The Life He Never Knew

RoryMichaelGranger

Rating: NC17
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 7
Published: 13/12/2008
Last Updated: 15/05/2009
Status: in_progress

Post war fic that ignores the garbage that happened 30 minutes after the war ended. What happens when one of Harry's friends finds a way to give him the life he never had the chance to have? What will happen when Harry realizes what he wants? My second fic, nothing planned in terms of length the more its liked the longer it'll go. UPDATED- Story has been updated to NC-17 as a precaution for what appears in chapter 7.

Chapters

1. untitled

2. CH. 2

3. Ch 3.

4. Chapter 4

5. Ring and Tears

6. Ch 6

7. Its Going to be a Busy Week

8. Bonding with the In-laws

9. CH. 9

1. untitled

Disclaimer: If I were JKR I would have a different set of genitals, Harry Potter would have a new enemy to fight, and he would be happily married to Hermione Granger.

The Life He Never Knew

Ch. 1 Two of a Kind Again-

It had ended hours ago, the final battle of Hogwarts had taken its toll on many wizarding families on both sides of the fight. Remus Lupin and his wife Nymphdora deaths left there son Teddy orphaned. The war was fairly kind to the Weasley clan, Fred Weasley was the lone casualty of the family, leaving his brothers, sister and parents to grieve, and while they were all shaken by the loss of Fred none took it quite as hard as his twin brother George.

“George I’m so sorry, I wish there was something I could do to change things.”, Echoed Harry Potter’s voice in the now empty great hall. While Harry was reeling from the loss of several friends he knew losing his other half would leave George forever changed.

“Please Harry, I appreciate it, really I do. But I think if you could bring back anyone, that Fred would be further down the list.”, George replied, knowing that while Harry was fond of Fred Weasley that if given the chance to bring back some of the casualties of this war with Voldemort and his followers his parents, Sirius Black and the Lupins’ would likely be the first few on his list, followed by former headmaster Albus Dumbledore. “Can you do me a favor Harry, if the family asks where I am, just tell them I went wandering around the castle. I want to think, and right now I’d prefer to be left alone. Sure you‘ve had some moments like that.”

He didn’t wait for Harry to respond, he walked out the doors of the Great Hall and continued out of the school’s entrance. When later asked why he went the way he did all he could say was he was just following where his feet led him, which for some reason was directly into the Forbidden Forest.

“Why Fred? It doesn’t make any sense, we’ve always been a team. Fred and George, tormentors of Delores Umbridge, owners of Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, the greatest pranksters in the history of Hogwarts. To think that now I’ve got to live out the rest of my life with out you? Can’t really imagine going through even a week without my other half. Sure I can always try to get one of our brothers to help run the business, but it’ll never be the same. I don’t even know if I want to keep the shop open without you. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the desire to. Merlin help me I miss my brother so dearly. I‘d do… What was that?” George had been wandering the forest thinking for about an hour when he had kicked up something that shone brightly. “Well what is this? A ring? Probably some Death Eaters, the scum probably dropped it when Voldemort led them out here to wait for Harry or when they were running away like cowards. The stone looks cracked, but it still may be worth something, maybe I‘ll take it to a pawn shop and donate what I get to an orphanage for the kids left without parents from this bloody war.” George had picked up the ring and after inspecting it unconsciously slipped it onto his finger. To his annoyance, it was a few sizes to small for him and became stuck. “Damn ring won’t come off, my fingers starting to turn purple.” George was now growling in anger while violently shaking his hand to get the ring to drop off.

“Having some trouble there George?”, laughed a voice he recognized a voice couldn’t possibly be him ringing in his ear.

“Just great I lose my brother, get some ring stuck on my hand and now I’m hearing voices. Just what I need, way things are going I’ll be sharing a room with Lockhart in St. Mungo’s looney ward.”

“Now I’ll agree that your surely stuck with that ring there but to say that your hearing voices and are going to be sharing a room with that fraud Lockhart is going a tad far. Then again I’d say perhaps you need a visit to St. Mungo’s to get your head checked, you’re a wizard engorgio that ring.” It was the same voice, this time George acknowledge it and slowly spun around. What he saw left him speechless, it was a slightly transparent version of himself. Except for this transparent form was floating and wasn’t missing an ear, it wasn’t him at all.

“ See turn around and acknowledge a person when there talking to you and would wouldn’t be thinking you were bonkers.”, Fred Weasley said with a semi transparent grin. “I’ve been dead for 12 hours and you won’t even bother to say hello. I may just go back to the afterlife. I was thoroughly enjoying peeking into the girls showers”, spoke the ghostly form of Fred Weasley in a hurt tone.

“Fred its you, but you’re a ghost. Why? You always said if you were gonna die that you would cross over.”, George finally managed.

“Well its nice to see you too. Honestly I was waiting in limbo when all of a sudden I heard you complaining about missing me. I saw this ring floating in front of me and so I grabbed it and slipped it on. Next thing I know I’m watching you fight with the very ring I had put on.”, Fred replied.

“Your back, Fred your back. Thank Merlin I was afraid thinking what I’d end up like without you around. Not that I’d have too much trouble finding a replacement, Percy is looking for a new job you know.”, It was the first joke and first smile to come from George since his brothers death.

“Yes well hopefully you’ll never replace me with Percy but I hate to point out the fact that I am still rather dead.”, Fred’s words removed the smile from his twins face.

“Too bad there isn’t a way to bring you back to life.” George whispered, a loan tear rolling down his cheek. “Wait I think I have it, touch me see if your corporeal, you know like a poltergeist or completely like a ghost totally transparent.”, Ghostly Fred reached out and smacked his brother on the back of the head. “Ouch, that answers that question, but did you have to hit me so hard?”

“I did, we made a promise, no crying if one of us kicks it. Besides what does this have to do with bringing me back to life? Being corporeal doesn‘t mean I‘m alive you know.”, Fred asked, he was getting slightly annoyed.

George smiled, “Unicorns blood.”

His pale face going even paler Fred replied stunned, “I can’t drink unicorn blood, you know killing one of them and drinking there blood leaves you with a half life. I‘m already dead why make it worse.”

“Well dear brother take in your surroundings, I know for a fact that more then a few unicorn were trampled by some of the giants, so we don’t have to kill them. As for living a half life lets think more of this ring. I put it on and you came back, and like you said you heard me mourning you and saw this ring appear and you put it on. It sounds something like the resurrecting stone from the story of the Deathly Hallows. I think they may be real, in fact the elder wand was used in the final battle. Not to mention Harry has a pretty nice invisibility cloak.”, George told his brother.

“Fantastic we’ve got a way to make dead people ghosts, you still haven’t said how I can come back to the living world. Unicorn blood only works for so long.” Fred spoke again.

“Brother, you insult me. You know we were researching and almost successfully made our own philosopher’s stone. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dumbledore’s brother inherited his research, perhaps we can pay Aberforth a visit and see if we couldn’t purchase a few pages from him. Maybe find what we were missing. Have you caught on, or are you still as daft in your after life as you were when you were living?”

“George Weasley you evil genius, the Elixir of Life. You can bring me back.”

“I can bring more then just you back if this works out right.” George smiled.

******And that would be the end of the prologue of the story. I hope you enjoyed it and I’d appreciate some reviews. I know there is no Harry and Hermione but I needed this to set up the story it self.

2. CH. 2

The Life He Never Knew

Ch. 2- Life After War

A/N: Still not JKR, not rich, not famous, not female, not able to fix the mistake that is Ginny Weasley marrying Harry Potter.

The silence in the Great Hall was deafening, that sad faces of people mourning lost loved ones was too much for Harry Potter to handle. With one last look around and a silent goodbye he turned to leave Hogwarts. He didn’t know if he’d ever be able to return to this place and not feel the immense sorrow of this day. The war had ended, Voldemort and the majority of his death eaters were dead or incarcerated, unfortunately the light had lost its share of fighters as well. Harry couldn’t shed any more tears, and felt that one more person praising and thanking him for saving the wizarding world and he would likely throw up. As he walked down the stones steps leaving behind the only place he ever called home he stopped. He had spotted Hagrid sitting not far down the path, his first friend in the wizarding world. A slight smile on Harry’s face as he remembered his first encounter with the half giant. Harry decided he would go check on Hagrid before reaching the gates and apparatting away.

“Hey Hagrid.”, Harry said as he approached him, the large man looked up and for the first time Harry saw the nasty cut across his forehead. “That cut looks bad Hagrid, go see Madame Pomfrey have her fix you up.”

Hagrid gave a smile, the twinkle in his beetle black eyes hidden behind the pain he was dealing with, “Nah Harry, I’m fine, Poppy’s got her hands full with all those people in the hospital wing. Worst I’ll have is a little scar on me head, not that bad a thing eh?”

Harry didn’t miss the joke about scars, “Scars can come in pretty handy.” HE joked back. The smile that Hagrid gave Harry warmed his heart up some. He took the few steps towards the giant and hugged him as tightly as he could, not caring about the tears now streaking his face. “Thank you Hagrid, I’ve lost so many friends so many important people but you’ve always been there for me.”

The giant couldn’t help but shed a few tears of his own, “Yer family to me Harry, I love ya’ like an Uncle loves his favorite nephew. Gave me a right scare playing dead on me in the Forrest.”

“Sorry.”
“Ah forget it, if you didn’t play dead we might not be sitting here right now.” Hagrid told him. Harry could only nod, he knew it broke Hagrid’s heart thinking he was dead but it was necessary. “You leaving the school?”

“Yeah, it’s a little to hard for me to stay here right now. I think I’m gonna go to Grimmauld for a few days, hopefully its still livable. Your welcome to come stay for a while if you need to get away.” Harry told him. He didn’t want to go alone right now but he also didn’t wish to bed for company.

“Might stop by for dinner but my place is here, I’m gonna help the staff fix this place up so we can open up next September. Want me the tell the others where yer gonna be?” The half giant asked finally getting to his feet.

“You can tell Hermione and Ron if they ask for me.”

“What about Ginny, two of you looked a little cozy to me in yer 6th year. Sure you don’t want her around. “

Harry thought for a second. Do I want to be with Ginny right now? Do I really want to try to pick up our relationship where it left off? Can I? Maybe but right now I just need some peace, Ron and Hermione got me through this war, I can have them come with me, other then them I think I’d rather have space. “Can you make it just Ron and Hermione for me, right now I just want to breathe.” Harry respond.

“Alright Harry, take care of yer self. I’ll stop by in a week or so.”

“Thanks Hagrid, I’ll see you soon ok. And don’t be stubborn go see Madame Pomfrey get that cut healed up.” And with a wave Harry turned and left Hogwarts.

********************************************************************

“Kreacher?” Harry called out into the empty house. “Where is that old elf, don’t tell me he died at Hogwarts.”

“Sorry Master sir, Kreacher was in the kitchen making some tea and sandwiches for Master.” The elf said as he suddenly pooped into view.

Harry smiled, Kreacher had definitely changed with the better treatment he received. He also seemed cheerful, which Harry had no doubt was from seeing his former master avenged. “You didn’t need to do that Kreacher, I was really going to come in and lie down, but thank you. Maybe I’ll stop in the kitchen for something to eat before I try to sleep.”

“Does Master wish for Kreacher to tell visitors they is to leave?” The old elf inquired.

“Not all visitors Kreacher, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley are allowed access to this house whenever they please, you remember them right?”, the elf simply nodded his reply. “Also Rubeus Hagrid promised he’d be stopping by for a visit, not sure when but if he stops in you can let him come in. Other then that I’d like you to come ask me before you send any guests away. Its ok if you have to wake me alright?”

“Yes Master, Kreacher is doing as you ask.”

“Thank you Kreacher, I appreciate that. Why don’t you take a little break for a bit, I know you were at Hogwarts helping fight against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.” Harry said, he wanted to treat the house elf kindly, knowing the mistakes Sirius made in the past.

The elf looked terrified at being told to take a break, “Kreacher is not needing a break sir. Kreacher can clean upstairs or-”

“No, no cleaning today, and anything else I eat or any of my visitors eat will make for ourselves. Kreacher, you earned the right to relax for a day just like everybody else that fought in this war. Be proud of what you did. Take the day to yourself, go visit Regulus’ grave, tell him you helped avenge his death.” Harry ordered. While he wasn’t fond of the idea of telling the elf what to do he wanted to make sure the elf got rewarded for his effort.

“Yes sir Master, thank you.” And with a pop Kreacher was gone. Harry smiled, the old elf might be a bit rough around the edges but with time he was sure that he would be able to bond a little more with his house elf. He had taken a step towards the kitchen when the front doors were thrown open.

“Harry!” He had not trouble recognizing the voice of his best friend Hermione Granger, but if he did her mass of curly brown hair the enveloped his face would have given her identity away.

“Hermione.” Harry said with a smile as he returned the hug she gave him. Her much shorter frame left her with her head buried in his chest while Harry rested his chin a top your head. “I’m so glad you and Ron made it out alive. I didn’t know what I’d do with out the two of you.”

“And you wanted to push us away.” She teased as she pulled back looking up into his eyes.

“Where is Ron, I figured after that little pre battle lip lock you two would be attached at the mouth right now?” Harry said with a frown. Why is the thought of Ron and Hermione kissing upsetting? I’m supposed to be happy for them, they’re my best friends.

“Want to explain why you sounded so upset about me and Ron kissing? Its not like its gonna break up the trio.” Hermione said, she knew Harry to well not to notice the slight pain in his eyes at the mention of Hermione and Ron’s kiss. Damnit Potter don’t all of a sudden decide you’ve got some feelings for me, not after Ron finally showed me he cares. I waited 5 years for you to notice me, I gave up cause you and Ginny were an item don’t dare go causing me to choose between you and him.

Harry blinked and thought for a second before answering, “I’m not sure, it bothers me, I can’t explain it. Lets talk about it over lunch, I was just on my way to the kitchens when you walked in. Maybe I can think a little while I eat and be able to give you a better answer.” She gave him a soft smile and headed toward the kitchen. Harry followed a few steps behind staring at her bum as she walked in front of him.

Wow, Hermione does have a nice ass. Wait where did that thought come from?

Came from the fact that your finally realizing that your best female friend is very sexy woman.

But I’ve always known Hermione was a pretty- no make that beautiful girl.

Please Potter she’s a drop dead gorgeous woman and you know it.

Okay so what’s that all mean then?

Oh please are you daft man? Add it all up, your upset that she and Ron fancy one another, your staring at her bum which says your attracted to her. Simple math tells me you fancy your best mates girl.

Great, just fucking great, so what do I do about it.

Tell her, get it in the open right away so there aren’t any awkward moments.

Not so easy, think I need some Ogden’s to stoke the old Gryfindor courage.

“Harry what are you doing in the liquor cabinet, there’s perfectly good tea here. I don’t want you to start drinking and become an alcoholic or something to deal with the memories of the war.” Hermione started on him. Harry didn’t mind to much when she went into lecture mode. It was her way of showing he cared. He ignored her and drunk straight from the bottle of fire whiskey draining a fifth of the bottle before the born hit his throat. “Harry stop that.”

“Sorry Mione, I needed a little liquid encouragement.” He told her as he headed to the table picking up a sandwich from the plate Kreacher left.

“Harry the war is over, what is it you could possibly want encouragement to do?” She asked as she got up and stood behind him massaging his shoulders.

“I needed some encouragement to tell you why I was upset.” Harry started. Hermiones fingers stopped working the magic they were weaving on his shoulders. “I think I fancy you Hermione. It’s a completely new feeling I don’t understand, but I know of all the girls in the world, including Ginny, not one means as much to me as you do. You care about me for just Harry, not some hero. You’re my best friend, and your also drop dead gorgeous.”

“She’s also the girl that a few hours ago was kissing me. Wanna explain what the fuck I missed or should we skip that and go right to me wanting to kill you?”

** Yeah I’m evil I left a cliffy, hope you liked it. Feel free to let me know what’s right and wrong, I don’t have a beta at the moment so if anyone wants to I’d be more then happy to have one. **

3. Ch 3.

The Life He Never Knew

Ch. 3- Ron’s Anger- Hermione’s Love

A/N So I’ve skipped sexual reassignment surgery meaning I’m still a guy. That alone should prove I’m no JKR. If its not enough the fact that I’m broke, living in America, and writing a Harry Hermione love story should be enough to convince you that I’m not some crazy lady that wrote the last chapter of Deathly Hallows.

“Ron”, Harry and Hermione spoke in unison, both wearing worried expressions.

“Yes Ron. I would hope you recognized me, after all I thought our moment back at Hogwarts made us more then friends. Apparently kissing me meant nothing, and here I was hoping you’d become my girlfriend.” Ron’s anger was building with each word, but he wasn’t going to take his wrath out on Hermione, it was Harry that he had to deal with. “And you Harry are supposed to be my best friend. How can you turn your back on me like that, you knew I fancied her. You told me she was like a sister and now your telling her you fancy her. What the fuck Harry, were you lying to me? And lets not forget that you’ve got my little sister waiting for you.”

Harry winced at that last thought. “I’m sorry Ron, I honestly thought I meant it when you asked me how I felt about Hermione. I really did think of her as a sister, but today changed things. I’ve finally seen what’s been in front of me for years. I didn’t plan for my confession to break you two up. I was truly happy for you two when I saw you kissing.”

Fuming Ron spat, “If you were so happy for us why would you tell her you’ve got feelings for her and screw it all up?”

“Hermione is one of my best friends, I just couldn’t deal with the awkwardness of keeping my feelings a secret. She has the right to know.”

After several moments of silence Hermione spoke up. “Your both my best friends, and I love the both of you very much. Ron I was extremely happy when you showed your feelings for me, that kiss was real and it meant everything to me.” Harry winced at this, he knew she would choose Ron but his jealousy at the moment was winning the battle over the happiness he felt for his friends. “Harry, I wish you would have realized sooner how you felt. I fancied you for most of school, but girls like Cho and Ginny always had your attention. I was hurt that I’d only have your friendship but that was enough for me. Its not fair that I‘m left choosing between my two best friends. I love you both so much, but at the same time so differently.” Tears rolled freely now from her face. This is going to be the end of our friendship. If I choose Ron then Harry will be absolutely heart broken. He’ll probably never want to see us again. If I choose Harry then Ron will more then likely lose control and things would get physically. I can’t not choose one over the other, that’s not fair to me, because I truly do love them both, just not the same way.

“You don’t have to choose Mione. I know you love us both, having you in my life is enough, even if its only the love you have for a brother. Ron she’s your girl-” Harry started before being interrupted immediately by Hermione.

“I am no ones girl. Don’t start acting like you can give me to Ron, because I am not some piece of property. I am going to choose between the two of you. I have to. Your both too important to lose so this is hard.” Come on Hermione you can do it. Just tell them how you feel for each of them. Say it out loud, so they know how you feel, and then maybe hearing yourself speak your feelings you’ll know who it is you really want. “Ron.”

“Yes!”, he shouted triumphantly, leaving Harry looking dejected, but he was willing to accept it.

“I’m not saying its you, just listen ok. I love you, you make me laugh when life gets a little to stressful. Your sweet and caring guy, and a great friend and wonderful person. You’ve been strong when we needed it. That’s why I love you so much.”, She told him with a smile on her face. “Harry you’re my best friend. You always seem to know what’s on my mind. Your’s has been the shoulder I cried on when ever I needed it. I- Ron what are you, stop Ronald right now.” Hermione was about to make a choice but before she could Ron jumped Harry and started swinging at him.

“I hate you Harry, you always get everything. Fame, money, and now Hermione. Its not fair, its just not fair.” Ron started screaming, his fists swinging wildly hitting Harry where ever he could land a punch. “Why? Why do you get everything while I get nothing?” Ron was now openly sobbing, his head hanging low and his fist now remaining at his side.

“I don’t want everything Ron, not at the cost I had to pay for it. I lost my parents before I could walk. Then I lost Sirius, Remus and Tonks too. Would you give up your family for the fame of being me, for the burden of being the one who had to fight the war?” Harry whispered. Tears were making their way down his face towards his chin. “I didn’t want this to happen, and Hermione never even said it was me over you.”

“Oh please of course it’s you Harry, I may have the emotional range of a teaspoon but I’m not fucking blind.” Ron sobbed. He got to his feet grabbing the bottle of fire whiskey Harry had set on the table and put it to his lips, but before the first drop even hit his tongue the bottled smashed into thousands of tiny pieces.

“Drop that bottle now! You are not going to use alcohol to numb yourself or make your problems go away. I’m not going to lead you to becoming an alcoholic. Now both of you sit down, we’re friends, and we’re going to work this through so that we stay friends.” Hermione said still pointing her wand at Ron’s empty hand. “What the two of you did is unfair to me. I shouldn’t be forced to choose between my best friends. I love you both, you’re the first two people to ever accept me as a friend. Now here you are fighting over me like a pair of starving dogs fighting over a piece of meat. I’m making a choice right now for two reasons, one is because this wars over and I want to be able to move on with my future and be in love. The other is because if we let this go and brood over it for weeks or months its going to rip us apart. One of you might not like my choice but hopefully with some time any wounds from today will heal. Ronald I love you, you really are a wonderful friend. I can’t give you the love that you want. I know you’ll find a girl that will love you the way you think you love me. She‘s out there somewhere you‘ll-”

“Fuck this, I knew it. Its always Harry over me. Good bye.” Ron shouted as he stormed out of the room.

“Harry wait, let him go. You and I need to talk and we need to do it now.” Hermione said putting a hand on his shoulder as he tried chasing after Ron who stormed out of the kitchen.

“Hermione, please we have to go to him and try to fix this, the wars over I’m supposed to be done losing the people I care about.”

“Your not going to lose him, I’m not going to lose him. He needs space right now Harry, when he’s ready he’ll come back to us. But right now you and I need to talk about what “us” really is.”, she held her tears for Ron back. She truly believed he would come back to them when he was ready. Her focus now was on Harry, who she drew into a hug. “I love you Harry. I don’t need months of dating to know that I love you.”

“Mione this is all so new to me. Its not like it was with Ginny and Cho, there isn’t some feeling like butterflies in my stomach or nervousness. It just feels right, is that what love is supposed to be?” He asked as he returned the hug. He felt her nod into his chest. “Then I love you too.”

They stayed like that for a while, just holding one another as if they were afraid to let go. For the first time since Dumbledore died Harry was truly at peace. It was the sound of a rumbling stomach that broke there silence.

“Sounds like I’m not the only one that’s hungry.” Harry chuckled, before looking to the barely eaten sandwich that lay forgotten. “Not that Kreacher can’t make a good sandwich but I think for once it be nice to go out and eat. We’ve been on the run for so long a nice fancy meal would be great. Besides that’s what normal couples do on first dates isn’t it. They go out for dinner and a movie.”

“I don’t know how normal we can be Harry, we’re probably two of the most famous people in the wizarding world right now. But I am hungry.”

“So then will go dine at a Muggle restaurant. No one knows who we are in the Muggle world, we can be normal there. I could really go for a large steak and potato, or maybe a burger and some chips. What do you say?” He said over the rumble of his own stomach now.

“I say we both need a shower and change of clothes first, I haven’t had a proper shower in months.”, she replied.

“Ok then, a bit of clean up then I’m treating you to dinner.” Harry said with a smile on his face. “Sharing a shower or taking turns?”

“Fifteen minutes into a relationship and your already trying to get inside my knickers!” Hermione’s face showed both shock and some amusement.

“I’m kidding, I’m sorry. We can move at your pace when it comes to the physical relationship. I didn’t mean it like I was pushing you into something.”, he was now very nervous that his joke may have upset her.

“Relax Harry, I can take a joke. But your right, we don’t need to rush things.” she said kissing him on the lips for the first time. “I’ve got first shower.” Before he knew it Hermione had popped away.

** Thanks for reading, if there are mistakes they are 100% mine. I hope you like it so far any input and feedback is appreciated.

4. Chapter 4

The Life He Never Knew

Ch. 4 Moving Fast

A/N I’m gonna beg for forgiveness over the lack of updates. My life has been thrown completely upside down. I went from being engaged, planning on moving in with my fiancée to being miserably single. So honestly writing about relationships hasn’t been something I’ve been in the mood to do. Guess I should be glad it ended before she became my wife and divorced me and took half my money.

Secondly, to all the people who felt Hermione’s decision was a rushed one please re-read this line. “I’m making a choice right now for two reasons, one is because this war is over and I want to be able to move on with my future and be in love. The other is because if we let this go and brood over it for weeks or months its going to rip us apart.” Hermione is an intelligent girl, she knows sitting on this would build more tension then going and being impulsive.

Also I’m still Beta-less anyone interested can email barrel37@yahoo.com

It had been nearly a week since Harry and Hermione had last seen Ron. Both wanted to try to make peace with the angry red head but knew it would be better to let him come to them on his terms. In the week that passed the new couple’s relationship progressed at an accelerated pace. While they had yet to come to the final level of intimacy that had fallen asleep in the same bed while watching a movie. Hermione had found a way to enchant some electrical outlets so the pair could live with some muggle comforts. The first morning Harry woke with his girlfriend in his arms he decided he wanted to wake this way daily and asked her about it over breakfast.

“Mione?”

“Yes, Harry?” She replied from that mornings Daily Prophet.

He paused for a moment before deciding to go forward with the conversation, “Last night you sleeping in my bed.”

“I’m sorry about that, I was just so tired after that movie, plus it was comfortable sleeping in your arms.” She interrupted.

“Don’t apologize. I loved having you in my bed. I was hoping you would like to move out of your room and into mine. I know its moving a little fast, but I’ve never slept so peacefully as I did last night with you.”, Harry was praying she didn’t think this was an attempt to speed things up. He loved Hermione and while he wanted a physical relationship, he was a man after all and Ginny wasn’t exactly a “good” girl, he wanted to take things at Hermione’s pace.

“Really? My mother always told me never to share a bed with a guy till he put a ring on my finger.”, Hermione replied in a serious tone.

“White gold, yellow gold, or platinum?”, Harry answered after a few seconds of thought.

“Oh wow.”

“What?”

“Would you really get engaged to me after a week of dating?”, Hermione asked somewhat shocked.

“Honestly?”, Harry paused and waited for her to reply, after a simple nod he went on. “Absolutely. I love you, and I don’t doubt that or think it would ever change. Sure we’ve only been together as a couple for a week but truthfully we might as well have been together the last 7 years. No one knows me like you do, and not to assume too much but I think I know you pretty well myself. So why not getting engaged. My ring on your finger would tell every bloke in wizarding and muggle London to back off she’s mine.”

“Never thought you’d be the possessive type sweetie.”, Hermione said with a smile. “Though I’m not complaining, I’m all yours.”

“So does that mean we’re going ring shopping today?” He asked.

“Hmmm, you sure you don’t want to get my father’s permission, I mean my parents are still in Australia.”

“What makes you think I didn’t ask him when we found them the other day and reversed the memory charm?” Harry said with a smug smile that would make even Draco Malfoy envious.

“You didn’t!” She was shocked now, Harry didn’t reply but just kept smiling. “Oh my God, you did!”

“I’m not saying.” He replied still smiling but beginning to go a little red.

“Harry James Potter you date a girl for 3 days before asking her father if you could marry her.”

“I never said I asked.”

“You don’t need to, that silly grin and your bright red cheeks are giving you away.”

“Really?” He asked, trying to wipe the smile from his face.

“Oh please Harry your easier to read then a Revised History of Hogwarts. What did he say? Did he give you his blessing? I’m shocked he didn’t try to kill you, after all I am his princess. If you asked him he probably told my mother, but why wouldn‘t mum have told me about it. I‘d figure she‘d be so excited she‘d spill the beans before you even asked me.”

“Hermione your going blue in the face take a breath.” Harry said with a laugh, its not often he saw the girly side of Hermione and he found it adorable. “Ok now that you’ve taken a breath would you like to go to Diagon Alley and pick out a ring?”

“Merlin’s beard your serious? Yes absolutely, let me get changed and fix my hair first.” Hermione said, her voice as girly as its ever been. “I can’t believe this, I’m scared and nervous but excited and happy I can’t believe you want to marry me.”

“Just go get ready.” Harry said with a wide smile. Hermione hugged him and ran from the room. “Accio Hermione’s phone.” Harry flipped open the cell phone Hermione had gotten that week to better keep in touch with her parents and began looking through her contacts. He found the number he was looking for and pressed dial.

After a few rings the happy voice of Hermione’s father picked up. “Hi pumpkin.”

“Actually sir its Harry not Hermione.” Harry said.

“Harry, is everything ok? Hermione isn’t hurt or something is she?”

“No sir, actually we just had a discussion and I was calling you because I wanted to ask, umm, couldimaybeaskyourdaughtertomarryme?” Harry asked, rushing the final part out of fear of not being able to say it.

“What was that, I didn’t quite catch it could you slow down some?”, Mr. Granger replied.

“I was hoping I could get your permission to marry Hermione.” Harry said softly.

“Marry Hermione, you kids just finished school aren’t you hurrying things?”, Mr. Granger asked. He liked Harry well enough but Hermione was his only child and he wasn’t ready to let go of her.

“Sir she’s been my best friend for seven years and I’ve never felt so at ease then I am around her, so I don’t think this is rushed at all.” Harry replied, trying to add some confidence to his voice.

“I’ll tell you what son, if she’ll say yes then you have my blessing. My little girl has a good head on her shoulders and I know she’ll do right. I’m not ready to let her go Harry so you better be willing to take good care of her, and be prepared to spend lots of time with your in laws. You may know a lot about magic but I’m a father, you break my princesses heart I know a good bit about drills and won’t be concerned about using them to cause pain.” Mr. Granger told him, adding the threat at the end hoping to make the boy reconsider proposing.

“You don’t have to threaten me sir, I’d walk into a den of Death Eaters naked and wandless if I ever hurt her.”

“That wasn’t a threat Harry, I mean it. She says yes you have my blessing, just remember, one tear and your going to be sitting in a dentist’s chair looking at a very angry father.” Mr. Granger replied reiterating his threat.

“Thank you sir, I swear I’ll treat her like a queen.” Harry said, slightly afraid of Hermione’s father. Sure he could use magic and subdue the angry man if it ever came to it, but if he hurt Hermione he knew he’s deserve the punishment.

“Your welcome son, good luck.” With that the line went dead. Harry stashed the phone in his pocket just as Hermione entered the room. She looked absolutely stunning, a skirt just above her knees and a pink top that was just a little too small and showed off a modest amount of cleavage.

“Merlin Mione your looking incredibly sexy.” Harry said taking in her beauty.

“Aw thanks, I’ll admit I dolled up some to impress you so you wouldn’t back out.” She said before giving a little twirl so Harry could take all of her in.

“I’d never back out. Ready to go?”

“Absolutely, could you grab my purse?” Harry took the chance to slip her phone in her purse before turning back around and handing it to his soon to be fiancée. “Ok lets go then.”

I know its short but I wanted to get something out and try to get myself in the mood to write again.

Any mistakes are mine, feel free to comment and flame at your own will.

5. Ring and Tears

The Life He Never Knew

Ch. 5 Ring and Tears

AN- Many apologies for the delay in getting this chapter written. Real life sucks, that’s about as deep as I’ll go into it. I’ve had the story on my mind a lot, but I just didn’t have any desire to get sit and write anything down. I’ll try to make this chapter worth the wait, and will likely fail miserably. While waiting for my updates I suggest reading some of the other authors here on Portkey Witowsmp has a few really good stories in the works right now that I really enjoy and I advice you to read absolutely anything by the author. Barmy-Old_codger has been writing a series of stories starting with “That Night & the Next Morning” it’s a really good read. And the fic “Muggle Summer” by canoncansodoff is another fic that I’ve really enjoyed reading.

And now on with the show.

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It was the most beautiful ring Hermione had ever laid her eyes on. A white gold and diamond master piece of the highest quality. With the large square-cut diamond at center and 3 round cut diamonds along the band on each side. She didn’t dare look at the price tag as she knew one glance and she would be lying on the floor waiting for Harry to wake her.

“Will take that one.” Harry said walking up behind her and wrapping her in a hug. “Its as perfect as you are.”

“No you can’t Harry, that ring is probably really expensive.” Hermione replied. Her eyes had yet to leave the ring but she knew it would be asking too much of Harry to actually purchase it. “We can get something simpler its ok.”

“Mione if you want a simpler ring then by all means pick one out. But I see in your eyes that you really like that one, so why should price matter.”

Hermione sighed before trying to explain to Harry what she meant, “Harry the ring is absolutely gorgeous and yes I do really like it, but I don’t want you thinking you have to go buying my love.”

With a smile he spun the girl in his arms and brought his lips crashing into hers. The older woman who had been helping them simply turned and placed the ring Hermione had been looking at into a black velvet box and placed it on the counter.

“We have a payment plan if you need more time to afford it.” She said to the kissing couple. Young love was a wonderful thing. “We can have it set up to be taken directly from your Gringott’s Vault.”

Pulling away from Hermione with a smile Harry turned to the lady and did something that he’d never thought he would do. Pushing his hair up off his forehead he smiled at the woman before saying, “A payment plan won’t be necessary ma’am.”

The woman was stunned for a moment. Then regain her composer she spoke again, “Sorry Mr. Potter, would you like to pay us here now or would you like to have the money transferred from your Gringott’s vault to the Jewelry stores.”

Harry laughed at the crimson faced clerk. “A transfer would be fine thank you.” Hermione stood with mouth agape, not only had Harry bought her a ring that likely cost 10,000 Galleons he had used his fame to embarrass the poor female clerk. She eyed Harry oddly as he took his receipt and the ring box from the woman. “Ready to go?”

It took her a second to realize the question was directed at her, but once Hermione realized Harry was taking her arm and leading her from the store and out into Diagon Alley she broke out of her stupor. “Harry, you didn’t just buy me that ring, I was dreaming all that right?” Harry just laughed. “Harry, that ring must have cost you nearly 10,000 Galleons what were you thinking, and what was with showing off your scar?”

Harry laughed before answering her, “Well I just decided to have a little fun with her, you would think with how often my picture had been on the Prophet’s front page in the last week she would have recognized me. As for the spending, well, your worth it. Besides I checked with the goblin in charge of my Gringott’s account the other day and what I just spent didn’t put a scratch in vault.” Hermione looked aghast, when did Harry ever act this snobbish, it was almost Malfoy like, with the exception that he wasn’t acting like he was better then anyone. Harry noticed her expression immediately and it only took a second to figure out with she looked so distraught. “I’m the same Harry I always was Hermione, I just felt it was ok to splurge on you every so often. I only got in touch with the goblins to see how much I had so I could decide what to do with my inheritance. Between the Black family vault that Sirius left me and the Potter vault I have over a billion galleons to my name. I planned on setting up charities to help families cope with the loses due to Voldemort.”

“I’m sorry Harry, its just the way you were talking at first it almost sounding like Malfoy. I think the charities are a wonderful idea maybe we can get in touch with someone from the order and work it all out.” Hermione said with a smile, and Harry nodded in agreement. Her moment of panic was gone, this was just her Harry, the man she fell in love with. His fortune wasn’t changing him. “Still that ring wasn’t necessary, I already love you, there’s no need for you to go out and by things for me.”

“I know there isn’t a need to buy things to show my love, but this is something special. I’ll only ever buy you one engagement ring, so I wanted a ring I knew you’d love. When I saw your face, the smile, how your eyes lit up looking at the ring, it reminded me of your face this morning when I said we should pick it out. I knew that was the ring for you. So what if it cost me 12,000 galleons, knowing that you love me and you’ll marry me, I’d have paid a million. And that’s what this ring means to me, it’s a symbol that you love me, and want to marry me. Hopefully it’s a symbol that you’ll want to be with me forever.”

“I wouldn’t take that ring from you if I didn’t think I’d be with you forever. I love you Harry James Potter.” Hermione said hugging him tightly, she leaned her head up and planted a soft kiss on his chin. Taking her hint Harry tilted his head downwards and captured her lips with his own. For the moment they were in there own world, until a ball of red collided with them and began dragging them towards a far corner of Diagon Alley.

“Bloody mad, you realize that, do you want to give the Prophet more headline fodder?” The red ball said as it drug them into a back door of a shop. Once through the door they realized it wasn’t a red ball that collided with them but a brightly dressed George Weasley. “Good to see the two of you by the way, and also its about bloody time.”

Hermione was blushing madly, her face was so red you would almost think she was George’s sister. “ Thank you for saving us from what could have been an embarrassing moment, but what exactly do you mean by about time?”

“You two finally realized your feelings for each other.” George replied.

“Umm ok, I’m kinda confused here.”

“What’s got you confused there Harry. We all knew it. Well I guess I’ll have to owl Hagrid, I owe him a few galleons.” George said.

“What do you owe him a few galleons for?” Hermione asked, now slightly confused herself.

“This was his month in the Harry-Hermione dating pool. If you would have held off a few more weeks McGonagall would have won it.”

Hermione was shocked into silence but Harry spoke what was on her mind, “There was a dating pool? You mean to tell me people were betting on when me and Hermione would get together?” George smiled and nodded his head in the affirmative. “Who was in this pool?”

“Well its been going for a while now, Remus and Tonks were in it, so was Fred. My dad was in it, McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid, Bill and Fleur, Charlie, and myself of course.”

“What that’s half the order?” Harry was stunned, most of the order thought he and Hermione were going to end up together.

George laughed, “Pretty much.”

“People were betting on Harry and I having a relationship.” Hermione finally said.

“Yes Hermione, thank you for joining the conversation. Don’t act so shocked, just because the two of you were blind didn’t mean the rest of us were.” George told her, the smile still firmly planted on his face. “Now if you don’t mind I’ve got to get back to business, I’d hold off the public shagging until you guys want the rest of the wizarding world to know you’re a couple.”

“We were not shagging!” The couple shouted in unison.

“What ever you say, I’ve got to get out on the sales floor, Gin was expecting me back a while ago.” No sooner had George finished the statement when the youngest Weasley entered the backroom.

“Thank Merlin your back, I need a break.” Ginny said before noticing who was in the backroom with George. “HARRY!” She ran and engulfed him in a hug. Harry looked to Hermione to see her biting her lip hard enough that she might draw blood, he couldn’t tell if she wanted to laugh at his terrified expression or if she was angry with the young girls affection. When Hermione’s eyes locked onto his he mouthed the words “help me”.

“Ginny its so good to see you.” Hermione said, she was being sincere, Ginny was a very good friend and they hadn’t spent much time together over the last year.

“Oh Hermione you’re here too, sorry I didn’t notice.” Ginny replied, she released Harry to give Hermione a hug, although this hug wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as the one she gave Harry. “Ron’s up front if you want to see him, we decided to come work for George since he’d need the help without Fred around.” That last statement left a sad look in her eye and a tear slowly began to form.

“That’s ok, Ron hasn’t exactly been on the best terms with Harry and I since last week.” Hermione told her.

“That explains it, the family was wondering why we hadn’t seen the two of you around the Burrow yet.”

“Yeah, we had a bit of a row when Ron found out that I didn’t have feelings for him, at least not the feelings he was hoping I had.” Hermione told her.

“Oh, and I guess Harry defended you and that got Ron upset with him?”

“Well yes and no. Ginny, Hermione turned down Ron’s advances because she loves someone else, someone that loves her very much.” Harry said, a sad smile was in his eyes, the smile was for Hermione, admitting his love for her instantly put a smile on his face. But his eyes showed sadness because he was about to break Ginny’s heart, he felt terrible about it. He loved Ginny, she was a great friend, but it wasn’t the same as his love for Hermione.

“Well don’t keep me waiting Hermione, whose the lucky bloke?” Ginny asked, she was eager to know who had stolen her best female friends heart.

“Ginny, I don’t want to break your heart, but I’m the one Hermione loves.” Harry replied. The young girl stood silent, the lone tear that had trailed down her face at the mention of Fred a moment before soon was followed by others.

“You love Hermione? But Harry what about me? I thought you loved me?” the broken hearted girls sobs got to Harry and tears of his own soon started trailing down his cheeks.

“I do love you Ginny, your one of my best friends, we had a good time together, we really did. But its not the same, Hermione loves me, and I love her, and it feels right. I’m not saying it ever felt wrong with you, but well with Hermione it just feels like I finally found where I fit.” Harry said, he pulled the younger girl into a hug, not a loving hug but a friendly embrace. Hermione stepped forward and put her arms around the pair.

“Ginny your one of our best friends, you’re my best female friends, and I’m so sorry that Harry and I being together is breaking your heart. Please realize we didn’t mean to hurt you.” Hermione whispered.

“Even if you didn’t mean to, you still did. But I’m glad that you at least told me yourselves rather then letting someone else do it.” Ginny said in between sobs.

“We know, we’re sorry Gin.” Harry said hugger her a little tighter. He gently kissed her forehead before letting go of her. “You’re a great girl Gin, any guy would be lucky to have you.”

“Not you though.” She wailed loudly.

“That’s not true, I was very lucky.” He told her, placing his hand on her shoulder and adding. “Hopefully I still am, because I don’t want to lose a friend.”

Ginny sniffed some, her tears slowing, “I need time. I don’t want to lose you guys either, but I’m gonna need time.”

“Take all the time you need Ginny, we’re at Grimmauld if you want to come see us when your ready.” Hermione said giving her one last hug. “We better get going, tell Fred it was nice seeing him and will try to stop in again sometime soon.”

“Ok. Bye.” Ginny replied. “Wait, before you guys leave. Ron’s a hot head, I guess that makes me a crier, but anyway, give him time to cool of. There’s no need to go throwing 7 years of friendship away over this.”

“We were thinking the same thing, take care Gin.” Harry said with a wave, before heading out the door.

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Later that night in George’s room above Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes

“Harry and Hermione. Well I knew it was coming, just a shame they couldn’t wait till September. That was my month, and I’d be alive again to claim my winnings.”

“Can’t have everything your way Fred, sorry.” George said with a laugh.

“Yes, well I’m quite happy to see Harry happy like the both of you, but we have an elixir to finish. Mr. Weasley if you could add that horntail scale, and give five stirs counter clock wise and then 3 clockwise we should be finished. After that just allow it to brew for a month on medium heat.” Spoke a third voice.

“Certainly head master, so glad you agreed to help us with this project.” George replied while adding the final ingredient.

“Well while I still I somewhat disagree with your plan I feel that its meaning is very well meant. Just remember, after this is all done the stone and the research is to be destroyed. I didn’t go falling from a tower just to have some dark arts supporter find your research and bring back Voldemort.” The voice said once more.

Fred Weasley looked at his ghostly counterpart noting the twinkling blue eyes, “Quite right you are headmaster.”

6. Ch 6

The Life He Never Knew

Ch 6- Water Under the Bridge

A/N - I’d like to thank everyone for there reviews and for reading my story. I’ll try to keep up with it and post regularly, probably every week sometimes twice if the muse hits me.

Sadly I don’t own Harry Potter, it’s a good thing for Hermione’s figure that I do not because if I had control she’d be rivaling Mrs. Weasley in the number of kids she would have. We all know Harry wouldn’t complain.

This chapter is set in late July

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Better ring the doorbell, I know that bloody portrait of Sirius’ batty mom is gonna start wailing the minute I do but still I should ring it for safety’s sake. The row we had last time I saw them they’d likely hex me if I just walked in unannounced.

Ron Weasley stood nervously on the step of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, delaying the inevitable by arguing with himself. He was trying to decide whether it was wiser to walk in and spare the occupants the wails of the portrait of Mrs. Black or to ring the doorbell and take his chances that Harry and Hermione would be lenient on him. Reality was he was simply afraid the pair would reject him and send him on his way. Summoning the remainder of his Gryffindor courage he rang the doorbell.

Harry and Hermione had just finished lunch and were lounging lazily on a sofa in the den. Hermione was laying between Harry’s legs, her head leaned back into his chest. She was laying slightly to her side as she read a book on magical interference with muggle technology. It was nearly a month since Harry had clumsily fell to his knee after dinner and asked Hermione to marry him. She thought it was very cute of him and appreciated the fact that he tried to be somewhat romantic with it, even though she was waiting all weekend for him to finally do it. Harry meanwhile was idly fingering the ring on her finger with a smile on his face. His chin atop her head as he inhaled the aroma of vanilla from her shampoo. They had talked for a while about rebuilding his families home, and came to the decision that both would prefer to have a home with electricity and muggle appliances that they were used to from there childhood. Harry couldn’t imagine living life without television, sure at school they were constantly busy so he didn’t miss it, but he felt he’d need a way to keep himself entertained during the day now that he was finished. He was about to offer the idea to Hermione that they just live in a muggle neighborhood when the doorbell rang. Harry cringed at the sound anticipating the wails of Mrs. Black, and even Hermione had stiffened in his lap. The wails never came, and after a moment of confusion the two looked at one another and gave a slight shrug as if to inform the other they didn’t know who would be calling for them. Harry slid out from under Hermione and headed for the door, Kreacher however beat him to it. The door swung open to reveal a frazzled Ron Weasley.

“Ron!” Harry said in surprise, he hadn’t expected to see the red head for quite sometime after the row the pair had over Hermione. “What are you doing here?”

“Harry whose at the door?” Hermione inquired as she approached the two men. “Oh Ron, we hadn’t been expecting you, did you come over alone or is the family here too?” She noticed Harry glaring at Ron not exactly smiling, and while he did have right to be angry with there estranged friend Harry should have been making an effort to bury the hatchet and not stare a hole through his skull. She walked up to Harry sliding under his arm and wrapping her own arm around his waist. She smiled and greeted Ron while at the same time giving a strong pinch to Harry’s side to get him to settle down.

Ron noticed Harry give a slight jump and wince a little, “You alright Harry?”

“Yea Ron, I’m fine. So what brought you over today?” He sounded much more polite now to Hermione’s satisfaction. She smiled to herself and thought, men are just like dogs when they get out of line just tug on there leash a little.

“I wanted to talk, I was an ass the last time I saw you guys and wanted to come set things right again.” His eyes didn’t look at either of them, they were staring intently at the floor. Ron was like a little kid, he knew he did wrong and didn’t want to look into the eyes of his friends and face the truth. He suddenly felt Hermione wrap her arms around him in a tight hug.

“Come on in, we’ll have some tea and talk things over.” Hermione said. She turned to Harry who was smiling. She knew as angry as he was with her he needed Ron. He was his best male friend, who would Harry turn to in order to escape her and act like fool. She let out a giggled when she thought of Harry and Ron stumbling in drunk after a night out drinking.

“Boys” She sighed.

“What?” Harry and Ron asked in unison.

“Huh, oh I’m sorry I was thinking to myself about something.” Hermione was blushing slightly, she didn’t realize she had said that out loud. “Kreacher, would it be asking too much of you to make some tea?”

“Certainly Miss.” Kreacher replied with a low bow, his ears touching the floor along with his nose.

“Thank you very much Kreacher, I appreciate the help.” Hermione said with a smile before turning to lead the boys to the kitchen.

“Ok Harry what the hell did you do to Hermione? Did you cast some memory charm on her or something?” Ron asked stunned at Hermione’s interaction with the house elf. He thought with all the S.P.E.W. nonsense during school that she would never tolerate using an elf as a servant.

“I didn’t do anything to her, that was her idea. She wanted to treat him better but not put him off by trying to free him.” Harry replied.

“Actually if I can explain for myself Harry, its quite simple. All house elves know is how to serve. I guess Dobby was an extreme case but at the time I realized treatment of the poor elves was rather horrid. Look at Mr. Crouch and Winky. Anyway, I decided instead of just demanding and giving orders if we could promote kindness to what the snobbish wizarding community would call inferiors, even though they aren’t inferior at all in fact there magic is likely much stronger then ours, but it unfortunately bond so that they can only use it to the extent that there owners allow…”

“Hermione, get to the point.” Ron said. To which Harry gave a loud bark of laughter.

“Ok, sorry I got carried away and went into S.P.E.W. mode.” Hermione blushed. “I felt that if we treated elves better, asking them to do things for us and being friendly that eventually they would feel more open to the idea of having freedom or being compensated for the work that they put in.”

“Of all your nutty S.P.E.W. ideas that one actually makes the most sense. Elves want to serve, so it lets them feel comfortable serving but treats them more like, well like a member of the house or family rather then just something you’d own.” Ron said.

Hermione beamed, “Exactly.”

“I think you could be on to something, but do yourself a favor, no one is gonna support an idea when its name makes them think of vomit.” Ron said with a laugh. Harry too was laughing until Hermione frowned at him.

“Sorry sweetie, he is right this time.” Harry told her.

“Yes well I guess I can’t take this victory away from him, he is only right once every thousand or so arguments.” The trio all found that funny and laughed about it until Kreacher returned with the tray of tea, as well as some sandwiches. “Thank you Kreacher, would you like to join us for tea?”

“No Miss Kreacher needs to be dusting the furniture upstairs. If you not be needing Kreacher?” The elf asked.

“No Kreacher you’ve done quite enough, anything else we need we can handle ourselves. Feel free to do whatever you want around the house the rest of the day, Harry and I will handle dinner.” Hermione told him with a smile.

“Yes Miss.” The elf said and then popped of to do the dusting.

“I feel awful that all he does is house work, I know how to dust and vacuum.” Hermione sighed. “At least he’s a lot happier now.”

“Here’s to small victories.” Harry said giving her a smile. “So Ron, you wanted to talk to us?”

“Yeah, almost forgot about that. I came to apologize for my actions after the battle.” He said his face tinged red in shame. He had completely forgotten to apologize for his actions, although no one could truly blame him. The trio simply fell back into its normal comfortable routine.

“Its alright Ron. If it were the other way around I probably would have thrown a temper tantrum too.” Harry said with a smile.

“Ron we know how you are, fiercely loyal and have a temper that could rival a horntail. We assumed with some time things would cool down and you’d come around.” Hermione told him patting his hand. “And we both missed you very much.”

“Yeah, so what have you been getting up to mate, we heard you were helping George out with the shop?” Harry asked before taking a drink from his cup of tea.

“Yeah, mom thought it would be nice if me and Gin were around to help him, maybe keep his spirits up. Dunno what he’s doing anymore though, all he does is lock himself into the lab. I only hope it isn’t a prank item, the amount of time he’s spent on it this thing could be catastrophic.” Ron replied. “Other then that I helped Luna and her dad rebuild there home when I could. Even using magic it took a while to get everything set straight. They stayed with us for about two weeks.”

“That’s nice of you Ron. How has Luna been?” Hermione asked. She was fond of the younger girl, even if she thought her a little off. It wasn’t that Luna wasn’t intelligent, far from actually she was brilliant, she was just a bit, eccentric.

“She’s doing pretty good, it was actually her idea that I should come patch things up. I mean I wanted to but I just didn’t think you guys would want me back around.”

Harry felt somewhat hurt, “Never think that Ron, you’re my best friend, and same goes for Hermione. Might as well be family to us, will have our rows, but when its all said and done we know we care about each other.”

“Absolutely” Hermione agreed, there was nothing to add Harry said it so plainly that trying to say anything else would be pointless.

“Thank you guys. So I take it the couple thing is working well for the two of you.” Ron said, “The way you talk to Kreacher and he answers you it sounds like you live here Hermione.”

She smiled, “Well I do live here.”

“Really?”

“For now at least, we’re having a new house built then moving out. Hermione may be able to sit and read books all day but I need something to keep me occupied.” Harry told him.

“Like what? Quidditch pitch in the backyard?” Ron asked.

“Now that you mention it that would be really nice, but I was thinking a place with electricity so we could watch TV and have a computer.” Harry replied.

“Do we really need a Quidditch pitch?” Hermione asked.

“Where else am I gonna teach the kids to fly?”

“You know how I feel about flying Harry.”

“I know but there gonna be Potter kids, its only natural that they’ll be flying first chance they get. Wouldn’t you prefer me to teach them myself then Madam Hooch who’ll be teaching 20 kids at once?” Harry asked with a smile.

“I guess.” Hermione replied somewhat defeated.

“Well not to interrupt the married couple here, but a few questions. You guys are actually gonna get a house together? What exactly is a TV and computer again? And please tell me Hermione isn’t pregnant, they way you were talking about kids made it seem like you’ve got a few sleeping upstairs as we speak.” Ron said.

“Oh you didn’t here the news, I gave birth to a baby boy last week.” Hermione said with a smile. Ron’s face went absolutely pale, Harry burst out laughing.

“She’s joking Ron, it takes nine months for a baby to be born. And no she’s not pregnant. Your face was priceless, you look like Voldemort came knocking at your door asking for a cup of sugar.” Harry laughed.

“Sorry Ron, I couldn’t help it. Anyway yes we’re moving into a house together, we already live together here so the only difference is that will have our own home. Second a TV and computer are muggle devices. TV’s or televisions are kind of like pictures. Like magical ones the people in them move and you can even hear them talking but they can’t interact with you, cause they aren’t really there. And computers are devices muggles use for communicating, playing games, researching. They can do a lot of different things.” Hermione told him.

“Well I guess that sounds a little more entertaining then just listening to the wireless.” Ron replied

“It is. Although I prefer actually going out to the theatre to see a show.” Hermione said while reaching across the table. Ron followed her hand and finally noticed the ring on her finger.

“I never noticed that ring before Hermione, when did you get it.” Ron asked.

“Harry bought it for me a few weeks ago.”

“Its her engagement ring.” Harry added before realizing what he was saying. Ron looked back and forth between the two for a moment before falling out of his chair.

“Oh, Harry, help me get him up he’s out cold.”

“I’ve got him, can you transfigure that chair into a sofa or a bed for me?” Harry asked while trying to get his unconscious friend into a sitting position on the floor. Hermione did as asked and the two heaved him onto the sofa that a moment ago was a kitchen chair.

“Maybe we should have mentioned that before, I think we shocked him.” Hermione said. She was clearly worried about Ron’s reaction, he had just finally come around to accepting the two of them as a couple, now they dropped this bombshell on him.

“Oh wow, what happened to me?” Ron asked in a groggy voice.

“You passed out, I think we shocked you there for a second.” Hermione told him.

“That would be an understatement if I ever heard one. You two are really engaged?” Ron inquired, a note of disbelief in his voice.

“Yeah mate we really are.” Harry answered.

“Well I’m 10 galleons richer I guess, Ginny said you two would end up eloping, I said you’d get engaged first, just didn’t think it be that soon.” Ron smiled. “Mom’s gonna be thrilled. Anyone else know yet?”

“George and Ginny we’re the only ones that knew we were even a couple.” Harry replied. “We wanted to get everyone together and tell them then.”

“Your birthday party would be a good time for that, it is next week. I think two months of hiding from the paper has been long enough.” Hermione said.

“Two months? Did you guys even wait a week?” Ron asked shocked.

“Nine days.” Harry told him with a smile. “I guess we could have a party here and tell everyone. Did you have a guest list in mind?”

“I took care of it already, although Ron I’ll have to give you your invitation now, I didn’t think to send you one while we weren’t talking.” Hermione stated.

“You had this planned already?” Harry was surprised.

“It was one of my birthday presents to you. I felt like it would be nice. I was going to tell you about it eventually.” Hermione told him.

“When was eventually gonna be?”

“Um, a few minutes after everyone jumped out and said surprise.”

The day carried on like that for a few more hours. Ron had stayed for dinner and had a little while alone with Harry while Hermione was preparing the meal.

“Sounded like you and Luna have been talking a lot lately if she can get through that think skull and talk you into coming to see us.” Harry said.

“She’s amazing mate.”

“No!”

“What?” Ron asked.

“You fancy her don’t you? The way you just said that made you sound like a love sick puppy.”

“Yeah I do, she’s around the house a lot when I’m not working. My mom’s taking a liking to her too. I guess this party Hermione’s throwing might be a good excuse to ask her to come as my date.” Ron said.

“Go for it mate.”

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The Lab at Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes

“We did it, we’re alive!” Fred exclaimed excitedly.

“It would seem Mr. Weasley that your idea has worked like a charm, well done.”

“It certainly has headmaster, and you thought all Fred and I did at school was goof off.”

“Not at all, I knew you were both rather brilliant, but I also could see you were bored with the standard education.”

“Yeah, classes had a tendency to be somewhat dull. So headmaster what do we do with everything now?” George asked.

“Well I feel there are a few more guests I think we should invite to see your work. After that I’d like to have it destroyed so it doesn’t fall in the wrong hands or do any damage.”

“Can we keep the philosopher’s stone.”

“If you wish, although I dare say you don’t need the stone from the financial standpoint. Just keep it safe and keep the fact that you have it secret. If you give me a piece of parchment and a quill I will make a list of the guests I’d like for you to invite. I’d like to be the only one here with you when you bring the last one here, for the sake of his safety. Now if you don’t mind I’d like to pay a visit to an old friend.”

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Hogwarts

Minerva McGonagall was having a discussion with the portrait of former headmaster Albus Dumbledore, her back turned to the door she didn’t notice the appearance of a sold gold stand with a pile of ashes in it, how ever when the portrait on the wall vanished she realized something wasn’t right. As she spun to leave the room to consult with another professor about the portraits disappearance the door to the office opened. The sight of the man standing in front of her had completely shocked her.

“Minerva how good to see you again.”

“Albus?”

“Yes, its really me.”

7. Its Going to be a Busy Week

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.”

8. Bonding with the In-laws

The Life He Never Knew

Ch-8

AN- I can’t thank my readers enough for sticking with this story. There are times when I want to completely throw it all out and give up but I’ve been pushing on best I can. The ideas are there, its just finding the desire to sit and write it. I don’t know if you can understand how difficult it is to write a story about love and romance when your consumed by heart ache and anger. My own personal problems are part of the reason why I have Harry and Hermione moving so quickly, I want to make love happen so I can believe in it again. Side note, its sad that I have more desire to write this than I do the novel I’ve been working on for 5 years.

I’m starting this chapter with Ron and Luna, I feel they deserve a bit of attention. Thanks for reading hope you enjoy.

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Ron Weasley just walked through the gate that served as an entry point to the Lovegood’s yard. It made him smile knowing that a few weeks ago this gate and yard were covered in rubble, not that he was happy the house was destroyed. He was smiling thinking of all the hard work put in and more importantly the time spent with the pretty blonde occupant of the home. The thoughts of Luna’s blonde locks and dreamy blue eyes came to Ron’s mind causing a brighter smile on his face. A smile that broke into a Cheshire cat grin when he saw the real life version of his day dream sitting under a tree looking intently at the branches above her.

“Hello Ronald.”, Her airy voice called. How she knew he was there he didn’t quite know.

“Luna I’ve asked you to call me Ron at least a dozen times. The only one to call me Ronald is my mother, and that’s only when she’s angry with me.”, Ron told her.

“I’m sorry, I hope your not angry with me.”, Luna replied. She had still yet to turn and look at him.

“I could never be angry with you. You could blow up the burrow or turn me into a crumpled horn snorkack and I’d still think you were a…”, Ron wanted to use the moment to let her know his feelings for her, but the words just wouldn’t come out.

“A what Ron?”, Luna asked finally averting her eyes from the tree to look at Ron. It was in those eyes that he found his answer.

“A beautiful, smart, funny, girl.”, Ron said, his face so brightly red with embarrassment that it shone brighter then his hair.

“Where?”, She asked looking for the girl Ron just described.

Summoning some of his Gryffindor courage Ron took her hand and looked into her shimmering blue eyes.

“Right here in front of me.”, He told her before lowering his head and capturing her lips with his own. The young blonde was stunned for a moment but quickly her senses caught up with what was happening. Rising on her toes she deepened the kiss while wrapping her hands around his neck. Ron wrapped is arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground completely. Excited by the kiss Luna tried throwing herself more fully into Ron while he was lifting her up, the combination of the actions sent them tumbling to the grass. There lips had a moment of separation from the fall before Luna forcefully attached hers to Ron’s. Several moments of rolling in the grass and kissing left the two out winded.

“That was incredible.”, Ron panted.

“That’s kissing?”, Luna asked.

“Was that your first?”, Ron questioned, Luna simply nodded. “Well yes that’s kissing, although I doubt it will be so intense and magnificent every time.”

Luna looked at him with a smile, “Does that mean you’re my boyfriend?”

“Only if you want me to be.”, Ron answered.

“I’d have to be as crazy as a pigmy rhinoceros bat not to want you to be.”, She told him before hugging and kissing her.

“So then I guess I don’t have to ask if you’ll be my date to Harry’s birthday party this Saturday?”, He asked. She didn’t reply she simply rolled on top of him and kissed him once more. Taking her kiss as a yes he wrapped her into a tight hug and kissed her back.

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They had been at it for nearly two hours until Hermione spotted a gown that she liked. It was a simple full length strapless gown, the body of it laced like a corset and would show a modest amount of cleavage while remaining tasteful.

“I like that one, lets take it over to the dressing room and see if it fits you. Hopefully it’s the right size for you.”, Hermione’s mother Jane said acknowledging the white gown in her daughters hands.

“Size won’t matter, I know a few good tailoring spells that I can use to make it hit Hermione perfectly.”, Ginny told Mrs. Granger. She was thrilled when Hermione asked her to be the maid of honor. She nearly let out a scream of joy when Hermione told her that they would be going dress shopping with her mother today. She begged George for the day off, and for a weeks pay advance. The time off she got easily, the extra pay only came after the threat of the bat bogey hex.

“Well even if we can adjust it to fit I still think we should have a look at her in it, make sure the dress looks right.”, Jane told the younger girl. She didn’t want to be robbed of seeing her only daughter try on wedding gowns. Sure magic could make finding a dress easier, being able to tailor it to fit right, but she highly doubted magic could make it look good on you.

“It would be awful to wait until my wedding day and find I look horrible in this gown.”, Hermione said voicing her mothers unspoken opinion. “Lets go to the dressing rooms and see what it looks like. I’d like to see how you’d look in that pink gown we were thinking of for your brides maid’s dress.”

“Do we really have to go with the pink one? It’s a pretty dress but don’t you think the color and my hair and freckles are going to clash with it.”, Ginny asked. She didn’t want to hurt Hermione’s feelings but she thought the dress was actually ugly. Just because this was for Hermione’s special day didn’t mean she had to make her look like a tie dyed flamingo.

“Lets see how it looks, if the colors clash that bad with you it’ll only be worse making Ron wear pink as well.”, Hermione replied while walking into a changing booth. Ginny was prepared to offer a few suggestions on colors she thought would look better on both she and her brother but Hermione’s mom didn’t allow her the chance.

“Hermione dear have you gained weight?”, Jane Granger asked.

“What? Of course not mom, what do you mean?”, Hermione replied, she was shocked that her mother would think she had put on weight. Besides she’d just seen her a few days ago how could she have put on a noticeable amount of weight since then.

“Well I guess I didn’t notice it at the airport but you certainly look more… fuller than you did when you and Harry came to find your father and I in Australia.”, Jane told her. “I know girls tend to gain weight during married life but normally they wait until they’re actually married dear.”

“Mother are you saying I’m getting fat?”, Hermione was now getting offended at what she thought her mother was implying.

“I did not say fat, I said fuller.”, Mrs. Granger said trying to defend herself.

“Hermione, can I be honest?”, Ginny chimed in.

“Oh for Merlin’s sake not you as well!”, Hermione moaned, she began checking her reflection in the mirror. She hated to admit it but looking at herself in just a bra and knickers she noticed that she may have gained some weight. Though not nearly enough to be noticeable by her mother. She was never a twig, but she was in decent shape. She looked fine in her reflection, simply softer, and maybe her knickers looked a little tight, but still nothing major.

“Its true, you look like you’ve put on weight since Hogwarts.”, Ginny told her. She didn’t want to upset her older friend but there was certainly a noticeable gain from the battle two months ago and today.

“Well if your both going to go back that far sure I’ve put on weight since then. I’m not surprised about it either. While we were on the run we were living off a scarce amount of food, so I guess I lost weight because I wasn’t eating as much. They do say that a person who stops eating to lose weight only ends up gaining it all back and more when they start eating again. I guess my situation is kind of the same. But be honest, do I look like I’m getting fat or does it just look like I’m healthy?”, Hermione replied.

“Your getting fat.”, Ginny told her deadpanned.

“Really?”, Hermione again looked at the mirror scrutinizing her appearance.

“No, you look great. It’s definitely healthy looking, you did look kind of frail after the war.”, Ginny told her honestly.

“Mom?”

“I agree with Ginny, you look fine. I just noticed the difference in appearance that’s all.”, Her mother told her trying to comfort her.

“Do you think I should start dieting and lose weight or do I look ok?”, Hermione asked. Ginny was surprised, she had never once seen Hermione show any form of girlish insecurities.

“You honestly look fine dear. Now enough of this weight gain talk, lets see you in that dress.”, Mrs. Granger told her trying to force a note of finality into her statement.

Hermione stepped into the dress and slid it up her body, Ginny assisted with lacing up the back of it.

“Well how does it look?”, Hermione asked turning slightly side to side.

“Give it a full twirl, lets see it all.”, Ginny told her. Hermione gave a slow spin so that Ginny and her mother could inspect the dress.

“Ok, so now, what do you think? Does it look good on me?”, She asked.

“You look stunning.”, Her mother told her. A tear rolling down her cheek.

“Its gorgeous Hermione, its absolutely perfect for you.”, Ginny told her with a smile.

“Fantastic, I really loved how it looked on the rack I would have been upset if it didn’t look good on me.”, Hermione told them.

“Not that it would have mattered, Harry would think you look incredible wearing a potato sack.”, Ginny quipped, earning a laugh from the other women in the dressing room.

“Your turn Gin, lets see how that dress looks.”, Hermione said indicating the pink gown which was slowly becoming the bane of Ginny’s existence.

Ginny got undressed and started getting into her gown while Hermione took hers off with the help of her mother. She was able to slide the entire gown up without the need to unzip it in the back. Giving a look in the mirror Ginny had to admit, Hermione had decent taste in gowns, it was the color she just couldn’t agree on.

“I like how it looks Hermione but I just don’t like the pink color, do you think we could try another color?”, Ginny pleaded.

“I agree, maybe something in silver instead. Could you change the color of that gown so we could see?”, Mrs. Granger asked. She still hadn’t witnessed much magic and was eager to see some.

“Sure that’s a pretty simply spell.”, Ginny replied retrieving her wand from her jeans pocket and giving it a wave over the front of her gown. The dress shimmered for a moment and then died down. Mrs. Granger stood impressed at the display.

“I like that, what do you think Hermione?”, Jane Granger asked.

“Its nice, but lets try this.”, Hermione replied, she waved her own wand at Ginny’s dress and as the shimmering died down again it revealed a light blue gown that sparkled.

“Oh that is absolutely better.”, Mrs. Granger said.

“I agree, go ahead Gin check in the mirror what do you think about it?”, Hermione said. Ginny looked in the mirror, immediately a smile spread across her lips. It only grew as she twisted and turned in front of the mirror.

“Oh its perfect. A nice diamond pendant would really set it off.”, Ginny squealed excitedly.

“I have one you can borrow for the wedding.”, Mrs. Granger told her.

“Honestly?”, Ginny asked. Mrs. Granger just nodded in reply. “Oh thank you so much, I can’t wait till the wedding.”

“Speaking of waiting till the wedding, have you and Harry set a date yet?”, Jane Granger asked her daughter.

“We were thinking middle of November or early December.”, Hermione told her.

“Three months isn’t much time to plan a wedding, will need to find somewhere to have the ceremony and reception, and also figure out a guest list.”, Her mother replied ticking off each thing that needed to be taken care of on her hand. “I’m assuming you and Harry will want to have the ceremony and reception in one place and forgo marrying in the church.”

“That’s what we were thinking, it wouldn’t upset you and daddy would it.”, Hermione asked her nervously.

“No, will be fine, just seeing you happy is enough for me, and I’m sure your father will say the same thing.”, her mother assured her.

____________________________________________________________________

“Incredible!”, Exclaimed Will Granger as he took in the sight of the Quidditch pitch. Wood had come through with flying colors getting them seats in the best box.

“Nice work mate.”, Ron chimed in. Harry felt it would be less awkward for him to spend the day alone with Hermione’s father if Ron were there with them as well.

“You haven’t seen anything yet Mr. Granger, just wait till the game is actually under way.”, Harry told him with a laugh. It was hard not to laugh at the older man’s reaction to everything. It was somewhat like taking Arthur Weasley on a trip through muggle London, except multiplied by ten. Harry and Ron were having a good time showing Mr. Granger all of the Quidditch memorabilia. Mr. Granger had felt left out slightly as both Harry and Ron were sporting there old Gryffindor Quidditch robes so Harry took it upon himself to buy Mr. Granger a replica Puddlemore jersey with Oliver Woods name and number on it. Harry was busy showing his future father in law how to use the omnioculars that he purchased for him. Mr. Granger offered to buy them himself but Harry would hear none of it, he was his guest for the day.

“Ladies and Gentleman we’d like to welcome you today to Puddlemore United Pitch for a match up between your Puddlemore United Quidditch team and the visitors, Wimbledon Monarchs. And now the starting 7 for the Monarchs, Reese, Langdon, Allen, Rogers, Duncan, Gardner and Smith.”, The announcer called out the names of the Wimbledon Monarchs who received a modest ovation from the opposing fans. They wore deep purple robes with their teams logo on the front, a golden M with a crown on top.

“AND NOW PUDDLEMORE UNITED! At chaser Daniel Stenson, Geoff Garren, and Monica Hyde. The beaters Gordon Morris and Henry Alberts. At keeper, Oliver Wood, and the Puddlemore United seeker Calvin Jordan!” The ovation for the home club was thunderous. Blue flags waving through out the Quidditch stadium.

The referee walked out with the case holding the balls used for the game.

“Harry which ball is which again?”, Asked Mr. Granger.

“Well the large red ball is the quaffle, the chasers will use that to try to score on one of the three hoops.”, Harry said indicating the hoops at either end of the pitch. “The keeper has to cover all three hoops. A goal is worth 10 points. The bludger, the smaller black balls are used by the beaters, who carry bats to hit it. They try to direct them at the opposing players to make it easier for their team to score. And finally the golden snitch, it’s the small gold ball. Its really fast and hard to spot, that’s the seekers job. The seeker circles the pitch looking for the golden snitch, who ever catches it scores 150 points for his team and ends the game. The game won’t end until the snitch is caught.”

“Fascinating.”, Mr. Granger replied.

“AND THEY”RE OFF. Its Wimbledon with the quaffle, Reese with it, over to Langdon, Langdon down to Allen who fires it across to Reese. Reese with the shot and its stopped by Wood. Puddlemore now, Garren to Hyde, Hyde ducks a bludger, back to Garren, now Stenson. Alberts sends a bludger at Gardner, Hyde with the quaffle, she SCORES! Goal Puddlemore. The game went at a fast pace, Mr. Granger had trouble keeping up with the announcer while watching the game slowed down on his omnioculars. He set them down just in time to see Puddlemore score its eighth goal of the game and take an 80-30 lead. It was at that point that the entire crowd stood excitedly and looked towards the Puddlemore goal. Circling the far left goal beneath Wood was the golden snitch. Smith and Jordan took off like bolts of lightening streaking towards the snitch. At the same time the Monarchs had taken control of the quaffle and were flying up the pitch towards Wood. Reese faked toward the center hoop and drew Wood with him before dropping the Quaffle down to an awaiting Allen who had a wide open shot on the right hoop. Harry and Ron both took their eyes off the seekers chasing the snitch and watched as Wood launched himself off his broom at the quaffle.

“An amazing save by Wood hanging upside down from his broom.”, The announcer’s voice boomed. Ron was pounding his fists against the rail in front of him. The save was truly spectacular, Wood extended himself fully before locking his ankles around his broom. Quickly Harry’s eyes went back to the two seekers who were now in the middle of the pitch above the action. The pair both went into a straight downward dive following the ball of gold. Smith had a slight lead it seemed but he flew into a passing bludger and had to spin to avoid a fall. The snitch was all Jordan’s now. The Puddlemore seeker did a barrel roll and hanging upside down grabbed the snitch that was hovering mere inches over the grass. He righted himself fists pumping in the air.

“And Jordan captures the snitch, Puddlemore wins 230-30.”, The announcer yelled, they could barely hear him over the roar of the crowd, which was saying much as he was only ten rows behind them. The team did a quick victory lap around the pitch, Wood spotted Harry in the announcers box and slowly flew by for a hand shake. Mr. Granger was thoroughly amazed. Quidditch was a dangerous sport but it was also high adrenaline action.

The fans began exciting, still cheering loudly for there team and the spectacular win. Ron and Harry led Mr. Granger passed the apparition and portkey points to the nearest exit for those that would be taking other means of travel. Mr. Granger was not found of the idea of wizarding travel, although a broom ride might be exciting. He preferred the comfort of a car, so he met with Ron and Harry at the Leaky Cauldron and they drove to the game in his car. He talked excitedly about his first Quidditch experience and dropped not so subtle hints that he hoped Harry would invite him to another game in the near future. Ron and Harry recounted there Quidditch war stories to the older man during there ride back to the Leaky Cauldron. Like the only game Harry lost due to dementors, or Ron’s heroics that won Gryffindor the Quidditch cup. Mr. Granger was a good audience for these tales showing excitement and sounding concerned at all the right moments.

“What a shame.”, Mr. Granger said not realizing he was thinking aloud.

“What’s a shame sir?”, Harry questioned.

“Oh sorry Harry, just thinking aloud.”, He replied. Harry gave him a quizzical look. “Well it’s a shame the day has to be over, I rather enjoyed the match and the company much more then I had expected. No offense of course.”

Harry laughed, “I honestly didn’t think the day would go so nicely either. I was worried we wouldn’t get along or you’d be bored with the match.”

It was Mr. Granger’s turn to chuckle, “The not getting along I agree with, but Jane assured me I would enjoy the day. As for being bored, I don’t know anyone who could be bored watching something like that.”

“Well we could always head back to Grimmauld Place, perhaps Ron and I could show you a few spells. Who knows how long the women will be out shopping.”, Harry offered.

“That sounds good enough, Jane should be flowing or apportioning home with Hermione anyway. I’ll just call her so they can meet us there.”, Mr. Granger replied. He dialed his wife’s phone and was shocked to find that they had already finished their shopping for the day. Hermione found a lovely dress and they were now having tea at Grimmauld Place themselves. He told her that they’d join them shortly.

It was a half hour drive from the Leaky Cauldron to Grimmauld Place, during which Harry asked Mr. Granger a few questions about himself. Mr. Granger was a dentist but also enjoyed building small models, everything from airplanes, ships and cars. He also was an avid reader, which was no surprise after knowing Hermione for seven years. He liked to collect coins, and admitted to having some wizarding money in his collection from his first trip to the Gringott’s exchange. He golfed on occasional weekends with other dentists and doctors that he knew. Harry thought he was quite likable and that the two would get along just fine. Which was a very good thing as Hermione mentioned wanting to have dinner with her family at least one Sunday out of every month.

When they arrived at Grimmauld place Mr. Granger was thrilled to show off his new Quidditch jersey and animatedly told Mrs. Granger about the match. His arms swooping about as he bounced around the room describing the event. Hermione laughed, she’d seen enough Quidditch to understand her father, even though most had been through squinted eyes or peeking through her fingers. She would never admit to Harry or Ron how terrified she was watching the two play the game in school. Especially Harry as a seeker, he was marvelous on a broom but his daring feats frightened her many times. Mr. Granger was mentioning how he wished he could see another match again soon, to which Mrs. Granger replied her desire to see what the excitement was about. The four magical youngsters then displayed some of the spells they had learned throughout their time in Hogwarts. The adults were amazed, when Hermione levitated the sofa they were sitting in.

“Oh Harry, would you show them your patronus? Please?”, Hermione asked. How was Harry to resist her puppy dog eyes with batting lashes.

“Alright.”, Harry replied summoning a memory to his mind that would allow him to cast his patronus. The one that popped immediately to his forefront had been the night that he and Hermione had finally made love. “Ok ready? Expecto Patronum!” A burst of silver exploded from Harry’s wand and then died down, leaving only a larger shining silver stag standing in the center of the room.

“That’s incredible. Hermione can you do that?”, Jane Granger asked.

“Yes, here let me.”, Hermione replied, she called forth the same memory as Harry, although neither would learn that till later in the evening discussing it. “Expecto Patronum!” Again a flash of blinding silver exploded in the room, and left a shimmering silver otter dancing between the legs of Harry’s stag.

“Is it a different animal for each wizard or witch?”, William Granger asked.

“Normally, they can change at times too. Of course there are only so many animals in existence so a few wizards and witches are bound to have the same patronus.”, Harry replied.

“That’s quite incredible I must say. Oh my look at the time.”, Mr. Granger said looking at his watch. “I hate to have you children give us a magical show and then run off like this but Jane and I have dinner arrangements with the neighbors. They hadn’t seen us and months so when we finally got home they asked to have us out for dinner. It was wonderful spending time with you today. Ronald, Ginny a pleasure actually getting to know you both. We’ll see all at Harry’s party tomorrow afternoon, right?”

“Yes Daddy, 1:00 right here.”, Hermione told him as she gave her father a quick embrace.

“Well then till tomorrow.”, Jane Granger said. She gave both Hermione and Harry a hug and simply waved farewell to Ron and Ginny.

“Well that was a fun day, whose up for dinner?”, Ron asked.

The other three simply laughed, true they had some cake with their tea but a real meal would be nice right about now.

“Should we have Kreacher fix something for us or would you like to do out?”, Harry asked.

“Lets go out, I don’t think we’ve ever done that as a group outside of a Hogsmeade weekend.”, Hermione replied.

“Muggle London?”, Harry questioned.

“Oh absolutely, Hermione was telling me about this one restaurant its very American, T.G.I. Fridays.”, Ginny said.

“Sounds good to me.”, Harry said, Hermione also agreed.

“As long as they serve food I’m fine. Any chance I can pop home and get Luna? She’s been wanting to see you guys lately.”, Ron asked.

“Sure, I don’t mind Luna, she‘s a sweet girl.”, Hermione said.

“Oh great, two happy couples and poor Ginny is all by herself.”, The young girl complained.

“Two couples? You mean Ron finally found the nerve to ask Luna out?”, Harry questioned. Ginny simply nodded. “That fantastic.”

“We’re not going to upset you, two couples going out to eat and you without someone are we?”, Hermione asked showing concern for Ginny’s feelings.

“No, I’ll be fine. It’s a little sad but I was mostly being sarcastic. Besides, those loaded potato skins sounded delicious and I really want to try them.”, Ginny replied. “I’m sure will all have a good time, me included.”

Ginny was right, the group had a lot of fun at the restaurant, it was a festive atmosphere and they did a favor amount of joking and laughing. Ron going even redder at the occasional comment from Luna. The group left the room happy full and all a bit tired, so they said their good nights in a nearby alley before apparatting to there separate homes.

9. CH. 9

The Life He Never Knew

Ch. 8

AN- A few weeks back I made a promise to keep this story on schedule. Well this weekend was very hectic for me and its now Thursday. I should have uploaded the story on Tuesday. Please don’t hang me for being late. I’m a developing writer, I’m trying hard to write longer chapters each week. Hopefully I’m limiting my errors as well. I’m gonna bring up weight again in this chapter, I’m American and only know pounds.

________________________________________________________________________

“Harry?”, Hermione called in a whisper. She and Harry were laying in bed after a night out with there friends. Something had been on Hermione’s mind since her conversation with Ginny and her mother this afternoon. She wanted to ask Harry’s opinion, and this was the first time that they were alone all day.

“Harry, are you still awake?”, She asked again a little louder. No answer. Hermione was getting a little upset, she wanted to discuss this tonight so that it wouldn’t be hanging over her head tomorrow during Harry’s birthday party.

“You say something dear?”, Harry said as he rolled to his side to look at her. He had thought he heard a faint whisper of Hermione calling his name, and now saw that she was indeed awake.

“Yes, I wanted to see if you were awake. There’s something on my mind and I was hoping we could talk about it.”, Hermione told him.

“It must be important if it can’t wait till morning.”, Harry replied, morning being elongated in a yawn.

“Oh, well you can go to sleep if you want, we can talk about it later.”, She said dejectedly.

“Nonsense, you’d stay up and listen to me talk about things that were on my mind. Its only right that I do the same.”, He told her. He reached out and pulled her into his arms.

“Well alright.”, Hermione started, “Shopping today with my mum and Ginny something came up.” Something, yeah like my dress size. Oh, how do you ask a man if he thinks your getting fat.

“What was it?”, Harry questioned.

“Merlin this is gonna sound like something you’d hear Lavender Brown say.”, Hermione groaned.

“Please sweetie, just tell me.”, Harry said hugging her tighter and placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Ok.”, Hermione said taking a deep breath. “I had to get undressed to try on my dress.”

“Did someone in the store see you naked?”

“No, well Ginny and Mum saw me in my bra and panties but that’s it.”, Hermione replied quickly. “Mum made a comment to me when she saw me undressed.”

“Please don’t tell me you were wearing the sexy stuff you dress up in sometimes?”, Harry said thinking of that lacey white g-string from there first night together.

“No, I was decent.”, Hermione said. She was getting frustrated and finally blurted out, “Harry do you think I’m getting fat?”

“What?”, Harry asked confused.

“My Mum and Ginny both said it looks like I’ve put on weight since Hogwarts.”, Hermione told him.

“Oh.”

“I weighed myself when we got home from shopping. I’m 25 pounds heavier than I was after the battle. Some of the weight I can attribute to barely eating when we were on the run. The say people who don’t eat or eat very little gain rapidly when they begin eating normal again. But, I mean 25 is quite a lot for only two months. I’m now seven pounds over my normal weight. I’m turning into a fat cow.”, Hermione told him, by the end she had tears rolling down her cheek.

“No.”, Harry responded.

“No?”, Hermione looked at him perplexed. “What do you mean?”

“You asked if I think your getting fat, I’m saying no.”, Harry told her. She started to try to protest but he silenced her with a kiss. He pulled his lips away and she smiled at him.

“No Hermione your not getting fat, so what if you gained a little weight, your still beautiful. Besides if your that concerned with it we can go on a diet.”, He told her.

“We?”, She asked.

“We. Lets be honest, you aren’t the only one to put on a few pounds. Old Kreacher has been pulling a Molly on us since we got back”, Harry said with a little laugh.

“Pulling a Molly? Ok, can you explain that one?”, Hermione asked.

“Yeah, I figured you would know it already. Every time I came to the Burrow over the summer Mrs. Weasley would always over feed me. She constantly would complain about the Dursley’s barely giving me anything. She never realized she was going the complete opposite direction by giving me too much.”, Harry told her.

“Oh, I get it. Sorry you wasted that joke on me.”, Hermione said. “So you’d go on a diet with me then?”

“If you want to lose weight yes.”, Harry answered. “But that doesn’t mean I’m telling you to lose weight. Your beautiful.”

“So I’m not too fat for you?”, Hermione asked. She hated how she was acting, this was something self conscious girls would say. She had always been sure and confident in herself. Even when she thought her looks were rather plain.

“You could weigh 500 pounds you’d still be beautiful to me.”, Harry told her with another kiss.

“Well in that case I’ll be in the kitchen eating.”, Hermione told him getting out of bed.

“Seriously?”, Harry asked shocked. Was Hermione planning to gain weight now, after being concerned she had gained a few pounds already.

“No, I really need to use the loo. But after that I think there’s a midnight snack I can find laying in bed. I’m in the mood for some sausage.”, Hermione told him with a seductive wink.

“Oh you wicked witch.”, Harry said when he realized what she wanted for a late night snack.

“I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too.”, Hermione said cackling as she stepped into the bathroom.

True to her word she came out of the bathroom completely naked and slid up next to Harry. Her hand began exploring his chest and slowly snaked her way to his stomach. She touched every inch of skin as she trailed her hand to his hard throbbing member.

“Mmmm, my favorite kind of sausage.”, She said as she unleashed Harry’s cock from the confines of his boxers. “It looks so good I could eat it all in one bite.” Hermione licked the tip and proved that she could take it all in one bite going to the base of his member.

“Oh Mione I love you, that’s incredible.”, Harry moaned. Hermione continued to work him up and down, occasionally taking him completely in her mouth.

“Mione slow down I’m gonna cum.”, Harry warned. She sped up her pace. “Seriously slow down or I’m gonna end up going in your mouth.” Hermione smiled as best she could with Harry’s hard cock in her mouth, but it was enough to show him that she wanted just what he was warning her about.

“Oh Merlin!”, Harry exclaimed as he shot off in her mouth. She simply smiled and continued her bobbing motion till he went limp. With a wink she opened her mouth to show him its contents and then swallowed.

“Now that’s a late night snack. Think you can go again and fill me up somewhere else?”, Hermione asked licking his limp cock. It gave a little jump when her tongue flicked across the head. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

_____________________________________________________________________

“Taking my I’d love you at 500 pounds comment serious dear?”, Harry said the following morning as he entered the kitchen. Several plates were in front of Hermione, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, 3 different types of eggs, and a large pitcher of pumpkin juice.

“No, Ron’s coming to help set up for the party. Plus I thought you deserved a nice big birthday breakfast.”, Hermione replied from behind her morning “Prophet”.

“Oh really, so that plate in front of you that has eggs, sausage, bacon and both pancakes and French toast isn’t your breakfast?”, Harry asked eyeing the plate that sat directly in front of her.

“Hey, a girl needs to eat. Especially when she burns so many calories last night like I did.”, She replied with a wink. The memory was fresh in Harry’s mind, after the most fantastic blow job Harry had ever received Hermione rode him to five of her own orgasms, and two more for him. “Same reason you stayed in bed so late.”

“Hermione Granger talking so openly about her sex life, who would have thought it?”, Harry laughed.

Hermione licked her lips seductively, “Its always the quiet ones.”

“Your anything but quiet. ‘Oh Harry, oh fuck me. Yes! Yes! Yes! Harry I’m cumming!’ Thank Merlin that the neighbors can’t hear through these walls.”, Harry said teasingly.

“Hey you weren’t complaining last night.”, Hermione replied upset.

“I’m not complaining now, more like reminiscing.”, Harry retorted.

“Why reminisce when we can relive it? Ron’s not going to get her for another half an hour.” , Hermione told him. She stood up to reveal that she was only in an old tee shirt of his. “I’m not wearing knickers under this Harry.”

“Oh woman your going to be the death of me. But what a way to go.”, Harry said rushing to Hermione and scooping her into his arms.

_______________________________________________________________________

Magic was a wonderful thing Harry thought as he cancelled the spells that Hermione cast to levitate breakfast over the table. Who wanted to have sex in maple syrup. More importantly, who would want to have breakfast after Harry and Hermione rolled around in it. Harry didn’t have time to think anymore about his breakfast of sexual champions cause Ron chose that moment to pop his head in.

“Hey Harry, what’s for breakfast?”, The red head asked dusting the soot off himself.

“Yes, I was wondering the same thing. Sex with Ron tends to work up an appetite after all.”, came the voice of Luna Lovegood as she stepped out of the fire place. “Oh look Ron, Harry gets a post sex glow just like you do.”

“Um, what?”, Harry asked confused.

“Your eyes, they shine a little brighter after sex. From the smell I would assume you two had done it in here or you haven’t showered off yet.”, Luna replied in a matter of fact tone as if this was an everyday topic.

“Sorry mate, on the bright side your face is the most hilarious site I’ve ever seen.”, Ron said trying not to laugh at Harry’s predicament.

“Gee thanks for your support Ron. Breakfast is on the table help yourselves.”, Harry said. He knew that he sounded rather rude to his two friends but in honesty he was just embarrassed and needed a quick escape.

“What’s all the commotion.”, Hermione said upon entering the room. So much for escaping this situation Harry thought. “Morning Ron. Oh hello Luna, if I had known Ron was bringing you I would have made more food. Hopefully we have enough.”

“Good morning. Was the sex with Harry good?”, Luna responded to the slightly older witch.

“Best se- Wait excuse me?”, Hermione stammered. “Sex with Harry?”

“Yes dear sex with me. Luna claims my eyes have this post sex glow about them.”, Harry replied turning to look at his fiancée.

“I never noticed that before. Oh Merlin.”, Hermione quickly said covering her mouth. She had just admitted to Ron and Luna that she and Harry had had sex this morning. Her face went bright red in embarrassment.

“Nothing to be ashamed of Hermione. I let Ron fuck me on my front lawn the moment we officially became a couple.”, Luna announced, causing Ron to choke on his eggs.

“Ronald, you pig!”, Hermione yelled. “I thought you had more respect for women than that.”

“Yeah mate what gives? You told me you fancied her and she was special, now we’re hearing you shagged her in the garden.”, Harry said looking at his friend and shaking his head in disapproval.

“I didn’t do anything.”, Ron spoke in his defense. “It was all her.”, He added pointing at a smiling Luna.

“Well normal couples have sex don’t they?”, Luna replied innocently.

“Yes Luna normal couples have sex, but normally they wait till they’re ready.”, Hermione told her. She knew Luna was a very open and sometimes odd girl but this was just short of amazing.

“Oh I was ready, I was dripping wet. And I know Ron was ready because he was rock hard.”, Luna answered as if it were a perfectly normal situation.

“No Luna I mean emotionally ready. Harry and I waited a few weeks, you and Ron waited a few minutes.”, Hermione said trying to explain herself to the younger girl.

“Guess it pays off having the emotional range of a tea spoon.”, Ron laughed. His comments set of a chain reaction around the table with Harry and Hermione bursting out laughing. Luna simply looked on amused.

“I’ll take that as end of discussion. I’m going to grab a shower. The invitations were for a one o’clock party, and it wouldn’t do me any good to smell like sex.”, Harry said with a last laugh before leaving the room.

“Merlin who would have thought the brightest witch of her age, Hermione Granger, a closet nympho.”, Ron laughed.

“I am not a closet nympho Ronald.”, Hermione said throwing him a dirty look.

“Yes, I think its quite clear she’s out of the closet isn’t it.”, Luna added.

“I knew I should have taken the shower last.”, Hermione muttered causing Ron to laugh some more.

“You can always go join Harry, Ron and I can handle the decorating.”, Luna stated.

“That’s alright, I think I’d rather take care of decorating for the party.”, Hermione replied. It was bad enough that Ron and Luna knew she was sexual active, but Luna offering to handle the work so that she can go jump Harry in the shower was all she could take.

“Is sex with Harry really that bad?”, Ron asked with a laugh. His smile quickly left his lips as he saw Hermione draw her wand.

“One more reference to my sex life and you become a party favor, understood?”, She questioned menacingly.

“Yes Ma’am.”, Ron said turning to focus on the pile of streamers coming from his wand.

“Good.”, Hermione smiled.

“Sorry Hermione, it’s my fault. I’m so open and up front about everything that I think everyone should be the same. I’ll try not to talk about such things again.”, Luna apologized.

“Its ok Luna, this is all new to me still.”, Hermione told her.

________________________________________________________________________

“What do you think he’ll say when he sees us?”, Asked a man with messy Raven hair.

“He won’t say a thing he’ll likely pass out.”, Replied another dark haired man with a bark of laughter. A third friend with sandy colored hair howled at his friends joke.

“I’m just glad I’ll finally get to look into his eyes again.”, Added a woman with dark red hair.

“Why not look in a mirror if all you wanted to see was his eyes.”, Questioned a younger woman with bubble gum pink hair.

“You’ll know in a few years when your son is older.”, replied the red head.

______________________________________________________________________

The part had been underway for a little more then an hour when Harry was cornered by his half giant friend Hagrid. He was talking to Harry about life when the conversation steered to his future wedding with Hermione.

“Ye got yerself a wonderful lady in that one Harry.”, Hagrid said taking a drink from his large mug. “She’s beautiful sweet caring an’ smart as a whip. Reminds me a bit of yer mum.”

“She fantastic.”, Harry replied while staring at her from across the room. Hermione was with her mother and the Weasley women, Molly, Ginny, and Fleur. Harry assumed they were talking wedding decorations or something.

“There ya are Ron, was hoping I’d catch you tow boys at the same time.”, Hagrid spoke, drawing Harry’s attention back to the conversation.

“What’s up Hagrid?”, Ron asked as he joined the other two men.

“I got a present for ya both. Don’t worry Harry, I still got ya something for yer birthday.”, Hagrid said producing a bottle of Ogden’s Fire Whiskey. “Bought this bottle back at the end of yer second year.”

“What would you have bought us whiskey for, we were only 11?”, Harry asked confused.

“Ah, it wasn’t for back then. I bought it for now, wanted to celebrate you boys graduating Hogwarts with a proper toast.”, Hagrid said picking up a few empty glasses off the table he was seated at. He poured a glass for Ron and Harry before emptying the remainder of the bottle into his own mug. “Maybe ye didn’t graduate but I’d say this toast is well deserved.”

Hagrid lifted his mug and tilted it towards Ron and Harry, understanding the gesture the two boys picked up there cups and tapped Hagrid’s.

“I’m proud of you boys, gonna miss yer faces around Hogwarts.”, Hagrid said with a tear in his eye as he took a large mouthful from his mug.

“Will pop in from time to time.”, Ron assured him before taking a drink of the fire whiskey. “Oh wow that’s strong.”

“To seven years of friendship and a life time still to come.” Harry said with a smile before downing the contents of his cup in a single gulp.

“That a boy Harry, drink it like a man.”, Hagrid said clapping Harry on the back with his massive hand.

“What’s the commotion over here Hagrid?”, Mr. Weasley asked as he made his way to the table.

“Nothing Arthur, just having ourselves a toast to the old days at Hogwarts.”, Hagrid replied.

“What did you give them?”, Arthur asked suspiciously.

“Just some Ogden’s. Bought the bottle back when they was first years.”, Hagrid answered. Arthur frowned.

“Don’t get them drunk, Molly would throw a fit.”, Arthur warned.

“Wouldn’t think of it. Just figured I’d do something special for them is all.”, Hagrid said, now eyeing Molly Weasley and praying he was in the clear.

“Your safe for now, they’re talking floral arraignments for the wedding. Congratulations by the way Harry. That rock on her finger is absolutely stunning.”, Arthur said. “I would think Hermione could use a break from Molly. If only one of her own sons would get engaged, or have a child.”

It was at that moment that George and Bill walked past.

“Trying dad, that girl just keeps saying no.”, George told him.

“Same here, we’re working on it, give us some time first ok.”, Bill told him. “Fleur doesn’t have mom’s baby making capabilities.”

“What about our wittle Ron-Ron? Seems like he and Luna are getting along very well.”, George added. “Speaking of Luna, what is she doing chatting up Neville? Shouldn’t she be over here with you or over with the other hens clucking about weddings and babies?”

“She needed to ask Neville about a plant or something.”, Ron replied.

“Better watch out, Longbottom might steal your girl.”, George said with a laugh.

“Wouldn’t happen. Nev’s a great guy but Luna is madly in love with Ron.”, Harry told him.

“Maybe one of her made up creatures has her acting extra loopy.”, George laughed.

“Insult my Luna again and I will hurt you.”, Ron threatened.

“Calm down little brother, he was joking.”, Bill said before smacking George in the back of the head. “Thank Merlin we only have to deal with one of them now.”

“Hey!”, George said in mock offense. “Oh Harry that reminds me, I’ve invited a few surprise guests. They should be popping in anytime now.”

“Ok, have you told Hermione? She might want to put out some extra food.”, Harry replied.

“Oh don’t worry about food, even Ron won’t have an appetite when he sees whose coming.”, George said with a grin before heading over to the buffet table with Bill.

“Wonder who he has coming?”, Harry thought aloud.

“Knowing him I’d say barricade the doors.”, Ron replied.

“Nah, he wouldn’t stir up trouble at a birthday party.”, Hagrid spoke. “I think we’re all in for a nice surprise today.”

Harry was about to respond when Hermione came over and sat in his lap.

“Have you eaten yet?”, She asked him.

“Not yet, I’ve been busy talking to everyone.”, Harry told her.

“Ok, I’ll go make you a plate then. Do you want to do the cake soon or let it wait?”, Hermione questioned.

“Whenever you want, this is your party. Well at least you’re the one playing host.”, Harry told her with a kiss.

“I’m still amazed that a man could domesticate Hermione Granger.”, Ron said shaking his head.

“That’s not domestication, that’s love.”, Hagrid told him.

“He’s quite right Ron. A properly domesticated woman is barefoot and pregnant as often as possible.”, Luna said as she and Hermione approached the table with plates for themselves and Harry.

“I’m practicing to be a wife Ron, just because I don’t work now doesn’t mean I don’t intend to ever again. I have no intention of being a housewife.”, Hermione told him. “Just because I try to make sure Harry is well taken care of doesn’t mean I’m domesticated, as you put it.”

“Luna where are your shoes?”, Ron asked cautiously.

“They’re with my purse and coat why?”, Luna replied.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing them?”, Ron asked.

“I thought I just said a properly domesticated woman was supposed to be barefoot and pregnant.”, Luna told him.

“Luna your not pregnant are you?”, Ron was now very concerned.

“Not yet, but if Neville’s plant works I should be by the end of next week.”, She responded.

“Next week?”, Ron gulped.

“Is that not soon enough dear?”, Luna asked.

“I know we talked about having kids the other night but I didn’t mean now.”, Ron told her. “You’ve still got one year at Hogwarts.”

“Hogwarts doesn’t allow pregnant students to attend.”, Luna replied.

“But you just said your not pregnant.”, Ron stated.

“Yet.”, She added.

“Oh Merlin help me.”, Ron gasped.

“Ron do you want me to ask your mother for her engagement ring?”, Mr. Weasley asked with a laugh.

Ron looked over to Luna.

“Only if I can’t get Harry to float me a few galleons till pay day.”, Ron sighed.

“Really Ron? Are we going to get engaged?”, Luna asked excitedly. This drew the attention of half the room. Including Molly Weasley herself.

“My little Ronniekins getting engaged too? Oh how wonderful.”, Molly squealed.

“And we’re going to be having a baby.”, Luna added. Ron’s face went pale. Harry couldn’t help but laugh at the situation.

“Don’t laugh, we haven’t bothered to use protection so you never know when you’ll be hearing the pitter patter of little feet.”, Hermione whispered. Surprisingly the thought didn’t upset Harry, instead he had a wide smile.

“I’d like that.”, Harry replied.

“RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY!”, Bellowed Mrs. Weasley. “I did not raise you to have children outside of wedlock. You will marry that girl immediately and make a proper woman out of her.”

“Molly relax, she isn’t pregnant. Although she was planning on becoming pregnant by weeks end.”, Arthur said with a sigh.

“Pregnant by weeks end?”, Molly asked confused.

“Yes Mrs. Weasley, or do I call you mom now? Anyway, Neville knows of a magical plant that helps couples who are having fertility issues.”, Luna explained.

“Really what iz dis plant called?”, asked Fleur, who was sincerely trying to have a baby.

“I believe the plant your referring to is ubertas-sero flower.”

Everyone turned to see who had spoken.

“Glad to see you could make it on time Professor Dumbledore.”, George said with a grin. The entire room was speechless. The former headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, but he was dead.

“Yes, well the other guests wanted to come sooner but I felt it was better to wait.”, The headmaster replied.

“Other guests?”, Harry asked breaking the silence of the room.

“Like me.”

“Sirius?”, Harry was stunned. “But the veil, the one in the department of mysteries?”

“Nothing was going to stop me from seeing my god son again.”, Sirius smiled. Harry ran to him and gave him a tight embrace. “Like what you did with this old dump. Did you let Hermione decorate it?”

“I doubt Harry could come up with this type of décor.”, another male voice added.

“He was always more prone to brooms then colors and fabrics.”, a female voice spoke. Harry looked pasted Sirius to see

“Tonks, Remus!”, He exclaimed.

“Good to see you Harry.”, Remus said embracing his best friends son.

“Yeah feels like its been months.”, Tonks added with a smile.

“Hey, we’re the ones that do the joking. Right George?” The entire Weasley family’s eyes locked on to the speaker of that voice.

“Of course Fred. Dear Tonks must have forgotten.”, George replied with a laugh. The Weasley’s engulfed the previously deceased twin in a massive family hug.

“Aw James look at that, such a happy family.”, spoke a woman’s voice.

“Lets make a family moment of our own. Hi son.”

“Mom? Dad?”, Harry asked, the tears were streaming down his face.

“Its us, we’re really here.”, James said reaching for his son. Harry didn’t hesitate, he quickly ran into his father’s embrace and hugged him tightly. Hermione, who was as shocked as the others to see the faces of so many who had given their lives fighting Voldemort, slowly approached the trio.

“Come on dear, your part of the family now too.”, Lily said reaching an arm out to Hermione. The shock of it all slowly ebbed.

“But how? You should all be dead.”, Harry asked.

“That would be our department. Dear brother shall we explain.”, George asked.

“Indeed, although I think the first part of the story is yours to tell.” Fred replied.

“Are you two that dimwitted that you didn’t think to lock the doors and cast a silencing spell on the room?”, another voice asked.

The occupants of the room, spare the former deceased were shocked to see Severus Snape standing before them.

“Ah Severus, I was wondering if you would make it in time. Did you locate him?”, Asked Professor Dumbledore.

“No sir. Every spell I attempted failed, which tells me that he did not die like many thought.”, Snape answered.

“Who didn’t die?”, Harry asked confused.

“Alastor Moody.”, Dumbledore replied. “It seems that even Voldemort himself couldn’t take down the old auror. Now I believe we have to explain how we returned to the living.”

“Sir I’ll explain.”, George stated. “After the battle at Hogwarts I needed some time. I had just lost my twin so I was feeling empty. I wandered into the Forbidden Forest where I picked up this ring.” George held up the ring.

“The resurrecting stone!”, Harry gasped.

“The one from the story of the Deathly Hallows?”, Hermione questioned.

“One and the same. I was drawn to it, I slid it on my finger and somehow I called back the ghost of Fred.”, George told them.

Fred began to pick up the story, “We learned that my form was corporeal. It made us think, I could pick up objects and touch things, would I be able to eat or drink?”

“After a few experiments we found out that he could swallow liquids and foods, although they would eventually fall out of him. That was when it hit us that maybe if we could use something like the Draught of Life, we could bring Fred back from the dead.”, George said.

“But that’s impossible, the only way to make the draught of life is to make a Sorcerer’s Stone.”, Hermione said.

“That Miss Granger is where I enter the story. The twins purchased my research from my brother Aberforth. They had a few failed attempts and decided to try to call me back from the dead to help them. I was displeased at first, but felt it was necessary to guide them in the proper direction in order to avoid them creating a major catastrophe.”, Professor Dumbledore said.

“That’s what you were working on in the lab all that time.”, Ginny said pointing at George.

“Guilty. Anyway, it eventually worked. After a few attempts we released that the person needs to take two doses of the draught one after the other. The first one brings the body back to life temporarily, the second one makes it more permanent. They’ve all been alive for about 2 weeks with out the need of administering any more potion.”, George said.

“We’ve decided to give it six months, if the draughts effects remain intact we will destroy both stones.”, Snape added.

“Why destroy the stones?”, Molly asked. “We could put them to good use.”

“So could Voldemort’s supporters.”, Dumbledore added seriously. “The wizarding world deserves some peace for a while.”