Chapter Text
August 24, 1996
Bushy, England
Harry was not a fan of the night bus, but there wasn't any inns or pubs he knew close to enough to Hermione's to walk too easily. It was also much quicker than taking the train. He was willing to trade a less than ten-minute ride and a bruise or two for more than forty-five minutes by train and bus.
She lived in a nice neighbourhood with two level homes and nice cars. He knocked on the door and she opened it a few seconds later. "You're late," she said with a smile.
"I'm still four minutes early," he told her.
"That just leaves less time for me to kiss you," Hermione responded and pulled him in for a quick kiss before her father cleared his throat behind her.
"Evening, Mr. Granger," Harry said, pulling back and meeting the man's eyes. Harry would not be embarrassed or cowed for kissing his girlfriend, especially when she was the one to start it.
"Evening, Harry. Why don't you come in? Jane will be getting dinner on the table shortly and Hermione wanted us all to go to the theatre afterwards," the man said.
"Brilliant," Harry responded. He had only been to a theatre twice. Both times with his Uncle Ted and Dora.
"You don't mind watching a cartoon? Mum likes to see anything Disney puts out?" Hermione asked.
"Don't really care. I've only been twice and rarely watching the tellie," he told her. "Aunt Bel never wanted to get one."
"Is that Harry," he heard Jane call out.
"Come in," Dan said.
Hermione took his hand and they moved to the back of the house. "Take these." Hermione put some plates in his hands.
Jane laughed. "Welcome to our house, Harry. I thought he was a guest?" she asked her daughter.
"He is," Hermione said, pecking him on the cheek. "This is what we would do at Aunt Millie's and Uncle Tim's."
Dan just looked at them. "You want anything to drink, Harry?"
"Water or milk will be fine, please."
Harry was happy that he had gotten to know them over the summer. It didn't feel awkward to be around her parents.
He followed Hermione into a dining room and the second he put the plates down, he pulled her in for a longer kiss. "I missed you," he said, putting his forehead against hers. Five days without her was torturous.
"I missed you too," she said, her arms around his neck and she went up on her toes to kiss him again.
They pulled apart way too soon and finished setting the table. "Are you ready to go back next Sunday?" Jane queried as she put a bowl of salad into his hands.
"Yeah. I can't wait to use my wand when I want again. I need it to start on my research," he told her.
"Twenty-six days and then I can use mine whenever I want," Hermione said with a smile.
"I'm a little jealous of that," he told her.
"Not my fault I'm older," she retorted.
"I'm going to have to wait over a month next summer before I'm seventeen. Guess I can make more yarn and stuff for a month," he sounded dejected.
Dan shook his head. "It's not a competition."
"Yes, it is," he responded.
"You still want to get ahead of me this year?" she challenged with a raised eyebrow as he took the salad to the table and she took a tray of condiments and spices.
He flushed a little. "That's not as important, I guess," he told her.
"Liar," she laughed. "It's not like I have other competition."
"Daphne and Padma aren't that far behind us," he said.
"They are really good in a few things, but not like you," she commented.
Jane came in with a pot and Dan followed with two bowls. A really nice smelling curry and rice was placed on the table. "Hope you enjoy this," Jane said.
"Smells great, Jane," Harry replied.
They sat. Harry had to say this felt much like when he would eat with his aunts and Uncle when Aunt Bel and him went to the Tonks.
"Hermione said in your last letter you already started on your project?" Jane asked him as she put some curry in a bowl for him.
"I started the calculations for the charms I would like to put on the rings," he said.
"Oh, really? I've only been able to find some old references for the potion ingredients. I was waiting to start on the calculations for those wards once we got back and you try casting them," she told him.
"I'm not sure if I want to use those yet. I'd rather get an approximation of how much magic they use and latency leak. We can't afford the council or the ICW to notice," he said.
Jane chuckled. "You two are taking a break tonight from all that. All Hermione has done the last few days is bury herself in her books when we aren't home."
"It's not like I have a lot else to do and we only have nine months before we need to submit our first papers," she told Jane.
"That doesn't seem like a lot of time," he commented.
"It really isn't," Hermione agreed.
"It will be fine," Dan told them. "I doubt they expect world class research from students just going into their sixth year."
Harry looked at the man. He expected it of himself. Hermione took his hand. He had no doubt she did as well. "Dad, I need to impress the Grant Board. They wouldn't give me the grant to work on an arithmantic treaties on apparition this year. The Board thought I didn't have enough experience yet."
Harry kissed the back of her hand. "I know you do."
"You always get what you put your mind too, princess. Now, eat. We need to leave in about forty minutes to make the eight o'clock showing," Jane told her.
"I still think you could do it now," he told her.
Dan shook his head and Jane just sighed. "They're perfect for each other," he thought he heard Jane whisper.
-oOo-
August 30, 1996
Godric's Hollow, England
Harry had come early with Aunt Bel. He was standing against the stone of the archway to the graveyard as Aunt Bel had apparated away to pick up Hermione.
No one else was here yet and he looked into the graveyard.
A stuttering breath escaped him. He had never just gone up to his parent's grave on his own. Feeling an urge to talk with them, he sighed, picked up the wreath of flowers and wandered in. He knew his destination. It was by an elder tree in a corner of the graveyard.
As he walked up to it, he read the saying that he had wondered over for so many years. 'The last enemy to be destroyed is death.'
Harry put the wreath down at the base of the grave and then put his hand on the top of it.
"Hey, mum. Dad." He said, his voice sounding hollow to him.
"I know I haven't been here since Easter. It's been busy." He took a note out of his pocket and tucked it in behind the wreath. "You can read that when you have time."
He didn't say anything for a few minutes.
"So, you might be proud. I got ten OWL's. Sorry I couldn't match your ten Outstandings, mum, but I just couldn't spit out the lies for History of Magic and I hate Astronomy. Only made Exceed Expectations in those."
"Aunt Bel says I have some of dad's stubbornness. I was able to get four special marks, so I guess I bested your three. I did get one more OWL than you dad."
"Hermione is a little disappointed though. She knew I could have done it."
He sniffed. "I hope I didn't disappoint you. Aunt Bel was really proud of me."
He tried to fight the welling in his eyes.
"So, just so you don't hear it from someone else. Aunt Andi was upset enough. That girl I've always told you about. Well, she made top of class again this year. I'm not sure that really matters though."
He crouched down and spoke in a lower voice.
"Aunt Andi was right. I like her. I more than like her. I think I may love her."
He smiled. "You would like her. She is smart. Smarter than me. She is pretty, kind, brave and all the things people tell me you were like. Dad, if mom was anything like Hermione, I get it why you loved her so much."
He wiped a tear. "I wish you could meet her."
"Dad, I also get why you wanted to marry mom. I found some of your old journals. I know you felt that way in fourth year. Took me a little more time to get there. I hope you can wait. I am not ready to ask her yet but figure I will once we graduate."
Sniffing, he wiped his cheek again.
"I don't remember you, but I miss you," he said. "I just hope I am doing you proud."
Someone sniffed behind him, and he spun around. His family, those that raised and care for him, where standing behind him. Aunt Bel was standing a few feet away with Hermione. Standing a few rows back was Aunt Andi, Uncle Ted, Dora, Uncle Remus, Neville and even his Great Aunt Augusta.
"How long have you been there?" he asked, his voice a little thick.
"Long enough," a teary Hermione said.
He flushed some and got up. "How much did you hear," he enquired.
Hermione came up and wrapped her arms around him. She whispered in his ear. "Only Aunt Bel and I were close enough to hear. I love you too."
He stiffened for a moment before relaxing and wrapping his arms around her. He felt Hermione. It was her magic reaching for him. He felt how much she cared. After a moment, he put his head on her shoulder. A hand touched his shoulder.
"They would be very proud of you, Harry. Never doubt that. They would like Hermione."
He backed away, a watery smile on his face. "I hope so," he said pulling back and Hermione moved to take his hand. He turned to the grave. "So, this is Hermione."
She held his hand tight. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. I would just like to thank you," she said quietly. "I'll make sure he keeps doing what he is doing. I am proud of him."
Harry smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you for coming."
After a moment, he looked at everyone else. "It's alright if you want to come closer," Harry told them, still feeling his eyes wet.
Aunt Andi came up and hugged him. "Lily and James would be bragging about what you. They loved you and they would love Hermione."
He nodded and she let him go to touch the grave.
Uncle Remus came up next to them. "Rest in peace, my friends," the man said and put some flowers on his parents’ grave and the one next to them.
Harry turned. The tomb next to his parents' read:
Sirius Orion Black
3 November 1959 - 31 October 1980
In death, as in life, always right beside his friends. The only ones to truly care.
Uncle Remus knelt down before Sirius grave and Aunt Andi put a hand on his shoulder. "I convinced them to name Sirius their secret keeper, Andi. It should be me here."
Hermione let go of his hand as he stooped down next to his uncle.
"There were many that were taken from us before their time," his Great Aunt said. "Harry, I may not agree with your decision, but Belvina is right. All three of these brave people would be proud of you."
Harry put a hand on Sirius grave. "Thank you," he said, knowing the man had endured three days of torture trying to save him and his parents. The man had given his life for him. Just as his parents had. He didn't feel worthy of so much.
"His stone should be changed," his Uncle Ted said.
Uncle Remus looked up. "Why would you say that?"
"He stood next to his family," his uncle told them.
-oOo-
September 1, 1996
Little Sark, UK
"You're up early. You usually sleep in the day you go to Hogwarts," Aunt Bel said as he fed Tiffany some milk from a bottle.
Late to them was like eight in the morning. He doubted it was half-past six. Prim was sitting with him. "She was giving Prim some issues eating. Is it going to be alright to leave her here, or should I ask Professor Hagrid if I can take her to Hogwarts?" he asked.
She gave him a loving smile. "Tiffany will be fine. I'll help every morning if need be. I finally found another farm selling some ewes. I will be going next weekend and let you know what I can get."
Harry pet the lamb. None of the other mothers had taken to her, which was not uncommon. They had to get her through another two or three months. Aegean Sheep grew slower than normal sheep and usually milked for six months or more. It was very important to keep them healthy and growing so they could live for fifteen years or more.
"Don't worry, Harry. Tiffany will be alright," she said opening the gate and coming in. "Why don't you get cleaned up and make sure your trunk is packed. You need to leave in about three hours."
"Once she is done."
She knelt down and pet the feeding lamb.
"You want me to go to the station with you?" she offered.
"Up to you. I can go alone. I know you have that cloak and dress you need to finish soon," he told her.
"They aren't as important as you," she said.
"I'm meeting Hermione outside the station about ten past ten. She wants to be there early," he told her.
She chuckled. "Yeah, that is early. We don't usually show until about twenty of."
"I know," he told her.
It was silent until Tiffany finished and then he let her in with the other sheep. "I'm just going to take a walk around the fences before I get ready," he told her. He had done that yesterday too.
"Sure," she said.
As he was going out the side door his aunt called out to him. "Harry?"
"Yeah, Aunt Bel?"
"Are you nervous going back because of Hermione or because of what you did," she asked.
He smiled. "I am not nervous about Hermione."
She nodded. "You did what is right for you and I think it will be better for everyone. What are you going to do once you turn seventeen? You still have the Black's Lordship."
"I don't know. Why haven't you wanted me to tell anyone?"
"Technically it is sealed until the heir turns seventeen. No one knows you have been declared the heir. Others could challenge you for it if they did. I don't want that Lordship, or the vassal houses, to fall into the wrong hands," she told him.
"You mean the Malfoys?" he asked.
"There has also been some rumours of releasing some long-term prisoners from Azkaban. If they were to challenge you before next July, there may be enough votes on the Wizengamot to transfer the rights Sirius passed to you to another."
He sighed. "Why can't I just be me? Why do I have to worry about all those politics," he wanted to know.
"You're a Potter and a Black. Two of the oldest houses still active in Britain. Even giving up your Lordship of the Potters, you will still have links back to Britain. A blood line that has been tied to the lands and magic there can't just step aside after a thousand years and not lose something," she told him.
"I don't care about our blood. That was why you moved to Guernsey though, isn't it? You couldn't break that lineage and had to remain on soil attached to the Crown?"
She sighed. "You had to. Once my father disowned me, I was free to leave. I have no bloodline to keep me in Brittan, or here. What I have started here is my new lineage. A lineage that will be passed to you when I die. You know the powers of Blood are as much part of the lands you call home as is your heritage."
He sighed. "I haven't told Hermione all this yet."
"I figured. Do you love her?" she asked.
Thinking of her always brought a smile to his face. "Yes."
"I know the attraction of magic. Do you intend to marry her?"
"We're only sixteen! Can I just date her for a while?" he asked.
"You claimed you were Escorting her to your Great Aunt and others. You know the importance of that. Does Hermione?"
"I don't know," he said.
"You need to talk to her. The first chance you get at Hogwarts, you need to find the time and place to tell her. I see how you care. As your Representative for Head of House, I can feel the attraction. I can feel your magic already claiming her and hers you," Aunt Bel told him.
He didn't look at her. "I took her to the Seer Pool," he admitted.
She clicked her tongue. "I see. And what did it show you?"
Harry blushed. After a moment, he reached into his pocket. He had carried the broach on him every day since they had seen a possibility of their future. He looked at it before tossing it to his aunt. "I offered my mother's broach."
His Aunt caught it and looked at it. After a few seconds her brow rose. She regarded it before taking out her wand. Harry watched as she examined it for a few.
"The Pool gave you this?" she asked, and he looked up at her.
"I was only asking if I should transfer everything to Sark and give up my titles," he said. "Aunt Bel, it showed Hermione in a wedding dress and four kids that could only have been ours."
She smiled. "James found his mate early and Camden and I started dating our fifth year. Magic knows when you are ready, even if you aren't. All I have to say is don't fight it and just let it happen as it will if you two want to stay together. You know this is only made when a bond is started?" she asked holding the broach out for him.
"I'm not ready for that," he said.
She held his eyes for a few. "Whether you are or not, it has started. Tell her, Harry. She has the right to know and understand what is happening. You may have a few months to reverse this, if you both want, but you both should understand what is going on. I like her. I like her a lot and you two are good for each other. Don't blow it."
He came over and took the broach from her hand and looked at it again. It was Hermione's face carved into the white ivory-like centre. It even had the head piece with flowers they had seen in the vision. "What if she hates me for keeping this from her?"
"When did you finally figure it out? I know I have taught you about the Pureblood courtship rituals, but I didn't think you realized it yet," she questioned. "I was going to see how it played out, but something has changed in the last few days."
He gave a smile. "She told me she loves me when we were visiting my parent's grave. I only really figured how I really cared about her in the last week. Before telling my parents, I didn't believe it. I love her, but once she said it, I felt her magic, Aunt Bel."
She nodded. "I wondered what she whispered to you. Usually, you are a right prick those days we go to see them. This time you were sad, but not angry. You also seem to finally accept that you are making them proud."
Harry chuckled. "Thanks. I can always count on you to tell me like it is."
Aunt Bel smiled. "I have never held back on you. I don't want you to be like I was, or even your father was before he grew up and realized what our world was doing to us. James and Lily were good people. You are a good person, Harry James Potter. Hermione makes you better and I see the affects you have on her. If you really love her, you need to tell her everything."
He sighed. "I don't want to live in Britain," he said. "Sark is my home. I don't want to be involved in politics."
"Because you are inheriting the Lordship of Black, you are not bound by the residency requirements as you would have your birth House. You will still need to spend a month a year on soil controlled by the Ministry, but as long as you live in a place recognized by the crown, you can spend the rest of the year here," she told him.
"Will it make a difference?" he questioned.
"You have family, friends and others that look up to you there. I wanted you out of there because I didn't see any other way and I was trying to protect you. I admit I didn't realize what renouncing your Scion rights would do, but there is a chance to make a difference now. Your parents and Sirius fought to keep you alive and make a change. It's up to you what you want to do," she told him.
Harry listened to the sheep moving around and bleating as Prim finished the morning feeding and chores. Chores he should have done, but he was in a sulky mood this morning. He had been in a sulky mood for two days now. Realizing how he truly felt for Hermione and that she felt the same had made him question what he had done. It wasn't fair for him to ask her to give up her home for him.
It wasn't fair that he could just up and leave and leave so many he cared about to just get by, counting on the ICW to do the work.
Sark was his home. It always would be.
Britain needed him though, and he was privileged enough that he could make a change.
He was being selfish to ask Hermione to give all that up if she didn't want too. He was also being selfish not to help those that he could. People like his Uncle Remus, who lost his job just because he is a werewolf. It didn't matter that he never endangered anyone and outside of the full moon the man was the kindest and most gentle person he knew. Or Uncle Ted, who had to fight his way to become a top Solicitor just because he was a Muggleborn. Or his mother.
He didn’t want Hermione, or possibly their children, to be discriminated again or restricted if she chose not to move to Sark.
"I love Hermione, Aunt Bel."
She stepped over to him and patted him affectionately on the cheek. "I ran because it was easy, and it allowed me to find a safe place for you. I didn't have any power to help those except give them a place to run too. If you love Hermione, ask if she wants to fight or run. You should do whatever you are going to do together."
He sighed. "I will talk with Hermione. I need to talk with Neville too."
She pulled him into a hug. "You're a good man, Harry."
"I will make my parents and you and Hermione and everyone proud of me."
"We already are," she assured him.
-oOo-
C'est Fin!