While Harry's shoulder wound from the duel had been healed relatively quickly, he was unable to convince Madam Pomfrey to release him without saying for a few days. So it was, two days after the 'epic duel' witnessed by the entire student body, that Harry and Hermione walked into the Great Hall, hand in hand.
During their conversations in the hospital wing, Harry had sheepishly told Hermione he had accidently let slip their relationship by openly shouting it in the Great Hall while challenging Ron. As a result, Hermione had decided there was no point hiding their relationship anymore, but just to restrict what people actually saw.
As they entered the Great Hall, the majority of the student body looked around, and after a brief silence, cheered Harry for his utter domination of Ron in the duel. Blushing a deep red, he shuffled off to his customary seat on the Gryffindor table and prepared himself for the barrage of questions from his friends.
Initially, Neville and Susan were a bit upset they had been left out of the 'troll in the girl's bathroom' event, but after it was explained, they instantly forgave their friends. The table was full of people reassuring Harry and Hermione that Ron's actions were deplorable and they would never do such a thing, much to their amusement. Apparently, Harry's actions had scared most of the student population into an odd submissive state toward them.
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After a few minutes, the conversation moved onto more mundane topics, such as the up-coming Quidditch match in November, Gryffindor verses Slytherin. As they talked about the match, Harry felt a twinge of sadness realising he wouldn't be playing like he had in the original timeline, already missing the feeling of the air whipping around while he flew death-defying stunts.
Discover moreOnline writing communityFan fiction merchandiseAuthor collaboration toolsDigital book publishingStory writing promptsHe was brought out of his reverie, by a gentle cough from behind. Turning around, he was presented with three mops of identical red hair. Fred, George and Percy stood looking rather emotionless, a sight unusual on the twins.
"Hey Harry, we were…" Fred began.
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"…wondering if we could…" George interrupted.
"…have a minute of your time…"
"…and talk to you about our idiot brother…"
"…Ron?" They finished together.
Harry remembered the first time the twins had double teamed him like that he had a migraine for hours afterwards. However, after seven years hanging around the duo, he had gotten used to their antics. Giving them a smile, he replied.
"Er, sure, do you want to go outside?" The three nodded and so Harry stood up.
Giving Hermione a hug and a peck on the cheek, he followed the three from the Great Hall and into an empty classroom. After closing the door, they cast some spells on the room, to which Harry raised an eyebrow.
"It's just so no one listens, Harry." George said reassuringly. Harry nodded and sat down on a chair, looking at the three red heads.
"Ok, so what can I do for you three?" Harry asked politely. The three looked at each other before taking a seat themselves. Percy coughed quietly and addressed Harry.
"Right…well, we just wanted to speak to you Harry, and…well we hope you don't rope the entire Weasley family in with our younger brother." He said nervously.
Discover moreFan art commissionsWriting contest entriesBook review servicesCrossover story ideasAnime merchandise"Yeah Harry, despite the pranks me and Fred usually pull…"
"…we have never, ever hit a girl before. It's just not done." George finished tiredly. Harry nodded and smiled at the three.
"Don't worry about it; neither I nor Hermione hold any grudges against your family…just Ron. I know a fair bit about you three and I know enough not to rope in an entire family for the sake of one black sheep." He held his hand out to the three. "I'd be glad to call you three friends, with or without your brother." All three of them smiled widely, taking his hand and shaking it firmly.
"Thank you Harry…" George began, smiling.
"…for putting our minds at rest about this…"
"…and for offering your hand in friendship. If you ever…"
"…need anything…"
"…anything at all…"
"…just give us a shout." George finished his smile now a manic grin.
Harry nodded and thanked them. The spells were taken off the room and the four went back to the Great Hall. Sitting down by Hermione, she looked questioningly at him. He smiled and kissed her on the lips gently.
"It's all sorted. The three just wanted to apologise for their idiot brother." Hermione nodded. "I said we didn't hold a grudge against the family and offered my friendship, which they accepted." Hermione smiled and hugged him.
"That's good. At least we haven't alienated the entire family." She said grinning. Harry laughed and tucked back into his breakfast.
Discover moreComic book subscriptionsMovie memorabiliaTV show guidesCartoonsWatch CartoonsAs they sat, chatting and eating, a squawk from above announced the arrival of the owl-post. Looking up, a rather ragged and tired looking owl, who they knew to be Errol, the Weasley family's owl, collapsed in front of them with two letters. Harry stroked the weak owl and gave it some scraps and water, while Hermione removed the letters.
Giving the larger of the two to Harry, he broke the seal and the pair read the letter together. They were surprised to discover that it was from the Weasley parents.
Dear Lord Harry James Potter Ravenclaw Gryffindor,
My Lord Gryffindor, I hope this missive finds you well, for we have a rather sensitive and unwelcome subject to discuss.
We, as Ronald's parents would like to offer our most sincere and heart felt apologies for the actions of our son, which we most certainly do not condone and which we find reprehensible. We were informed as to the terms of the wizard's duel you challenged Ronald to and we find the terms to be acceptable, if a little lenient. Rest assured we will punish our son as well and try to make him into a better person.
Discover moreAnimeRead MangaComicsFind Rare ComicsGames consolesWe hope that you can forgive this family for the actions of one. Never has any member of the Weasley family stooped to the level of striking a lady. We are also aware of his blatant violation of duelling laws by attacking you with your back turned after the duel had finished. We have received a summons from the DMLE for his attack on the head of a most noble and ancient house. We also accept Ronald's exclusion from Hogwarts and we have tried to encourage him to see remorse for his actions.
As far as we are aware, he has sent an apology to Ms Granger to satisfy the terms of the duel, but we are unsure whether it will meet your standards. If it would please your lordship, we wish to hold a meeting to discuss the actions of our son in further detail. If you are willing, please send a reply and we will endeavour to organise a place and time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Yours sincerely,
Arthur and Molly Weasley
Harry frowned as he read the letter. It was extremely formal, probably due to its sensitive nature and suggested that the Weasley family would not back their son. It also stated that the DMLE had been notified, something which Harry had not overseen. He looked at Hermione and she shrugged. He passed the letter to Neville and Susan, who read it together too, and watched as Susan turned a deep red.
"Harry…I'm sorry. I-I mentioned what happened to my auntie in a letter – she must have acted upon it." She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't think…" Harry smiled at her and waved off her apology.
"Don't worry about it Susan. I'm sure the department would have found out eventually so it's better it happen now." She smiled and handed back the letter, which Harry folded up and put into his robes.
He glanced at Hermione, who had now opened her letter, and was surprised to see her staring at her letter, looking very red and very annoyed.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Harry asked softly. "What does it say?" She glanced at him and handed over the parchment. After a quick read, Harry knew why she was upset.
To Hermione Granger,
I apologise.
Ronald Weasley.
Harry was livid and felt his anger bubbling up inside him. The candles in the Great Hall began to flicker, and all eyes turned to Harry. Hermione stepped in and began rubbing patterns on his back. He calmed almost immediately and grimaced apologetically.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I should have put some conditions into the duel conditions. Technically, this feeble attempt would satisfy the debt." She smiled at him and kissed his cheek softly.
"Oh, it doesn't matter. I didn't even expect to get something like this. At least he can't attend Hogwarts anymore." She said grinning. Harry laughed and hugged her tightly.
"I suppose. I would still prefer a decent apology but at least I was able to kick his ass in that duel." Hermione admonished him for his language before laughing.
The days running up to the first Gryffindor Quidditch match of the year were relatively ordinary. Harry was still quite depressed about not being able to play in the game, having not broken the rules in their flying lesson, so the pair spent their time studying in the library with Neville and Susan.
Lessons flew by quickly, Harry and Hermione gathering points for Gryffindor left, right and centre (even in potions, to the surprise of Harry), until finally they were sitting in the Quidditch stands waiting for the game to begin.
Hermione glanced over at Harry, who looked forlornly at the players warming up, and slid closer to him on the seats, leaning her head on his shoulder. Looking down at her, Harry smiled and put her arm around her waist. She could always cheer him up easily.
The game started and moved along at a fair pace. The new Gryffindor Seeker, a young fifth year, was nowhere near as talented as his Slytherin counterpart, and spent most of the game playing catch up. Points were racked up quickly while the Snitch still hadn't made an appearance.
As the game continued, with Gryffindor losing badly, Harry's attention was drawn to a Bludger, apparently heading straight towards them. His Seeker instincts kicking in, Harry pushed Hermione and himself out of their seats.
The Bludger, unable to change course, barrelled straight through the stands, passing extremely closely through Seamus' legs, who fainted in shock. Before it came back, Harry transfigured a piece of wood into a beater's bat and waited for the Bludger's reappearance. He didn't have to wait long, as the rogue cannonball crashed back through a new hole near the first and headed for Harry. Pausing for the right moment, he swung the bat and sent the ball flying out back onto the pitch.
The Bludger changed course quickly, flying methodically after Harry. As the attack from the cannonball continued, Harry kept it away from the students hitting it several times back onto the pitch. The ball seemed to change tactics, changing course at the last second forcing Harry to dive out of the way. The ball then swung around and made a beeline for Harry's chest.
Unable to dodge, Harry waited for the final blow…which never came. He opened his eyes to a loud explosion as the ball burst into ash, which drifted softly to the ground. Harry sighed in relief, looking around to see which person had destroyed the rogue Bludger. His eyes widened when he saw the frowning face of none other than Professor Snape, pointing his wand at the cloud of dust and ash. Turning his attention to Harry, he put his wand away and offered his hand to Harry, which he took. Pulling him to his feet, he looked Harry over.
"Mr Gryffindor, are you injured?" He asked politely.
"I'm fine sir. I might not have been if you hadn't destroyed that Bludger…thank you sir." Snape raised his eyebrow questioningly, before offering a small smile to the student.
"You're welcome, Mr Gryffindor. I must say, you can perform extremely well with a Beater's bat. You may wish to try out for the team next year." Harry blushed slightly and smiled. "I don't suppose you know how or why the Bludger seemed determined to strike you down?" Harry frowned at this.
"I'm afraid I don't know sir. I wasn't aware there was anyone in the school who wanted me injured – at least not now anyway." Harry knew well Ron wouldn't have the capiability to curse a Bludger. "I'm just as surprised as you." Snape nodded and accepted his answer.
Before he retreated back to his seat to finish watching the game, he cast a repair charm fixing the damaged seating and vanished the remains of the Bludger. Harry sat down next to a nervous Hermione, apologised for pushing her to the ground and hugged her tightly. She returned the embrace and calmed down almost immediately. Returning their attention to the game, Harry whispered to Hermione.
"That was random. The Bludger didn't come after me until second year – and that was Dobby." Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Maybe this was Quirrell's attempt to kill you. In the original timeline, he used your presence on a broom to attack you – this time he manipulated a Bludger to the same effect." Harry nodded.
"It's a possibility and a very likely one." Looking back to the game, he glanced over at Snape who seemed to be glaring daggers at Quirrell. "Hey Hermione, was Snape acting unusual in your opinion?" Hermione thought for a moment, before shrugging.
"Well, compared to the original Snape, yes. The only reason he tried to save your life the first time round was to satisfy his life-debt to your father." Harry nodded. "This time around, it seems that he did it because he likes you." Harry smirked.
"When he acts like that it makes me think that it is someone poly-juiced as Snape. It's just so unbecoming of the Snape we knew." Hermione giggled and nodded.
"Well, we have changed things, so we need to embrace the consequences." Harry nodded.
After the excitement of the Bludger attack died down, the game continued and it ended, rather predictably, 240-80 to Slytherin. As they walked to the castle, Harry was surprised to see Oliver Wood heading towards them.
"Hey Potter!" Harry stopped, allowing for Wood to catch up. "Where did you learn to beat like that?" He said breathlessly.
"That was my first time." Harry said smiling. Wood's eyes widened.
"Bloody hell, I think Quidditch is your natural sport! I heard Madam Hooch talking about your first broom lesson and she spoke like you were amazing! After Christmas you have to have a training session with me so I can see how you play! While we don't need beaters, if you can play the other positions like you handle that bat you could fit anywhere!" Harry nodded and thanked Wood.
Promising to attend a training session with the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Wood finally left Harry alone. As they headed back to the castle, Harry smiled widely. Despite the changes, Harry had still found a chance to show his prowess for all things Quidditch. Even though Harry had nearly been brutally killed by a demented cannonball, it had been a pretty good day, all things considered.
The next day, which happened to be a Sunday, Harry decided to track down the illusive Draco Malfoy, who seemed to be avoiding the young Gryffindor. As he traipsed around the school, he finally came across Draco, talking to Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass. Walking up to them, their eyes shot up to him and watched coldly.
"Hey Malfoy, I wanted to talk to you about something. Do you think you could spare a few minutes?"
Draco was still very nervous around Harry, unsure whether he would turn on him after finishing with Weasley. He nodded hesitantly and said goodbye to his Slytherin comrades, before following Harry a bit further down the corridor, so they were still in sight. Harry withdrew his wand and placed the various silencing charms and looked at Draco.
"Alright Potter, what is it you want?" Draco said quietly.
"I wanted to thank you." Draco looked surprised. "Don't be so shocked, Malfoy, if you hadn't told me about Hermione I may not have gotten there in enough time to stop the troll. The fact you told me where she was is still a mystery to me, but I can accept an act of kindness, hence the thank you." He held out his hand. Draco eyed it for a moment, before meeting it with his own.
"I did it because no one should hit a girl. It's just wrong. That, and…" He hesitated for a moment. "…I wanted to make an impression on you." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Listen, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I know that you pulled the whole 'Lord Gryffindor' thing on me to teach me a lesson, and I'm willing to admit when I've been a prat." Harry nodded.
"So you're telling me you want to be friends?" He nodded. "Well, I don't see a problem with that. But just so you know, I hang around with muggle-borns and half-bloods. If you're going to be friends with me, you need to accept this and treat them with respect." Draco looked thoughtful for a moment, before nodding.
"I can understand that. When I left for Hogwarts, my dad told me continuously that our family was above others. I guess it took someone from a higher station than me to knock some sense into myself." He smiled and held out his hand. "So friends?" Harry looked at the hand, before meeting it and shaking it and smiling.
"Friends. You know Draco, you might want to eat with us tonight, just so people know that you're my friend…don't want any Gryffindors pranking you now, do we?" The pair laughed before parting ways.
Blaise and Daphne watched this silenced conversation interestedly, and were shocked when the pair shook hands. As Draco turned around and moved back to his friends, he smiled and nodded. Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter were friends.
The days flew by and the winter break was fast approaching. This holiday was a point of much thought for Harry, as he tried to decide what to do with his time. Legally, as an emancipated adult, he could leave Hogwarts and spend time wherever he wanted. That was, of course, if he had somewhere to go.
Once again, Hermione saved the day when she and Harry were sitting quietly in the common room, a week before the holidays. The pair sat on the large sofa by the fire, Hermione lying with her head in Harry's lap. As they sat, he gently ran his fingers through her hair, eliciting a gentle purr from Hermione.
"Harry?" She asked, breaking from her distraction.
"Hmm, yes Hermione?" He mumbled, breaking from his routine as well.
"I was wondering…since you won't be going anywhere for the holidays…whether you would like to come stay with me and my family?" Harry snapped out of his thoughts.
"What…really, do you mean that?" He had an obvious excitement in his voice which made Hermione giggle.
"Yes, I do. I'd have to ask my parents first but…" She was silenced by a warm kiss from Harry.
Leaning into it and forgetting her train of thought, they sat there until they had to break for air. Hermione's frazzled brain took a few minutes to restart, but she giggled when she regained coherent thought.
"Is that a yes?" Harry laughed and nodded, making Hermione squeal in excitement. Pulling herself up from the seat, and dragging Harry with her, she proceeded to write a letter to her parents and dashed off to the owlry, an amused Harry in tow.
About three days later, Hermione's parents replied, stating that he could stay over Christmas and that they were extremely excited to meet 'Harry Potter' after all the mentions he had received in her letters. After reading the reply, Harry looked at Hermione with a lopsided grin, making her blush.
"Well, you are the most important person in my life Harry." She said smiling. "You should be mentioned continuously." Harry laughed, before his face snapped into a frown. Hermione saw this and pressured him for an answer.
"What's the matter Harry?"
"Hermione, have you told your parents exactly what has happened this term?" Hermione made an 'o' face before replying.
"Yes. I decided that it would be better than telling those half-truths like I did the first time around. I mean, I lied to them about having friends in the original timeline. After the troll incident, I only spoke about you and in a lesser sense Ron." Harry nodded.
"So they know about you and me being…together?" He said tentatively. It was then Hermione knew what he was nervous about – meeting her father. She giggled before pulling Harry into a hug.
"Don't worry Harry. Yes, they know about us, and yes Dad was a bit against it at first…" Harry gulped audibly. "…BUT, I also told them what you did to Ron for me and now my Dad is extremely excited to meet the boy who fought for his daughter's honour." Harry smiled weakly at that. "He may pressure you for details."
After a few days, while they were sitting at Breakfast, a First year Ravenclaw passed Harry a note before rushing off back to his seat. Hermione looked at the note curiously and the pair read it together.
Mr Potter,
Please head up to my office after breakfast so we may speak.
P.S. I enjoy Cockroach Clusters.
Headmaster Dumbledore
Harry raised an eyebrow is surprise and looked at Hermione. She shrugged, having no more idea about the note than Harry did. He nodded and glanced at the headmaster. 'He hasn't shown any inclination to get involved as yet. I think that's about to change.' Harry thought worriedly.
So it was after breakfast had finished, that Harry stood outside the Gargoyle to the headmaster's office.
"Cockroach Clusters." Harry said clearly and the Gargoyle slid out of the way.
Climbing up the stone staircase, a muffled 'Enter' sounded after he neared the door. As he opened it, he remembered the first time he had seen the headmaster's office. The room was rather like a large ornate study, with many books lining the walls and Fawke's perch sitting next to his bureau. The man himself, sat writing at his desk, glanced up as he entered and smiled warmly at Harry.
"Ah, Mr Potter, it is a pleasure to finally speak to you in person." Harry smiled politely and sat in one of the large squishy armchairs opposite the headmaster.
"The pleasure is mine, Headmaster." Harry bowed slightly. Dumbledore ceased writing and glanced at Harry over his glasses. He knew full well the boy held extraordinary power and did not want to anger him needlessly.
"Thank you. Now, according to the list handed to me by Professor McGonagall, you will be going home over the Christmas holidays, is that correct?" Harry nodded warily, having a suspicion where the conversation was going.
"Yes sir, that's correct. Is there an issue?" He asked formally. The Headmaster was taken aback by the cold, formal attitude, but shook it off.
"Possibly, I am unsure where you intend to go with this time off. I know you spent the last month of summer at Diagon Alley, but surely you aren't going to spend your holiday alone?" Harry cursed silently. Dumbledore knew where he had stayed over summer. This made matters difficult for the next summer. He smiled at the headmaster.
"No sir, I received an invitation to stay with a friend over the holidays and various other invitations to attend functions which my friends are organising." He said calmly. Dumbledore nodded in understanding.
"May I ask where you intend to be staying?" He asked hopefully. Harry thought for a moment. He could refuse, but there was little he could say to prevent giving out this information. He silently cursed again, before answering.
"Yes sir. I will be staying with another student, Hermione Granger and her family over the holidays. I am unsure where they live so I cannot give you the address." Dumbledore nodded and smiled at Harry.
"Very well, I only asked for the records anyway so we could get in contact with you if we needed to over the holidays." Harry nodded. "Now, I am also aware that you will be speaking to the parents of Ronald Weasley over the course of the holiday to discuss his actions, is that correct?" Harry nodded. 'How the hell does he know all my plans?' He thought worriedly.
"That is correct Headmaster." He answered simply. Dumbledore frowned. He had wanted to gather a bit more information.
"May I ask how you intend to treat the situation?" Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"I'm afraid the matter is private family business Headmaster." He said. "Needless to say, I believe Ron will be suffering more in the future for his actions. Is that all sir?" Dumbledore knew he was unlikely to get anything else without giving himself away. Giving the boy a warm smile, he nodded.
"Yes, that is all Mr Potter." Harry stood up and moved to the door, but stopped before he left.
"Headmaster, I would prefer if you would address me by my correct name and title when we are talking." Dumbledore was taken aback, but recovered quickly.
"Very well…Lord Gryffindor. Forgive my error, my information is clearly wrong." Harry snorted before exiting the office, leaving a very annoyed Dumbledore behind.
Soon the holidays arrived and the five new friends (Harry, Hermione, Susan, Neville and Draco) sat chatting in their compartment on the Hogwarts Express. After Draco started sitting at the Gryffindor table for dinner, Neville and Susan began to question him subtly, making sure his intentions were honorable. They were surprised to note that not only did he answer their questions, but he addressed them politely without a single derogatory remark. As a result, the foursome became five.
The topic of conversation in the compartment ranged from an update from Susan regarding an investigation by Madam Bones into Ron's attack, the up-coming meeting with the Weasleys at the Burrow to also discuss Ron's actions, Dumbledore's attempt to garner information from Harry and Neville's invitation to a New Year's celebration at Longbottom Manor. Initially, Harry had been unsure whether to share discussions about 'family matters' with Draco, but soon relented realising that he had already been sharing it with Neville and Susan.
After a while, the conversation died down and Harry stared out the window at the scenery rushing by. So much had changed already and Harry needed to act. Questions rushed through his mind: 'How to deal with Quirrell, When to go after the Stone, How to deal with the Weasleys, What punishment to give Ron, How to deal with Dumbledore, When to deal with Dumbledore, How to act in front of Hermione's Parents…' He shook his head and turned his attention back into the cabin.
Deciding to lie down, he placed his head in Hermione's lap. Feeling the added weight, she began to run her fingers through his hair gently as she read her book, and soon he fell asleep, waiting for their arrival at King's Cross Station.