Hermione left her bedroom and checked the guest bedroom for Harry. When she found it empty, she made her way downstairs to the combination kitchen and dining room. Her mother and Tonks were sitting at the table. Harry and her father were nowhere to be seen. Hermione had a bad feeling about that. Tonks was transforming her face into different animal shapes and Emma was laughing at each of them.
"Did you know she could do this, Hermione?" Emma asked. "It is very funny."
"She did it during every meal in the Great Hall for the past week," Hermione said, "After students started getting used to it, she did it while they were eating so she could see if they could do a spit-take."
"And it worked!" Tonks said, "Quite a few times."
"Yes, to the point where it became disgusting," Hermione said, with an uncharacteristic snort as she sat down at the table, "Where are Harry and Daddy?"
"In the basement," Emma said, "I believe they're having the 'father and boyfriend' discussion."
"Oh bother," Hermione muttered, "I think I should go rescue Harry."
"Oh, give them a few minutes, dear," Emma said, "I already warned your father that you would yell at him if he did anything to Harry."
Hermione sighed and nodded, then grabbed a piece of pizza from one of the boxes.
"Besides," Emma said, "This gives us time to talk about that young man."
Hermione swallowed a bite of pizza then groaned. "Do we have to, Mum?"
"Would you rather discuss it with your father in the room?" Emma asked.
"No," Hermione said, in a small voice.
"I've seen the way you look at him, Hermione," Emma said. "You're already deeply in love with the boy."
"Yes, Mum," Hermione said, "I am."
"I'd also say Harry feels the same way about you," Emma said. "The way he looks at you is the same way your father looks at me. Have you said those three little words to him yet?"
"Yes," Hermione said, "A few times. And so has he."
Emma smiled. "If the two of you were any other young teenagers, I might have felt a little wary about such things. But you both have such a maturity of someone twice your age. However, this is your first romantic relationship. Is it his?"
Hermione nodded. Technically Viktor had been her first boyfriend, and Cho had been Harry's first girlfriend, then he dated Ginny. But since that happened in a different timeline, it technically hadn't happened. So from her mother's point-of-view, Hermione and Harry were each other's first romantic partners. The thought was rather nice to think about.
"Do you see this as a long-term relationship?" Emma asked.
"I can see him being my one and only," Hermione said. "There's nobody better than him for me."
Emma smiled. "I will admit that I would not be sad if he was my future son-in-law."
Hermione felt her cheeks grow warm. "I kind of thought so. I know you wouldn't have told that story about your early life with Daddy before I came along, if you didn't like Harry as much as you do."
"True," Emma said. "Well, if he is your one and only, then you made a very good choice. I think your father would agree, though he might not say it out loud. With that said, I do remember what it was like being a teenager. I did have a boyfriend – well – not when I was your age, but a couple years older. I'll tell you the same thing your grandparents told me. Bedroom doors open at all times. And if you are cuddled up together – say on the couch, or the hammock outside, know that myself or your father will probably be keeping an eye on you."
Hermione blushed. "We'll be on our best behavior, Mum."
"I doubt it," Emma said, grinning, "Like I said, I know what it was like being a teenager with a boyfriend."
"You are so much cooler than my Mum," Tonks said. "She placed enchantments on my bedroom door that repelled boys. She didn't know what to do the summer I brought home a girlfriend the year I decided to experiment."
Hermione coughed and Tonks snickered.
"I also think it is time to have the other half of that talk we decided to put off when you had your first period," Emma said.
"Can it wait, Mum?" Hermione asked, "For one thing, I'm eating. For another... Harry and Daddy could come up at any second."
For another, Hermione thought, I technically already had this discussion with you. But I can't let you know that at this particular point in time. Not until we achieve what must be done.
"It can wait until we have ensured privacy," Emma said, smiling. "Do you know if Harry has had the talk yet?"
Hermione pondered this. While Harry never specifically said anything to her, she wondered if Mr. Weasley, Sirius or Remus had ever talked to him about it. Sirius would likely joke around about it. Mr. Weasley and Remus seemed like the better candidates. And then Hermione realized what her mother was suggesting.
"Please don't make Daddy talk to him about that," Hermione said, "He'd be mortified, especially since I would be the subject of that talk... though it wouldn't happen until the distant future, of course."
"Of course," Emma said, smiling. "Are there other men in Harry's life that can have that talk with him."
"I can think of a couple," Hermione said.
"I'll convince your father to leave that out of his discussions with Harry," Emma said. "Actually it might make him quite relieved, since he'd probably be thinking along the same lines as you about who Harry's eventual partner would be in those events."
Hermione blushed and nodded.
"Moving on then," Emma said, "Am I correct to assume that when Harry leaves here in a couple of weeks, that you'll go with him?"
"I think so," Hermione said, shrugging. "Depends on what plans we have for the summer. This is the first summer where he gets to do what he wants. I know he wants to spend time with his godfather if – when – he obtains his freedom. They'll likely go to Potter Manor. Also, he's never been on a holiday before. He's talking about going to his beach house in La Rochelle, France, that he recently discovered he owns – part of an inheritance from his parents."
"A manor and a beach-house?" Emma asked.
"His family is old money," Hermione said, "That doesn't matter to me, but at least it tells me if, or perhaps when it comes to that, we'd have no problems with any future family."
Emma nodded, then looked thoughtful. "France, huh? Well, if you visit their clothing-optional beaches, just don't let your father find out."
"Mum!" Hermione gasped, as her cheeks went warm.
Tonks snickered and Emma only smiled. Before Hermione could reply, she heard footsteps coming from the hallway. She looked over her shoulder just in time to see Harry and her father enter the kitchen.
"Are you okay, Harry?" Hermione asked, "Do I have to yell at Daddy?"
"We had a nice discussion," Harry said, "Your father showed me his knife-throwing talents."
"Oh, Daniel, you didn't?" Emma asked.
"It was one knife," Dan said.
Emma narrowed her eyes. "You threw it at the mannequin, didn't you?"
"Embedded the knife in its chest from twenty feet away," Harry said, "Pretty brilliant."
"At least he didn't aim it any further down," Emma said, sighing, "He likes doing that."
Hermione and Tonks snickered when Harry walked a bit funny over to the table. He sat next to Hermione as Dan sat next to his wife.
"So," Dan said, "Did we miss anything up here?"
"Girl talk," Emma said, "We talked about parameters when it came to public display of affection. Open doors if they're in the bedrooms together, and if they cuddle on the couch or hammock, we'll probably be watching from a distance. Oh, and we also talked about clothing-optional beaches."
Harry coughed and spluttered.
"Mum!" Hermione groaned, "Don't embarrass him. It barely came up, Harry. I told her about our plans to visit your beach house in France, and she asked if we were going to visit one of those beaches."
"I'm just going to keep quiet about such things," Harry said.
"Smart lad," Dan said. "By the way, Hermione, Tonks – Harry brought up an interesting question, and I wondered if either of you could answer it. Do you reckon knife-throwing would help with dueling and accuracy using a wand? Obviously I've never used one before, so I didn't know how to answer."
"It wouldn't help with accuracy," Tonks said, "Knife-throwing and spell-casting are two very different things. But it might help with speed and stamina. I imagine knife-throwing would also be handy back-up in case you get disarmed. Most witches and wizards wouldn't expect it. They're all too strung-up on wands being the ultimate weapon – that or wandless magic."
"Well, then," Dan said, "I think it would be a good idea to train both of you in knife-throwing."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. Her father had never offered her such a thing before, in either timeline.
"In the Auror Corps, we mostly did jogging and exercising to help with speed and stamina," Tonks said, "It also helped us control our adrenaline rush, which can cause mistakes in long duels if you underestimate it. No, what really helps spell-casting and dueling – well, in school, prior to Hogwarts, did you learn how to write in cursive?"
"Yes," Hermione said, and Harry nodded.
"Demonstrate writing in cursive in mid-air," Tonks said.
Hermione did as was instructed. Then her eyes widened. "It is like casting spells! I can't believe I never made that connection before!"
"It was a Muggleborn Auror Cadet who came up with that technique," Tonks said, "Aside from being taught, or teaching themselves, to sign their own name, most witches and wizards don't use cursive writing. But those who do, find spell-casting much easier."
"I can understand that," Dan said, nodding. "So I would imagine when it comes to exercises in the Auror Corps, it isn't much different than Muggle training?"
"I suppose not," Tonks said. "Though we do use magic to guide us through some techniques. But most witches and wizards have never used gym equipment such as treadmills and weights. Sit-ups, pull-ups, jumping jacks, jogging, broom flying... that is the our physical training. Which reminds me. I need to start jogging again every morning. I've been putting it off for the last week."
"The neighborhoods around here are perfect for jogging," Dan said, "I do it quite often when I don't have to be at work too early. I think that would work for you too, Harry. It would give you a nice workout, before you do other kinds of training in the basement."
"Alright," Harry agreed.
"I might join you," Hermione said.
"One problem though," Harry said, "I don't have any proper clothing for something like that. Actually I need a whole new wardrobe."
"Well, that is easy," Emma said, "We can go shopping tomorrow for clothes. I'm sure Hermione needs a few new outfits."
"I could use some," Hermione said.
"Unfortunately I have no – ah – normal money with me," Harry said. "I can get some if we go to Gringotts, but I wasn't planning on going there until sometime next week. I have a few promised meetings with some of the Goblins."
"Oh, don't worry about it," Emma said, "We'll pay for everything tomorrow, and you can always pay us back when you go to the bank."
"Alright," Harry said, with a nod, "Thanks."
"No problem," Emma said, "Now, I got the impression while in the car that the two of you have a few things you wish to discuss with us. I think there is no better time than the present."
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances, and she noticed that he looked just as nervous as her.
"Alright," Hermione said, "Where should we begin?"
"How about with Ron?" Emma asked, "I know from your letters that you and him were having a lot of issues this year. But I also know that you wrote about him a lot in your letters. Perhaps not as much as Harry, but Ron had a supporting role in your letters. I was under the impression that the three of you were pretty close-knit friends. I assume this had something to do with the two of you becoming romantically involved?"
"It certainly played a contributing factor," Hermione said. "It showed us a side of Ron that we had never seen before. Something he was hiding, and for a good reason. I suppose you could say that when Harry and I became a couple, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. However... we have reasons to believe that Ron may have never actually been our friend to begin with."
"I don't understand," Emma said; Dan looked just as confused.
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances and he nodded. She knew what he was thinking. They would have to tell a little white lie to tell most of the story. They couldn't exactly tell her parents how they had found out the truth about Ron. All that mattered was that what they found out was the truth in the end.
"Seeing Harry and I romantically involved," Hermione said, "It set him off. He started spouting all kinds of truths. I'm not exactly sure he realized he was doing it until it was too late."
"Ron's always been jealous of me, you see," Harry said. "Because of who I am in wizarding society, it has made me sort of a celebrity. I get a lot of attention, even though I don't want it, and Ron gets jealous because of it. He's always felt like an underachiever, due to the fact that he has six siblings, five of which are all older than him. I suppose he wanted to do something to make a name for himself. We learned that in August of '91, Albus Dumbledore visited the Weasley's residence and spoke to Ron. Dumbledore told Ron that there was a way for me to become his friend, but it would have underhanded methods. Dumbledore wanted Ron to act as if he was my friend, and spy on me, and give Dumbledore information about me. In return, he would get Galleons, candy and Dumbledore would make sure he had good grades."
"Dumbledore knew exactly how to play him like a fiddle," Hermione said, "Mostly because he likely used Legilimency on Ron – which is basically mind-reading. The Weasley's aren't exactly rich, and Ron wanted money to use however he wanted it. Dumbledore knew this. He also knew that Ron was an underachiever when it came to education. He didn't like doing homework or studying. He barely read anything in his textbooks. When I became Harry's friend, and part of the group, Ron always needed my help to do homework. He was never my friend. Since I was Harry's friend, he just figured he would have to deal with me, in order to get what he wanted."
Hermione's parents, and even Tonks, looked quite speechless.
"And as you assumed, Emma," Harry said, "Ron's facade of being our friend, ended when he became to jealous about me being with Hermione."
"As a couple, you would focus on each other more and more," Emma said, "More than him, anyway. And it would hurt his task set by your Headmaster."
"Yeah," Hermione said. "I'm not sure Ron is going to be at Hogwarts much longer. If he can't do what Dumbledore wants him to do, he's going to likely fail his classes. In the end, it is probably better that it happens. We wouldn't have to deal with him, and his mother can home-school him. He absolutely dotes on her, and like a good mother should, the same can be said in return."
"Well, I am glad you found out the truth about Ron before something bad happened," Dan said.
"Yeah," Hermione said.
"So this – what did you call it – Legilimency?" Emma asked, "Is it common in the wizarding world? Sounds like a serious breach of privacy."
"It truly is a breach," Tonks said, "It isn't entirely common, but it isn't rare. There are several Legilimens out there. A few of them are Masters at the art, meaning they can read your mind with barely a thought. Others are much easier to block, since they have to perform it verbally. But the real defense against it is called Occlumency, which is creating mental barriers that can successfully block out a Legilimens."
"Harry and I will be learning Occlumency this summer," Hermione said. "But to do so, we would need comfort and privacy. So while we're here, we could teach ourselves whilst laying on the hammock or -"
"Or in your bedrooms," Emma said.
"Yeah," Hermione said, "When we're in our bedrooms together, practicing Occlumency, we would of course leave the door open, as is your rule. True, we could practice it by ourselves."
"But you could achieve it quicker working on it together," Dan said, nodding.
"Ever since we became friends, we've achieved so much while working on things together," Hermione said.
"As long as there is no funny business," Dan said, "I'll allow you to visit each other's bedrooms."
"Thanks, Daddy," Hermione said, and Harry expressed his thanks as well.
"So... anything fun or exciting outside the norms of magic happen while at Hogwarts this year?" Emma asked.
"That seems like a good opening to the next part of our discussion I wanted to get to," Hermione said, "I haven't – ah – been entirely truthful of everything that has happened in my three years at Hogwarts so far. When I talk about it, it is mostly about my friends or classes, and not the more... exciting stuff."
Emma and Dan exchanged glances and looked back at the young couple.
"We figured you had been hiding a few things from us," Dan said. "Just because you are scared we would take you out of Hogwarts."
"Yes," Hermione said. "It would be probably better to show you in a Pensieve so you can see it for yourselves. But I don't think Harry's Pensieve allows – er – non-magical folk to use them."
"There are such things as Solicitor Pensieves," Tonks said, "Which can show memories to a large group outside of the Pensieve. It is as if the memory is happening in the same room you are in. But those are mostly for use by the Ministry and higher-ranking officials. Nothing as casual as this."
"So we'll just have to tell you ourselves," Hermione said. "It is best to leave your comments until the end. Otherwise this will take all night."
So over the next twenty minutes, Harry and Hermione told the same tale they had discussed earlier that day with Tonks and the other girls on the Hogwarts Express. Much like the girls' reactions, Dan and Emma looked quite pale and emotional through much of it. During the tale about the troll, they left our their suspicions that someone – likely Dumbledore – had enchanted Hermione to go into the bathroom. Though they did mention Ron as the reason she was there in the first place.
Hermione's parents were rather amused when their daughter told them about the accident with the Polyjuice Potion that had her looking like a cat for a month. Then they looked both angry and terrified when Hermione told them she had been Petrified. Emma was quite pale, and Dan was absolutely shell-shocked when Harry talked about the Basilisk. He took a short break from the discussion and retrieved the pictures of the Basilisk corpse from his trunk so they could see the size of the snake.
The one thing Dan and Emma did know about their story was Hermione's use of the time turner that year. Professor McGonagall had written them a letter making sure Hermione had permission to use it. Once the tale of Sirius and Buckbeak's rescue was over, silence reigned around the table for a good couple of minutes. Dan was looking through the pictures of the Basilisk again.
"I'm beginning to realize that my attempts to frighten you in the basement was probably pointless, Harry," Dan said, "Trolls, Professors possessed by the same monster that killed your parents, soul-sucking demons, and then there is this thing. You've done things between the ages of eleven and thirteen that most men two or three times your age would wet themselves as the thought of. Even those in the SAS. The SAS might be able to take down a troll easily, and one of these snakes – whilst it would scare the living daylights out of them, and not everyone would survive its Medusa-like stare... well, you said Muggle couldn't see Dementors. The SAS would stand no chance against them."
"That is what there are Aurors for, Dan," Tonks said. "Though I don't think many Aurors could fight a whole horde of Dementors at once."
"A seventy-foot serpent Petrifies school-children," Dan said, "A rare and dangerous artifact is hidden behind enchantments that were so weak that three young students could pass them. Creatures that can feed on a person's happiness, and suck the life out of a person literally. All of this at a school where parents send their children to learn about magic and trust that their kids would remain safe. What kind of school are they running? That Headmaster of yours should have been out on his backside years ago, and the none of this would have happened if the authorities had some control."
"Madam Amelia Bones agrees with you wholeheartedly, Dan," Tonks said, "When she learned about all of this, she tore a verbal hole through the staff of Hogwarts, and she arrested one of the Professors as well."
"Sweetheart, what you just described – much of it – is quite terrifying," Emma said. "Are you sure you want to remain at Hogwarts?"
"Yes, Mum," Hermione said, "There is one thing you need to remember after all those stories. Harry and I, we're still here. We're capable of facing a lot of danger, as long as we're together. Also... um... if Harry and I left Hogwarts, we wouldn't just be leaving our friends. As of recently, we'd be leaving a lot more than that."
"What does that mean?" Dan asked.
"In the wizarding world, Polygamy still exists," Hermione said, "While it is not common, it isn't all that rare either. When Harry was just a baby, before his parents were murdered, Harry's father James met with three families and penned Betrothal Contracts with them. I am quite sure that James was hoping he would have another son to give one of the contracts to, but that didn't happen. Recently we learned about those contracts. Harry is basically engaged to three girls – two of which are our classmates, and one is a year younger."
"What you're talking about is an arranged marriage," Emma said, "Why would parents agree to that in this day and age?"
"While Polygamy is uncommon," Tonks said, "Betrothals happen a lot. What you have to understand is that in some ways, the wizarding world hasn't left the medieval ages. All those old-fashioned beliefs still exist."
"In his day, my grandfather started a powerhouse political group known as the Great Alliance," Harry said, "It consisted of several high-ranking families in the Wizengamot, which is basically the wizarding high court. With this alliance, whatever laws they wanted to get passed, would usually pass. Whatever laws they did not like or approve of, usually failed. My father wanted to make sure the Great Alliance lived with me. The three girls I am betrothed to are like me, Children of the Alliance."
"Three seems a bit excessive though," Dan said.
"The House of Potter is an old family," Harry said, "I am descended from three major bloodlines through my father and grandparents. I am Head of two of those, and second-in-line for another. However, two of the girls are likely going to keep their surname, to allow their names to survive with their children. Only one has decided to take one of my titles as my Lady."
"Were you two already dating when you discovered this?" Emma asked.
"Yes, Mum," Hermione said, "And I know what you're going to ask. If it comes to the point where I would be Harry's wife, I would have no problems with him having more than one. Harry's never had a real family. He needs all the love he can gets, and all the family he desires."
"Marriage isn't going to be on the menu for at least three or four years," Harry said, "Though it is custom for me to discuss the Betrothal Contracts with the families as soon as I know about the Contracts. I already met with one of the families. I'll likely meet with the other two before the end of the month."
"One of those families," Hermione said, "The Lovegoods. I guess Harry's betrothed, Luna, told her father about me and the two of you. And he really wants to meet all of us when Harry goes to talk to him about the Contract."
"Do you know why?" Emma asked.
"Not exactly," Hermione said. "Luna's sort of... quirky in a good way. Kind of strange. But she's a really nice girl. She probably realizes there is a good chance that I'll remain with Harry in the long run, so in the future, we'll be family. I suppose Luna and her father just want to meet possible future family members."
"Do you know when this meeting will take place?" Dan asked.
"Not until at least a week from now," Harry said, "I imagine Mr. Lovegood wants my godfather to be at the meeting as well, and that can't happen until Sirius obtains his freedom. His trial takes place next Saturday. Hermione and I are witnesses, so we can tell the Wizengamot what happened the night we rescued him."
"Mum, Daddy?" Hermione asked, "Are you okay all of this? The Polygamy thing and the Betrothals?"
"Sweetheart, we're not even ready to think about you being married yet," Emma said. "You're still our little girl."
"I'll always be your little girl," Hermione said, "Even when I am your age and have teenage kids of my own."
"Let us talk these things over," Emma said, "You've certainly given us a lot to think about. But it is getting quite late and it has been a long day already. I'm not telling the two of you to go to bed. I'm sure you want to spend a little time as a couple. Just keep your bedroom doors open."
"Alright, Mum," Hermione said.
She stood and walked over to her parents and hugged both of them.
"Thank you for listening to us about all of this," Hermione said, "I was actually rather terrified to tell you."
"That is understandable," Dan said, "But thank you for telling us."
"You're welcome," Hermione said. "I love you, both of you."
Dan and Emma smiled and responded in kind. Hermione and Harry then said their good nights to both them and Tonks, and made their way upstairs. They walked into Harry's bedroom and sat down on the bed. Hedwig had returned and was now sitting on top of her cage, and eating the remnants of a dead field-mouse. She hooted in greeting.
"Sleep well, Hedwig," Harry said, "I'll have a couple letters for you tomorrow morning. Bright and early, so the Muggles don't see you."
Hedwig hooted in understanding.
"Set the alarm clock before you go to bed," Hermione said, nodding to the digital clock on the bedside table, "Just to make sure."
"Alright," Harry said, "So... that conversation went fairly well."
"Better than I anticipated," Hermione said. "They just need a bit of time to discuss it between themselves. But I think they're okay with most of it. I wish we could have told them more... about our bigger secret. But I'm not just ready for them to learn that revelation yet. Perhaps after we defeat Voldemort."
"Alright," Harry said. "So are you going to join me when your father starts training me in knife-throwing and other things?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, "Though you wouldn't have caught me doing any of that last time around. It is only because you're doing it too. And I think it will benefit in the long run, especially with our bigger plans this summer. I'm just happy you decided to do this. It will go a long way toward helping you in the Tournament and facing Voldemort."
"Definitely one of the reasons why I agreed to do it," Harry said, "I'm going to do my best to dominate the Tournament this time. The better I do, the better the chance that Cedric won't take the Cup with me, and therefore survive and have a good future."
"Good," Hermione said, "Keep that in mind. I have a feeling Daddy's going to be a tough training instructor."
"I'm strangely looking forward to it," Harry said. "Happy to be home?"
Hermione sighed and nodded. "Yeah. Feels strange since I am fourteen again. Been struggling to keep my emotions straight ever since I first saw them at King's Cross. Kind of feels like cheating, though. Last time I saw them, I modified their memories so that they wouldn't remember me in case I didn't survive the war. And now, none of that matters."
"It matters to me," Harry said, "Until your Mum told me about the struggles she went through just to have you, I didn't realize exactly what kind of sacrifice you made. You are the bravest person I've ever met. Why it took me so long to realize how I felt about you, baffles even me. I was fancying Cho Chang in this time period, when I should have been asking you on a date."
"Well, we can make up for that this time," Hermione said. "We can make up for all that lost time. Starting with this summer."
"I look forward to it," Harry said.
Hermione smiled and leaned toward him and kissed him softly. Harry chuckled against her lips and returned the kiss. She backed up before it could linger, and yawned hugely.
"We should go to bed if we're planning on waking up early," Hermione said, "I imagine our shopping trip will take much of the day. When that happens, Mum usually likes to start pretty early."
"Alright," Harry said; he leaned in and kissed her again. "Good night, Hermione. Sweet dreams. I love you."
"Most definitely," Hermione said, with a grin. "I love you too."
She pecked him on the lips and stood then left the room. Harry shut the door behind her, and proceeded to change into his pyjamas. Then he set the alarm clock for half-past-six and crawled into bed. Thoughts of the eventful summer that was only just beginning swam through his mind as he fell asleep and dreamed about Hermione.