look he was receiving `What is it?' he asked, Sirius just shook his head with a smile on his face.

`Just remembering this happening the first time around is all' Sirius said fatherly.

`What happening when?' Harry asked confused, Harry often found himself confused by Sirius and he loved him for it.

`At school when James would go of daydreaming when we were talking. With his glazed over eyes I thought he had a memory charm put on him, he lost two weeks of memories when I tried to break it!' Sirius said laughing at his reminiscing, Harry laughed along as well, he could picture Sirius trying to break a memory charm that didn't exist, and he could see his father letting him try `Although I did find out that it was over Lily when I tried' he said with his bark like laugh.

`So what has this to do with me?' Harry asked nonchalantly, he would of course be the bane of Sirius' jokes if he knew he was daydreaming over Hermione and hoped that he could convince him it wasn't.

`If I'm not very much mistaken… and I'm not, you're thoughts are running over not so very innocent situations with a certain cutie named Hermione Grange?' Sirius said teasingly `I don't need to try and reverse a memory charm on you to see that much is clear!'

`Actually I was thinking about the Quidditch game we just watched, Victor Krum was amazing as ever…' Harry lied, he could see Sirius didn't buy this lame excuse, how could Harry daydream over Krum when he had Hermione in his life?

`Whatever you need to believe, Beloved Godson' Sirius laughed, that was Harry's new title and Hermione's was `beloved Goddaughter'. Sirius hadn't been joking at the party, instead he made jokes about starting a collection. Thinking of this Harry thought of a question that he had never considered.

`Sirius, have you ever been in love?' Harry asked thoughtfully, Sirius paused for a moment before trying to make a joke out of it with the expression `Why buy a book when you can join the library!' Harry however knew his godfather too well to buy this so he pressed for the truth `Honestly, Sirius, no bullshit…' Sirius paused for a moment before speaking again.

`Once' he said simply, pausing in thought before speaking again `I was about you're age, we started dating at Hogwarts. Sophie was her name… beautiful girl, really clever and fun. She was spectacular, and you know how high standards I have!' he said laughingly but his eyes told Harry he wasn't really finding it funny `She came round my parents home, Grimmauld Place, to meet my family. They took one look at her and destroyed our relationship. They insulted her and kicked her out. I never went back there again' Sirius finished.

`But why?' Harry asked curiously, he had never heard this story again, just had it as a given that Sirius hated his family and disowned them.

`Ah, you see Harry, she was Muggle born' Sirius said sadly, Harry though was disgusted as his mind thought of Hermione `It would have been better if I had started dating a hippogriff than a muggle born. After that I was disowned, and they practically forced Regulus into the Death Eaters to make up for my failure, bloody fools'.

`Did she break up with you over it?' Harry asked.

`Nah, I broke up with her' Sirius said simply causing Harry to ask `why?', `Because I was so ashamed of who I was, where I came from that I didn't think I deserved her' Sirius said sadly, Harry had never seen him like this.

`That was stupid Sirius. It wasn't you're fault you're family's scum!' Harry said to try and make him feel better. Sirius though paused in silence for a moment before a smile broke onto his face, Harry though knew it was a fake smile.

`Well I didn't realize that in time!' Sirius said laughing like it was a joke. Harry started to talk again but was interrupted by a flutter of wings in his face from Hedwig, his eleventh birthday present from the grounds keeper at Hogwarts, Hagrid, who was something of an uncle to him.

`Hey Hedwig, what are you doing here?' he asked confused before he spotted a letter tied to his leg. Taking it he patted Hedwig before reading it, instantly smiling as he recognized the neat handwriting belonging to Hermione, the smile however quickly faded as he read the letter.

Dear Harry,

I can't believe you kept this from me! I just got a visit from James and he told me you're secret! When were you planning on telling me that it was you're birthday next week! You're in big trouble when I see you tomorrow, Harry James Potter! You've only given me 5 days to plan your birthday…I'm so mad! I'll see you tomorrow…

Wishing you was here (so I could show you how mad I was!)

Love,

Hermione

xxx

Harry finished the letter and sighed, he didn't want her to go to too much trouble just for his birthday, plus he knew that she would have to get him a gift and wasn't sure how he felt about her spending her money on him. He looked up at Sirius who was smirking knowingly, obvious this had been a small Marauders plan.

`Seriously Sirius, you guys have way too much spare time!' Harry exclaimed with a sigh.

****()____()____()****

Hey, that's another chapter, hope you liked it. Sorry it was a little shorter, the next two are mammoth so they should make up for it…

Thank you to Julie3291, Alayneni, S.K, Azusena, bingbop 02, lissa05, Musique, immortal rose, yankeecpa, luckygal, harryhermione731 and the anonymous'. Thank you for taking the time to review (hint hint!)

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