Chapter nineteen
Harry woke up on the thirty first day of the month feeling wonderfully refreshed, he had slept like a baby, it had been the best nights sleep he could remember. Rolling over he looked at his wife, Hermione, she was the most beautiful creature on the earth, especially when she was asleep, and he could study her delicate features as much as he wanted, with out making her feel uncomfortable.
"Did you have your fill yet?" she asked without opening her eyes.
"How do you do that?" he wanted to know.
"How do I do what?" she replied chuckling.
"You know very well what, Mrs Potter." he laughed.
"I can feel when you are awake, and when you are looking at me, you try to keep quite still. It's no great secret Mr Potter."
Hermione opened her eyes then reached over and pulled him to her, she gave him a quick kiss, "Happy Birthday lover boy." She grinned as she rolled from the bed.
Harry watched her get up and walk to the bathroom, 'this just has to be the best time of the day' he thought as his totally naked, nearly seventeen year old wife entered the bathroom.
"You coming for a shower," she called just before the bathroom door shut.
Harry reached the bathroom almost before the echo of the closing door had died.
An hour later as they entered the kitchen for breakfast, they were met by Glanry "It would seem sir, that all your guests have departed, some have gone for a walk, some are in the stable and yet more are even now collecting their belongings to bring here."
"So breakfast for two, what a wonderful idea," Harry said trying but failing to be funny.
'Actually lover boy I think it's just a little romantic, just you and me and the sunshine' she thought.
'Hermione sweetheart, the sun is not shining, if I remember those are clouds up in the sky' Harry laughed.
He was definitely in a good mood, no packing to do, no waiting to be rescued from the Dursleys, and a beautiful woman sitting opposite him. Could his life get any better? They had just finished their breakfast when the main gate bell rang. Glanry answered and opened the gates for Mr and Mrs Granger.
'Hermione love how is it that your mum and dad seem able to find us yet all the other Muggles can't see the place?' Harry asked
Suddenly thinking about the fact that the Grangers were indeed Muggle's he'd forgotten that small fact.
'Oh I just charmed a little bell to tinkle when they were outside the gates, dad has it hanging from his mirror' she replied.
Moments later they were joined by the two people who were definitely Harry's favourite Muggles. Hugs were exchanged Mrs Granger kissed Harry on both cheeks and his forehead wishing him a happy birthday. Within half an hour of the arrival of his in-laws Harry's kitchen was full once again as most of the guests all arrived back at roughly the same time, Harry smelt a plot afoot.
It was Ginny who started things off, "Pressie time," she said bouncing up and down "my pressie is outside," she told him
Mr Granger winked at Hermione "Our present is out side in the car."
"Mine is too Harry, seems they are all out there, love." shall we go have a look.
Neville led the way out onto the drive, where an assortment of things were all standing, all covered over by various coloured sheets. Again Neville took the lead he pointed at a small green sheet, I thought maybe this year I would get you something from the Muggle world, I mean we had such fun in the winter. Harry pulled off Neville's cover and found a football and a pair of football boots.
"Hey Nev, what a brilliant idea," Harry said as he took a kick at the ball. A loud sound of breaking glass reached them. "Perhaps I should use that away from the house." Glanry appeared at the door "your soccer ball I believe sir," he said handing the ball to Harry.
Harry stepped forward to uncover the next gift when Ginny stopped him, "Sorry Harry but you don't get to see that one until you see Hermione's."
"I think you should open our gift next," Mrs Granger said nodding toward the car.
Mr Granger stood by the rear door of the car and waited for Harry to come over. There on the back seat was a large rather tatty old box with several holes in it, "Well go on then," Mr Granger encouraged.
Harry climbed in to the car and opened the box, inside it fast asleep lay a large black pup. "He doesn't have a name yet Harry," Mrs Granger told him.
Hermione intrigued followed Harry into the car and peered into the box "Oh he's magnificent," she said as she placed her arm over Harry's shoulder, Harry had not said a word. The pup reminded him so much of his godfather, the godfather he had ignored as of late, this pup would serve to remind him of Sirius, and he determined to spend more time with him.
Harry climbed out of the car and Gave Mrs Granger a fierce hug, a small tear was in his eye when he said thank you. Hermione woke the sleeping animal and lifted him from the box, she handed him to Harry who held him close for a while before setting him down, the pup then snuggled up to Harry's leg and sat contented with his new master. "Hello there little fella, how about I call you Canis, it's the star system where Sirius is found." The pup licked Harry's hand "Canis it is then."
Ron and Dig stood next to a rather bulky yet oddly shaped cover, Harry pulled it off and found a chair, the craftsmanship was quite good and Harry marvelled at the amazing carving, impressive vines and rather large oak leaves adorned the chair; it had another carving on the back that said 'Harry Gryffindor Potter'.
"We made it Dig and me, you should try it," Ron said enthusiastically.
Harry sat in the chair and found it extremely comfortable, "It's like a broom Harry, just say up, but be careful it takes a little getting used to, best keep it low at first,"
"You just have to be joking," Hermione said shocked.
Harry said "up," and sure enough the chair rose gently into the air "how do I get it to move," asked Harry as he examined the arms.
"Grab the arms and steer it like a broom," Dig told him just as Harry had figured it out.
Harry shot off around the house whooping as he went. When he returned he was told in no uncertain terms by Hermione that she was not having it in the house, she had visions of him flying around getting ever fatter as he used the chair to fetch his food and drinks and never getting out of the darn thing.
Mrs Weasley appeared from the depths of the house with a large box of chocolate frogs, and some assorted bits and bobs from Fred and George's shop. That just left Hermione and Ginny, the two girls moved to the trailer behind Mr Granger's car. Mr Granger was already waiting. Harry walked over with Canis at his heels. Helped by Mr Granger Harry pulled away the large sheet. He could not believe his eyes as he looked at a Gryffindor red quad bike, the Gryffindor emblem proudly displayed back and front.
"For when you need to go to the village," Hermione whispered in his ear.
Harry turned and kissed her. "I love you Mrs Potter, this is brilliant,"
"You should thank dad it was his idea," she told him.
'Well I don't intend kissing your dad, so you will have to pass it on'he sent before kissing her again.
Ginny stepped up and gestured toward another smaller sheet the one he had gone to move before, Harry pulled it away, there were two crash helmets two pairs of leather gloves and two pairs of boots also a fuel can, that was full of fuel. Harry gave Ginny a hug and a quick little kiss on each cheek, "thanks sis," he said without thinking. It had been his pet name for her in his other life. Ginny was over the moon.
"You're welcome bro'" she said grinning like she just won a jackpot.
With help from several pairs of hands Harry got the quad bike off the trailer, after checking the manual and the fuel tank Harry turned the key and laughed as the bike roared into life, with a crash helmet on, he gingerly pulled away from the house, Canis jumped up and sat behind Harry as he taught himself how the machine worked.
"Hoi Potter," Hermione yelled "don't go far, I want a go of it."
Harry roared off to the stables and back, Canis balancing behind him, Jumping off the quad, Harry gave Hermione another kiss before offering her the crash helmet,
Hermione held up the other Helmet "Why do you think Ginny got two," she said as she climbed on the quad.
"It's a lot like Becky's princess," Mr Granger told her as she roared off like a lunatic, Hermione put the quad through several sliding turns in the deep grass behind the stables, before roaring past everyone toward the main gate, she turned around at the gate and came racing back.
"Heck Hermione that was bloody brilliant." Ron said looking at her like she had just caught the snitch for the Chuddley Cannons.
Harry offered the helmet to Ginny next; Hermione told Ginny what to do. 'Where did you learn to ride one of those' Harry asked his wife, as Ginny set off slowly toward the main gate.
'My friend Becky had one when she was ten, we spent hours on it right up to the beginning of fourth year, some one stole it from their garage while we were all away at school. It was a shame really she was so upset, they moved not long after that, but I never forgot how to ride one. I just knew you would love it, and we can go out together down to the village or where ever' Hermione told him enthusiastically.
'Another thing Nev and I have in common' Harry thought as he watched Neville trying to do the same thing Hermione had done. It was obvious to Harry it was going to take a while to get used to the machine. The adults disappeared in to the house while the five younger people spent the next three hours on the quad bike taking it in turns to have a ride. Canis lay against the door way when it was Harry's turn to take a ride, returning to Harry's side as soon as he climbed from the quad. The morning was over before any of them had realised it. Hermione and Ginny were examining the intricate carving on the chair that Ron and Dig had given Harry.
"Did you do all the carving," Hermione asked Dig as Ron took off on the quad.
"No, I just collected the wood and cut out the rough shapes, Ron's the artistic one, he has a way with wood, a real feel for it," Dig told a pair of surprised witches.
"Our Ron, my brother Ron, artistic, are you sure you are ok Dig, you didn't bang your head or something?" Ginny asked in surprise.
"Well the chair is your proof, Ron built, carved, and polished it, I just collected the wood then helped put the charms on it to make it fly, it was even Ron's idea to begin with, I think it might have had something to do with food," Dig answered.
"Food?" Hermione said raising her eyebrows.
"Yes something about getting around the table easier." Dig laughed.
"Now that's more like Ron." Ginny giggled.
Glanry came out to announce that lunch was ready, Harry put the quad away in one of the stables empty stalls then with Canis at his heels once more, he joined every one else in the dining room.
'Harry love, I know it's your birthday but would you mind if I helped Poppy this afternoon with Gryffindor's book' Hermione asked as they ate. Being able to communicate while eating was one of the little bonus's that came with their telepathy.
'Actually sweetheart I'd rather like to do the same thing, I mean the sooner we get started the better, Ron, Neville and Ginny are off riding I think. Ron said something about a pool in the woods' Harry replied.
They were nearly finished with lunch when Sirius and Remus arrived in the living room, then joined them for some food. Harry introduced Canis to Sirius who immediately asked if he could take the pup for a walk after lunch. Harry had known that Sirius would love the pup, and it seemed that the pup liked Sirius. Harry agreed that perhaps a play about in one of the fields would be good training for the young dog. Sirius could teach him not too bother the other animals. They had all finished eating when Poppy Pomfrey arrived from Hogwarts. Glanry offered to have cook arrange something for her, but she refused explaining that she had eaten before leaving the school. Ginny, Ron, and Neville, did decide to go riding, and they headed out with the intention of going through the wood. Mrs Weasley had to pop home to the Burrow for something. Remus cornered Harry and Hermione out in the foyer as they set off for the library.
"Hermione, can I just have a word, I just want to tell you that last night absolutely nothing happened, I slept well all night, I want to thank you again for what you did, and I want to apologise for getting a little angry." Remus said as they both wondered what was so especially good about sleeping well. They must have looked as confused as they felt. "It was a full moon last night," Remus told them "and I slept like a baby. I locked my self up of course, and Sirius watched over me, but I slept all night, absolutely nothing happened."
Hermione gave the gentle professor a hug, "I'm so glad it worked Remus, you must start to convince others now, tell them that they are curable. Spread the word, I'll see to it that Poppy takes the spell to St Mungo's." Reaching the library the Potters mood changed to one of fierce determination to find other useful things in Godric's work. They set to work with Poppy after relating Remus's report of having slept well.
Chapter Twenty
The remainder of their holidays were split half and half. Half their time spent studying Godric Gryffindor's book, but Harry insisted that Hermione spent half of each day with him, just having fun and being teenagers, visions of how Hermione had so often over worked her self were vivid in Harry's memories, that and he was now, he had decided, old enough to begin to let his hormones have a little more freedom. There was of course the fact that Hermione had become a very attractive and desirable woman, gone was any girlishness, she had become curvy and remarkably sexy, and was, as far as Harry was concerned perfectly shaped and exceedingly beautiful.
Two nights a week Harry spent working on Godric Gryffindor's book with Dumbledore, over the weeks the professor had become a very close, almost grandfather like friend. Harry was asked to call him Albus "So much shorter than professor, don't you think," Albus had said one Wednesday. It had been a little strange at first, but they both became fond of using first name terms.
In the second week of august, Hermione followed a rather worried Harry to bed, there was something serious on her mind and Harry knew she was having trouble coming to a conclusion about something. She seemed to be in deep thought all day, their afternoon of fun and relaxation had gone down as well as a badly brewed potion he thought, he was really beginning to worry about her.
'Ok Mrs Potter, out with it, what ever is bothering you, I want to know all about it' he sent to her as they undressed.
'I've found something in the book, I'm not sure if we should allow anymore study of it till we are sure it would be safe' she replied a little cryptically.
'Hermione love, what did you find, is it dangerous or something?' Harry asked alarmed by her uncertainty.
Hermione finished removing her knickers then stood facing him in all her naked glory, 'I found a hidden spell, a very powerful one'
Harry found he was having great difficulty thinking, as most of his blood seemed to rush to just the one part of his anatomy, a part that stood begging for attention.
'Er what? A spell, a powerful, blimey Hermione if we are going to have a serious discussion can you put your house coat or something on, I'm really having a problem here' he begged.
Hermione looked at his not so small problem 'Hmm I can see just what you mean' she chuckled as she pulled on a white terry towel bath robe.
'Is that any better Mr Potter?' she asked in a sexy way.
Harry let out a very long and very slow breath 'Sheesh woman you are so sexy' he croaked.
'Now this spell I found, it's a spell for increasing magical power, I don't mean like the earth magic, this one just increases the magic already in a person. It would be the perfect thing for a squib or someone like that, but if someone like Ron, or Sirius or Dumbledore used it, I hate to think what they could do' Hermione told him as she sat on the bed.
'Now that really is one for some thought, help the squibs, so they aren't shamed anymore, or hide the knowledge and never use it.' Harry thought.
'I know, I was so excited at first, I thought of the difference it would make to Mr Filch if he could do magic, but then I thought of someone like Malfoy getting his hands on it' she shuddered at the thought.
'Think what it would be like with someone like Voldemort using it'Harry thought and he too shuddered.
Harry and Hermione sat in silence for a while, contemplating their next possible move. Harry's previous problem was reduced almost instantly by these thoughts. Somewhere in Harry's head a small light switched on, he sat up straight and thought his idea through.
'I think I have an answer' he sent to Hermione as she sat deep in thought. 'Suppose we could modify the spell so that it would give the squib just an increase in power sufficient to allow them to do simple things, I don't know maybe cleaning spells and stuff'
'I already thought about that, someone would no doubt come along and modify the spell again and then we are back with the wrong people getting their hands on it, maybe that's why Godric hid the spell in the book' Hermione replied
'I'm just working the details out, all you have to do is work out the spell' Harry said his old teaching abilities coming through.
'Yeah we open a school for squibs, there's never been one before, then we use the spell on them, silently of course, we teach them a few spells and then they can hold their heads up when they are in wizarding company. We can hire some trustworthy people to do the spell and to teach, and we can put them under a sort of Fidelius charm to keep the spell secret' Harry sent to her as he pictured the things happening.
Hermione looked at him with mingled pride and shock, and Harry wondered just what he had said that deserved the odd look. When she said nothing he thought maybe she thought him crazy but didn't want to say it.
"Well what do you think?' he asked
'Harry, I saw it,' Hermione said in a hushed voice.
'Saw it, what do you mean, you could picture it happening?' he was relieved by her answer.
'No Harry, I saw your thoughts, I saw the class of people with Remus teaching them, I saw what you saw in your head' Hermione thought to him.
Harry sat in stunned silence, this new development was quite a shock, he thought of several ways it could be useful, but as with everything else it could be a little awkward too, especially with some of the things he had been thinking lately. He thought back to earlier that day when Hermione had been standing in front of him and then bent over to stroke Canis, he remembered the sight vividly and he had thought some not exactly decent things, like just what he could do to her in that position.
"Whoa, you realise this could be awkward don't you?" he asked as she got up to go to the bathroom.
Hermione walked across the room swaying her hips provocatively as she walked, "Why Mr Potter what ever are you saying," she laughed, "I'm off for a long relaxing bath, I wont stop you if you want to wash my back for me."
Hermione filled the bath then sank slowly in to the bubbles she had added, she decided to experiment with this new addition to their communication abilities. She looked down at her breast that were just visible above the bubbles 'Harry my love, how would you like to come and help me bathe'
In the bedroom Harry had a rapid return of his previous problem as he saw what Hermione was seeing, the blood rushed south as Harry rushed to the bathroom.
The next morning at eight when Harry woke up, Hermione had already gone, he found her in the library reading several books and writing copious notes on several sheets of parchment.
"Morning sweetheart, how long have you been at work?" Harry enquired as he kissed her cheek.
"I started about six, I think I have it worked out, the charm and the school idea I mean," Hermione answered without looking up from the notes she was writing.
"You have? Good, did you know you are amazing?" Harry asked as he examined some of her notes.
"I have an idea I have to look at myself," Harry told her.
"What would that be love?" she wanted to know.
Harry answered her a little hesitantly "You know the marauders map, how the writing is invisible unless the correct words are used to reveal its contents. Well I thought of using the same idea but we could place the charm using earth magic, it would too powerful for a normal wizard to reveal anything we hid, and I know how to give you the same control of earth magic."
"So how do we go about getting it all started?" she asked
"We need to talk to Remus, Sirius, and Dumbledore, about it, hopefully they will be willing to help us," was Harry's reply.
An hour later they were both happy with their work, and the plan they had developed, Harry had Hermione put all her books and notes away, then they placed Godric's book on the table, Harry held Hermione's left hand willing all his magic to travel through his hand and into his wife, after just five minutes Hermione began to feel a tingle, a feeling that rapidly grew to a hot and power filled tremor as her magic increased with earth magic. Ten minutes after they had started Hermione was able to find and tap into the magic on her own. She was absolutely amazed at the amount of power she felt, she cast the hiding charm over the page they wanted hidden in the book, while she still felt so strong.
As soon as their work on the book was complete Harry asked Hermione to change into something suitable for the quad bike, and as soon as she was ready, Harry with Hermione sitting behind him, her head against his shoulder and her arms tightly around his waist drove away from Potter House and their friends and family.
At Potter house, Sirius woke to find a note from Harry asking if he would look after Canis while he and Hermione were sharing some private time together, Sirius was more than pleased with the idea, mainly because he thought the young couple needed and deserved a little space, a little time together away from all the distractions.
Ron spent most of the day with Dig, together they collected a quantity of wood, Ron had plenty of good ideas for things he could make, they drew sketches of flying chairs, rotating tables, and massaging stools. Ginny and Neville went riding, making their way to a rather secluded little valley they had found. Ginny was now positive about her feelings for Neville and would quite happily have allowed him to make love to her, but Neville was a real gentleman and would not consider it until she had finished school. Their day was spent kissing cuddling and talking. Nearly all of it done with Ginny sat on his lap. Their horses freely wandering around the secluded spot.
Sirius, Remus, and the Longbottoms, took Canis with them, and spent the day down by the river reliving old times and happy days; Remus spent quite some time updating the Longbottoms on what had happened to various people while they were incapacitated in St Mungo's. He told them all the stories about Harry Potter and his various encounters with Voldemort how Harry had defeated Voldemort and escaped his continual attempts to kill him and he told them of the final out come.
At ten forty five, Harry parked the quad at the bottom of the cliffs on a private stretch of beach, a quick strip down to their underwear, and they were ready to take a dip in the rather cold sea. Hand in hand they walked slowly across the sand, Hermione lay her head on his shoulder as they walked. Frolicking about in the surf with the woman he loved Harry decided that next year they would only have their friends visit for one week, the rest of the holiday they would spend alone practising as often as possible how to make babies.
Harry conjured them a large bath towel each and spread them on the sand, the sun was shining and a wet Hermione seemed to glisten as the sun caught the water droplets, they removed their wet underwear before lying down on the towels. Once again a naked Hermione closed down the thinking part of Harry's brain, they made love till the sun began to sink to the horizon.
Hermione also made a decision as they kissed stroked and fondled each other, she was going to figure a way to get rid of all their visitors, there were just two weeks of the holiday left and she wanted to spend the whole two weeks with Harry with no interruptions, 'we may even stay in bed the whole time' she thought as she looked at his lean but muscular body 'Just for once I want my husband all to myself'.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Harry reluctantly told her it was time to go home.
Standing there naked on the beach silhouetted by the sun going down behind her, Harry thought she looked like a goddess, then he kissed her one last time before they dressed and headed home for a hot meal and a really long bath together.
They arrived home to find Canis lying by the fire; all their guests had gone to stay at the Burrow, leaving them an invitation to join them. Together they chose not to go to the Burrow, in fact they would be going nowhere but bed.
Chapter Twenty one
Sirius woke to find a note from Harry asking if he would look after his new pup, he was of course more than happy to play with Canis, who appeared to be rather intelligent. After a day spent down by the river with his old friends, he was feeling better than he had in a while. Remus had not transformed at the last full moon and seemed to be completely cured; he had even mentioned that his sense of smell had dwindled so that he could no longer catch the scent of people as he once had.
Now he was taking the pup for another walk, he was lost deep in thought about his godson. As the sun set Sirius walked slowly back into the house the pup at his heels, he was still deep in thought when he bumped in to Ginny, and knocked her forward nearly bowling her over.
"Oops, sorry Ginny I was just thinking about Harry and Hermione," he said as he grabbed her waist to stop her falling.
"Why has something happened to them?" she asked quickly.
"No, no I was just thinking, through out this holiday, I don't think they have had one single day without someone here visiting. I was just wondering how I would feel if I were a young married guy," he said smiling.
"I'm not sure I… Oh that, I think you might be right, they never get any privacy do they," Ginny began to think the same thing Sirius was thinking.
After a quick conversation they decided the Potter's needed some space, so they rounded all the guests up into the kitchen.
"Sirius has something to say," Ginny told them with a grin on her face.
"Yes well thanks for the support Ginny," he commented a little sarcastically.
"You're quite welcome, Sirius," she giggled.
"Right, thing is Ginny and I have had a talk and we thought it was about time we gave the young Potter's time together, some privacy and peace, so all of you pack your stuff and head off to the Burrow." Sirius said with a small laugh caused by the looks he was getting. Half an hour later and the house was quiet, all their guests had gone.
Arriving home Hermione found the note left by Ginny, inviting them to the Burrow, but this was what she had wanted, what she had been trying to figure out all the way home, now she did not have to get rid of them, they were gone of their own accord, it was just Her, Harry, and the Elves, and she knew they would only appear if called for. Harry made them a few sandwiches for supper, as Hermione relaxed on the couch in front of the fire.
"Harry, have you ever given having a family any thought?" she suddenly asked.
Harry wondered if she was just trying to find out if the idea scared him. "I have actually."
"I was thinking about it today, how many children do you want me to give you?" Hermione asked still sounding serious.
Harry realised she was not testing his reactions or trying to find out if the idea frightened him. She wanted a serious talk on the subject, 'typical Hermione' he thought 'work out all the pros and cons then make a decision'.
"I don't really know, I mean I always wanted a family, but how many, I never thought that far," He answered truthfully.
"When do you want to start?" she looked at him smiling.
"I have no idea, I thought we would wait till you are ready, and I thought you might want a career or something," Harry replied, he had never thought she would want to be a stop at home mum.
"Well I have my career now, I'm your wife, and our family comes first in my life." She told him. "I want to be like Mrs Weasley."
"Well what ever you want love, I mean we will never want for money, we have enough for several generations yet to come," he said wondering how far the talk was going to go.
"I'm going to be seventeen in a few weeks, my body is ready Harry, and I think I am," she looked to see his reaction.
"Are you sure about this Hermione, it's a huge step, and there's school to think about as well," Harry asked, having a child with Hermione would mean the world to Harry and he knew it.
"I've thought of all that, if I get pregnant around Christmas I will only miss the seventh year and I could ask Dumbledore if I can do my NEWTs with out having to take the classes. I think it will be ok if we still live in the school quarters till the summer break."
Harry knew she had thought it all through but he did not want his first child born at the school, "Hermione love, I think we should wait, we can start to try as soon as we finish school, I don't want the first little Potter born in the middle of a school year, if you get pregnant in December the little one will arrive around September, it wont be fair on you, it wont be fair on the baby and I don't want you to ever have reason to hate me for anything." Harry said hoping she would see reason, even though he wanted a family.
"Harry I could never hate you for anything, I just wanted to make you happy, to be a part of what you always wanted, a real family," Hermione told him truthfully.
Harry moved to kneel in front of her, taking her hands in his, he looked into her eyes "Hermione, we are a family you and me. You're my wife that makes us a family; we even have a family dog already. Don't you know by now, just how much I love you, you are my world, my family, my friend, and my lover, we have about fifty years to have our children, little babies with black bushy hair and lovely brown eye's, we can fill this entire house with them if you want. But you love school, and I can't let you waste all you have done so far. A marriage is a partnership, so finish school with me, let that be my contribution to the partnership for the next year."
Hermione smiled, she knew how much he loved her and she loved him just as much, that was why she wanted his baby, but she knew he was right, they could finish school and then start a family. A small tear fell from her eye as she looked at him kneeling in front of her, he really did love her just as much as he said. She could feel his emotions. They went to bed early that night Harry wrapped his arms around her and cupped her breast in his hands and he was in that position when they fell asleep.
The last Wednesday of the month Harry was working on Godric's book as usual with Dumbledore when he had an idea. "Albus, you know it is Hermione's birthday on the 19th next month, well it falls on a Thursday, I wondered if we could have your permission to take a short break, from Wednesday after noon which we have free, till Sunday evening, we only have charms double lesson on Thursday and we have double potions on Friday, we don't really need either, and I think Hermione really needs a proper break, she has been working on this book all summer, I could take her somewhere nice."
Dumbledore carried on reading and studying, had it been anyone else talking to him they might have thought he had not heard a word, but Harry knew the headmaster as well as anyone could so he waited for his reply.
Some minutes past before Albus finally answered "I think you are correct in your assumption, your wife has done some amazing things this summer and a break from it all will be beneficial I think, yes Harry you can take the time you asked for."
"Thank you sir, now there is one more small matter, Hermione would like to talk to you before you leave if that would be alright." Harry said a huge smile on his face.
An hour later Harry and Albus joined Hermione and Poppy in the living room. "Harry tells me you wish to talk to me dear" Dumbledore said to Hermione as he took his usual seat near the fire.
"Yes sir I would like your advice on opening a small school, it may take some time before the small number of students begin to attend. I already have two people in mind as the teachers, it is the set up and running of such an enterprise that I will need your help with," Hermione finished grinning.
"Might I ask who will be the pupils at this small school?" Albus asked politely.
"What I intend to do is to teach some simple spells and charms to squibs," Hermione said again grinning
"Hermione dear, you can not teach magic to squibs, they may be from magical families but they just don't have enough magic in them to do anything with it," Albus said as though Hermione had lost touch with reality.
"I found a way to increase a squibs magic, so they can do simple spells and charms, Harry and I would like to come with you to Hogwarts and see if Mr Filch would be interested in being our first trial." Hermione looked triumphant when she saw the quick flash of amazement in the headmasters' eyes. She was proposing the impossible and she knew she could deliver.
Dumbledore agreed to take them to Hogwarts and to ask Filch, he was eager to see what these amazing youngsters had managed to discover, Hermione was indeed the greatest witch he had ever met. Her magical power seemed to now be greater than his own, and yet she had not changed. She was still the same person she had been on her first day at Hogwarts. And Harry her husband was more powerful by far than even Merlin had been, there may never again be two more powerful magical beings. And they remained two of his most likeable students, ever willing to help those worse off than they.
They had arrived at Hogwarts and sent for Mr Filch as soon as they arrived, Filch gave Hermione permission to try out her spell on him. Once she had done the spell Harry loaned his wand to Filch, placing a feather on Dumbledore's desk, Harry instructed Filch, showing him how to do a Wingardium leviosa charm.
A Rather sceptical and still grumpy Mr Filch waved Harry's wand and recited the charm, his eyes began to bulge in disbelief as the feather began to float gently upward.
"Mrs Potter you truly are a great witch Filch yelled as he hobbled around the room as fast as he could, directing the feather floating above them. He had tears falling when he finally said finite incantatem and the feather settled on the desk.
"Headmaster sir I did magic, I made it work, after all these years I did magic," Mr Filch almost danced in front of the headmaster's desk.
"Yes now Mr Filch if you would like to return Mr Potters wand, we will see Ollivander about getting you your own quite soon. If you would like to take a seat, Mrs Potter would like a word or two." Dumbledore said to the excited old caretaker.
Filch took a seat and looked at Hermione with such deep admiration Harry wondered if he was going to get down on his knees and begin to worship her, that would really tick her off.
"Right Mr Filch there are two things we need to address, first professor Dumbledore will be casting an Obliviate charm on you, now we know the spell actually works, this is just to erase the actual spell casting I used from your memories, for obvious reasons we can not allowed the spell to fall into the wrong hands, after that we need to discuss some training for you, I intend to open a small school for squibs who undergo this, shall we call it treatment, would you be interested in such a school. The lessons will cover basic magic and spells."
Filch was a little worried about loosing his new ability when he was obliviated but after assurance from Hermione, he allowed the erasure of that part of his memory, he was only to happy to enrol in any new school for squibs, and wanted to be the first squib ever to get lessons in magic.
Once again Dumbledore was amazed with Hermione's intelligence, and for some one so young, her wisdom that was way beyond her years, he silently agreed with Harry she did indeed deserve a break from working to help others, time to spend with her husband and simply be a teenage girl for a while, he decided he would give them the full week off all school duties, and not just the long week end Harry had asked for. He also intended they have somewhere to go that would be safe, though he wasn't to sure if the safety was required by the Potter's or any Death Eaters that might have the misfortune to stumble up on them.
Harry and Hermione had not seen any of their friends for more than a week when they arrived on platform 9 ¾ for their trip to Hogwarts, Neville and Ginny were sharing a compartment, Ginny was sitting in Neville's lap when Harry found them, he called silently to tell Hermione who was looking further along the train, that he had found them.
By the time she joined them Harry had stowed their trunks and had sat down opposite his friends, Hermione entered the compartment just as Ginny decided to sit properly, Ron was right behind her bouncing up and down as though he was fit to burst.
Ron almost pushed Hermione into the compartment in his rush to tell every one that he and Luna were official boy and girlfriend, though Hermione wondered what Luna could see in the red headed Ron. It was not long before the train left the platform and began making its way north to their destination, a place they all looked on as a kind of home from home.
Chapter Twenty two
The day after their arrival at Hogwarts, Harry began to send Hedwig off to various hotels and holiday cottage owners with requests for information about vacancies, the list which he had borrowed from Albus was not exactly a long list, it seemed there were very few places that catered for people of the wizarding world, each day the replies were to say the least disappointing.
Harry had been so looking forward to surprising Hermione, in fact keeping things secret from her were not easy. It got even more difficult hiding his disappointments as each request was returned either informing him that there were no vacancies or the business no longer existed. By Sunday of the second week at school, Harry was becoming almost frantic, that afternoon he caught up with the headmaster as he was heading for the evening meal. he asked Dumbledore if he might have a list of hotels or similar establishments at any of the sea side towns or resorts, Albus promised to check it out for him, telling him not to worry too much as Wednesday was still three days away.
Harry went to bed that night feeling as though he had somehow failed Hermione. Hermione noticed the slow but sure change in Harry in the two weeks since they had started their new term, and she chose that Sunday night to ask Harry what it was that was bothering him, Harry almost panicked when she asked, he could think of no answer that might be convincing so he simply admitted to failing in a project. He politely refused her offer of help, going to bed that night he did not get to sleep very easily.
Harry and Hermione were woken on Monday morning at five thirty by a visit from an odd looking house elf, she had odd sized ears one being rather small the other being large and floppy, it was her eyes that caught Hermione's attention, her left eye was a vivid sapphire blue while her right eye was almost like a blue and white bull's-eye, with alternating coloured circles. Dobby let the little elf into the living room then woke his two favourite people, and informed them that they had a visitor, Harry and Hermione were each handed an envelope "From the headmaster sir," said the elf as she bowed low enough for her nose to touch the floor.
Harry protested about the time as they each read the Headmasters writing, each envelope was identical. 'To be opened at six am precisely, Albus', Harry turned the envelope over looking for something more but there was nothing.
'What do you think this is all about?' Hermione asked as she too checked the envelope she was holding.
'I have no idea, but Albus does do things in an odd way sometimes'Harry replied.
'We have just under half an hour, might as well get dressed now we are up' Harry yawned as he went back into the bed room.
Hermione was about to follow him when she noticed that Dobby also had an envelope exactly the same as theirs, 'Well what ever is on Albus's mind includes Dobby' she thought as she too went to get dressed.
Dressed and ready Harry, and Hermione, were sitting in the living room finishing a refreshing cup of tea when they heard the clock strike six, together they opened the mystery envelopes. Half a second after opening the envelope, Harry realised it was a portkey, he felt the usual pull just behind his navel and was whisked away, he came to a stop with a bump as his feet hit the floor just seconds later, looking around Harry found himself in a strange room, Hermione and Dobby were also looking around at the strange place they found themselves in. Prepared for danger, Hermione with wand out, rushed to the window while Harry checked out the other rooms, it took them several minutes to accept that there was no apparent danger, Harry scratching his head took out the parchment contained in the envelope.
Harry, you have no doubt checked, but there is no trap, no plot to kidnap you or your wife, this portkey will reactivate at six am exactly one week from today. Meanwhile enjoy your break, you both deserve it. And keep that wife of yours from doing any form of work, Dobby will do all that is to be done. Albus.
Ps, There is a village two miles to the south.
Harry laughed "The crafty old…, and he let me…, I'll get him for this."
"Harry you are not making any sense," Hermione told him as she wondered why he was laughing.
Harry handed the parchment to Hermione who quickly read it, "I wonder where we are?" she asked no one in particular.
Hermione read the note from her envelope as Harry placed his on the fireplace shelf. "It just says 'Do nothing, enjoy Ireland'," she said as she passed it to Harry.
Dobby had disappeared only to reappear two minutes later with a pot of fresh tea. Hermione insisted that he join them for a cup. Dobby was overjoyed by the gesture and sat with a tear in his eye as they all sat and sipped the tea. After a very quick tour of the single story cottage, and finding two bedrooms, one of which was rather small, a fair sized kitchen with a large fireplace, and the cosy living room that they had arrived in. Harry and Hermione decided to take a walk, find out where they were and enjoy the break.
"You know Harry, Albus really is like a grandfather to us, and he's an old romantic," she said as they walked up the little stone path winding through flower beds to the gate.
Harry took her hand and gave it a squeeze, "So Mrs Potter which way shall we go?"
"Well the note said there was a village too the south, so I recon that would be a good start," she replied squeezing his hand in return.
They had only gone a few yards when Harry stopped to listen, he could hear waves crashing over rocks somewhere behind the cottage,
"We'll take a look over that way later," he said as they resumed their casual stroll in the early morning air.
It took them almost an hour to reach the village as they stopped to kiss several times along the way, Harry stood on the outskirts of the village trying to make some sense of the little sign at the side of the lane.
'draíochta sráidbhaile' "Well what ever it says it's obviously not English so it must be Irish, wonder what it says?" Harry said as he gave up trying to pronounce it.
"No idea sweet heart," Hermione was saying when a small voice said "Magical Village, of course."
Both Harry and Hermione looked around for the owner of the voice, "You must be strangers around here," the little voice said with a chuckle.
Harry pulled Hermione behind him protecting her from the direction he thought the voice came from. "Who's there? Show your self," Harry said determinedly
A small popping sound revealed what looked to Harry, like a large fairy, Harry pulled his wand and was pointing it at the fairy like creature faster than most people blink. "Ooooh little jumpy aren't we," the little fairy chuckled, "and that's not exactly friendly, pointing that thing at people you know,"
"Hello, I'm Hermione Potter, and this jumpy person is my husband Harry," Hermione said introducing them.
"Harry put your wand away, don't forget we're visitors here," she told Harry as she gave him a gentle prod.
"Oh yeah, sorry about that, you just gave me a start," Harry said as he put his wand back in his pocket.
"Oh boy, are you the great Harry Potter of Hogwarts?" the little fairy creature asked.
"Yeah, I suppose so, you've heard about me then?" Harry asked.
"This is going to cost me three gold pieces you know, I never should have, but then what's life without a little gamble, eh?" the fairy creature said as his smile faded a little,
"Sorry, I don't understand how can meeting Harry cost you three gold pieces?" Hermione asked.
"Well I bet Mcallwee that Finnegan was exaggerating when he said he went to school at Hogwarts with the great Harry Potter," came the reply.
"You know Seamus then?" Harry asked.
The smile on the little creature fell even further almost vanishing "It's true then, you actually know Seamus Finnegan?"
"Yes Seamus is one of our friends," Hermione answered while Harry just stared.
"I suppose you'll tell me next you know Dumbledore personally too," the little creature asked hopefully.
"Well we are stopping in Albus's cottage over there," Harry said pointing back up the lane. "He's rather like a grandfather to us."
"Really?" the little one grinned.
"Yes really, during the holidays he spends three afternoons a week with us," Harry answered again.
The little fairy like creature did a little jig clapping his hands as he did so.
"Let me guess, you bet five gold pieces on us knowing Dumbledore," Hermione said as she laughed at the creatures dancing.
"Oh better, much better, I bet ten, ten whole gold pieces, will you be going into the village, I can show you the place Finnegan goes to for a drink," the little fairy said happily.
"What is your name, and might I ask without being offensive, what are you?" Hermione ventured hesitantly.
"Me names O'Keefe, as to what am I, I'm not too sure about that, I used to be a leprechaun, but they threw me out of the fairy mound because I didn't like doing the nasty mischief stuff. Oh I still love to play tricks on people. But I much prefer the funny ones, I suppose I'm a 'used to be fairy', I live in the village with the wizards now."
"We were just going in for a look around, don't you think it's a little early for a drink," Harry said as O'Keefe finished speaking.
'Harry maybe we could get a cup of tea, and I could use the little girls room' Hermione suggested.
"Ok O'Keefe my friend, lead on to the refreshments," Harry said making a rather exaggerated sweep of his arm and a bow toward the village. The three of them walked along the lane. Harry and Hermione following O'Keefe, they got a small commentary from O'Keefe about each house or cottage and the family that lived there as they passed along the lane.
"Now I'll just go ahead and Make sure Mcallwee has a brew on, it's the fourth place on the left now," O'Keefe said before vanishing, making a small popping sound again.
"He seems a little odd, bit like Dobby, eh?" Harry commented when the little fellow vanished.
Hermione moved a little closer to him, "We seem to attract the odd ones out," she gave a little titter "Or at least you do, oh great one."
Harry laughed then pulled her close and kissed her with passion, then placing his arm around her and holding her close they began walking again. The sun was warm as it shone over the hedge and Hermione felt really comfortable leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked, 'I am going to enjoy this little break' she thought as she looked at her husband, and felt his comforting arm across her back.
'The great Harry Potter. My man. My husband. My love' she thought 'I never knew I could love so much or so deep, I might have had to wait for four years before he asked me to be his girl, but it was worth all the heart ache and disappointments, another year and we can have a baby, we can make a new life between us, a little one that will be half his and half mine, wonder if we will have a boy or a girl, not that it matters Harry will be a brilliant father, I just know he will. Yes the great Harry Potter will be a great father.
I wonder how much more these people would respect Harry, if they knew the real Harry, the Harry I know, the entire world would love him, but then I'd have to fight off all those witches that would be after him.
She was brought out of her musings by Harry turning her head to look in her eyes, "Hermione, Hermione love this is the place." Harry led them up a small set of steps and through a gate, there just a few yards in front of them were several tables, witches and wizards sat or stood around all chatting happily.
O'Keefe rushed over to meet them then led them to the largest table.
"Allow me to introduce two friends of mine, two of the nicest people I have the pleasure of knowing, and I might say the most beautiful female I ever met outside a fairy mound,"
"How long before you tell us who they are, O'Keefe," laughed one of the witches.
O'Keefe coughed and cleared his throat "As I was saying the most beautiful…" he was cut off by Hermione.
"You're going to make me blush with all the compliments O'Keefe," Hermione said chuckling.
"My friends the Potter's, Harry and Hermione," O'Keefe finally managed bowing to Hermione.
"The Potter, Finnegan's Potter, the Harry Potter dark wizard catcher," gasped a pretty young witch as she stepped forward to take Harry's hand. "Mr Potter, welcome to our little community," she said her eyes fluttering madly at him.
Hermione did not look happy till Harry spoke "Thank you for the warm welcome, you know if that affliction is annoying you, my wife could probably cure it, she is after all the greatest witch alive,"
One of the older witches roared with laughter, "Millicent, in case you don't know, Mr Potter's wife used to be named Granger,"
The witch named Millicent paled as she stepped back and apologised to Hermione.
Hermione smiled "What ever Seamus told you about me, I'm quite sure he exaggerated,"
The ice broken between visitors and locals, every one welcomed the Potters' and they chatted away about all kinds of things until lunchtime. With offers of dinner with almost the entire village, Harry and Hermione said their goodbyes and made their way back to the cottage.
Hermione prepared them a meal, one which mildly surprised Harry as he had not known just how well his wife could now cook. Hermione being who she was, had done all she could to read and study everything she could about being a good wife and the lessons from Mrs Weasley had been well studied.
Harry leant back on the couch "That my love was one of the best meals I ever had." They spent an hour relaxing in each others arms after lunch, giving their lunch time to settle before taking a walk into the back garden; there they found a path that led to the sea.
They spent the rest of their first day exploring the cliff tops, a hundred yards behind the cottage, they found a pathway down to the beach below and decided they would take a walk across the beach first thing the following morning.
Getting back to the cottage and settling in for the evening Harry and Hermione had just removed their shoes, and sat cuddled up on the couch. Dobby had lit them a roaring peat fire and they were both well relaxed. The knock on the door came as a surprise to them, they were not expecting visitors. Harry took out his wand before opening the door, what he found made him gasp a little, it seemed everyone from the village was standing on his doorstep.
O'Keefe stepped from the crowd, and bowed. "Mr Potter a few of the villagers have called to greet you and bid you welcome," he stepped passed Harry and was followed by as many witches and wizards as could get into the house. The party that followed lasted well into the early hours of the morning, the firewhisky and beer flowed freely making both Harry and Hermione wonder where it was all coming from. Several witches made suggestive remarks to Harry who told each one of them he would ask Hermione's opinion on what ever they suggested, he quite enjoyed the different reactions, including one witch who ran from the house as fast as she could. 'I wonder just what Seamus told them about Hermione'
Neither Harry nor Hermione had a drink, though they were offered plenty, when the party began to break up the Potters' had met everyone from the village that was not away at school.
Two very tired young people finally closed the door on their last visitor at four in the morning.
"Hermione love, do you want me to take you to bed, and make mad passionate love to you?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked at Harry as though he was totally mad, "Not tonight I don't,"
"Thank goodness for that," Harry laughed as he made his way to the bed room.
Hermione was right behind him laughing with him, stripping their clothes off they both fell onto the bed and were asleep within seconds.
Chapter Twenty three
It was around eleven the following day when Hermione woke, dressing in her house coat quietly she left the bedroom, and after a quick bath, and a quick moan because there was no shower, she started on breakfast, it was not long before the cottage was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked bacon, and the sound of sizzling sausages filled the little kitchen. Harry woke when his nose told him breakfast was ready, he too moaned about the lack of a shower as he filled the bath, both hot and cold taps on full. A quick wave of his hand set the temperature of the bath too just how he liked it. Lying soaking in the water and thinking of Hermione gave Harry ideas for later.
It was almost midday when Harry sat back in his chair and held his stomach, 'if you keep feeding me up like this I am never going to be able to fit in that chair Ron made for me'.
Hermione smiled at his odd compliment, then took the dishes and with a quick wandless spell she set the dishes to washing themselves. Harry had slipped his shoes on by the time she came back in to the living room, a grumpy house elf was still telling Harry off for letting Hermione do the dishes "Look Dobby I promise I will do them in future, I'll also cook breakfast if it makes you happy," Harry was saying.
'Dobby is going to drive me crazy if he keeps this up' he complained to a grinning Hermione.
'Fancy a walk down to the beach, you can wear that sexy red bikini'he thought as she pulled her shoes on.
'You want to see a bikini at this time of year, you best put it on your self' she laughed.
'Yes, well on second thoughts, maybe a jumper might be better'Harry said picturing her in the little red bikini he had only seen once.
They left the cottage hand in hand and that's how they walked down to the beach, several brave people were attempting to ride the surf on various inflatable mattresses just a hundred yards or so to the right so they turned left and made their way slowly across the sand.
Harry suddenly stated "You really do love me don't you,"
Hermione looked at him wondering where this statement had come from, "Yes Harry, I really do love you, I love you more today than I did this time last week, and I loved you more last week, a thousand times more than the day when we first kissed."
They walked a few more yards when he spoke again "I was trying to think of some words that would express my love for you, all I could think of is, you are my yesterday, today, and tomorrow, you're my bread and butter, and my strawberry cream cake, I mean you mean everything to me Hermione, you're my food and drink, light and dark, sun and moon."
Hermione wondered what he had been thinking about when he spoke again "See there just aren't the words that say enough, those three little words 'I love you', hold a whole world of meaning in them."
"Is my man becoming a romanticist?" she asked turning to give him a kiss.
Harry thought about how much she must have loved him in this life and in his other life, she had always looked after him, tried to keep him safe, given her time freely too him, everything she had ever done since she was eleven years old, she had done with him in mind. He was determined in this life he would make up for all the heart ache he must have caused her in the other time when he chose Ginny and not her; she had been left with Ron.
She had not had a lot of choice, she loved Harry and she had given up so much for him, her teens and her early twenties; she had never gone to dances or dressed in girly clothes. She had given her entire life to him and he had left her for another. A tear fell down his cheek and he held her tight, holding her for all he was worth. He knew then he would never let her go again and he would never let her down, she was now, and would always remain the centre of his universe.
Hermione wondered what was troubling her husband as he held on to her as though afraid she would disappear if he let go, she felt the dampness of tears on her cheek as he held his cheek against hers, he had no reason to worry she would love him more and more until she couldn't possibly love him more.
They both enjoyed their walk along the beach, she with her head resting against his shoulder, while he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, he stroked her arm gently as they walked and she found it soothing away her concerns. What ever had been troubling him; he had obviously thought it through and had made some decision about it.
They had walked for about a mile when they saw it, a Muggle resort; they could see the Ferris wheel and the big dipper, from where they stood. Harry made his mind up that on the Thursday morning he would take Hermione for a day in a Muggle resort.
Very slowly they strolled back along the beach; the last thing they expected was the voice of O'Keefe.
"Nice here if you like water," their new little friend said before appearing in front of them, "but you two should get a move on, the tide has turned and this beach will be a mighty wet place to be in around thirty minutes."
Both Harry and Hermione looked at the waters edge, then together they thanked O'Keefe.
"We would have been ok though, Hermione could have taken us to the cottage at anytime." Harry informed him.
Satisfied his new friends were in no danger O'Keefe walked with them along the beach, toward the cottage.
"So Mrs Potter is it true that when Harry fought that dragon, it was you who went into the tent and made him face it," O'Keefe asked as they neared the path up to the top of the cliffs.
"What?" Hermione and Harry asked at the same time.
O'Keefe looked at the two surprised faces before replying "Seamus said that Harry fought a Horntail in the triwizard cup, and that when his nerves got the better of him, you went into the tent, and made Harry go out and face the beast, and he went rather than face your anger." he looked at her then at Harry "Seamus said you have a temper so bad you turned some fellow into a pure white ferret, just by looking at him, Seamus said even the professors dare not upset you. Told us all about how you turned an entire family into red heads with a single thought." According to O'Keefe Hermione made the wicked witch of the north seem like a fairy godmother when she lost her temper.
The next few minutes the air was filled with expletives as Hermione alternated between descriptions of what she was going to do to Seamus Finnegan, and the various names that might fit him. Harry walked just a little behind his rather angry wife, holding O'Keefe back a little as well.
"I just would not like to be Seamus when we get back," Harry said as several large rocks shattered as Hermione passed them.
O'Keefe eyed the rocks as they shattered then looked up at Harry and nodded his head toward the next rock that burst asunder "Oh boy, poor Seamus," he said shaking his head.
"Oh Hermione's all right at the moment, this is nothing to when she really gets going." Harry laughed.
'I heard that Harry Potter'' Hermione's thought burst into his head.
'Are you angry at me now?' Harry asked warily, an idea flashing through his mind.
'No of course not, just don't go making me seem worse, no wonder that poor girl ran away last night' Hermione thought a little calmer.
'Hermione calm down a minute, this could be important, did you here me or O'Keefe talking, sound wise I mean?' Harry asked her.
After a rather long pause she answered him 'No, I heard the conversation in my head'
'That's a new development, tell you what, can you concentrate on me while I talk to O'Keefe, I wont mention you and I'll try not to think about you, see what happens' Harry told her before turning to his small companion.
"Fancy a cup of tea O'Keefe? Whats your first name by the way?" Harry asked as they approached the cottage.
"I would love a cup of tea, as for my name, well I don't usually tell that to people, it doesn't quite fit the image of a person like me," O'Keefe answered.
"Come on, I wont laugh, and if it's that bad I wont call it you in public," Harry cajoled him.
"Well no laughing now," O'Keefe said quietly "Its Hubert,"
"Yes well you were right, it definitely doesn't fit you," Harry said with a smile as he opened the cottage door.
'We can always call him Hugh, I always liked that' Harry heard Hermione think.
"So O'Keefe, how about we call you Hugh, so much better than O'Keefe eh?" Harry said smiling.
"Hugh. Hmm, not bad, ok Mr Potter, Hugh it is." O'Keefe agreed.
"Harry, and Hermione, Not Mr or Mrs Potter, Ok," Harry said as he offered the little one a seat.
That morning at Hogwarts, Ron, Neville, and Seamus had been enjoying breakfast with Ginny when the post arrived, a strange brown owl dropped a letter to Seamus, having read the letter from the girl who had run from Hermione the night before, a very pale Seamus pushed his unfinished breakfast away across the table.
"Something wrong," Neville asked the little Irish man when he saw him turn pale.
Seamus handed Ron the letter, "So Harry and Hermione are over in Ireland for her birthday then," Ron said as he passed the letter on to Neville.
"Neville read the letter then asked "So what has the Potter's being at this place got to do with you?" he asked Seamus, "And why would someone send you a letter to tell you?"
Seamus paled a little more "Well I might have been there for the odd week end, and I might have told a few stories about Harry and Hermione, and I may have exaggerated just a tiny jot," he gulped "I'm dead aren't I?" he asked looking at his dorm mates.
"If you have been telling stories about Hermione that warrant someone warning you they are there, well lets just say, as soon as Hermione sees you I for one am off, fast as my legs will carry me," Neville laughed.
Hugh O'Keefe appeared outside the pub in the village, his head held a little higher than normal, the great Harry Potter had become his friend, and the awesome Hermione, greatest witch of the millennium had allowed him to call her by her first name. He was the only one in the village who had been afforded such a huge privilege.
Ordering a drink O'Keefe turned to his fellow customers and began to tell the tale of how Hermione had walked across the beach holding back the tide and destroying vast areas of the cliff side. Exaggeration it seemed was not only restricted to Seamus Finnegan in this isolated little community of magical people.
Harry cooked the evening meal, slightly burning some of the vegetables as he cooked the muggle way, Hermione lounged in comfort in front of the fire reading a romantic novel about some English soldier and a French girl during the second world war.
Harry started afresh peeling and chopping vegetables 'Do you fancy popping down to the pub later' he asked as he finished filling the pan he was using.
'I think I would rather have a quiet night tonight, just you me and maybe a little music' she replied.
'And where do we get the music from?' he wondered as he walked in from the kitchen with a plate of food in each hand. 'I thought we could eat in front of the fire' he said passing her the plate and kissing her cheek.
"Dobby, come on over here and sit down," Harry told the little elf who was sitting quietly in a corner, having handed a plate to Dobby Harry went back to the kitchen to fetch his own meal.
'Well you could serenade me with all the romantic songs you know'Hermione replied a huge grin on her face.
'Its one way of spoiling a perfect day, I suppose' Harry chuckled as he joined her in front of the fire, 'we could go to bed and make sweet music together'
'Corny Harry, that is really corny' Hermione laughed as they all tucked in to their food. Plates balanced in their laps.
They spent the rest of the evening and the whole of the next day in the bedroom only leaving the room for essentials.