Disclaimer: It's JKR's not mine. It's J.K Rowling's stable of characters, settings, and ideas; not mine. I've never profited from my writings and frankly never plan to.
A/N: This is being reposted slowly when I find the time.
It had been a bad first year back from oblivion for the dark wizard known as Lord Voldemort. Every single thing he had tried to accomplish had failed, and in the process his army of deatheaters took very heavy hits.
The hits culminated with the death of his biggest benefactor and supporter Lucius Malfoy. Voldemort was certain it was that pesky Potter spawn that had been the one to kill the closest thing to a friend he had in his ranks. Voldemort knew one thing for certain; he would welcome Draco into his ranks and give him the task of finding a way into Hogwarts especially after word of the deatheater ward had reached his ears. If young Malfoy succeeded in his task he would become his right hand.
Thoughts of young Malfoy aside, Voldemort needed to bring some fresh blood into his ranks and he would have to leave the United Kingdom to do it. With that in mind, England was due for the quietest summer it would know until the end of the war. The rest of the continent however, would get a first hand glimpse at the malicious greatness known as Voldemort.
Meanwhile in London, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were in the midst of a team duel against Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. Due to their overwhelming advantage in power they had agreed to only use basic charms and defense spells in the duel.
Hermione ducked a canary colored beam shot from Tonks before she raised her wand and said, "Wingardium Leviosa" and watched as Tonks floated up into the air before Hermione began to flick her wand shaking and rattling the auror repeatedly.
Remus stepped in silently cast a spell which was forest green in color directly at Hermione. Harry smirked and waved his wand as a chair intercepted the curse before he repeated the same procedure that Hermione had on the werewolf in front of him. After a few minutes Remus and Tonks conceded the duel and were gently placed down on the mat, slightly frazzled but ultimately no worse for the wear.
After Dobby supplied each of them with glasses of cold water Remus finally said, "You do realize that this means I won't duel either of you any more. I'm afraid my fragile ego can't take being taken down by the levitation charm again."
Harry chuckled and said, "We could have transfigured you into match instead."
Remus paled slightly and after another long drink of his water said, "No I think levitating was quite fine."
Harry and Hermione laughed as they stood up and went to their respective rooms to clean up before dinner. When they reached the dining room they found that an impromptu order meeting appeared to be in the making for the evening. Dumbledore, Moody and the still grieving Arthur and Molly Weasley were talking animatedly about something with the "adults" of the house.
Harry and Hermione shared a slightly bemused look before taking their seats and serving themselves from the food on the table. If the others at the table were aware of their presence they didn't show it as Harry and Hermione discussed their first vacation of the summer and getting their first full opportunity to ride the bike Sirius had gotten them legally thanks in large part to passing the muggle.
Harry finished chewing on the piece of ham he had been eating and after a swig of milk asked Hermione, "So do you want to switch on and off, when we drive up to Sirius' cabin?"
Hermione smiled and said, "Actually I was thinking you could drive both ways, and if you got tired then and only then I would drive."
Harry arched his eyebrow and asked, "Why is that?"
Hermione bit her lip and then cheekily asked, "Well I can't rightfully check your bum when I'm driving now, can I?"
Harry chuckled but then seriously asked, "Honestly Love, why is it that you don't want to drive?"
Hermione sighed and then meekly said, "It's like riding a broom I suppose. I can do it if I need to, but I'd prefer not to if given a choice."
Harry leaned over to Hermione putting his forehead on hers and he murmured, "That's fine, but you should never be ashamed because you're afraid or unsure of yourself. Remember we're a team, you do the heavy thinking, and I'll do the heavy lifting."
Hermione giggled and gave Harry a peck on the lips before she said, "I love you Harry."
Harry smiled and replied, "Love you too Hermworm, now let's finish our meal and find out what the old fogies are talking about." Hermione nodded and gave Harry a fond smile before continuing their meal.
As the meal continued, the adults slowly began to stop speaking before Dumbledore finally addressed his two prized pupils, "Harry, Hermione we didn't intend on removing you from the discussion we were just having. We were merely discussing our summer plans and the training that I will be offering you."
Harry softly asked, "Have you found those pair of glasses we told you about Sir?"
Dumbledore shook his head and replied, "No, but I have made great progress. I believe that soon I will have completed the necessary work. I believe the retrieval of the glasses will be an excellent training exercise later this summer."
Harry and Hermione nodded before she asked, "So what summer plans were you discussing?"
Elizabeth decided to answer the query, "We were discussing what security needs we were going to have during the trip. Your headmaster believes that the two of you will be sufficient to ensure our safety. Do the two of you agree?"
Harry and Hermione shared a look before Hermione answered, "I believe that if you are on vacation with us mum and dad, then you'll be safer then if the rest of the order save the headmaster was doing it instead."
David and Elizabeth shared a brief look before they nodded and David stiffly said, "It's about bloody time too. I'm beginning to get a little stir crazy without our practice to work at."
Harry frowned and mumbled down at his plate, "Sorry about that."
Elizabeth made a tutting noise and said, "Nonsense Harry, you're no more at fault for this than anyone else in the room. We'll be going back into practice after this business with Voldemort is dealt with. But, you have to promise to give us a few grandchildren to spoil by the time we retire."
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other out of the corner of their eyes blushing furiously although Hermione had a playful smirk on her face. David glanced at the teens and said, "Ok Liz I think you've embarrassed them enough for now." Elizabeth smirked wickedly before she grabbed her husband's hand and they excused themselves.
Meanwhile across London in a small flat a red haired witch is cleaning up said flat without the aid of magic for the first time. After a full day of looking for employment she finally found a job as a waitress at a small muggle restaurant a few blocks away from the ministry building.
Ginny sighed as she finished the few dishes her brother Percy had left her, and said to no one in particular, "Welcome to your new life Gin."
At the now unplottable location of Malfoy Manor a young man with slicked back blonde hair was working in his familial training room with only one thought on his mind, revenge. The pale youth dove underneath the wood projectile and with a fluid movement previously unexpected from the young man; he sprung into an offensive posture as he trained his wand at the dummy's head and cast a silent blasting hex. As he landed the spray of exploded wood landed on his robes and with a casual flick of his wrist he dusted of his shoulders before he said in a pained whisper, "Potter."
However, every play has its players and those previously mentioned had bit roles, especially compared to the individual who was having a clandestine meeting that could have a very large impact on not only those present, but many others as well.
In the back of a shop in Knockturn Alley an old but regal looking wizard was waiting for a person who could be the connection he needed to bring about a sorely needed change in Harry Potter and who he trusted.
The old wizard watched as a cloaked figure entered the back room and strode over to his table before taking a seat. The old wizard smiled and said, "I must admit, I am very pleased that you decided to come and make up your own mind on this matter." The cloaked figure merely nodded and the old wizard pulled out a short but elegant looking wand as he flicked it a few times brining up some very powerful privacy charms in the process.
The old man looked off into the distance for a moment before he asked, "I take it you know about the Knights of Walpurgis?" The figure nodded and the old man continued, "Everything you think you know about the knights is a complete and utter lie." The old man smiled slightly as the figure squeezed the table tightly as though they were waiting for elaboration.
The old man stroked his beard for a moment before he said, "History has recorded the Knights of Walpurgis as the followers of Octavius Grindewald. However, the truth of the matter is that Grindewald named his followers after the Knights because they had long been synonymous with great power and working in the shadows. I believe it was the muggle prime minister of the time who said 'History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.' The knights have refused to write history because we prefer to remain in the shadows. Therefore others have interpreted our role in history and we have been left with an unflattering reputation."
The cloaked figure spoke deeply, and it was apparent that they were using a voice changing spell before they asked, "What does this have to do with Harry?"
The old man nodded and said, "Mr. Potter has a destiny far greater than even he would have been led to believe. There are numerous prophecies made about the great impact he will have on the magical world." Upon seeing the cloaked figure flinch slightly he continued with a hint of mirth, "Surely you didn't think the little trip that Mr. Potter made to the ministry wouldn't go unnoticed in many quarters, did you?"
The old man laughed, "The knights' influence goes far deeper than you would ever suspect young one. Our group does not wish to be in power, but we do wish to mold the leaders of the future so that they can not be manipulated like the politicians of the present. Fudge was a complete and utter embarrassment and he solely is to blame for the plight that Britain currently finds itself in. Potter and his mate have a rare opportunity to make the world a far better place than the one they entered. Not only do they have great power, but they have the strong wills necessary to effect great change in the face of adversity."
The cloaked figure nodded and asked, "I understand what you speak of, but what can I do?"
The old man nodded and replied, "All that we ask is that you offer the option of our counsel to Mr. Potter without actually telling him of our existence. Albus Dumbledore is a great man and wizard but he fails to use his power to truly help the people that he has pledged to serve. The age of purebloods and blood importance is rapidly coming to an end, and Potter and his mate are the only ones who can bring about the end without bloodshed. Think hard on what I've said and let your conscience lead you." The cloaked figure nodded slowly and stood to leave. The old man waved his wand canceling all of his previous spells before watching the figure's retreating back praying for their success.
The days flew by at Black Manor as the extent of Harry and Hermione's practice was something Hermione called, "Self study". Basically meaning, that Harry and Hermione were developing new and specialized spells to deal with Voldemort and his followers and they were the only ones who knew what they were doing.
In fact several nights have ended as they cuddled together and fell asleep on the couch in the library, content with sleeping in each other's presence. The adults of the house immediately cottoned on to the slight shift in Harry and Hermione's relationship and two adults in particular thought it was time for a rather personal chat.
Whether it was a quirk of ironic fate or simply because the two teens were leaving the next day on a trip with limited adult supervision, Harry and Hermione were each pulled from the breakfast table to be given a talk on adult level intimacy.
Sirius pulled Harry downstairs into the male room and ushered Harry to a seat before he said, "Harry, I think we need to have a talk about the final step in intimacy in a relationship."
Harry arched his eyebrow and smirked slightly before he motioned for Sirius to continue, "The thing is Harry, that physical intimacy is different for witches and wizards."
Now Sirius had his attention and Harry asked, "What do you mean?"
Sirius ran his hands through his hair nervously before he said, "In a relationship between magical people when they have sex there is a power exchange. I assume you understand the physical aspects and responsibilities that you undertake as the man in the relationship, correct?"
Harry nodded slowly and Sirius smiled in relief before he asked, "Good, is there anything else you'd like to know?"
Harry frowned and asked, "Who did my dad go to when he needed to talk about this kind of stuff?"
Sirius chuckled and said, "Your father was a very complex man. Your mother actually was the only woman he ever slept with, although he had the reputation of a womanizer before he settled down. He may have been a champion snogger before your mother finally took pity on him but he wouldn't do more than that. I was James' confidant on matter of the flesh. Remus was his confidant on matters of the heart."
Harry was silent for a few minutes savoring this new piece of his father, as though it was completing another part of puzzle that might never be completed. Sirius misunderstood Harry's silence as meaning he was upset and said, "I didn't mean to upset you Harry, it's just that your father and I were close and I thought you might like to know about him and… "
Harry cut in slightly amused, "You didn't upset me Sirius, I was just thinking about what you said."
Sirius released a sigh of relief and asked, "Did you have any other questions?"
Harry frowned and asked, "Is there anything special I should do if it's her first time?"
Sirius nodded and said, "Yes, you need to be gentle and supportive with her Harry. I know it's your first time too, but try to think of it as a marathon and not a sprint. Blokes take less time to finish their business and I imagine it'd be a lot more special if you both finish."
Harry arched his eyebrow and with a slight grimace said, "That was a bit um awkward Paddy."
Sirius chuckled and said, "Never ask a question unless you want an answer."
Harry chuckled and said, "Yeah I suppose you're right. So, are we still leaving tomorrow morning bright and early?"
Sirius smiled and replied, "Yeah kiddo, we hit the road at 6. With any luck we'll be there by noon." Harry nodded as Sirius left the room looking far more relieved than he had seen him since the hospital wing.
Meanwhile up in the library Elizabeth and Hermione were discussing how the other half lives. Elizabeth had consulted several books and the witches of the house, to find the best way to broach the subject to her daughter.
Hermione had a suspicion what her mother wanted to discuss and she asked, "Mum what did you want to talk about?"
Elizabeth looked her daughter directly in the eyes and said, "We need to talk about sex honey."
Despite the fact that Hermione knew what her mother wanted to talk about, having it so blatantly stated still caused the young witch to blush furiously. Elizabeth taking this to mean that the topic was new to her daughter said, "I know we've had this talk before, but now I'm afraid that you might need a refresher sweetie."
Hermione still slightly off balance only protested weakly, "Mum, this isn't necessary."
Elizabeth waved off her protests and continued on, "I've talked to Emmeline and Tonks and they've informed me that there is a difference between how your father and I do things, and how you and Harry, for instance, might do things."
Hermione, beyond the point of complete mortification gaped as her mother manufactured some very detailed drawings. Elizabeth began her lecture, "According to Emmeline a witch and a wizard physically couple the same way that us non magical folk do." Hermione sunk down further into her chair hoping for an escape.
Elizabeth far too immersed in her lecture to notice her daughter's discomfort continued, "As you can see on this diagram here there is a substantial magical discharge when a witch or wizard make love. The mechanics of the act are completely the same aside from the previously mentioned magical discharge upon climax."
Hermione muttered under her breath, "Oh dear Merlin, please strike me down now."
Elizabeth eyed her daughter expectantly apparently quite pleased with her presentation and asked, "Do you have any questions?"
Hermione let out a relieved breath before she replied, "Not really mum. I've done my own research on this after we had our talk before third year."
Elizabeth put her diagram back into its original pile and with a smirk asked, "What kind of research are we talking about sweetie?"
Hermione blushed and said, "I've read some books on the magic of sex, and also some other books." Hermione finished with a mumble as she grew even redder.
Elizabeth like a shark in the water asked, "It wouldn't happen to include the Karma Sutra would it?"
Hermione frowned slightly and mumbled, "Maybe."
Elizabeth laughed as she squeezed her daughter's shoulders tightly and said, "You really do love Harry don't you?"
Hermione could only nod and Elizabeth said in a warm tone, "You know I don't think I've ever really seen you two argue. Have you actually had a fight before?"
Hermione nodded and said, "Yes we had two bad ones this year actually. Of course, both of them were my fault too. It just got so crazy at the end of the year, and I lost it a little bit."
Elizabeth nodded understandingly and said, "So are those the only arguments you two have ever had?"
Hermione bit her lip and shook her head in the negative, before she softly answered, "The worst argument had to be our third year about the firebolt."
Elizabeth nodded understandingly and said, "Oh I thought your heart had been broken irrevocably when we received your letter telling us Harry had reacted. Knowing now that he never received any presents before, well I can understand why he was upset, although agreeing with that Ronald character was a tad disappointing."
Hermione sniffed slightly at the mention of Ron but simply said, "Yes I think we both could have handled that situation better, but in my defense, I had no idea that his relatives were really that bad. Even now Harry slips up about some of the things those people did to him when he lived there. I know he says he is over it, but after Voldemort is gone I think I'll have to give them a visit and give them a private lesson in transfiguration."
Elizabeth shook her head and asked, "While that may be, what was so bad about that argument compared to the others? You admitted that you've had arguments with him before, so why was it worse then?"
Hermione sighed and said, "It was a combination of things I suppose. I did go behind his back and turn in his broom, and well he was just acting like a boy I guess. He certainly had no reason to trust that I had his best interests at heart considering how he was raised, and I guess a combination of those factors came to a head. For awhile I was certain he wouldn't forgive me."
Elizabeth nodded and then asked, "So then how did it come about when he finally forgave you?"
Hermione sighed, "It didn't actually happen until he got the firebolt back unfortunately. I knew then that Quidditch meant everything to him and I should have taken a better tact dealing with the broom. But, I was so certain he would dismiss my suggestion to get it checked that I just had to do it. Better he was alive and mad at me than dead."
Elizabeth nodded and said, "So he just needed to grow up some first dear, it's not like he was the first man to need that."
Hermione giggled and said, "You're right mum, and grown up he has."
Just as Hermione finished her statement a wild eyed and panting Harry came in and blurted, "They found Neville's Mum and Dad, and they're still alive. They were in a secret room at Malfoy Manor, the house elves had been taking care of them."
Hermione frowned and asked, "How did they get into Malfoy Manor? I doubt Draco would have let them in."
Harry shrugged and said, "Remus told me that Narcissa and Draco were long gone when they got there."
Hermione sighed and asked, "I assumed Malfoy Manor would have been unplottable, so how did they find it?"
Harry smirked slightly and replied, "We were sitting in the drawing room when Dobby popped in and told us that another elf visited him and told him about it."
Hermione frowned and asked, "How did an elf get into the house here?"
Harry smiled and cheekily replied, "Why is there something Hermione Granger, defender of elves, doesn't know about her little friends?"
Hermione huffed and punched Harry in the arm before he continued, "Ok, ok the truth is that elves can go to unplottable places. They can apparate to other elves and their masters as opposed to apparating to a place."
Hermione nodded and then asked, "How did anyone get into Malfoy Manor then?"
Harry smiled and replied, "Apparently if a house is willingly abandoned, then anyone can enter the wards. The house is still unplottable but Dobby went and got Neville's parents and took them to Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey seems to think they are going to be fine, or at least as fine as they can be."
Hermione sighed and nodded as Elizabeth left the room to the completely oblivious couple. Hermione leaned her head on Harry's shoulder and he ran his hands through her hair as they sat contemplating the events of the day. After a few minutes Harry said, "Did you get the talk too?"
Hermione groaned and replied, "Oh sweet Merlin I doubt I've ever been as mortified as I was when my mum broke out the diagrams."
Harry chuckled and said, "Sirius talked to be about the next step in intimacy. I swear to Merlin he must have practiced his little speech for days."
Hermione giggled and said, "If it makes you feel any better, my mum appeared to be well rehearsed also."
Harry nodded and a few more minutes of silence passed before he asked, "Do you think I should tell Neville about the experimental potion Snape made?"
Hermione bit her lip and then replied, "I suppose you should give him the option Love."
Harry nodded and then asked, "Did you and your mum discuss anything else?"
Hermione quietly replied, "We talked about third year and our argument over the firebolt."
Harry softly said, "You know I must admit that wasn't one of my finer moments."
Hermione sniffed and asked, "Why did you act like that?"
Harry ran his hand not stroking Hermione's hair through his own disheveled locks before he said, "It wasn't the gift as much as how it made me feel. For once I felt special, like someone truly cared about me for me."
Hermione softly protested, "Harry I did care about you like that. In fact, it's the only reason I did it."
Harry smiled slightly and replied, "I know that now Hermione. But, back then all I could feel was hurt because I thought you were trying to deny me the thing that I wasn't aware you were already giving me."
Hermione nodded into Harry's shoulder and softly said, "I understand now." After a moment she said, "I think you should send an owl to Neville today and tell him about the potion. This way he'll have some time to think about it and make a decision."
Harry nodded before he pulled away from Hermione slightly and asked with a crooked smile, "So ready to go on a trip?"
Hermione smiled sweetly and said, "Only if you're driving."
Harry smiled and replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
A/N: Slow start to the story to ease everyone back in. There has been quite a change in things since fate has stepped in, hasn't there? Keep an eye on the Ginny and Draco story lines; they'll be more important than they look towards the happenings at Hogwarts for the coming year. Next chapter we have a bit of a road trip and some updates on Voldemort's mayhem in Europe. Figure next weekend for the next update so I hope this one tides you over. Please review and as always thanks for reading.