Chapter 1650 - Ch: 17-20

Chapter 17: Changes/Dumbledore's Chestnuts Roasting on a McGonagall Fire

Stick tap to SLYNNR for the second chapter title. I laughed out loud when I read the suggestion

The car shuddered to a stop, Harry woke. Looking up, he saw Hermione had also fallen asleep. He took the time to study her face, memorizing the pattern of freckles on her nose and underneath her eyes. He appreciated her hair which appeared to be losing its bushiness, softening into complex curls. After the last two weeks, she was a sight for literal sore eyes.

"We're home, kid," Richard said softly. He opened the car door and helped Harry sit up. Hermione stirred and opened her eyes, searching out Harry's. Broken as he was, it was still a relief to see him again.

"Come on," Richard hefted Harry out of the car. "Let's get you up to bed. I thought you might have some need for it, so I've got a couple bags of IV fluid for you. Hopefully, some fluids will help you heal faster."

Taking an arm, he helped Harry into the house, Richard helped Harry up the stairs and into his room. At the foot of the bed sat his school trunk. With Richard's help, Harry changed into his pajamas and slid gingerly into bed. Richard set up the IV and inserted the tube into Harry's arm.

"I am glad you're safe, kid," Richard sat on the edge of his bed. "Hermione hasn't been herself the last two weeks. She's been sick with worry and, to tell you the truth, so have I.

"Listen," Richard laid a hand on top of Harry's. "As Hermione's father, I am naturally inclined to hate any boy my daughter spends time with. As such, I find myself surprised at how much I like you. Helen and I will sleep soundly tonight, knowing you are safe."

"Thank you for rescuing me," Harry said. "Every day that I spent there, I wished each morning the doorbell would ring and you, Hermione and Helen would be there and I wouldn't have to see them again for another year. My last thought as I passed out was hoping Hermione would help me.

"I've never had a great relationship with adults," Harry said. "You've seen who I grew up with but it didn't end there. Every teacher I ever I had took their side and overlooked my mistreatment. I soon learned to trust no one and rely on myself. Somehow, against all odds, Hermione got around my defenses and all three of you actually earned my trust.

"I can't explain it but there's something different about Hermione, about all three of you," Harry looked into Richard's eyes. "And I like it."

"For what it's worth," Richard kept eye contact. "You've been just as good for Hermione as she has been for you. You make her happy. As her father, that's all I want for her. As to your relatives, you are not going back. Get that idea out of your head right now."

Standing up, Richard moved toward the door before turning back.

"You've had a rough night, Harry. Get some sleep."

Richard exited the room and softly closed the door. Walking down the hall, he entered the master bedroom. Sitting on the mattress, he put his head in his hands and wept. Every time he closed his eyes he saw that room, Harry's broken body lying within.

In Hermione's room, Helen was embracing her daughter.

"Are you okay, Winter?" Helen knew the answer. Hermione was shaking in her arms, raspy sobs coming hard and fast.

"How could they do that to him!?" Hermione looked at her mother in desperation. "I thought… I thought he was going to die. I thought I had lost him."

"He probably would have," Helen said, making Hermione gasp. "But you saved him. You saved his life. Remember that always. Now it's been an emotional night. Harry is resting and you must rest as well. Tomorrow, the journey to recovery starts. He'll need us to be strong for it."

"I love you, mum."

"I love you too, Winter."

Exiting the room, Helen's eyes were hard. Swiftly, she moved down the stairs.

In the master bedroom, Richard's sobs ceased as the door opened again. In the room stood Helen, a determined look on her face. Richard had only seen this look a few times. The first time was when Richard had asked her to marry him. Helen's family tried to oppose the union but Helen would not let them interfere. Resolutely she stood between her family and shouted "this is the man I love and I will marry him, with or without your blessing."

The second time came when they were trying to have children. Doctors and specialists across Britain told them it was unlikely they would conceive. She looked him dead in the eye and told him "we are having a child."

No one could stand against the force that was Helen Granger. She threw a form down on the bed.

"Sign it," she said.

Richard picked up the form and read the top.

"Guardian papers? Helen… we can't."

"We can and we will." This was neither a request nor a debate. "I will NOT send him back to that place. He is a sweet boy who has shown our daughter nothing but kindness. I looked into it: Vernon and Petunia Dursley never officially took custody. There's nothing to stop us from doing this.

"That boy has done so much for our daughter. It is time we did something for him beyond buying him clothes," Helen's look was as resolute as Richard had ever seen. "Sign. It."

"Helen…"

"Sign it!"

"We need to ask Harry what he wants. And Hermione. I know you've seen how close they are and I'm not talking brother/sister close. We can't take the choice out of their hands."

"He will agree," Helen was not budging. "I know it. And I've already talked to Hermione about it. She's fine with us becoming his guardians."

"If he agrees, I will sign."

"Then tomorrow we will talk to him," Helen picked up the form, placing it on the dresser. Without changing, she wrapped her arms around his middle and cuddled into him on the bed. Within minutes, they fell asleep, not even bothering to turn out the light.

Miles away, up north, an irate Minerva McGonagall stormed into Dumbledore's office.

"Ah Minerva," Dumbledore addressed his deputy. "How many I help you this evening?"

With as much force as possible, she slammed Dumbledore's letter onto the desk. Sensing the storm that approached, Fawkes left his perch and flamed out of the room.

"I just came from Privet Drive where Vernon Dursley just about murdered Harry!" She screamed. Dumbledore paled and looked at his gadgets in the corner.

The wards are strong, so the boy is still alive.

"I told you all those years ago they were the worst sort!" McGonagall was pacing the room, glaring at Dumbledore with every pass. "You saw the sheet from Pomfrey. How in the world could you send him back there!?"

"The protection…"

"Don't. Even. Start!" McGonagall advanced on the headmaster. "Your protections are worth Hippogriff shit. He is not going back there."

"He must!"

"Over my dead body! You know I was James' Godmother so that boy is basically family and it is time I started acting like it. I never opposed his placement as I should have from the start. I will carry that with me forever but from now on, I will be taking care of that boy's protection."

"You are not a blood relative!" Dumbledore tried to push back. "The wards only work if he lives with a blood relative."

"To hell with the wards! We both want to protect Harry. The only difference between you and I is I am actually acting in the best interests of HARRY!

"I trusted you. For years, Albus, I trusted that you knew what you were doing, that it actually was the right thing to do. However, after seeing the state Harry arrived here in, after the stone and especially after you had no idea Voldemort was riding shotgun on your DEFENSE PROFESSOR'S HEAD!0

"If I didn't know any better, I would think you had planned…" McGonagall gasped as Dumbledore reacted. "You did!?"

McGonagall let out a stream of Gaelic curse words that would make a sailor blush.

"Why in Merlin's name would you do that? Were you testing Harry?"

"I needed to know that I could count on him," Dumbledore hung his head. "I was ready to step in at a moment's notice if I needed but I needed to know if he could be the next leader the light needs. Plus, I wanted to know if the wards were still active."

"Even if they are, they did not stop him from being beaten half to death. If it were not for the quick actions of Hermione Granger and her family, he could have been paralyzed or worse! And you sit there and talk of protection, like him being alive is more important to you than being happy. As if the ends justify the bloody means!

McGonagall decided it was time for the gloves to truly come off.

"That was the kind of protection Ariana had, did she not?" Dumbledore looked like had been slapped. Yes I know about Ariana, Albus. Aberforth loves to talk when he's drunk and he is drunk quite often. "How did that work out for her?"

"Harry will NEVER return to Privet Drive," McGonagall said. "I personally will work to set up some actual protection for the boy and Miss Granger's family. Them being so close to the boy will make them a target. You must realize this, right? Did you ever think to protect them?"

Dumbledore blanched.

"You complete JACKASS!" McGonagall drew her wand. "You know all it would take to lure Harry out into the open would be to capture the Grangers. That boy would move heaven and earth to save them!

"Tomorrow," McGonagall's rage filled the air. "We are going to the ministry where you are going to sign over magical guardianship of that boy to me."

"That's not necessary," Dumbledore said. He hated having things out of his control and he needed to help Harry become the next leader the world needed. "I have made mistakes but…"

"But nothing! When the story of what happened to the boy under your supposed care, and it will come out..."

"There is no need…" Dumbledore cut across her.

You do love your secrets, don't you, Albus.

"Harry had a burst of accidental magic when Vernon was beating him and then Hermione had two when coming to rescue him. That prompted the Aurors to investigate. Since the Statute was possibly at risk, that meant Amelia," Dumbledore paled again. "She is going to be building a case against Vernon and Petunia for child abuse, among other things. It will take time for her to put the case together but everything will come out at that case.

"At such time, your role will be called into question. They will strip you of your magical guardianship which will leave his guardianship in question. You know how Lucius Malfoy operates: Harry would almost certainly end up with them and you know it.

"We are getting out in front of this," McGonagall had calmed her rage to a soft simmer. "I am his head of house, his father was my godson; nobody will bat an eye at the transfer of guardianship. Oh and one last thing:"

Turning her wand on the gadgets, McGonagall shouted "Reducto!"

All the gadgets, the whizzing silver instruments, the golden ticking devices and the table on which they stood turned to dust.

"Now tomorrow you will sign over guardianship," She glared at him. "And I can start to make up for my mistakes and begin to take care of protecting my ward, to ensure he isn't simply alive but also hapy."

Turning on her heel, McGonagall stormed from the office. Dumbledore turned to the dust that used to be his monitors on the Boy-Who-Lived. Opening a drawer, he fished out a picture of a girl with golden blonde hair smiling up on him. He read what she wrote on the photo.

You are the greatest good I'll ever have, brother.

"Oh Ariana," Dumbledore wept. "What have I done? What have I become?"

He never moved the rest of the night as he pondered everything that had come of his machinations. Whether consciously or not, he had slipped into thinking about the "Greater Good" and forgot what the ultimate cost to that was. As morning dawned, Albus Dumbledore finally stood up, joined McGonagall in her office where they flooed to the ministry. Albus signed the transfer papers and, when Minerva added hers, the parchment shone gold, confirming the transfer.

Albus then went back to his office, poured himself a drink and continued to think about Harry, about the prophecy and about the future.

Further south, the green eyes on Harry Potter opened. He was in the bed at the Grangers' house. Closing his eyes, he drank in the smells of the room. He could smell the wood of the bedframe and the lavender scent of the sheets. From downstairs, he caught the aroma of bacon wafting up. Without thinking he sat up before his back screamed in pain. He reached for his back before he remembered the tube in his arm.

"What do you think you're doing?" A female voice drew his attention. Fumbling for his glasses, he found them on the bedside table. Putting them on, he saw Hermione sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. "You have to take it easy, Harry. Madam Pomfrey told us you are to keep off your feet for the next three days."

Harry groaned. Even though he knew he needed to heal, he did not like being still, having nothing else to do.

"Mum will be up shortly with breakfast," Hermione said. "Is there anything I can get you?"

"Actually, there is," Harry rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "One, can you grab my family grimoire from my trunk? I figure this is as good a time as any to dig into my family history. Two, can you help me sit up?"

Hermione retrieved the red leather book, setting it on his bedside table before propping him up with pillows.

"Thank you," Harry said. "For everything."

"You are welcome, Harry," Hermione smiled for the first time in weeks. "If you need anything else, please let us know. I'll let mum know you're awake so she can bring you breakfast."

Leaning back into the pillows, Harry closed his eyes and let the tension of the last two weeks drain out of him. He was about to reach out for his grimoire when Helen walked in with a tray. She set it down and then pulled the tube from Harry's arm.

"Good morning, Harry," she smiled warmly. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore," Harry said. "But better than yesterday, that's for sure."

"It's good to see you awake and alert," Helen said, placing the tray in front of him before sitting on his bed. "It's also nice to see Hermione smile again. She was worried sick the entire last two weeks."

"Well it was only the thought that she- and you and Richard- were coming that kept me going."

"Well you're here now," Helen gave him her best motherly smile. "We will take care of you and have you back on your feet in no time. Now, eat up and if you need anything, there's a bell on your table. Richard and I have arranged our schedule so that one of us will be here for you should you need anything."

"Thank you, Helen," Harry smiled her. Picking up the fork, dug into his food with gusto. Helen smiled as she watched him eat. After he finished, she helped him take his morning potions, grabbed the tray and stood up.

"Remember to let us know if you need anything," Helen walked out of the room.

Settling in, Harry grabbed his families' grimoire and started to read. Page after he page, he read the history of his family. With a history dating back to the Roman Occupation, the story of the Potter family was quite lengthy. Throughout the book, they listed several spells developed through the years. One such spell caught his eye: the lightning whip.

Developed by his grandfather Charlus, it was incredibly difficult to do but certainly powerful, it conjured a whip of pure electricity that could both swat incoming spells away and be used offensively as well. It needed to be used within a certain proximity otherwise it was more less ineffective.

All spells in the book were developed to be non-verbal to protect the secrets of the family. According to Flitwick, they would not be starting non-verbal spells until the fifth year at the earliest. Usually, they started it at the beginning of the sixth year but since Harry and Hermione were already starting on the second year material, he thought they might be able to start to do it around their fifth year.

Filing that away, Harry kept reading, drinking in the words on the pages until he reached the last entry.

Familial Protection charm: Created by Lily Potter in July 1981. A unique combination ritual and charms, this will protect an individual from even the strongest magical attacks. Charm is powered by the sacrifice of one person for another. The stronger the affection, the stronger the protection.

Harry looked up and rubbed his eyes.

So that was what my mother did, Harry thought. A charm that would only activate with the sacrifice of a loved one. The protection isn't even tied to my blood. I never needed to go there...

Anger bloomed in Harry's heart. Dumbledore made assumptions and assumed he knew best. He also never checked up on Harry in his time there. Any chance of Harry trusting Dumbledore died then and there.

That night, there was a knock on the door and all three Grangers entered the room. Helen and Richard took up spots on either side of his bed while Hermione walked around to sit next to him.

"Hey Harry," Richard said. "How are you feeling?"

"Assuming I don't move too quickly, I feel great," Harry smiled at him. "Thank you for the IV, it helped a lot."

"Glad to hear it," Richard smiled. "We were hoping to talk with you about something."

"Well," Harry made to look at his wrist where a watch would be. "I have a meeting to get to but I guess I could move things around for you."

Hermione smacked him on the arm.

"This is serious," she said, even though she was smiling.

"Harry…" Helen stepped forward, fumbling with something in her hand. "This spring, I looked into things regarding you and found something interesting: your relatives never formally took custody of you. No paperwork, nothing. You have a birth certificate, a history of attending school and that's it."

"What does that mean?" Harry asked.

"It means that this," Helen laid a form in front of him. "Can be incredibly easy."

Picking up the form, Harry read it slowly.

"Guardianship?" Harry looked up, torn between confusion and excitement. "You'd do that?"

He looked from one Granger to the next before resting his eyes on Hermione. Each one nodded in turn.

"Would you be okay with this?" Harry asked Hermione.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," Hermione smiled at him. "This would make sure you never have to return to Privet Drive. I don't care what protection is put in place, there's no way you're going back."

"Actually," he returned her smile. "I learned today that I don't need to live there to be protected. I'm not even sure the protection is still there beyond that night. I found out in my family's book that my mum developed a new charm that's powered by sacrifice of one loved one for another. The deeper the love, the better the protection.

"When I was fighting Quirrell," Harry continued. "His hands didn't start to burn until I looked at you. My last thought running through my head was 'thank you for showing me what it meant to be loved.' That's when his hands started to burn. It definitely isn't tied to blood, my mother's or mine."

Harry looked back at the elder Grangers.

"When I looked into the mirror, the first thing I saw was my parents. After that, I saw the three of you and Neville. If the inscription on the mirror was correct and it shows you your heart's desire. All my life, I've wanted a family. If you're willing to take on guardianship of me, I would be gladly accept."

Helen smiled widely and Richard laughed. Another win for the force of nature that is Helen Granger.

"On one condition," Harry said. "I would like to have Gringotts ward your home and place of work. I know there's at least a few people who are out to get me. I want to make sure that all three of you are safe, whatever the cost."

"We were planning on doing something along those lines," Richard said. "Though we don't expect you to pay for it. We can work it out later. Welcome to the family, kid."

Richard handed Harry a pen to sign the papers.

"We will file those tomorrow and you will be all set," Helen said as she took the papers back. "Now, Madam Pomfrey will be by in two days and see if you're cleared to start walking."

Helen and Richard left the room, leaving Harry and Hermione alone.

"How are you doing?" Harry asked her. "Your parents said you weren't yourself the last two weeks."

"How am I doing!" Came Hermione's exasperated response. "You were beaten within an inch of your life and you're asking how I am!?"

"It can't have been easy on you," Harry said. "You didn't hear from me for two weeks. Our departure was rather abrupt and I'm guessing that was you Vernon shouted at?"

Hermione nodded

"Oh Harry," she started to cry. "I'm so sorry. I'm sure I made things worse."

"Actually, you made things better," Harry said which shocked Hermione. "Aunt Petunia had intimated that I didn't have any friends and, despite my best efforts, I was worried that she was right. When you called, I knew that I still had friends, that I was not alone."

"You never will be, Harry," Hermione smiled at him.

Harry yawned widely, leading Hermione to help him lay down.

"I'm sure you weren't able to focus on homework, were you?" Harry asked her. "How about we start work on it tomorrow? We can't let the top student slip, now can we."

"That sounds like a plan," Hermione finally started to seem like herself. "Sleep well, Harry. I'll see you tomorrow."

As Hermione stood, she examined her best friend. His eyes closed with a small smile on his face, he finally looked at peace. Before she reached the door, he was fast asleep. Smiling, Hermione closed the door softly behind her.

(A/N: The lightning whip is used in DZ2's "Knowledge is Power" and I always wanted to see that spell explored some more.

I haven't really planned or thought of any other family spells as my focus will be more on developing unique spell chains instead of actual spells. I am open to any suggestions if you have any.

I know the Grangers taking guardianship/adopting Harry has been done a lot of times before and it frankly just makes sense. Now we don't need to readdress Dumbledore/Dursley thing again. We'll see the Dursleys one more time and that's it. Onward and upward.

As always, thank you reading and the constructive comments along the way.)

Chapter 18: Peaceful, Easy Feeling

The next two days passed quickly for Harry. Every morning, he would wake up, eat breakfast and take his potions. After that, Hermione would join him in the room and they'd work through their homework. At the end of two days, not only had they finished their summer work but Harry was cleared to move around.

On the third day, Madam Pomfrey made a house call with Professor McGonagall where Pomfrey told him the good news.

"Your spine is perfectly healed, Mr. Potter," she gave him a genuine smile. "Your other injuries have healed too, though you will be rather tender for a while. As a result of your injuries, I want you to take it easy. I see there is a pool out back. Walking back and forth across it will be an excellent way to rehabilitate and rebuild your strength.

"I will make a follow up visit every week, to check your progress."

Standing up, Harry moved toward her and took everyone by surprised as he suddenly wrapped her up in a hug.

"Thank you for everything you did," Harry said.

"That is my job, Mr. Potter," she said as Harry pulled away.

"One more thing, Harry," Professor McGonagall stepped forward. "I have assumed the role of magical guardian for you."

"Magical guardian?" Harry cocked his head to the side.

"It is something that those born-or in your case, raised- in the muggle world have," she explained. "It is your guardian's job to make sure you are cared for in all ways, to be a representative in matters or schooling and health. Your magical guardian can also manage your finances until you are ready to assume that responsibility.

"Up until this week, your guardian was Albus Dumbledore," Harry blanched as Hermione and the Grangers gasped. "Obviously, I found him to be… lacking… in that area. Once the case against your relatives-"

McGonagall's nostrils flared at that word.

"-becomes public, the wizarding world will be furious. They will ask who allowed this to happen and those questions will lead to one place and one place only: Dumbledore. They would have stripped him of his guardianship which would allow anyone to claim it. Deciding not to leave that up to fate. As your head of house, with the benefit of being your father's godmother, I have a solid claim."

"I appreciate that but the Grangers just claimed guardianship of me," Harry didn't want to sound ungrateful but he really didn't want to be taken away from the Grangers. "How does that affect that?"

"It does not," McGonagall said, plainly. "I myself am the magical guardian to Miss Granger and Mr. Thomas, as well as any other muggleborn witch or wizard who is sorted into Gryffindor. The Grangers would still be in charge of your care outside of wizarding world while I would represent your interests inside the school and anything within the wizarding world.

"On a personal note: I am sorry. I was there the night Albus left you with the Dursleys. I protested but not strongly enough. I trusted Albus and he never once acted in your best interests. Even last year, I trusted that he had the stone safe but instead he used it as a lure and a test for you."

"A test!?" Hermione screeched. "Why would he test you."

"He wanted to know if Harry could become the next leader for the light, since Albus won't be able to do that job forever."

"He wants me, an 11-year-old boy, to become a leader? Isn't anyone else up for the job?"

"Not in his mind. You are famous for defeating Voldemort, Harry. I think Albus naturally believes that notoriety would naturally make you a good leader."

"Well you are a good leader," Hermione said. "Not because of what you allegedly did all those years ago but because of who you are. But to push you into becoming one…"

"I get it, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "It is one of the many reasons he is not your guardian. A guardian must put the interests of the person above all else and Dumbledore forgot that."

"Thank you for taking an interest in my best interests," Harry said. "I do have one concern: this will add more onto your plate. I saw your office; you're overworked as it is."

"Next year, I will be getting help," McGonagall said. "I have allowed myself to become distracted, possibly why I did not take your warning about the stone seriously. Starting next year, I will be delegating some work to Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout."

"Not Snape?" Harry asked.

"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected.

"If I could trust he would do it fairly," McGonagall's eyes narrowed again. "But I cannot. His end of year grades prove that."

Hermione perked up at grades, making Harry chuckle. Sighing audibly, McGonagall reached into her robes to withdraw two envelopes.

"Ignore Severus' marks, Miss Granger," she said as Hermione snatched the envelope from her hand and tore it open. "You were the top student in your year, Miss Granger."

Reading through, Hermione saw she got straight O's across the board with an Exceeds Expectations in Potions the only blemish. Excited with her grades, Hermione smiled widely and turned to Harry.

"Well?" She asked, excitedly. "How did you do!?"

Harry held the envelope with trembling hands. For the first time, he cared about doing well in school. Hermione hovering over his shoulder didn't make things any easier.

"Hermione…" Helen admonished her daughter. "Grades are very private thing. Give Harry some space."

"Sorry, mum," Hermione hung her head. "Sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to…"

"It's okay," Harry replied, taking a deep breath before opening the envelope.

"I got an EE in History and Herbology, a P in Potions and O's everywhere else," Harry said. "Better than I expected."

Hermione stepped next to him and wrapped him into a side-arm hug, squeezing hard enough to make Harry wince.

"Sorry," she sounded abashed. "I am proud of you, though, Harry."

"You both have impressed your teachers- most of them anyway," McGonagall rolled her eyes, thinking of Snape. "In the next few weeks you can expect an owl with your school lists for next year."

McGonagall and Pomfrey left shortly thereafter and Harry promptly stepped into the backyard. Standing in the sunshine, hearing the birds chirping, with the fresh air on his face and the smell of Helen's flowers invading his senses, Harry smiled. He had a host of new guardians. For a while he just stood there, relishing in the peaceful, easy feeling.

"What do you think?" Hermione asked.

"It's perfect," He smiled at her. "Everything here is. Your garden is beautiful."

That night, Harry and the Grangers were finishing dinner.

"What do you say we watch a movie tonight?"

Harry perked up at this. The Dursleys loved having frequent movie nights and their favorite part was locking Harry in the cupboard beforehand.

"What would you like to watch, Harry?"

Trying to play it off, Harry said "whatever you guys want is good with me."

Richard looked at the kid and got an idea. Thinking of another dark-haired individual who loved to fly.

"I know just what to watch," Richard said with a smile.

Helen rolled her eyes, knowing what was coming. At least there's the volleyball scene, she thought to herself.

"I'll make the popcorn," Hermione said as she was off running toward the pantry.

Gathering in the living room, Harry and Hermione sat down on the sofa while Helen took the loveseat. Richard joined her after popping in the video.

Sinking into the sofa, eating popcorn, Harry hungrily drank in the movie as the soft rock score played and the opening credits rolled. When the name title "Top Gun" flashed up, Harry felt a thrill of excitement shoot through him. When the soft rock shifted to a hard electric guitar, he couldn't help it: he smiled.

"What is this?" Harry said in amazement.

"This is Top Gun, Harry," Richard said, proudly. "The best movie ever made."

Hermione and Helen both rolled their eyes.

"I like this song…" Harry commented.

"It's 'Danger Zone' by an American named Kenny Loggins," Hermione explained. "It won't be the last time you hear it."

As the movie played, Hermione kept stealing glances, reveling in the way Harry drank in the simple experience of watching a film. Memo to self: enjoy the little things. *

As they got to the part where Maverick was chasing Viper, Hermione looked at Harry and was horrified at the look he had.

"Harry Potter!" Hermione shouted. "If you're even thinking of trying any of these stunts in Quidditch, I will take your broom away."

"But Hermione…"

"No buts!"

"Hermione," Harry said. She folded her arms and wouldn't respond.

"Hermione," Harry said again, louder.

"HERMIONE!" Harry shouted.

"HERMIONNNEEEE!"

"WHAT!?" She finally rounded on him.

"Danger Zone," he sing-songed with a smile. Hermione couldn't help it; she smiled. **

"Seriously though," Harry said. "I would like to try some of those maneuvers… but safely,"

"You better be," Hermione smiled in spite of herself.

After the movie, Harry was almost bouncing in excitement.

"Can we watch another!?" He asked.

"Not tonight," Helen said through giggles. "You still need to get your rest, to continue healing."

"Thank you for the suggestion, Richard," Harry said.

Just wait until I show you Star Wars," Richard laughed at Harry's expression. For a boy whose childhood forced him to mature beyond his years, it was nice to see him actually act like a child for once.

"Alright," Helen stepped into her mom voice. "Wash up and head to bed."

Harry turned out to be rather popular the next few days. He had yet to hear from Neville or Ron so he dispatched Hedwig with letters to both of them. To Neville, he gave him a short recap of his two weeks with the Dursleys while to Ron he explained that, due to an injury, he would not be able to visit him, as planned. Ron wrote back, upset but surprisingly understanding. Once they got their school letters, they planned to meet up

The following Saturday, Harry got a visit from Amelia Bones and the pink-haired Auror that she formally introduced as Auror Tonks.

"Good morning, Mr. Potter," she looked around the house, taking in the décor. "How are you feeling?"

"I am feeling good, ma'am," Harry answered. "I still feel some soreness in my back, though it is less every day."

"We were hoping to sit down and chat about your life before Hogwarts, if you are up for it," Amelia asked softly.

"Would it be okay if the Grangers stayed?" Harry asked. "Not to be disrespectful, but I don't really know you and I would like to have someone here whom I know and trust."

"If you do not mind them hearing then they are welcome to sit in on the interview." Amelia said. Richard guided her toward the formal dining room, having Harry sit on one side and Amelia on the other. She set up a quill to dictate the interview and leveled Harry with an impassive look. "When you are ready, you may begin."

Noting the calming presence of Hermione, Harry started to speak about everything he could remember. He told her about the cupboard that was his room until he was 11. He told her about being fed scraps while being forced to cook their meals. About cleaning the house while his cousin got to laze about. He told her about Vernon's reaction to when anything odd happened.

"Just last year, about this time," Harry said. "It was my cousins birthday and they were forced to bring me along. Usually, when they go out, I am sent to be with Mrs. Figg."

"Arabella Figg?" Amelia interjected.

"Maybe? I only ever heard her last name."

"Old batty woman? Too many cats to count?"

"That's her."

"Good to know," Amelia said. "We caught her a while back trying to sell Kneazles from a cart in Diagon. Turned out they were simply cats."

"Wait? Mrs. Figg is a witch?"

"Squib, actually. Continue with your story," Amelia made a note to talk to the woman for the case

Pondering this latest mystery, Harry continued on with the zoo trip.

"We were walking through the Reptile House when Vernon and Dudley kept hammering on the glass to make a snake move. Eventually they moved on and so I apologized to the snake. When I did, the snake opened its eyes and lifted its head. He told me it happens all the time."

"Wait…" Amelia's impassive mask fell for a second. "You talked with the snake?"

"Yes…" Harry said, uncertain why Amelia was shocked. "Is that not common?"

"Not many can speak parseltongue, Harry. It is a very rare trait. The last wizard known to have that trait was You-Know-Who."

"Voldemort?" Harry said as Amelia and Tonks flinched.

"Yes," Amelia saw the conflict on his face. "Continue with your story."

"Anyways as the snake was talking to me, Dudley noticed," Harry said. "He pushed me out of the way and pushed his face into the glass. I remember getting angry and suddenly the glass vanished and he fell in.

"The snake escaped and that's when I noticed Vernon watching me…" Harry stopped as his voice refused to work. Hermione slid closer and laid a comforting hand on his arm. "He was angry."

Tears started to fall. Of all the events, this one cut him the deepest.

"That night was the worst I ever got," Harry's voice now sounded raspy. "Over and over he hit me with the buckle of his belt. 'You're just like your whore mother, freak,' he told me. 'she died with your drunk father and left us to raise you.'

"On and on he went before he threw me back in my cupboard. I couldn't lay on my back for a week, which was how long they kept me locked up."

"Did you ever tell anyone about your abuse?" Amelia asked.

"I told a couple of teachers who took it to the principal who told Vernon. Vernon didn't like that," Harry said, his voice suddenly devoid of any emotion. "I even tried to run away once. A police officer picked me up. He was tight with Vernon and took me back. After that, I stopped trying. I didn't think there was anything I could do. Even when Dumbledore told me I had to go back, I just followed him. I thought that's just the way my life was."

He looked up at the Grangers and then to Hermione. Richard had a grave look on his face while Helen and Hermione wept for him.

"I know better now," Harry said, bringing tearful smiles to the Granger's faces. "I am never going back."

Whether Harry was saying that to Amelia or himself, she did not know but she just added.

"No you are not," Amelia said. "It is going to take some time, but they will be standing trial. I need to properly interview your relatives and a few others. Due to your celebrity, I do need to tread carefully, however. I will keep you updated as thing go along.

"Before I leave: you mentioned a house elf warning you about a threat to Hogwarts?"

Harry told her about Dobby and his warning.

"Did he give you anything specific?"

"No. He just said 'dark things are planned.' I then asked him about his bond and why his master made him wear a pillowcase. When he told me why, I told him his master must be evil. He agreed and then threw himself into the wall head first. Is this normal for house elves, Madam Bones?"

"Sadly, it is in some households," Madam Bones pinched the bridge of her nose. "A lot of pureblood families bond with elves to help them. House elves are dead useful, especially at maintaining the home. Some of us treat them as family members while others, Dobby's family in this case, treat them as slaves. The bond with an elf is beautiful thing when properly maintained. If not maintained, a house elf will slowly go insane and die a slow and painful death."

"That seems to be what Dobby's master is hoping for," Harry said. "Dobby said his master was looking forward to him dying so he could get another elf."

"Is this legal?" Hermione finally entered the conversation.

"Sadly, yes, Miss Granger," Amelia said. "It is frowned upon but too many purebloods still see creatures as inferior. I myself have two elves…"

"You support slavery!?" Hermione exclaimed without thinking.

"Hermione!" Helen admonished. She didn't like it the same as her daughter but she also didn't like her daughter casting a snap judgement.

"It is fine, Mrs. Granger," Amelia looked at the girl sitting at the table. "Bippy and Wexley are my elves. They have served me for 15 years. They helped me raise Susan. Some would treat them as slaves but I choose to treat them as family. They can make their own outfits and if they are sick, I take care of them."

"Sorry Madam Bones," Hermione was sufficiently cowed. "I just… don't like the idea of anyone thinking less of another for any reason."

"I agree with you, Miss Granger," Madam Bones smiled at her. "As a certain Doctor King once said 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I serve justice, Miss Granger. Whether human, elf or anything in between; it is justice which drives me."

Hermione's eyes widened at a witch knowing the teachings of an American muggle as Amelia continued.

"The bond with a house elf is sacred and special. It is my goal to one day make it illegal to mistreat an elf the way you experienced, Mr. Potter."

"Thank you Madam Bones," Harry said. "I have not thought much about Dobby, given the events that followed but I must admit to being horrified of a creature living in slavery. The idea is very anathema to me. If there is anything we can do to help, I would be glad to help."

Hermione smiled at Harry's words and nodded as well.

"If I can think of anything, I will let you know, Mr. Potter. On a personal note: I am horrified about your story. I remember you as a baby. You were always sweet with Susan. Outside of DMLE business, feel free to call me Auntie Amelia, as Susan does."

"Thank you… Auntie Amelia," Harry tried to feel how the name tasted in his mouth. For years, he had never called Petunia aunt as she wasn't family, she was merely a blood relative.

"And you can call me Tonks," the young Auror added. "You might not know this but we are actually related. You were always my favorite cousin, though that's damning with faint praise considering my other cousin is Draco."

"Malfoy?" Harry asked.

"Who else would name their kid Draco? Yes, he is my mother's sister's kid, though my mother and her sister never speak. As for you? Your grandmother was Dorea Potter, originally Dorea Black, my mother's great aunt."

Harry was trying not to give himself whiplash from the revelations of this conversation.

"Remember you always have family, kid," Tonks reached over and ruffled his hair. "If you need anything, feel free to write myself or my mother, Andromeda. Oh and if you need any legal advice, my father Ted is a lawyer serving both the magical and muggle worlds.

"Thank you, Miss Tonks," Harry said.

"Just Tonks, Harry," she smiled at him and turned to the Grangers. "Take care of him, would you? He was always a cute baby. Actually, he's still a cutie."

Harry blushed at the compliment which must have been what Tonks was driving at because she laughed out loud.

"Don't you agree, Hermione?" Tonks needled the young girl, making her blush as well.

"That's enough, Tonks," Amelia decided to give the kids a reprieve. "We had best be off. We have other things to get to. We will leave you to enjoy the rest of your Saturday."

A few days after the meeting with Amelia and Tonks, their Hogwarts letters arrived. Sending Hedwig off with letters to coordinate a date for Diagon, Harry thought it was odd he had not received an owl from Gringotts, or anyone for that matter. Unless he sent Hedwig out, he never heard from anyone and when she came back, she always seemed harried.

Harry added this to his list of questions for the Goblins when they next visited Diagon Alley.

(A/N *Enjoy the little things is one of the rules of Columbus that he gets from Tallahassee in Zombieland

**The Danger zone bit should be familiar with anyone who is a fan of the series Archer

It's funny that this chapter posts today as the Top Gun bit is very much a love letter to Bonded4Life's Strangers on a Train, which I am glad to see return. It really is the finest Harmony has to offer.

I have the rest of the summer pretty well written out so that should come back relatively soon. As always, thank you for reading and commenting. If you have any song suggestions for chapter titles, feel free to offer them.

Chapter 19: Whole Lotta Love

Harry looked up as Hermione entered the kitchen. Currently, he was putting the finishing touches on a letter to Gripclaw to set up a meeting whenever the Hogwarts letters arrived. The month of July was almost past and tomorrow would be the first of August. She had a glint in her eye that Harry didn't like.

"What are you planning, Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Oh nothing," she tried to sound innocent while tilting her head and peering at the ceiling, the ghost of a smile on her lips. "Would you be up for taking a walk? There's a park nearby and it would be nice to take advantage of the nice weather."

"Sure…" Harry said tentatively. She was still acting odd. Wrapping up his letter, Harry sent Hedwig off while Hermione got ready for their walk. Putting on his shoes, Harry joined her at the front door. Hermione locked up since her parents would not be home from work for a while yet.

"How are you feeing?" Hermione asked.

"I feel great, actually," Harry said, appreciating all the strength he had gained over the last two weeks. After another shopping trip to outfit Harry with summer clothes and replace the other clothes he had grown out of, Harry finally was able to take advantage of the pool. Hermione taught him how to swim and soon he was swimming laps in their moderately-sized pool.

"Good!" She smiled brightly. "Race you to the park!"

She was off like a shot, leaving Harry to chase after her. Hermione looked back at him, to make sure he was still following, laughing as she ran. Chasing her, Harry couldn't help but smile. It was nice to see straight-laced Hermione cut loose a little.

Try as he might, Harry knew he would never catch her. With her head start and a recent growth spurt giving her the longer legs, Harry couldn't hope to catch her before she reached the park which only gave Harry one thing to do.

Arriving at the park, Hermione turned to celebrate her victory.

"Haha I wi-oh!" She squealed as Harry tackled her into the grass.

"Sorry," he said, unapologetically. "I just couldn't stop in time. Thank you for breaking my fall."

Hermione smacked him in the chest as they laid in the grass, laughing like the children they were. Rolling onto their backs, they lay so their head and shoulders touched as they watched the clouds float by.

"Oh that one looks like a dragon!" Hermione pointed at a cloud.

"That one kind of looks like a Star Destroyer!" Harry exclaimed, pointing to another.

"Not you too…" Harry could hear Hermione roll her eyes. "It was bad when it was just dad…"

"What's not to like? It's the most epic story about good vs. evil!"

"So says the Boy-Who-Lived," Hermione elbowed him.

"Shouldn't that make me the resident expert?"

"Whatever you have to tell yourself," Hermione shot at him before making her voice deeper. "Such arrogance. You are just like your father."

"Don't do that again," Harry shuddered, turning to look at her. "You do that impersonation a little too well."

"Well Mr. Potter," Hermione switched to Scottish accent. "If you do not ship up, it will be 10 points from Gryffindor."

"I'm telling McGonagall!" Came Harry's ultra-mature response.

Minutes passed as they lay in the grass. Harry took a deep breath as any tension left his shoulders. It was nice to actually relax during the summer. Even though he helped cook and worked to maintain the garden, Harry actually felt appreciated for his work. It was no longer a task he had to do but a chore he chose to do to help around the house.

Harry closed his eyes and just basked in the moment until Hermione sat up next to him. Feeling suddenly less comfortable without her laying next to him, Harry looked at her.

"I think it's time we headed back," Hermione helped Harry stand up. Side-by-side, they moved for home. Enjoying the walk, Harry noticed Hermione suddenly seemed nervous.

"Are you okay?"

"Course," Hermione said, her eyes shifting around. "Let's just get home, okay?"

You're a terrible liar, Granger. Harry thought but he let the matter drop. She would tell him when she the time came. As they walked up the front walkway, Hermione was positively shaking. Growing more and more worried about his friend, Harry grabbed the key out of her shaking hand and opened the door.

"SURPRISE!"

Harry blinked in surprise. In the Grangers' living room stood Neville with his gran, Susan with Amelia, McGonagall, Pomfrey, Mr. and Mrs. Granger and, much to Harry's surprise, Hagrid.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" They all greeted him with joy. Harry looked back at Hermione who was gleefully clapping along with everyone.

"You did this?" Harry asked her.

"I figured we had 11 years worth of birthdays to make up for," she said, wrapping him up in one of her signature hugs.

"At least I don' have ter break down the door this year, eh 'Aarry?" Hagrid's voice boomed.

"Yeah but you also don't get to give Dudley a pig's tail," Harry leveled Hagrid with a playful grin. "I'm not sure which I prefer, to be honest."

"I 'eard what they did ter ya. I shoulda' rescued yer."

"There wasn't much you could have done, Hagrid," Harry said. "We all ceded to Dumbledore's wishes, I guess."

"One year," Hagrid said, beaming at the boy. "Amazin' how things 'ave changed innit?"

"For the better," He said, looking around the room.

Despite the fact the party was to be thrown for him, Harry had no idea how to actually act at it. No one had celebrated his birthday before and Harry was still uncomfortable being the center of attention. Looking around, he saw Susan standing in the corner of the room, looking uncomfortable. Amelia was chatting with Pomfrey and McGonagall, Hagrid was chatting with Neville and Hermione while the Grangers bustled around the room, playing host to everyone.

"Are you doing okay?" Harry walked up to her. "You look a little lost."

"To be honest: I'm not sure what I'm doing here," Susan told him.

"If it makes you feel better: I don't either," Harry said, making them both laugh. "If it wasn't my birthday, I would swear this party is for someone else."

"Well I am glad to be here," Susan said. "I know we're friendly at school but when Hermione invited Auntie and Auntie brought me along… I don't know. I've had a few friends but auntie seems to make a lot of them nervous. Even at school, I didn't really get to know anyone outside of school. Yes you and I have talked but I don't really feel like I know you.

Susan blushed at her statement.

"Sorry. That was rude of me to say."

"No, it was honest; we haven't really gotten a chance to get to know one another," Harry admitted. "Yet you are here at my first ever birthday party… and I am very glad to have you here."

"You really had a rough life before Hogwarts, huh?" Susan's gaze locked on his. "Auntie told me a little when she came back that night. It really shook her up."

"That's an understatement," Harry admitted. "There's so much we take for granted that I guess I've got a special appreciation."

"I don't know that I would have the same viewpoint. How do you keep yourself from becoming bitter?"

"Your aunt, among others. Hermione, her parents, McGonagall most recently. They have all given me a reason to hope."

"Well I certainly hope your party is a good one. I am glad I could be here for it."

"As am I. This year, we should make a better effort to spend time together. I feel like I spend a lot of time in our common room and don't really get to spend time with anyone from other houses."

"I would like that. Maybe we could form a study group to help in that area?"

"I'd like that," Harry smiled at her before heading back into the teeth of his party. Hermione lead him to the dining room where a pile of gifts sat waiting. Harry was overwhelmed.

Picking up the first gift wrapped in crimson paper, Harry saw it was from Neville. Tearing open the paper, Harry found book on defensive magic.

"I saw how frustrated you were last year with Quirrell," Neville said. "I thought this might help. Oh and thank you for your gift, by the way. I'm excited to see how muggle flowers grow in a magical environment."

Since Neville's birthday was the day before, Harry had sent him some lilies in honor of the godmother he never got to know.

"Thank you, Neville," Harry smiled at his friend. Moving on to the next gift which he saw was from Augusta Longbottom. Tearing open the paper, he found another book. Inside it were picture upon picture of two girls: a blonde and a redhead. A redhead with green eyes.

"When they were at school, nobody was closer than Alice and Lily," Augusta explained. "She made a diary of sorts of their years in Hogwarts with pictures of her and Lily. I made a copy of it for you to have."

"Thank you," Harry's voice broke as he looked her in the eye, tears glistening in both their eyes.

After the Longbottoms, Amelia gave Harry a wand holster.

"So you don't have to hide it in your sock again," she winked at him.

"Thank you, Auntie Amelia," Harry was starting to like that name.

Susan gave him a bar of Honeydukes chocolate, Hagrid a knit blanket with a snowy owl on it and McGonagall gave him a subscription to Transfiguration Today.

"I enjoy reading that and it always challenges me to keep developing my skills," McGonagall explained. "I thought you would enjoy reading it with a certain someone."

Her eyes flicked to Hermione who looked overjoyed at the prospect. After McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey gifted him a book on healing spells.

"Are you getting tired of healing me?" He asked her, cheekily.

"I thought it was time you learned how to heal yourself Mr. Potter," she returned.

Next, the Grangers stepped up with a big box. Setting it in front of him, they watched with a smile as Harry tore open the paper. Inside the box lay a black leather jacket. Taking the jacket out, Harry felt the stiff fabric. *

"Put it on," Richard said. "Let's see if it fits."

Richard grabbed it and held it behind Harry as Harry put his arms through the sleeves. Standing there in a white shirt, blue jeans and the jacket, Harry cut quite the figure. Hermione smiled warmly at the sight. Gone was the small little boy she had first helped in the station. Before her stood a healthy young man, surrounded by his friends and, yes, his family.

"Looks good on you, kid," Richard smiled. "It is a little bit big but that will give you a chance to grow into it."

After the jacket, Helen brought out a cake with 12 candles. As a group they sang happy birthday.

"Make a wish," Hermione told him.

I wish for a lifetime of moments like these, Harry thought as he blew out the candles.

From there the party wound down and the guests left one-by-one, Hagrid leaving last by way of a purple triple decker bus, until it was just Harry and the Grangers again.

"Thank you," Harry hugged each Granger in turn, taking all of them by surprise, especially Richard whom Harry had never hugged. "I wasn't expecting anything. Everything was perfect. How did you coordinate this?"

"I sent a message to McGonagall," Hermione smiles. "She coordinated with everyone. We ran Hedwig a little ragged this week but it was worth it."

At that Hedwig flew over and landed on Harry's shoulder to nuzzle him.

"Thank you, girl," Harry rubbed her head. "I appreciate it. I really do."

That night they sat and watched a movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Harry laughed uproariously when he discovered the source of his mother's insults to Voldemort. After that, Harry headed to bed. As he was about crawl into the covers, he heard a knock on his door.

"Enter," Harry said.

In stepped his best friend, nervously holding a small package.

"Did you enjoy your birthday?"

"Absolutely. Thank you for everything you did. You're an amazing friend; you always have been."

"I wanted to give you this in private."

"Hermione…" Harry whined. "You already threw me a party…"

"And I wanted to do this," she placed the package into his hands.

Sensing the care she put into this, Harry slowly unwrapped the parcel to reveal a black velvet box. Opening it, Harry found a large knitting needle with something etched onto it.

Courage, Bravery… and Love

"It's a smaller version of the one you created on Halloween. If you hadn't been there, if you hadn't crawled up that trolls back. If you hadn't been the person you are, I would most certainly be dead. I wanted to give you something remind yourself of just how special you are and what you mean to me."

Harry felt the engraving with his hand, relishing the feel of the cold steel on his warm hands.

"Thank you, Hermione," Harry locked eyes with her. "You mean a lot to me. Thank you for being my friend."

"Always," Hermione said as she wrapped him into a tight hug. A warm feeling blossomed in her chest as he relaxed into the hug. Time lost meaning as they embraced. All that mattered was the other person.

Pulling apart, Hermione did something she had never done before. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

"Sleep well, Harry," she smiled at his vacant expression and stepped out of the room. The last look she got of her friend, he was running his hand over his cheek where her lips touched.

Boys, she rolled her eyes. They are rather oblivious, aren't they?

Tucking herself into her bed, she rolled over and promptly fell asleep, a small smile on her face as she did.

(You're starting to see Hermione recognize her feelings while Harry is just as oblivious as I was at that age.

*This jacket is also very similar to the one the Grangers give Harry in Strangers on a Train. Seriously if you haven't read it, go do so. Bonded4Life's second year is the finest second year of a fiction I have ever read, surpassing even J.K. Rowling. It is sweet, smart and brings tears to my eyes.)

Chapter 20: You're so Vain

The day had finally arrived. After two weeks of waiting, they received their Hogwarts booklist for the year. Aware of their issues with receiving mail, McGonagall sent the letters with Madam Pomfrey on what turned out to be her last visit.

"Well Mr. Potter," Pomfrey finished her scans. "You are stronger than I have ever seen you. At this point, I think we can go the rest of the summer without seeing you."

"Aw Madam Pomfrey," Harry made puppy dog eyes. "Here I thought you just were needing an excuse to see me again."

"I survived your father, Mr. Potter," she glared at him, mirthfully. "I will survive you too. Simply I need the time to make sure your bed in my ward is ready for your return. I have this nice vision of a bronze plaque to let everyone know whose bed this is… because it's only a matter of time before you're back in it, I am sure."

"But that's the only way I get to see you," Harry smirked.

"You could always come by and help me," Pomfrey shot back. "Maybe then you could learn to heal yourself properly and I wouldn't have to do it."

Harry couldn't take it anymore; he laughed and soon Poppy Pomfrey was laughing along with her patient. She dropped off the letters and made her way back to Hogwarts. As much as she was kidding, she did need to set up her ward.

Looking at the list, Harry noticed it was longer than normal with one author adorned throughout the list: Gilderoy Lockhart.

"Our new defense teacher looks like a fan," Hermione commented. "9 books just for defense. That's going to be expensive."

"How about we buy one set?" Harry suggested. "We both read fast enough, one copy won't be an issue. It would save on the cost, right?"

"But…" Hermione started.

"You can keep the copies, Hermione," Harry reassured her. Hermione got rather possessive of her books. "I promise to take excellent care of the book."

"As long as you promise to take care of the book," Hermione went into bossy mode. "No folding pages, no bending of the cover, nothing. Promise?"

"Cross my heart," Harry said, knowing not to get in the way of Hurricane Granger.

Reaching out to Neville, Susan and Ron, they all coordinated their trip to Diagon Alley for Saturday.

As the day drew nearer, he was excited but also nervous for his meeting with the goblins. From the responses Gripclaw had been able to send with Hedwig, he had some promising news and a few items that he specifically wanted to talk about on Saturday.

"Are you ready to see everyone?" Hermione asked. For a while, Harry and Hermione busied themselves with the books Harry got for his birthday and Harry had even dug into some of the other books of the Grangers, thoroughly enjoying his read of the Iliad and the Odyssey but he was chomping at the bit to get back to Hogwarts and start learning more and more magic. Inside his defense book, he found a couple of spells he couldn't wait to try.

Protego and expelliarmus were both there but so was the bludgeoning hex, expulso to explode an object and reducto to disintegrate it. They both knew the theory but Harry was always more interested in practicing magic than the basic theory. Also in the book was the engorgio and reducio charms to make something bigger or smaller. Further from there was the charm to summon and banish items which Harry thought would be helpful.

Mostly the book was about strategies than spells. It spoke of how you approached the fight. Most wizards fought straight forward but a real duelist will probe their enemies defenses for weaknesses. According to the author, knowing your own weaknesses was the best way to defend yourself.

"I'm really ready just to get back to Hogwarts," Harry said. "This break has been nice but I'm getting antsy."

"I know how you feel. The thought of everything we have yet to learn and we're stuck without a way to practice magic."

"At least after tomorrow, we'll have more to read, right?"

Hermione squealed at the thought and before they knew it, they were loaded up in the Land Rover, heading for Diagon Alley. Once they parked, making sure Richard remembered his bracelet, they walked into the Leaky Cauldron.

"'Arry!" Hagrid called out. He was at the bar with a rather large drink. Unlike last time, the other inhabitants of the bar took no special notice of Harry.

"Hagrid!" Harry headed over to speak with the giant man. "What are you doing here?"

"Need ter find some flesh-eatin' slug repellant. They're doing a number on th' schools punkins," Hagrid said to Harry's general horror.

"Where do you find that?" Hermione asked.

"Knockturn Alley," He said, darkly. "Dark place that yer only go if you yer up to no good. The on'y place ter sell th' product, believe me I've looked."

Together they stepped into the Alley. As they watched Hagrid go down a dark alley, the Grangers and Harry turned to head into the bank.

"How may I help you, wizard?" The teller asked.

"Harry Potter and guests here to see Gripclaw," Harry bowed to the goblin.

"Back to the right," the teller gestured. "Look for his door."

"Thank you," Harry bowed again, prompting the other tellers to stop what they were doing to witness a wizard treating them with honor and deference.

Moving toward Gripclaw's office, they knocked and heard a bark of "enter!" Entering the office, Harry was taken aback. Inside there were piles upon piles of parchment and even muggle style paper.

"Mr. Potter!" Gripclaw brightened. "How excited we are to see you today! Do you know how much work you have created for us?"

Taken aback, Harry tried to stammer out a reply.

"Don't worry, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw smiled, though his smile looked a little feral. "Your suggestion of investing in the muggle world has shown to be quite profitable, even if it means a little more work."

He gestured to the papers and parchment around him.

"As you had the idea, we decided it is only fair to give you a finder's fee," Gripclaw slid a parchment across the table. Picking it up, Harry read the number before giving it to Hermione and her family.

"That's a lot of money, kid," Richard said. "Enough you'd never really have to work."

"What would you like to do with it, Mr. Potter?" Gripclaw asked.

"Well, first things first: my place of residence has changed and the Grangers have become my new guardians. Since there are still those that would do me or the ones I love harm, I would like to ward their home and dental practice against anyone who would do them harm. Top of the line, everything you have."

"That will be quite the expense, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw started to explain.

"Spare no expense. This family saved my life, both figuratively and literally," Harry said. "It would be a dishonor on my family name to not protect those who have done so much for me."

"Well we can certainly do that," Gripclaw said. "We will build a ward scheme to work for your guardians in such a way that it will not interfere with their daily life. We even have a special ward which will repel all magicals who are not invited guests to your home. Layered with a ward of ill intent and one against all dark creatures, your wards will be strong. Not unbreakable but strong."

"Would it be possible to design an escape route as well?" Harry asked. "I don't like the idea of being trapped in a place with no way out."

"We will outfit everyone with a specific portkey keyed to a passphrase," Gripclaw promised. "What would you like the passphrase to be?"

"Sanctuary," Harry said. "And have it take them to Potter manor which, by the way, I would like to begin the restoration of the property. It is time for the house of Potter to rise once again."

"This will take up 2/3s of your finder's fee and the wards will take up half of that remaining total," it had been a while since Gripclaw saw a wizard act with such honor. "What would you do with the rest."

Harry got a special grin and looked at the Grangers.

"I would like to reinvest some of it in your muggle company venture," Harry looked at the Grangers. "And I would like the Grangers to oversee it. They would know better which companies to invest in. If you're okay with that?"

The Grangers smiled and nodded.

"Then might I suggest they purchase an owl of their own then?" Gripclaw said. "We will need to be in constant contact."

"While we are on the subject," Harry said. "I am having difficulty with my mail recently. Over the course of the summer, I have not received any owl post that was not delivered by my own owl. That includes any missives you might have sent."

"Interesting…" Gripclaw waived his hand. "You have a minor mail ward on you. It seems to be… elvish?"

"Dobby…" Harry dropped his head into his hands.

"Pardon?"

"Earlier this summer I received a visit from a house elf named Dobby. He told me dark things were planned at Hogwarts. It seems he thought if I could not receive mail, I would not want to- or would not be able to- return. How can you detect that ward?"

"Elvish and Goblin magic works differently. We are not allowed wands but that means our way of controlling magic is much different. Those with wands sometimes forget this and think themselves above us. True wizards and their wands are powerful but there's an ignorance of the different ways magic works in the world."

Gripclaw waved his hand again and Harry felt a small weight lift off him.

"I have lifted the ward and prevented any others from being set up," Gripclaw said.

"Thank you, Gripclaw," Harry said. "We just have our shopping to do in the Alley so I was hoping for a couple bags of gold to that end."

"Harry," Hermione laid a hand on his arm. "You don't have to do that. We came ready to convert pounds into galleons."

"You have housed me, fed me and clothed me," Harry said. "It is time I repaid the favor."

Harry looked toward Gripclaw.

"There is an exchange rate when you convert pounds to galleons, correct?"

"Yes, for every 10 pounds converted, that's one galleon."

"And a galleon is usually five pounds?"

"Correct."

"So you see?" Harry turned to the Grangers. "I'm saving you money."

"Fine…" Hermione said. "But not too much, okay?"

Gripclaw handed them two bags of gold.

"Thank you, Gripclaw. Is there a proper way to say farewell to a goblin?"

"Goblins value two things: gold and honor. We are warriors and though our battles nowadays are mostly financial, we still keep that spirit. Channeling that is a good way to greet and say goodbye to a Goblin."

"Well in that case, may your hoard be as legendary as the battles of your ancestors," Harry bowed as Gripclaw laughed.

"Oh Mr. Potter! I am going to like you, yes indeed!"

Exiting the bank, Harry and Hermione set off down the street. They made arrangements to meet up with everyone at Flourish and Blotts. On the way, Harry noticed a familiar lock of white-blonde hair.

"Why is Draco going down Knockturn Alley?" Harry asked.

"I don't know but it can't be good," Hermione's brain whirred at the possibilities. "It looks like he's being lead, I'd assume by his father."

"Chances are we will find out before long. We should be on our guard, however."

Turning the corner, they realized they should have set up a better meeting place: Flourish and Blotts was having a book signing.

"Oh Gilderoy Lockhart!" Hermione squealed. "We'll get to meet him!"

Hermione grabbed his arm and dragged him onward to general giggles of her parents. Working their way into the shop, Harry laid eyes on the author. Wavy blonde locks, a perfect smile on a pretty face, wearing garish robes of gold and lilac, Lockhart looked ridiculous, Harry thought. He turned to tell this to Hermione but stopped when he realized the look on her face.

Caught midway through a gesture to wipe her face, Hermione's hand rested at the corner of her lips. She was gazing, unblinking at the author as his smile enraptured the females in audience. Flash bulbs went off repeatedly as he worked the crowd in a practiced choreography. An uncomfortable feeling taking root in his chest, Harry tried to get Hermione's attention before another problem reared its head.

"Oh my lord and stars! It's Harry Potter!" Lockhart had spotted Harry. Before Harry could manage a thought or response, Harry was dragged up front. Lockhart gripped his shoulder in a grip that felt all too familiar. Harry tried to get away but there was no escape. The crowd cheered, flash bulbs blinded him and Harry started to panic. His breaths grew short, sweat started to pour off him and he tried to blink the stars from his eyes to find an escape.

"When Harry here entered Flourish and Blotts," Lockhart seemed unfazed by Harry's discomfort. "He was hoping to get to a signed copy of my autobiography, Magical Me. Little did he know, he was getting… me! Harry and his classmates will be getting special instruction in Defense Against the Dark Arts thanks to yours truly."

Applause rang throughout the bookstore.

"As such, Mr. Potter will be gifted with a full set of my complete works, free of charge."

An assistant from the store thrust the books into his arms. Even though they were no larger than a hardback fiction novel, it was still a lot to handle. Wishing for some air, Harry moved toward the door, the crowd parting to let him through. Once he was through, he set the books down and tried to normalize his breathing.

"Bet you liked that, Potter!" A familiar, detestable voice spat. "Can't even go into a bookstore without being recognized."

"Leave him alone," a new voice rang out. Harry snapped his head up to see a small girl with red hair standing there, holding a cauldron with some books inside.

"Oh Potter! Did you get yourself a new pet? What happened to the last one?"

"I said leave. Him. Alone," the girl stepped forward.

Draco stepped forward to challenge the girl when a hand landed on his shoulder. Standing above him was a man with long white-blonde hair with a polished, clean look about him. He wore tailored robes of the finest silk and his shoes were shiny.

"Now, now, Draco," the silky voice of what Harry assumed was his father, spoke. "We must act with some decorum."

The man stepped into Harry's personal space.

"Mr. Potter," he held out a hand. "I have so long wanted to meet you. Why your story is legendary."

He extended a hand to push Harry's bangs off his forehead.

"Such a famous mark," he cooed. "As was the wizard who gave it to you. You ought to wear it with pride instead of hiding it."

"Voldemort killed my parents," Harry glared at the man and tried to step back but he found he was trapped with the door of the store behind him. "That is nothing to be noted for."

"Ah you speak his name…" Lucius moved closer yet, placing a hand on each of Harry's shoulders. "How brave you must feel."

"Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself," Harry heard Hermione as she was finally able to push through the crowd.

"Why you must be Miss Granger," Lucius sneered. "I've… heard such things about you. You and your… lineage."

Lucius turned to the girl who first spoke.

"Red hair. Tattered robes," he reached into her cauldron and extracted a book. "Second-hand books. You must be a Weasley."

At this, a balding redheaded man wearing glasses pushed through the crowd.

"Ah Arthur," Lucius lifted his lips in what probably was supposed to be a smile. "I'm surprised to see you today. Thought you'd be off raiding another proud family's home. I do hope they are paying you over time. Though, it doesn't seem like it."

Lucius thrust the book back into Ginny's cauldron.

"Honestly, what's the point of being a disgrace for a wizard if they don't pay you well."

Harry had finally recovered a little and stepped in.

"Is that what happened for you?" Harry snapped.

"Keep your nose out of other people's business, Potter." Lucius sneered at him. "You never know when you'll get in over your head."

Turning, with a swish of his cape, Lucius Malfoy strutted down the street. Draco gave the group one last sneer and moved along.

"Thank you for that, Mr. Potter," the older gentleman extended his hand. "Arthur Weasley. I've heard a lot about you from my sons. They say you're quite the flyer."

"Thank you, sir," Harry shook the man's hand. "And you may call me Harry."

"This is my daughter, Ginny," he introduced the little girl. "She will be starting Hogwarts this year."

"Good to meet you Ginny," Harry looked at the girl who blushed, squeaked and dropped her cauldron. "Thank you for standing up to Malfoy. Hey, since you're a first year, would you like the books Lockhart gave me? I can buy my own."

Ginny could do nothing but nod. Harry dumped the books into her cauldron.

"How nice of you Harry," Harry heard a new voice and before he could look, he was wrapped in a tight hug that was more stifling than comforting. Eventually, she released her hug and Harry's lungs were reintroduced to oxygen. "Molly Weasley."

Harry shook her hand and tried to be polite.

"Nice to meet you," he said, tensely.

"It is such a shame you weren't able to visit. Ginny was so excited to meet her hero."

"Mum!" Ginny went positively crimson and hid her face.

"I am sorry it did not work out this summer," Harry said. "This is my best friend Hermione Granger-"

Molly's smile faltered a little at the introduction.

"-And these are her parents," Harry gestured to the adults who finally appeared through the crowd."

"Good lord that man can draw a crowd," Richard said. "Doesn't the wizarding world care about room capacity?"

"Helen Granger," she walked up to shake Molly and Arthur's hands. "That is my husband, Richard."

"We've heard you have been taking care of Harry," Molly looked at Harry again.

"Yes, he's been a delight to have in our home," Helen smiled at Harry. Helen and Richard engaged the Weasleys in conversation as Hermione looked at Harry.

"Are you okay?" She asked, concern in her eyes. "You looked like you were going to faint up there. I was so worried. Then the crowd wouldn't let me through to get to you and then Malfoy…"

"I'm okay, Hermione," Harry said. "I needed a little air. That whole thing made me uncomfortable."

"Well look now ladies and gents," Harry groaned knowing to keep on his toes around that voice. George Weasley stepped forward. "It's the great Harry Potter!"

"Everyone line up and get your autographs," Fred finished.

"Now, boys," Molly shouted. "Don't go shouting things like that around. You'll frighten the poor boy!"

"Easy, mum" they chorused. "We were only joking."

At this, Ron stepped up and greeted Harry and Hermione.

"Harry! Hermione!" he clapped Harry on the back. Boy today is not a day for a personal bubble, Harry thought. "How are you? Are you healing well? What have you been up to this summer?"

"One question at a time, Ron," Harry said. "I am healed, thanks to Hermione and her family. They've been great."

"What do you think of Lockhart?" Ron said. "Guy seems to be in love with himself, you ask me."

"I think it'll be brilliant," Hermione said. "To be taught by someone who has actually been in the field. I can't wait to read his books."

"Don't bother," Neville had come up. "I just glanced through one. They're more literary works than teaching guides. He doesn't even list spells he used."

"Well maybe that's what he'll be teaching us," Hermione was dug in. "It'll just be fascinating, don't you think?"

"Sure." Harry was still on edge about the man. He seemed to revel in his fame and use anything to increase it. "Fascinating."

"Well for me," Susan joined the group with the blonde Hannah Abbott at her side. "Auntie isn't even going to buy a copy. She thinks he's a fraud."

"But his books!" Hermione was positively shrill. "How… wha…. He couldn't"

Hermione couldn't take the idea of a book being wrong so she changed tactics.

"Well it looks like the crowd is breaking up," she said. "Shall we get our books?"

"Meet up at Florean's afterward?" Harry asked the group.

"Sounds fantastic, Harry," Susan added.

Moving from shelf to shelf, Harry found the books that he needed and perused a few in the Transfiguration and Charms sections. Picking up an extra book on alternative Transfiguration theories and one about creating spell chains, Harry took them up to the front and paid. Richard grabbed the books and they went in search of Hermione. Passing through the History section, Harry spotted a small blonde boy trying to reach for a book. Taking pity, Harry walked over.

"Do you need help?" He asked.

"I am trying to get that book," the boy pointed to Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts. "But I just can't reach."

"Here," Harry grabbed the book and handed it to the boy. "Hope you enjoy it. It's quite the good read."

"You've read it?"

"My best friend bought it and she let me read it," Harry said. "It is quite comprehensive and a good read to help us avoid something like that to ever happen again."

"Thank you, sir," the boy looked at Harry in awe.

"None of that sir business," Harry said. "You can call me Harry."

"Harry. Got it. I'm Colin." the boy squeaked and ran off, tripping over his feet as he went.

Further inward, Harry found Hermione surrounded by her parents.

"Hermione, we can't afford all those books," Helen said.

"But mum…"

"But nothing, young lady," Richard added. "You can get two additional ones so pick well."

Seeing that Hermione had five extra ones, Harry could see the war happening within her. After a moments deliberation, Hermione returned two books on European magical history and putting a Potions book that looked too advanced, back on the shelf. Hermione eventually decided on Transfiguring the Mind: Creating New Paths to Victory and Charming Charms: Magicking your Way Through Life.

"Why did you pick those?" Harry asked.

"I like the idea of changing the way we think of Transfiguration, the same way you turned the needle into a hook," Hermione said. "This seems like a good book to start that process and the other one has a bunch of different charms we can try to learn. I thought it might impress Professor Flitwick. Did you pick up anything?"

"I actually picked up Transfigured Transfiguration which focuses on alternative theories to the practice and Charming Chains to Change your Chances which focuses on building spell chains, eventually allowing you to build your own."

"Ooh that sounds fascinating," Hermione's eyes glinted at the idea of new learning. "Do you mind if I…"

"Yes you can borrow it, Hermione," Harry said before elbowing her. "Besides, I know that you'll treat the books well."

Harry winked at her, causing Richard to laugh.

"Alright, do we have everything?" Helen asked. After nods from the kids, the Grangers bought Hermione's books and made their way to the ice cream shop. Neville was already seated with a bowl of Lavender Mint ice cream, with his Gran sitting next to him, enjoying a lemon sherbet. Together Harry and Hermione bought their treats, Peanut Butter and Strawberry for Harry and Hermione enjoying a simple Mint Chocolate Chip. Helen and Richard both opted for a flavor called Butterbeer. Sitting down, they were joined by Susan and Hannah, this time with Amelia. After ordering three Chocolate ice creams, the conversation started to flow.

"How was your summer, Hannah?" Hermione asked. They had spoken before but never got to know the girl.

"Oh it was wonderful!" She sounded joyous. "My family went to Italy for two weeks. I got to see Rome, Venice and Florence for the first time."

"Sounds amazing," Harry commented, noticing Neville paying special attention to Hannah. "What was your favorite part?"

"One day, my mother and I ventured into a muggle shopping district in Milan. The styles of dresses they had was amazing! So much better than what we have in the magical world."

"I'd like to see that," Neville said before clapping his hands over his mouth.

"Maybe one day you will," Hannah winked at the boy. With the power of his new wand and the friendship of Harry and Hermione, Neville had lost his shy bearing and started to become more confident overall.

"So what do you think of Lockhart?" Hannah said. "He's definitely prettier than our last one."

"Yeah he is," Hermione said, sighing breathlessly. Helen laughed at her daughter and then Harry's annoyed reaction to it. That boy doesn't even realize what he's getting himself into, she mused.

"I hope he's actually up to teaching, though," Susan said. "Something about him rubs me the wrong way. The way he plays a crowd… I don't know."

"I agree," Harry said. "Though I might be a tad biased considering… you know."

"What you don't like being manhandled in front of a crowd?" Neville teased. Both Augusta and Amelia gasped while Helen and Richard scowled. Richard especially didn't like the look on Harry's face when he was dragged into the spotlight and definitely noticed the way Lockhart kept him from escaping.

"For a second, he just reminded me of… someone else," Harry said. Hermione caught on immediately and squeezed his leg in support.

"Well if nothing else, class won't be boring, that's for sure," Hermione said, trying to smile at Harry.

"Hopefully it won't be all theory like last year," Susan said.

"If it is, we'll just have to form a group like we did for Potions," Harry said to general agreement.

"Which I should thank you for that, Harry," Amelia said. "We had more people get Outstandings in their O. and N.E. last year than the last three years combined. A few more years like that and we can start to rebuild the Auror force."

"Rebuild?"

"Due to older Aurors retiring and a lack of Ministry-Approved O.W.L. scores, we have had a bit of a shortage."

"That's horrible," Hermione exclaimed.

"I agree," Augusta added. "I've been trying to get the Wizengamot to soften the rules but Lucius Malfoy blocks me every time, says it is what Professor Snape wants."

"Because if there is one person who wants fewer Aurors, it's Malfoy," Harry said. "Auntie Amelia" (Amelia smiled at him addressing her as such) "today we saw Malfoy disappear down Knockturn Alley. Thought you might find that information interesting."

"Thank you, Harry," Amelia said. "Though that slimy bastard is too clever to be caught with anything. Even if we somehow did get him, he's too close to the Minister to properly prosecute."

"One day…" August growled. "One day we'll get him. Just you watch."

"I have a bottle of scotch Minerva gave me saved for that specific day, Augusta."

Their conversation was interrupted by the Weasley clan finally arriving.

"Blimey!" Ron said as he sat heavily into the seat next to Harry. "Glad that's over. Can you believe the git Lockhart assigned all his own books?"

"Considering he'll probably use them as his teaching syllabus, it make sense," Hermione reasoned.

"That's fair," Harry admitted. "Only time will tell if he's a good teacher."

"So how was your summer, Hermione?" Ron asked her.

Taken aback for a moment by Ron's interest in her, Hermione spoke vaguely about having a relaxing summer, which if you didn't include the first two weeks, that was true.

Arthur smiled jovially as he sat next to Richard and struck up conversation.

"Ron tells me you're muggles, is that correct?"

Wide-eyed, Helen and Richard both nodded.

"Oh joy! I have so many questions!" He leaned in to them. "Now how does ekeltricity work?"

"First of all, it is electricity," Helen tried to remain pleasant though some of the annoyance bled into her answer. "To explain it would be a tad difficult but basically non-magicals have found a way to conduct an electrical current using circuits. If you complete the circuit, you can use it to power different things."

"Oh fascinating!" Arthur was leaning forward. "To just flip a switch and (he snapped his fingers) there's light. What a wonderful world!"

The kids all chatted about the year to come and Harry began to wonder where they might be able to gather for their study sessions and other bonding activities. Perhaps Professor McGonagall would have an idea.

Once Harry and Hermione finished their treat, they topped off their potions supplies, got fitted for new robes and finished their trip with a visit to Eeylops Owl Emporium where the Grangers bought a Great Horned Owl that they named Tybalt.

"He's so pretty," Hermione cooed. "Now we'll be able to keep in better contact!"

Loading everything up into the Land Rover, they returned back to the residence thoroughly exhausted but also excited. Term was close at hand and Harry was ready to get back.

Much as Harry loved spending time the Grangers, he wanted the next two weeks to fly by.

Thank you for reading and commenting. As always, Harry Potter is sadly owned by J.K. Rowling and not me.