CHAPTER FOUR: SURPRISE HOUSE GUEST
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1996. Potter Manor.
"HARRY!" Hermione practically squealed with joy as she dashed towards him, almost knocking him over as she launched herself into his arms and began kissing him furiously. Harry was as shocked as she was that she was here, but was not about to say anything. He was too busy enjoying the final long kiss. Eventually, the kiss had to break and Hermione leaned her head into Harry's chest. Harry could feel her shaking slightly and soon he felt some wetness about where her eyes would be. He was gently rubbing her back, trying his best not to get too aroused at the feeling of her bra just beneath the silky blouse she was wearing when he heard her sniff. She was crying.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, "what's wrong? Please don't tell me I that awful a kisser." She looked up at him and he gently wiped away her tears. "It seems every girl I kiss is reduced to tears," he said softly. His pathetic joke was rewarded with a smile on the one and only face he needed to see.
"Harry, you're a wonderful kisser," Hermione whispered. "Honestly. Fantastic! I could kiss you all day. No, that's not it. I'm just scared and confused is all, and then finding you here and - I went from utter devastation to sheer joy and - urg! - stupid hormones - and, well I'm a bit out of sorts is all."
"What happened?"
Hermione lay her head back into Harry's chest and he slowly felt her relax in his arms as she told him about Tonks visit and all that had led to her weeping in this strange place.
"She said this was a safe house and my parents could not come with me," Hermione said finally looking at Harry.
"Safer than Hogwarts," Harry said. "Had a long talk with the Head Elf this morning as well as the Historian. The wards on this place are amazing! Better than Hogwarts, maybe even the best in the world. Only people I trust and who will not harm me can enter these lands. Muggles, unfortunately, cannot unless I leave to bring them here."
"And where are we?"
"Erm - seems this is my home, Hermione."
"The Dursleys?"
Harry laughed. "If they knew about this place, they'd have been kissing my arse since I was a baby. No, this apparently is Potter Manor, my ancestral home."
"How - how big is it?"
Harry could not resist the unintended double entendre. He felt the need to lighten the mood just a bit. "I'd like to think above average but it's not like I've ever measured it or that me and my mates compare ours to each other or something." Harry waited for the reaction and was soon rewarded with a slap to his chest.
"Harry James!" Hermione exclaimed glaring up at him, "I was not talking about your - your - er - manhood! I was talking about this bloody house!" She was blushing furiously, Harry saw, and he pulled her into a hug, although she resisted a little.
"I know," he admitted. "You're upset and I hoped my pathetic joke would - er - calm you down some." He could feel her relax in his arms.
"Blue humor?" she said. "I don't think I've ever heard an off color quip from you before."
"It worked though," Harry said holding her tighter.
"Yeah," she giggled. This was a recent development. Until he had finally told her how he truly felt, Harry was certain he had never once heard this girl giggle. He liked it. He liked it so much he cupped her chin and drew her into another long kiss. When they finally broke apart, she smiled with her eyes closed for a moment and sighed. "That was nice," she whispered. "Once again, Potter, how big is this place?"
"Don't really know," Harry shrugged. "Only got here late last night. After breakfast Tonks said she had some errands to run and I've been looking around. Haven't seen even half of it from what I'm told and I haven't even set foot outside."
"Surely you've been curious? Surely you asked someone?"
"Indeed I did." Harry smirked as he knew not telling her was driving her just a little crazy.
"Harry," she growled, "who did you ask? What did they tell you?"
"Well, I asked Darda. He's the Head Elf in charge of the Estate Staff. Also asked Elda. She's the personal chef for the private apartments. Then there was William the librarian and Marta, who's the Potter historian. Between them I got a fair idea.
"This house is huge, of course. It's one of the largest manors in Britain and the largest in Wizarding Britain. It's been in the family for over three hundred years. There as also twenty guest houses and a Chalet by the sea. There's thousands of acres of gardens and parks. The nearest edge of the property is four miles from here."
"Four miles?" Hermione said in disbelief.
"That's to the front, I'm told. The back of the property is on the coast, sixteen miles from here and the side boundaries are five miles in either direction. I was told that this property is approximately a quarter million acres or roughly three hundred and ninety square miles. And, there is a fishing village on the coast. It has a population of three thousand or more, mostly witches and wizards. All of the land is under the most powerful protective wards known. Not even Voldemort can get to us here. Not even Dumbledore, or so I'm told."
Harry noticed that Hermione seemed to be staring at him in either shock or disbelief and maybe both. He took advantage of the rare silence from his girlfriend to kiss her again. That seemed to work. When they finally broke apart, she was back in the moment.
"That's huge, Harry, you know?"
Harry shrugged. "Yesterday I was relatively poor," he said. "I knew I had a trust fund that was paying for school and such, but knew nothing about where that fund truly came from. Today, I awake to find all this. Bit of a shock, really. At least you're here now to share this with me."
"Harry, I got your letter, you know."
"Really?"
Hermione nodded. She then gave him an accusing look. "You didn't send Tonks to get me, did you? That wasn't just a plan for us to spend the summer together. Not that I mind, but if it was it was a bit cruel."
"I swear, Hermione, I had no idea," Harry pleaded. "All Tonks told me was she was going to pick up some things and buy me some decent clothes. I had no idea you were one of those -er - things."
"Fair enough. Did she tell you anything specific as to why you're here? Why I'm here?"
Harry shook his head. "She said she would later. It seemed more important to get me here, and you I guess than to explain it at the time."
"Did you tell her about me?"
Harry nodded. "She asked at breakfast just before she left. I told her. I told her we've finally started going out. I told her I love you more than anything and have for a long time, but was afraid you didn't feel the same way. I told her now that I know you do, I never want to lose you - ever and that I plan to marry you."
"You think that might have had something to do with her coming for me?"
Harry shrugged. "Possible. Don't know, though."
Hermione sought out Harry's lips for a long, slow kiss and was not disappointed. When they finally broke apart, Harry asked: "And what was that for?"
"All kinds of things," she said softly. "For loving me. For wanting to be with me. For not hiding me from others. For not being embarrassed of or ashamed…"
"Hermione, ashamed of what?"
"I'm not exactly beautiful or girly or…"
"Hermione! Don't you ever say that to me. You are and always have been the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
"What about Cho?"
Harry could not tell if she was joking or accusing. He sensed a female trap. Hermione had never set him up for one before, but he had seen her do that with others, namely Ron. "I didn't know how you felt about me then, sorry. My fault, I suppose. I'd rather have you as my best friend than not at all and was afraid that - well - that if I tried to be more than that and you didn't feel the same way, I'd lose you. Cho's pretty. She was definitely willing for a time. But she is not you, Hermione. Not even close."
"You didn't do…"
"No! I'm willing to bet that the night she kissed me, I could have. I didn't. I came back to the Common Room pretty quick."
"Why?"
"Felt guilty. I felt somehow I was betraying you. Felt the same way on Valentine's Day. Might be why I agreed to see you even though I was supposed to be on a romantic date. No, it was why. Deep down I think I wanted her to dump me and be done with it so I could one day be with you with a clear mind and heart."
Hermione kissed him again. "Thank you, Harry," she said with a smile when they again broke apart.
Harry smirked getting a questioning look from Hermione. "Much as I am enjoying standing here and kissing your oh so kissable lips," he said, "I think we should get you situated and maybe get something to eat."
"No more kisses?" Hermione pouted.
"Loads, Love," Harry smiled at her. "But we need to get your things away and such and…"
"Harry? Do you know how long we'll be here?"
"If it were up to me it would be for the rest of our lives. As near as I can tell, we're here for the summer."
Hermione gave him a smile he could not place.
"Darda?" Harry called.
The elf appeared immediately.
"Darda, this is Hermione my girlfriend. It seems she will be staying here for a while and has loads of stuff that needs to be moved to her room. Can you see to it?"
"Of course, Milord," the elf said. He then turned to Hermione and added, "It is indeed a pleasure to meet the beauty that has captured Lord Potter's heart!" With that he gently took Hermione's right hand in his and kissed her knuckles briefly. Hermione was blushing.
"Harry?" Hermione asked. "What kind of elf is this?"
"I am an elf," Darda said. "The Eldar kind or High Elf, as all elves were intended to be when the Creator first gave us breath."
"But all the elves I've ever seen never looked or spoke like…" Hermione's voice trailed off.
"You speak of the House Elves. They are kin to us, it is true. But we are not them and they not us. They are slaves, bound by centuries old dark magic to serve wizards. We true elves serve our family out of love and not magical compulsion."
"Why would anyone enslave you?"
"I understand your lack of knowledge of this world, Miss," Darda said earning a scowl from Hermione who hated anyone suggesting she did not know something, even when it was true. "While there are those in your race who would think as you, there are others who do not. A thousand winters ago, a Dark Witch arose who believed that elves and goblins and others should be servants of her and her kind. We elves had served our families for ages. We served our families as brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters in spirit if not in blood. Said Dark Witch enslaved us and taught others how.
"Four hundred years ago, the then Lord Potter discovered this secret and how to return us to ourselves instead of the simpering, semi-literate creatures the enslavement magic had created. It was simple. Rather than treat us as property, he treated us as family. Those who choose to serve are adopted into the Potter family. Those who do not, work elsewhere."
"You're not paid?"
"Was your mother paid for caring for you? Was your father? We are cared for and the love of our family is all the pay we require. The House buys us our clothes and food, provides us with healing when we need it and helps us take care and raise our children. It is all anyone should want in life, Miss."
"So your not bound?"
"Indeed we are, Miss. We are magically bound to serve the Potters. But it was our choice. As young ones we were not bound as servants. When we came of age we were given the choice to join our parents and family or to seek our future elsewhere. Most of us stayed. There was a ceremony and the Lord Potter adopted us into the family which created the bond between us and our family. Alas, the last Lord died seven and a half years ago and there has been no bonding rite for our young since. Many have gone to work with the families in Pottersport. My youngest son and daughter work in one of the shops. They are happy too and my wife and I see them quite often."
"And what about the House Elves?" Hermione asked. "Can they become like you?"
"Alas, for most the answer is no. They must first of all want to be like us. Most House Elves are well treated and live quite content with who and what they are. To free them so that the process could begin to restore them is cruelty of the most extreme kind. It is more merciful to kill a House Elf than to free one that does not wish for freedom."
"Why?"
"A House Elf that is granted freedom it does not want suffers horribly, Miss. The pain is constant and unbearable. Many do not live but a few months as they lose interest in everything, including food and die from starvation and heartache. The severed bond is like an open wound to them and like an open wound, it bleeds them to death. Only the most vile and spiteful of humans would free an elf that does not wish to be free."
Harry heard a sniffle from Hermione as she leaned into him. He could tell she was crying.
"I - I didn't know! I didn't know! I didn't want to hurt them! I wanted to help them!"
"What's wrong Hermione?"
"Th-the hats. The hats I made all year. They're all gone! Each time I thought I had helped an Elf and instead … I didn't want that!"
"Shhhh," Harry said holding his girlfriend close. "Don't be upset…"
"BUT I AM! I hurt all those elves! I didn't mean to and I did! Now they're all like Winky and IT'S MY FAULT!"
"Hermione, you didn't hurt any of them."
"Don't patronize me Potter! I most certainly did!"
"Didn't."
"DID!"
"Dobby took all of your little hats. Dobby was the only Elf cleaning in the tower and he took the hats. He's free. He chose to be so the hats did not affect him. Not one Elf was harmed. Not a one."
"Dobby took them?" Hermione asked looking up at Harry.
Harry nodded. "He admires you in a way."
"He - he does."
"Most witches and wizards think nothing about others, you always think about others. He didn't like your ideas, but he thinks your heart is in the right place."
"He - he was treated so terribly by his Masters," Hermione sniffed. "And what Crouch did to Winky was so selfish and cruel and I thought - I thought it was like that for all of them and wanted to help them all and…"
"Miss Hermione," Darda said. Hermione looked at the Elf. "You were trying to help our brothers and sisters?"
Hermione nodded.
"There are few who ever tried. One of Milord's ancestors did. Few others. Many House Elves are well treated and quite content with their lives. But the Slave Bond foisted upon them allows them to be the victims of cruel Masters. Hogwarts is a haven for them. But only because the enslavers have kept this place secret. Few Elves know of Potter Manor and that the Eldar life and that they can be Eldar too, free yet bonded."
"Harry!" Hermione said, "we have to help them!"
"Hermione!"
"Not all of them. Not at once. But there are two we can help."
Harry looked into Hermione's eyes and immediately knew what she was on about. "Dobby and Winky?"
Hermione nodded.
"Darda?" Harry asked. "We know of two House Elves, both of whom were freed by their Masters. One is my friend Dobby and the other is his friend Winky. Could they come here? Could they become Eldar like yourselves?"
"They must come of their own free will, Milord. They must choose the bond of their own free will. But yes, if they do, I am certain it can be so. You say this Dobby is your friend?"
"Yes Darda."
"Call him."
"Call him?"
"I've adjusted the Wards. Call him and if he wants, he will be able to come here."
Harry thought about it for only a moment. "Dobby?" he called.
A second later and there was a audible popping sound and the House Elf called Dobby stood before Harry. The elf wore a tea cozy for a hat, an old jumper that Harry had long ago out grown, leather shorts and two miss matched socks, each in bright colors. The outfit defined the term "clash."
"The Great Harry Potter calls Dobby?" Dobby asked as he bowed low. "How can Dobby be of help to Harry Potter, Sir?"
"Darda, this is Dobby," Harry said.
Dobby turned to see who Harry was speaking to and immediately his eyes went wide with shock.
"It cannot be," Dobby said, tears in his voice as he knelt before Darda, "you cannot be. Is you Eldar? Is you one of the good and wise of legend?"
"I am, my Son," Darda said.
"You calls Dobby that? Dobby am unworthy of it, oh Great One. But Dobby not understands. The Eldar of legend are gone. Gone for ages, they is. They once served with honor and love as free willed Elvin kind. Before the Dark Times. Before evil Wizards begins to treasure slavery over love. Before they's try to enslave. Dark Time came, the Eldar is destroyed or leave this world and we House Elves was left behind in bondage.
"But it can'ts be true. You can'ts have returned to this world for the Dark Times is not over."
"It is true, my Son," Darda said. "I am Eldar as are all of the Elvin kin that live and work here at Potter Manor. There are over two thousand of us here, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children. But we have not returned from some mythical and far off land. We have always been here."
"But all who remain were slaved," Dobby protested. "Only House Elves remained!"
"Indeed," Darda said. "And my ancestors and the ancestors of all Elves here were once House Elves such as yourself. They were enslaved by the evil spell. But long ago, a Lord Potter discovered the injustice, freed our ancestors who chose to be re-bond to his family by the ancient Eldar rite. My Ancestors chose that rite. They ceased being the property of the Potter Estate and became part of the Potter family. When they took the ancient familial oaths, when the ancient bond formed, they transformed from the corrupt form of House Elf back to the form as nature intended. They were once again Eldar."
"Dobby," Harry said, "we would like you and Winky to have this opportunity. We would like you to join our family and hopefully become as you were meant to be as well."
Dobby threw himself into Harry's legs, pleading he was not worthy of such an honor but he would do it for the Great Harry Potter.
"And Winky?" Hermione asked.
"Winky be in a right state, Miss," Dobby said. "Being free cuts her like a knife. She drinks to dull a pain that can't be dulled for her. She blames the Great Harry Potter for her plight because it were his wand she be founds with. For another, she mights. Not for Harry Potter, Miss."
Hermione bit her lip and was lost in thought for a time.
"Dobby?" she asked. "Will she live?"
"Dobby fears not, Miss. Dobby tries to help Winky, but Winky be refusing. Dobby offers to be Winky's husband, but Winky be not thinking Winky be worthy of love. Winky's being dyings Miss. And a part of Dobby shall go with Winky."
"She will not be part of Harry Potter's family?"
"No Miss."
"How about Hermione Granger's?"
"W - Winky might, Miss. Winky be thinking you's kind to Winky and appreciates your trying. Winky might."
"Could you ask her? If she agrees, could you bring her here?"
"If Harry Potter wishes, Dobby shall try."
"I do, Dobby," Harry said.
"Then Dobby shall try."
"We await your return, my friend."
With a slight crack, Dobby was gone.
"I'm a little surprised at you, Hermione," Harry said. "I never would have believed you would be in favor of bonding with elves."
"I'm opposed to slavery," Hermione said. "I am opposed to any situation where one man lords over others and treats them like vermin just because they can. I'm opposed to pet owners who abuse their pets, parents or guardians who abuse children. I always will be, Harry. But, I am not opposed to a relationship based upon kindness, caring, compassion or even love. Dobby may be free, but I think there is a bond between you and him. You are clearly his Master and he is clearly and willingly your servant, but you treat him with respect and as an equal in most things. You do not abuse your trust like others.
"I did not know about how painful it is for most of them to be free. Had I known that, my focus would have been solely on seeing them treated with the respect they deserve, not freeing them. Winky is clearly in pain and it's all because she was let go. Aside from Death Eaters, I wouldn't wish that upon anyone."
"So you're okay with this Hermione? You're okay with Dobby serving me and Winky serving you?"
"Can we still pay them? Buy them things?"
"Don't see why not."
"Then I'm okay with it."
"What if they don't want pay?"
"Darda said that the estate pays for their stuff, that's like paying, right?"
"It is indeed, Miss," Darda said. "We have no need for trifles, just a place to live with our families, some nice furnishings, clothes and the like and we are content."
"And an occasional trifle in appreciation?" Hermione asked.
"They are, of course, most welcome."
There was a loud crack and Dobby appeared holding an unconscious female House Elf in his arms. It was clear Dobby was crying.
"Winky," Hermione practically shrieked. "Dobby what's wrong with her," she added with tears forming in her eyes and voice.
"Over edge," Dobby said crying, "drank herself over edge to ease pain. D - Dobby can't fix Winky. Winky be broken. Winky be dying, Miss."
"No!" Hermione cried. "Winky? I want you to be my family! Can you hear me? I want you to be my family!" There was no response from the elf who was reeking of filth, but Hermione seemed not to care. She looked at Darda, "Can you help her?" she said with tears streaming down her face.
"I cannot," Darda said. "But there is one who might be able to. CONSTANCE? EMERGENCY!"
There was almost immediately a popping sound and a new elf appeared. She was Eldar, with long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. She was dressed all in white and was carrying a large bag of some sort.
"Milord Potter, Miss Hermione," Darda began, "this is Constance, our Chief Healer. She may be able to help this poor elf maid."
Milord," she said bowing slightly. She then turned and bowed towards Hermione saying: "Milady."
Constance then turned to her patient and began waving hands and muttering over the seemingly lifeless elf. No one kept track of the time as Constance continued her waving and mutterings. She soon stopped.
"This elf was freed by her Master against her will?" Constance asked.
"Yes," Hermione said. "She's been miserable ever since."
"And when did this happen?"
"When did what happen?"
"When was she freed?"
"Almost two years ago," Hermione replied.
"She is a very strong elf to have lasted so long when her freeing was not by her desire. Most would have died ages ago. Do you wish to save her Miss?"
"I - I do."
"Then I will revive her. She shall be given the choice to bond with you. If she so chooses, she will live. But here, she must choose the Eldar oath. It is the law. The bond of the House Elf works not beneath these wards. Do you understand?"
"I - I don't know," Hermione replied hating that she truly did not.
"She must be willing to bond as the Eldar. To bond as a House Elf will not suffice. The bond is of her will, not your's Miss. Should she refuse, all I can do is make her comfortable in death."
"Please," Hermione begged, "give her the choice!"
Constance seemed to wave her hands over Winky and Winky slowly awoke from her stupor.
"Winky?" Hermione asked.
"M-miss Hermione? Where is Winky? This not being Hogwarts."
"You are with me, Winky. I've learned you are unhappy. Is this true?"
"Winky is unhappy. Winky wishes to die. No one be wanting Winky."
"You're wrong, Winky. I want you. I want you as part of my family. I want you as my sister and … and my handmaiden - I guess. Do you wish to be a family again, Winky?"
"Winky do! But no one will haves Winky!"
"I will, if you wish it!"
"But you's not from a line! You nots understands us!"
Hermione was taken aback for a moment. "Maybe I'm not," she said, "and maybe I don't. But I need you, Winky, and want you to be my sister and part of my family. I can and will offer you this."
"You will? Miss, you've cared for Winky when no other witch or wizard would. You offer this?"
"Of my own free will I do. Will you accept it of your own free will?"
"This being no trick?"
"No trick. This is the real deal. I only ask that you take the Eldar oath. I wish to adopt you into my family and not bind you as slave. Can you do that?"
"Eldars are gone, Miss."
"They are not. They are here. They say if you accept the Eldar Oath of your own free will and of such will become my sister or such, then you can be happy again."
"Winky wants a family agains, Miss."
"Do you accept me as family?"
"You's always kinds to Winky. Winky wants it. Whinky accepts it."
"Dobby," Darda said, "do you accept Harry Potter as your family?"
"D - Dobby does, Eldar."
"Then each of you take your elf's hand."
Harry and Hermione did so and as they did, Darda began a chant in a language neither had heard before:
"Elas enara kalan bitul,
Cilas britran enara,
Silur chasandi emul,
Taran bitrar e namar,
Sistran Kazan a nimu,
Chosay ekan zemara,
Magyara sem basu,
Ti shem tokai dinsar!
"Hermione ne Winky kontul,
Ne Winky sa Hermione nomar,
Winke ne Hermione sunontul,
Se endanda fonar senar.
"Harry ne Dobby te kontul,
Ne Dobby sa Harry e nomar,
Dobby ne Harry e sunontul,
Se endanda forar senar."
A flash of magical light passed between Harry and Dobby and Hermione and Winky.
"The bond is completed," Darda said.
"I will need to take these two to the infirmary," Constance added.
"W-why," Hermione asked.
"The Dark Magic that bound them as House Elves will begin to dissipate over the next few days, Miss. As it does, they will sleep and will need to be monitored as they transform into Eldar."
"T-transform?"
"They will gradually assume their true form, that which magic intended. It's not unlike a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. But, they must be watched as the transformation occurs."
"How - how long?"
"Dobby should take about a week. Given Winky's condition, she'll take longer. Three weeks tops."
"But they'll be okay, won't they?"
"They should be," Constance said. "I will do everything possible to make sure of that, Miss."
"Thank you," Hermione said. With that, Constance popped away with the two House Elves.
"If you're not needing me, Milord," Darda said.
"Yes of course," Harry replied. "Thank you. We really do appreciate it."
"You are welcome." With that Darda was gone as well leaving Harry and Hermione alone.
"So," Harry began.
"So," Hermione replied.
"It's around lunch time," Harry continued. "How about a spot of lunch and then I can show you around?"
"Sounds like a plan," she said smiling at her boyfriend.
"Right, lunch it is! Elda?"
A female Elf appeared before them. "Yes, Milord?"
"Is it possible to have lunch served outside?"
"Tis no trouble, Milord. Fancy showing your lady guest the view from the veranda?"
"I haven't been out there, I just thought it's a nice day."
"It is indeed. There are tables out there. I can bring your food to you. The view of the gardens and fields beyond is lovely. Perfect for a quiet romantic lunch. Here," she said handing each of them a small book.
"What's this?" Hermione and Harry asked together.
"Menu," Elda said. "Lunch menu to be exact. Go and find your table and look it over and when you're ready, I'll cook what you want."
"Erm, okay," Harry replied taking Hermione by the hand and leading her towards the veranda.
The new couple walked through to the back of the Manor and out upon the expansive veranda. They chose a table with an umbrella at the far end with an unobstructed view of the landscape beyond and perused their menus. They were both amazed at the choices and after several minutes chose something they each recognized. Elda seemed to know when they were ready and appeared and took their orders and told them it would be twenty minutes or so before their food arrived. The couple looked out over the gardens and green fields beyond.
"You own all this," Hermione asked looking at the huge building to the other side as well.
"Apparently," Harry shrugged. "I have never been here before and if this place is as big as I'm told…"
"What?"
"Well, I could take the whole summer and still not see all of it."
"It's a bit much," Hermione admitted. "But it is very pretty here."
"Anywhere would be with you," Harry said and was rewarded with a blush from his girlfriend.
"Harry?"
"Hmmm?"
"How are you doing, really?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sirius."
"Oh. Oddly, not too bad. I had a huge row with Professor Dumbledore when we got back that night, mostly 'cause Sirius died and I thought that had I'd been told things, that might not have happened. I pretty much busted up his office over it. But…"
"But?" Hermione asked genuinely concerned.
"But, when I left I went to the hospital wing and you and the others… Madam Pomphrey," Harry started tearing up, "she told me she didn't know if you would make it. I - I could not lose you, Hermione. I can't. I can't lose you and live on. I - I kind of forgot about Sirius because I had to be with you and had to be there to help you come back. I wasn't told to or asked to, I had to.
"Second Year when you were petrified, I knew you could come back, but I spent all my spare time with you anyway. This time…. I wanted to be there when … when whatever happened. I wanted you to know that I love you so damn much, Hermione. I was so worried and in such pain because you were not you… I forgot all about what happened to Sirius.
"Then you woke up. I told you what I should have told you a long time ago and you told me what I hoped you would tell me. I told you I love you and want to marry you and I meant and mean that! And you told me the same thing.
"I was so relieved you were alive! I was so elated you loved me too! I continued to forget about Sirius as you got better and as we spent time together. Time with you was and is all I wanted and I finally had it. Sirius was not that big a deal.
"I got back to my Dursley prison after school was out. I knew I had to think about Sirius. I did. I thought about a lot of things. And all I got were questions. Worse, there were no answers. None that made sense anyway. So the night I got back, I began writing them down and - well - I don't like where they are leading me to think. Here!" he added handing Hermione his notebook. "Read it for yourself and tell me if you can make any sense of this mess."
"Harry?" Hermione pleaded, but he cut her off.
"You are the smartest person I know of any age. If anyone can see a reasonable explanation for the mess my life has been, you can. Please?" he pleaded.
"O - Okay, Harry," she said. She opened the notebook and began to read.
She finished as their lunch arrived. "Harry?" she asked, "is all this true?"
He nodded.
"It doesn't make sense," she began.
"Tell me about it."
"I mean it shouldn't make sense! It only makes sense if someone wanted you to suffer for some reason. Someone wanted to keep you down!"
"And where does that point to?"
"It can't be right! It can't be! But the only logical conclusion is…"
"Dumbledore," Harry finished. Hermione nodded.
"But why?"
"That being the great question," Harry said. "No idea."
Hermione nodded. She then began to eat lost in thought. As she ate, she saw a snowy owl with whom she was well familiar land on Harry's shoulder with an envelope attached to its leg.
"What you got Girl," Harry asked the bird as he removed the letter. "Letter from Hermione, it seems." Hermione looked up at him and he could see her beginning to blush furiously as he opened the envelope.
"Obviously, she's here and will not need a written reply," Harry said to the bird, noting Hermione's reaction. "Go have a hunt. You always seem to know when I need you." The owl seemed to hoot a reply and soared off into the sky.
Harry noted Hermione biting her lower lip as he began to read her letter. He did his best to hide any reaction when he knew what it implied. She wanted him. Not just as a friend either. She wanted him physically. Truth be told, he thought, he had wanted her too. For ages it seemed. Still… She wrote the letter not knowing she would be with him less than a day later. Maybe … maybe it was want later, not really now as the letter implied.
He smiled at Hermione, who was still looking at him and was clearly expecting him to say something and was clearly afraid of what that something might be.
"This one's definitely a keeper," Harry said with a smile. "Then again, I've kept all your letters."
"Th-that's all?" she asked. "That's all you have to say?"
Harry stared into her eyes and nodded. "For now," he said with a mischievous smile.
Their lunch soon ended and Harry offered to give Hermione a tour of the place, admitting he had only seen one and a half floors or so and none of the grounds. She agreed. Harry noted she seemed very nervous and was pretty sure why that was. He knew of the one place that should get her mind off of things, such as what she said in that wonderful letter. He took her strait to the Library and was not disappointed as he watched her jaw drop in awe.
"Largest magical one in all Britain, I'm told," he said. He had to say something as he was convinced she was going to start to drool.
"R-really?" she asked. It was the first time she spoke since the letter arrived.
"So I'm told. William is the Librarian. He says the magical section is larger even than Hogwarts. The non-magical… You ever hear of something called a Gutenberg Bible?"
Hermione nodded. "First book ever printed," she said.
"Apparently, I've got one here."
"Y-you do?"
"First folio Shakespeare's as well."
"But Harry, there are no…"
"Apparently there are and I have them."
"Oh my!"
"Hate to tell you this love, but I think this is one library you can't read you're way through. Too many books. Well over three hundred thousand."
"Really?"
"William says so. I haven't counted of course.
"Er, of course."
"What do you think?"
"It's wonderful, Harry. Can I … can I use it?"
"Of course."
The girl squealed with delight and jumped into Harry. Her bear hug was now combined with a passionate kiss.
A/N: RELATIONSHIP SCORECARD:
If you didn't read the Intro, you missed that. This is so you can keep up with who's with who and how.
Harry James Potter, age 15 (born 7/31/80)
Hermione Jane Granger, age 16 (9/19/79). Girlfriend/fiancé as of 6/18/96.