Left alone, Harry turned his questioning gaze to Hermione. She shrugged. "We're friends, yet our kissing means there's more than mere friendship there. We can be boyfriend and girlfriend if you want. We're already acting like we are."
Harry felt somewhat surprised. Truly, this was something that had crossed his mind more than once, only he never thought that Hermione would accept, and yet… Wasn't this her initiative, in a way? "Do you want to be my girlfriend?" he asked, not quite sure if this was really asking her to become his girlfriend or to confirm already being.
Hermione smiled widely. "Thank you for finally asking. Yes, I'd really like to be your girlfriend, and if it goes well, even more than that when we're older. Now, don't you like to kiss your girlfriend?"
Harry didn't need to be asked twice. He engulfed her in a tight hug and started kissing her, although a thought nagged in the back of his mind. What was Hermione hinting at with 'more than that'? He couldn't really think of it, as the kiss heated, turning into a full snog, and their hands started roaming, making any thought impossible.
It was almost time for dinner when they finally separated, both with red faces, swollen lips and rumpled clothes, yet both grinning happily. It took a few minutes for their breathing to calm down, as well as a certain part of Harry's body.
"I think you should stay with us for the rest of the summer," Hermione said. "We have a lot to study and to plan, and I'm sure you will enjoy coming to the Mediterranean beach with us."
"I'm not sure if my aunt…"
"Your aunt doesn't really care, does she? And my parents seem to like you."
"But Dumbledore…"
"We're going to find out some more tomorrow, at the bank, and then see what we can do about it. He should have no control over you during vacations, you should know."
Harry sighed. "I know, but does he? The way he acts, it looks like he wants to control everything about me. I won't be too surprised if he, or somebody he sends, comes here to take me back to the Dursleys, whether I like it or not."
Hermione frowned deeply. "We shall have to prevent this, one way or another. Maybe the Goblins can help you. We should ask at the bank."
By the time they went down for dinner, both looked innocent. Jean looked at them with a smile but said nothing. The conversation during the meal was casual until Jean served the desserts. She then looked at the teens, clearly expecting them to talk. Hermione took the challenge.
"We've discussed our relations and decided we're now boyfriend and girlfriend, although I think it's going to become much closer in the future," she said.
Harry noticed Dave grimace and mumble to himself, "Not in the near future, please!"
Hermione didn't stop at that. "I also think that Harry should stay with us for the rest of the summer vacation since his relatives don't like him much and don't seem to care if he stays here or not. I'd like him to also join us during our vacation in France."
Dave frowned at that. "I'm not sure we can order another room on such short notice during the high season."
Hermione shrugged. "He can share a room with me. I'm sure he won't do anything that I disapprove of." Harry nodded in agreement.
Dave didn't seem convinced. "I'm not sure it's wise. People your age may rush into something they may later regret…"
Hermione wouldn't budge, though. "Dad, I already know several contraceptive charms, and I can also buy the contraceptive potion if you prefer. Each can give me much better protection than the contraceptives you know, just in case it comes to that. Besides, with you both leaving home for many hours each day, I could do whatever I want when you're not at home. If you trust me here, you can trust me there just as well."
Dave sighed in defeat. "I know, dear. It's just… You're growing too fast for me. It seems like only yesterday you were a toddler, barely able to walk, and now… Now you're a very determined young woman. I'm not yet ready for this…"
Hermione smiled reassuringly at her father and moved closer to hug him. "No matter what happens, I'll always be your daughter, I'll always need you in my life, even when I get a husband and some children. It's just natural for children to grow up. Don't you think so?"
Dave hugged her back. "Of course, honey. My mind agrees with you, but my heart still wants my little girl." He then sighed deeply. "Alright. Harry can join us, provided his guardians agree."
This seemed to put an end to the subject, as Hermione moved to the next. "Harry and I are going to London tomorrow. Harry needs to visit Gringotts, and I'd like to buy some more books at Diagon Alley."
Jean frowned. "How will you go there? You know we can't take you."
Dave intervened. "Actually, I need to go to London in the morning. I can pass here first and collect you at nine if you like. You'll have to come back by yourselves, though. Can you do that?"
Hermione shrugged. "We can use the train and the bus if you like, but there's the magical Knight Bus that's much faster and cheaper. I think we will use it."
"How long do you plan to spend there?"
Hermione looked at Harry, who didn't seem to have a clue and then answered, "We don't know. Harry needs to check a few things at the bank, and we have no idea how long it may take. In any case, we'll make sure to have enough money of both kinds so we can buy ourselves lunch and some drinks. I hope we'll be home before dinner, but I'm not sure. I'll inform you if we need to return late."
Dave nodded. "Alright. Now, care to tell us what you did today?"
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly. Eventually, they all retired to bed. The teens stopped in front of their rooms. "I think I should start sleeping in your room, but maybe not tonight, yet. Dad needs some time to get comfortable with the idea, but I want us to start this before going to France, so you won't get too excited by then."
Harry blushed at the mere idea, glad he also had at least another day to get accustomed to it. Hermione didn't mind it. She kissed him briefly on his lips, said "Goodnight," and went to her room. Harry was barely able to respond. He then went to his room, not quite sure how he felt about this new development.
–..–
He woke up early the next morning. He even heard the adults leaving the house. He stayed in bed a bit longer until he heard Hermione's door open. He then moved out of bed and to the door, opening it before Hermione had a chance to knock. She smiled at him, engulfed him in a tight hug and kissed him. Harry acted the same, hugging her back and deepening the kiss. Hermione didn't let it last. "Good morning, Harry. I'm glad you're already awake, as we need to eat breakfast and get ready before Dad comes to take us to London. Slept well?"
Harry smiled, still keeping the hug. "Good morning, dear. I slept well, dreaming about you." He then turned serious. "Don't you think that our relationship is advancing too quickly?"
Hermione shook her head. "It may seem so, but it's almost three years since we first met, so that's not so quick. Besides, I feel like some force is pushing us together. I actually like it."
"But what if…"
"Harry, the way I feel now, I'm sure we're going to be together for the rest of our lives. Does it really matter at what point we're going to get intimate? I feel ready for it, so it's all up to you."
"I'm not sure your father…"
"My father would think it's too early even if I stay a virgin until age thirty-six. He loves me, but he'll always see me as a little girl. I'm already a woman, Harry, and I can decide for myself if and when I want this, regardless of my parents or anybody else, but you."
Harry's face turned red. Hermione noticed. "Harry, right now, get dressed and come down for breakfast. We'll have time to talk later."
Harry felt thankful for the respite. While getting ready, he thought mainly of what Hermione had said. It was logical, he had to admit. The only problem he could find with that was the fact that young loves don't usually last. As much as he currently loved Hermione — and he wasn't completely sure it was really love — he had no way of knowing if he would still feel that way by the time they finished Hogwarts, or even by next summer. How could he be sure? And yet, he also felt like some major force was gently pushing them closer. Was that Magic? Was that their own love? As much as he disliked others dictating his life, this felt like a welcome push. Maybe whatever force that was, it would make sure that they kept loving each other? That was a comforting thought.
By the time he joined Hermione in the kitchen, he felt much better about the way their relationship was advancing. He was even looking forward to taking the next step, although he didn't want to rush it.
Yet Hermione had currently other things in mind. She was in full "business" mode. "Make sure not to forget anything. You need your vault key, of course. Don't forget your wand. We should also take some light overcoats, in case it gets chilly. Don't you want to hide your scar, so it won't attract attention?"
"Can you do it?" He'd never thought of such a possibility.
"We can cover it with a band-aid, but that may not be enough. I can use some of Mum's makeup products to mask it, so nobody will notice unless checking very closely."
"I'd like that."
They ate breakfast quickly, and then Hermione brought her mother's makeup kit along with the first-aid kit. She put a band-aid over Harry's scar, one that was very close in colour to his skin. She then used some makeup to make it blend. "Check yourself in the mirror," she suggested after finishing.
Harry did just that. His forehead looked clear of any blemishes. Only when looking very closely, one could see a slight swell near the middle, and one needed to check really attentively to notice that it was not his skin. "I didn't know you were such an expert at makeup," he said admiringly.
Hermione shrugged. "Mum taught me how to use it before I reached twelve, but I found no use for this knowledge until now."
"It came quite handy for me now. I really appreciate your work."
Hermione's protest was cut short before she started, as Dave came in. "Are you two ready?"
"Yes. We only need to take some overcoats, just in case," Hermione said.
They both rushed to their rooms, returning seconds later. Harry made sure he had everything he needed in his pockets, and then they all went into the car. Almost an hour later, Dave let them out near the Leaky Cauldron. "Let us know if you stay later than four or if you encounter any problems. Enjoy your day," he said before parting.
Harry was glad that nobody noticed him. Without his famous scar, he was just another child, one who didn't interest the adults. They reached Gringotts quickly and approached an available teller.
Despite having discussed it with Hermione, Harry still felt quite reluctant when talking with the teller. "I'd like to speak with whoever is responsible for my vault, if that's possible."
"Your key?" the teller asked, without even looking at him.
Harry was glad he had kept the key since the previous summer, conveniently "forgetting" to pass it back to Dumbledore, who had asked for it as soon as the term started. It looked like the old man also forgot about it, as he hadn't asked for it again. Now, Harry could easily take the key out of his pocket and hand it to the teller.
"Your name?" the teller prompted.
"Harry Potter."
The teller lifted his gaze to Harry's forehead. "Are you sure?" he asked menacingly.
"Very sure. If you're looking for my scar, it's hidden now."
The teller didn't seem convinced. "Wait a moment. I'll fetch your account manager."
The goblin disappeared, returning a few minutes later with an older one, dressed in higher-quality clothes, who turned to Harry. "I'm Quickill, the Potter account manager. How can I be of service?"
"I have quite a few matters that I'd like to discuss in private, if possible, sir." The goblins' suspicion was very evident, making him quite apprehensive, yet he stuck with his plan, holding Hermione's hand tightly as if getting reassurance from her.
"Alright, then. Follow me." The goblin turned around and started walking briskly to one of the side doors. He opened it for Harry and frowned seeing Hermione coming along, yet said nothing. A moment later, he led the two youngsters into an elegant office. A wave of his hand conjured two comfortable chairs, and he motioned them to sit down while he moved to the other side of the desk and sat in his own chair, looking at the two with a slight frown, clearly expecting Harry to talk.