(A/N) First Fanfic ever. Not sure about the rating; it might go up. Minor violence, some coarse language and not-very-graphic child abuse. (i think thats just for this chapter though)

A young green-eyed wizard who went by the name of Harry James Potter was sitting on his poor excuse of a bed in the house of irritation and annoyance otherwise known as the Dursley house. Bored and generally sick of the bad treatment the young Potter's mind dropped several IQ points. Sitting with his knees against his chest and hand under his chin, he contemplated everything about himself. Ridiculous thoughts raged across his head. Things that were totally irrelevant. Singing ability? Pfft... What was that good for? Unless it would make Voldie go to sleep or run from the horrible sound. Clearing his throat quietly he gently hummed to himself. His voice didn't crack or go out've tone. He raised his voice louder and louder; very thankful that the Dursleys had gone out for the week, had they been here he had no doubt in his mind that he would be beaten and go un-fed for a couple of days.

He found himself singing. He had a strong voice that didn't waver as he slowly brought it louder. Stopping he contemplated his newfound skill. He wondered if Dudley the dumb arse had any more music tracks. Heaving himself off the bed, which groaned, he opened his door and walked through, moving down the landing to Dudley's room.

Surprisingly it was unlocked. Upon opening it Harry noticed several music CD's in a pile on the floor. Careful not the tread on any of the walrus-in-training's stuff he walked over to him. Clearing a space for him to sit in near the records Harry curiously read some of the titles. One in particular caught his interest. The band name was a bit odd but the album name made Harry think. As the palaces burn. Didn't sound like anything he wanted to get involved in, but it was only music so it couldn't hurt. Putting the CD in Dudley's new CD player. He looked through the list of songs on the back. Shrugging he placed the first song. The sound on heavy guitar and drums suddenly blaring out've the machine, which promptly caused Harry to jump and turn the volume down. He started nodding along to the tune. 30 seconds later Harry was wondering if the singer's voice had had surgery on it. High-pitched screaming which lowered to a low growl and back up again, it sounded pretty cool but probably killed the voice box. The singer didn't stop the growling and screaming. Harry was freaked out but wondered if he could do anything like that.

Trying to re-create growling and screaming vocals didn't go down to well. He sounded like he was choking on a dick and he knew it. Promptly stopping his eyes travelled round the large room. Bed, CD's, dung bells, PlayStation games and... oh goody; Dudley's computer. Kneeling down he found a couple of buttons at the front of the front of the computer box. Prodding one of them and looking at the screen for some kind of reaction. It beeped at him and began humming. Harry wasn't so clueless to not realise that this is the normal, having heard it happening many times. The screen turned on. Dudley's name appeared on the screen. Taking the mouse he clicked on the name. Damn it requested a password! Pretty sure Dudley couldn't remember anything if his life depended on it Harry began the search for the piece of paper that was labelled 'my computer password' Harry noticed something on Dudleys bedside table. White paper with block red writing on it.

Going over to the table he laughed insanely. Dudley was undeniably thick. His computer password was on paper and it was his name and surname. Dudley Dursley. Apparently he couldn't remember his second name. Typing the password he logged on to the computer. Surprisingly he knew all about the Internet. He had asked Hermione about it when she had mentioned it in one her letters. Since she was free with handing out knowledge he had received four A4 sheets of paper filled with the 'how to's' on the Internet. It had been a good read; it was interesting to learn about search engines and such. Looking up voice distortion and scream/ growling vocals. He managed to locate several tips and good information about the topic. He began practising, with the help of the internet he got the hang of it slowly.

The next day a sleepy Mr. Harry Potter climbed from his bed. He had invited Hermione over for the day, but hadn't received a reply which was different. He usually got a reply two days after sending mail. She obviously had better things to do than talk to him. Not bothering to put a t-shirt on he climbed into some shorts and went down for breakfast. Halfway through munching on golden nuggets the doorbell rang. Running upstairs he grabbed a t-shirt and stuffed his wand in his deep pockets. Damn near flying downstairs he opened the for cautiously. A certain bushy-haired girl launched herself through the doorway onto him hugging him tightly. His voice muffled somewhat Harry welcomed her, "Oomph! Hey Hermione! Glad to see you! I thought you weren't coming... I never received a reply."

Pulling back from the over-the-top hug and climbing to their feet, Hermione looked unsure. "Your relatives." she replied. "You told me they had a dislike of owls so I used muggle post." she looked thoughtful. "It was odd using post instead of owl mail, again."

Harry looked sheepish. "Right forgot about that. I didn't bother checking the post box." Hermione's parents appeared behind her. "Good morning Mr and Mrs Granger, how are you?"

Their eyes studied him calmly. Mr Granger replied, "We're fine thanks. Call us Dan and Emma please."

"Ok. Dan and Emma. Come in!" They all began walking through the immaculate entrance hall. Harry pointed to a door on the left he said, "Go and get comfy in the living room. Anyone want tea?"

Dan and Emma smiled at each other and raised their hands. Despite being dentists they were both tea addicts. Hermione smiled at Harry and followed him out've the room and went to help him. While both of them were gone the elder Grangers began talking.

"They'd be good together. He cares for her and she has got a crush on him whether she admits it or not, you can see it in her eyes." Emma restarted the conversation they'd been having at their own house.

"Maybe but I'd like to get to know him before he starts dating my daughter." Dan was getting into the over-protective dad. He knew he was being silly. His daughter had owled him telling him about the troll and what Harry did; risked his own life to save hers.

"Dan they've known each other for three years. This being their fourth. She's mentioned the boy with 'dreamy green eyes' and 'cute, messy hair' so many times it's impossible not for her to have a crush on him." Emma insisted.

Hermione watched Harry as he moved round the kitchen with practised speed; flitting to the kettle, filling it up and setting it going. Hermione smiled at him. "Hey Harry, how are you?"

Harry smiled back and sat down at the table, waiting for the water to boil. He motioned for her to do the same. "I'm great 'Mione, its nice to see you again."

Hermione sat down and became curious to why no-one was here. "It's nice to see you too. Where's your relatives?"

Harry grinned happily. In an overjoyed voice he replied. "They've gone out for the week. So I have free rein on the house." He punched a fist into the air in celebration.

Hermione decided to hug him again. She got up and moved over to him, he seemed to know what she was going to do and got up as well. She gave him a big hug which he gladly returned. Her arms went round him and he winced slightly. Frowning slightly she asked, "Harry what's wrong with your back?"

"Nothing. I'm fine." Fully knowing he couldn't get anything past her but decided to try anyway.

Hermione pleaded with him. "Harry don't shut me out. Please. Let me try and help." Hermione definitely wasn't buying the whole 'I'm fine, don't worry' act.

He sighed and ran his hands through his already messed up hair. Her hands reached him and gently took his larger ones in them. "Please Harry."

He sighed again and gave in. "Ok, I'll show you. Go and get your parents, I don't want to have to do this anymore then I have to."

Nodding she walked out've the kitchen and went into the living room where her parents were having a quiet, but heated discussion. Clearing her throat gently they turned to look at her, silent questions in their eyes. "Harry needs to show us something. And it's probably going to be bad. Bad enough that he doesn't want to have to do it twice, so I'm quite nervous for him. Please come."

Their curiosity increase found it hard for them not to, so they rose out've the chair and made their way to the kitchen. The Grangers found Harry standing there with his hands on the bench muttering. "Harry?" Dan inquired. Deciding he liked the kid. For now. "Hermione said you needed to show us something."

"Need to? No. Want to? No. But I am. If you haven't got a good hold on your stomach I suggest you get a bucket. They're in the cupboard on the bottom right." He replied bitterly.

Dan moved over there and took three and handed the spare to to his family. "Just in case. We're ready Harry."

Harry nodded and removed his shirt showing his bare chest. It wasn't thin, it was closer to lean. Working out and helping around the neighbourhood had worked well for Harry; not to mention the amount of food he devoured at Hogwarts. Hermione could help but stare at him neither could Emma. Harry hung his head, "Please don't think any differently of me after you see this." Not waiting for their reaction he turned out and showed them his back. Together they gasped. Across his back, white knotted scars some thick; others thin were drawn over his back. He said miserably. "You can go. You probably don't want to be here anymore. Just don't tell anyone or they'll think I'm a freak."

Hermione shook her head. I'm gonna do something about this. He has had saved me many times and she had to help him. She moved over to him and laid her hands across his back. He involuntary shivered at the contact. "It's ok Harry. We aren't going anywhere if anything it's the other way round, you're coming with us. You aren't staying here any longer."

"Don't Hermione. I know you probably think I'm disgusting. Just go." He replied, becoming more and more depressed.

"Harry James Potter turn round now!" Hermione demanded.

Fearful he turned, to have her hands move to his well-defined chest and push him to the corner. He held his hands in surrender. Uncaring if her parents were here; her hands went to his hair and brought his head down for and tender kiss on the lips. She pressed herself against him. "We aren't going anywhere Harry."

Emma was silently congratulating her daughter. She had finally bagged her man and probably wouldn't let him go for a long, long time. She couldn't blame her either. His startling green eyes captivated you when you gazed into them. The same eyes pierced through you, seeing all that you were; showing you the innocence inside him. When his shirt was off Emma couldn't help but admire the view. His upper chest was slowly forming defined muscles and his abdominal muscles were definitely clear to see, a strong four pack in place and the final two coming along nicely.

Dan was still in shock over the scars on Harry's back. How dare they do that to a child? How can they do that? He was infuriated his hands itching to break something. The scars weren't recent he was sure. He was convinced that he wasn't being beaten by his relatives for fear of what he could do with magic. The young guy was sincere and easy to like; despite everything he had been put through by his shit excuse for relatives he still had a caring heart. Hermione was holding Harry and he was holding her. Her head went to his chest and she relaxed. His head moved to her ear. "What was the kiss for?"

She smiled against his chest and kissed his chest, moving over his forming pecs. Her tender lips moved over the soft skin gently. "Can't you guess?"

Harry was not a clueless male when it came to anything. He would sit back and work it out. "I'd guess you're telling me that you want me."

"I do. If you want me as well." Hermione relied nervously. She couldn't take it if he rejected her.

"How couldn't I?" He wondered. "There are plenty of reasons why I would."

"I'm not pretty like the other girls and there's plenty more girls that are prettier than I am. I-"

He cut her off " -Don't bother Hermione. I realised I liked you in second year when you were petrified. I stayed by you, when I could. Never left you unless I had to, or thrown out by Madam Pomfrey. Who cares about those girls? They don't know me. They only know me as the boy-who-lived. You are kind, caring, tolerant of Ron and you know the real me. I can add to that list if you want."

She shook her head. "Thanks Harry. I never told anyone; but I heard you. When I was petrified I heard your voice talking to me softly. It was nice to know someone cared for me."

Dan spoke in a whisper. "How dare they hit a child? You may be a wizard but doesn't make you a freak. It took a bit of getting used to with Hermione... I can't believe those pricks!" he swore.

Emma and Hermione were right behind him, nodding in agreement. Hermione asked. "How was your first week back?"

He thought about it while placing his t-shirt back on. "Well it was better than it has been. They've left me alone most the time. I haven't had much food but I'm grateful for being left alone."

"They've starved you?" Emma asked, flatly. Though it was more of a statement than question.

"Nah, not really." He disagreed. "It definitely wasn't Hogwarts though. That reminds me I got a letter from Gringotts bank. I'm supposed to be visiting tomorrow. Wanna come with me?" He added hopefully. The three Grangers nodded. The adults wanted to know more about the boy who was dating their daughter. Hermione just wanted to stay with her new boyfriend.

Harry looked uncomfortable. "Do you want to stay the night then? There's enough room for all of us and the Dursleys are out for the week."

Hermione looked at her parents, who gave slight nods. "Of course Harry."

"Sit down at the table I'll cook a roast dinner for lunch. Hmm, chicken I think." Harry moved the the fridge and cursed. "No chicken. Damn it." he looked apologetically at Hermione's parents. "Do you mind getting the chicken? There's a shop not far from here that sells them. Oh and you may want to go your house and grab night clothes."

Emma looked at him oddly and nodded at the end of his sentence. "You cook roast dinners? Where'd you learn that?" She was impressed if he was true to what he said.

"Here." Harry looked unhappy again. He ran his fingers through his ever-messy hair. "I learnt it pretty quick as well." his voice lowered. "Especially because of the beating I'd get if I did it wrong."

Hermione's, ears it appeared had been well-trained, and her eyes narrowed. "Did you say what I think you just said?"

Harry sat on the kitchen floor and nodded. Hermione looked furious. "You are not staying here Harry! Why didn't you tell anyone? Why didn't you tell me? Or Dumbledore? We could've done something sooner!"

Dan stood. He motioned to Emma. "C'mon dear let's leave them to talk. Besides we need to get the food and clothes for the night." the two adults moved through the kitchen and left, closing the front door gently behind them. Harry and Hermione heard the car start and drive away.

Hermione joined Harry on the floor, sitting on his lap and giving him a tight hug which he happily returned. "Care to show me the bedrooms?" She asked.

Smiling he replied. "Of course 'Mione."

"C'mon! Upstairs, here we come." she made no move to get off him though.

Harry snorted with laughter. He gently took hold of her thighs, grinning rakishly when she "Eek-ed!" she didn't move though and wrapped her arms round his neck and held on tight, her legs going round his waist. Heaving himself and Hermione up, Harry wrapped his arms underneath her bottom. Moving carefully around the kitchen table he made for the hallway. Harry had to put her down when they reached the stairs. They made their way up, she looked questioningly when they reached the top. Harry motioned for the straight ahead. She nodded and opened his bedroom door. Silently thanking himself for cleaning it up. She entered slowly and peered around. They went round all the bedrooms, well they skipped Dudleys after Hermione opened the door, took one look and said. "No way. I'm not even going to enter there."

Fifteen minutes of sitting on the couch snuggling watching some crap, pointless T.V. show when the doorbell rang, which Hermione went to answer. Her parents had been quick.

Two and half hours later the foursome were sitting at the table enjoying every bit of Harrys roast chicken, that was cooked perfectly. Nobody commented about how he got so good though, to avoid upsetting him and angering themselves. Emma set to washing up the dishes as the other three were sitting and groaning about how full their stomachs were. Though she suspected that they just didn't want to clean up. Fair enough for Harry who cooked but the other two? Nope.

They sat and watched TV for a few hours, watching a movie and a quite interesting show called QI which everyone had a laugh at. Hermione, per usual, absorbed all the new knowledge like a sponge and water.

Hermione yawned thoroughly knackered, though quite content rest on Harry; which he didn't mind. "What's the time?

"Not sure I-I'll go check." Harry yawned loudly. Sleepy-eyed he stumbled off the couch and into the hallway and called. "Half ten! I'm going to bed."

"So are we." the three Grangers chorused.

Hermione stopped and had a nasty thought. Oh no, no way. "Where am I going to sleep? There is no way I'm going to that other bedroom and I am not sharing with my parents."

Harry looked warily at her parents who nodded slightly, but had emotions playing in their eyes. "You can come in with me if you want Hermione, but we haven't got a spare mattress," to her parents he said. "Nothing will happen. I promise. We'll sleep together in the literal sense." The older Grangers nodded their approval. They all made their way upstairs, each going their separate ways. Harry and Hermione entered their shared bedroom and looked at each other. Harry spoke up. "Well this is awkward isn't it?" Hermione nodded, slightly nervous. "Nothing is going to happen that you don't start Hermione." she nodded again confidant that Harry would never try and pressure her. It was simply not him to try that.

"Thanks Harry. I need to change." She gave him a pointed look.

"How about the bathroom? Is that ok?" He suggested.

"It's fine Harry, thanks." She replied gratefully.

Harry moved over to the bad to allow Hermione space to get out the door. "Here, go to the bathroom and change. Just knock before you come back in, I'm sure you don't want to see the male anatomy just yet."

Hermione blushed and scurried through the door to the bathroom, with a face like a tomato. Harry chuckled. "Poor girl shouldn't have teased her. But it was fun." Harry changed quickly; despite his teasing he most definitely did not want Hermione to see his male parts yet. He cleared more of the stuff off his floor and sighed. It would be so much easier if I would use magic, damn it!

Hermione was standing outside and knocked tentatively. "It's ok, come in!" Harry's voice called through the door. She opened it up and stared at him. He wasn't wearing a top; only pyjama bottoms. She stared at his chest and couldn't look anything but her. Her nightwear was minimal. Half her slim stomach was showing! His eyes travelled down slightly. Damn pyjama bottoms! Came the thought when he found he couldn't see her thighs. Hermione, tore her eyes away, and became conscious of his eyes travelling over her. A blush came to her cheeks but she moved forward, toward the bed. Harry quickly moved towards it and climbed in. She raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Cold wall. It's not pleasant, but you're a guest." He informed her. She nodded. She climbed in and got comfy against Harry's chest. A warm, protective arm went round her stomach. Her heart fluttered and the belly-butterflies came to life. "Good night Harry."

"G'night 'Mione." He returned sleepily. His arm tightening slightly. She smiled at his protectiveness and fell asleep quickly.