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Harry Potter and the End of Illusions	By : Christina_Potter_09 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Harry/Hermione Views: 11159 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
- CHAPTER SEVEN –

Back At Hogwarts

Harry opened his eyes, waking up to sunlight caressing his face. He looked around the room that he had been sleeping in for the last two weeks. Hermione’s house was big enough so that could have his own bedroom to spend the nights. Hermione’s bedroom was right next to his, and her parents’ chamber was some feet away from theirs. Those rooms, along with a large bathroom, were on the second floor. The first floor had a big living room, connected with a warm dining room, a big kitchen and a small bathroom. After a week of cleaning the previously abandoned house, Harry could see Hermione had been living in a very warm and beautiful house. Harry felt very comfortable and relaxed. Hermione’s parents were treated him as if he were truly part of their family.

The Grangers decided not to leave the house Hermione grew up in but to buy a café close to it. Harry knew that Hermione was happy with this decision. The last few days Harry had watched a very different Hermione than the one he knew. She was more calm, she was smiling and laughing at the silliest things she would hear, read or see and she was looking really happy. Harry was sure he would be like this himself if he had survived this war and was able to live with his parents…

He remembered seeing his parents just moments before he faced Voldemort in the forest. He remembered the courage they had given him. But for the first time, he didn’t feel bad for being alive. He would soon be back at Hogwarts, as Head Boy and captain of the team. He would be protected from people who wanted him trapped like a caged animal. And most importantly, he would be safe from Death Eaters who were still on the loose.

Harry came out of his thoughts as a soft knock on the door was heard. He responded and Hermione opened the door and entered the room with a huge smile on her face.

‘Happy Birthday, Harry.’ Hermione said and hugged him tightly. Harry looked at her in surprise and then his eyes widened as he realized what day it was. He smiled and hugged her back. He had forgotten his birthday as he was relaxed at the Grangers’ house for the last several days. Hermione broke the hug and left for a few seconds. She returned with a covered cage in her hands. Harry smiled and approached her.

‘I know Hedwig was very special for you, but I think you need an new owl. A cat or a frog wouldn't seem to suit you really,’ Hermione said and took the cover off the cage. A beautiful snow-white owl was sleeping on its cage, it stirred a bit and Hermione covered the cage again. Harry smiled at Hermione. Indeed Hedwig would always have a special place in his heart but now he needed to move on. He smiled and kissed Hermione on the cheek.

‘Thank you, Hermione,’ Harry said smiling. ‘Does it have a name?’ he asked checking the owl again as he moved the cover just a bit.

‘Well, it’s a male owl and he doesn’t have a name. He is only a few months old so the lady in the shop hadn’t named him yet,’ Hermione said smiling. Harry thought a bit for a nice male name and remembered his father and his nickname.

‘I think “Prongs” is a nice name, even if he’s an owl,’ Harry said and Hermione grinned.

‘If you like it, I like it,’ Hermione said and both looked at the little owl sleeping. Hermione left Harry’s bedroom for awhile so he could change. He did so and together they moved downstairs for breakfast. Hermione’s parents greeted Harry and both gave him their gifts, two books, one about Quidditch and the other about defensive spells.

‘We left for Diagon Alley really early,’ Hermione murmured right before Harry could ask when they did all this shopping for him. Harry thanked the Grangers and all together sat to take their breakfast. Many letters were waiting for Harry to open them, along with a few packages. Books from Neville and Luna, a special case for his wand made from dragon’s leather from Hagrid and a beautiful miniature of a broomstick from the Weasleys were a few gifts Harry received, along with many letters from people he knew or just people who wished him good luck from now on.

Harry looked at his gifts and had to admit that Hermione’s was the best one. Neither Ron nor Ginny had sent him anything. The little broomstick was a gift from all of the Weasleys and Harry knew that meant that Ron and Ginny were still mad at him. Nonetheless he replied to their letter, thanking the family for the beautiful gift and informing them of his and Hermione’s news of the last weeks.

Living with muggles like the Grangers was something very exciting for Harry. He was waking up late and taking breakfast with Hermione when her parents had left to find the perfect café to buy. He would spend his day with his best female friend, listening to music, having walks around the neighborhood or eating ice-cream with her in the closest cafeteria. Harry couldn’t remember spending a better summer holiday than the one he was now spending with Hermione.

Harry and Hermione were taking their lunch when Mrs. Granger suggested to the young people that they should go to the pool close to the neighborhood. Hermione had nearly choked on her food and Harry had felt somehow excited. He wasn’t sure why, but he liked swimming when everything could be safe. Hermione had tried to deny going there and Harry believed she did so because she was embarrassed of showing her body –like many girls he was sure- but her mother insisted so Hermione just gave up. Harry didn’t have swimming trunks so he and Mr. Granger bought some for him.

When Hermione’s parents had left again, Harry and Hermione had decided to go to the pool. Harry knew that Hermione was nervous but she really shouldn’t have been. The two of them left the house and walked to their destination. They took their tickets for the rest of the day and Harry went to change in the men’s changing rooms as Hermione did the same in the women’s changing rooms.

Harry had chosen simple black swimming trunks that went to his knees. With discomfort, he realized how white his skin was and felt a bit embarrassed about going out. He did however. When he moved back to the pool he looked around to find Hermione. He hissed in a breath when he realized where Hermione was. She was wearing a purple and yellow bikini, toning her pale skin. He had never seen a girl like that before. She was spreading sunscreen on her stomach and arms and Harry felt a shot of heat on his cheeks. He was sure his jaw had dropped like back in fourth year when he had seen Hermione in her dress robes next to Krum. But seeing Hermione like that was something totally different.

Hermione turned around and looked at him, already blushing as much as he was. They looked at each other for a few moments and then smiled shyly. Hermione handed the sunscreen to Harry and spoke.

‘Could you please put some on my back? I can get burnt really easily,’ Hermione said and Harry gulped and nodded. Hermione nodded rather shyly and moved her hair away from her back. Harry took some of the cream on his palm, rubbed it between his hands and then placed them on her back. He hadn’t touched a half-naked girl before and that made him very uncomfortable. He tried to dismiss any thoughts and kept spreading the cream, not realizing it was spread already. Hermione turned around and Harry looked at her more carefully.

He hadn’t really imagined how Hermione would look in a swimsuit but now he could see really clearly. She was slim, not skinny but slim, her skin smooth with just one small detail ruining her beautiful skin. Harry, without thinking about it, reached out and brushed his fingers against a scar close to her left breast. Hermione jumped a little at the friction and then covered the scar with her hand.

‘It’s Dolohov’s,’ Hermione whispered and looked away. Harry knew what she meant. He didn’t think that the scar made her less attractive. In his opinion, it was proof of how loyal she had been to him. He smiled and tugged her chin towards him so he could look at her.

‘It’s not ugly or anything, Hermione,’ Harry said and moved closer so she could she his scar. A large scar was above the spot where his heart was beating rapidly. The scar had marked his skin the night the Silver Doe appeared. Hermione touched the scar lightly, making him gasp softly at her touch. He took a breath and let her explore the scar.

‘It’s the locket’s,’ Harry said quietly and Hermione looked at him, her eyes shinning. Hermione moved even closer and hugged him tightly. Harry returned the hug and inhaled her scent along with the smell of sunscreen on her body, feeling her half-naked form pressed against his. He broke the hug after a few moments and smiled at her.

‘These scars are our past, right?’ he asked her, wanting to assure himself as well. Hermione nodded and wiped the tears that had just escaped her eyes.

‘They are,’ she confirmed. She took the sunscreen and put some on her palm. She gestured at him smiling and he turned around so she could coat his back with sunscreen. He did so and Harry closed his eyes at her hands massaging his back. It was the first gentle touch he had felt in months and he rather enjoyed it. He didn’t know why, but he felt all this closeness with Hermione was normal after so many years of friendship and trust.

When they were both done with the sunscreen they moved close to the pool and stepped in the water. At first they started swimming, enjoying the water. Harry splashed some water on Hermione’s face by accident. She took that as a challenge and they started playing in the water, splashing each other like they had never the chance to do in the past. After hours of laughing and splashing each other they decided to return to Hermione’s house. Harry had spent one of the best days in his life, just spending time with his best friend. Just being normal.

With the daily visits to the pool, walks around Hermione’s neighborhood, evenings listening to music and the times they helped Hermione’s parents with the new café they had bought- Harry didn’t realize how soon August came close to its end. Five days before their return to Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione decided to go and buy everything they would need. Hermione seemed more than thrilled at the chance to return to her days as a student. Harry was sure she would be as bossy as ever and he really didn’t care as long as he would see her happy.

In the weeks following his birthday, Hermione had become the main subject of Harry’s thoughts and dreams. They would spend an entire year together away from curious eyes, away from Ginny and other people. He was kind of relieved. Hermione had explained to Harry what the Head Boy and Girl had to do and Harry was happy to know that he would share a small common room with her. He was happy the Head Girl wasn’t some stranger. Hermione had explained all of their new duties, and Harry wasn’t surprised that she knew everything about it so he listened to her carefully and learnt everything he needed to know.

Harry and Hermione sent Kreacher in Gringorts again and he returned with money for both of them from their vaults. Hermione’s parents had to go to their new café so the two friends would visit the Diagon Alley on their own. And so, they took their breakfast and apparated into the Alley. The street wasn’t full of people. The wizards and witches out there were flitting from shop to shop, trying to avoid the others. It was similar to the time Hermione had been disguised as Bellatrix, and she, Harry and Ron had visited the Alley months ago.

They started by Flourish and Blots. Harry was smiling, all the time watching Hermione adding more and more books in their arms. After nearly an hour in the bookshop they moved around to buy everything else. They stopped by Olivander’s and silently decided to move inside and make sure the old wandmaker was fine. He greeted them warmly, offering a cup of tea but they were busy and tired so they just stood for a few minutes. In this time, Olivander checked Hermione’s wand and found it in a great state even after the time away from her hands. During their shopping, quite a few people approached and greeted them, congratulating and thanking them, especially Harry, for the end of the War. Harry could only smile and nod at their words. He never liked fame and all that was depressing for him. He was sure he saw at least five flashes from one reporter. The simple act of shopping for his school term would be in the pages of newspapers whether he wanted it or not.

They ended up buying their new robes. Their letter indicated that they would need dress robes and Harry was sure some ball would take place again… After that, Harry and Hermione decided to go to the Leaky Cauldron for a butterbeer. Hermione shrank all of their packages and put them in her cloak’s pockets. They stood in the pub for almost an hour, enjoying the lack of people. They hadn’t been in the Wizarding world for awhile and they both were happy to be back without many troubles. They decided to leave after that hour to go back and get ready for their return to school.

Both Harry and Hermione were putting their trunks on the trolleys they had found in the station. Hermione’s parents helped them. They moved close to the wall between the platforms 9 and 10. Hermione hugged her parent tightly, promising that she would see them at Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. Granger let go of their daughter after a moment and Mrs. Granger hugged Harry. Harry returned the hug to the brunette woman smiling. Mr. Granger shook hands with Harry and advised him to be careful. Harry thanked the Grangers and followed their daughter.

The two slipped through the barrier and moved toward the Hogwarts Express. The train was surrounded by people, though not as many as there could have been. It was obvious that this year Hogwarts would accept less children than any other time. Harry and Hermione transferred their trunks to the train. They took Crookshanks’ basket and Prong’s cage with them and moved inside the compartments, trying to find one. They stopped when they saw Luna waving at them. Harry felt nervous, sure that Ron would be with Luna as well. They moved closer and entered the compartment. Ron was there, looking down at his lap. Harry and Hermione moved and sat in front of their friends and looked at Ron.

‘I’m sorry for the way I acted,’ he murmured, and Harry knew that he and Hermione had to forgive him once more. And so they did. Hermione made the first step by saying that it was ok, and Harry nodded. Soon after both he and Hermione had to left to find the new prefects. Neville entered the compartment when Harry, Hermione and Luna exited it.

Harry let Hermione say what was needed as she was more experienced in those things and he was never good with words. After an hour in the compartment with the prefects, Harry, Hermione and Luna were ready to return to the compartment with Ron when a very familiar voice stopped Harry.

‘Harry, my dear boy!’ It was the voice of Slughorn. Harry felt his stomach dropping. He couldn’t believe that this man was a teacher again. ‘And my dear, Ms. Granger!’ he added and Hermione smiled uneasily. The old potion maker moved closer to them while Luna returned to their compartment. Harry and Hermione lost at least half of an hour nodding and thanking their old professor for what he was saying about them and the war. They finally made it and left as Hermione said they had to start their patrol around the train. They did as she had said and they started walking around. The train was carrying about half of the students it should but Harry knew the community needed time to go back to normal.

When they were done with their patrol, Harry and Hermione returned to their compartment. The first hour with Ron in the same place was a bit awkward but soon the trio found its way back on track. After hours of talking and laughing, discussing and arguing, the train was finally reaching Hongsmeade. Harry and Hermione moved first and helped the students to their destinations. Many students were looking at Harry with interest and awe and he couldn’t just ignore it. Harry recognized Ginny’s hair some feet away from him, she was with some of her friends and he felt somehow happy with her not even looking at him like some girls who stared and giggled. Hermione, who was next to him, just snorted and kept helping students and prefects.

Lastly, the two found a carriage to transfer them to the castle. Hermione had pressed her face to the window and Harry wondered why. ‘What are you staring at?’ he asked, making her jump. She turned and looked at him.

‘I can see the Thestrals now,’ she said quietly and Harry knew what that meant: she had seen death. “I think it’s Fred’s death that I saw,’ she added in a whisper and Harry felt his heart aching for the lost Weasley twin. The carriages were soon right outside of the castle and Harry and Hermione moved outside. Harry hadn’t seen Hagrid yet, and he really wanted to see him after such a long time away from him. Hermione informed him that their pets and trucks would be transferred to their common room by house elves.

Everyone moved into the Entrance Hall and Harry saw that the place where the Hogwarts Battle had taken place was now back to normal. He looked around and saw someone that he hadn't seen on the train. Draco Malfoy was standing away from the others, in a corner of the Hall, looking around as well. Their gazes crossed for a moment and Malfoy just nodded at him. Harry did the same and then moved into the Great Hall along with the rest of the students. He looked around again and remembered the night of the Battle. Here was the place where he killed his enemy. He could remember the spot where Voldemort’s body had fallen. Harry sighed and tried to avoid everyone’s eyes.

Harry and Hermione sat close to Ron and other Gryffindor students of their age. Everyone shook the trio’s hands and welcomed them back. The three replied politely, trying not to take more attention than they already had. After a few minutes, McGonagall showed up and everyone fell silent. She looked around the tables and spotted Harry and Hermione. She looked at them for a second and then cleared her throat.

‘I have some announcements to make for everyone here before the new students come inside. I want to inform you all that the Sorting Hat had been destroyed by Tom Riddle. I needed to restore it and so I did. I can’t explain how but the matter is that the Sorting Hat is remade,’ McGonagall said and everyone started whispering. Many of the students had seen Voldemort himself destroying the hat, and they couldn’t explain how she had restored it.

McGonagall clapped her hands and the doors of the Great Hall opened once more revealing Hagrid and the first years behind him. Harry looked at Hagrid and they smiled at each other for a moment. Harry was happy to see Hagrid without bruises and scratches like he had seen him during the fight when he was attacked. The first years moved closer to McGonagall, and she brought the Hat from thin air and one by one the students were sorted into their houses. When the sorting was over, everyone started eating and Harry was happy to see that things were close to normal like before.

McGonagall announced the same things about the forest and Flitch’s list on his office’s door. She also said that the terms the students had attended the previous year would be repeated as the lessons were done under fear and were led by Death Eaters. She announced that because of the small number of students, all the houses of every year would attend the lesson and not like before in teams of two houses. That meant all the seventh years would attend classes together and the same would work for the rest. McGonagall welcomed the new professor of Muggle Studies, Ms. Brown, the new teacher for the DADA classes, Mr. Richards and welcomed back Sluggorn to the position of the potion master. Lastly, McGonagall announced the heads of the houses; Sluggorn for Slytherin, Sprout for Hufflepuff, Flitwick for Ravenclaw and to many people’s surprise Firenze the centaur for Gryffindor.

After the announcements, McGonagall wished good luck to everyone and finished the celebration with one minute of silence for the people who lost their lives in the war. When all the prefects had led their houses to their common rooms, Harry and Hermione went to the Headmaster’s office, knowing that it was McGonagall’s new home. McGonagall found them waiting and guided them inside.

They sat inside her office and Harry looked above the desk, at the portraits. All the headmasters seemed to be asleep but Snape’s portrait was awake. Harry looked at Severus’ eyes as the black orbs peered back at his own.

‘Thank you,’ Harry said and no one in the office said a word. Severus Snape kept on looking at Harry. After a few moments he spoke.

‘Your mother was a great person. Don’t ever forget the gift that she gave you: her love,’ Snape said and Harry nodded. Snape turned to Hermione. ‘And you, Ms. Granger... I owe you my thanks for the times that you tried to convince Potter and Weasley to trust me. You were always the head of this team,’ Snape said and Hermione smiled shyly and nodded. Snape’s portrait, like the rest, pretended to be asleep so McGonagall turned to her students.

‘First of all, I’m very happy you both are back,’ McGonagall started and Harry and Hermione smiled. ‘You are the Head couple this year and I’m expecting nothing less than perfection from you in your duties,’ McGonagall went on and Hermione nodded. ‘I know you have been through a very tough time. I talked with Albus’ portrait and even if he is not saying allot I realize that you have been in great danger, especially since I realized the Horcruxes’ books were missing from the library here,’ she said and Hermione lowered her head, feeling guilty, Harry was sure.

‘Nonetheless, you deserve much more than just a peaceful year here, so, Harry let me inform you that I took the initiative of buying you a new broom. I know you lost your Firebolt and I think it would be nice to give you the same gift I gave you when you first came here. This is my birthday gift for you,’ McGonagall said and with a flick of her wand a broom was on her desk in front of Harry and Hermione. Harry was shocked at the sight of the brand new broomstick. He looked at the model and he was sure it wasn’t a Firebolt. As he read on the wood it was a “Thunderbolt”. ‘It’s the new model and I think you deserve some hours on it, free from your problems,’ McGonagall added and Harry looked at her.

‘Thank you so very much, Professor,’ Harry said smiling as he brushed his fingers against the wood of the broom.

‘And,’ McGonagall said and reaching her hand in one of her pockets and taking out two small packages, ‘the night you beat him, I took the Elder Wand and used to restore some problems like the Sorting Hat and this…’ She handed Harry the packages. He opened the packages quickly and gasped when he saw their contents. The two small mirrors that Sirius had given him were now back to normal like the day he had received them from his Godfather. ‘I found the one in your robes and I knew the other was in the Hog’s head. They’re yours again,' McGonagall said and, for the first time, smiled at him. Harry gulped and took a deep breath trying to relax.

‘Thank you very much, Professor, for both of your gifts. The mean so much to me,’ Harry said and McGonagall nodded.

‘The Wand is back in Albus’ tomb, and only you know where the other two Hallows are,’ McGonagall said and Harry was sure Dumbledore had explained some of the events of the past year to her. McGonagall looked at Hermione.

‘Mss Granger, you can keep the books you have that once belonged in this library. I don’t think you will need them again but keep them. Along with the book with the tales,’ she said and Hermione nodded her head. McGonagall stood up and so did her students.

‘So, welcome back. Harry, I have made an appointment so you can take your aparation test in a week. Please be prepared. I’m sure Miss Granger is tired of apparating you around,’ McGonagall said and Harry smiled and thanked her again. ‘Now please go to the north tower, where your dorm is. The passage is hidden by the portrait with the angels. The password is “patronus”. You need to rest, so you are free to go,’ McGonagall said and Harry and Hermione nodded smiling. They thanked her once more and Harry took the mirrors and placed them carefully in his pocket and put his new broom on his shoulder. His free hand reached Hermione’s as he had grown accostumed to doing in the last few weeks spending so much time with her.

Together, they exited the office and headed for their new common room, knowing that the fame that hovered over them would be the main problem in their lives once more…
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Harry Potter and the End of Illusions