PREVIOUSLY ON TKR…

Sirius grinned, "Do we have a future Lady Potter-Granger here Harry?"

"Maybe Siri, it sure is seeming that way the way I am starting to feel about her." Admitted Harry with pride in his eyes.

Everyone smiled at his honesty and the happiness that gleamed in his emerald pools. Albus chuckled, looks like all Potter had the same taste in women. A few people in the magical world thought that the Potter men often fell for redheads, but most knew that the men fell for the women who possessed the triple B characteristics. And those were Beauty, Brilliance, and Bravery. Looks like young Harry has found his match in the young Dagworth-Granger heiress.

It was only a matter of time….

The Greatest Time

12th August 1994 - Saturday - 05:00

It was well before sunrise when the occupants of the Delacour Vacation House had been roused from their sleep, it was time to prepare for their departure - via international portkey - to the Quidditch World Cup. This year's cup was going to be hosed on English soil, the competitors being Ireland and Bulgaria. The contingents were dressed in semi-formal clothing as they were seated in the VIP section, the Grangers would be seated with them as guests of the newly voted French Minister Jean Delacour.

"Where are Sirius and Jean?" Asked Dan as everyone got ready to leave.

Harry smiled, "They went ahead to check our accommodations."

"Ah, yes Papa has reserved two of the higher standard Magical Tents for our stay." Added Fleur.

Hermione sat beside Harry, "I wonder what it will be like to actually watch a real live Quidditch game. Beaubuxton's doesn't really entertain Quidditch."

"The game itself is rather hazardous with the bludgers, and being on air instead of on the ground like muggle sports are played. I paly seeker for Gryffindor, and while I do not have the same enthusiasm for the game as most of the school does I do love the feeling of flying." Said Harry with a grin.

Gabby giggled, "I hear zat you're a natural 'Arry."

"I would love to see Harry's skills in that area." Said Emma curiously.

Marie checked the time, "Alright, everyone gathers around. Hold on to this tightly."

She produced a hoop that was big enough for them a go around, they all held onto it. Hermione was nervous since this was her first time using a portkey, Harry must have sensed her unease since his free handheld hers. He smiled at her as they swirled out of the room. It felt like she was spinning on a top for a moment until Marie shouted for them to let go.

Scared for a moment she held it tighter, but Harry just squeezes her hand allowing her the courage to let the hoop go. She saw her parents sprawled on the ground while the Delacour women looked as if they were walking on air! She felt herself descending to the ground, she closed her eyes waiting for the impact that never came, she opened her eyes to see Harry's smiling face, she found that she was in his arms.

"Hey there pretty lady." He said cheekily with a grin.

Hermione blushed but smiled back, "Thank you for the catch."

"No Problem! Now off we go, Papa Siri and uncle, Jean must be looking for us by now."

"Yeah."

She held onto his hand, gently swinging their arms as they walked. They were stopped by an Auror who checked their tickets and passes.

"Hello there mi 'lord!" Said the older man who bowed slightly to Harry.

Harry smiled at the man, "Good day Auror Morgan."

"You're by the Irish section, two big tenets in the VIP area."

"Thank you sir."

"No problem Milord!"

Harry just shook his head at the honorific, Hermione giggled at his reaction, while Fleur and Gabby shared a secret smile at the exchange. The adults watched on silently behind the four youngsters.

Marie smiled, "Looks like there will be another muggle-born Lady Potter in the near future."

Both Granger Parents stared at her in shock, "What do you mean by that Marie?" Asked Dan totally caught off by the comment.

"It means that our daughter might have already met her destined knight in shining armor. I for one like the young man who if anything gives way had captured her heart, he seems like an honorable young fellow." Said Emma smiling as her man turned green.

Marie smiled, "He'll treat her right, but I advise you, Daniel, to not go and threaten the boy with that overprotective father talk, your fathers seem to always do. It might hinder any and all happiness your daughter might gain from this, he isn't your ordinary 14 years old. He has been through a lot of things in his youth, and from what I know of the Potter men, they always do right by their ladies. James might have taken time, but he got his girl in the end and I have the distinct feeling the young Harry might have the charms to get his lady more efficiently then his father did."

Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione were talking about the upcoming event hosting the three schools in France, Bulgaria, and England.

"What is this I keep hearing about an event that is happening come October that will bring the 4th to 7th-year students of Beauxbatons to Hogwarts?" Asked Hermione curiously.

Harry chuckled, "It hasn't been done in centuries from what I read, it is a tournament that has a serious death toll associated with it. That was why the ICW has bent it from ever being hosted in the last century or two."

"Then why bring it back if it is dangerous?"

"According to the magical history books this tournament was played for sport, like the Romans with the Gladiators. This tournament was some kind of sick entertainment for Magical Britain, it was stopped by Queen Elizabeth I when she finally took her seat on the throne, so the ICW banned the tournament when they realized that many deaths happened."

Harry took a breath then continued, "As for why they brought it back, the ICW wanted international unity and felt that this was the way to do it. Now as Duke Gryffindor, I joined the ICW meeting last May to finalize the tournament. I had them change the tasks and set an age limit, only students aged 17 and above to join the tournament. I thought they were mad to set students against a beast as dangerous as a dragon, and changed the task."

"Thank you! I don't what I could've done if Fleur had to face that kind of creature" Said Hermione relieved.

"Well there is also a ball held in the middle of the tournament, it's supposed to sponsor international unity, the ministers of the three countries have already signed the papers about this. I was well aware of the ball and hoped to take the right girl." Harry said in a near whisper glancing at her.

Hermione gasped as she caught his subtle implication, her eyes conveyed hope… she had always wanted to dance at a ball or some formal gathering, it was one of those dreams she had when she had been a little girl. Harry just smiled and squeezed her hand, a sign that he knew what she was thinking, he understood the emotion behind her gaze.

She spoke rather reverently, "Is that an invitation on your lips Mr. Potter?"

"Miss. Granger would do me the honor being my partner for this year's Yule Tide celebrations?" He asked still whispering this time in her ear.

She shivered at the sound of his deep timber, "Yes good sir, I would love to the ball with you."

He grinned taking her hand in his, and lifting the bock of her palm to his lips giving it a light kiss. She giggled at this action, seems like Lord Potter had been reading some classic romances, a man after her heart. She swooned inside, oh how she wished he would ask her to be more than just a friend, she would have to wait. What she didn't know was that he wanted to be something more with her too, here he was with the lady of his dreams and he'd be daft to give that up!

But he was waiting for the right time, and he wanted to ask her father's blessing to court this beautiful young lady….

GAME TIME

After preparing for their accommodations, meaning they stocked on food and water, the teens ventured around the area looking at the various stalls that held any interesting objects and items for them to buy. Harry bought himself and the three ladies spectator googles so they could see the game from the stands, Draco and Neville sat with them, along with the Tonks'. Hermione watched on bemused as the male contingent were about to jump out of the railings to get the attention of the Bulgarian mascots.

"Are those Veela?!" She asked in shock as she recognized the pull of their allure.

Harry chuckled, "Why yes they are, the team uses them to get the rise out of the male crowds during the games. Sirius and I don't get affected because we are immune to the allure, plus my uncle is already spoken for."

"Tres Bien Mon ami, Harry. It is quiet Humorous to see how weak-willed males can easily be manipulated by the allure. Only the strong-minded can fight the magic of the Veela, or men who are deeply in love with another woman." Said Fleur glancing at Harry thoughtfully.

Harry was suddenly thoughtful, he sat contemplating his deep connection to Hermione. He would often feel a certain warmth whenever he touched her, 'Well… I can't deny that I have a deep attraction for her, but am I in love with her?' Ran through his mind, this question was a serious one and his mind chose to keep it in the backburner for a while, but not too long, and will have to talk to her. He would ask her father if he could date her, as a proper gentleman would. Now I know it seems a little old school to go with the whole traditional courting Idea, but it is all part of the story.

"I suppose I can fit in both of those categories then since I am not weak-willed and I strongly feel devoted to someone else." Said Harry glancing at the woman of his affections, Hermione took notice of this and blushed.

Said the brown-haired beauty said, "Good sir, what are you trying to say?"

The Fleur and Gabby shared a knowing glance, while the adults watched with small smiles at that exchange, Daniel Granger shook his head with a soft chuckle, he knew he would have a talk to the boy about this later.

"I fancy you, Miss Granger. You have managed to win my affections with your beauty, intelligence, wit, courage, and undeniable loyalty. You would have done well in any of the Hogwarts Houses." Harry admitted taking her hand in his and placing his lips on the back of her palm placing a soft kiss on it.

She blushed and smiled, "You intrigue me, Sir Potter. And though I would most likely say yes to your proposal of a relationship, I have a feeling that you will have a talk with my father first."

"Of course miss. I was raised knowing the traditional ways of courtship, and would like to do it the proper way." He responded.

Hermione laughed softly, "A novel statement there Harry. A man after my heart." Swooning in jest in the end.

"Good lady, while you have mine waiting to be taken I'll be chasing yours just as the winds may chase the sails."

Of course here started their romance, but we will keep It slow for now. The game was a close shot, though Bulgarian Seeker Victor Krum caught the snitch, Ireland had the upper hand and won the game hands down. They went back to their tent turning in for the night, but their sleep was not for long haul as screams rocked the air of the campsite.

"Everyone up! We need to go now." Alerted Jean waking up his girls and wife.

Gabby said, "That could just be the Irish Team…"

As if on cue screams and shots sounded through the field.

"Those aren't the Irish." Said Sirius gravely sending Harry a look.

Harry nodded, "They are Death Eaters."

"Alright here is what we do… Marie you come with us, Harry gets the girls to a safe area and call a house-elf." Said Sirius, "If you get into trouble with these killers then shoot to kill, alright son?"

Harry nodded his accent and so did Fleur and Hermione. Gabby stayed between the to older girls shaking fearfully. The group went out of the tent, the elders going to the danger zone, while the youths went into the forest to search for a safe area. So far there was no trouble for the group until a huge mob came at them.

"Ally!" An elf appeared in front of Harry, "Ally please take Gabby back to the Villa, and tell Bran to prepare a few cups of tea."

Ally took Gabby's hand and nodded, "Of course, I will do this at once."

"Alright Fleur, you take the back end, Hermione you take the front. I'll go in the defensive, shields, and conjured walls." Instructed Harry, "We'll fan out when we near the hill, don't lose focus."

Fleur nodded, "We'll fight as hard as we can."

"Do we just stun them?" Asked Hermione concernedly.

Harry looked at her, "Injuring them would be the best bet 'Mione. Stunning does not harm them in any way. Better to cause a minor injury to ensure you survive the fight, rather then them taking you out first."

The girl nodded, fully realizing the danger they were in. The way out of the forest of brutal, spells, and curses were shot at the left and right, most were lethal ones from the masked people. At the point of the battle the three were separated, each left to fend for themselves. Harry was aggravated at losing contact with the girls, he transformed into one of his animagus forms, a black timber wolf. He sniffed the air, trying to track at least one of the young ladies, his ears perked up when he heard a scream.

"Come with me now Mudblood," Harry growled at the sound of Lucius Malfoy's voice, he saw the man pinning Hermione to a tree.

He saw Hermione holding her wand high, "No! I'll fight 'till the end."

"Foolish girl! I'll have you and enjoy your body."

He pounced at the ponce went for the hem of her blouse. He growled his claws swiping at the man's chest, leaving a few marks as the man screamed. He bit the blonde's shoulder for good measure, dislocating the joints. He got off the man and went to Hermione slowly. He whined laying down just an inch away from her to show that he meant no harm, Wolf-Harry looked at her in the eye, seeing the girl whimper in fear, shaking at the near-rape encounter she almost got into.

She gasped seeing the animal in front of her, looking into a pair of familiar emerald eyes that had a few flecks of gold in them, "H-Harry."

He nodded slowly, then transformed back.

"Are you alright?" Harry ask helping her to stand and scanning her for any signs of harm.

Hermione nodded grasping his arm as if it were a lifeline, "Yeah, thank you for saving my life."

"I'd do it for anyone Hermione, as such I don't claim to be a hero at will but I do what I can to keep those I care about safe." He tells her kissing her forehead.

She snuggled into him, "That is why you are a hero Harry. True heroes never claim to be what they are, they never feel as if the glory is theirs and that is what makes them as they really are."

"I can live with that."

"Lets get out of here."

"Hold on tight."

And she did, he apparated on the spot keeping their destination firmly on his mind, they were soon back in the Delacour Villa. Hermione's parents spotted them and ran to hug their daughter. Sirius did a one-up on Harry, checking to see if his boy was hurt, while their hosts were relieved to see the two children safe and sound, Gabby and Fleur went to hug their two friends.

"What happened?" Asked Sirius frantically, " When I saw Fleur and Gabby here without you two I thought something horrid had happened."

Harry shook his head, "We got separated along the way. I found Hermione being accosted by a Death Eater, I able to put him down before he could do any damage to her."

Everyone saw his eye gleam dangerously as if giving them an inkling of what damage he meant, Emma and Dan hugged their daughter tightly in fear of what could have been done to her."

Jean asked with a clenched jaw, "Did you see who it was?"

"Lucius Malfoy."

Marie gasped, "Oh, the horrid man! I knew we should have dealt with him ages ago, I am just glad his son is not like him in any way."

"I am going to kill him." Growled Sirius.

Harry shook his head, "You might not need to Sirius, I left him bleeding with various injuries before we came here."

Emma went to hug him, "Thank you, Harry."

"Your Welcome Emma." He replied.

Dan shared a subtle glance with Harry, the father nodded as he indicated to the manor drawing-room. Only Sirius and Marie saw the exchange, knowing what will be taking place later on. The three young ladies paid no heed to the happenings around them as they talked, Emma sat and tended to her daughter like a mother hen.

Daniel Granger was a level headed man, he knew better than anyone that certain situations called for calmness and patients, and the considered this to be one of those situations. He looked to the young man who had caught his daughter's heart, he liked Harry and can see how much he cared for Hermione, he knew the question the boy would ask him, and the father already had his answer ready.

"Mr. Granger may I court your daughter?" Harry asked sounding more than feeling confident.

Said father smiled at the straight forward question, "No beating around the bush then? I thought you'd be stammering about." The elder man teased.

"Trust me, sir, I may sound confident but I surely don't feel it. But I care for your daughter, I've come to care for her through the days we've spent together, and don't feel like beating around the bush in any kind of proposal I make in terms of her dignity." Replied Harry smiling slightly.

Dan chuckled, "Right then, I'll give my consent for you to court her. I only ask one thing."

"Anything sir."

"Protect and cherish her."

"Of course sir. I'd do nothing less, I don't think I can take it gently if anything tragic happened to her."

Daniel realized that this young man was unlike any other he would ever meet, Harry James Potter would truly take care of his princess, He smiled, he knew that the man standing in front of him would die before anything happened to Hermione, Dan hoped it wouldn't come to that though as he was sure said young lady would be devastated if that outcome ever arose.

"That is whatever the father wants to hear from any possible suiter Harry," Dan replied after a moment's thought.

Harry grinned, "I know sir, most boys my age would probably think of themselves before thinking about their significant other. But I abhor that kind of thinking."

Again the elder man smiled. Like every father he just wanted to find a man who would love, cherish, and protect Hermione. And knew that he found that in Harry. The two men shook hands and exited the room. All the people in the main sitting area turned as they noticed Harry and Dan exit the drawing room, the four other adults present knew what came about, Emma smiled at her husband noting that he was obviously happy with their daughter's choice of suiter, and so was she.

Hemione looked puzzled as she saw her dad exit the drawing-room with Harry, she looked at the two other ladies with her, they just gave her an enigmatic smile. She looked to the younger man beside her father, his eyes clicked with hers and he smiled at her and then spoke.

His voice was low but strong, "Miss Granger, may I take you for a stroll along with the manor gardens?"

"I would love to Mr. Potter." She replied taking his offered arm as they walked out of the house.

💕 HARRY + HERMIONE 💕

Feeling a little bit under the weather right now. So a little Harry/Hermione action in this chapter, hopefully, this love story sails smoothly. Ah, a little romance it never too much. I know they sound a little mature and old fashioned when they speak but it's all part of how the story goes.

As for those who are aware of the younger aged Hermione, I have thought over what to do, 'cause I want her in the same year as Harry when she will eventually go back to Britain with her family. So I'll mull this over for now and reveal the final decision in the next chapter.

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

- Lao Tzu

Signing off,

WL_17