Unofficial Portkey Archive

17

"More meetings?" Molly asked. Arthur nodded and yawned at the same time. "Anything you can tell me?"

"Not much. I tried to catch up with Kingsley but the Minister has kept him busy. Alastor popped in earlier. He's been assigned to the school for protection duties."

"Not as a teacher?"

"No. He will be roaming the halls and corridors looking to head off any trouble. Alastor will head a team of about six or seven Aurors that will be on site at all times."

"Good!" Molly said. "Rufus should have gotten the job years ago. Imagine if Fudge was still there?"

Arthur gave her a look indicating his displeasure at the suggestion. "If Fudge had still been there, Ron and Ginny wouldn't be returning," he said firmly.

"And Gabrielle," Molly reminded him.

Arthur nodded. "And Gabrielle. How could we have suggested to Fleur to transfer her sister unless we were sure the Ministry was doing everything within its power?"

Molly thought of the young girl that was asleep right now in Ginny's room. Or at any rate they were supposed to be asleep; more likely they were gossiping and giggling.

"They are still due the back day after tomorrow?" Molly asked.

Arthur nodded. "Bill hasn't sent word indicating he'll be late. It will be good to see them again. Minerva popped in during the day."

"How is she?" Molly asked.

"Tired! She has a hell of a job ahead of her. She was telling me she still has two teachers to replace: DADA and Potions."

"What about Transfiguration?"

Arthur laughed. "She plans to continue teaching the class herself. She's asked the Ministry to appoint a Deputy Head to assist because she still wants to teach. Percy told me that Kingsley told him the Minister is delighted at the news she will still be teaching."

"Percy?" Molly asked.

"He was removing the last of his things from his office. He's moved into an empty office on the third floor and the Minister hasn't yet decided what, if anything, he'll be doing."

Molly paused, remembering the last time she had spoken with Percy and how badly it went.

"How does he look?" A Weasley is always a Weasley, she thought, regardless of what they did.

"About as you expect. You know he expected me to taunt him by saying `I told you so!'?"

Molly laughed. "He doesn't know you at all then."

Arthur chuckled as well. "When was the last time I said `I told you so'? To anyone?"

"I'll let you know the minute you do."

Molly came and sat next to her husband on the lounge. He yawned again and held her hand.

"So, DADA and Potions. Slughorn isn't staying on?"

"No, Minerva said she couldn't convince him to stay. He's terrified he'll be marked by the Death Eaters and plans to drop out of sight. Mind you he tried that before and Dumbledore found him. Hogwarts was the best place for him."

"What about DADA?"

Arthur smiled. "There's nothing I can tell you about that. I don't know. But Minerva has something up her sleeve."

"How do you know?"

"McGonagall had a twinkle in her eye as she was telling me. I think she plans to split the course between two or more teachers."

"Hmmm," Molly said thinking about that. "Anyone we know?"

"No one is giving anything away. We'll just have to wait for the announcement."

"When is that?"

"The Prophet had something in it today about publishing an announcement at the end of the week," Arthur said.

"I read that. Ron and Ginny were talking about Remus earlier. They said he was the best DADA they had."

"I don't know the Ministry is game enough to go that far," Arthur said.

"Isn't that a matter for the Board of Governors?" Molly asked.

"Quite right. They still have to fill their two vacancies. Minerva was trying to tell me something about that but was called away."

"Anyone we know?"

Arthur shrugged. "No way of telling. Until the announcements are made we would just be guessing." He yawned again.

"Hungry?" Arthur nodded.

"Come on, dinner then, then bed. You have another early start. Come on and I can tell you all about Ron's date with Luna."

Arthur stopped and looked at his wife who was smiling.

"Date? Ron?"

Molly laughed. "She invited him to dinner and her father took them on a picnic instead."

"How did it go?"

"Terrible. He fell over a number of times, fell in the lake and forgot his name when talking to Luna's father." Molly laughed as she remembered the state Ron was in when he got home, and Arthur joined her.

"Sounds like he was nervous, that's all."

Molly nodded. "Remember the first time you met my parents?"

Arthur grimaced at the memory. "I didn't forget my name though."

"No, you just sat there smiling, saying nothing the whole time."

Arthur laughed again. "They must have thought there was something wrong with me."

"It didn't matter in the end, did it?"

"So how's Ron?" Arthur asked.

"Physically, fine. Emotionally, embarrassed."

"So we aren't planning a wedding any time soon?" Arthur asked.

"No. Though Ginny tells me Luna is quite keen. No, the only wedding we have coming up is Tonks and Remus." Molly smiled at the thought of the match.

Arthur smiled. "I know, Tonks told me days ago."

"You knew and didn't tell me? Arthur Weasley, I - - ."

"She made me promise not to say anything. My hands were tied."

"Hmmmph!" Molly said.

"Anyway, you know now."

She did. She smiled again.

***

Harry moved again; he still couldn't sleep.

"Close your eyes and relax. You're trying too hard is all," Hermione suggested with a yawn.

"You should be asleep," he told her. "If I'm keeping you awake I can go to another room. Merlin knows there are enough of them."

"No, Harry. I promised Mum I'd keep an eye on. She's worried about you as well, you know?"

"I know." Harry sighed. The peace and fun he found while staying at Hermione's place had seemingly evaporated since he'd been forced to see Riddle. He lay there, not sleeping but feeling tired.

"Do you want to talk?" she asked.

"You're tired. You sleep." Harry started as if to rise but Hermione's hand stayed him.

"What's wrong?"

Harry itched, once again wishing he wasn't wearing his pyjamas.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"I hate these. They're stiff and they itch. I only have a few last things of Dudley's."

Hermione sat up. "You mean I've been sleeping next to Dudley's second hand pyjamas? Harry, how could you?" she asked with mock indignation.

Harry grinned. He might be worried, but he hadn't lost that grin. Hermione saw the grin and gave him the loveliest look in response.

"What?" he asked.

"Your grin, don't ever lose it okay?"

"Deal!" Harry agreed.

"But the pyjamas, lose them!" Hermione continued.

Harry blushed; even in the moonlight Hermione could see that.

"All my Muggle clothes are still at your place," he said with a smile.

Hermione looked Harry up and down, and her eyes rested upon his lap. "Boxers or briefs?" she asked.

"Huh?"

"Do you wear boxers or briefs?" she asked again, smiling.

"Briefs, no, boxers," Harry replied.

"You don't know?" Hermione laughed.

"Boxers, definitely boxers. I just wasn't expecting the subject of my underwear to come up."

"Well, just wear boxers then. You know many guys do that."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, Seamus does. Even in winter."

"Well?" Hermione gave him a smile again.

Harry shrugged and rose from the bed. He had removed his top and threw it away, to Hermione's laugh.

"Don't worry," he told her. "I'll go to the bathroom to change the rest."

"I wasn't worried. In fact - - ."

"In fact what?" he asked.

Hermione said nothing but laughed. Harry had by now found a pair of boxers and grabbed a tee-shirt. He walked into the en-suite and from around the corner his pyjama pants came flying through the air and rested on the floor.

"I was hoping to see your personal charm again," Hermione said with a giggle.

"Get your own," he called out from the en-suite.

"If I did, I'd let YOU see it."

Harry's head poked around the corner and looked at her and she laughed again. He walked back into the bedroom with boxers and tee shirt and jumped back into bed.

"That's better already," he said.

Hermione rested her hand on his shirt. "I thought you said all your Muggle clothes were at my place?"

He nodded. "They are." Harry sat up. "Accio wand," he said and his wand, resting on the desk flew to his hand. "Lumos!" he cried and the tip began to glow.

Hermione looked at his shirt and saw that while it looked like an ordinary tee-shirt, it had a charm built into it. In the centre of the chest the slogan `Seekers do it better' flashed. Hermione laughed when she saw it.

"And the boxers?" she asked.

He drew down the bed sheets and relit the tip of his wand.

"Lumos!"

She saw the red boxer shorts had golden snitches flying all about, just like the one on his bum. Hermione laughed again. "Boys!" she said.

Harry lay down again, but knew he wouldn't sleep. "You were going to say something before," he said.

Hermione giggled. "Well, it's not like I haven't been in the same room as you while you had no clothes on, Harry."

He remembered back to the shower when she had taken the towels as well as his clothes.

"I remember," he said. "I just wasn't expecting that."

"And," she continued, "I seem to remember the reverse is true. Only you took the bath mat as well."

"But I left your wand," he protested.

"But I was still in the shower at the time."

Harry laughed and rolled toward her, allowing her to fall into his arms. "I didn't see anything, if that's what you are worried about," he said.

"I know, Harry. I know you wouldn't have taken your eyes off the floor. I also knew you were there. I saw the door open."

"So?" Harry asked after a while.

"So what?" she was smiling now and kissed his cheek.

"You haven't said you didn't see anything either."

Hermione laughed and Harry blushed again.

"Hey! That's not fair!"

Hermione kissed Harry on the lips and his mock rage faded immediately.

"You know, Harry," Hermione said, "that was the first time I remember seeing you use your wand just now. In fact, I can't remember you using it since before Dumbledore died."

"It has nothing to do with Dumbledore," Harry said, answering the unasked question.

Hermione paused, snuggling into him. "Who has it to do with then?" she asked.

"How do you know it's a who? It could be a what."

He felt Hermione shake her head against him. "It's a who. The question is, it something to do with you, or Riddle, or both?"

"Guess!"

"Why, Harry? Why are you afraid to use it against him?"

Harry started and felt Hermione shift. She was looking at him now; he knew she had him cornered again. Laughing, he said "You make it hard to keep anything from you."

"That's supposed to be the idea. So?"

Harry held the wand at the level of his eyes. He was still lying in bed and Hermione was cuddled up against his chest. She watched the wand too, wondering what it was that had Harry worked up.

"Did you see him and me in the Pensieve, after the Triwizard?"

"Yes."

"And?" Harry asked.

"And what? You held him at bay and got away."

Harry shook his head. "The spirit of my parents held him. I managed to get Cedric and Portkey back by the skin of my teeth."

"And alert everyone Riddle was back," Hermione reminded him.

"That didn't mean anything!" Harry told her. "Dumbledore was the only one that believed me then anyway."

Hermione sat up and Harry looked at her. "I believed you! So did Ron and everybody in the D.A. Your friends have never doubted you!"

Harry smiled and sat up. He hugged her, more for his benefit than hers. "I know, `Mione. I know my friends have always been with me."

"So what is it then?"

Harry sighed. Weeks ago when this revelation first came to him he silently hoped he could at least keep it to himself. Then when Riddle confirmed it in his cave or wherever he was holed up, Harry knew he couldn't. That was only a few days ago.

"My wand only had enough power to hold him, nothing more."

"Harry, firstly, your wand did enough to keep you alive that day. Secondly, your wand is only the conduit through which your magic flows. It - - ."

"The what?" Harry asked. He had never heard the word before.

Hermione smiled and fell into her apprentice teacher mode. "Conduit. It means a channel through which something flows. In this case, magic."

Harry smiled. "So if you watched what happened closely, you will have seen my wand can't defeat his. I can't stop him, and I certainly can't kill him. The best I can do, the VERY best, is to hold him."

Hermione still held him, considering his words.

"Even if I do manage to hold him," he continued, "that doesn't save anyone. Voldemort will kill everyone close to me. All my friends, you, ---."

"Harry, you've stopped him before. Defeated him a number of times - - ."

"Ron keeps saying I've been lucky, like it's a good thing. If it has just been luck then when does it run out?"

"It hasn't been luck, Harry. Well, maybe a little of it was. But the important parts weren't. They were you, and bravery, and your magic."

Harry wasn't entirely convinced. "Are you just saying that to make me feel better?"

Hermione forced him to lie down again, still holding him. She was in his arms, where she most loved being. "I am saying it to make you feel better, but also because it's true. It wasn't luck that kept you out of the reach of the dragon."

"No, that was my broom."

"The broom alone wouldn't have done it. You used the broom, just like you use your magic. So you held Riddle at bay then. You're probably stronger now."

"So is he. He was playing with my mind, toying with me the whole time."

Hermione nodded, although she couldn't see that she could sense it.

"Playing with me like a toy or something." Harry paused for a long while, considering what he had said.

"You can beat him," she said simply. "You WILL beat him."

"Yeah," Harry replied, with no conviction in his voice. "Thanks, Ron."

Hermione sat up, and Harry knew he was in trouble. She gave him a curious look and Harry laughed.

"You'd rather be lying here with Ron?" she asked. She wasn't really mad, just pretending to be.

Harry smiled and kissed her, and Hermione let him. She kissed back and now the two were lying down again. They kissed for a very long time, Harry's tongue exploring and finding her own. Hermione was losing herself to the moment and wondered what would happen. She kissed him as deeply as he did her, holding him as tight as she could. She felt parts of her body begin to become warm.

Harry broke the kiss and gasped. "Looks like I've found the perfect way to get you to stop talking," he said quickly before kissing her again.

After they broke again minutes later, Hermione giggled. "It keeps you quiet too, Harry."

***

Kingsley looked out into the home of Arthur Weasley from within the green flame of his fireplace. "Morning, Molly," he said.

"Oh!" Molly replied, startled. "Kingsley! You surprised me, I wasn't expecting anyone."

"My apologies, Molly," he said with a smile. "Is Arthur about?"

"He's getting ready," she replied. She looked at the clock and saw Arthur wasn't late, that could only mean - - "Is something wrong? Something at the Ministry? I can - - ."

"MOLLY!" Kingsley said and smiled. "Everything is fine. Better than fine, it's fantastic."

"What is?" she asked, her curiosity now peaked.

"I can't say."

"Do you want me to get Arthur?" Molly asked.

Kingsley shook his head, still smiling. "No need, Molly. Just make sure he looks nice before he leaves."

"Nice?"

"Nice, smart, neat and tidy. Tell him to wear his best cloak and to make sure his shoes are clean."

"Why? What's going on?"

"I'm not at liberty to say. Just remind him how much the Minister hates being photographed with people who don't look their best. Especially when important announcements are being made."

"Import - - Kingsley Shacklebolt, tell me this instant what this is about!"

Kingsley laughed. "I can't, Molly. Besides Arthur will want to tell you himself first chance he gets. Have you heard from Bill and Fleur?" he asked, changing the subject.

"No, they're back tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon."

"Good," Kingsley said. "I hope they had a great time. Well I can't stay any longer, must fly."

Kingsley's head disappeared and the green flame died away. Molly was thinking upon what Kingsley had said when Arthur walked out from the bedroom.

"Did I hear talking?" he asked.

"Kingsley," she said, giving Arthur's attire a close examination.

"Kingsley?" Arthur replied looking about. "Is everything alright? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. No, no, no, not that tie, and why did you grab that cloak?" Molly asked her husband.

"Why?" Arthur asked looking at his cloak. "What's wrong with it? It's only for work. I - - ."

"Come on," she said dragging him back into the bedroom. "I'm not sending you out looking like that."

***

Hermione woke, and felt he had gone again. Her eyes still closed she let out a slight laugh.

"What?" Harry asked from the other side of the room.

"How do you do that? Wake up without waking me?"

Now it was Harry's turn to laugh "It isn't easy. I have to move very carefully to leave you asleep."

"You could stay, you know. It would be romantic to wake up in your arms, the same way I go to sleep. You're such a boy!" and she laughed again.

Hermione sat up and saw Harry was sitting in the reading chair by the window, watching her. Crookshanks was sitting on his lap and Harry was stroking him. She noticed the cloak he had thrown over his shoulders.

"Cold?" she asked.

"It was earlier."

"How much earlier?"

Harry shrugged. "A few hours."

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern now etched into her expression.

He let out a slightly weary sigh. "I'll be fine I guess."

"Did you get much sleep?"

Harry smiled, remembering how close they were together when they finally drifted off. "I'll be fine," he answered.

"You didn't answer the question!" Hermione said firmly.

He laughed again as he sat Crookshanks down and came to her, sitting on the bed alongside her. "To answer your question I got more sleep than for the whole time I was at the Dursleys."

"But less than for your first day at the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley said I could use her sleeping draught."

Harry laughed "And you would, wouldn't you?" he asked.

Hermione smiled and hugged him. "If had to."

Crookshanks jumped onto the bed and slowly walked between them, into the crook of Hermione's elbow, demanding attention.

Harry spied a golden object half hidden beneath one of the pillows. He picked the locket up and examined it again under the light of day. It was a funny feeling holding a piece of Voldemort's soul within his hands. Hermione looked at Harry's face, trying to see what it was he was thinking. She loved him, she knew, and she wouldn't let him torment himself.

"Do you think he's looking for it?" Harry asked.

"I'm sure of it. There hasn't been a single Death Eater attack since Dumbledore died. It could be he needs that before whatever it is he's planning can work."

Harry thought about that; it made sense, Hermione always made sense.

"Why?"

Now it was Hermione's turn to shrug. "No idea. He may need to have all the Horcruxes together at the same time before he destroys them. And it may be he can't create the new ones until he destroys the old ones."

"How do you know?" Harry asked. Ron had asked him something once, how it was she knew everything.

Hermione shrugged again. "I'm just guessing. I may be wrong. But I doubt I'm wrong when I say he will be looking for that."

Harry nodded. "So what do I do with it? I can't leave it here unattended, and I'm not taking it back to your place."

Hermione smiled. "You can't hold it in your hand forever."

Harry agreed.

"So, you'll just have to give it to me."

Harry looked and saw she was smiling. She turned her back towards him and pulled her hair out of the way. Harry laughed and placed the locket around her slender neck, fastening the clasp.

"At least this way we can keep an eye on it without worrying about dropping it anywhere," she told him. "How does it look?"

"It's a piece of Voldemort's soul. How do you expect it to look?"

Hermione sighed. "You're no fun!" She jumped from the bed and ran to his en-suite to see for herself in the mirror.

"Hey!" she called from the other room. "Harry, you never told me about your bathroom! It's enormous! It's gorgeous."

Harry laughed.

"The shower is big enough to get a whole Quidditch team in at once," she said.

"It's a pity you don't play Quidditch," Harry said absentmindedly. At this, Hermione poked her head around the corner and raised an eyebrow. Was he subconsciously saying he wouldn't object to showering with her?

Harry felt his face redden, and Hermione laughed. "You are adorable, you know?" she said and Harry laughed as well.

She walked back to him and sat with him. "For a piece of a Dark Lord's soul, you wear it well," Harry said hoping to alleviate his nervous remark.

"Thank you," she replied and kissed him. Harry responded and soon their kiss was the only thing on each other's mind.

Harry looked up toward the ceiling. "Do you think they're in? Remus and Tonks, I mean?"

Hermione kissed him again. "I know they're not, Tonks said they were going back to her place. She said something about not wanting to disturb us."

"Disturb? How - -?"

She was kissing him again and laughing at the same time.

"So, we've been all alone together. All night, just you and me."

"And you knew?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded and kissed him again. He broke the kiss reluctantly, because he was afraid of what might happen if he didn't.

"Breakfast," he said. "Your place. Your parents will expect us."

"You're definitely no fun," she sighed, allowing him to move. Harry moved toward his bathroom. "I'll have a shower here," he told her.

Hermione frowned. "But I haven't brought anything with me."

"So," Harry said, poking his head around the corner "You'll have to wait until you get home."

"DEFINITELY no fun!" she called out to him and heard him laugh as the sound of the shower filled the room.

Hermione laughed as she noticed he hadn't shut the door, no doubt from habit. He also hadn't taken any clothes in with him. She remained sitting in bed and stroking Crookshanks.

When Harry came back he had a towel around his waist. He gave Hermione a nervous look. "Forgot to take my clothes," he said.

"I noticed," Hermione laughed. "Nice towel, Harry."

Harry blushed. "Erm, could you - I mean - - ."

"You want me to leave?" she asked with an innocent tone.

"Please," was all Harry could say.

"Why?" She asked innocently again.

"Er, I don't have anything else on!"

Sighing she rose. "Very well, if you insist." She reached up on tip toes and kissed his cheek before turning for the door. As she moved one hand flicked down and grabbed the towel, taking it with her.

Harry now stood in the centre of his bedroom, naked as Hermione left and shut the door behind her. She laughed and wondered what her mother would say. No, this was about where she didn't need to tell her mother everything. She rested the towel on the doorknob outside and made for the kitchen.

***

"Mail is early," Ginny said as she picked up the envelope. "It's from Luna."

"How do you know?" Gabrielle asked.

"Who else would write to Ron? Maybe it's her father telling him not to come back."

"That would be 'orrible," Gabrielle said. "You would laugh, no?"

"No. Ron's a prat, but I wouldn't want to see him hurt. Worse than hurt, he'd be crushed!"

Ginny's mother walked in and kissed both girls. "Morning. He's still in bed?" Ginny nodded.

"What have you got there?"

Ginny tried to hide the letter but Molly had already snatched it.

"Luna!" Molly said simply.

"What if it's from her father, telling Ron not to come back?"

"Why?" Molly asked.

"Mum, he fell in the lake"

Molly laughed, "I know, honey. He was nervous, that's all. Just like your father was nervous the first time he met my parents. It's more likely to be a letter saying she had a nice time. And it was good of you not to tease him about the lake last night."

"Mum, you saw the look on his face! If I had said anything it would have made him feel worse."

"What would make me feel worse?" Ron asked, walking in and sitting on the other side of the table. "Morning, Gabby. Morning, Mum."

The girls looked at him. "You look fine this morning," his mother said.

"I slept pretty well. Who got the letter?" he asked seeing the envelope.

"Er, you," Ginny said and Molly handed it over. Ron went white as he immediately realised who it was from.

"What if it - - ?"

"Open it!" Ginny said.

"But - if ?"

"Open it!" his mother said.

Ron just sat there holding it and Gabrielle snatched it. She handed it to Ginny who tore the top of the envelope off before handing it to Molly, who then removed the parchment within and handed it to Ron. The whole motion from the unopened letter to the parchment he was now holding in his hand took less than five seconds.

Ron read the note and Ginny watched as his expression changed. A slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips and then he laughed. He continued reading as the smile intensified. At the end he threw the note in the air and positively beamed.

"Mr. Lovegood said I can come back anytime, and Luna says he sometimes gets tickets for Quidditch matches."

Ginny smiled to see her worst fears weren't realised and caught the letter before it hit the table.

"Go ahead, I don't care." Ron was up and bounding down the hall.

"Breakfast?" Molly called out.

"Later!" Ron replied from his room. The girls looked at each other and laughed, then as one read the letter Ginny was holding.

***

Dan walked into the kitchen and laughed. "Harry," he said, "what are you wearing?"

Harry smiled, knowing what it was that was so funny. "The last of Dudley's hand-me-downs. I showered at home but didn't have anything else to change into. I left all my stuff here."

Dan laughed again and patted him on the shoulder as Hermione walked into the kitchen.

"Hermione, you let him go out like this?" Dan asked then kissed his daughter.

"It was this or a towel," Harry said.

"And I had the towel," Hermione said, laughing. Emma walked in and smiled. She kissed Hermione and looked at Harry, laughing.

"I know," Harry said. "I just wanted you to see the old Harry before I threw the last of his old clothes away.

"You look like an unmade bed," Emma said. "How did you sleep?"

"Terrible," Hermione answered, "for Harry. I was okay."

"Harry?" Dan asked; Harry shrugged.

Emma gave him a look telling him she was willing to listen, but then her attention was taken by something else. "This is new," she said, looking at the locket Hermione wore. "Nice, Harry!"

"How did the packing go?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Just about done," Dan replied. "I have to go into work later this morning to finish some things and we'll leave tomorrow morning. But first, breakfast."

Emma walked over to the cupboard in the kitchen and removed a large pot.

"Do you want us to come with you to see you off?" Hermione asked.

"That would be lovely dear, but how would you get back?" Emma asked. Hermione made a motion with her hand that was meant to look like a wand.

"You wouldn't get in trouble?" Dan asked.

Hermione shrugged. "We're both of age in the wizarding world. As long as no one sees us, we'll be fine."

"My Invisibility Cloak," Harry said. "Though we'd have to be close together."

"Very close," Hermione agreed and giggled.

Dan looked at them both and laughed along. "Harry, I can't believe you three once fit under that thing. You've grown since."

Harry nodded. "Last time Ron and I were under it, we had to walk stooped. He's taller than me."

"So what's for breakfast?" Hermione asked

"Porridge!" Emma replied. Hermione looked out the window and saw it was raining: perfect for a Porridge morning. She looked at Harry and saw his expression.

"I only had that once and it was terrible. Aunt Petunia made it and it was all lumpy and sticky."

"You'll love Mums'," she assured him. "Wait until you taste it."

"So, Harry," Dan started, "I guess you'll both be staying at your place from now?"

Hermione nodded.

"Do you need a hand getting all your things?"

Harry frowned. "Why, are you trying to get rid of me?"

Emma laughed. "No, Harry. I think Dan is saying something about how you look."

"Okay, okay, I'll get changed!" He rose and left the kitchen to the sound of Hermione's laughter.

He had been gone for a few minutes when he called out. "Hermione, can I see you for a moment?"

Dan put the newspaper he was reading down. "What's that about?" Hermione shrugged but left.

Emma smiled from the stove, "They are adorable."

Harry walked into the kitchen. "I have a going away present for you," he said.

Dan looked at him, Harry was holding a mirror. "What is it?"

Harry handed him the mirror and Dan looked at it, seeing his own reflection. Emma had walked over and was also watching.

"Call out Hermione's name," Harry instructed.

"Hermione?" Dan said and instantly his reflection was replaced with Hermione's smiling face.

"Hi, Dad!" Hermione said. "Is breakfast ready yet?"

"Harry!" Emma said, "How?"

"Sirius gave them to me. You just call the name of the person with the other mirror and if they have the mirror with them you can talk to each other. I had to repair one of them."

"Hermione," Dan said. "Can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear, Dad," Hermione said. "You just said I could take the car anytime I like."

Dan laughed and Hermione walked into the kitchen holding an identical mirror.

"Neat, eh?" she said.

"Take that mirror with you and Hermione will have the other," Harry said. "It's not as good as being with each other but it's the next best thing."

"You won't get in trouble from the Ministry?" Dan asked.

Harry shrugged. "I can't see how. The Minister himself delivers my mail. Just don't let anyone else see it."

"Thank you Harry," Emma said hugging him.

"Thanks, Harry, but we'll just borrow them," Hermione said.

"Nothing doing! Keep them, both of them. Your parents can use it when you're back at school. Who else do I need to use them for, Hermione? I have you."

Hermione hugged him and kissed him

"I just wish - - ," Harry began.

"Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I wish I had remembered about the mirrors before I dragged everyone down to the Ministry," he finished.

"Harry, you didn't know. You thought Sirius was being tortured." Harry shrugged.

"Harry, stop it!" Hermione said softly.

"She's right, Harry," Dan agreed. "Don't torture yourself. From what I saw, the D.A. did enough to hold them until Dumbledore and the others got there."

"Hermione was hit - - " Harry started.

"And is still here. We don't blame you, so stop blaming yourself," Emma said.

Dan stood and placed an arm on Harry's shoulder. "Twenty minutes?" he asked Emma about breakfast.

"About that," she replied.

"Good. Come on, Harry."

Dan led him out the kitchen and up the stairs. Closing the door of his office, Dan walked to his bookcase.

"What do you know about cricket?" Dan asked.

"Cricket? A little. Uncle Vernon watched it. He used to park his butt on the sofa and watch all five days of a test match when he got a chance."

"Hmm," Dan said. "So you understand the game?"

"Mostly. I never played though. At school, it's just Quidditch."

"What about before Hogwarts?"

"I just watched."

"Bristol University, 1975," Dan said with a smile. "I made the first eleven."

"You?" Harry asked. He assumed Dan was going to talk about Napoleon again.

"Me. I was a sometime medium pace bowler and a tail ender batsman. I was never anything to sing about but I worked hard to make the team. God knows how with all the study I had."

"Did you know Emma then?" Harry asked. He had settled into one of the chairs facing Dan's desk and was already enjoying the story.

"I knew her but we weren't going out. She told me later she hadn't the foggiest idea who I was back then. Anyway, last game of the year, the final, and we were playing Leeds. We needed one wicket to win and they needed seven runs."

Harry was smiling, and imagining the scene in his mind. "You were bowling?"

Dan shook his head. "No, captain gave me five overs early on and I was hit all around the park. I went none for plenty. So Leeds had their best batsmen and worst batsmen in and we needed just the one wicket. I was fielding at silly mid on."

"Where's that?" Harry asked.

"Stand up." Harry stood. "Pretend you are batting." Harry made as if to bat, clumsily though he had the idea, and Dan moved around to indicate where he was fielding, just a few meters from the bat.

"How close?" Harry asked.

"This close."

Harry grinned. "You must have been fearless." Dan laughed.

"Smithy, our captain was Peter Smith, had me fielding this close in the hope it would either put their batsman off or I might fluke a run-out."

"What happened?"

"Their best batsman hit a hot drive right at me, really hot! I moved by reflex to get my body out of the way." Dan moved as he remembered he had all those years back. "The thing is, I had my hands in a catching position and they stayed there. I held the catch and we won."

Harry grinned again. "Howzat!" Harry said and Dan laughed.

Dan's hand took something and Harry immediately saw what was coming. Dan tossed a cricket ball in the general direction of Harry and Harry caught it one handed, without taking his eyes off Dan.

"Not bad, Harry. Anyway that is the ball."

Harry looked at it and saw the inscription in marker pen. `Bristol XI - 1975 - All U Championship'

"Go you!" Harry said grinning.

"The question is," Dan continued, "how much of that catch was luck and how much skill?"

"Ten percent luck," Harry grinned. Dan shook his head. "Fifty percent?"

Dan shook his head. "I really couldn't tell you. Just telling the story like that, it would feel like it was all luck. The thing I haven't mentioned is that Smithy, he was captain coach by the way, trained us in the field for hours. He would make us stand in position while he hit hot chances at us in practice, for hours and hours and hours. I had bruises all over me that day from the balls I didn't catch that hit me. But the one that mattered, I held and we won."

Harry paused considering his words.

"So when it comes to you, Harry, how much of what you've done is luck and how much practice and skill?"

Harry shrugged. "Depends who you ask, Ron thinks a lot of it is luck - - ."

"I'm sure he doesn't. Hermione tells me how hard you train at Quidditch and in the D.A. classes you held."

"Maybe it's all luck, I don't know."

"I don't believe that, Harry, and you neither do you. But when you're good at something because you've trained hard at it, a lot of what you do looks easy. To someone who doesn't know better it looks like blind luck. Do you know what I remember from the Pensieve?"

"The troll?" Harry asked.

"Not that, the Basilisk. With the troll you just jumped on its back because you didn't know what else to do. With the Basilisk, you killed it with the sword. You'd probably never held a sword in your life before then, had you?" Harry shook his head.

"So what I saw was a young boy, fighting for his life, with a sword that was nearly as big as he was. Just fighting with everything he had. You may say you were fortunate, or it was lucky that Fawkes had blinded it first.

"The fact remains though you fought it and you beat it. I'm not saying anything you come against from now on will be easy, but I am saying you are too hard on yourself. If it had been Ron fighting that day and you watched, you would have told him he was brilliant. You wouldn't have let him put it down to luck. And if it was Hermione's or Ron's godfather you were fighting to save in the Ministry and you were hurt, you wouldn't blame either of them."

Harry couldn't argue with that logic, and he began to feel better.

"So stop being so hard on yourself. Someone once told me that we are each our sternest critic. You are better than you know, Harry. Hermione told me none of your D.A. could have gotten as good as they are without your help. Every single one of them would say to you the same thing I am saying now. Prepare, be as ready as you can, and when and if the time comes, fight with everything you have. Hold nothing back."

Harry threw the cricket ball back to Dan who wasn't expecting it, though he caught it in two hands, and he placed it back where it had sat.

"Now the other thing you need to know," Dan moved towards the door, indicating Harry was to join him, "is that when Emma puts the porridge in front of you, don't stir it."

Harry laughed at the sudden change of subject. "Why?"

"Because if you do that you'll miss the best part. Grab a big spoon of sugar and set it in the centre and watch as it slowly dissolves into the porridge."

"Are you supposed to be telling me that? You're a dentist. Isn't sugar supposed to be bad for your teeth?"

"It is, but the reason you need to be careful of sugar is so you can over indulge at special times like this. Emma only makes it a few times of the year. A BIG spoon, and watch it dissolve. You won't be sorry."

They walked back into the kitchen, both boys laughing and Hermione smiled to see the change in Harry's mood as they walked back into the kitchen. She was immediately distracted by the sound of the telephone ringing. Dan walked out to the lounge-room to get the phone.

"Feeling better?" Hermione asked Harry.

He nodded. "Tons!"

"Napoleon again?" she asked, knowing Harry and her father had spoken about the Little General more than once.

Harry shook his head. "Nope! Cricket!" Hermione looked at Harry and then at Emma.

"Your dad won the game for his university team," Harry explained and noticed Hermione give her mother another look.

"What?" he asked finally when neither of the Granger women spoke.

"Harry," Emma said while serving the porridge, "if Dan told you about that game, then it's only about the third time he's mentioned it to anyone."

"Why? Wasn't he proud - - ?"

"Immensely," Hermione explained. "But instead of gloating over his performance, he calls it a team victory."

Emma nodded. "I didn't even hear about it from him. Some of his teammates were talking about how brilliant one of the members of the team were and it didn't hit me till later that they were talking about Dan."

"But - ," Harry began.

"They STILL mention it at reunions Harry, but to Dan it was no big deal."

"He won the game," Harry said.

"And the Championship," Hermione added with a smile.

"Hmmm," Harry mused. "If it were me or my dad even, we would be jumping around telling everyone."

Hermione said nothing, and simply smiled.

"He's like you, Hermione, or you like him I mean."

"Why?"

"You work your tail off at school, and are always first to help your friends, but you don't ask for any reward or praise for yourself."

Hermione beamed as Emma laughed.

"Harry, saying something like that to Hermione is music to her ears."

"Music!" Harry cried and ran out of the room.

Dan walked in and narrowly dodged a bullet-like Harry. He looked at Emma and smiled.

"That's Erin on the phone," he said and watched her expression change.

"Not Erin from the cruise company?" Emma asked.

Dan nodded. "It seems they made an error with their bookings and we can't get the room we wanted."

Emma's first reaction was to be disappointed, but Dan was still smiling.

"What?" she asked.

"A Dr. and Mrs. Norgate were already booked into that room. They insisted because it's the same one they had when they were married, exactly ten years ago.

"So?" Emma asked.

"So we've been upgraded," Dan said and now Emma was smiling.

"Upgraded where?" Emma asked.

"Upgraded `A' deck. Here!" Dan handed a brochure to Emma and indicated with his finger.

"That's not a room," Emma squealed. "It's a suite."

"A suite with a spa," he explained. "It's half as big again as what we were going to have. Shall I tell her yes?"

"YES!" Emma and Hermione said as one and Emma went back to the layout of the ship.

Dan turned and again dodged Harry coming into the kitchen. Harry had a sheepish expression on his face and held his hands behind his back.

"I forgot all about these. Which do you want first, the present I bought you more than a week ago or your Hogwarts letter?"

"She has her Hogwarts letter," Emma said.

"Not this one. Kingsley hand delivered it to me so I could give it to Hermione."

It wasn't a difficult choice. "Present!" Hermione said, hands outstretched.

"Harry, you didn't need to buy her another present," Emma said, still happy from Dan's news.

"What's the point of having a girlfriend if you can't spoil her?" he replied with a grin. He placed the box into her hands and Hermione looked at it. It was about the length of a book but only half as wide and it was wrapped in pink and silver paper with a large purple bow.

At hearing the word `girlfriend' Hermione gave him a very lovely smile. Even if she hated the present he was still going to get a big kiss after she opened it, she decided.

"Don't ask," he said with a chuckle. "I had it gift wrapped."

She opened it gingerly, and Harry thought if it was him he would have ripped the paper off, with his teeth if need be.

A small wooden box sat before her, a light mahogany colour. Hinges indicated the lid flipped up.

"A music box?" she asked.

"Open it."

Hermione opened it and music filled the room. Harry watched Hermione's eyes and saw them full of tears.

"It's lovely!" was all she could say.

The music continued; it was a piece Harry didn't know, but it was soft and fragile and had a pleasant melody.

Harry looked to Emma and saw she was equally affected. "Did you tell him?" Emma asked Hermione. She shook her head, unable to speak.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"It's a piece by Beethoven, called Fur Elise. It is her absolute favourite," Emma explained.

Hermione couldn't take her eyes off it. It had a small mirror and compartments for jewellery. So for all intents and purposes it WAS a music box.

"How did you - - ?" was all she could say.

"The music is from you. It's called a Heart-Strings Music Player. I saw it when I went shopping with Tonks. It's designed to play music based on the mood of whoever owns it."

Dan walked back in and sat down. "More presents?" he asked, looking at the box.

Hermione nodded, her eyes still filled with tears.

"Nice choice with the selection of music," he said and Hermione laughed.

"So if it plays music depending on how the owner feels," Emma started and moved close to Hermione to whisper the rest, "it must be love!"

Hermione nodded again and rose. She walked to Harry and kissed him. Eventually she had calmed herself to thank Harry and retook her seat as breakfast was served.

He handed her the letter and Hermione looked at the envelope. It was addressed to Hermione personally and had the sender on the back as `Minerva McGonagall - Headmistress Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry'

Hermione opened it and her smile disappeared, to be replaced by a shriek. She dropped the letter, not believing the information within.

"What?" Dan asked slightly alarmed. He reached for the letter but Emma beat him. They read it together and Harry shuffled around to see. By the time he got to the other side of the table he was amazed to see the different expressions on Hermione's parent's faces: Dan was smiling while Emma was more reserved.

"This is an honour!" Dan said but Emma was shaking her head.

"I'm not so sure," Emma replied.

"I can't do it!" Hermione said loudly and stood. She started pacing like Harry always did and now Harry was staring to worry.

"McGonagall wouldn't have - - " Dan started to say but Emma interrupted him.

"I don't know if she can do it, Dan," Emma said. "She's stressed enough at exam times. This might be too much."

Harry had by now read the letter Emma was still holding, and he smiled.

"Hey!" Harry said. "So YOU'RE our new DADA teacher. For first years anyway."

"I can't!" Hermione said and was crying now. Emma held her and Dan re-read the letter to make sure he hadn't missed anything.

"It's too much!" Hermione said. "Mum's right!"

"Hermione," Harry said softly. "Your dad's right. McGonagall wouldn't have asked you if she didn't think you could handle it. Who else but you would she give a Time Turner to? Who else but you would she allow to have practically the entire Restricted Section of Hogwarts library on hand? You can do it."

Hermione considered Harry's words and although they had helped to settle her, she was still afraid.

"Professor?" Harry said with a smile and Hermione burst into tears again.

"Hermione, `Mione. It's only for first years, and I'll help you."

"You will?" she asked through tears.

"Of course. I can spend as much time helping as you like. It's not like I'm playing Quidditch. Besides you did a great job with the D.A. and none of them were first years. We did practically nothing our first year."

"You ran the D.A." she told him.

"You organised it. I'll help every step of the way, `Mione."

She had stopped crying now and was considering his words.

"Let me do a you, `Mione. You don't have to make any decisions now, just think about it."

At this Hermione laughed and hugged Harry.

"Thank you," she said and held him for longer.

After a few minutes they resumed their seats and Emma nodded to Harry, indicated he had said the right thing. She spooned the creamy porridge into their bowls and Harry filled his spoon with as much sugar as he could. He sat it in the centre of the bowl and moved his head closer to watch it slowly dissolve.

Emma laughed and looked at Dan. "You told him!"

***

CRACK!

Hermione and Harry Apparated into the back garden of the Weasley home at the Burrow. Harry looked around and saw Ron and Ginny in the middle of Quidditch practice. Ginny heard the noise and flew across to the new arrivals, landing at their feet.

"Hey!" Ginny said.

"Hey!" Harry replied. Hermione still hadn't resumed her normal composure but she smiled and nodded. Ginny, sensing something was wrong looked at Harry.

"What did you do?" Ginny asked him accusingly.

"Not Harry," Hermione said weakly.

"What then?"

Hermione couldn't reply so Ginny led her inside. Harry watched as Ron continued to fly around the makeshift Quidditch goal.

"Harry, get your arse up here," Ron yelled. "I need the practice!"

Harry laughed and took Ginny's broom.

"Are you okay?" Ginny asked and Hermione nodded. "What's wrong?"

Hermione handed her the letter and she read it silently. She looked to Hermione who was still upset.

"What do your parents say?"

"Dad says it's an honour and Mum says it will be too much for me to handle."

"What does Harry say?" Ginny asked

"He says McGonagall must think I can do it and he'll help."

"So that's two for and one against. No, make that three for and one against." Ginny was smiling and Hermione let out a laugh.

"She gave you a Time Turner, remember?" Ginny said and Hermione laughed again.

"Harry already reminded me. What if I can't do it?"

Ginny shrugged. "Then she gets someone else. Try it anyway. You might like it. Besides... you may get to make out with a student!" Ginny laughed and Hermione joined along.

"Ginny, trust YOU!" Hermione said, her dark mood now lifted. "I already have a boyfriend."

"I know, but there may be some snoggable new students."

"First years!" Hermione reminded her.

"Well if not for you, for me. Maybe you can put some in detention with me."

Hermione laughed again. "Thanks, Ginny. I'll see what I can do. Maybe it won't be too bad."

"Just make sure you leave the grading of the exams to Harry."

"Are you kidding? That'll be the best part!" Now Ginny laughed.

The girls walked into the living area where a nervous Mrs. Weasley was pacing back and forward in front of the fireplace.

"Don't mind Mum," Ginny told her. "She's just nervous."

"I never would have guessed, Gin. What's up?"

"Something at the Ministry, some important news. Dad had to go in early and - - ."

"Earlier than he normally starts?" Hermione asked, interrupting.

Ginny nodded. "Kingsley Shacklebolt told Mum to make sure he looked nice before he left."

Hermione considered what Ginny had said. "That doesn't sound too bad. It wouldn't matter what he looked like if he was in trouble, would it?"

"It might be good news. Ron and I think it must be. Dad works hard and he may have got a promotion."

"That would be great news," Hermione said. "Kingsley is personal assistant to the Minister, isn't he?"

Ginny nodded. "You think the Minister sent him?" Hermione shrugged.

Even though the girls had been talking in front of her, Molly only seemed to notice them at this moment. She smiled at them and said "Hello, Harry, how - I mean Hermione," she quickly recovered.

Hermione laughed and even Molly joined in.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. How are you?"

"Fine, Mrs. Weasley. Gin's told me the news. It has to be good news."

"I hope so dear. Where's Harry, is he with you?"

"Out back," Ginny replied giving Hermione a wink "Busting Ron's arse at Quidditch!"

"That's good," Molly replied absentmindedly and she resumed her pacing. Hermione was surprised Ginny wasn't admonished for her choice of words.

"Watch this," Ginny whispered to Hermione. "Mum, is it alright if some friends come over to stay?"

"Of course, dear," Molly said, not really listening.

"Boys?" Ginny further asked, trying not to laugh.

"Okay Ginny," Molly replied.

"They'll have to stay in my room though."

"Whatever, whatever," Molly said. "Can't you find something to do?"

"Mum," Ginny asked, already knowing what answer she would get. "Are you worried about Dad?"

"Not now Ginny, Hermione, I'm worried about your father." The girls laughed and walked towards Ginny's room.

"She gave me permission to kill Ron earlier," Ginny said with a wink.

"Are you going to?" Hermione asked.

"Nah! I felt sorry for him yesterday after his date with Luna. So I figured - - ."

"Date? Luna?"

"Oh," Ginny looked surprised. "I forgot, you don't know. Luna invited Ronniekins to dinner and so they went on a picnic."

"It sounds romantic. Was that Ron's idea?" Hermione wanted to know.

"Luna's Dad."

"Ron went on a picnic with Luna AND her father?"

"Yeah, sounds like a blast, eh?"

Hermione was now smiling at the thought. "How did it go?"

"That depends. Do you mean before or after he fell in the lake?"

Hermione was now laughing again and Ginny went into Ron's room. She came out holding the shirt Ron had been wearing, still covered in mud and Hermione laughed harder.

"What happened?"

"Ron said he was trying to save her from falling in and he fell himself. Serves himself right for trying to be a hero. Anyway Luna wrote him a letter early this morning and he went as white as a sheet. He couldn't even open it, I had to do it for him. She - hang on, let me get it."

Ginny walked back into Ron's room and returned with the letter.

"I can't read it," Hermione told her.

"But you want to," Ginny said.

"Of course - -."

"Go on. We all have, he said it was okay."

Ginny handed the letter to Hermione who read it. When Hermione started laughing Ginny knew she had finished.

"This last part is classic Luna - `Ron, I've told Dad it is all right for him to say I am your girlfriend now.' What's that about?"

"I didn't ask because I was afraid I was going to be ill," Ginny replied.

"Jealous?" Hermione asked.

"Hell yes!" Ginny was ashamed to admit. "You have Harry and now Ron and Luna are an item."

"And you have three invitations already for - ."

"Four, but who's counting?"

"Who's the fourth?" Hermione asked.

"Ritchie Coote."

"So you have four dance invitations already and school hasn't even started. You poor thing!" Hermione said sarcastically. "You'll manage."

"Yep - I probably will."

The girls looked out of the window of Ron's room and watched as Harry swooped toward the goal Ron was defending and tossed the Quaffle. It nearly went in but at the last moment Ron managed to block the shot.

"Good save, Ron!" Hermione said.

"Not really. Ron had to see that was coming."

"Why?" Hermione asked, not understanding the finer points of the game.

Harry is right handed, and he had the Quaffle in his left hand. So Ron had to expect Harry would swap hands before shooting. A good chaser has to either be either ambidextrous like I am or they try to get the keeper out of position before shooting."

Harry flew in again on another run and this time flew past the goal but at the last instant flicked the Quaffle from behind his back, straight at the goal. This time Ron feinted to move one direction but moved the other and managed to catch the Quaffle before the open goal.

"However that WAS impressive," Ginny said. "I'm sure I wouldn't have saved that one. Ron is getting better."

Harry saw they had an audience and flew toward the window in Ron's room, with Ron following.

"Hiya," Harry said, hovering outside the window.

"Ron, that was a pretty good save," Ginny said.

"Pretty good? It was brilliant!" Ron said.

"I didn't expect him to get it," Harry said. "But he blocked my last five shots so I held nothing back on that one. Any team that wants to beat Gryffindor is going to have to catch the Snitch because they aren't going to outscore you."

"Us, you mean!" Ron corrected.

"You! I'm still not playing. The team will need a captain too."

"Harry!" Ron started.

"Forget it, Ron," Harry said before Ron could protest further. Harry flew off and a minute later had walked into Ron's room.

"Did you know Ron was going out with Luna?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, he told me. He said something about falling in the lake?" Harry replied and Ginny held up the muddied shirt again. Harry shook his head and laughed. "What's the news on your dad, Gin?" Harry asked.

"No one knows. We'll have to wait and see."

"Do you want to go to my place? We can all wait there. That is, if it's all right with the S.K."

"S.K.?" Hermione asked.

"Secret Keeper," he said softly and winked.

***

CRACK!

Harry was the last to arrive at Grimmauld Place with Hermione. Ron grinned. "Want to duel?" he asked Harry.

"Not really," Harry replied.

"Go on, Harry," Hermione said. "It will do you good. Just don't hurt him."

"Don't hurt him? Do you know how long it has been since I've duelled with anyone? He'll probably kill me."

"Go on!" she said again and gave him a quick kiss before she walked into the kitchen, Ginny following.

Ron ran up the stairs and the sound of Harry walking reluctantly in the direction of the Room of Requirement could be heard.

"Is Harry all right?" Ginny asked. "He used to love doing that!"

Hermione wasn't sure what to say; she didn't want to betray any of Harry's confidences. "He's getting better. The nightmares aren't so bad, and he said the last one he had he knew all the time it was a dream."

"That's good," Ginny said, meaning it. "If your spending time with him is making him feel better, then I for one am happy to hear it. Besides you two look great together. Are your parents still going on the cruise?"

"They leave tomorrow. Harry and I are going to go and see them off at the airport!"

"Airport?"

Hermione smiled. "They fly to Portugal and they'll catch the cruise ship there. Harry and I have to be up early."

"So... there will be nothing stopping you both from spending every night alone together?" Ginny said with a grin.

"We did that last night. In fact we've been together every night for practically the whole week." Hermione smiled as she remembered.

"Go you, Hermione! By the time your parents get back, you'll have spent so much time together it'll feel like you are married." Hermione giggled at the thought.

Ginny continued, "The next two weeks will either break you apart or you'll be together forever."

"Nothing and no one will break us apart, Ginny!" Hermione said. "I love him too much for that."

"And Harry?"

"Tells me he loves me every day. "

"Forever it is then!" Ginny said and couldn't resist hugging Hermione. "What if while your parents are away you - -?"

"What if we do? We could have done that already. Tons of times," Hermione said.

Ginny looked at her, knowing. "Can you do me a favour, `Mione?" she asked, using Harry's nickname for her.

"If I can."

"When I'm in love, I mean REALLY in love, can you tell me if I have the look that you do now. Because I really hope I do."

"I hope you find someone special, Gin. I hope you find someone you will risk everything for."

"Me too," Ginny agreed. "You know what Harry needs, don't you?"

"Me!" Hermione said, but Ginny's smile indicated that isn't what she meant. "What then?"

"Not what, who. Harry needs the D.A. He was confident and had a purpose when he was running the D.A. Too bad you can't get everyone together," Ginny mused.

Had she been watching Hermione's face, Ginny would have seen her expression change from a look of surprise when she initially heard Ginny's expression, to a smile that indicated the idea wasn't just a good one, but a great one!

"Ginny, I - ."

"I know, Hermione. I was just thinking aloud," Ginny said, still not looking at her friend.

"No, that's a great idea! Why don't we do that? We have room here to get everyone together. We can get Harry to resume the D.A. classes, and we even have the Room of Requirement to do it in! It's a great idea!"

CRACK!

Ginny was alone in the kitchen, Hermione having just disappeared. It took a few seconds for Ginny to realise where Hermione had gone.

CRACK!

And Hermione was back, holding a piece of parchment.

"That's the list?" Ginny asked and saw Hermione was nodding. "I could have given you most of the names from memory. Definitely the boys anyway," she giggled.

Hermione sat down and the two girls read the names.

"So what are you saying, Hermione? You're going to owl them and ask to come here for D.A. lessons?"

Hermione shook her head. "No owls. I'm not risking information getting out of our control."

"Our control? Don't you mean YOUR control?" Ginny asked. "You're the Secret Keeper."

"Only for Grimmauld Place. IF we can get this to work, maybe we will get our Harry back."

"YOUR Harry," Ginny said and Hermione's smile indicated she wasn't arguing.

"Besides, Ginny, this is as much your idea as anyone's."

They read through the names. "So how will this work?" Ginny asked. "Apparate to homes of the people on the list we have already been to?"

Hermione nodded. "And find someone who has stayed with the people whose places we haven't been to."

"And then what?" Ginny asked.

"Ask if they want to come here until school starts. At least they'll be safe. We can explain to their parents."

"They won't all go for it, you know. The parents I mean," Ginny said.

Hermione nodded. "I know. Some of them may not be even coming back. But I can at least try."

The girls sat at the kitchen table going over the names. Fred and George had lines through their names as they had already left Hogwarts, as had Alicia Spinnet and Marietta Edgecombe, although Ginny had written the word `SNEAK' over her name.

"That's one person we won't have to ask. What about Cho?" Ginny asked.

Hermione shrugged. "Why not? If we can find someone who has been to her place we can try. It's not like I have anything to be jealous of."

"That's true," Ginny agreed. "What will Harry say?"

"About Cho?"

"About the D.A."

"I'm not sure. I haven't forgotten this is his house, Ginny. I hope he'll agree with us. If not, then it doesn't happen. One thing is for sure, he has plenty of room for everyone."

"I'll say," Ginny agreed. "And as long as Dobby and Winky are here they can help take care of meals. I wonder if Mum will let Ron and me stay."

Hermione paused, she hadn't considered that. "I don't see why not. As long as no one goes outside we are all safe here. Riddle can't get us here and Harry needs to start training again. We have two weeks and a day before Hogwarts re-opens."

Ron walked in looking forlorn. The girls looked at each other and then to him.

"Well," Ginny started, "you're not limping so you couldn't have gone that badly."

Ron shrugged his shoulders.

"Is Harry limping?" Hermione asked.

"Not even close!"

"What happened?"

"Nothing!" Ron said. "We didn't duel."

Hermione frowned. "Why not?"

"He wasn't ready, Hermione. He may never be ready. He wasn't even holding his wand properly. I was just about to disarm him but he dropped his wand on the floor before I could. He's a mess."

Hermione sighed and stood. She patted Ron on the shoulder. "If I asked you to duel anyway, if he was ready or not, would you?"

Ron looked at her.

"He couldn't get hurt, Ron. Not seriously, and he might need it to knock some sense into him."

"What's up with him?" Ron asked.

"He thinks he doesn't have strong enough magic to defeat him. He thinks it all comes from the wand and both wands have the same power," Hermione said.

"But he's already beaten him before, tons of times!"

"I know, Ron, and I've already told him that. But Ginny and I have an idea to get him back. We're going to maybe bring the D.A. here."

"The D.A.?" Ron asked. "How can you do that?" Ginny held up the list of names and Ron saw what she had.

"Are you still going to call it the D.A.? I mean Dumbledore's gone," Ron said.

"Originally it stood for Defence Association," Ginny reminded him.

"Yeah, but then it changed. Maybe we need a new name."

Hermione thought about that. "Like the Order of the Phoenix?"

"Nah," Ron said, "That's already been used. Go for something different. "How about, `The Order of the Golden Snitch'!"

Hermione started choking and laughing at the same time at hearing the last word, wondering if Ron knew about Harry's personal charm.

"What?" Ron asked. "It was just a suggestion."

When she finally recovered Hermione hugged him. "It is a great suggestion, Ron! The Order of the Snitch it is." Hermione nodded to Ginny who crossed out D.A. and put the new title on the sheet. "Where is he?"

Ron indicated with a nod of his head as he started looking for something to eat.

She left Ron and Ginny in the kitchen and climbed the stairs to the second floor, finding him sitting on the top of the stairs, just outside the Room of Requirement.

"Hi," she said but Harry didn't answer. Hermione sat next to him and watched as he twirled his wand around aimlessly in one hand.

"Well at least you still have your wand," she said but he didn't answer her again. "What's the problem Harry?"

"There isn't any problem," Harry said. "I just can't duel."

"Forgotten how?" Hermione's quip was rewarded with his grin, and he put his arm around her.

"No, I haven't forgotten how," he said, still smiling.

"What then?"

"I don't know."

"What are you going to do when Riddle shows up?" Hermione asked softly and watched his face. "You know Ron and I aren't letting you go on your own."

Harry hadn't considered anything other than him meeting Riddle one on one, and then he remembered the scene in the crystal ball Riddle had given him. He couldn't allow Hermione or Ron to get hurt when he faced Riddle again. He also knew he couldn't argue the point now; he would just take the decision out of their hands.

"Harry? What would you say if we brought the D.A. here? Ginny and I can go in person and I can bring back any of them that want to freshen up until school resumes."

Harry started laughing and hugged Hermione. "Where do you get all your good ideas from?"

"That was Ginny's idea. We have a new name too. We can't go by Dumbledore's Army if Dumbledore is gone."

At mention of the former headmaster's name Harry's expression turned sour.

"McGonagall's Army doesn't have the same ring to it," Harry said.

"The Order of the Snitch. Ron's idea." Hermione then patted Harry's rump where his personal charm remained hidden beneath his shorts.

"It would be good to see them again. I bet at least some of them would want to," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "If we explain how they are safe here we might even persuade some of the parents who haven't yet decided if they are coming back."

Harry nodded. "Who's going to run it?"

"You are," she said. "Just like before."

"What if I can't?" he asked.

"If I can at least try to teach the first year DADA class, with your help, then you can do D.A. here. There aren't going to be any teachers so there won't be any pressure on you," she told him.

Harry paused for a long while. He hadn't yet agreed to the new order but Hermione felt she knew what his answer would be. Harry smiled, giving the answer.

"Good!" she said and gave him a quick kiss. She stood and walked down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"He's ready for you, Ron. Try it again." Ron put down the sandwich he was eating and moved as to go back to the Room of Requirement.

"Ron!" He turned his head at hearing Hermione's voice. "Two things. First, make sure the safety precautions are on so neither of you get seriously hurt."

Ron nodded, he would have done that anyway.

"And second, hold nothing back. I mean it!" Ron was going to object before she interrupted him.

"Nothing back! Hit him with everything you have. You have to, Ron."

"You want me to hurt my best friend?" Ron asked.

"I don't care if you have to carry him out of there. If you can't knock some sense into him, then how is he supposed to stand up against Riddle?"

Ron frowned. "Don't you mean Volde- - ?"

"Riddle, Tom Riddle. Harry thinks Riddle will attack when Hogwarts reopens and Harry HAS to be ready to fight him again. If he isn't - - ."

Ginny finished what Hermione left unsaid. "If Harry isn't ready, Riddle will kill him. Ron, hit him with everything you have. You have to!"

Ron gave thought to what Hermione and Ginny had said. He knew he had no choice. He started to leave before Hermione walked to him and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Ron. I know you couldn't do it if you weren't his best friend."

***

CRACK!

Remus and Tonks stood together in the entry hall of Grimmauld place. Hermione, having heard the sound of the arrival, walked out of the kitchen to meet them.

"Are Ron and Ginny here?" Remus asked. Hermione nodded and Ginny walked out of the kitchen.

"Wotcher, Ginny," Tonks smiled. "You're needed at home pronto! Your dad is home and he has news for you both. Hi, Hermione."

"Is everything okay?" Ginny asked.

Tonks and Remus smiling was the only answer they got. "Where's Ron?" Remus asked.

"Duelling with Harry," Hermione replied and the four of them mounted the stairs toward the Room of Requirement. When they got there they found the door open but the room was empty.

"Where are they?" Ginny asked. Ron walked to the group, a strange look of distaste on his face when he looked at Hermione.

"For the record, that was no fun, you know! If you hadn't told me to - ."

"Where is he?" Hermione asked, now concerned.

Ron turned and walked to one of the bathrooms on the same level. "He's in there, in the shower. It's all right you can go in, he has his shorts on."

Hermione poked her head around the door and saw Harry sitting down in the shower. The water from the shower was raining down on him and he looked to be in a great deal of pain. His head was resting against the wall and Hermione saw he was wearing his boxer shorts.

"Do you always shower in your underwear, Harry?" Tonks asked with a laugh.

Harry groaned and turned his head to see he had company; Remus, Tonks, Ron, Ginny and Hermione all stood in the bathroom looking down at him.

"Here to steal the towels again?" Harry asked Hermione and saw the look on her face as she accessed his injuries.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

Harry was in too much pain to answer. Although he was sure nothing was broken, he didn't have a limb that wasn't sending signals to his brain. A large, nasty purple bruise sat on one shoulder and a smaller one could be seen over his ribs. One eye was swollen and his lip was cut. Harry's head and back ached and he felt as if he had been flung around on the inside of a blender.

"Harry?" Hermione asked again.

"How are you feeling, Harry?" Ginny asked.

"I hurt, everywhere!"

"Ron did this to you?" Remus asked in bewilderment.

Ron started to speak but Hermione cut him off. "Remus, I asked him to, no, I TOLD Ron to hold nothing back. I'm sorry, Harry but it isn't Ron's fault. It's mine."

Harry looked at her and gave her a stern look.

"YOU told him to do this to me?!" Harry asked, anger in his voice.

Hermione nodded and was relived as his look faded immediately to be replaced by his brilliant smile, but only for an instant.

"Thanks `Mione. I know why you did it. Ron, you were great."

Ron wasn't entirely relieved to see Harry wasn't angry because he was still concerned as to how he had hurt his friend.

"How badly hurt are you?" Hermione asked.

"Worse than I have ever been hurt before. I doubt even St. Mungo's could have saved me without the safety precautions. But it's exactly what I needed. Thanks Ron, I owe you."

Ron wasn't convinced and left the bathroom, Ginny, Remus and Tonks following.

When Harry saw only Hermione was watching him, he touched his boxers and then lightly patted his butt where his personal charm was hidden. Hermione nodded, understanding. Harry meant to keep that secret from everyone besides her and - - .

"We can obliviate McGonagall, you know," he whispered whilst smiling; Hermione laughed.

Outside the bathroom Remus addressed the Weasleys. "You two have to go home, now!"

"What's wrong?" Ron asked.

"Come on!"

CRACK!

***

CRACK!

Hermione Apparated to the Burrow ten minutes later. She had helped Harry out of the shower and into a hot bath before going to see what the news was. The Weasley house was packed: Fred, George, Ginny and Ron all stood around smiling. Molly had the biggest smile on her face and was making tea. Arthur, Remus, Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt stood around talking.

"How is he?" Tonks asked.

"Ron sure did a number on him, but Harry will be all right. What's the news."

"The news," Arthur replied, "is that I have been appointed to the Board of Governors."

"Not just the board," Kingsley continued. "Arthur is CHAIRMAN of the board. The Minister has taken all Arthur's other duties from him and he now heads the Board of Governors. To all intents and purposes Arthur will decide just about everything that happens at Hogwarts."

Hermione smiled. "Is that a promotion then?"

Molly laughed. "It is a HUGE promotion, Hermione. It means Arthur won't work nearly as long hours as he's had to, and he gets a large office and a personal assistant."

"Congratulations, Mr. Weasley," Hermione smiled. "We all knew it had to be good news."

"I'm glad you were so confident," he replied.

"It was never going to be anything but, Hermione," Kingsley said. "It's taken Rufus until now to go through all Fudge's records. When he saw Arthur was one of the few people that saw Lucius Malfoy for what he was, well, there was never any question but that Arthur would be promoted."

"But Chairman?" Arthur started and Tonks jumped in.

"Well deserved, and Molly, don't let him tell you anything different! The Minister did the right thing by sacking the old chairman. Lykkle couldn't stay awake during the meetings anyway."

"Where's Harry?" Molly asked and Hermione smiled as she saw Ron not-so-subtly choosing that moment to leave the room.

"Still there. He's recovering from duelling with Ron." Hermione followed Ron into his room. She went to him and hugged him before walking back to the others.

"You're welcome to stay for dinner, Hermione. We're celebrating," Molly said.

"Thanks, but Harry and I are having dinner with Mum and Dad. It's their last night before their holiday. We are seeing them off at the airport tomorrow."

"Sorry, Molly," Remus answered before being asked. "As much as Tonks and I would love to stay, I have to take her out to dinner and propose again."

Tonks laughed and hugged Remus as Ginny gave them an odd look.

"Propose again? How many times do you have to do that?"

"As many times as it takes for him to get it right," Tonks replied. "He got everything right but forgot to get down on one knee. So I'm giving him a chance to do it properly." The room filled with laughter as Remus shook his head.

***

It wasn't even ten o'clock yet, and Harry and Hermione were in Harry's bed back at Grimmauld Place. Hermione was initially reluctant to stay with him thinking he needed more room due to his injuries. Every time he moved, he groaned slightly.

"For the last time, let me put the ointment on. Mrs. Weasley says the swelling and bruises will be gone by morning."

"Thanks, `Mione, but I figure as long as I have them, they'll serve as a reminder not to take anything for granted. I'll be right in a few days."

"How are you going to run the D.A. like this?" she asked. Harry's reaction indicated he hadn't thought of that. "Come on."

Hermione turned the bed sheets down and rose from the bed to get the ointment Molly had given her. "Roll over," she told him and watched as Harry did so, painfully.

"You don't have to do this, Hermione," Harry protested.

"Would you rather I get Molly?" Hermione asked sweetly.

Harry laughed. "Not really."

"Well, shut up then!"

Hermione started to apply the ointment to his bare back as well as his shoulders. Lying there with only (fresh) boxer shorts on, Harry felt how good Hermione's hands felt as they worked the ointment in.

"Does that hurt?" she asked.

Harry shook his head. "Feels good."

"It's working already?" she asked with a smile.

"No, I meant your hands, they feel good. I think I could get to like this," he said; Hermione laughed.

"All part of the service." Hermione continued to rub Harry's back and could feel him relaxing as she did so. Although he hurt, she could feel the muscles in his back and shoulders and was amazed how well defined Harry was. Tonks was right: Harry looked great, and he was all hers. Hermione was looking forward to the next two weeks.

She rubbed ointment into his thigh and calf muscles, taking her time and enjoying the view. Harry had already stopped groaning and was relaxing better than she though he could. Hermione was hopeful she would be rewarded with some serious snogging after she finished.

After a few minutes she had finished his entire back side. "Roll over, Harry, and I'll do your front."

Harry didn't move and didn't respond.

"Harry?"

Harry was asleep; she had relaxed him so well, he'd fallen asleep. Hermione was disappointed because that meant the snogging would now have to wait. She looked at the jar of ointment and read the warning she had missed before.

`Do not operate heavy magical equipment after applying. Will induce drowsiness.'

***

Harry was dead! Hermione continued walking through streets she was unfamiliar with, knowing Harry had died. He was gone and was never coming back. She looked up at the grey sky and her face became wet with rain before she bowed her head and continued to walk, letting the rain soak her through.

Harry was dead and nothing else mattered.

Strangers were jostling against her and every now and then someone would make eye contact with her, saying "He's dead!" Nobody was going to let her forget it.

Hermione lowered her head and continued walking. Street after street, she walked and it continued to rain. The rain washed away her tears; she wasn't even left with them. She cried and had never felt so alone. She asked herself over and over how it was that he could have left her alone. He had told her he loved her, yet he left her. He was dead and now she was supposed to live without him.

"What happened?" she asked when yet another stranger bumped into her.

"He'd dead!" the stranger told her.

"I KNOW HE'S DEAD!! WHAT HAPPENED?" she yelled but she couldn't even hear her own scream.

"He died," the stranger told her. "They killed each other at the same time. They're both dead."

"Both of who?"

"Harry and Tom. They are both dead."

"Riddle?" she asked, wanting to clear up the confusion.

"Yes, Tom is dead, Harry is dead. They are both dead."

She remembered someone saying that when dementors were around, it felt as if you would never be happy again. Hermione felt even worse than that. She felt as if NOBODY should ever be happy again. She looked up again. The sky was completely covered with thick grey clouds. She had no idea what the time was or even what day it was.

And she didn't care.

It continued to rain down upon her as well as onto all the people who had been walking into her. She noticed for the first time she was the only one walking in the direction she that was; everyone else was walking in the opposite direction. She also noticed how grey everything was. Everyone was wearing grey coats and held grey umbrellas. Hermione didn't have an umbrella and so she was quite wet. She saw she had on her Gryffindor school cloak and was wearing a silver badge that said `Teacher.'

All the colour in the world had gone; it had all been washed away. Hermione felt that was a good thing. If Harry was gone, then it was only right that there was no colour anymore. No sun, no colour, no singing birds or flowers. Harry was dead.

She turned a corner and saw she was outside her father's dental surgery. Funny, but the buildings she had passed seemed strange to her. Someone was standing outside the door of the surgery, someone who looked slightly familiar. They were holding a baby, wrapped in a blanket. It was Cho, Cho Chang! As if by magic, no rain fell on either Cho or the baby.

"Cho!" Hermione said. "What happened?"

Cho didn't answer but stood there, holding the baby. Hermione tried to see the baby but it was completely wrapped up.

"There's been a mistake," Cho said to her. "Harry isn't gone." Hermione looked at her, barely comprehending her words.

"He isn't?" Hermione asked.

"A mistake," Cho said again.

"What mistake? Who made the mistake? Where is Harry?"

"Here he is," Cho said, handing the baby to her. Hermione took it and looked down. She saw a mess of dark hair and green eyes.

"This isn't Harry," she said, confused. "Whose baby is this?"

"This is Harry," Cho said. "Your baby."

Hermione looked around but found Cho had gone. She had disappeared and Hermione was left holding the baby.

She opened her eyes to see Harry looking at her.

"You were screaming," he said. "Are you all right?"

Hermione looked dazed. She was disorientated and did not know where she was.

"Hermione?" Harry asked, now concerned.

It had been a dream, a nightmare, and Harry, HER Harry was still here. She reached for him and grabbed him tightly as she broke into tears. She sobbed into him and Harry held her, not knowing what to say. She continued to cry for a very long time, wondering if the dream was a precursor of a time where she would really lose him, forever.

"Hermione?" he said again.

"It was just a nightmare," she told him, still not letting go.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"I am while I have you." She kissed him and Harry was initially taken by surprise. She kissed him and still had tears on her cheeks. "Never leave me," she demanded.

"I'll never leave you," he told her.

She kissed him again, this time with more urgency. Harry responded and allowed her to draw him close. He felt need in her kisses. She turned him slightly and pressed him against the pillow.

She went on kissing him, and Harry could feel the change.

"Hermione?" he said between kisses. "`Moine?" She looked at him again, her eyes blazing alive. "I love you, Hermione! I'd do anything for you, `Moine. I'd die for you!"

This got Hermione's attention. "Harry. Don't do that, don't even say it!"

"But - - ."

"Harry, I know you love me. And you know I love you. But I don't want you to die for me. Instead, I want you to live for me."

Harry smiled at her and she was on him again, kissing him. Harry could feel her upon him. He could feel her breasts against his chest, moving along with her own motions. He had his arms around her neck, kissing her with more passion. He felt his shirt moving and at first didn't understand.

Slowly his shirt rose towards his chest and Harry removed his lips from her own. Hermione had moved his shirt up and Harry started to sit up. As he did, his arms came free and his chest was bare. Hermione ran her hands across his chest and kissed the side of his chin.

"`Moine?"

"Yes, Harry, I'm sure. I love you." He started to say something else.

"It's not like my parents don't trust me... trust us. Just - - ."

"Just what?" he asked breathlessly.

"Be slow, please. Gentle."

Harry was now sitting with Hermione up against him. He turned and she found herself now slowly being pressed to the pillow with his kisses. Harry ran a finger down one side, and found her ticklish spot straight away. She squirmed beneath him, and let out a small giggle, never losing contact with the kiss.

Harry ran his finger up toward her shoulder, this time gently touching the outline of her breast as she shivered.

Harry felt the reaction and did it again, causing another shiver. In response she held him closer and kissed him deeper.

Harry tickled the other side and just brushed against the other breast, getting the same reaction. She laughed this time. As he continued to do this, Hermione continued to move beneath him, until she forced him into a sitting position again. Finally she broke contact with the kiss and looked at him. Her eyes were alive, as were his own.

Hermione shifted her weight and slowly raised her hands to Harry's chest. She shifted her weight again and in a flash, her entire silk nightdress was removed faster than Harry could see. She sat before him now, nothing above the waist, just as he was. He could see her clearly by the light of the moon; her breasts were there, just inches from him. She kissed him again, and he could feel them being pressed against him. This time she gently pulled him down and he was on her again, kissing her with more desire.

Hermione moaned slightly now as he kissed her. He removed his lips and found the soft part of her neck... so inviting. He kissed it and she squirmed again. He gently massaged the nape of her neck with his lips, all the while breathing her in. He could feel movement from his boxers. Hermione had a finger beneath the elastic of his pyjamas and pulled it slightly taught.

"You don't need these either."

He laughed again and lifted his weight.

She moved her hands down past his hips, his shorts going with her hands. He shifted again and now they were practically off. She looked at him again, something in her eyes.

"Slow, please!"

"Slow?" he laughed. "You just took my clothes off."

"Not all the way off," she laughed, and shifted. She had his shorts within her hands and they were down around his ankles. "Yet!"

Now they were off. Harry was completely naked. Hermione still had her knickers on. Harry could feel the soft silken feel against his hands. He gently teased the waistband as she had done with his shorts.

Harry felt his arousal beginning a minute before, but now it was building steam. He looked down and gently kissed one nipple, and immediately felt the reaction he had. Hermione squirmed again and moaned louder.

"Oh, GOD!" she cried. He took that to mean she enjoyed it. He kissed again and once more she responded. Her arms wrapped around his back and her left snaked down to rest lightly against where Harry's personal charm would be. She couldn't feel the tattooed Snitch but she grabbed the cheek and Harry responded.

He kissed the other nipple now; he was moaning himself. His finger in the waistband of her knickers, he pulled gently again, causing Hermione to shift her weight. Harry didn't need to be told; he placed a hand on either side and slowly removed them down to her feet. Hermione lifted them slightly and he found he had her knickers entirely in his hands. They were both now fully naked.

Hermione couldn't wait anymore. She pulled him to her with more force than he expected and Harry threw the knickers away. He kissed her; she kissed him back greedily. She rolled and now she was on top of him. Her eyes flashed like those of an animal; she wanted him, she NEEDED him now.

She kissed him and let her fingers explore the skin of his chest and stomach. He kissed her again and now she felt the muscles of his flat stomach. They rested there, caressing and gently exploring. Harry's arms were drawing her closer. He needed her too and he could feel he was now hard.

Her fingers went lower and lower, touching and teasing his pelvis. The side of her hand rested against him. Harry moved and now he was on her again. His own hands were exploring; one rested on her breast and she shivered again. He teased the nipple with his fingers and a shock tore through her body. She was panting now, her legs moving apart.

Harry was also struggling for breath and he kissed her again. Hermione could feel she needed him. She grabbed both cheeks and squeezed as he kissed her neck and one hand ran along her hip.

"My God!" she cried again and Harry made his own animal noise. The fingers of his hand ran over her stomach and further south.

Hermione was now panting harder, and ran the back of her hand along him. All reason had been extinguished by now, replaced by desire.

Harry felt the tufts of curly hair and started kissing the other breast and nipple. Hermione's legs were now further apart. She shifted her weight again and a tear ran from one eye.

"Harry," she almost cried. "I love you, I need you."

Harry felt the folds of her sensitive skin, and her legs moved further apart still. He could feel the heat and the moisture. He looked at her and saw the tears still in her eyes.

"'Moine?"

"No, Harry," she moaned. "Don't stop. Please! We've gone past that point."

His finger traced the outline of her, and found a place where her whole body shivered.

"Oh my GOD!" she said again. Harry smiled to see he was giving her such pleasure.

Gentle, he thought. Slow!

He traced again and she shivered again. He kissed the nape of her neck and continued touching her. The tips of his fingers were now gently touching her and could feel her sensitive skin.

Harry growled now, as for the first time she placed her whole hand around him, exploring every bit.

"My God!" she said again.

He continued to touch and found his fingers had more room to move. She was squirming again, and as she did his fingers had even more room.

"Harry!" she cried.

She placed her hands on his hips and gently moved his body slightly, into position.

"Slow!" she said needlessly.

"Gentle," he responded.

She nodded. She needed him, now!

He lowered himself, and she had to shift her position until she knew they were together. Hermione gripped Harry's shoulders and closed her eyes.

He lowered a little more and she shivered. Her legs now could not move any more apart. He lowered more, about halfway, and heard the strangled noise from her throat.

He lowered more, and felt her start to arch her back. He lowered more, and heard his own animal noises

He lowered more, and was now fully inside.

"YES!" she said; he was glad he hadn't hurt her.

Harry shifted and raised himself slightly, and then resumed his position. He thrust again, gently, all the time Hermione was making noises. He continued his rocking motion, and Hermione was moving to accommodate.

More and more he moved, further and further. Harry felt the pressure building, and could feel the moisture from her own body. Harry made another animal noise - they both did.

He continued to move, his back now very wet. More and more and he could feel himself close.

He felt the release and let loose an anguished cry. Hermione could also feel it. She had also felt the ecstasy rippling through her body in waves. He continued to move against her. She moved into him. They had joined together and were now one.

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