Harry let out a long breath as he rested his head against the tallest apple tree in the Weasley's orchard. Molly had insisted he visit for the day rather than sitting alone in Grimmauld Place. Harry was in the orchard hiding from Ginny. She hadn't left him alone since he'd arrived, and Harry was over it. He just wanted to be left alone.
It would have been different if it was Hermione. She was his quiet pillar of strength. Hermione was always there to support him, whether he wanted it or not. He wished she was here but was sort of glad she wasn't, the entire Weasley house had a weird vibe.
Harry's head snapped around when he spotted a hint of black fur out of the corner of his eye. He would have dismissed it as his imagination if it weren't for the big shaggy tail that stuck up out of the grass a moment later. Harry scrambled to his feet and followed the tail to the edge of the Weasley's land.
Once they were across the ward line they stopped, and the big shaggy dog transformed into a familiar human. Harry's eyes welled with tears as he tackled his godfather and sobbed into his chest. "Sirius, how, you're supposed to be dead?! Dumbledore said they were too late getting you to St. Mungo's after Bellatrix cursed you."
Sirius smiled gently stroking his godson's back and pressing a kiss against his head. "Dumbledore lied. I didn't die from the wounds my dear cousin inflicted. But he made it seem that way. After I was brought into St. Mungo's for treatment my condition stabilised. I was unconscious but in no danger of dying. That's when Dumbledore put on his whole song and dance about me being dead. At least according to Andi."
Harry blinked and wiped his eyes. "Andi?"
Sirius nodded. "Senior Medi-Witch Andromeda Tonks, elder sister to Narcissa and younger sister of Bellatrix. Tonks's mum."
Sirius indicated Harry should follow him and the two began walking. "According to Andi, Dumbledore fed me a sip of Draught of Living Death and showed off my body to everyone. He planned to ship me off to somewhere in Europe until the war was over. At least that's Andi's theory based on the paperwork she saw."
"What kind of paperwork?"
"Transfer papers requesting to move a John Doe to a long-term care facility somewhere in Switzerland. That's what tipped Andi off, as Senior Medi-Witch she has the final sign off on all transfers out of the hospital. She wasn't aware of a John Doe at St Mungo's. When she went to check on the patient she found me still under the effects of the Draught. And now that she knew I was innocent she got me the fuck out of there."
"Why would Dumbledore do this…? I don't understand," Harry said, scowling.
"I don't have all the answers Harry, but I can give you some clarity. But it's going to be painful," Sirius explained as they finally stopped in a clearing and sat down on a pair of logs.
"I've dealt with pain before, Sirius. Get on with it."
Sirius drew his wand and began making a series of complex wand movements that lasted for several minutes. Finally Sirius thrust his wand forward and spoke the final incantation. Harry immediately grasped his head in pain, as if someone had shoved a hot poker into his brain. Harry crumpled forward unconscious, being caught by Sirius and lowered gently to the ground.
"Take it easy Pup, it should all start coming back to you now."
*flashback*
Hermione sighed in frustration, it was late in the evening and most of the other students had gone to bed. It was only her and Harry now finishing up some homework. Since the last of their house mates had gone to bed, Harry had started glancing at her intermittently and it was driving Hermione crazy.
"Is something wrong, Harry?"
"Um, oh, uh, so…" Harry stuttered, jumping a little in surprise when Hermione spoke. "I was wondering if you had a date to the ball yet?"
Hermione blushed. "Are you asking me to go with you as your date Mister Potter?"
Harry smiled at Hermione, straightening up in his seat. He thought Hermione was even prettier than usual when she blushed. He'd liked Hermione for a while and decided it was time to be brave with his feelings. Inviting Hermione to the ball was the first step. "Yes."
Hermione's face fell as she looked away. "Um, actually I do. Viktor Krum asked me to accompany him."
"O-oh, that's cool. I'm sure you'll have a good time…" Harry said as he deflated in his chair.
"I-I-It's not romantic, just acquaintances. Viktor didn't want to encourage any of his fangirls so he asked me. Someone who has zero interest in Quidditch," Hermione explained, adding 'except when you're playing' internally. She'd had a crush on Harry for years, but not had the courage to ask him to go with her to Hogsmeade. That he wanted to accompany her to the ball was encouraging.
"Oh, well, good. I-I mean not good, just you know, good that everyone is clear where they stand. N-no, that sounds bad. I mean, if he likes you that's good too because you're really pretty and a great person and I'm going to shut up now…"
Hermione smiled as she bit her lip and brushed some hair behind her ear. "Uh, thank you, Harry," she said quietly. Taking a deep breath she decided to be brave. She reached out and took Harry's hands in hers. "Harry, would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me?"
"On a date?" Harry asked cautiously.
"Yes."
A thousand watt smile spread across Harry's face as he gently squeezed Hermione's hands. "I would like that very much."
"It's settled. Once the Ball is over with, we'll go to Hogsmeade, just the two of us."
Hermione pulled her hands back and began packing up. "Do you want me to help you find a date?"
"Um, yeah, sure."
"You don't want me too?" Hermione asked.
"N-no, I wasn't expecting you to ask is all. I guess this makes you my wingman," Harry joked.
"Hmph, only for the ball," Hermione reminded him.
"Right," Harry agreed.
As they finished packing up the two approached the stairs Harry turned to Hermione and kissed her on the cheek. The two blushed and smiled at each other as they parted and walked up to their respective beds.
A few days later as the Gryffindor's were walking back to the dorm after Divinations when Harry slowed his pace to match Parvati. "Hi."
"Hi Harry, how are you?" Parvati asked.
"I'm good. Hey, uh, can I talk to you in private for a minute?" He asked.
"Do you mind if Lavender comes with us?"
"Not at all," Harry replied, turning to Ron. "I'll catch up with you later."
"Uh, sure."
Harry and the two girls diverted into a nearby classroom. They left a group of gossiping Gryffindor's to chat amongst themselves, on the way back to the dorm.
Once the three were settled in the classroom, Harry spoke. "Um, so I was wondering if you'd accompany me to the Yule Ball?"
"Wouldn't you rather go with Hermione?" Parvati asked.
Harry smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "I did ask her first, but she's already going with someone."
"What about Cho? You like her, right?" Parvati asked.
Harry shook his head. "I had a bit of a crush on her last year. But she's not interested in me and I'm ok with that, I like someone else anyway."
"Hermione?" Lavender guessed.
"Yeah, but she's already going with Krum. She told me when I asked," Harry explained, answering their unasked question.
"Why me, Harry? We're not close. You could have asked Ginny, she would have happily gone with you," Parvati pointed out.
"You're right, but if I did I think she'd get the wrong impression. I'm not interested in Ginny that way, I don't want to give her the idea that I do. And you're right we're not close, but I'd like that to change. I don't know why I've limited myself to two friends until now, but it's something I'd like to change. Call it a New Year's resolution."
Parvati smiled and nodded. "Ok, you convinced me."
"Thank you, Parvati. And Lavender, I don't think Ron has asked anyone to go with him yet."
Lavender smiled brightly. "Thank you, Harry."
"Where did you go?" Ron asked as he studied the chess board in front of him.
"I asked Parvati to be my date for the ball," Harry explained as he rearranged the pieces so he could play against Ron.
"What about me?" Ron asked petulantly.
"What about you?" Harry shot back, unable to hide his incredulity.
"How am I supposed to find a date now you have one?"
Harry stared at Ron for a few seconds blankly before shaking himself free of his stupor. "Ron, I'm sure you'll find a date…"
"I was supposed to go with Hermione, but she got asked already…"
Harry bit back a smart response and instead nodded. "Yeah, I heard about that."
"Do you know who? She wouldn't tell me," Ron asked.
Harry debated telling Ron for a moment but eventually decided against it. Telling Ron might lead to awkward questions about why Hermione had told him and Harry wasn't ready to have that conversation with Ron yet. "No idea."
"Better not be a bloody snake…" Ron said.
"I think Hermione has better taste than that," Harry assured him. He knew from experience that trying to convince Ron that most of Slytherin were good people was futile. Ron was stuck in his beliefs and wouldn't be swayed. The less said about how that made him exactly like some of the people he hated, the better. At least, to Ron's face.
Harry hated Malfoy, and probably always would. But that was because Malfoy was a bell-end and the people he associated with were equally unpleasant. It didn't mean they were all like that. He'd always found Blaise Zabini to be pleasant company whenever they were paired in the few classes they had together. Blaise liked talking about muggle food and they'd even exchanged recipe notes.
"She'd better…" Ron muttered to himself.
Harry stood with Neville and Ginny at the bottom of the grand staircase in the Hogwarts entrance hall. Ginny hung off Neville's arm but her hand was almost constantly touching and rubbing Harry's robes. "You look handsome tonight, Harry."
"Thank you, you look nice too," Harry replied absently, his eyes glued to the top of the stairs.
"I made sure to put in extra effort for tonight," Ginny replied. She was about to say something else when he began walking away. When she followed Harry's line of sight she saw Hermione descending the stairs dressed in a periwinkle blue ball gown.
Harry stopped at the bottom of the stairs to greet his date and best friend. His green eyes sparkled as he inspected Hermione's dress. Finally returning his gaze to her eyes, he took her hand gently and kissed the back of it before repeating the gesture with Parvati. Said girl was clad in a traditional multicoloured Sari. "You both look amazing."
"You're looking rather handsome yourself, Mister Potter," Hermione commented with a smile as she gently smoothed out Harry's robes.
Parvati cleared her throat. "Um, that's my date you're pawing at Granger."
"Only for tonight, Parvati," Hermione reminded the Indian girl. Her eyes sparkled as she stared up into Harry's bright green eyes.
"Good evening," Krum said as he approached the three.
Hermione reluctantly tore her eyes away from Harry to look at her date. "Good evening, Viktor. May I introduce you to my best friend, Harry Potter and his date, Parvati Patil."
Krum extended his hand and gave Harry a genial smile. "You handled your dragon quite well."
"As did you," Harry replied, returning Krum's smile.
"You look lovely," Krum commented, looking at Hermione.
"Thank you," Hermione replied.
"Champions over here please," McGonagall called waving them over to a small door near the entrance to the great hall.
The four walked out of the entrance hall and into the anti-chamber connected to the great hall. As they disappeared, Ron and Ginny watched them go, glaring at their backs while ignoring their dates.
As they waited to be introduced, Cedric and Cho walked over to join the conversation. While Cho, Parvati, and Viktor discussed Parvati's sari, Cedric and Hermione talked about the seventh year curriculum. Harry watched Fleur and Roger Davies who were standing on their own.
Roger repeatedly tried to engage Fleur in conversation but was repeatedly rebuffed. Fleur looked as though she was regretting her choice of date. She glanced jealously at the chatting group, before she realised Harry was watching and looked away.
The musical lilt of Hermione's laugh echoed around the garden outside the castle. "I can't believe the boy-who-lived got ditched."
Harry and Hermione were out for a walk as the party inside began winding down. Parvati and Viktor had found each other far more interesting than their dates. After a pair of cursory dances with their respective partners, they had spent the rest of the night with each other.
"I think it worked out for everyone, don't you?" Harry asked.
"I do," Hermione agreed. "It's still funny though," She added with a grin as she snuggled into his side. His heavy coat kept her warm, but she liked cuddling against him. She felt safe and loved, even if the idea made her blush madly.
"I felt bad for Lavender, she looked miserable," Harry said.
"You can't fix everything, Harry. It's not your fault Ron was being a jerk all night. He had plenty of opportunities to have a good night."
"I guess…"
Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione, it felt right somehow, having her in his arms. He never wanted this feeling to go away. As they continued walking they strayed further away from the castle.
Hermione looked up when she felt Harry slow his pace. "What's wrong?"
"Hm? Oh, nothing. Although I see someone who isn't having nearly as good a night as us," Harry explained, nodding to a spot ahead of them. Following Harry's line of sight to Fleur Delacour sitting alone on a bench only lit by the moonlight. Even with seeming dark clouds hanging around her she looked spectacular framed by the moon on a cold Scotland evening.
Hermione sighed and tugged Harry forward. She knew his saving people thing would even extend to saving a beautiful woman from having a miserable night. "Hello, Miss Delacour."
Fleur looked up and sent a sour expression their way. "Did you want this seat?"
"There's plenty of room for all three of us," Hermione assured her.
"I wouldn't want to interrupt anything," Fleur said.
"You're not, we came over because you looked lonely," Hermione explained.
Fleur scowled. "I do not need pity…"
Fleur stood up suddenly and pulled her coat tightly around herself and stalked away, glaring at the pair as she left. Hermione tried to run after her but Harry took her by the arm. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"But…" Hermione protested.
"It was a good idea, Hermione. But she clearly didn't want us to bother her. Let's go back to the castle, I think the party's over."
Hermione nodded. "Yeah."
The two walked back to the castle and returned to the dorm. Where Ron was waiting. "You two have a nice night?"
"Yeah, we did. Did you?"
Ron snorted a laugh. "It's hard to have a good night when my best mates ditch me to hang out with the popular kids."
Harry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ron, whether you had a good night is down to you. You were out with a beautiful girl, I don't see how you could have fucked that up, but you're always eager to impress. Go to bed, we can talk about this tomorrow when you have a clear head."
Ron glared at them and stormed upstairs. Harry shook his head and sighed. "He can be such a jerk sometimes… Anyway, I had a lovely night, Hermione. Thank you."
Hermione smiled brightly. "I did too."
Harry stepped forward and gently tilted Hermione's head back, kissing her on the lips. "Goodnight, Hermione."
"N-n-night…" Hermione replied breathlessly.
When Harry walked downstairs into the common room the next morning he found a slightly nervous looking Hermione waiting for him. She gingerly approached Harry and hesitantly wrapped her arms around him. When she was sure he wouldn't push her away, she squeezed, right before looking up and giving him a kiss.
"Hermione, you're crying, why?" Harry asked worriedly.
"I woke up this morning and I was afraid that last night had been a wonderful dream. And that now I was back to the reality where we never kissed. I would have hated that."
"Thankfully that's not something you have to worry about," Harry assured her as he captured her lips again for a few moments before pulling back. "You're so beautiful, Hermione."
"Only you think that," Hermione said dismissively.
"Patently untrue. I know plenty of guys who think you're beautiful. You also happen to be intimidatingly brilliant and that can scare guys away."
"But not you?"
"Nope. Brainy girls are the best kind of girls," Harry replied with a grin.
"You're ridiculous."
"You like me that way."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Who are you, and what have you done with Harry Potter?"
Harry paused for a moment. "I figured I should use that vaunted Gryffindor bravery for more than life threatening situations. I much prefer gathering my courage to confess to the girl I like. And I think the results are rather positive so far."
"You think pretty highly of yourself, Mister Potter."
"I think I have the right, I'm dating the prettiest girl in school," Harry replied.
"Shut up…" Hermione said blushing.
"Is Ron still sulking?" Hermione asked as they walked down to breakfast.
"He's asleep. If he wants to sulk, let him. He'll get over it eventually."
"Yeah, you're right."
Entering the great hall the two sat down at the Gryffindor table. They watched Viktor stand up and walk over to the table. He held out a rose for Hermione and gave her a small bow. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Hermione. I apologise for not seeing you back to your dorm after the dance."
Hermione smiled and graciously accepted his gift. "It's ok, Viktor. I hope you had a nice time with Parvati."
"I did. She is a fascinating person."
"She is," Hermione agreed.
Across the hall Fleur watched the interaction chewing slowly on her breakfast. She'd embarrassed herself last night, but Fleur wasn't ready to admit that. Usually Fleur would avoid putting herself back in that situation but she found the pair interesting. She glanced over at Cho Chang whom she'd struck up a conversational relationship with. "Cho, what can you tell me about 'Arry Potter?"
*end flashback*
Harry's eyes fluttered open as he found himself lying on the ground. "Sirius."
"Hey, Pup, you've been out for a while," Sirius observed as he helped Harry up onto one of the logs.
"How long?" Harry asked.
"About an hour. I've been keeping an ear out and none of the Weasley's have been out to look for you yet. But you'll have to go back soon."
"Sirius, why are we hiding from the Weasley's, it was Dumbledore that…" Harry began but stopped when he saw Sirius's face darken with anger.
"Molly bloody Weasley… I noticed pretty quick that you'd stopped asking me about Hermione and Fleur after the end of fourth year. I figured you'd even try and go to France and stay with Fleur for a couple of weeks," Sirius added waggling an eyebrow, which made Harry blush. "Instead you started talking about Ginny Weasley all of a sudden. I thought even if Fleur was a school romance, you and Hermione would sustain."
"But you never said anything, not even Hermione said a word about your relationship. And when I asked you acted as if you had no idea what I was talking about."
"Because that's what I believed…" Harry said bitterly.
"Yes. So I started investigating, when I figured out what had happened I went to Molly. I thought she'd be eager to help someone she considered a son… but I guess loyalty to Dumbledore overrides loyalty to you."
"She told Dumbledore?" Harry asked fearfully.
Sirius nodded. "And Dumbledore did to me what he did to you. Andi is a skilled Legilimens, she found the block in my memories when she was checking me over. Though the Obliviation wasn't as comprehensive with me as it was with you. Regardless, the Weasley's aren't to be trusted. We're on our own, for now."
Harry nodded. "What do I do now?"
"Make your excuses and get your ass back to Grimmauld. I'll stay nearby until you're clear, but I'd prefer to keep the fact I'm still around a secret for as long as possible."
"Yeah, ok. My stuff is already there so it won't take me long to get back," Harry explained as they walked towards the edge of the Weasley's wards.
"Good, see you on the other side," Sirius said, slapping Harry on the arm before transforming into a Grimm and disappearing.
"Harry, where have you been?" Molly Weasley demanded as Harry walked back into the house.
"I'm sorry Missus Weasley, I'm not great company today. I'm… it's all still too raw," Harry explained.
Molly nodded. "Well, that's understandable. Why don't you sit down and I'll brew you some tea."
"Actually, I think it might be better if I go back to Grimmauld. Then I'm not rattling around here making everyone miserable," Harry said rubbing the back of his head.
"That's not necessary, Harry," Molly assured him.
"No, really. I need to be alone for a while. I need to clear my head with no one else around. I appreciate your kindness, but I need to be alone," Harry insisted.
"Ok, Harry. Please keep in touch. I know Ginny is very worried about you," Molly agreed reluctantly.
"Yes, Missus Weasley," Harry replied as he walked into the living room.
"Harry, you're leaving?" Ginny asked as she ran downstairs.
"Yeah, I need some time to think about things," Harry explained.
"Do you want some company? I could cook for you," Ginny offered, crossing the room to try and hug Harry.
"Uh, no, thanks, I can cook for myself and if I don't feel like it I can always ask Dobby. Thank you though," Harry replied dismissively.
"Um, come back soon, ok?" Ginny asked.
"Uh, yeah…"
Harry lit up the fireplace and called out his destination. Stepping through he quickly found himself in the arms of his Godfather who caught him on the other side. "Hi, Pup, nice trip?"
"Ha, ha," Harry said, shoving off the older man.
Ginny frowned as she watched the flames of the floo disperse. She turned to her mother who was watching from the entrance to the kitchen. "Why didn't you stop him from leaving?"
"We can't force him to stay yet, dear. We haven't had enough opportunity to dope him up. Until we do, pressing too hard risks alienating him and pushing him away. He'll be back in a few days once the muggleborn is here."
Ginny pouted. "Why does Ron get his prize first? I've done everything I was told to do. He's the one who kept screwing up."
"Because no one cares about the muggleborn. Once we have Harry's money, we can discard her. We might even be able to make a tidy profit when we do," Molly assured her daughter. "It's all about patience. If we're patient then all our dreams will come true. If we move too fast we risk losing everything."
Ginny scowled and crossed her arms. "All I want is Harry."