Molly Weasley was an overbearing mother. She knew that. And she knew that the howlers she sent to Hogwarts were more shaming than correcting any misbehaving. But the fact that Ron had beat up Neville Longbottom because the lad was taking Ginny to the ball made her want to scream a howler at her son. Unfortunately Albus wasn't done. "I have looked at Ronald's scores and gathered memories from his classmates. I am certain that Ronald has only passed his previous years because of Miss Granger. I think he has absorbed little of the material."
"Hermione helped him cheat?"
"Oh I doubt that very much," Albus said. "No according to Mr. Potter she would correct their homework for them and tell them what they got wrong. Many of Ronald's good papers and tests bear a striking resemblance to Mr. Potter's. Mr. Potter had no knowledge of this. I think it would be best if we send Ronald back to first year. His work then seemed to mostly be his own up until Miss Granger became friends with Mr. Potter."
The Weasleys were dumbfounded. Albus continued, "We realize the fact he might require seven more years of schooling is a bit much to put on you. His previous years will be refunded and he will return to first year, even bunking in that dorm."
Arthur was almost afraid to ask, "And if that doesn't work, Albus?"
"His wand will be snapped," the headmaster answered. "My concern is his behavior. Miss Granger and Miss Delacour have thus far been kind enough to blast him with their allure as opposed to drawing their wands. However according to Miss Granger's dormmates Ronald is getting dangerously close to finding himself at the end of her wand. I don't think I need to tell you what that could mean for the boy."
"No you don't," Molly sighed. "Can you re-sort him? Keep him away from Hermione and Harry a bit? I don't want them to get in trouble if Ronald does something to warrant a hex or curse."
"I will discuss it with the Sorting Hat. I must go now but if you have any questions by all means please contact me."
"What is Ron's punishment for fighting Neville Longbottom?"
"He's staying in the dorms tonight and not attending the ball. He will also receive two weeks of detentions. His point loss was overcome by Miss Granger's reward for healing Mr. Longbottom so expertly. Poppy said she couldn't have done better."
"Thank you for telling us Albus. Enjoy the rest of your night."
"I hope I do," he exited the floo and turned back into his office. He sighed, "I don't know how Draco Malfoy's name came out of the goblet but I'm quite glad that Ronald Weasley's didn't." Fawkes gave a trill that sounded like he agreed with his human. "I do agree with Molly. Re-sorting Ronald would hopefully keep him out of trouble. At the very least out of trouble from the two people who could most severely harm him." He glanced at the Sorting Hat, "I hope you have a place for him. I can't think of a single house that suits him at present."
"I shall think on it," the hat said.
The Great Hall was all decked out. It looked incredibly beautiful and festive. Harry squeezed Hermione's waist affectionately and she leaned against him more than was required. "No Ron takes out the biggest worry for the ball," Harry said.
"Draco has a date," Hermione said, nodding toward Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass, "That's Daphne's sister."
"The Slytherin who you tutor?" Harry's eyes widened, "Wonder why her sister's Malfoy's date."
"I find I don't care enough to ask the question," Hermione answered. "Let's get our seats. And where are those twins?"
"Don't know but now I'm worried about the present they got us," Harry said. "It is the twins, after all."
"Yes but I think they're a little afraid of me."
"That does help," Harry admitted. After her destruction of the Defense classroom's blackboard plenty of people were afraid of Hermione. "So you got the invite to France then?"
"I've had it since Fleur and I became close," she smiled. "However today my parents are receiving an invitation to spend part of the summer in France from Fleur's mother. I've written home about Fleur and how close we are and I'm certain they'll say yes. Since Fleur's father is the minister getting there will be free."
"Smart," Harry nodded. "Is Remus invited? I got sunglasses from him."
"Yes both he and Snuffles are being invited. Mr. Delacour says once Snuffles is on French soil he can ask for asylum and then the French government can demand a trial."
"He could be freed?"
"Yes," she nodded. Harry's smile grew and she returned it. "Is your Christmas getting better Harry?"
"I didn't think it was possible but apparently I underestimated one Hermione Granger."
Hermione grinned before saying, "Try not to let that happen again." He saluted her which had her rolling her eyes. "Playful Harry is never bad to see."
"I'm glad you approve," he kissed her forehead gently before holding out her chair for her. "So what does one do on vacation?"
"Relax, unwind, toss their boyfriend into the ocean," she listed.
"And does said boyfriend get to return the favor?"
"Depends on the girlfriend's mood," she winked. Harry grinned.
Once everyone was seated dinner began. Sitting at Harry and Hermione's table was Ginny and Neville, Parvati and Colin, and Lavender and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Fleur and Viktor sat at the head table with Cedric and Cho with Draco and Astoria sitting on the end. Astoria did not look happy and Draco looked miserable. "Did you know that Fleur and Viktor were going together?" Lavender asked Hermione.
"No she didn't want to tell anyone and neither did Viktor according to Harry."
"It makes sense," Ginny said. "Viktor will frighten off male suitors and what female in this castle wants to go against a Veela for Krum? Kind of like why all of Harry's fangirls have gone quiet."
"Romilda Vane can be found crying in a chair in the common room on occasion," Hermione said, "she mutters about how her dreams are destroyed. Then she sees me and pales." Parvati and Lavender both giggled while Neville snorted. Harry rolled his eyes. He had a higher tolerance of his fame now thanks to Viktor. He still refused autographs and pictures though. He was too afraid people would use the autographs to sign a marriage contract or something.
Dinner was quite delicious. Harry had never seen Hermione eat a steak before. Where she put it he wasn't sure but she devoured it and did so far more politely than Ron ever could. When it came time for the dancing portion of the evening to begin they watched as the four champions took to the floor. Fleur and Viktor were easily the best dancers of the six. They were the most comfortable with each other easily. "I wonder just how long they've been keeping something secret from us," Hermione whispered to Harry. "It seems like there's something between them."
"They do seem to move like we do," Harry admitted. He left it unsaid that he meant they moved like lovers.
Cedric and Cho danced okay but Astoria Greengrass appeared to be sucking lemons throughout the dance. Draco Malfoy looked like he was ready to blow up in anger. It was obviously uncomfortable. When the music ended Astoria swiftly made her way toward her big sister while Draco marched back to the head table. Harry stood and offered Hermione his hand. Neville stood and offered his to Parvati while Colin and Ginny went to the dance floor together, "I knew that would happen," Harry said once he'd pulled Hermione into his arms.
"Me too. I think it's nice that they did that."
"Nice way to dodge the age rule," Harry admitted. Dancing with Hermione was well worth the time spent learning how to dance. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too Harry," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. "Are you still worried about my parents?"
"Not as much as I was," he admitted. "I mean I don't want them to think poorly of you but I understand this is a great deal for them to take in. So patience will be the key; both on our part and on theirs."
She smiled. "That's very mature Harry."
"Well I don't think we want them thinking we're immature while we're shagging like rabbits," he pointed out.
She laughed, "No I would have to say we don't want that. Have you told Viktor?"
"No. After Ron has been so…treacherous," Harry could think of no other word though he was sure Hermione could have, "I haven't exactly been the most trusting. Except with you."
Hermione mulled this over before asking, "Were you mad I told Fleur?"
"Of course not," he shook his head, "I know how few female friends you've ever had. And Fleur totally understands you. Not just on the Veela stuff either. You two are really close. I think it's great. I'll even wear the speedo she got me for you."
"So thoughtful of her," she smiled. "However did she know that all I wanted for Christmas was you?"
"Maybe she's part-seer too," Harry teased.
"Don't even joke about such malarkey Harry," Hermione playfully scolded.
The song ended and a new one was about to begin when Fleur and Viktor arrived, "Do you mind Harry? I weesh to dance with both lovely Veela tonight."
"I suppose I can let you go for one dance," Harry said, kissing Hermione before bowing to Fleur.
"Don't steal my boyfriend Fleur," Hermione winked.
The blonde laughed, "I shall try to not fall madly in love with him."
"If it helps I can step on your feet," Harry offered, grinning.
"Do and die, Potter," Fleur said, her eyes narrowing before she smiled at him.
Harry danced with Fleur for a single song before returning to Hermione's arms. Viktor and Fleur joined them at their table as they talked and laughed. Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet, Fred and George's dates for the evening, walked over, "Harry, Hermione? Fred and George want you two to go out to the gardens. Your present is out there."
Hermione and Harry exchanged a look before he helped her up, "Let's not keep them waiting then," she said. Curious, Viktor and Fleur followed them outside.
The twins smiled at each other and once the couple was in view they launched their specially made fireworks. Harry and Hermione gazed up at the sky as an amazing fireworks display took place, ranging from spectacular scenarios like a little boy leaping onto a troll's back to save a little girl to a dragon roaring to life in the sky and culminating in a heart being drawn in the sky with HP & HG written inside of it. An arrow shot through the heart and from the tip a shower of sparks fell to the ground. All told the fireworks show was fifteen minutes long.
The couple went to the twins and hugged them, "That was amazing you two. Thanks."
"We should thank you. If it weren't for your help we couldn't have made the buttons or the ping pong sets. And with you telling us who the Marauders are we've got start up funds for the store we want to open. We really couldn't do that without you two," Fred said.
"We wanted to give you something really unique and special for Christmas," George nodded.
"Hard to beat a fireworks display," Harry smirked. The twins grinned.
Draco Malfoy sat and stewed. Half-breeds, creatures, and blood traitors were being lauded and were more popular than ever. It was disgusting. He would have to prove his upbringing somehow. Prove that he was superior. But how? How did he do that? Perhaps some sabotage was in order…
Ron Weasley was sitting in his dorm room grumbling. Stupid Potter. He just knew that his punishment was Potter's fault. Somehow. And the Veela just had to show off healing Longbottom. He really loathed them both. Potter the bastard who had everything Ron had ever wanted and the Veela who never let him cheat off of her. Stupid know-it-all bitch. Ron craved making Harry Potter jealous. But the stupid git had it all; even the girl Ron had figured he could bag to taunt Harry that he finally had something he wanted. Hexing Potter was a nice idea. He'd stay up and wait until the right moment.
After a walk through the gardens the couple returned to the Great Hall to dance together. Harry danced with only Hermione the rest of the night. They enjoyed watching people try to walk up and ask Fleur or Viktor to dance. Both refused each time and eventually people seemed to get the rather obvious hint that they were not dancing with anyone else that evening; Harry and Hermione were the one-time exceptions to that rule. As the signal for the last song of the evening came Harry pulled Hermione into his arms and the couple took to the floor with other couples. Hermione's head rested on Harry's shoulder and he sighed in contentment. Glancing around Ginny and Colin were seen dancing together, a shyness between them that was rather adorable. Parvati was dancing with a boy from Durmstrang, Fred and George were with their dates, Fleur and Viktor were together…but there was definitely something there. Harry nudged his lover and moved his eyes toward their friends.
Hermione gave a surreptitious glance before smiling, "Do you think they know?"
"Viktor isn't as dim as I am," Harry said.
"Okay rephrase. Do you think they are?"
"I think Fleur will tell you soon whether they are or aren't," he answered. "Personally, I think they are."
"Me too," she whispered. Harry smiled.
They were exiting the Hall when Albus Dumbledore smiled at them, "How was the evening?"
"Quite lovely Headmaster," Hermione said, masking her feelings for the man who'd put Harry in a horrible situation.
Harry just nodded in agreement with his girlfriend. Dumbledore handed him a letter, "It is quite important you open this when the two of you are alone. The invitation applies to Miss Granger as well." With that he was gone and two confused teens made their way up to their special room after saying goodbye to their friends.
Harry opened the letter once the door to the room had vanished:
Harry,
There are some things I must apologize to you for as well as tell you about. I have done wrong by you these past 13 years and I want to try to do right by you for a change. I suggest a meeting in my office tomorrow morning. The password is Mars Bar.
Albus Dumbledore
"What do you think?" Harry asked his lover.
"I think I'm definitely going with you," she said. "And if he tries anything the harpy is coming out to play." Harry grinned at that. She kissed him, "Now then, I owe you quite the Christmas snog still and I need your assistance to unzip my dress."
Harry unzipped her dress and was surprised to see Hermione let the dress fall to reveal that she'd only been wearing her knickers underneath her dress. Harry swallowed hard and she turned with a smile. "You okay Harry?"
"Feels a little warm in here," he admitted.
"I can help you with that," she offered, indicating his tented pants. Harry had never undressed quicker in his life.
The next morning after a shower and getting dressed they exited the Room of Requirement and headed to the headmaster's office. Harry was feeling incredibly cautious. Hermione felt her Veela wanting to calm Harry down and it took substantial willpower on her part not to drag him into a closet to snog or shag him. When they arrived outside the gargoyles she kissed him, "Relax Harry or my Veela might…"
"Well I'll try," he muttered. He knew that if his mood dipped Hermione felt an urge to make him happy again. He felt guilty about that but Hermione didn't complain; she just would remind him about the connection and he'd try to calm down. Harry took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Better?"
"Somewhat," she admitted. "Let's get this over with."
"Agreed," Harry looked at the gargoyles, "Mars Bar."
The wall opened and they stepped onto the stairs which immediately began to move. The pair remained silent as the stairs stopped and the door opened, "Ah come in, come in." They did but both teens were giving the headmaster a cautious look that he had no way of misinterpreting. He wasn't surprised they'd worked part of it out. "Please, have a seat. I mean you both no harm."
Harry and Hermione remained standing. "Yes I deserve to be mistrusted. I apologize, Harry, for leaving you with the Dursleys. And I can do nothing to make you forgive me." He removed his wand from his robes and placed it on the desk, the handle pointing to the two teens, "I mean you no harm this morning. I have asked you here to begin to make amends."
"Amends?"
"Yes, amends. I thought I would start with getting Sirius a trial and you out of the Dursleys' home. Perhaps Miss Granger's parents could take you in during the summers."
Harry took a deep breath. Keeping his cool was paramount. "You could have gotten Sirius a trial at any point since he was incarcerated and you didn't? Why?"
"Because I wanted to control you and thought that I knew what was best. Your relationship with Miss Granger highlights just how wrong I was. But I must ask you, how did you remove the horcrux from your scar?"
"The what?" Harry asked.
"So that black goo and the mist thing that exited Harry's scar was a horcrux?" Hermione asked.
Dumbledore was confused. How did they not know…"Miss Granger what can you tell me about the black goo and the mist?"
"Well Harry was out flying alone on the quidditch pitch and I was out reading a book in the stands. He went into the locker room and I went through the girls' to get into the school faster. I waited in the corridor and when he walked out Harry looked off. I asked him if anything was wrong and he said that he was hungry. Then he said his head hurt and he leaned against the wall. Suddenly his scar split open the black tar-like goo came out, a green mist exited, and Harry passed out. I caught him and yelled for Dobby who came and took us to Madame Pomfrey. She ran tests and said he was fine," Hermione answered. "She banished the tar and Harry woke up and felt fine. I asked if a dark curse was in his scar and she said it was possible."
The headmaster rubbed his face, "Mr. Potter, what happened immediately prior to you exiting the locker room? Did anything out of the ordinary happen?"
"Moody was there, told me I fly well. And he offered a special Pepper-Up potion that the aurors take. He said I didn't look well rested."
Harry and Hermione both blushed at that and Albus chose to ignore it and instead focus on the potion. "Did you take it?"
"Well yeah," Harry admitted. "Then I exited the locker room to see Hermione."
"The potion forced it out then," Dumbledore took a deep breath, "I owe you some explanations. First, a horcrux. It is a piece of a person's soul, broken off and placed inside of something or someone else."
"A piece of…Voldemort?!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yes," he nodded. "I assure you Miss Granger I did not know how to expel it from Harry. The only method I know of is destruction and I think you can see why I chose not to go that route."
"When were you going to tell Harry that he had a piece of Voldemort in his head?" Dumbledore said nothing and only Harry's hand on Hermione's arm saved the headmaster from a hex or a fireball. Hermione took a calming breath, "You weren't going to. Fantastic. You dump him with abusive people who are terrified of magic and then threaten them with magic, insuring whether intentionally or not that Harry would be abused. You leave a piece of a dark lord in his head and don't tell him. What else have you done to my Harry?"
"I encouraged you getting to the stone in your first year and in your second I knew it was a basilisk."
Harry had, since that day where apparently the horcrux had left him, become a pretty laid back individual. However for him the notion that Dumbledore had let Hermione nearly be killed was too much to bear and his wand was burning with energy as he pointed it at Dumbledore, "YOU NEARLY GOT HERMIONE KILLED YOU STUPID BASTARD!"
Hermione immediately had her arms around her lover, "Harry relax. Please relax. He's not worth it."
Dumbledore would normally have been surprised to admit that he was afraid of Harry Potter however at that moment he certainly was. There was murderous intent in the boy's eyes. The cloud vanished, though, when Hermione's body pressed into Harry's and she whispered softly to him. Harry's wand stopped glowing and he almost melted into her embrace. His arms wrapped around her waist and he let the tears fall as she held him. "I could have lost you," he whispered, "and that…that bastard didn't even…"
"I know Harry. But I'm more interested in why Mad-Eye Moody would give you a potion to remove a horcrux from your head and he's going to answer that question. Not to mention ask what my parents have to do with all of this."
"As to the first question Miss Granger, I do not know. I have thought Moody seemed off this year…I shall investigate it, I assure you. As for your parents, I was hoping Harry could be taken in by them. I intended to write them a letter."
Hermione released Harry to look Dumbledore in the eye, "You cannot tell them that I'm a Veela. We want to tell them in person. It's…complicated. Fleur's mother has offered to explain it for us. You will say nothing to them, in fact. You will tell the Dursleys Harry won't be going back there ever again. You can stay away from Sirius too. We already have a plan to free him. You don't get to know what, where, who, or how. Harry will be coming home with me this year and that's all there is to it. You can deal with Professor Moody on your own. But come near Harry again and I will not hesitate to send a fireball your way."
He nodded to her requirements. Harry glared at the headmaster, "You weren't surprised at the fourth slip of paper to exit the cup. You were surprised by the name. Did you expect it to be mine? Did you engineer that? That Moody or fake Moody or whatever would enter my name?"
"How did the name change?" Dumbledore asked before he realized what he had just said.
"You'll never know," Hermione responded, "let's go to breakfast Harry. We're done here."
Harry nodded and they exited the headmaster's office. Hermione squeezed her lover's hand and he spoke, "I wanted to kill him."
"I don't think either of us could but I too wanted to kill him. At least he's out of our hair now though."
"Yeah," Harry nodded. "So breakfast?"
"Then a snog. Angry, protective, possessive Harry is apparently a turn-on for the Veela."
"Aggressive Hermione is always a turn-on to me," he grinned, "about time you have a similar problem."
"Not similar at all Harry," she muttered, "primal and raw."
Harry understood that feeling. "We need to eat first. Then you can have your wicked way with me."
"I intend to take you up on that."