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. Warning, more Lemon.
Chapter 15: Dangerous Games
Lucius Malfoy was furious. According to his sources inside the ministry, the Potter brat and the mudblood Granger were married. He had hoped to siphon off the Potter fortune before Harry came into his inheritance. Now that wouldn't be possible. He had planned to become Harry's guardian and then use his guardianship to raid the vaults and then kill Harry. He had sent Draco a note to kill Hermione, but had not heard back from him yet. His son had managed to antagonise Potter last year and been hurt for his efforts. Reminding Draco that Slytherin were better planners than he had shown to date, he still had hopes that a sneak attack would work.
As he settled down in his study, Draco's Eagle Owl flew in the window with a note attatched to its leg. Reading the note, he swore viciously. Draco was in the Hospital wing unconscious. According to Marcus Flint, he and three others were attacked by Potter and the mudblood. Well, this might serve his purpose just as well. Showing the Minister of Magic that Harry was dangerous and should be expelled would allow him to seek compensation. Perhaps a wizard duel would be advantageous. He knew as head of household, Harry would have to respond. A mere boy of twelve would be no match for him. And then he could claim wizards debt and clean out Potter's vault. Yes, that could work! Meanwhile, that cursed diary might just bring his master back. Lucius smiled.
….
Albus and Severus made their way to the Slytherin common room. Upon entering he asked to see Mr. Crabbe and Miss Parkinson.
"May I see your wands please," the Headmaster requested, when the pair met in the common room.
"Uh… what for, Headmaster," Pansy asked, knowing instinctively that their story might not be believed.
"I believe there was an altercation earlier this evening. I am merely checking wands to see what spells were performed and by whom."
Pansy gulped and handed over her wand. Crabbe reluctantly handed his over as well.
"Potter attacked us sir," Pansy explained. "We merely tried to protect ourselves."
"Indeed. We shall see. I will be examining all the wands in my office. They will be returned to you when I am satisfied with the truth of the matter." Dumbledore then left. Snape looked at the two students, wondering what the truth would reveal. If his four students were implicated in an unprovoked attack, he would be hard pressed to save them from expulsion.
After Snape had swept out of the common room, his robes billowing after him like some giant bat, Pansy turned to Crabbe.
"Draco's really done it this time! I only hope that Potter had used his wand for something other than entertaining that bitch," Pansy exclaimed. "If this gets back to father, he'll ask why we didn't just kill Potter and his mudblood outright."
Crabbe was worried. Following Draco suddenly didn't seem such a good idea anymore.
….
Harry and Hermione returned to their common room, but then remembered that Dumbledore wanted to meet with them.
Let's change Harry, Dumbledore should have figured out we were telling the truth by now. I forgot that now we are magically married, I'm Mrs. Hermione Jean Potter! That has a nice ring to it. Speaking of rings, Mr. Potter, where's mine? She teased.
Mrs. Hermione Jean Potter! That has a wonderful sound to it. Hey, we have the same initials now! How cool is that. Um… I forgot about the ring for a moment. Now that we're married, we're of age and I can access my family vault. I recall seeing some very nice jewelry there. I'm sure there's a ring. If not, we'll go shopping.
Harry, I was just kidding. We don't have to advertise that we're married. A ring would certainly be nice though. Oooh, It's like a dream. Married at thirteen! Come here Mr. Potter!
Harry stepped into her arms, giving her a proper kiss. As they deepened the kiss, Hermione finally pulled away.
Harry, she gasped, we have to see Dumbledore, remember.
Tease! I was just warming up.
Later sweetheart, maybe he'll expel Draco. I wouldn't miss that for the world. Well, maybe I would for you, she smiled, suddenly shy.
Arriving at the Headmaster's office, he bade them enter.
"Well Harry, it seems that your description of the affair is the only one that is correct. By the way, that simple Expelliarmus spell you used had so much power behind it, that it's a wonder young Mr. Malfoy wasn't killed. You must be careful Harry, important people could make life very difficult for you and I may not be able to protect you. Lucius Malfoy is on the school board of governors and would use any excuse to put forward his own agenda. Doubtless, he has heard about your altercation with his son."
"Yes sir, but he hurt Hermione! I reacted without much thought except to protect her!"
"I know Harry, but still, if you cause a student's death, the Ministry of Magic would send you to Azkaban."
"Azkaban?" Harry wondered. "What's Azkaban, a prison?"
"Azkaban is a wizards prison. It is the very worst place you could be. There is no escape from Azkaban, the guards are augmented by Dementors. These are soulless abominations that suck all the happiness out of you. Most wizards or witches sent there slowly go mad. A Dementor lives off the worst thoughts of whomever they come in contact with. You are made to relive those thoughts and dreams. In extreme cases, prisoners are administered `The Kiss' in which the Dementor sucks the person's soul out. They are left alive, but with no soul, they will slowly waste away and die."
Harry and Hermione shuddered at this.
"I-I'll have to learn to control myself then, Headmaster.
"Sir, there is a request I'd like to make," Harry asked.
"Ask away, Harry. If I can fulfill the request, I shall do so."
"The Goblins now consider us married and I will have full access to my parents vault. I'd like to go to Gringotts to look for a ring for Hermione."
"Perhaps we can arrange that for this Saturday. I believe there will also be a ring for you as Lord Potter. You would use this ring to seal documents with the imprint of the Potter crest. Lady Potter would also have one. Have you seen your parents vault? Apparently it contains a great deal besides money.
"Yes sir, Hermione and I visited there before the start of term. The Goblins informed us of the titles at that time. There are many useful things in the vault. Apparently my parents collected rare books and paintings. The Goblins also mentioned that I own several properties and businesses. As near as we can tell, we are very wealthy!"
"It is as I suspected, Harry. I would also advise you to formalize your marriage. The wizarding world is somewhat of a stickler for details like that. While you may be recognized by Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic, It would be wise to show the public that you've attained legal age through a formal marriage. This would also legitimize you taking a seat in the Wizengamot, as is your right as Lord Potter.
"I would be most happy and honored to perform the ceremony if you like."
"This is a bit sudden, sir. We're still getting used to the bond completing. We've only started to realize it ourselves."
"Oh, and one other thing Harry and Hermione. Since you two are now married, I can arrange for married quarters for you in the castle during school term."
Harry, that's great, we'll have our own apartment here. It'll be difficult to explain this to the rest of the students though, I don't think I'd like to announce it. Maybe Dumbledore can. I'd like it formalized so we can stop sneaking out of the Head's room. I'd really like the world to know I'm Mrs. Hermione Potter!
This ceremony makes me nervous Hermione. We'll be on `display' for the school. I hate drawing attention to ourselves, but if that's what you want, we'll do it. Remember, your Mum and Dad still have to be invited, and your Mum wants a muggle wedding for us as well. Maybe we can do the two at the same time. Can we put this off until the end of the school year, that way we can have a honeymoon right after.
Where would we hold the ceremony, Harry? Mum will want to plan it!
We could hold it at Potter Manor. I remember seeing that reference in the vault at Gringotts.
No, Harry, it's been years since the Manor has been occupied. We don't know what condition it's in. Best to hold it here, where there is good security. Mum won't have time to plan this. Hogwarts should be able to handle this. Mum will fuss over my wedding dress as it is.
"Um, the students don't really know about our marriage yet," Harry started. "I'm not really comfortable with telling them, even though I know they'll eventually realize it. I think we would like you to announce the ceremony and perform it as soon as possible. We'd also like to have a muggle ceremony at the same time and have Hermione's parents present."
"Hmm, that might present a problem, since muggles can't see Hogwarts. There are charms and wards to prevent muggles from seeing the school. I think it best that we separate the two ceremonies," the Headmaster replied. "I would be happy to perform both ceremonies if you wish."
Harry and Hermione sighed. It looked like a busy time, and end of term exams were coming as well. The Basilisk problem still hadn't been resolved and there was only two months left until school was out for summer.
There were also Quidditch games not yet played. Ravenclaw had beaten Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Slytherin had beaten Hufflepuff and Gryffinor had yet to play Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
"Alright Professor," Hermione replied. "I'll have to inform Mum and Dad. Mum had wanted to put off the wedding for a year, but I think we can talk her into having it this summer."
"That's fine Hermione. My schedule for the summer should permit a flexible time period. Let me know what your parents decide. Now if you agree, we can set up the magical ceremony for early next month. May is always a desirable time of year for a wedding. I will see about the married quarters post haste," Dumbledore acknowledged. "I think Professor McGonagall can apparate you to Gringotts Saturday, if you'd like."
What do you think Harry? May usually has good weather, we could hold it outside. Oooh, Mum will be wild! It's too bad she won't be able to come here. I have to talk to her, maybe we can meet Mum and Dad in Diagon Alley this Saturday. I'll have to get Hedwig to deliver a letter to them tonight. It's only three days until Saturday.
May sounds wonderful love. Maybe the Headmaster could portkey your parents here for the ceremony. That way, the wards and charms wouldn't affect them. I know you can't apparate into or out of Hogwarts, but will a portkey work?
Yes, Harry, a portkey would work. Let's ask the Headmaster.
"Uh, Professor, would a portkey work to get Hermione's parents here for the wedding?" Harry asked.
"Why yes, that's an excellent suggestion, it would circumvent the charms and wards if I made the portkey. Normally, the Ministry controls the making and use of portkeys, for security purposes, but for this, I'm sure there will be no problem. Unfortunately, I'll probably have to invite the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge."
Hermione, this is getting pretty big if the Minister for Magic is invited. I had hoped to keep it small and a bit more intimate.
I know Harry, but you're the `Boy Who Lived', The Minister would be offended if he weren't invited. I'm just glad that my parents can come. Let's send Hedwig tonight.
"I think that should conclude our discussions for tonight. Since you have classes tomorrow, I'll bid you goodnight and sweet dreams," Albus said, adjourning the discussion.
….
Returning to their dormitory after sending Hedwig to the Grangers with a letter Hermione had written, Harry and Hermione prepared for bed. They both took the potion and did the contraceptive charm. Sleep would not come, however, as the pair dwelt on the day's happenings.
Harry, I'm not sleepy, snuggle closer.
Harry had been spooning Hermione, hugging her close, but pulled her even closer. Both had taken to sleeping with only their knickers and boxers on.
Hermione turned over, facing him, wrapping her leg over his, she scooted closer, bringing her lips to his and kissing him lightly. As Harry deepened the kiss, Hermione's tongue sought entrance to his mouth. Soon it was an all out fight for dominance, as they rolled together, Hermione on top of Harry, kissing every available inch of skin she could reach: his lips, cheeks, nose and earlobes yielded to her hot mouth, licking, sucking and whispering softly to him.
Take me Harry, let me feel you in me, she whispered.
Harry could feel her breasts pressing against his chest and felt the nipples harden as they sought closer contact. His own body hardened in response as she ground her hips against his.
"Hermione," he breathed. "I need you! Now!"
"I want you too Harry," she whispered.
Hermione marveled again at how large Harry's member was. He had developed a fine set of toned muscles. Harry, in his turn took in the glory that was Hermione. Her breasts were full and her waist curved gracefully. Her hair was glossy and long with soft curls. Gone was the bushiness and buck teeth. Instead, he beheld a young woman in all her glory.
Guiding her to lie on her back, Harry positioned himself above her. She sighed as he entered her. Pushing himself fully into her, he rested on his elbows, capturing her lips once again. She moaned and brought her legs up, wrapping them around his waist. Drawing him closer, she rocked her hips against his. Withdrawing slightly, Harry plunged in again, slowly. They continued, slowly gaining the rhythm, working and increasing the tempo, their moans growing louder. Hips flashing in frenzy, they quickly built to a climax, Harry pulsing strongly into Hermione.
Harry was still hard and was ready to go again almost immediately. Starting slowly with Hermione on top this time, they again found their rhythm, Hermione giving little gasps of pleasure as Harry penetrated her. They took it slower this time, letting it build until they couldn't hold it any longer and tipped over the edge, to orgasm once more. Their minds were fully entwined and the pleasure they shared was intense.
Four more times they made love until exhaustion overtook them and they slept, their dreams intertwined as were their bodies. The bond having completed previously, strengthened a bit more.
….
The next morning, they awoke refreshed and had a quick shower, before dressing for breakfast and classes. Today they had Herbology and potions in the morning, with Charms and Transfiguration in the afternoon.
As they made their way down to breakfast, many students stopped to openly stare at the couple, noticing the drastic changes the bonding had made. Harry was inches taller, even a bit taller than Ron. No longer the skinny small boy, he had filled out and grown into what appeared to be a mature teen overnight it seemed.
Hermione had likewise gone though major changes, her hair had become sleek and long and she had gained weight and curves in all the right places.
Lavender gasped when she saw Hermione, clearly envious of the transformed beauty. Watching Harry, she wished she had been able to snag him, instead of Hermione. The biggest jolt came from Neville, who just looked gob smacked when he saw the two.
"W-what happened to you two? You look so much older, and sweet Merlin Hermione, y-you look gorgeous."
"That's what the final bonding did to us Nev. We've magically aged the equivalent of four years," Harry replied.
"Thank you Neville, that's sweet of you to say," Hermione beamed. "Have you seen Emily this morning, Neville?"
"No, not yet. Here's Luna though, maybe she's seen her," Neville answered.
"Hi Luna, have you seen Emily this morning, we have to talk to her."
"Hello Harry, Hermione," Luna answered dreamily. "Emily should be down shortly, she had to remove the Nargles from her hair that had nested there overnight."
Nargles? What's she talking about Hermione?
Oh, that's just Luna, playing. She doesn't really believe those imaginary creatures exist. She just says that so people will think she's Looney. She's very smart, but prefers to not show it. She always does really well on tests, Emily says.
Oh, okay. It just sounds weird though. I know she's taken a fancy to Ron. Too bad he's still petrified. I hope that Mandrake potion is ready soon. I miss him as much as Luna does.
Oh, I think Luna misses him just a bit more. She spends every available moment at his bedside, talking to him, even though we think he can't hear a thing. Oh, here's Emily now.
"Emily, over here!" Hermione called.
"Hi Hermione, Harry, Luna. What's up? "I'm starved"
"The Headmaster will make an announcement this morning about us. I just don't want you to be unprepared. Since we completed the bond a few days ago, we are now considered magically married. Dumbledore will announce this and our magical wedding ceremony. Mum and Dad will be able to come."
"Wow, that's incredible. We heard that you had bonded, but we knew that already. So you completed the bond? I want details," Emily pressed.
Hermione and Harry both turned red at this. "Uh, Emily, it's a bit personal, you really don't need to know the details," Hermione stammered.
"Oh, so you two…?"
"That's enough Em!" Hermione chastised.
"Oh, they `co-habited', Emily," Luna smirked.
"They didn't!" Emily was scandalised.
"That's really enough, you two," Hermione whispered harshly.
The Headmaster was speaking, telling the students the good news. There was snickering from the older students and scandalized looks from the younger ones when he had finished.
"… And I must remind you all, that this is a serious matter. Never before has a magical marriage taken place between ones so young. Although Harry and Hermione appear about four years older now, they are still going to attend the same classes as before. After the year end exams, be will evaluate their knowledge to determine where they will place next year. We may give them advance lessons in some disciplines, but I expect they will carry on as usual. They will be using the married quarters after the ceremony. Incidentally, you are all invited to the wedding which will take place the second Sunday of May."
Clapping and wolf whistles broke out in the Great Hall, and all eyes turned to Harry and Hermione. Blushing a deep scarlet, both ducked their heads, trying their best to ignore the rest of the students.
….
The days passed and word came that the Mandrake potion was ready. Madam Pomfrey administered the potion to Ron and he slowly awoke to see Luna's bright blue eyes gazing into his own. Gulping, he managed to squeak, "H-hello Luna. What happened?"
While Luna was filling Ron in on all the developments, Madam Pomfrey administered the potion to the other students and Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat. Both Colin and Justin looked around dazedly, wondering what had happened. Argus Filch came to reclaim his cat, who also liked dazed.
Ron suddenly found himself the centre of attention, as Harry, Hermione, the twins, Ginny and Percy crowded around the bed. Looking at Harry and Hermione, he gasped. "Bloody Hell Harry, is that really you… and Hermione! Wow, you guys really look different. More grown up."
Ginny looked downcast at Ron. She was sure she had something to do with all this, but simply couldn't remember. There seemed to be large gaps in her memory. A tear escaped her eye and after hugging Ron, practically ran from the room.
Madam Pomfrey came by to run a diagnostic on Ron before releasing him. Luna helped him out of bed and shooed everyone away while he dressed. Ron started to wonder if Luna might be the friend he needed to balance the loss he felt now that Harry and Hermione had apparently completed the bond. `Luna! I wonder why I never noticed how pretty she is before,' he thought. `Maybe I'll see if she likes me. She certainly seems to have taken care of me.' He smiled at the thought that he just might have a girlfriend. Maybe life won't be quite so lonely after all.
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