Disclaimer - The world of Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and various publishers. I make no claim to ownership.
A/N: Thanks to my beta Vettesr, and those kind enough to review.
Chapter 10: Christmas at the Grangers
"Okay, so it's a Basilisk, but where is it exactly?" the Headmistress asked when Harry and Hermione were finally able to meet with her.
"We don't know, but it seems to be traveling in the school's plumbing. At least that's where we suspect," Hermione pointed out.
"There are miles of pipes in the school, that bit of information doesn't help any. It could be anywhere; and we still don't know where the Chamber of Secrets is," McGonagall replied. "You'd best get back to your studies. Professor Sprout tells me that the Mandrakes still have a few weeks to mature, before we can harvest them for the antidote.
"Oh, one thing more, remember you will serve detention tonight with Professor Lockhart starting at seven."
Gloomily, the pair left for the Gryffindor common room. Could the day be any worse? Apparently, it could. Gryffindor students were openly glaring at them for loosing fifty points. Draco was openly smirking at them and it seemed most of the school had heard of them sleeping outside. Catcalls and whistles were heard throughout the corridors whenever the pair passed.
On top of that, the weather had turned very cold and the corridors were drafty enough for students to wear thick scarves to keep warm.
Settling down in their common room, Harry and Hermione caught sight of Neville huddled with Ginny. She was very quiet, and Neville seemed to be trying to tell her something. Finally, she got up and walked quickly up to her dorm, leaving a puzzled Neville wondering.
I wonder what that was about Harry? I don't think Neville has been able to get two words out of her all week.
I don't know. We still haven't figured where the girls disappear to every day. Anyway, what homework do we have before dinner?
Um… Potions and Transfiguration essays are due before Christmas and Professor Sprout wants an essay on magical uses of Dittany. That should be an easy one. Our Astronomy essays are also due next week, so that will be the hardest.
What do you think Lockhart will have us doing tonight Hermione?
That git! Who knows. Probably signing autographs for him! Honestly, does he know anything about Defense? Those books of his are utter rubbish. He can't have done all of those things he claims.
After putting in two hours on the essays, Harry suggested they sneak off to a quiet place.
A quiet snog, you mean, Hermione smirked, agreeing readily.
They found a broom cupboard unoccupied one floor away, and Hermione pulled him in. As soon as the door was closed, Hermione closed the distance to Harry and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Placing his hands on her hips, Harry brought his lips to hers and gently brushed them across in a soft kiss. He then proceeded to her earlobes, nipping them gently and moved down to her neck, placing his lips on her pulse point. Her skin was so soft and her hair smelled of a delicate fragrance that he couldn't quite identify.
Hermione arched her neck, giving him greater access and moaned softly. Placing her hands on each side of his face, she dragged her lips to his and as their kiss deepened, her tongue darted to his lips, seeking entrance, which he willingly gave her.
Their tongues battled each other, twisting and swirling, with first one then the other sucking the others tongue into their mouth and nipping gently.
Arms firmly locked around her slim waist, Harry drew her even closer until they were pressed so close there was no space between them at all.
Hermione wrapped a leg around his and ground her hips into his, causing Harry to groan. The small room quickly heated up and the blue aura was back. The magic kept pushing and after what seemed like an hour, but was likely only a few minutes, they broke apart, drawing a deep breath, their hearts hammering wildly.
Sparks of energy were jumping from one to the other, and the lights suddenly went out, startling the pair.
Wow, Hermione… that was wonderful!
I agree, Harry, and I want more! Something feels different somehow, Everything seems more… I don't know… alive. I can smell and see and feel things I couldn't before. Do you feel it too?
Yes love, it's as if we've been asleep before and now we're awake. Everything seems so much more… I don't know… vibrant.
Leaving the broom closet, they noticed it seemed darker than usual. Many of the wall torches were extinguished and a slight smell of ozone was in the air. Quickly returning to their common room, they were met by Professor McGonagall.
"You two better come with me!" she commanded, frowning.
Reaching her office, she bade them sit and closed the door, placing a silencing spell on the door.
"What just happened with you two?" she queried. "All the lights in this wing suddenly went out and little sparks were jumping everywhere. Two students were slightly stunned on the sixth floor, just below your common room. I felt a tremble in the wards and accounted for all the students except you two."
"The castle keeps track of who is where inside, but you didn't register. Where were you?"
Harry and Hermione looked at each other in dismay. They didn't realise the power of their magic had this much effect.
"Uh, professor, we finished our homework and were, um… finding a quiet place…" Hermione temporised.
"A quiet place to do what exactly?" the Headmistress asked.
"We just kissed a bit, professor," Harry admitted.
"A bit? It must have been more than a bit to cause this amount of problems. The school wards are not easily disturbed and the torches have never been extinguished like that before. Never mind sparks flying throughout the corridors! I think your bond is either strengthening too rapidly or it is becoming unstable. You MUST be careful. I cannot stress this enough. Until Professor Dumbledore gets back, I must insist that you refrain from any intimate relations. It's simply too dangerous. Students could be harmed."
"Yes Headmistress," the pair echoed together, their heads lowered sheepishly.
Quickly walking to the Great Hall, they sat down to dinner.
Ron and Neville whispered to the pair.
"What happened? All the lights suddenly went out awhile ago. Did you two do anything?" Ron queried.
"Yeah," Neville continued, "sparks were jumping all over the place. Then it all went back to normal."
Blushing, Harry and Hermione explained what had happened.
"Too much information!" Ron interjected. "We don't need all the details."
"By the way Neville, Hermione said, "what did you say to Ginny? She didn't seem too happy."
"I just asked her why she seemed so quiet, and if I could maybe help her."
"Strange, Ginny is usually so talkative. Luna and Emily have also been quiet, I wonder what's going on with those three," Harry mused.
After dinner, Harry and Hermione trudged up to Professor Lockhart's office.
"Ah, right on time I see, well, you scallywags are in for a treat tonight. As detention, you will help me sign and post all these photos of myself that my fans have requested," Lockhart grinned.
Groaning, the pair set to work. This was worse than they feared.
That git is so full of himself, Harry. If I could, I'd hex him into next week, just on general principles.
Yeah, he thinks he's God's gift to witches. Thank Merlin it's only one night detention, I think I'd hurl if it was more!
As the evening wore on, with the professor rambling on about his many accomplishments, Harry wondered how much more they could take.
My hand is getting sore, Harry. How much longer?
Uh… Professor," Harry asked, "it's getting late. How much longer…?"
"Good heavens, how the time flies when you're having fun. I think we can call it a night. Now you two remember, it won't always be this much fun if you get in trouble again. I went easy on you tonight, since I know you didn't mean to break the curfew. You can run along now."
Fun, Hermione? I'd rather do detention with Snape of Filtch!
Groaning, Hermione had to agree with Harry.
***
Soon Christmas was upon them and Harry was invited to the Grangers for the holidays. Excitement bubbled up in him in anticipation. It would be the first Christmas spent at the Grangers and Harry was practically bouncing on his feet.
Emily was much more talkative and even Ginny seemed back to her usual self. Luna was back to her slightly distracted self, talking about her odd creatures. It seemed that her father was taking her on a short holiday looking for the ever elusive Crumple Horned Snorkack.
Hagrid had just finished placing the final Christmas tree in the Great Hall and the professors were busily decorating.
Ron, Ginny and their brothers were staying at school this year again as his parents were visiting Charlie in Romania.
Bidding the Weasley's goodbye, Harry Hermione and Emily boarded the Hogwarts Express for the trip back to King's Cross. Emily went to join her Ravenclaw friends in another compartment, saying she's see them when they arrived at the station.
They shared a compartment with Neville and Luna, with Neville and Luna chattering away amiably. "So, Luna," Neville asked, "what do you have planned for the hols?"
"Oh, father and I are going to Sweden for a few days and then on to Finland. There have been sightings of the Crumple Horned Snorkack in the woods around Stockholm and Helsinki. What about you, Neville?"
"Gran has planned a traditional Christmas and we'll have relatives and friends over. Nothing special. What about you, Harry and Hermione? I can see Harry's excited to see your parents."
"Yes, Nev, I've never had a proper Christmas. My relatives kept me away, out of sight when they celebrated. I never got any presents, or even much food, even though I had to do the cooking. Last year at Hogwarts was the first year I had anything resembling a decent Christmas."
They all were shocked at hearing that. Neville was the first to recover.
"But Harry, that's horrible! How could they treat a child like that?"
"They hated me! Anything they could do to make me feel unwanted, they made sure it happened."
At this point, Luna and Hermione had tears in their eyes.
"I can't believe how horrible those people are to you," Luna sobbed. "You're one of the nicest people I know."
"Thanks Luna," Harry replied.
Harry, you know that won't happen again! I won't allow it! We're together now and those relatives had better watch out!
Thanks love. I know your parents are not like the Dursleys, and after last summer, I think I consider them more like my parents than the Dursley's.
This year will be special Harry. It's our first Christmas together with my family. Mum has really taken a liking to you, even Dad likes you, and he's really picky about making friends.
They settled down for the long ride, Hermione snuggling up against Harry and resting her head on his shoulder. Eventually, she lay down with her head on his lap and fell asleep. Harry gently stroked her hair, feeling the softness and incredible silkiness of it. Shifting slightly, he wrapped his arms around her and also fell asleep.
A noise awoke them and they sat up blinking the sleep from their eyes. They had arrived at King's Cross and people were quickly getting ready to leave. Neville and Luna were already standing, putting their warm cloaks on.
"Happy Christmas you two," Harry and Hermione chorused. "We'll see you after the holidays."
"Happy Christmas," Neville and Luna replied.
"It looks like snow, maybe we'll have a white Christmas," Neville said, hopefully.
Exiting the train, they made their way to the main concourse where Hermione's parents eagerly greeted them. Emily joined them a few moments later.
"Mum, Dad!" Hermione squealed. "Oh, it's good to see you! I've missed you so much!"
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Harry said shyly. "Thank you for inviting me for the holidays."
Dan and Jean Granger gathered the trio into a tight hug. "You're more than welcome Harry. We've missed our daughters terribly, but it's so nice to see you've been taking care of her," Jean exclaimed. "Now, you three have to bring us up to date on what's happened since start of school!"
Dan was more cautious; "Hermione has told us some things in her letters, but we get the feeling that there's more to tell."
"We'll talk about that later Daddy," Hermione said. "It looks like snow. Will we get a white Christmas? It's already snowed at Hogwarts."
"Well, the weather forecasters are predicting it, but if we do, it'll be the first time in several years. Usually it just rains."
The Grangers had a nice black Mercedes S-500. Loading their trunks into the boot, they set off. After a lengthy drive, battling London's heavy traffic, they arrived at the Granger's house. The weather was threatening, but the promised snow held off.
Harry had never really had a good look at the Granger's house from the outside, but decided the Dursleys would most definitely be jealous. It was a two story affair with dormer windows and an elegant look to it. Dan had already decorated the house with garlands of holly and lights. A large Christmas tree stood in the reception room waiting to be decorated. Wonderful smells of fresh baking issued from the kitchen.
"Oh, it smells so wonderful Mum! You've been busy I see," Hermione enthused.
"Well, we can't have Harry thinking that we don't celebrate a proper Christmas now, could we?"
"It's all is so overwhelming, Mrs. Granger!"
"Come on Harry, please call us Jean and Dan," Jean admonished. "We consider you the son we never had."
Tears threatened to spill from Harry's eyes. Wiping his face with a quick swipe of his hand he choked out a reply.
"That's so nice to hear, nobody ever treated me like that before, thank you Jean and Dan."
"You'll use the spare bedroom again, Harry, like you did in the summer," Dan said.
Taking their trucks upstairs; the trio relaxed and prepared for dinner. The trip had tired them out and Harry napped for a bit.
Harry, dinner's ready, are you awake?
Thanks Hermione, I just woke up. The nap did me good. I'll be down in a moment.
After washing up, Harry stepped into the dining room and took a seat next to Hermione. Emily was across from him and Jean and Dan were at each end. The food smelled wonderful. Jean had cooked up a storm, preparing Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, with small carrots and mashed potatoes. There was a nice salad and a glass of red wine was before each place setting.
"It all smells great!" Harry enthused.
A quick blessing of the supper and Dan commanded, "All right, lets dig in!"
Desert was a chocolate mouse with whipped cream and a small tart filled with the most delicious raspberry cream filling Harry had ever tasted.
Harry had never had wine before and cautiously tasted it, before deciding; it was quite nice, a bit fruity with a hint of Oak. One of the German wines, Dan told him.
After dinner, Harry offered to clean up, but Jean forestalled him, saying that she would take care of it. Dan helped her and Harry, Hermione and Emily trouped into the reception room.
Soon, her parents joined them and sat quietly as Hermione filled them in on the details.
They gasped in horror when she told them about the giant spiders. Even Emily had not heard about that and was shaken.
"So, the spiders knew about the s-snake?" Emily asked, shivering at the thought. Harry thought she looked a little green.
"Oh yes," Harry replied. "They didn't say as much, but they certainly knew."
"Dear, this sounds like a really dangerous place!" Jean exclaimed. "Do you really think you should be attending Hogwarts? What about Emily, she doesn't have the power you two have."
"We're pretty sure the school is still safe, Harry reiterated. "Now that we know what's there, we can take steps to protect ourselves and Emily." He didn't mention about the attacks, fearing that would be the last straw, and they would insist the girls not return. Emily remained silent, not wishing to tell her parents about the attacks either.
"And what about you, Emily? Did you like going to Hogwarts?" Dan asked.
"Oh yes!" Emily stated enthusiastically. "I've met oh so many nice people there. Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood have become my best friends. I'm learning ever so much, and the teachers are really nice. Of course the Potions teacher is not so nice, but I do really well in his class."
Hermione spoke up. "Professor Snape is a tough teacher, but he's very knowledgeable. Nobody really likes him, since he tends to favor his own house students. He doesn't bother with Harry and me, but the other Gryffindor's have been picked on."
After decorating the tree, Jean and Dan could see that the trio were tired, and suggested an early bedtime. There would be plenty of time to catch up on the latest gossip tomorrow. They had also planned to do some Christmas shopping at the local mall.
Climbing the stairs to bed, Hermione and Harry gave each other quick kisses and settled in their bedrooms for the night.
Harry couldn't sleep, the nap had refreshed him and he couldn't stop thinking of Hermione just across the hall. Love, are you still awake? He thought quietly.
Yes, sweetheart, I slept a lot on the train and now I can't get to sleep.
Sweetheart! That's the first time you've called me that. I like it.
Well, you've been calling me `love' for so long now, it just seemed right. I wish we could sleep together and hold each other, but Mum and Dad would have a fit.
Soon, love, no one will keep us apart. I feel the bond really pulling us now. Ever since the broom closet incident.
Oh, Harry, it's just so hard to resist the bond. I feel everything you feel. Dumbledore warned us this would happen. McGonagall seems to sympathize, but she doesn't really understand how hard it is to not complete the bond. Sometimes I want you so bad, I think I'll never get to sleep at night.
Me too love. It's all I can do to keep from letting the bond take over. Sometimes I want you so bad that I have to take a cold shower to calm down. I love you so much Hermione.
And I love you. I never thought I'd feel this way about anyone. You complete me Harry. Together we can do so much. I feel as if I've known you forever!
They talked for another hour, sharing their love and thoughts, eventually falling into a deep sleep, sharing a dream where they were in each others arms.
Awakening suddenly, Harry felt different. There was a warm body cuddled up beside him, sleeping peacefully, arms wrapped around him. Knowing it was Hermione, he wondered how that happened. Relaxing in her arms, he decided to just enjoy her warmth.
Hermione moaned softly in her sleep, softly calling Harry.
I'm here love, but how did you get here?
Startled awake, Hermione shot up. "Harry, what are you doing in my bed?"
"You mean, what are you doing in my bed?" Harry smirked.
"Y-your bed? How did I get here? Last I remember is wishing we were able to sleep together."
"Well, that's strange, that's exactly what I was wishing. Somehow, you must have apparated yourself here."
"I've never done anything like that before, Harry, you're the one that's apparated with accidental magic."
"Well," he smirked, "it looks like you can do it too."
"I'd better return to my own room, Mum and Dad would be furious if they found out."
Sneaking back to her own room, she lay awake a bit longer before falling asleep again.
Harry was lightly dozing, when he noticed Hermione once again in his bed. He decided to keep quiet this time, and snuggled up close to her and promptly fell asleep.
***
Light was weakly shining in Harry's window, when he awoke. Hermione was still curled up to him, spooning him with her breasts hard against his back and a leg tangled over his.
"Hermione," Harry called quietly. "Wake up love."
Hermione awoke again to find herself in Harry's bed. Giggling, she got up and again sneaked back to her room.
Harry, it looks like I'm more comfortable sleeping with you, she snickered.
Well, I sleep better with you beside me too, but we can't let anyone catch us like this. I guess we'll have to set our alarm clock to wake us before anyone else gets up.
Unknown to the pair, Emily had noticed Hermione tiptoeing back to her room. Shocked, she thought `Is she sleeping with Harry! Ohmigosh! If Mum and Dad find out, there will be big trouble. What should I do? Should I say anything to Hermione?' Deciding to bring it up in private, she quietly closed her door and lay on her bed thinking.
***
When everyone was awake and down to breakfast, Jean suggested they dress warm and drive to the mall to shop for Christmas presents. Hermione dressed in a simple green tank top and jeans. Harry wore a matching green shirt and jeans. Both pulled a warm sweater over top to keep out the cold. Emily wore a hot pink shirt with jeans and a cream colored cashmere sweater. Both parents were also dressed warmly. The temperature had dipped overnight and the promised snow had started to fall with light lazy flakes. The sky was a leaden grey and it was still quite dark.
After a hearty breakfast of porridge and toast, the group set out for the mall. Deciding that they wanted to surprise the other, Harry and Hermione decided to hide their thoughts from each other. They had been practicing this for a month now, and were quite good at it. Every now and then a stray thought would sneak through and they would giggle about it. Usually it was when Harry thought of the naughty things he'd like to do to Hermione. Blushing madly, the pair would turn away and resume blocking their thoughts, until Hermione would slip, and again they would blush.
Emily missed none of this, since she decided to keep a close eye on the pair. `What are they thinking, I wonder? They keep blushing at each other. I know they're in love, but are they really sleeping together?'
Hermione and Harry missed the looks Emily was giving them, caught in their own world.
Arriving at the mall, they separated into groups, each to do their own shopping. Emily went with Hermione, Harry went with Dan and Jean. Each would wait outside a shop while the other shopped. Jean gave Harry some suggestions for Dan and Emily, while Dan helped Harry with Jean. In the end, they all had an armload of packages nicely wrapped that they carried back to the car.
Emily had confronted Hermione about their sleeping arrangements.
"Hermione, I couldn't help but notice you coming out of Harry's room early this morning. What gives?"
Blushing bright red, Hermione told her about apparating to Harry's bed without knowing it.
"And the second time I did it, Harry just let me sleep. We didn't do anything Emily! You won't tell Mum and Dad will you? They definitely wouldn't understand."
Assuring Hermione, Emily promised not to tell.
After driving home and unloading the gifts, they relaxed in the reception room for awhile. Lunch was a casual affair of sandwiches and juice. Harry helped Jean with the sandwiches, despite her protests that he was a guest.
"I'm used to this Jean, I usually make meals for the Dursley's and I've gotten quite good at it. I like to experiment in the kitchen, Aunt Petunia taught me well, since she was always having friends over for tea. I never got to eat much of what I made, but last year, she relented and snuck me food when Uncle Vernon wasn't looking."
Jean found she liked Harry's company in the kitchen. Dan would stay out of the kitchen as much as possible. Doing the dishes afterward was all he would do. "Dan would be lost without me, Harry. He can barbecue burgers or steaks and that's about it."
Harry smiled, liking the comfortable atmosphere of the Granger home. He wished he could stay with them all the time.
***
Christmas eve was a whirl of activity, with stockings hung and presents placed under the tree.
The played a few games of cards, Harry catching on quickly and beating the other four three games straight before loosing badly in the fourth game. This was purely a game of chance, so Hermione was not able to gain an advantage. Surprisingly, Emily proved to be a good card player, winning the fourth game handily. They had an eggnog that Dan had spiced with a bit of wine and finally, with drooping eyelids, they all called it a night.
Next morning once again found Hermione in Harry's bed. Giggling madly, Hermione kissed him Happy Christmas and hurriedly snuck back to her room.
You know, Hermione, one of these times you're bound to get caught!
Actually, Emily saw us yesterday morning. I had a tough time explaining that nothing happened. I had to make her promise not to tell. What's going to happen when we get back to Hogwarts, Harry? There are wards that will prevent us from sleeping together. I've never slept so well as I have with you.
I don't know love, I've grown used to it as well. Maybe we can talk to the Headmistress about it.
I don't know sweetheart, McGonagall is a bit straight laced. I'm sure she won't like it.
It can't hurt to ask love. The problem will be the other students, I think. They'll want to know what's going on, and I'm not sure we're ready to tell them. Malfoy would just love to report something like this to his father.
After quick showers, the two made their way down for breakfast.
The promised snow had fallen during the night. There was at least a foot of snow on the ground and the world was a winter wonderland.
Emily and her parents were already waiting for them.
"Well, did you two sleep well last night?" Jean asked. "Happy Christmas."
The pair assured them that they slept well, although a bit guiltily.
Jean and Dan didn't notice, although Emily smirked in the sure knowledge that the two had indeed slept together again.
After breakfast, they all hurried into the reception room to open presents. Dan acted as Santa, handing out gifts.
Harry had given Jean a nice wool sweater. Emily received a silver bracelet from Harry with an eagle engraved on it. She squealed her thanks, hugging Harry, who blushed quite red.
Dan received a new set of barbecue tools from Harry but Hermione had yet to open her gift from Harry, examining the box carefully, trying to figure out what he had got her. It took all Harry's concentration, not to give the secret away. Finally, she gave up and carefully opened the package. Inside was a beautiful set of golden earrings set with diamonds.
"Harry! It's beautiful!" she screamed. "You shouldn't have! They're gorgeous! Thank you, I never would have guessed."
The rest of the family admired the fine gift. Commenting on how lovely they looked on her.
Emily gave Harry a set of silver cufflinks, and Hermione a book of poems that she had thought she would like. Hermione sat and started reading at once, tears coming to her eyes. "The poems are beautiful Emily, thanks so much! It's by my favorite author too."
Jean, Dan, Hermione and Emily finished exchanging gifts, until the last gift Hermione had saved for Harry.
"Open it Harry," she exclaimed excitedly.
Opening the box, Harry gasped in surprise, for in the box was an exquisite gold ring. Set with a small square emerald, the ring glittered in the twinkling lights from the Christmas tree. It was definitely a man's ring, and Harry was reduced to tears of happiness.
"Where ever did you find this, Hermione? It's wonderful! The craftsmanship is really unique, and look, it's engraved inside!" Looking closely, Harry could read on the inside of the band `To my own true love' with a pair of intertwined hearts. Overcome with emotion, he fell into her arms and kissed her soundly, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Aww's were heard from her parents and Emily. "That's so sweet," Jean said.
Dan had to agree that it was a very nice gift. "My daughter seems to have better taste in gifts than I do."
Blushing, Harry stammered, "T-this is the best Christmas I've ever had! Thanks everyone, I'll remember this for a long time."
After clearing the paper and packaging, they all sat around the television and watched the Queen's annual Christmas message.
Later they all trouped outside to enjoy the snowfall, having an impromptu snowball fight; Harry and Hermione against Dan, Jean and Emily. Laughing when they were all covered in snow.
Later inside they relaxed, enjoying a movie that Dan had rented. Jean had started dinner earlier with a large turkey in the roaster. Checking it from time to time, with Harry helping, they finally sat down to an excellent feast. Happy and full, they retired once more to the reception room to play Monopoly. Dan proved adept at this. Harry had a little trouble catching on to the concept of the game, finally figuring it out after he went broke. Amid laughter, Harry kibitzed the other players, trying to lead them astray. Emily was the next to fall under Dan's relentless play leaving Dan, Jean and Hermione in the game. Jean was the next out leaving Hermione and her dad to battle it out. The game seesawed back and forth until Dan finally was victorious. Even with Harry's help, Hermione was unable to beat her father's ruthless play.
Suddenly the floo flared, and Professor Dumbledore stepped out, surprising everybody.
"Ah, good evening all. I thought I'd drop in to see how my favorite students are doing. I must apologize for dropping in unannounced, but the Ministry has seen fit to re-instate me. It seems that the governors received a flood of letters demanding I be returned as Headmaster, and I thought you two should be among the first to know. The professors also know, and I'm gratified for the support I've received."
After Harry and Hermione recovered their shock at this good news, they congratulated the Headmaster. Jean offered him a glass of sherry and Dan wondered why he had been sacked in the first place. Carefully hiding the truth, Albus reassured Dan that it was all a misunderstanding with the board of governors. Certain factions headed by Lucius Malfoy had plotted to remove him, but once the plot was revealed, the governors backed down. It seems that some of the governors had been pressured by Lucius to vote for his removal.
Harry asked to speak with the Headmaster after they returned to school, and he agreed.
After the Headmaster left, Harry and Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. It had been a near thing, but they sensed that the professor knew not to tell her parents about the danger presently hiding somewhere in the school. McGonagall had passed on to Albus, Harry and Hermione's suspicions about the Basilisk.
***
The holidays passed quickly, with Hermione and Harry managing to sleep together every night without being caught. It was a near miss a couple of times, when either Dan or Jean got up early. One night Harry managed to apparate to Hermione's bed, just as she was about to do the same. Imagine her delight when he appeared next to her soundlessly, just as she was thinking about doing the same.
Grinning widely, Harry settled down behind her, spooning tightly with his arms around her.
Harry, you can do it too! Oh, this is so nice.
Yeah, I just thought about you in bed, and suddenly I was here.
We'll have to be very quiet Harry, Mum and Dad are next door.
Settling down, they kissed and finally fell asleep.
Next morning, Harry noticed that his hand was cupping Hermione's breast and he had a very firm erection. Not wanting to wake Hermione, he carefully slipped out of bed and snuck back to his own room.
Hermione, feeling the absence of heat, tried to snuggle closer, only to find Harry gone. She'd had a wonderful dream, involving Harry doing naughty things to her. Feeling a bit damp behind her, she suspected it was only partly a dream.
Harry, did you have a wet dream last night?
Umm, er… you know I did Hermione. Hermione could feel Harry's blush.
It's okay Harry, so did I. My knickers were quite damp front and back. We'll have to watch ourselves, this could quickly get out of hand.
Taking a cold shower, Harry dressed quickly and made his way downstairs. The house was still and quiet, so Harry decided to cook breakfast. As the aroma of bacon wafted upstairs, first Emily, the Jean and Dan appeared. Hermione was last, having had her own cold shower.
"Harry, what a wonderful surprise. You didn't have to cook breakfast," Jean admonished, but was secretly pleased that he had shown such thoughtfulness.
"Well, I awoke early and thought I might as well get the day started. There's juice and toast and the bacon and scrambled eggs should be ready shortly."
Dan grinned, "Harry you're putting me to shame! I've never been able to put together a breakfast like this."
"Well, I've had loads of practice, this is really easy for me, and I like to show my appreciation for the wonderful time I've had here."
Hermione was grinning madly. Harry had definitely been accepted into her family.
***
New Years Eve, and the close family and Harry stayed up to ring in the New Year. Harry kissed Hermione under some mistletoe that Jean had strung up, and after coming up for air, the Granger adults laughed and teased the pair. Blushing furiously, Harry wished everyone a Happy New Year and promptly fell asleep on the couch. Jean, Dan and Emily brought blankets and wrapped Harry and Hermione up together. Settling her head on Harry's chest, she sighed contentedly and drifted off to sleep as well.
After a hearty breakfast and light lunch, they made ready to return to Hogwarts the next day. Dinner was a subdued, quiet affair, with all of them lost in thoughts and memories of a wonderful holiday.
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