DISCLAIMER : I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT!!
Hey guys! Here's chapter 16!! Hope you all like it!!!
To my fellow reviewers:
--- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS GUYS!!!
Now on with the story...
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Chapter Sixteen : Lending Aid and Preparations.
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(December 22)
"After I reported the events of the day to father, we came to an equal decision that it would be best to release a band of Aurors out to seize one of the suspected hide-outs of the Death Eaters." he started. Hermione nodded, a questioning look still fogged her eyes as she watched his uneasiness.
"That is good, Harry. Why do you seem so nervous?" she asked.
"Because, you see," he took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair as he turned to stare into the fire. "I have been appointed as the Head of the band of Aurors." At this, Hermione gasped as a hand went to her mouth.
"But what of your wound? It still hurts you... are you gonna fight without fully healing?" she asked worriedly.
"I have no choice. If it refuses to heal quickly, I'll be forced to fight with it. But don't worry Hermione, I'll be alright." he told her. She nodded against him, praying for his safety. Then she decided she didn't want to think about it anymore. She smiled, and grabbed a fistful of his tunic as she leaned back, capturing his lips as she brought him down upon the sofa with her. Harry smiled as he allowed her to pull him down. Like she said, they would have to find time for each other.....and now would be perfect!
xxx
"Rise and shine, sleepy heads!!" came the sing song voice the next morning. Harry groaned from his place upon his bed as he suddenly sat up, startled, as the voice boomed prettily throughout the room. Hermione, who had been sleeping against his chest, too was startled as she whined, before holding the sheets to her chest, and turning onto her stomach to resume her sleep. Harry on the other hand squinted through his dark room, in search of the voice. Finally, deciding he didn't care, he too turned onto his stomach, his chest and abdomen leaning atop Hermione's back as he draped his arm around her.
Serenity giggled as she made her way over to the heavy closed draperies of the room. She gently grasped the long rope that hung beside the balcony doors, and when she had a good firm grip, she pulled down, spreading the heavy drapes, causing the sun's golden rays to pour into the room, flooding it with warm light. Harry groaned yet again in annoyance as his eyes burned with the brightness of the light. Li was then revealed, as he leaned against the door post, arms crossed, eyes cast down as a smirk spread acrossed his face.
"Come ON! Get out of bed, it is a beautiful day!" sang Serenity's voice. Harry let out another one of his groans.
"Serenity." he growled in a low voice. Serenity just smiled. Hermione's giggles could be heard ringing throughout the room as Harry continued to growl.
"Get up!" came Serenity's voice again, as she picked up Harry's discarded tunic off of the floor, and swiping it across his covered feet. Realizing it was his discarded tunic, her face broke out in a grin, before contorting into a grimace. "Ew... Harry! Get Up!" With that, she tossed the tunic atop Harry's head.
"Why you... Pesky Person!" he muttered into the crook of Hermione's neck. He grabbed the piece of clothing before tossing it across the bed, and falling back into his wife. This enticed a giggle to flow from the Princess as he groaned. Serenity raised an eyebrow as she heard his comment. She clasped her hands behind her back, and glided towards Harry's side of the bed. She leaned over Harry's form, as her lips hovered just above his ear.
"Im an elf." she said into his ear as he jerked his head up, startled once more. "Now, Get Up!"
She hit him over the top of the head with a pillow she conjured as he sat up abruptly, waving his hands wildly above his head.
"Ok, ok! I'm Up!" he called out in frustration. He shot Serenity a withering look, a look that only made Serenity's grin grow.
"Good, 'cause Hermione and I have a busy day ahead of us! As do you!" she said in a cheery tone. "Now, if only she'd wake up!"
Upon hearing this Hermione quickly giggled. Reaching over across the bed, she grabbed Harry's tossed tunic.
"No need... I'm up!" and with that, she slipped into Harry's tunic before sitting up in their bed. Serenity smiled at her as Hermione leaned into her now grumpy husband. "Now, what was this about having a busy day ahead of us? What do you mean?"
"Ahh, you'll see..." she answered as she turned with a smile.
"And what put you in such a good mood?" Harry spat at her back. Serenity just continued to smile as she made her way to the door, where Li stood; a smirk evident on his serious features. Serenity turned to her best friend and winked to his wife as she stopped at the door. Harry raised his eyebrows at his friend as he stared from Serenity to Li, and smiled. "Finally." he muttered under his breath, but unfortunately for him, it was heard!
Li shot his head up, and for the first time, properly gazed into the Prince's chambers as he was caught off guard at his comment. Serenity, understanding the implied message, widened her eyes in shock and embarrassment. Even Hermione looked at her husband.
"Harry James Potter!!" cried Serenity as she raised her hands quickly. Before he knew it, Serenity had magically made two large, firm, pillows to float in the air, and with a smooth motion of her two hands as if she was 'high-fiving' her self, she forced the two pillows to whack Harry on the sides of his head; hard! Harry yelped as the pillows attacked. "How dare you accuse me of such... things! You should know me better than that, Potter!"
Harry winced at her choice of words! Never did she call him 'Potter'. Again and again she made the pillows attack him, before letting them drop to his sides. Hermione smirked and shook her head as Serenity sent her a quick wink, letting her know that she wasn'treally mad, though quite shocked Harry would suspect her of doing such things, before a proper marriage! With that, Serenity gave a small 'hmph' of indignation as she crossed her arms. Harry glared at her as he pulled a feather or two from his hair.
"Now, Your Highness, it is high time you get up, before I hex your naked butt right off of the balcony!" Hermione giggled as Serenity turned and left, her hair trailing behind her. Li smirked again, before nodding his head to the stunned Prince. He pushed his back off of the door frame, and followed his guard, closing the door behind him magically.
Hermione then turned to Harry as he muttered a soft 'ow'.
"Well... you deserved it, Potter!"
"Not you too?" he asked incredulously. Hermione just stared at him in disbelief. She shook her head as she threw the covers off of her. When she made to swing her legs over the side of the bed to get out, Harry grabbed her arm and pulled her back down onto the bed. She groaned, but smiled, as she looked up at him. He went to slide his hand beneath his tunic upon her, but she suddenly stopped him. He stared at her in question, a small pout forming across his features. She sighed.
"No Harry."
"But why not? Is it because of what I said? Then I take it back!" he said childishly, hoping Hermione would buy it; no such luck.
"Haha, Harry, very funny." she said as she made to sit up. Harry wouldn't allow her, and he smirked as he bent in for a kiss. Then Hermione smirked as she pushed his shoulders, making him fall back onto his side. She then quickly grabbed the sheet that had covered them most of the night, and left the warm bed as she pulled the sheet with her, wrapped gently around her body. Harry gasped as he was suddenly exposed in all his glory to the cold room. Yelping, Harry quickly grabbed for one of the pillows to cover himself as he watched Hermione scuttle her way into the bathroom. Quickly he ran to the bathroom to open the door when he realized she had locked it behind her.
"Hermione! Open up! You are gonna get it!" he called through. He could hear her giggle as she turned the shower on, screaming out a loud 'No!'. "Fine, Alohamora!"
But to his surprise, it wouldn't open. He tried again and came out with the same results. Finally he gave up, deciding to get her later!
He turned to his wardrobe as he made to get dressed. What was Serenity talking about.... oh yeah.... he remembered!
xxx
Harry followed his wife as they made their way down for breakfast. Ron was sitting there, looking sour as he glared at Ginny from across the table. Ginny, on the other hand, looked quite calm, as she ate her breakfast, ignoring her brother's annoying habits.
"Hey mate." called Harry as he sat to the left of his father's usual seat at the head of the table. He frowned as he noticed neither of his parents' attendance at the table. Hermione touched his arm softly in reassurance.
"Hey." grumbled Ron as he shoveled eggs into his mouth. Harry stared at him funny, and suddenly it hit him, he missed his best friend. He really hadn't talked to him much since Halloween. At first he was wounded, then busy with the news of the attacks, then he and Hermione's relationship started, and not once had he really gotten to spend much time with Ron! He felt guilty, and now that he was going to be training those Aurors, he was afraid he'd never get to spend time with him. 'I wonder... would he want to join in with the Aurors?'
He continued to ponder on this as he ate his breakfast and conversed with his friend. He had been amused to hear the reasoning behind his best mate's rotten attitude. It appeared that Ginny had found a new man in her life... Seamus Finnigan.... oh boy. What was worse, was that Seamus was a good friend to both Harry and Ron, and hung out regularly at the Castle. Though, unfortunately, lately he had been gone in a distant land, seeing to his mother's muggle family. Knowing Ron's over-protectiveness, Harry couldn't help but feel slightly sorry for his red-haired female friend.
As Harry neared the end of his breakfast, he watched Hermione and Ginny share an animated conversation. A small smile played on his lips as he admired the way Hermione's hair framed her face. He remembered, back at Hogwarts, how her hair used to be an untameable mane of frizzy brown. Although he didn't really pay any attention to the Ravenclaw Princess, he did have her in classes throughout the years, as well as share the same house as she, and at times he would notice her; by her intellect as well as her frank position on house-elf rights. He regretted now, more than ever, that he never did sit down and speak with her. Perhaps if he had, he wouldn't have fought so hard to not marry her. If he had... perhaps their marriage would have started out so rocky, as theirs did.
He continued to watch her, as he admired the subtle ways she had changed from the bushy-haired know-it-all to the confident woman that sat beside him. Her hair, Harry mused, had tamed quite noticeably and now was more in the shape of ringlets. Although it was still bushy, in its own way, it wasn't untameable, but had more of a relaxed look to it. Its hue was that of a honey-brown, and it had a sheen to it that caught the sun's rays gracefully.
Harry's eyes then wandered over to one of his favorite features of hers. Her eyes. A soft and subtle brown, her eyes captivated him. Many people, he noticed, seemed to dismiss brown eyes as average, but not he, for in her eyes chocolate swirl met golden flecks. They lit up, as if a light shone behind them, and the golden flecks sparkled in her excitement. He loved her eyes; their shape and color, and everything else about them. Harry loved everything about her. It surprised him when he realized his fascination of her, and how his heart had changed so much after just being around her. She truly was a gift, he realized.
Harry was then brought out of his thoughts as Hermione jerked her head behind her, as a servant went to address her. Harry, too, turned and watched as the servant boy bowed respectively before her.
"Your Highness, Lady Serenity wishes to see you and the Lady Ginny in her chambers immediately after your breakfast this morning." he told the Princess before him. Hermione smiled and nodded, and thanked the young boy as he bowed once more to leave. Harry turned to Hermione then, and watched as she and Ginny stood to leave.
"Where are you going? You're leaving now?" he asked. Hermione smiled and nodded. She straightened and smoothed her skirts as she stood. "But..."
"Harry," she said with a small giggle. "It's ok, I'm not going to disappear on you." She then laughed as she bent down and kissed Harry on his forehead. "I'll be back soon, and besides, don't you have that Auror's meeting you need to attend?" Harry nodded as he stood, realizing that the meeting was beginning shortly. He reached down and grabbed for Hermione's hand as she turned to leave. She stopped and turned to him, smiling, as he bent down and kissed her cheek.
"Have fun then." he told her, smiling. She giggled and nodded, before kissing him quickly, and following Ginny out of the hall, and up to Serenity's chambers.
"I love you!" she called over her shoulders, sending him a wink just before she left. Harry couldn't explain how uplifting that little nine letter phrase could be! He just let out a smile.
Harry stood there for a moment, and watched her leave. He could hear Ron behind him, and turned to see his best friend looking as sour as ever.
"What is with you, mate?" he asked, an eyebrow quirked. Ron just made another face before standing up as well.
"You guys, you're pathetic." With that said, Ron began to walk away. Harry grabbed his arm, and looked at him for a moment, before Ron looked up, a quirky smile playing across his lips. Harry just laughed as he slung his arm around his friend.
"Hey, Ron, I have been meaning to talk to you about something," he said as he and Ron made their way out of the dining hall, "about the dispatched band of Aurors..."
xxx
As Hermione and Ginny made their way up to Serenity's chambers, Hermione couldn't help but wonder what it was that Serenity wanted. Earlier this morning, she had awoken both herself and Harry up, saying that today was going to be a busy day. Whatever that meant.
She and Ginny continued along, as they discussed what Serenity wanted from them. She hadn't shown herself this morning at breakfast, nor did Li, and Hermione wondered what was going on.
As they continued down the sunlit corridor, Hermione turned her attention out the large windows beside her. She could see the East Wing clearly, and all of its destroyed walls and halls. She frowned and sighed, visions of King James and a weakened Serenity flooding her mind. After clearing her head from the visions, Hermione turned her eyes out towards the city beyond. Another frown appeared as she noticed the destruction beyond the Castle's grounds. The city, as she already knew, had been attacked and destroyed partially. 'Poor civilians.' she thought to herself.
Finally, Hermione felt Ginny's hand upon her arm, and Hermione realized that they had reached Serenity's sleeping quarters. Ginny knocked and the two could hear rustling beyond the large wooden doors.
"Come in." came the sweet voice of the elven Princess. Following orders, Ginny opened the door and raised an eyebrow at the Princess. Hermione, too, entered and stopped short as she ducked out of the way of a soaring pair of scissors. When she was certain that the coast was clear, she straightened her stance and peered astonishingly around the room. What met her gaze was amusing.
Serenity stood before a manikin upon a pedestal in the center of her semi-circular room, as the sun swam through her large floor-to-ceiling, semi-circular, windows. Upon the manikin, a large piece of taupe-colored fabric wrapped itself around the slim-figured form. Hermione watched as different objects flew throughout the room; such as scissors, pin-cusions, measuring tape, other pieces of fabric, and much much more. The suspended objects danced in the air as they did what Serenity commanded of them; cutting, pinning, measuring, wrapping, etc.
Hermione laughed as Serenity stood before them, as if conducting an orchestra before her. Upon hearing this, Serenity turned and smiled as she made her way over to where the two women stood. With a flick of her hand, the door behind the girls closed itself, and she ushered the two into the room.
It was then that Hermione noticed Li standing there, in the far end of the room, beside a recessed window and a writing desk. He stood in the same position as he did this morning - with his back propped against the stone wall, his arms crossed and his eyes downcast. Again, a smirk played across his lips.
Then as if on cue, he pushed his back off of the wall and made his way over to Serenity. He walked up behind her and spoke in an even tone as Serenity turned slightly to peer at him over her shoulder. He didn't even turn his head in her direction as he spoke.
"Serenity, I am attending the Auror's meeting. I will be back soon, though." he said softly. Serenity nodded and smiled. She turned her body so that she was facing him as he began to leave.
She then grabbed a hold onto his upper arm to stop him. He did as she pulled herself close to him. Then she tipped herself up onto her tip-toes and quickly gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.
Hermione smiled as she noticed him tense, as his eyes widened is mild shock, before his features relaxed. He then turned his head slightly to the now beaming Serenity, and a small smile formed.
"I'll see ya then, Li." Serenity said softly. He nodded warmly down to her. And after one last lingering look, he turned and exited the room. Serenity then turned to the two others standing in her room and blushed slightly as she smiled. "Well, let's not waste anytime! Come over here."
Hermione and Ginny raised their eyebrows in unison as the sent her a questioning look. Serenity just smiled as she turned back to her band of clothing materials.
"Waste time? What are you talking about, Sera?" Ginny asked, calling the elven Princess by her nickname. 'Sera' was Ginny's nickname given to Serenity when she was very young. When Ginny was a child, it seemed that Serenity's name was just a few syllables to long for the young lady to remember, so she created her own name for the daughter of Sirius. Sera it had become. Now it stuck. Ginny was the only one that called Serenity that, but it had been her new name all throughout her childhood, by all the children in the Castle. Serenity didn't mind it when Ginny called her that, as well as the rest of the Weasley's or Harry, but other than them, the name was off-limits.
Serenity then turned her head and motioned for them to step forward.
"It is ok, it is perfectly safe." she assured them, as she sensed Hermione's reluctancy. Finally the two stepped up and immediately a long, floating, piece of measuring tape danced its way up and around Hermione's waist. Before Hermione could push the tape away, it had already wrapped itself around her, before slipping off of her and dancing its way up to her bust.
Immediately, the waist of the manikin began to get smaller as the tape made its way up Hermione.
Hermione watched in awe as the manikin changed its form to adjust to Hermione's figure. Hermione finally turned to Serenity, who was directing the many strands of thread to enter the eyes of the needles.
"Serenity," came Hermione's voice as the tape wrapped its way around Hermione's throat. "What in Merlin's name is going on here? Why is this tape sizing me?"
Serenity only giggled as the tape finally made its way back to her. It gently laid itself around her neck as Serenity turned to the two beside her. She pointed a hand over to one of the wardrobes in her room. It's door magically opened and Hermione and Ginny both saw two simple dresses hanging within. Magically, the two dresses danced out of the wardrobe and went to lay neatly upon Serenity's large bed.
"I am making you a custom dress." she told the Princess. She then walked up to the two dresses upon her bed, the other two in toe. Serenity bent down and gently picked up a simple blue gown. It was very simple, in fact, and it resembled the style of dress the general public of Gryffindor wore. It was, however, very nice in its simplicity.
Serenity admired the work of the blue dress in her hand before handing it over to Ginny.
"Here, this is yours, Gin." she said as she handed it over. Ginny took it and admired it. She looked up with a smile.
"Thanks, Sera." she said earnestly. "But, what is it for?" Serenity smiled as she took hold of the second dress, a burgundy gown.
"Today, we are going to go out into the city, and we are going to help rebuild and aid the citizens in any way we can. They, of coarse, don't know that we are going down, which is better." she said. Hermione stared for a second, before a smile spread itself across her lips. She was glad, for she had wanted to do something similar herself.
"So, we are going out... with who?" asked Ginny, a smile also upon her lips.
"I have formed a band of elves to come out with us, as well as Queen Lily, my mother, Li - if he can, and a few others. Oh, Fred and George have offered as well." said Serenity with a wink. "The damage isn't too bad, though help is needed. We believe it is best to go and aid the public, since they are in need of it."
Hermione nodded and smiled. "Great! So... why the dresses though?" Again, Serenity smiled.
"Because, it will be easier to work in, as opposed to the gowns we are wearing now." she said. "And besides, dressing in similar fashion to the civilians is better. They wont feel inferior... do you understand?"
Hermione nodded and smiled.
"This one is mine. I made it last night, along with yours Ginny," she said as she pointed to the blue dress. "Since I knew your size already, having made you dresses in the past, I was able to make it fast. But Hermione, you gave me a little bit of trouble, and it seems I was slightly off on the measurements for you." Serenity said. "That one there is going to be yours. It should be done soon."
Hermione nodded and smiled.
"No problem."
Twenty minutes had passed when finally Hermione's dress was complete. It still was the same taupe color, but Hermione didn't mind, it looked great. The fabric was soft and it looked comfortable. She looked up to Serenity and smiled in thanks as Serenity ushered her to try it on. Laughing, Hermione hurried off behind the changing screen in the corner and began to undress. When she emerged, she had nothing but good things to say.
She was right, the fabric was soft and felt great on! It hugged her form modestly, and she found she could move easily in it. It was comfortable and pretty.
"Thanx Serenity! I love it!" she exclaimed. Her smile was wide, opposite of those of Ginny and Serenity. "What? It is perfect! Really! I love it!"
"Yes, but I don't!" said Serenity bluntly. Hermione frowned as Serenity made her way up to the Princess. With the back of her fingers pressed softly against her lips, Serenity circled Hermione as she stood, inspecting the dress. Hermione blushed as she felt like she was being examined. Finally Serenity circled back to face Hermione and smiled.
"It seems to fit you perfectly, but it is the color that is totally wrong! Hmm..." she muttered as she stepped back. Then she raised her hand and snapped her fingers. Within an instant, the bottom hem of the dress began to glow, and as the glow began to rise, Hermione could tell that the taupe color was changing. Although she couldn't tell what the final color was, she watched as the golden ring around her continued on its way up her form.
Finally, the light reached her neck and shoulders and it dimmed before completely going out. Hermione watched as smiles played on Serenity's and Ginny's faces as they admired the new shade. Hermione glanced down and smiled. The color was perfect! A perfect shade of deep gold.
Serenity commented that it brought out the gold in her eyes, as well as catching the subtle flecks of gold highlights in her brown hair. It shimmered majestically, and right below her bust line, a small scarlet ribbon, trimmed in a darker gold wrapped around her. Serenity looked pleased!
She and Ginny were the next ones to change, and as Ginny went behind the changing curtain, Serenity merely took out her wand and pointed at her dress then at her body, and as she dragged her wand up her body, her current dress seemed to magically change into the dress that was upon her bed. Hermione smiled as the dress she had been wearing was now lying gently upon her bed.
Hermione liked the style of dress Serenity had chosen. It was a deep burgundy, and below her bust line, a criss-cross of golden string made its way down her flat stomach to where a simple golden clothed 'V' wrapped around her hips like a belt, as if it were the skirt top.
Ginny, too, looked stunning in her navy threads. Her dress seemed similar to Hermione's, but instead of a single ribbon, Ginny had a thin sliver of silver ribbon wrapped around her waist and under her bust, before a silver ribbon connected the two in the center, down her stomach.
Serenity was about to comment on Ginny's dress when a knock was heard.
"Serenity, are you ready?" came Li's voice through the door. "Sir Arthur is going to escort you and the men down into the city. He wishes to meet you in the Entrance Hall in five minutes."
"Ok Li, we'll be down there." called Serenity. Hermione could then hear the sound of footsteps going down the hall, and knew Li had left.
"He isn't coming with up?" she asked. She knew Li followed Serenity everywhere to protect her, and it shocked her that he wasn't going to go into the city with her this time. Serenity smiled.
"Li? Not come? Heh, no Hermione, he'll be there!" she said with a smile. She then turned and pulled out three winter winter cloaks lined with soft white fur, each matching the color of their dresses. (Just think of the cloak Belle wears in Beauty and the Beast... I LOVE THAT CLOAK!!! I want one! lol...)
xxx
By the time they had reached the city, Hermione was in shock. It had indeed been attacked, and the people were bustling around, in the midst of repairs. As they, Sir Arthur, Queen Lily, Lady Sapphire, Fred, George and the band of elves entered the city, the inhabitants seemed shocked. As pleased as they were, they were surprised to see aid coming in from the Castle, as they could see that the Castle was in need of repair just as badly as the city was.
Hermione smiled as the Mayor, a small plump man came bumbling up to Sir Arthur.
"Arthur! What is this?" he asked happily, as he peered at the legion of elves behind the Auror. He then turned to Queen Lily and Hermione and bowed, as he removed his hat, revealing his balding top. "Your Majesty, and Your Highness. What an honor it is to have you here." Queen Lily smiled as she nodded.
"Thank you, Alexander." said the Queen softly. "I am aware that the attack that has left my husband bed-ridden has also left our city in disrepair. I have come to aid you in your endeavors to repair this city." The man, by the name of Alexander, bowed and thanked the Queen repeatedly. Lily smiled and nodded once more. Then she turned to Arthur, nodded, and motioned with her hands to call the legion of elves up. After discussing the damages with Mayor Alexander Matthews, Queen Lily then turned to the elves and assigned them areas in which they were to help. They nodded in obedience and set off to aid the city of their King, Sirius, and their Princess Serenity as best as they could.
xxx
It had been a few hours since the legion had first set out to help the city before the Castle of Gryffindor, and already the city was looking to be in great shape. The elves were very skilled in their work, as well as swift, and they worked with ardor, not once complaining about the cold.
Hermione, Serenity, and Ginny had found themselves nestled contentedly within the walls of an orphanage while Queen Lily and Lady Sapphire attended the hospital.
Hermione had been the one to suggest the orphanage, as she could only imagine the state in which they could be in. Frightened children, who lacked the parental support most children had, and it hurt her to think of them. She felt an immense desire to help them in any way she could, and immediately set off for them.
She was glad she had decided this, for she was having a great time with the children. There were children of all ages, and teens, that occupied the halls of Godric's Golden Orphanage in the center of the city. She was pleased to see that they were well taken care of, that the orphanage truly cared for the lives within it's walls. Hermione was currently seated within one of the common rooms as the children gathered around her near the fire as she told of stories and answered many of their inquisitive questions. Serenity was also in a similar position, as the children found the race of the Elves quite fascinating!
Serenity sat there, with Ginny beside her, demonstrating different forms of wandless magic, and attempted to teach a few of the children before her how to tie their shoes sans magic... as they used their hands. The children found it quite amazing that the elven Princess could tie shoes without magic. To the youngsters, it was magical and amazing, that she didn't need a wand. Serenity just smiled. She loved children, finding their innocence and genuine curiosity and simplicity refreshing and adoring.
Hermione smiled at the wave of hands that shot up immediately after she answered one question. She pondered on who to pick, and finally opted on pointing to a little girl, with blue eyes and her golden strands woven into a tight but messy braid.
"Yes?" asked Hermione.
"Are you in love with Prince Harry?" she asked innocently. Hermione was taken aback by the blunt question as a blush crept across her features. She could see Serenity smirking and Ginny laughed slightly as they heard the question. Hermione smiled, prepared to answer truthfully. She went to answer when another voice spoke out before her.
"I should hope so." came the voice from the doorway. Hermione turned her attention to her interrupter and smiled. Harry. Immediately she stood up and went to him.
Harry had a lopsided grin on his face as his wife embraced him. The little girls in the room 'aww'ed and the boys rolled their eyes. Serenity shook her head as she continued with her lore of Elven legends.
Hermione smiled up at him.
"Yes, I am," she started, "at times." she replied teasingly. Harry gawked at her playfully as the kids laughed. He tightened his hold on her and winked at her as she giggled. "But, what are you doing here?"
Just then, Ron, the twins and Li appeared behind Harry as they entered the common room. The five men's sleeves were rolled up, and they seemed dressed to work as they entered with boxes in their arms. Serenity quirked an eyebrow as she stood to help them. Li only shook his head as he set the boxes down easily. Behind them, about 10 other elves walked in as well, hands full of boxes.
"We're here to help." said Harry. He motioned to the boxes and the elves opened them up revealing clothes, books, toys and other objects meant for the children of the orphanage. The kids all gasped and squealed as they gathered around the many boxes.
"Wow," replied Hermione, as she noticed the boxes seemed small enough, but when opened up, they were at least five times bigger than they seemed on the outside. Harry then leaned down and kissed her temple before pulling her near the horde of anxious children.
One by one the gifts and clothes were passed out and finally, after every box was found empty, Harry and the other men in the room stood up. He told the orphanage supervisor that they were going to see to other problems around the town. He then proceeded to tell them to write up a list of problems with the orphanage building or anything of the sort and to send it immediately to the Castle, and he would have people out to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Hermione couldn't help but stand in pride as she watched her husband speak to the supervisors, a dead seriousness and want to help floating throughout his" eyes. She smiled as she watched him pull the supervisor into another room to discuss other matters in private as well.
An hour or so later, after Harry and the others left to attend the City Hall, Hermione suggested that they and the children all go out and play in the snow before supper. The children didn't need telling twice as they hurriedly bundled up and headed for the snow-packed play area outside. Once again, Hermione pulled on her winter cloak along with Serenity and Ginny as they, too, headed for the playground.
"Serenity," started Hermione as she looked over the fenced playground to where Harry stood at City Hall's grand steps. He was in a deep discussion with the plump Mayor, his mother by his side, along with Sir Arthur, Sirius, Remus, and Kingsley Shacklebolt - Captain of the Auror Investigations Department. Hermione guessed he was discussing security issues, and watched as Harry rubbed at his chest absent-mindedly as he continued on. Hermione felt a sickening thud resonate within her abdomen as she remembered that Harry was head of the dispatching band of Aurors.
She feared for him, and as she thought of his duties, she also thought of his wounds that weren't completely healed. 'What if he re-opens the wound?' she kept thinking. Serenity noticed her friend in deep thought, and deeply troubled, as she turned her attention from a pair of boys playing snowball fight with Ginny to her distressed friend.
"Yes? Hermione? What's wrong?" Hermione sighed audibly as she replaced her worried expression with a soft smile.
"I need to ask you of a favor, please." she told her elven companion. Serenity looked at her.
"Of course, anything Hermione." she told her earnestly. Hermione inhaled and stopped walking, turning to the curious Princess beside her.
"Could you teach me the Art of Healing?"
XXX
Teach her the art of healing? Hmm.. what is Serenity going to say?
And no... Serenity didnt sleep with Li!
Thanx again all!
SM131