The Life He Never Knew
Ch. 7- Its Going to be a Busy Week
AN- Well thanks for reading my story up to this point. I've got a few more chapters that I'm thinking of for this story, then a possible sequel with a little more action to it. We shall see. I won't beg for reviews but they are nice, and feel free to flame me because the best criticism is the negative kind. I'm bumping this story to NC-17 for a scene in this chapter, its not graphic but I wanted to take all precautions.
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Harry and Hermione had spent the entire day laughing and joking with Ron. It was both welcomed and needing, Hermione thought. With the trio being separated for so long and not on speaking terms it was really nice to be able to take an entire day to rekindle a friendship. It wasn't like the last week or two of summer when they'd arrive at the Burrow because at least then they had shared a few owls and been in touch. When Ron left he attempted to simply shake Harry's hand, but Harry wasn't satisfied with that and pulled him into a hug.
"You're my best friend Ron, and the closest thing I got in the world to a brother. Brothers fight, you know that, but in the end, we're family, and we'll always be there for one another." Harry said before releasing Ron. "Besides Hermione thinks Hagrid's sense of fashion is horrible, so I'll someone at the alter with me who would wear a decent set of dress robes."
"What do you mean Harry?" Ron inquired.
"Ron you can't possible be that thick." Hermione said as she walked up to him to embrace him before leaving. Ron still looked confused "Harry wants you to be his best man at our wedding." A broad smile broke out on Ron's face and not from the kiss on the cheek that Hermione had just given him.
"Absolutely mate, I'll gladly do it." He said before walking out the door. "Oh before I leave, Hermione, do you want me to ask my mom to come help do some cooking for the party next week?"
"If she mentions it sure, I don't want to impose and ask for help."
"Alright, I'll see you guys later."
"Bye.", The couple said in unison. No sooner had the door closed when Hermione turned to Harry and gave him a questioning look.
"What I do?"
"You didn't do anything. I was just wondering were you really considering asking Hagrid to be your best man?" She asked him.
"Yeah. Why I thought you liked Hagrid?"
"I do like Hagrid, I was just surprised you would think to ask him."
Harry thought for a second, "Well honestly, I can't think of many of the guys from Hogwarts that I'd want standing with me, except maybe Neville."
"Neville would have been a good choice, he's loyal to you and honestly I think the DA and you especially gave him confidence."
"Yeah, I like Neville. But I was thinking Hagrid because he was my first friend in the wizarding world. He's always there for me. Besides you and Ron he's the only family I have left." Harry told her.
"I never thought of it that way. We never bring it up, its been two months, do you want to talk about the war, and losing people?" Hermione asked. It was true, these last 2 months had been absolute bliss. In that bliss they had ignored the loss of many close friends. She never probed him about his feelings, but felt tonight might be a good night to ask him.
"What's to talk about? Yes I'm upset that we lost so many close people. Maybe before I would have blamed myself but I can't. I'm not that mad man. The only one to blame is Voldemort, and his followers share guilt by association. Remus, Tonks, Fred, they all died heroes. When I sit and think about it, part of me wants to cry, and a few times I have. Heroes shouldn't have people crying over there loss, they should have monuments erected in their honor." A slight tear was rolling down Harry's eye. "I may have dealt the final blow of the war, but they are the ones who deserve the glory."
"If you really feel that way we can build a monument to the fallen. I'm sure we could convince Kingsley to support it. Maybe entirely rebuild the gates of Hogwarts in honor of those who died defending it." Hermione offered.
"I like that idea, and if he doesn't then I'll have one built myself." Harry told her.
"I'll write him in the morning, will have to go to Diagon Alley to use the post since we haven't gotten a new own yet." Hermione said, although immediately she regretted it. Harry had loved Hedwig, hopefully the mention of replacing her wouldn't upset him more.
"I guess its about time to do that. I would like a snowy owl, like Hedwig, they're a loyal breed." Harry told her. "I think I'm gonna go lay in bed for a while, maybe turn in early tonight."
"Early? Its almost midnight, you lost track of time catching up with Ron."
"Did I, wow, no wonder I'm so tired then. You coming up to bed with me?" He asked.
"In a few, I've got a chapter and a half left in the book I was reading. I'd like to finish it, perhaps I'll take a bubble bath and read the last few pages. Try not to fall asleep on me, and I'll try to be quick." she told him.
"Alright love, I'll try."
With that Hermione headed to the den to retrieve her book before heading upstairs to the master bath. Harry had remained down stairs a little longer, deciding since he was staying up to wait for her to finish her bath he could start sketching out ideas for the monument they had mentioned. After a half an hour of drawing on parchment he came up with a few ideas that he thought looked good. He'd of course hire a professional to come up with the actual monument but felt it nice to have a few ideas of what it should include. Deciding that he had done enough for now, at figuring Hermione would be about done her bath he headed to the bedroom.
"Mione, you almost done?" He asked thru the door of the master bath.
"Just finishing up, I'll be out in a few." She replied. Now time to try that spell Ginny gave me. Hermione cast a quick spell on her pubic region waited a few seconds before giving it a look. The brown curls that had once hidden her sex were now lying on the floor. I hope Harry finds this sexy and doesn't think I'm some slut for doing it. Ginny please be right that guys actually go for this type of thing. Hermione and Ginny had been out shopping a few days before and she had confided in the younger girl that she wanted to take the final step with Harry. Ginny had told her that a lot of guys had liked girls who shaved there pubic area. Ginny even claimed that she did it herself, and actually preferred it that way. Ginny had told her about the spell she used, it would remove the hair and at the same time it would prevent any irritation. It was somewhat like the charm to girls used to shave there legs, just a little more complicated due to it being a more delicate area.
They had also gone shopping for lingerie, Hermione wanted there first time to be very special, and again Ginny offered this suggestion. They decided on something that was both beautiful and sexy. It had to be able to excite Harry while at the same time leave a memory implanted in his mind that would never go away. They found what they were looking for after an hour of looking, and buying. Since they both found several items they thought were nice and could be added to there every day wardrobe. It was a sheer white baby doll that didn't quite reach mid thigh but still hid her knickers. It had a lacy frill at the bottom and a pink ribbon in between her breast. The knickers that matched the set was a white lace g-string. Hermione smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror wearing the set. She looked sexy yet at the same time beautiful. Her biggest fear was that the lingerie would make her look like a stripper but it didn't. The pure white made her look like a virginal princess. She silently thanked Ginny for her advice before taking a few deep breathes grabbing the handle to the bathroom door and slowly opening it.
"Harry." She said in a soft whisper, one she hoped was both seductive and sexy. Harry turned his head to see what she had wanted and was stunned. The Hermione he had spent the his entire life with was gone, replaced by the one he had only saw in his naughtiest of dreams.
"Mione, you look incredible." He replied hoarsely. The sight of her perfect form in the sheer white lace had left him barely able to breathe.
"Harry, I'm ready." The words caused Harry's excitement to peek. As tired as he was earlier he was wide awake and at full attention.
He and Hermione made love several times that night, and in several different positions. The first few times were a little rough on her, as she wasn't used to her intimate area being invaded by Harry's member. She refused to stop however, claiming it felt wonderful, but was also a little painful. After her third time reviving Harry's member it was nothing but pure bliss. The two made love once more after that and fell asleep after coming down from there sexual peaks, Hermione on top of Harry, with his arms wrapped around her protectively. He was still inside her, though neither cared or thought about it as exhaustion caused them to pass out.
Hermione was the first to wake, still on top of Harry with his member still wedged in her sex. With an evil smile she started rocking her hips to get it aroused, it was up and fully awake before Harry was.
"This must be the most wonderful way to wake up." Harry told her as he finally opened his eyes and took in the sight of the woman he loved on top of him. She brought her lips to his mouth for a tender kiss and continued to ride him till the pair came to one more screaming orgasm. Both shouting the others name for all of London to hear. Hermione lay her head on his chest, the two both completely spent were more then willing to just lay with each other. Hermione began to drift off to sleep when she was suddenly woken by the rumbling of Harry's stomach.
"Breakfast?" She asked.
"Please."
The two got dressed, Hermione more decently then she was last night put on a pair of panties and wore one of Harry's shirts as a night gown. Harry in the pajama pants that Hermione threw across the room last night and a clean shirt, since the shirt of his that Hermione was wearing was the one he intending on sleeping in.
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The rest of the day and remaining week were extremely hectic for the young couple. Hermione wanted to visit the post first so that they could send an express owl to Minister Shacklebolt first thing. They were in Eyelope's Owl Emporium selecting a replacement owl for Hedwig, while also choosing an owl for Hermione. She thought it was rather impractical to own two owls but Harry made sense when he said that it was incase they needed to send multiple owls fast or if one of the two was out on delivery on what could be a long flight. Harry selected a young female snowy owl, as he felt they were a more loyal breed of the bird. Hermione purchased an elegant eagle owl, giving him the name Archimedes after Merlin's owl in the Disney film The Sword in the Stone, Harry decided on the name Athena after the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage. As they were exiting the store the same owl that had carried there letter to the Minister landed on Harry's shoulder with Kingsley's reply tied to his ankle. Taking the parchment from the owl and not bothering to notice it quickly leave his shoulder Harry read,
"Dear Harry,
I Received your owl and personally think your idea for a monument is wonderful. If you have the time free my schedule is open between noon and one-thirty, I'd like for you and Hermione to visit me and discuss the project. I'll invite one of the best architects I can find to come and help bring your idea to life.
Best Regards,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister of Magic"
"Well its almost eleven now, we could run home to drop the owls off and get presentable for this meeting." Hermione said after checking her watch.
"Yeah, we aren't exactly dressed to go to a meeting with the new Minister of Magic." Harry laughed.
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"Snape has to be a part of this memorial, I wouldn't have survived without him." Harry said adamantly. The concept of the memorial was wonderful, A large gated wall that would be the new front entrance to Hogwarts. The likeness of key members of the Order and witches and wizards who stood strong against Voldemort would be carved into the stone. However neither the architect nor Kingsley was fond of Harry's idea of having Severus Snape in the memorial. Especially not at the very forefront a step behind Dumbledore. "He deserves it, he was a hero. What Dumbledore said about him was the absolute truth. Voldemort killed him himself, and as he lay dying Snape passed me several memories that would clear his name of all foul doing. I'll show you my memory of it, I'll submit my story under vertassium."
"Harry if your willing to agree to that and go to those lengths to prove Severus Snape's innocence than I agree he deserves a spot on this memorial. I'm going to ask something of you that's going to seem like it will be a lot. No one in the wizarding world is going to accept that Snape was fighting for the side of light unless you come out yourself and defend him. We can't have people against this memorial over his image being not only part of it but a main feature as your asking it. If your willing to consent to an interview with the Daily Prophet to clear his name, then I will be willing to move forward with him as a part of the memorial monument."
"As long as its not that cow Skeeter then I'll give an interview." Harry said. As much as he hated the press he wanted to clear Snape's name. He was a savior to the wizarding world and the only people to know that outside of Harry were Hermione and Ron.
"Harry you realize that if you give this interview no matter who the reporter is they'll be digging for your story about defeating Voldemort." Hermione told him.
"I understand that dear, perhaps we can use the story to go public and deflect some attention away from that. My getting engaged is far more exciting news then something that happened two months ago, especially since countless survivors that were there have already given their accounts of the story." Harry replied.
"Well I'd certainly say your engagement is major news, any reason why you hadn't told me in the hour we've been here discussing things?" Kingsley asked.
"We've been keeping it extremely quiet, only Ron knows so far." Harry responded.
"If I may interrupt for a moment please.", spoke Alexander Michael the architect responsible for coming up with the memorial. "I know this memorial is to honor the fallen, but I speak for both myself and the wizarding world when I say that I feel the hero himself should be honored in it."
"I Agree, did you have an idea on how to incorporate Harry into the monument?" Kingsley asked, completely ignoring Harry's protest.
With a smile the architect nodded, "At the gates of Hogwarts itself I'd like to have the school's two defenders on either side, wands drawn, crossing one another serving as an entrance."
"So Harry and Professor Dumbledore would both be on one side of the gateway then?" Hermione questioned. Mr. Michael answered with a simple nod.
"Standing with Harry of course should be Miss Granger and young Mr. Weasley as they too served important roles. And of course Mr. Potter your loyal elf friend Dobby that you fought to get included, will be standing beside you. And then the likenesses of all the fallen defenders will wrap around the wall itself.", Mr. Michael added.
"I don't feel like I should be the center piece at all, but if that's what its going to take to get it approved and done then I guess I'll agree." Harry said giving in. Both Mr. Michael and Kingsley attempted the entire meeting to wear Harry down and get him to agree to be a part of the monument.
"Very well then, Minister I'll take my leave, and will have the rough draft drawings on your desk no later then Monday morning for approval."
"Thank you Mr. Michael." Kingsley said. Turning to Harry he asked, "Did you want to stay and do your interview now with the Prophet? Krystal Robbins normally works as my press secretary, we could have her do the interview for you now."
"Might as well, I'm already here." Harry replied. This was turning into a longer day then he wanted.
After another hour at the Ministry answering questions and then Harry and Hermione were finally on their way home. Harry had shed some tears while recounting the tale of the final moments of Severus Snape, something neither he nor Hermione ever expected him to do. He was on autopilot the remainder of the night, barely realizing he had eaten diner, or that he was changing his clothes so that he could fall into his bed. Before his head even reached the pillow he was out. Hermione curled up next to him kissing forehead before she too closed her eyes to fall asleep.
Harry awoke the next morning in a panic, Hermione was no where to be found. He searched every room in the house, including library a half a dozen times. Millions of thoughts raced through his head. Where could she have gone off to? Did something happen through out the night? The most frightening thought came when he worried for a moment if perhaps she decided to leave him. He ran to his room to get dressed, he needed to find her immediately. Throwing on what ever was at hand he rushed down stairs and to the kitchen, his first instinct said to floo the Weasley's see if they had heard from her. If not he was sure they would be willing to help in his search. He rushed past Kreacher who was busy sweeping the floor.
"Morning sir. What should Kreacher make for breakfast?", The old elf asked.
"No time for food Kreacher, I have to find Hermione.", Harry replied reaching for the can of floo powder.
"Has Miss Hermione gone missing? Kreacher thought Miss was going to pick up Miss' parents.", The elf said.
"Her parents? How could I forget, their plane comes in today.", Harry sighed. "Thank you Kreacher, I'm going to see if I can catch up to her." Now that he knew Hermione was safe he breathed a sigh of relief. His only concern was getting to her before her parents got off there plane. He had hoped to meet them at the airport with her when their flight arrived.
With a pop he appeared in the secluded section of the airport that was held as a safe apparation point for magical beings conducting business there. He jogged to the area where he could check for arriving flights so he would know which gate the Granger's plane was scheduled to come in at. He found the only flight due in from Australia and saw that it was to arrive in 10 minutes, double checking the gate number he began running off toward his newest destination.
"Mione!", Harry gasped at the familiar sight of bushy brown hair.
Hermione turned to see who had called her name, "Harry, what are you doing here? I thought you were home in bed."
"I was. I panicked when I woke up and thought you were missing." Harry wheeze while still trying to catch his breath.
"I thought I told you my parents were coming home today."
"I forgot, Kreacher reminded me. Good thing he did I was about to go to the Weasley's and tell them you were missing."
"Were you that worried that you would alert the entire Weasley family that I was gone?", she asked.
"Yes, thought something happened or even worse thought you might have left me.", he answered, now somewhat ashamed for acting so foolish.
"Part of me wants to laugh at you acting so silly and the other part wants to snog you senseless for being so adorable.", Hermione told him before kissing his cheek. "Your looking thirsty from all that running, why not go grab us a few sodas from the machine."
"I'll wait, I want to be here when your parents get off. Make a good impression as future son-in-law.", he replied.
"You've got some time, the plane is only just now landing should take a few minutes for it to taxi here and begin de-boarding. Here I stopped at Gringotts and exchanged a few galleons for pounds. Could you get me something cherry flavored, or a Sprite if they don't have anything cherry?" Hermione said handing him a few small bills.
"Ok, I'll be right back, think I passed a machine down by the bathrooms."
Harry went and retrieved their drinks and returned to find that Hermione was right and he did have time to spare. Fifteen minutes later the first passengers began to come off the plane, Hermione looking at each one for a second trying to locate her parents.
"Daddy!", she squealed and ran to embrace her father and mother who was a step behind him. Harry decided to allow them this family moment. Hermione brought her parents over to him.
"Harry dear so good to see you again.", Hermione's mother Jane said giving him a warm embrace. "Oh, Hermione dear I almost forgot, may we see your engagement ring?" Hermione smiled and presented the ring that was on her hand. Harry had remembered the night she told her mom over the phone about getting engaged, she sounded so happy and giddy.
"My word that ring looks like it cost a small fortune." Hermione's father William said giving Harry a look.
Harry gave a startled cough before he replied, "It did."
"Heavens Harry its beautiful but if you spent so much on this ring how will you afford a wedding, let alone a home?", Jane asked as she turned and began leading the group towards the airports baggage claim.
"I kind of inherited a rather large fortune.", He answered. Harry hated mentioning the fact that he was very well off. With the only exception being the day he purchased Hermione's ring.
"Really, how much did-", William began to ask before being cut off by Hermione.
"Dad Harry hates talking about his inheritance, lets just say if neither of us wanted to work we wouldn't have to worry and leave it at that.", she said emphasizing the finality of her statement.
With her father temporarily silenced Hermione's mother began to speak rather rapidly and excitedly to her daughter, "Dear did you have any dresses in mind? Perhaps we can go dress shopping this week. It would give your father and Harry a chance to bond and get to know one another. We won't be reopening the practice till week after next so there's no worry about pushing back appointments. We could look into catering and banquet halls, everything."
"Jane, calm down, just because the boy has money doesn't mean you have to spend it all planning the kids wedding." William interrupted.
"Who said anything about using Harry's money for this wedding? It is a tradition that the bride's parents pay for the wedding and I only have one daughter so I will not take a pass upon this tradition. Besides you and I both know that we've been saving for this day for years now." Jane scolded him.
"Really its no big deal, I can pay for the wedding." Harry tried offering.
"Absolutely not Harry, I wouldn't want to do that to my future son-in-law. Your money is no good where this wedding is concerned.", Jane replied putting her foot down. "Good that's settled. Now Hermione when would you like to go dress shopping, your father and I wanted to take today and tomorrow rather lightly, but Thursday or Friday would do nicely for me. I know you have Harry's party this weekend, we wouldn't be interfering with preparations if we went out on one of those days would we?"
"No, that party is all set with the exception of preparing the food. Let me get in touch with Ginny, I want to ask her to be my maid of honor. Will need to know when she'll be available to go with us.", Hermione answered. Harry couldn't help but smile, the talk of their impending wedding was bringing out a girly side of Hermione he rarely ever saw. "Harry, you and Ron could take my dad out for the day. Maybe he can teach you boys about golf or you can take him to a Quidditch match."
"Quidditch?", William asked.
"It's a wizarding sport, very exciting game to watch.", Harry told him.
"Ah, I remember now, Hermione had written about it. You played while in school correct?"
"Yes sir.", Harry answered.
"Well I think I'd very much like to see a match, hopefully there's one happening this week that we could go see.", William said with the excitement of a little kid.
"I believe there is a game Thursday afternoon, Wimbledon is playing Puddlemore. I'm friends with their keeper so we should be able to get decent seats." Harry told him.
"Splendid."
The Granger's had retrieved there luggage and now the two couples were outside attempting to get a cab. After a minute they finally managed to wave one down.
"Well we'll see you kids later this week, and of course this weekend for your birthday Harry.", Jane Granger said before embracing them both. Hermione hugged her father and Harry gave him a firm handshake before he got into the car. The adults turned and waived out the rear window as they pulled away from the curb.
"That was rather sweet of Harry to come with Hermione just to see us off the plane.", Jane commented.
"Yes, I must admit the boy seems like a good enough chap to be with my little princess."
"Only good enough?", Jane asked. Her husband gave her a perplexed look. "Admit it, Harry is absolutely perfect, and he would still be perfect even if he wasn't rich."
"Perhaps."