Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Hermione's Furry Little Problem
Chapter 16: Part 2: The Goblet of Doom
Flash-forward to Harry's Birthday, flashback to King's Cross...
?Blocked
AN: As should be obvious the Prisoner of Azkaban storyline has been completely nullified by events so far. Other events have moved forward to take its place...
Part 2
The Goblet of Doom
“Hermione, this Warlock stuff--it just looks like a load of pureblood rubbish for guys to me. I don’t want anything to do with it. I don’t understand why Sirius wants me to...”
“I think he wants you to take on the mantle because it’s the only way to have a political voice at all Harry. The British Wizarding World isn’t particularly democratic. The Wizengamot is made up of all the heads of the pureblood families or their proxies, and also just a very few members who were selected by committee to represent everyone else--and they elect the Minister and help to make many of the laws,” Hermione replied soberly, her furry ears twitching sympathetically. Harry groaned.
“It is a ridiculously awful lot to put on a 13 year old boy Harry... But look, you’ve got me now.” Hermione gave Harry a wan little smile. “I’ll help you cross that bridge when we get to it, alright!?”
“Yeah... right then.” Harry sighed, then he grinned at Hermione and kissed her. “Thank you Mrs Potter. I’m still getting used to having a real family.”
Harry lay down the documents he had been reading on the table of #12's library so that he could embrace Hermione properly. Hermione put down the texts she had been perusing and the pair of young wizards began to slowly sink to the library’s sofa as they lost themselves in a passionate kiss...
~o0o~
The car ride back to #4 Privet Dr from King's Cross with Aunt Petunia and Dudley had been a silent one. Petunia and Dudley were both subdued and shamefaced. Petunia kept her tearing eyes firmly on the road and avoided Harry’s perplexed gaze. But Dudley’s apologetic eyes kept darting back to find Harry’s. Harry felt extremely awkward, and Hermione tightened her furry tail (still wrapped in the invisibility cloak) around Harry to comfort him.
Harry and Petunia had spoken briefly at the station when Harry had introduced them to Hermione, but not since then.
“I’m sorry, but it’ll only be for a week alright. I’m not going anywhere without Hermione... And... and I can pay if you...”
Petunia stopped Harry right there, her eyes widening and filling with tears.
“NO! I... that’s absolutely not necessary Harry. It is awkward and unexpected, but I... well... I owe you so much--and my... sister so much--already. I’m s... sorry, SO sorry about Vernon... and... and for ev... everything horrible I’ve ever done to you Harry.” Petunia gave a sob and dabbed her eyes with a tissue as several emotions crossed her features and she recalled how she had almost hit him on the head with a skillet the previous summer. “Lily and I... we never got on, and I hate m... m... magic, but... but I never should have taken it out on you. You and Hermione are welcome to stay...”
Then Petunia pursed her quavering lips and went silent. Dudley’s large round face turned red and his eyes cast down as he mumbled and stuttered an apology of his own. Harry didn’t know what to say; his stomach clenched. He opened his mouth but nothing emerged, so he simply nodded his acceptance.
Harry unloaded his and Hermione’s trunks from the boot of the car when they arrived at #4 Privet Dr. He was startled when Dudley even offered to help.
“I’m sorry Harry... if I’d known that you were bringing a friend to stay, I would have redone the guest bedroom,” Petunia said with a hint of sharpness as they crossed the threshold. She felt dreadful about things, but years of dislike didn’t change overnight, and the lack of notice was upsetting.
“No, I’m sorry...” began Hermione.
Harry interrupted her. He had been dreading this moment. He knew that Petunia wouldn’t understand, most adults wouldn’t, but he also knew that he wasn’t going to allow Hermione to be separated from him.
“Hermione’s not just a friend, she can stay in my room with me. She’s my wife.”
Petunia gasped, and Dudley dropped the bag of groceries which they’d picked up at Tesco on the way home, breaking all of the eggs and a jar of spaghetti sauce. Hermione looked at Harry in surprise. She had thought that they were going to hide it.
“Even... even in the wizard world I know that’s ridiculous,” Petunia huffed crossly, “Children don’t get married...”
“It’s the truth,” Harry said firmly and calmly, despite the anxiety he felt. “Dumbledore emancipated me in the wizard world so that I could defend myself without getting in trouble. And he emancipated Hermione so that she could protect herself too, because of this...”
Hermione’s fluffy ginger cat tail came into view as Harry gently unwrapped the invisibility cloak. Petunia felt faint, and put her hand against the wall for support. Dudley just stood there gaping, and reached a hand behind himself to touch his own backside.
Harry regarded Petunia with beseeching eyes. He needed her to accept this.
“Look, we’ll only be here for a week alright. Please... we won’t be any trouble, and I promise we won’t snog in front of the neighbours. But I love Hermione... and... and that’s final. I wouldn’t be here to put you out at all, but Dumbledore...”
“I know...” Petunia nodded curtly, then her expression softened and her lips trembled again, “I know why you’re here Harry. Though Lily and I never saw eye to eye... she was still my sister, my blood. Yes, you can still call #4 your home. Just please... please be careful--the neighbours...”
~o0o~
Dudley didn’t have a gang anymore. His friends’ parents had all forbidden them from hanging out with The Pervert’s son. He was still quite round, but he had lost a lot of weight since Harry had seen him last, and instead of being boisterous and belligerent, Dudley had become much politer and quieter.
At first Harry simply felt relieved, but after two days, Harry almost began to feel sorry for Dudley--despite the fact that it had been one of his kicks which had cracked one of Harry’s ribs when they had both been 7, and despite the fact that it was he and his gang who had given Harry several of his scars during their Harry Hunts.
Dudley wouldn’t leave his room for anything. He even had to be coaxed from his room at meal times. And instead of hearing the sound of Dudley’s wargames emanating through his door, his Xbox and television remained silent; all that could be heard were some occasional sobs and sniffles.
The pall over #4 was unbearable, and Harry had to do something about it. Hermione wanted to help too, but Harry knew she would just frighten Dudley even more. Harry knocked on Dudley’s door before pushing it open. Dudley cowered on his bed, terrified that a newly emancipated Harry would turn him into a pig completely. Harry sighed and closed the door behind him.
“Look, Dudley...”
“Please... d... d... don’t hurt me!” Dudley moaned.
Harry grit his teeth and almost rolled his eyes. The worst he’d ever intentionally done to Dudley in retaliation for all the abuse was insult him--and Dudley certainly hadn’t come to any harm when he’d fallen into the snake exhibit at the zoo. But then Harry remembered that he’d come in to offer a pax.
“I’m NOT going to hurt you Dudley... even though you deserve a good thumping.” Harry glowered at him, then his features softened. “Look... I...” Harry swallowed, “Hermione reckons you didn’t know any better because Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia spoiled you and egged you on when you and your gang were beating up on me.”
Dudley flinched and whimpered at being reminded of his behaviour. He wondered if some of the pictures of a battered Harry that the newspapers said his father had emailed to his creepy friends had been taken after Dudley and his friends had issued a beating upon him. Dudley understood now, that what he himself had done to Harry could have landed him in prison too had he been older and he’d been caught by the authorities.
“Anyway, I’ve come to say that I want to put it all behind us if... if you’re willing to be...” Harry swallowed again, “if you’re willing to try and be friends... alright?”
Dudley’s red swollen eyes widened and his jaw dropped. This was unexpected. He couldn’t think what to say. Dudley knew he didn’t deserve forgiveness, but Harry was offering it regardless.
“R... r... really?” Dudley stuttered “You mean it?”
Harry nodded. He didn’t say anything because he wasn’t sure if he could actually sound like he meant it at all. He reached out his hand. Dudley stared at it for several moments... Then he put forth his own sweaty hand and clasped Harry’s, shaking it.
“I... I’d like that.” Dudley said with a tearful smile.
An hour later he was showing Harry and Hermione how to shoot zombies on his Xbox.
Part 2
The Goblet of Doom
“Hermione, this Warlock stuff--it just looks like a load of pureblood rubbish for guys to me. I don’t want anything to do with it. I don’t understand why Sirius wants me to...”
“I think he wants you to take on the mantle because it’s the only way to have a political voice at all Harry. The British Wizarding World isn’t particularly democratic. The Wizengamot is made up of all the heads of the pureblood families or their proxies, and also just a very few members who were selected by committee to represent everyone else--and they elect the Minister and help to make many of the laws,” Hermione replied soberly, her furry ears twitching sympathetically. Harry groaned.
“It is a ridiculously awful lot to put on a 13 year old boy Harry... But look, you’ve got me now.” Hermione gave Harry a wan little smile. “I’ll help you cross that bridge when we get to it, alright!?”
“Yeah... right then.” Harry sighed, then he grinned at Hermione and kissed her. “Thank you Mrs Potter. I’m still getting used to having a real family.”
Harry lay down the documents he had been reading on the table of #12's library so that he could embrace Hermione properly. Hermione put down the texts she had been perusing and the pair of young wizards began to slowly sink to the library’s sofa as they lost themselves in a passionate kiss...
~o0o~
The car ride back to #4 Privet Dr from King's Cross with Aunt Petunia and Dudley had been a silent one. Petunia and Dudley were both subdued and shamefaced. Petunia kept her tearing eyes firmly on the road and avoided Harry’s perplexed gaze. But Dudley’s apologetic eyes kept darting back to find Harry’s. Harry felt extremely awkward, and Hermione tightened her furry tail (still wrapped in the invisibility cloak) around Harry to comfort him.
Harry and Petunia had spoken briefly at the station when Harry had introduced them to Hermione, but not since then.
“I’m sorry, but it’ll only be for a week alright. I’m not going anywhere without Hermione... And... and I can pay if you...”
Petunia stopped Harry right there, her eyes widening and filling with tears.
“NO! I... that’s absolutely not necessary Harry. It is awkward and unexpected, but I... well... I owe you so much--and my... sister so much--already. I’m s... sorry, SO sorry about Vernon... and... and for ev... everything horrible I’ve ever done to you Harry.” Petunia gave a sob and dabbed her eyes with a tissue as several emotions crossed her features and she recalled how she had almost hit him on the head with a skillet the previous summer. “Lily and I... we never got on, and I hate m... m... magic, but... but I never should have taken it out on you. You and Hermione are welcome to stay...”
Then Petunia pursed her quavering lips and went silent. Dudley’s large round face turned red and his eyes cast down as he mumbled and stuttered an apology of his own. Harry didn’t know what to say; his stomach clenched. He opened his mouth but nothing emerged, so he simply nodded his acceptance.
Harry unloaded his and Hermione’s trunks from the boot of the car when they arrived at #4 Privet Dr. He was startled when Dudley even offered to help.
“I’m sorry Harry... if I’d known that you were bringing a friend to stay, I would have redone the guest bedroom,” Petunia said with a hint of sharpness as they crossed the threshold. She felt dreadful about things, but years of dislike didn’t change overnight, and the lack of notice was upsetting.
“No, I’m sorry...” began Hermione.
Harry interrupted her. He had been dreading this moment. He knew that Petunia wouldn’t understand, most adults wouldn’t, but he also knew that he wasn’t going to allow Hermione to be separated from him.
“Hermione’s not just a friend, she can stay in my room with me. She’s my wife.”
Petunia gasped, and Dudley dropped the bag of groceries which they’d picked up at Tesco on the way home, breaking all of the eggs and a jar of spaghetti sauce. Hermione looked at Harry in surprise. She had thought that they were going to hide it.
“Even... even in the wizard world I know that’s ridiculous,” Petunia huffed crossly, “Children don’t get married...”
“It’s the truth,” Harry said firmly and calmly, despite the anxiety he felt. “Dumbledore emancipated me in the wizard world so that I could defend myself without getting in trouble. And he emancipated Hermione so that she could protect herself too, because of this...”
Hermione’s fluffy ginger cat tail came into view as Harry gently unwrapped the invisibility cloak. Petunia felt faint, and put her hand against the wall for support. Dudley just stood there gaping, and reached a hand behind himself to touch his own backside.
Harry regarded Petunia with beseeching eyes. He needed her to accept this.
“Look, we’ll only be here for a week alright. Please... we won’t be any trouble, and I promise we won’t snog in front of the neighbours. But I love Hermione... and... and that’s final. I wouldn’t be here to put you out at all, but Dumbledore...”
“I know...” Petunia nodded curtly, then her expression softened and her lips trembled again, “I know why you’re here Harry. Though Lily and I never saw eye to eye... she was still my sister, my blood. Yes, you can still call #4 your home. Just please... please be careful--the neighbours...”
~o0o~
Dudley didn’t have a gang anymore. His friends’ parents had all forbidden them from hanging out with The Pervert’s son. He was still quite round, but he had lost a lot of weight since Harry had seen him last, and instead of being boisterous and belligerent, Dudley had become much politer and quieter.
At first Harry simply felt relieved, but after two days, Harry almost began to feel sorry for Dudley--despite the fact that it had been one of his kicks which had cracked one of Harry’s ribs when they had both been 7, and despite the fact that it was he and his gang who had given Harry several of his scars during their Harry Hunts.
Dudley wouldn’t leave his room for anything. He even had to be coaxed from his room at meal times. And instead of hearing the sound of Dudley’s wargames emanating through his door, his Xbox and television remained silent; all that could be heard were some occasional sobs and sniffles.
The pall over #4 was unbearable, and Harry had to do something about it. Hermione wanted to help too, but Harry knew she would just frighten Dudley even more. Harry knocked on Dudley’s door before pushing it open. Dudley cowered on his bed, terrified that a newly emancipated Harry would turn him into a pig completely. Harry sighed and closed the door behind him.
“Look, Dudley...”
“Please... d... d... don’t hurt me!” Dudley moaned.
Harry grit his teeth and almost rolled his eyes. The worst he’d ever intentionally done to Dudley in retaliation for all the abuse was insult him--and Dudley certainly hadn’t come to any harm when he’d fallen into the snake exhibit at the zoo. But then Harry remembered that he’d come in to offer a pax.
“I’m NOT going to hurt you Dudley... even though you deserve a good thumping.” Harry glowered at him, then his features softened. “Look... I...” Harry swallowed, “Hermione reckons you didn’t know any better because Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia spoiled you and egged you on when you and your gang were beating up on me.”
Dudley flinched and whimpered at being reminded of his behaviour. He wondered if some of the pictures of a battered Harry that the newspapers said his father had emailed to his creepy friends had been taken after Dudley and his friends had issued a beating upon him. Dudley understood now, that what he himself had done to Harry could have landed him in prison too had he been older and he’d been caught by the authorities.
“Anyway, I’ve come to say that I want to put it all behind us if... if you’re willing to be...” Harry swallowed again, “if you’re willing to try and be friends... alright?”
Dudley’s red swollen eyes widened and his jaw dropped. This was unexpected. He couldn’t think what to say. Dudley knew he didn’t deserve forgiveness, but Harry was offering it regardless.
“R... r... really?” Dudley stuttered “You mean it?”
Harry nodded. He didn’t say anything because he wasn’t sure if he could actually sound like he meant it at all. He reached out his hand. Dudley stared at it for several moments... Then he put forth his own sweaty hand and clasped Harry’s, shaking it.
“I... I’d like that.” Dudley said with a tearful smile.
An hour later he was showing Harry and Hermione how to shoot zombies on his Xbox.
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