Chapter 429: 13
13 Best. Christmas. Ever.
Hermione awoke early the next morning, more than a little excited. She would be going home for the Christmas holiday, and she was bringing her first friend to meet her parents. She had been anticipating this trip home ever since she received the letter from her parents stating they would be delighted to host Harry for Christmas. She had gotten a glimpse of Harry's home life a few months ago and now she was anxious to show Harry how "normal" people lived.
She was already packed, and the train wouldn't be leaving for a few hours, so there was time for breakfast. Lavender and Parvati would likely sleep for another hour or so and as she was ready for the train, there was no reason not to get some breakfast.
As she expected, Hermione saw both Harry and Neville, flushed and sweaty from their workout entering the Common Room at the same time she came down the stairs.
"Really?" She asked, eyeing both boys humorously. "You get a chance for a lie in, and you still get up at the crack of dawn..."
"Sun wasn't up when we got started." Neville smirked. "I don't want to lose my edge."
Hermione couldn't help but smile at this and shook her head.
"Harry told me you decked McClaggen." Neville said with a prideful smile. "Well done."
"I kicked him first." Hermione said, a bit embarrassed.
"Kicked him?" Neville asked, looking to Harry who gave a wince that every single boy could understand. Neville shivered and turned back to Hermione, who looked almost ashamed.
"Don't." Harry said, pointing to her now. "Don't feel bad for defending yourself."
Hermione gave a nod, though she didn't really change her expression.
Harry grasped her shoulder comfortingly as he and Neville went to get cleaned up. She smiled gratefully at him and then went and sat in front of the now dead fire and waited for the boys to return. She thought about what she had done the night before, and how Harry had acted, and especially about what had very nearly happened just before Cormac had stormed into Gryffindor Tower.
She and Harry had been entirely too close, but Hermione had never even entertained the idea that it had been a bad thing. In fact, she hated McClaggen even more for interrupting what might have been.
She allowed herself to wonder if perhaps she might find herself in a similar situation with Harry over the holiday. Her mind began to wander and she didn't hear the boys come back down to the common room. She was staring into the dying embers when someone shook her shoulder, and she leapt about a foot off the couch, shrieking like the damned.
"We've been calling to you for sixty seconds." Harry claimed, as Hermione clutched her chest and panted, her eyes wide with fright. Neville looked apologetic, but Harry simply looked concerned. "I thought someone might have put a body bind on you." He claimed.
"Never. EVER. Sneak up on me like that again!" Hermione gasped. Harry gave a nod, and Neville, hid a smirk before turning to the portrait hole. He had to fight another wide smile when he turned around and saw that Harry had his hand on Hermione's lower back, as if escorting her or something, and the softening of Hermione's face at the gesture.
They reached the Great Hall a few minutes later. Harry had been giving Neville some tips so he could continue his work outs at home, and Hermione wondered how Harry was going to keep up on his own physical routine, as there wasn't really anywhere he could run properly. At least not that she could think of. She had made to mention it when, just as they were entering the Great Hall, someone called out to Hermione.
"Could I talk to you for a moment?" asked a rather frazzled, and manic looking Millicent Bulstrode. She was glancing at Harry with true fear, as the stoic young man flanked Hermione, looking reading to prevent anything untoward from happening.
Hermione had never in her life seen anyone look so crazy. Her hair was a mess, like she hadn't brushed it in a month. Her eyes were bloodshot and bulging with deep purple bags under them as if she hadn't slept in more than a month. She was shaking, and glancing all around herself, prepared to sprint away at the first sign of perceived danger.
Hermione felt a shiver of fear run through her as the rather large girl took a tentative step forward with her hands held up in surrender. Hermione quickly looked about the Entrance Hall for any signs of a trap, not that she thought she would be able to spot one. And then... the strangest thing happened.
Millicent Bulstrode fell to her knees and clasped her hands together.
"Hermione Granger," She began, her voice cracking, and tears in her eyes. "I am so sorry for everything I've ever said or done to you over the last five years. I have seen now just how horrible I've been to you, and I have gained respect for you. Were I in your place, I know that I would have never managed to keep coming back here, and putting up with it all."
"W-what?" Hermione looked disbelievingly at the girl prostrating herself before the Gryffindors.
"I know now just how humiliated you must have felt, and I can't stand it. I'm ashamed of my part in everything you suffered, and I'm begging for your forgiveness."
"O-ok." Hermione stammered, unsure if this was even really happening. She turned to Harry who was staring at the large girl with disdain.
Millicent got to her feet, and grasped Hermione's hand and kept repeating that she was truly sorry. It continued until Harry stepped in, and freed Hermione's hand and turned to Millicent.
"I'm happy to see that you've now seen the error of your ways." He said, making Millicent, who was almost a foot taller than Harry, cower like a beaten dog. "You are clearly the smartest of you friends, and I hope that perhaps you might help them to see how wrong they have been. Until then, their punishments will continue."
"Will I..." Millicent asked, looking worried, but Harry shook his head.
"You freed yourself." Harry said simply before turning Hermione and guiding her towards the Great Hall. He stopped and quickly glanced over his shoulder. "Don't use any of the forks on the Slytherin Table. Take one from one of the other house tables this morning."
Millicent nodded, and scampered away.
"Did that really just happen?" Hermione asked, not sure she could believe her own eyes and ears.
"Damn, my money had been on Parkinson to break first." Neville groaned as he sat next to Harry and across from Hermione.
"I thought it would be Nott." Harry admitted. "Parkinson is too wrapped up with Malfoy to even attempt to think for herself. Crabbe and Goyle have barely half a brain between them and won't even breath without Malfoy's say so. The rest of those who hang around Malfoy seem more afraid of him than me, despite all they've been through lately, and Malfoy's just too stubborn and full of pride to even contemplate the idea he's been beaten."
"Funny he hasn't tried to retaliate." Neville said, as Hermione just stared at the pair of them.
"He has." Harry smirked lightly. "I just treat the House Elves better than he does."
Neville laughed at that and dug into a plate of pancakes. Hermione was still gaping at the two boys. She wondered for the billionth time just what it was she had done that had caused the Fates to send her such a powerful and thoughtful guardian angel. Shaking all the bizarreness from her mind, she began to eat her breakfast while Harry and Neville talked a bit more about a new training regiment they would start after the holidays.
The train ride home had been quiet, but it had also been more enjoyable than any train ride Hermione had ever had to or from Hogwarts since she began. She and Harry found a cabin together, that just so happened to be the same one they had first met. This time however, they sat next to one another as they were joined by Neville and Hannah Abbott, not to mention a revolving door of fellow classmates who wished them all a good holiday. Lavender had stayed a bit to find out more about Neville's New Year's party, and to ask Hermione if she might visit a bit during the holiday. Hermione had declined as she wasn't sure what her parents had in mind, but promised they would see each other at Neville's party.
Many visitors came by to congratulate Harry and yet another wonderful prank on the Slytherins, and a few Ravenclaws whom Harry had discovered had played parts in Hermione's humiliation through the years. Harry of course denied any involvement in the rather risqué dance show that Draco and the other Slytherins performed at breakfast. Hermione was certain she would never be able to get the image of Draco rubbing marmalade on his nipples out of her head.
"Where did you even come up with the idea for something so... Disgustingly brillaint?" Hermione asked, after Dean Ron and Seamus came in and given the compliments.
"Why do you think I was involved?" Harry asked, trying to look innocent. Hermione fixed him with a rather pointed stare and Harry sighed and sat up a bit straighter.
"Fine. If I were involved, I would have simply listened to the way other boys talk about girls. I would have then taken note of the more ridiculous sounding things, such as a girl giving a boy a striptease..."
"Why is that ridiculous?" Hannah asked. "I know a few girls that pride themselves on their strip tease. Su Li is famous for it."
"She's right." Neville nodded.
"How would you know that?" Hannah asked, looking dangerous. Neville swallowed hard, and smiled innocently.
"Seamus?"
There was a bit of a pause before Hannah seemed to accept that and nodded. Neville looked relieved and slumped a bit. Hermione had to laugh while Harry watched the whole scene with interest.
"Anyway..." He continued. "Were I actually involved."
"Which you were." The other three said as one.
"I would have taken all the most ridiculous things I had overheard about such stripteases, and configured them into a very strong compulsion charm, that would be attached to their forks, as well as an inhibition lowering potion, and a very mild lust potion which was slipped into the cream that Malfoy and his friends usually put in their tea."
"So that's why Parkinson didn't dance." Neville snapped his fingers. "It was only Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Malfoy. I was starting to wonder if Parkinson had apologized and you didn't tell me."
"Actually, her fork was keyed so she would sing for the boys. You can't have a striptease without music I'm told." Harry clarified. "Besides, I think we've all seen enough of Pansy without clothes for a bit."
"Harry you can't keep this up." Hermione said, grabbing his hand. "It's not that I don't appreciate it, but you're going to get into serious trouble."
"Perhaps." Harry shrugged. "If I do, I'll serve my punishment. But they're all bullies, and they need to learn that just because you think you're superior to everyone else, doesn't mean you can get away with treating people like scum."
"Just... please don't get yourself in trouble for me." Hermione said pleadingly. "I'm not that special and..."
"Yes you are." Harry countered. "No one deserves what you've suffered through."
"He's right Hermione." Neville nodded. "By going through all of that, and still to be here, with your head held high... that's pretty special. Besides, it isn't as if any of them were ever caught. They all covered their tracks pretty well, and Harry's been trained better."
"No one else could have had the courage to show their face after even a quarter of the things you've been the victim of." Hannah added. "I'm in awe of you at times."
Hermione didn't know how to respond so she remained quiet. It was then she noticed Harry's hand interlaced with hers, as she felt him squeeze it softly. It made her smile and she turned to him and saw that he was smiling at her. Not huge or anything... but a Harry smile. The corners of his mouth pulled up ever so gently, and his hard eyes, soft and full of something that Hermione just couldn't quite identify, but nevertheless made her heart skip.
"Thank you." She whispered. Harry simply nodded.
The Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross, and the students all disembarked, many of them meeting their parents right there on platform nine and three quarters, while the muggleborns all headed for the barrier.
Hermione led Harry through the barrier into the muggle world where hundreds of people were bustling about to get to their trains. Hermione turned to find Harry looking more than a bit uncomfortable. If it were anyone else, Hermione would have guessed it was nerves about meeting her parents. However, knowing Harry as she did, she guessed it was likely the thought of being surrounded by so many potential threats in an unfamiliar location. She didn't think she was wrong either.
Hermione saw her mother and father waiting near the exit into London. Her father was looking at his watch, and smiling as some of her class mates passed them. He was wearing one of his nicer suits, and rubbing his hands in anticipation. Knowing her father, he was probably hungry or something.
Her mother was practically bouncing in anticipation. She was also dressed a bit nicer than was normal, and Hermione guessed they wanted to give a good impression. She was smiling brightly as she scanned the crowds for her child.
"Hermione!" Her mother squealed when she saw her only daughter. She practically bounded forward and wrapped Hermione in a very warm and tight hug, shaking her enthusiastically.
Her father was no less happy to see his daughter, and held her very tightly as he asked her how the train ride had been.
"And this has got to be Harry." Hermione's mother said, looking past Hermione to the rather handsome, and decidedly stiff young man standing behind her daughter.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet Dan and Emma Granger, my parents." Hermione said with a smile. "Mum, Dad, this is Harry my... friend."
"Sir, Ma'am." Harry greeted Dan and Emma Granger. Hermione was watching rather nervously. She'd never brought anyone home to meet her parents, as she'd never really had any friends before, much less a boy. She had seen the pointed glance her mother gave her when she'd stammered over what exactly Harry was to her.
Emma smiled and waved off Harry's proffered hand, and actually hugged him. Hermione saw the flash of surprise in Harry's eye. She had hugged him a total of three times to date, and he always went ramrod stiff. Hermione wondered if she noticed Harry's tension at her show of affection. It was likely as Emma was very good at being able to tell if her patients were comfortable before they uttered a single syllable. It was part of the reason the Granger's dental practice was so popular.
Emma pulled back, smiling brightly at Harry. She looked him over and gave Hermione another knowing look that made Hermione blush.
"It is really good to meet you." She smiled. "Hermione's told us a little about you in her letters and I must say I have been very curious to learn more. We're so glad you agreed to spend Christmas with us."
"Thank you for allowing me to stay with you." Harry said in his typical even tone. Hermione's father stepped up and offered his hand. Hermione saw Harry give her father the once over as he accepted the handshake.
"Harry." Dan said by way of greeting.
"Sir." Harry replied. Hermione was wondering if her father was trying to play the role of protective father. She had to smile to herself as she imagined her father attempting to threaten Harry.
"Well, I hope you two are hungry." Emma said, hooking her daughter's arm with hers, and leading them all towards the parking lot. "It's a tradition to go out whenever Hermione comes home from school. We thought Italian might be in order tonight." Emma gave a knowing look to her daughter whose smile suddenly appeared.
"Giuseppe's?" Hermione asked hopefully.
"Giuseppe's." Dan confirmed. Hermione gave a small squeal that made Harry look at her strangely, as she her mother shook her excitedly. Harry simply watched the interaction with interest. "You like Italian food Harry?"
"I'm not sure." Harry replied. This caused Emma to turn around looking troubled.
"How could you not know?" She asked. Harry looked ready to reply, but Hermione cut him off.
"Harry's had somewhat of a unique life." She said with a soft smile. "We can tell you about it at dinner. Can we please hurry? I think I hear a Chicken Parmesan calling to me."
"Are you sure it isn't a lasagna, or perhaps a baked ziti?' Dan remarked, making Hermione smile greedily.
"It doesn't really matter so long as it's followed by a tiramisu." Hermione grinned.
"Oh I like that idea." Emma agreed.
The Granger's led Harry out to the parking lot to a silver Lexus. Dan opened the boot, and Harry slipped his and Hermione's bags in before climbing into the car with Hermione. A moment later, they were driving through London, with Emma practically turned around in her seat so she could talk with the teens.
"So, would you end my curiosity, and tell me how you two met and became friends?" Emma pleaded. Hermione saw her father's eyes in the rearview mirror, and could tell he was curious as well.
"We met on the train. It's Harry's first year at Hogwarts, and I shared a cabin with him." Hermione began. He slept most of the journey, and I was reading…"
Emma rolled her eyes, and she heard her father chuckle from the driver's seat.
"Anyway, as usual, Draco Malfoy came to give me the start of the year harassment, and he woke Harry up. Apparently, he's rather grumpy when he's first awoken." Hermione said, glancing at Harry who seemed far more interested in the streets they were driving on, then to the story.
"I wish they would just expel that boy." Dan muttered.
"He's learning that one reaps what they sow." Harry said. Emma looked at Harry who was still staring out the window and then gave a questioning look to Hermione.
"It's a really long story, but I'll get there." Hermione promised, with a smirk. "Anyway, Harry banished him out of our compartment and went back to sleep. I tried to thank him but he didn't reply, so I figured it would be best to let him be. Well, a little later, Ronald Weasley came by. Apparently Malfoy was complaining about what Harry had done, and word had spread. Ron came to find out if it was true, and he woke Harry up."
"Did you…?" Emma asked, making weird motions with her hand. Harry turned to regard her before shaking his head.
"He wasn't a threat." Harry said simply. This made both Emma and Dan look puzzled.
"After that," Hermione said, pulling the attention back to her. "We talked, and Harry told me that he had been sent to Hogwarts to make friends, and decided I would be his first one."
"Why was he sent to make friend?" Dan wondered aloud.
"I've been kept in hiding for most of my life, training." Harry said, still watching the buildings pass by.
"Training? Emma asked.
"For the war." Harry nodded.
Emma looked at Hermione who gave a soft shrug.
"Why do I get the feeling you left a major piece of the story out?" She asked. Hermione gave her mother a soft smile that promised all would be clear soon.
It wasn't long before they were parked and seated in Hermione's favorite Italian restaurant. It was dimly lit, and there were a lot of people enjoying themselves and their meals. The Grangers and Harry were seated in a far corner, near a very homey looking gas fireplace. As they sat down, Harry kept looking all around as he usually did whenever he entered someplace unfamiliar. Dan was watching him carefully, and Hermione wondered if Harry was making her father nervous.
"Ok." Emma said when the waiter had given them their menus and their water. "Now, you were saying you've been in hiding your whole life, and being trained to fight a war?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Harry said when he'd settled. Hermione guessed that he'd found the best exits, and the most defensible spot in the restaurant.
"Ok, please call me Emma, I really am uncomfortable with ma'am." Emma said quickly.
"Harry's guardians are important people in a conflict between the government, and a terrorist who calls himself Voldemort." Hermione explained. "Voldemort killed Harry's parents when he was an infant because he was threatened by Harry."
"Wait." Dan said, waving his hands. "A terrorist threatened by a baby?"
"No one understands it." Hermione shook her head, looking to Harry who seemed a little confused by the menu.
"Problem there Harry?" Emma asked with a gentle grin.
"I am unsure what to order. I don't know what any of these dishes are." Harry replied.
"If you'll let, me I'll order for you." Hermione offered. Harry nodded, and set his menu down. He noted the strange looks Hermione's parents gave to each other, but chose not to remark.
"What kind of training did you receive?' Dan asked.
"All kinds." Harry replied. "I studied the same subjects as Hogwarts students, though much of what I did was more advanced. I was trained in dueling, stealth, and tactics as well as hand to hand combat and edged weapons."
"That seems a bit… much for someone so young." Emma looked aghast. The waiter arrived and everyone gave their orders. Hermione chose something she was sure Harry would enjoy, and she could nibble at as well, as it was one of her favorites.
When the waiter left, Harry replied to Emma's concern.
"It was felt by some that it would be best for me. This terrorist was dead set on ending my life and taking over wizarding society in Britain. However, recently, things have changed, Those responsible for me believed they made serious mistakes, and thought perhaps they could try and salvage a portion of my childhood, and sent me to school." Harry said, his tone rather bitter.
"You don't sound too happy about that." Dan commented. Harry grimaced a bit at that and nodded. "It is not a soldier's place to ask, only to follow orders."
Harry nodded, and then, magically, and right before Hermione's eyes… Harry began to smile, and then, the most glorious sound she had ever heard began to spill from his mouth. It was soft at first, and it didn't last very long, but there was no mistaking it. Harry had laughed. Hermione turned wide, wondrous eyes to her father and gave him a bright, grateful smile. Dan winked at his daughter.
"Well, it hasn't been all bad, has it?' Emma asked, missing the interaction between father and daughter. "Being in school?"
"No." Harry replied. "Classes are a bit boring, but I was told that I was a bit more advanced than my peers, except Hermione. And it has been interesting. I've learned a bit about how people interact. I've also been learning about dating protocols, thanks to Hermione."
"So you two are dating?" Emma looked excited and hopeful.
"We've gone on a couple of dates." Hermione clarified. "But we aren't a couple."
"It's more confusing than anything else I've ever learned." Harry said, looking perplexed.
"Harry, it will always be confusing.' Dan muttered, earning a playful slap from his wife.
A plate of pasta and a delicious smelling piece of chicken was set in front of Harry, and he looked at Hermione for clarification.
"Breaded chicken on pasta with Marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Chicken Parmesan." She smiled.
"Protect it, or she'll steal half of it.' Dan warn Harry.
Harry took a few sniffs, and, appearing enticed by the aroma, cut a chunk and ate. Hermione felt pleased when he went for the second bit. He clearly liked it, and it made her happy that he would trust her, even if it was something as trivial as ordering him a meal.
"Hermione promised me we could watch movies.' Harry said after several bites.
"Oh, a fan of the cinema, eh?" Dan perked up.
"I am discovering that I am.' Harry nodded. "I've seen two, and they were amazing."
"Only two?" Dan looked affronted.
"Species, and Die Hard With A Vengeance." Harry responded. "She says there are loads more like that, and she says you have a collection."
"So you enticed him with the promise of watching movies?' Emma asked with a wicked little grin. Hermione felt herself blush and bent to eat more of her pasta. "Dan has quite the collection of movies, Harry, and I'm sure you'll be able to watch quite a few while you're with us."
"Oh, Neville invited us to his New Year's Party.' Hermione looked up.
"Well, I see no reason why you shouldn't go…"Emma started.
"Harry and I will need to get him a suit, and I'll need a dress…" Hermione continued.
"I'll take Harry to my tailor." Dan nodded. "Stephen is the best, and you'll get something real nice. We can go tomorrow if you like."
Harry gave a curt nod, and Dan smiled.
"We'll get you something nice.' Emma smiled at her daughter. "I might have something perfect in my wardrobe."
Conversation was considerably lighter after that, and Hermione and Harry filled the Grangers in on some of the things that people who had spent the better part of five years making Hermione miserable were suffering now. Dan nearly broke his ribs when he heard about Malfoy's sudden bout of cross dressing, while Emma seemed to enjoy the stories where boys found themselves without clothing at really awkward times. Both Hermione's parents were left crying and holding their sides when Hermione told them about the Slytherin's rather sexy dance at breakfast that morning.
"Well, at least someone is teaching these berks what it feels like to be humiliated." Dan said when he finally regained self control. Emma nodded in agreement.
"I really don't like bullies." Harry said flatly. Hermione's parents looked at each other, both with very similar smiles, though for very different reasons.
The first day of the Christmas holiday found Harry awake at his normal time. He slipped out of the house as quietly as possible, and began to run around the neighborhood. It was bitingly cold, but Harry paid it no mind as he ran, and took in the neighborhood.
Everywhere he looked were signs that Christmas was near. Many houses had lights up, or decorations in the yard. Harry wondered why people put so much effort in making their homes look so festive when in truth, it was merely just another day.
On the other hand… it did look nice.
When he felt he'd run enough he headed back to the Grangers house to shower and wait for the rest of the house to wake up so they could eat breakfast. He found Hermione's parents fascinating. Emma was very friendly, and welcoming. When she had hugged him at the train station it had taken Harry aback. He hadn't understood how someone could embrace a person they just met like an old friend. At the same time, it had made Harry feel welcome, which felt very odd, though he liked it.
Emma was funny as well, and had told a few stories that had not really embarrassed Hermione, but made her squirm in her seat a bit.
She clearly cared very deeply for her daughter, and Emma and Hermione shared a deep bond. Harry could tell by the way they seemed to communicate with just looks. When they had left the restaurant, Hermione had walked very close to her mother, their arms looped together talking like some of the girls at school did.
Hermione's father, Dan was not as warm as Emma, though he was friendly in his own way. He looked at Harry with something between appreciation, and apprehension. Harry was unsure why this was the case. Dan clearly appreciated the fact that Harry was Hermione's friend, but sometimes, he would look at Harry, and appear to look as if he was suffering a slight illness.
Harry slipped into the front door and silently padded upstairs to the guest bathroom, where he showered and changed into fresh clothes. It wasn't yet six when Harry found himself in the Granger sitting room. With nothing to do until others woke up, Harry meandered through the house, getting to know his environment.
He'd been given a quick tour the previous night. It was a modest two story home. The main floor consisted of a sitting room, a small bathroom, a study which served as his bedroom for the moment, and kitchen and dining room. Harry found himself enamored by the photos on the walls. Most of them were of Hermione growing up. He found himself staring at one in particular. She may have been about eight or so. She was smiling with very large front teeth, and a wild mass of bushy brown hair. Yet, despite the smile, her eyes looked sad.
"Harry?"
It was Emma. Harry cursed at himself. He hadn't heard her come down the stairs, She was dressed in a fluffy blue robe, over flannel pajama pants and blue slippers. She was looking at him with concern.
"Is everything alright?" She asked.
"Oh, yes ma'am." Harry said with a nod.
"Did you sleep ok?" Emma asked, still looking concerned for him.
"Yes, thank you." Harry replied. Emma came over to where he stood and looked at picture he'd been staring at a moment before.
"She's grown up so much." Emma sighed. "I feel like I've missed out on so much of her life because she's been away at school."
Harry said nothing, but continued looking at Hermione's picture.
"Every year she would write us letters, and they were so… hollow. So empty. She just talked about classes, or things she was learning, but she never talked about anybody. She always had trouble making friends. I've always been so worried about her. We'd been told by her Professor McGonagall about some of the things she'd been through. We always got so mad when we heard, and wondered why none of the teachers ever did anything."
"They would need to be able to prove beyond doubt that whoever they punished was actually responsible. It's much harder to do in our world than you would think. Children are protected much more than adults, and someone who knows what they're doing, or gets the right kind of help can cover their tracks pretty well." Harry explained, sounding rather bitter.
"She refused when we offered to send her somewhere else. She never said it, but I don't think she wanted to give them the satisfaction of knowing they beat her. She's become such a stronger, amazing young woman, and I can't even begin to express how happy it makes me feel now that she has such a good...friend." Emma said, turning to look right at Harry. "You'll be good to her, won't you?"
Harry's eyebrows rose a bit at the question. He turned to find Emma looking imploringly at him. He gave her a single nod and she smiled.
"Hermione usually sleeps quite late when she's home, so it'll be a bit before she appears. Would you like some breakfast?" Emma asked, changing the subject. She led him into the kitchen and began preparing something for him to eat, as well as the rest of the house. Harry ended up helping her, by cutting some melon, and vegetables for omelets.
Twenty minutes later Dan arrived, dressed and ready to head into the office. He greeted Harry and his wife, kissing her warmly before setting to work to help with breakfast.
"How long have you been awake Harry?" Dan asked as he whisked the eggs.
"I always get up by four fifteen so I can get my run in." Harry replied, watching Dan. Meals had always been prepared by magic, and Harry found himself fascinated by watching these two muggles work to fix breakfast. It had been fun cutting up the onions and peppers, and Harry thought he'd like to learn to cook the muggle way. There was something very satisfying about it.
"Four fifteen? Really?" Dan asked. "Lord, even when I was in the army they lets us sleep until five."
"You were a soldier?" Harry looked up interested.
"For five years." Dan nodded. "I was too poor to go to university, so I signed up, and the army paid for my education. That's where I met Emma."
"You were in the army as well?' Harry turned to Emma who chuckled and shook her head.
"We met at University." Emma corrected. "I thought he looked dashing in his dress uniform."
"I wasn't aware that wizards had an army." Dan continued.
"They don't." Harry replied. "They have something between a police force and an army, but not a dedicated army, which they need right now."
"Because of this terrorist?" Emma asked. "Is he really dangerous?"
"No one who's ever met him has lived, unless he wishes it." Harry said. "Only Dumbledore can match him."
"And you've been training to fight him?" Dan looked troubled at this.
"Yes." Harry said solemnly. "My guardians believe that the war will only end after I defeat him."
"But you just said no one has ever lived…" Emma started.
"No one was as prepared as I was." Harry said confidently.
Is Hermione in any danger from this terrorist?" Dan asked, watching Harry closely.
"While she is in Hogwarts, she is safe. Here with you, she is likely safe as well. I don't see any reason why he would hunt her down, she poses no threat to him. However, were he to push and defeat the government as he tried to last June, that could all change. Hermione, and others like her represent everything he hates. He's little better than that muggle dictator, Adolph Hitler."
"Hitler? Really?" Dan asked, looking startled.
"Prejudiced and ignorant.' Harry nodded. "Which is his greatest weakness, and why he'll end up being defeated.
"Well, I feel better knowing Hermione's friend is a well trained soldier." Emma smiled softly, and reached over to pat Harry's hand.
When breakfast was ready, Emma went upstairs to wake up Hermione. As it turned out, Hermione was already awake, and dressed. She told her mother she'd only gotten up, but in truth she'd been awake for an hour, trying to make herself presentable. With the exception of that first morning at Sirius' house, Harry had never seen her first thing in the morning. She didn't think now was the time to start.
Breakfast was quiet in comparison to dinner the previous evening. When they had finished, Emma went upstairs to get ready for work, while Dan made a phone call, and then told Harry they would go see his tailor that afternoon. A bit later, Emma came back downstairs and kissed Hermione on the cheek.
"What are your plans for the day?" Emma asked.
"We don't have any homework, so I thought we'd watch a few movies, and maybe I'd take him around the neighborhood and show him around. Get him acquainted with the area."
"We should be home around five." Dan stated as he collected his coat, and Emma followed his example. "We'll stop at the market before we get home, and get a few things for dinner, then we'll introduce Harry to a few classics."
Harry looked up with curiosity and Dan grinned while Emma rolled her eyes.
"Why do I get the feeling we'll be watching Star Wars again?"
The next few days were quite interesting for Harry. Hermione had insisted that he try and do without his morning workout, which proved impossible. Harry just couldn't function without his morning routine. The Grangers didn't seem to mind, and Dan even directed Harry to a nearby park with a long jogging trail that Harry found quite invigorating.
After breakfast, the Grangers would head to their dental practice, leaving Harry and Hermione alone for the day. As they had both finished their holiday homework before even leaving the castle, this gave them loads of time to do as they pleased.
They spent the first day with Hermione taking Harry around her neighborhood, and showing him all her favorite places. They enjoyed a quiet lunch at a local pizzeria and followed that with a matinee at the local cinema, as Hermione had promised Harry more movies and they had a few hours to kill until her parents would be home..
The days leading up to Christmas Eve were spent largely in front of the Granger television and Harry watched his way through the family movie library, usually with Hermione at his side, reading a book.
They did venture out of the house every so often, as even Harry didn't want to remain in front of the television all holiday long. Harry found that he rather enjoyed the local shopping center. Though he remained on guard, he found that he enjoyed watching the muggles hurrying to finish their holiday shopping. Hermione was also a really good tour guide, and adept at explaining things that Harry found confusing. Though he had a bit of experience in the muggle world, there were many things he had never had explained to him, much less witnessed firsthand.
A few days before Christmas Eve, Dan took Harry to a tailor to find a suit for Neville's New Year's Eve party.
"Unlike your world Harry," Dan explained when Harry had asked why they needed to go so early to get a proper suit. "We non magical folk can't have our clothes altered to fit with a thought. We have to have someone do it for us, and it takes a few days."
Harry nodded his understanding as he followed Dan into a small shop. Dan was greeted by a thin balding gray haired man with a wide kind smile.
"Harry, this is Garrett Hutton. He's been my tailor for sixteen years now." Dan said, introducing the man.
"Seventeen, but who's counting." Garrett said, shaking Harry's hand enthusiastically.
"Garrett, this is Harry, my daughter's… friend?" Dan asked. Harry gave a nod and Garrett and Dan shared a look that confused Harry. "He needs a suit for a New Year's party. Something understated, I think, yet classy. Basic black, as it seems to be a color he favors."
"Nothing wrong with the classics." Garrett smiled, waving Harry over to a pedestal and asking Harry to step up onto it so he could take his measurements. Harry obliged and stood straight and tall as the tailor went about his work, talking with Dan about Hermione. It seemed Garrett had known Hermione since she had been a baby, and was in awe at how fast she had grown. Dan agreed, and mentioned how it had seemed only a day previous he had been changing dirty diapers, or watching her take her first steps and now she was very nearly an adult.
When Garrett finished taking measurements, he stepped into the back of the shop and brought out a few selections of different jackets for Harry to try on so he could choose the style he liked best.
In the end, it was Dan who made the final decision, choosing a nice Italian slim fit style. Garrett agreed with the choice and promised he would get the suit done by New Year's Eve, and they could pick it up that afternoon.
"I'll put a rush on it, no extra charge." Garrett promised.
"Then I'll make sure there's a nice tip for you." Dan grinned. "Thanks Garrett."
"Anytime Dan!" Garrett waved as Harry and Dan left. The two men headed for Dan's SUV and hopped in, heading now to a nearby Chinese restaurant to pick up something for dinner.
"Harry, I have to ask." Dan started when they pulled into traffic. "What are your intentions towards Hermione?"
"Excuse me, sir?" Harry asked, looking as perplexed as ever.
"I'm her father, and it's my job to protect her until she finds someone who will take over that job. From what she's told us in her letters… you've stepped up to that position without asking for anything in return. I saw how she looked at you at dinner the other night, and I've seen the way you two interact, and it reminds me of when I was courting Emma so long ago." Dan said, keeping his eyes on the road, though he wanted to look into Harry's eyes and see if he could see any hint of maliciousness.
"At the same time, I've seen how you pull away when she starts to become… and I can't believe I'm saying this… affectionate." Dan finished.
"I'm not sure that I follow." Harry said earnestly. Even though Dan couldn't really look at Harry, he could hear in his voice that there was no subterfuge. Then again, Harry's voice was always so even and flat, it would be difficult to tell no matter what.
"I don't want Hermione to get her heart broken. I've had to see her come back every year from that wretched school, a little more diminished emotionally each and every year. Emma and I pretended not to notice because quite frankly, we just didn't know how to help her. We offered to transfer her to another school after her third year, but she refused. Her Professor, uh, McGonagall I think, has been kind enough to keep us posted on any major events in her life, so we knew she was being singled out and made fun of. As parents, we wanted to do all we could for her. But she kept going back there. She refused to back down, or be run off."
"She's braver than even she realizes." Harry said. "She has a strength that is impossible to measure. I won't deny that's she's been beaten down by people who are prejudiced, and ignorant. But, I think she's beginning to learn that it isn't what others think of you, but what you think of yourself that matters."
"Very wise words." Dan nodded.
"My godfather would often tell me that whenever I failed at something. It usually helped me to get whatever it was right on my next attempt." Harry shrugged.
Dan nodded as he pulled into a parking lot. When he turned off the engine, he and Harry climbed out and went inside. Dan explained that Emma should have already placed the order. A few minutes later they were back in the car with Harry inhaling deeply the sweet aroma coming from the large order.
"Look, I have to say this, even though I'm sure that it won't intimidate you in the least, given what you told us the other night, but I've been waiting to say it since Hermione was born and I learned I had a daughter. If you break her heart, or hurt her in any way, the worst demons in hell won't be able to keep me from hunting you down and ripping your intestines out through your nostrils." Dan said with as much bravado as he could. Harry simply looked at him for several moments as if he wanted to scoff.
"I have no intention of hurting her or breaking her heart." Harry said evenly. "I think she's had enough of that in her life."
Dan realized that Harry really didn't have a clue as to what he had meant, but decided not to pursue it. If, as both he and Emma suspected, Harry and Hermione recognized what they were feeling for one another, than perhaps Harry would understand what the threat had meant. In the mean time, Dan decided just to enjoy having Harry around. The young man really was an interesting and honorable person. Dan felt he connected with Harry well as he had once been a soldier, and there was always a sort of bond between those who served, no matter the branch.
In Dan's eyes, there was no one worthier of his daughter's affection or her heart, than Harry Potter.
Christmas Eve arrived, and just as they had every other day so far, the elder Grangers went to work in the morning, but arrived home a few hours later. They had only scheduled a couple of appointments so they and their employees could begin celebrating the holiday sooner.
Dan and Harry spent the afternoon watching a couple of action movies while Emma took Hermione out shopping for a few last minute items. The ladies arrived home late in the evening with several shopping bags, and to the men's great relief and praise, cheeseburgers!
After dinner, the Grangers and Harry gathered around the television, and Dan selected A Christmas Story for them to watch. Hermione's parents sat on the love seat together, with Emma practically in her husband's lap. Hermione felt a twinge of jealousy at seeing her parents cuddling. She and Harry had sat on the couch together, and while they weren't on opposite sides of the sofa, they weren't exactly snuggled together either.
Harry, much to Hermione's delight, thoroughly enjoyed the film, laughing uproariously at poor Ralphie's misadventures. The Grangers really seemed to enjoy watching Harry, especially when certain scenes were coming up they were sure he would find hysterical. Even though they had all seen this particular film a thousand times, watching it with Harry made it fresh somehow.
When the movie was finished, both Dan and Emma rose and stretched.
"I think we're going to go to bed." Emma smiled at the two teens. "Try not to stay up to late." She said to Hermione who smiled and gave a soft nod.
"Should we expect you to be up before dawn again Harry?" Dan asked with a soft smirk.
"Yes, sir." Harry replied evenly.
"Then would you be kind enough to start the coffee brewing when you get back from your run? Hermione will show you how to turn on the coffee pot." Dan said with a look to his daughter. Hermione nodded to her father and he gave her a prideful smile.
Hermione got up from her seat next to Harry and hugged both her parents, and allowed her father to kiss her cheek. Before the Grangers climbed the stairs to head for their bed, Emma stopped under the mistletoe once again, turned and pulled her husband into a rather passionate kiss. Hermione merely rolled her eyes, and went to select another movie she thought Harry would enjoy.
Harry on the other hand, observed Hermione's parents with a critical eye. When Hermione returned, and set about putting the new movie disc into the player, Harry caught her off guard with his next question.
"Why do they always stop and kiss under that twig hanging from the ceiling?" He said, pointing to the spot over the stairs.
"It's Mistletoe." Hermione said as if it explained everything. However when she turned around to return to her seat, she could see that it had left him even more puzzled.
"Is it a requirement?" He asked.
"A what?"
"A rule." Harry explained. "Do they have to kiss every time they step under it? Because they have.. Nearly every time one of them stands under that little twig, the other will come and kiss them."
"No." Hermione said, trying and failing to hide her laughter. "It isn't a rule, and they don't have to if they don't want to. It's a tradition. When someone you fancy stands under the mistletoe, it's tradition to kiss them. It's fun."
"Does it have to be someone you fancy?" Harry asked.
"No, I suppose not." Hermione shrugged, sitting down next to Harry. She folded her legs underneath her and did her best to get comfortable, and fighting the urge to lay down with her head in his lap, or just to sit so close to him that he would have no choice but to wrap an arm around her.
"I suppose if you just wanted a load of girls to kiss you, you could stand under it and hope for the best. I seem to recall Seamus doing that in fourth year." Hermione replied.
"So… it's optional?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrows in question. Hermione gave him a nod and a smile and Harry's face relaxed, though it was clear he was still thinking about the subject. After several minutes of silence, Hermione asked if he was ready for another movie. Harry nodded in the affirmative, and Hermione started one of her all time favorites, A Miracle On 34th Street.
Hermione fell into a light doze about halfway through the movie, and was shaken awake by Harry. He helped her to her feet, and held her hands as she got her bearings. She turned off the television and the DVD player, before taking Harry into the kitchen and showing him how to start the coffee maker for the next morning. Harry told her he understood and followed her to the stairs.
She stopped on the bottom stair to bid Harry a goodnight, as his room was in the study.
However, when she turned towards him, she noticed he was looking up at the ceiling… where the sprig of mistletoe was hanging.
Immediately, her heart rate tripled.
"Um…" She said ever so eloquently.
"It's tradition." He said in a sort of whisper, his head lowering until he was looking right at her. Even with her standing on the bottom step, he was still two inches taller than she was.
"I uh… I suppose it is at that." Hermione said her voice shaky. Her whole body was trembling as he reached up and took her hand in his. His eyes roamed down to their joined hands, and she felt the pad of his thumb caressing the back of her hand, sending little electric shocks all through her body.
"It seems like it could be pleasant. Your parents do seem to enjoy it." Harry suggested.
"Not really the time to mention my parents, Harry." Hermione said, though her voice was very soft. He was closer to her now than he had ever been before. She could feel his breath on her face, his chest beginning to press into hers. She was watching his face, specifically his lips. Lips she'd been thinking about a lot more than she really cared to admit.
In the back of her mind, Hermione swore she heard Lavender cheering her on, screaming at her to just lean in a little bit more and do what she wanted to do for over two months, if she were being honest anyway.
He was looking into her eyes, now, and she was sure that at any moment he was going to pull away and tell her to sleep well or some other rubbish, and the moment would be lost forever. This was it. Right here at last. Under the mistletoe, with a boy right out of her very dreams… and she was hesitating.
"Oh bugger it all." She thought as she closed the gap, and gently pressed her lips to his.
And then everything got weird. Hermione hadn't really expected fireworks, or stars or anything, but she also hadn't expected Harry to freeze and stiffen the way he did. It was as if he'd been turned into stone. His eyes had gone wide with shock, and he'd gone sickly pale.
Hermione pulled away and stared at him, feeling her own mortification wash over her. He had hated it. He had hated kissing her, and Lavender and Parvati and everyone else had been wrong. More importantly, she had allowed herself to hope that she and Harry might actually somehow fall in love and live happily ever after.
But she had been dead wrong. Harry didn't want to kiss her at all. He didn't share her feelings, and now she'd gone and humiliated herself, and she was sure he would never want to see her again. She wouldn't be surprised to wake up tomorrow morning and find he had left in the night.
"I'm sorry." She stammered, her voice choked by humiliation as she started to pull away intent on running upstairs to her room so she could cry herself to exhaustion. "I just thought… I mean we… you said... I just..."
She turned to run away, but found that she couldn't. Harry was still holding her hand, and he wasn't letting go. Hermione turned back around and saw his face. It had relaxed once again, and he looked… pensive? He looked up at her and something in his eyes gave her pause and made her relax in spite of the turmoil in her mind and heart.
There was no hatred in those wonderful green orbs. No apprehension or disgust either. In fact, though Hermione couldn't be sure, it looked almost like… longing.
And then, Hermione felt herself being pulled back towards Harry. Before she could comprehend it, Harry's lips were gently pressing on hers. Her heart swelled to bursting as he kissed her. Really kissed her. Slowly they began to caress each other's lips, allowing this kiss to blossom. Hermione felt Harry let go of her hands, as he began to encompass her around the waist. She in turn slipped her arms around his neck slowly.
It was better than anything she could have hoped for a first kiss. It was like explosions were going off in her brain and her legs felt like they were becoming rubbery. As the kiss deepened, her eyelids became heavy and she allowed her eyes to close. For some reason, this seemed to intensify the feeling. She then began to open her mouth a bit with each kiss. Harry responded in kind following her lead it seemed.
This gave her the confidence and encouragement to slip her tongue across his lips and enter his mouth. The dance began, and Hermione pulled Harry's body closer, her hands slipping into his hair. She nearly leapt out of her skin when she heard him groan with pleasure, and she felt an urge to sprint away when she heard herself give a deep long moan of pleasure when his hand squeezed her waist. She heard herself whimper with need a few more times, but the longer the kiss lasted, the less she cared about being embarrassed by anything she couldn't seem to control.
Slowly, they began to pull back, and the kiss faded to soft pecks. They were both panting heavily now, and neither of them made a move to split apart. Instead, they just continued to stare into each other's eyes.
"I think…" Harry began, almost too quietly to hear. "I think I get it now." He reached up and slipped a few locks of her hair behind her ear, making her shiver with delight.
Hermione could only softly laugh at his proclamation. And she wanted more than anything to dive back in. She didn't care at all about going to bed anymore. She didn't care at all if her parents woke up the next morning to find her snogging Harry right there. All she wanted was to keep on kissing him until the end of time.
"Perhaps we should go to bed now." Harry suggested, though he made no move to release his hold of Hermione's waist.
"It is getting late, and we'll likely be waking up very early tomorrow." Hermione agreed. She felt no real desire to head upstairs right now. Especially with the way Harry was staring at her now, his eyes flickering between her eyes and her lips.
Almost imperceptibly, Hermione felt Harry start to pull away. She immediately began to feel desperate to keep his arms around her. She had never in her whole life felt so alive, and that euphoria was slipping away with every inch that came between them now.
And then it was back again as Harry pulled her close once again, and their lips collided.
It was nearly an hour later when they finally separated and went to their separate beds. Hermione slipped into her room and leaned heavily on the door as she lightly rubbed the tips of her fingers on her now slightly swollen lips, reveling in the ecstasy she was feeling. She practically floated around her bedroom as she changed into her pajamas and slid under her blankets. Her heart had not stopped pounding in her chest since Harry's lips first touched hers.
She wanted to scream, or laugh or even sing, but the only thing that happened were the tears of joy that fell down her soft cheeks. She didn't even know that anyone could feel so happy. Yet, as she lay staring out her window as fresh snow fell from the night sky, Hermione Granger decided that no matter what happened from this moment forward, this was the best Christmas she had ever had in her life.
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