Chapter twenty nine
The next four days were spent at their cottage, and in those four days they hardly left the bedroom, Hermione had made a quick tour of the house when they first arrived but it had been a very quick tour indeed as Harry had plans for the rest of Christmas day. Plans that Hermione had absolutely no objections to at all.
On the afternoon of the fourth day a rather tired and slightly worn out Harry got dressed and made his way into the now plate strewn kitchen, neither of them had washed a single pan, dish, or plate, since they had arrived. They had been having just two proper meals a day along with a small supper, neither of them wishing to spend too much time in doing mundane things like eating, when they could be practising making babies. Though as Hermione pointed out, with her contraception potion no longer effective they could well be actually making their very first baby at the very time she was talking.
Harry had just begun the dishes washing them selves when a naked Hermione joined him. 'Clothes off Harry love' she ordered him as she approached him from behind.
"Hermione sweetheart we have to get ready to visit the Weasleys, we did promise to spend New Year with them," Harry moaned as he turned and looked at the beautiful naked body standing next to him, he loved to watch the way her breast moved as she did, they were not large in fact they were, as far as he was concerned a perfect fit for his hands, he took in the small waist that hopefully one day soon would be quite a few sizes larger, he was once again amazed at the length of her shapely legs, legs that reached right up to what was the next best thing to heaven for him, then he turned back regretfully and watched the dishes washing them selves.
"Exactly dear, now give me your clothes," Hermione said giggling as she opened the door on their washing machine, "I need to wash these before we leave."
Hermione had never used a washing machine before and it took her a few moments to figure out how their brand new one worked, they left the cottage by port key and arrived back at Potter House, everything they were wearing had a pale grey/blue colour too it. Apart from Hermione's under wear which were now a rather awful grey colour.
Hermione couldn't help wondering as they prepared for their visit to the Burrow if she had conceived, and if she had, would the baby be just a little bit Irish, she smiled at the thought as she suddenly realised she would need to give birth over there for their child to be classed as Irish. As she left Potter House for the Burrow, Hermione prayed that she was indeed on her way to being a mother, she hoped that the four days she had spent in Ireland just making love with the man she adored and loved with a passion, were the days that made her wishes come true. For nearly two years she had been longing to give Harry the family he so desired, to be the mother of his children, which was something she herself truly desired.
Hermione arrived at the Burrow to find a surprise party was being held for them, almost everyone she knew, her mum and dad, Neville, all the Weasleys and their girl friends, several of the professors, Luna, Sirius, Dig, Remus, and even their house elves were waiting along with the girls she had once shared a dorm with, all waiting to greet her.
There was a huge Banner hanging across the front lawn, 'HAPPY ANIVERSARY HARRY AND HERMIONE' flashed in bright colours as it gently swayed in the light wind.
Tears fell down her cheeks as she was greeted and hugged by everyone, 'We missed celebrating when I was ill, so though it's just a little late, happy anniversary sweetheart' Harry thought as he too hugged her.
There was a small marquee in the back garden and thanks to several charms by Mr and Mrs Weasley it was warm and comfortable, Neville was playing music on an old wind up gramophone that had been charmed to play the more modern tunes. They all spent the evening dancing; even Glanry had a dance with cook though Harry thought that maybe cook would refuse a second helping of toe bashing. Harry danced with Hermione as much as he could between them both being whisked away to dance with a guest. Just before midnight a rather tipsy Glanry got slowly to his feet and having waved his hand at the gramophone and stopped the music he offered a toast
"To lord master, Harry Hogsmeade of Gryffin – thingy, cheers," he then fell to the floor and began to snore rather loudly.
Everyone looked on astonished as the little elf was taken away by his fellow elves "He never had butterbeer before," cook explained to a laughing Harry as she helped carry Glanry away.
"Whats all this lord stuff then Harry?" Ron asked raising the question on nearly all their minds.
Dumbledore stepped forward just as the count down to the New Year began; he raised his glass to Harry and Hermione, "To Lord and Lady Gryffindor of Hogsmeade, happy anniversary and a very happy new year."
The beginning of the New Year passed in total silence as everyone registered what Dumbledore had said, Hermione's mum was the first to pull herself together, she left her husband looking stunned in the middle of the small dance floor as she rushed to her daughter and son in law.
"I am so proud of you both," she said as she pulled them both into a hug.
Just a few seconds later and everyone was trying to get to the couple and congratulate them. "When did all this happen then Harry?" Neville asked smiling at his two best friends.
It struck both Harry and Hermione at the same time; they had been so busy practising their baby making technique that they had totally forgotten to tell anyone other than Albus about passing their NEWT exams and all the other things that had happened since Harry had been injured. A rather red faced Harry left it to Hermione to explain what had happened and why they had told nobody about it.
Hermione's father had a tear in his eye as he took his daughter in his arms and gave her a hug, "Who would have thought it when that bushy haired little girl left home for her new school, she would end up being a lady married to one of the richest men in the land. Look at you now, my little girl is all grown up."
Ginny was the next one to hug Hermione "What am I supposed to do at school without my best friends there to talk too," she gently thumped Harry on the shoulder "You knew all this at Christmas and you never told me," she said pouting.
Harry could see from the smile in her eye that she was not upset with them, he watched as her eyes grew wide when Hermione whispered something to her, "When did you decide?" she asked.
Hermione was pleased Ginny had not said something like you are too young or it's too soon, she could see her best friend was happy for her, she knew how much it meant to Hermione for her and Harry to have a baby.
The celebrations began anew as everyone wished the Potters a happy anniversary then began to celebrate the new year, Harry had never before in his life been kissed by so many women, as they all lined up to give him a kiss for the new year, Hermione and Ginny were giggling at him as his face went ever more red by the second.
"You best give him one too Gin or he might start pouting, if his best friend is the only one who doesn't," Hermione said now laughing out loud as his face was now a bright scarlet.
Ginny giggled even more as she gave Harry a quick kiss, "I think its your turn now M'lady," Ginny laughed as she left them to dance with Neville and to give him his New Year kiss, one that would be neither quick nor a peck.
Hermione did exactly as Ginny suggested and gave her husband a rather passionate kiss that had them both forgetting where they were. They were left to dance together once the new year had begun, holding on to each other they swayed gently to the music, they never even noticed when the music changed beat as a new song began, they were lost in a world of Love as they danced together.
It was on the Wednesday of the third week in February when Hermione sat down to lunch in the great hall with Ginny.
"Harry thinks I'm at the Burrow having another cooking lesson with your mum, but I've been up to see Poppy," Hermione said as they started eating.
"And?" Ginny asked rolling her eyes.
Hermione frowned looking down at her plate, "I just happen to be a little pregnant," Hermione said no longer able to keep her face straight.
The smile she had was about the biggest Ginny had ever seen on her friends face, she turned and threw her arms around Hermione and almost squealed her congratulations, "When will you tell Harry, Oh I wish I could be there to watch his face," Ginny said as she hugged Hermione.
They were joined a moment later by Neville, "You can talk about it at dinner, after I have gone home," Hermione said when Ginny pleaded with her eyes to be allowed to tell Neville.
"So what brings you back to school?" Neville asked as he gave Hermione a hug and a quick peck on her cheek "you missing us already?"
Hermione smiled "Something like that Nev, something like that."
Harry was helping Dig to clear a path through the three feet of snow that covered the path down to the stables, when Hermione arrived home.
"Harry darling can I have a word," she said seriously as she went into the house.
Harry gave Dig one of those 'wonder what I did wrong' sort of looks before he followed his wife into the house "I'll be back," he said to Dig holding up his hand to show he had his fingers crossed.
Hermione was usually only that serious if she was angry for some reason, but for the life of him Harry could not think of why she would be angry at him, he followed her into the living room where Hermione was doing her utmost to keep her face straight. He sat down in his usual chair as Hermione stood in front of the fire; he was waiting with his breath held as she turned to him.
"I have been to see an old friend of ours and she has informed me," she paused for a few moments "Harry we are going to be parents," she said her lips twitching as she tried to suppress the smile that was trying to force itself onto her face.
Harry sat with a blank look on his face as he recited her words in his head, "We are going to be parents," the penny dropped with a rather large thump when he realised what she had said.
Hermione could no longer hold back the large smile as she watched as Harry comprehended what she had said, his eyes lit up and he let out the breath he had been holding, "A baby?" he asked grinning like a cheshire cat.
"We are having a baby?" He asked again before jumping to his feet and hugging her for all he was worth. "You should sit down and put your feet up or something," he said as a great pride in his wife suddenly filled him "Oh cripes I'm really going to be a dad aren't I, what do I do now, do I have to fetch a healer or something?"
"Harry love, first thing you should do is to put me down, I'm not going to break, then you can call my mum and let her know," Hermione said.
"Oh heck Hermione, I'd rather face another dragon than tell your mum I got you pregnant," Harry said as the colour drained from his face.
"Hello, what's this then the most powerful wizard in the world afraid of a little Muggle," Hermione laughed as she saw the dread in his face, "Harry love, we are married, and no doubt mum has been waiting patiently to become a grandmother."
"But she's your mum, she'll know what we've been doing," Harry said a little quietly.
"I think she has known about that for quite some time now love," Hermione could not help giggling at his fear of her five foot five inch mother.
"Tell you what love, you just floo call mum and ask her if she can pop over for a chat while I go get changed, then I'll tell her all about it, ok," Hermione said leaving him in the living room to go and get changed into something more comfortable she giggled at the thought that he would rather face another dragon.
Harry did as she asked although he did think of getting one of the elves to do it for him. He suddenly remembered the same sort of irrational fears had been with him in his other life when he had found out Ginny was pregnant for the first time. Having thought about it for a while Harry made a huge decision, leaving the house he picked up a large glass jar, checked that the lid was tight, he then picked up a shovel and started to make his way down to his favourite spot on the river, it was hard going as he trudged through the snow but he needed some privacy.
Having dug a rather deep hole in the soft riverbank soil, Harry stood pondering how best to do what he wanted to do, he opened the jar and placed the lid next to it on the tree trunk that he usually sat on, then one by one he began to remove all his memories of making love to Ginny. He removed his memories of her naked body and all the things that he had tried so hard to suppress when he was alone with her. He also removed the memories of his children from that love making; he left only two memories of her in his head. One of them was the memory of his thinking he was once in love with her but had discovered he wasn't, the other was the memory that though they had been together they had just been best friends till the day she had died, placing the memories inside the jar and then sealing it and placing several really powerful protection charms around it, he buried it deep in the cold soil.
Now, though he knew he had buried his memories of Ginny here by the river, he was no longer aware of what those memories had been, he just knew that he felt so much better now than he did an hour ago. He also knew he would feel much more comfortable when he was alone with the red haired best friend of him and his wife. It was time to go back up to the house and face his mother and father in law, following his own foot prints, Harry made his way slowly through the deep and cold snow, back to his pregnant wife and her parents.
Harry was greeted by a very happy Mrs Granger as he walked into the kitchen, she mentioned about them still being so young but she also thought they had done and seen more than most people twice their age, she was truthfully happy that she was to be a grandmother.
Mr Granger however was sat with his head in his hands repeating the words "I don't believe it, me a grandfather, that'll make me an old man."
Harry sat down at the table next to Hermione and took her hand in his "So on too the next adventure then," he smiled and gently kissed her knuckles "I do love you so much your Ladyship."
Hermione gave him a small playful tap on his shoulder before replying "I love you too your Lordship."
Chapter thirty
The words sounded like thunder in Harry's ears as Mr Granger spoke in the quiet of the living room, Mrs Granger and Hermione had gone up stairs for some odd mother daughter talk about babies, leaving Mr Granger and Harry alone in the what now seemed to Harry like a shrunken living room. Mr Granger had heard the last parts of the conversation, Lord and Lady, his little family now had titled children.
"So Harry, you're going to be a father and I am going to become an old man, a grandfather?" Richard Granger said with a grave look on his face.
"Yes, look Mr Granger, we both wanted this, it's not an accident or a mistake, we both knew what we wanted and we are wealthy enough to make sure our children are well looked after," Harry mumbled, hoping Mr Granger was not going to be a problem.
"Harry son don't you think it's about time you called me dad, or even Richard. How's it going to look to our new family member if his or her dad calls me Mr all the time," Mr Granger sighed, he had been in a similar situation that Harry now found himself in, sitting alone with his own father in law not so many years ago, though the outcome then had been far different.
"Sorry, just never thought about it, dad it is then," Harry said with some relief, things seemed to be going better than he expected.
Mr Granger looked at Harry with an odd smile on his face "I suppose you were expecting a lecture from me, all about being too young to be parents and what have you,"
Harry nodded, that was exactly what he expected.
"How old would you say I am Harry?" Mr Granger asked.
Harry hadn't a clue, it was something he had never thought about, he had never had reason to. "I haven't a clue sir," he admitted.
"Well I want you to think about this, when my grandchild arrives, I am going to become a grand father at the ripe old age of thirty five," he told Harry
The silence in the room was tangible as Harry worked out the math, 'if he's going to be thirty five, that must mean he is now thirty four or just thirty five, Hermione is seventeen, bloody hell they were younger than we are when they had Hermione' Harry began to chuckle and it slowly built into a laugh as he saw the grin on his father in laws face.
"I would enjoy the laugh while you can Harry, because you my boy are going to be taking a trip to the seaside with me and Helen, and you are the one who is going to tell Hermione's fifty seven year old grandmother that she is about to become a great grandmother, and believe me Helen is just a cuddly toy compared to her mum," Mr Granger was now the one chuckling at the look on Harry's face.
For some reason Harry got a sinking feeling in his stomach, Hermione had grand parents but she had never once mentioned them, and he wondered why, not that it mattered he just found it odd he had never known.
'Hermione Jane, could you come down here please, I think your dad wants' to throw me to the wolves or something' Harry called to his wife.
Mr Granger had been sitting chuckling away quite merrily as Harry thought through what he had said, and he was still grinning like the winner of a lottery when Hermione and her mum entered the room.
"What is it Harry love?" Hermione asked as she walked over and held his hand.
"Your dad says I'm to visit your grandmother with him, you know the grandmother you never mentioned," Harry answered.
"Oh Richard you wouldn't?" Mrs Granger said disbelief in her voice.
"Oh yes I would dear, I haven't forgotten the reception I got when we told her about us, and if Harry survives that, then he can accompany me to see the Bishop," dad answered with a grin still on his face.
"The Bishop, now that's just plain cruel, I thought you said you loved Harry like he was your own son," Mrs Granger audibly gasped.
Harry and Hermione stood wondering what the two parents were talking about. 'Do you know who this Bishop is?' Harry asked Hermione.
'Yes, he's my dads dad, though I never met any of my grandparents, they disowned mum and dad when they got married, so we never talk about them, I haven't even thought about them since I left primary school' she answered.
'Well my darling wife and mother of my unborn child, it seems we are going to be paying them a visit, oh and by the way did you know your mum and dad were only sixteen when your mum got pregnant with you' Harry told her with a hint of pride.
'I knew they were young, but I never thought about their age, no wonder mum always looked younger than the other mothers, I suppose I should have known their ages really but it never interested me, strange that, I mean the age people become parents differs around the world…'
'Hermione love, now is not the time to go off on tangents about the rest of the world, I could be in deep trouble here'
While Harry and Hermione were having their private conversation Mr and Mrs Granger sat waiting for them to bring their attention back to the original conversation.
"Huhmmm," Mr Granger cleared his throat.
"Oh sorry dad, you were saying?" Harry said feeling a little uneasy.
"Let me tell you about us," dad said nodding at his wife "You don't know this but we were married as soon as the law allowed. Well in our world that happens to be sixteen, at the ripe old age of just turned sixteen we neither of us could bear to be apart any longer. We were in love and we wanted to be together so much it was driving us mad. Anyway I got a pal to forge the parental signatures on the forms to allow us to get married, then we took off and spent four months working our way through college before our parents found out about the marriage, they were furious but they decided not to do anything because we were already expecting Hermione. And no Hermione it was not an unwanted pregnancy. Anyway they decided to totally disown us; they have not spoken to us since. They were all convinced we would end up penniless paupers living on the streets. We both worked hard to prove them wrong and to get through all our schooling and qualify as dentists, we have done ok I think, anyway they still don't speak to us and they never once asked about our child."
Mrs Granger looked at the young couple "It can be hard being married young sometimes." She said sadly "I'm sorry you had to grow up not knowing your grandparents dear."
Harry suddenly knew exactly what dad had been thinking, he smiled held out his hand to his father in law and with a huge grin he said "lets do it then."
The two women looked totally confused as Richard Granger beamed at Harry, he had waited eighteen years for an opportunity like this, he was surprised that Harry had caught on and once again knew his trust in his son in law was well founded, this boy would never let his girl down.
"So dad when would you like Lord and Lady Gryffindor to put in an appearance?" Harry asked grinning as madly as dad.
"Well how about tomorrow, the sooner the better I think don't you?" dad answered laughing at the puzzled look on his wife's face, "revenge dear, a visit from the little family that would end up in the gutter. I cant wait to see their faces."
Hermione was smiling; she would get to meet the grandparents she had never known, even if it was just so her dad could prove to them just how wrong they had been. Harry went all out to help his father in law make his own in laws eat their words, he would also do the same with the bishop. Together father and son in law drove down to the village, Harry thought about how useful it would have been if the smaller mobile phone services were already invented while they drove the five miles to the village. Once in the village they went into the local pub, dad ordered two pints of beer while Harry asked to use the phone.
Mr Granger listened as Harry asked the operator to put him through to the offices of one of the biggest store chains in the country. A short wait and Harry was talking to a company receptionist, "I would like to talk to the company manager please, Yes of course, Lord Gryffindor company chairman, yes I'll wait thank you," they could both hear the sounds of turmoil Harry's call had caused at the head office, eventually a voice came back on the line.
"Hello sir, I'm putting you through now," several clicks later a rather stiff voice harrumphed before saying hello, "Ah yes Lord Gryffindor speaking, I would like the company to acquire accommodation for me, best hotel in Poole, yes the Poole in Dorset, I want a complete floor, for tonight and for the rest of the week including the weekend, yes, no I will be paying cash, yes I will be sending confirmation by courier a little later today, yes that will be fine please inform the courier of the hotel selected, oh and thank you for your letter, yes that will be all for now." Harry turned and grinned, "All sorted, we all get to have a long weekend by the sea."
Back at the house Harry asked Dig if he could deliver a letter for him, one that had to be delivered in person, Dig always willing to help agreed and went off to clean up some. Harry conjured a piece of parchment with the Gryffindor seal embossed on it, he added a header along with the Gryffindor shield 'Lord Gryffindor of Hogsmeade' he then made several copies of the parchment before he wrote a short letter confirming his telephone call to the company manager and signed it H. Potter. Lord Gryffindor. Dig apparated away with the letter just a few minutes later.
Thirty minutes later Harry called Hedwig in to deliver two letters one to dads' dad the bishop, and one to Helen's mum and dad.
At seven thirty that evening Lord Gryffindor and party registered in to the five star hotel, they had the entire the top floor to themselves, Mr Granger was still beaming and Harry wondered with a chuckle if the smile on his face was stuck there permanently now.
The following morning Harry and Hermione were awoken by the delivery of breakfast, getting out of bed to get dressed Harry thought 'wonder if that smile was stuck on your dads face while he slept' he then burst out laughing. Hermione lay in the bed and watched Harry get dressed, 'Harry I would much rather you came back to bed and showed me how much you love me than get up and eat breakfast'
'You my dear should get up and eat, there are two of you now so come on, I promise I will make love to you all night tonight, or at least until you wear me out' he replied with a chuckle.
Hermione could not argue with that, she would do nothing that would jeopardise her pregnancy, even if it meant getting up early and eating when she definitely did not feel that way inclined, and a promise of making love all night, sounded rather good.
Harry, Hermione, and her parents had just sat down to lunch in their room when a tap at the window alerted Harry to the appearance of his owl Hedwig, she was sitting on the widow sill waiting to be allowed in, Mr Granger was the one who got up to open the window. The letters Harry had sent the day before were gone and Harry knew she had delivered them to the main wizard post office and that they would even now be in the hands of the people they were addressed too.
Hermione dug some owl treats from one of her pockets and Harry wondered just how she managed to remember everything. An hour later they were interrupted from relaxing by a knock on the door, Mrs Granger answered and gave the boy who delivered the two notes she now held a few pound coins from her purse.
Harry watched as she read the notes, replies to Harry's request for an audience with the grand parents, they were invited by the Bishop to take tea with him while the other grandparents had asked if they could visit Harry. The note informed them that they would be waiting in the foyer at two pm.
Harry picked up the phone at two minutes to two and rang the foyer, "Could you direct Mr and Mrs Puckle to Lord Gryffindor's suite please, yes thank you as soon as they arrive thank you," Hermione heard as she listened to Harry talk.
Just a few minutes later a knock at the door announced the arrival of Hermione's grandparents, Mr and Mrs Granger had stepped in to another room and would wait there until Harry called for them.
Two people were ushered into the room by the same boy who had delivered the letters, he must have thought it was his birthday as Harry handed him a ten pound tip. It was well worth it to Harry to help his in laws and to meet the kind of people who could disown their own daughter, something he thought impossible.
Harry held out his hand as the two strangers entered "Mr and Mrs Puckle, welcome, I suppose you are wondering why I wanted to see you," Harry said to them politely.
Mr Puckle answered "Yes your lordship, we were wondering why you would wish to see us."
"Well the truth is my dear wife Lady Gryffindor wished to meet you," Harry said as he nodded to Hermione.
Hermione took a deep breath, she did not want to admit it but she had taken a dislike to these her grandparents who had never once enquired about her, "I believe you know my parents," she said without any feeling "Mr and Mrs Richard Granger."
Both visitors stared at her as they realised the family resemblance, "Yes that makes me your grand daughter, I'm afraid," Hermione said as they both continued to stare.
Harry wondered what would happen next as he walked to the door to the room where the Grangers both stood with their ears to the door, Harry knowing he would be eaves dropping if he were in there coughed before opening the door.
"Mum, dad would you care to join us," he called into the room.
Mrs Granger entered first "Hello mum, dad," she said as she walked over to Hermione.
"Mr and Mrs Puckle," Mr Granger said as he stood on the other side of his daughter.
Harry held his breath as he waited to see who would speak next, and wondered what they would say.
A/Note sorry about the cliffie but I just need to alter a few things in the next part of this chapter so I have split it into two. Don't go mad with me please.
Chapter thirty one.
Harry watched wondering who would speak next, he was a little surprised as all eyes turned to him, starting with Hermione, followed by mum, and dad then grandmother, and grandfather all looked at him one by one, then Harry remembered Mr Granger's words about him being the one to tell the fifty seven year old she was to be a great grand mother.
'So its time for lord Gryffindor to do his bit' Harry thought as he took a steadying breath. He briefly wondered how it was he always found himself in these situations, before he took another deep breath.
"Mr and Mrs Puckle, I have the great honour to tell you that my wife, the beautiful Lady Hermione, and I are to have a baby, your great grand child."
Mrs Puckle made no sign that she had heard a word, Mr Puckle however stepped forward and held out his open arms to his daughter "Helen sweetheart, I've missed you so much," He said as he stepped forward.
Mrs Granger reacted like a little girl, her dad was holding out his welcoming arms to her, and she rushed forward and hugged her father as he held her tight. There was a sniff as Mrs Puckle stuck her nose in the air, "Oh shut up Marge, if you don't like it then push off, you snobby bitch," Mr Puckle said with anger in his voice.
"I'm sorry Richard, I have missed my little girl so much thanks to that snob," he said as he indicated his wife.
He was still holding onto his daughter with one hand when he held out his other to Hermione, "Can you forgive your granddad," he asked as he looked her in the eye.
Hermione stepped forward and joined her mum in hugging her grandfather; Harry hid the tear that rolled down his cheek by reaching up as though to brush his hair from his eyes. Mr Granger stood not quite knowing what to do as the two women in his life hugged the older man, he had come expecting a little pay back, make the man eat his words, now he was watching them through a teary blur, as father and daughter were reconciled.
Mrs Puckle stood and watched still standing stiff, but no longer so sure of herself. Finally the hug broke up both Hermione and Helen were crying as was her grandfather. Turning to his wife Mr Puckle took a deep breath, "You lost me all these years with my princess and my family, just for some stupid stuck up idea that you were better than the Grangers, well I'm sick of it. I'm proud my dad was a simple miner, if you don't want to be proud of your own family then go join your snobby friends I don't care anymore."
Harry like Mr Granger didn't know what to do as Hermione reached out her hand to him, stepping forward he took her hand as Hermione introduced him to her grandfather.
"Harry this is my grandfather, grandfather this is my husband Harry Potter," she said feeling a little silly.
Harry held out his hand and shook the hand offered to him. Richard Granger stepped forward and offered his hand to his father in law as well.
"I don't deserve this Richard, I was stupid to listen to Marge, her mother always told me she would ruin my life, I should have listened to my in laws, but I'm so pleased you didn't," the older man said quietly.
Mrs Puckle had not moved while all this went on in the room, Harry took a moment to look at her, and he saw the tears that were being held back, hidden behind the stiff look put on by the older woman. With the wisdom gathered from the years of his other life, he thought that maybe she wanted so much to be a part of the reconciliation, but just truly had no idea what or how to do it, she needed some help. Feeling odd about what he was about to do he did it never the less, he stepped up to the older woman and held out his open arms to her. After a moments hesitation she fell into his open arms and burst out crying. She was still crying when Helen joined Harry in hugging her mother, apologies were made and unspoken words were felt as the whole family became one unit.
Mrs Puckle turned to Hermione who was now standing along side her grandfather "Can you find it in your heart to forgive me please, I never really wanted to hurt you, I was just being foolish." she pleaded.
Harry phoned down for room service and asked them to bring up a bottle of champagne and a small bottle of lemonade. Hermione smiled at him as he gave her a small wink,
'Today you get lemonade love, lemonade and grandparents all in one day' Harry told her as he put the phone down.
'Aren't I the lucky one' she chuckled silently.
'I don't know about luck and all that, what I do know is that this baby has done a lot for this family, and he or she isn't even born yet' Harry said.
'Yes a real Potter, with all saving people thing, that's for sure'Hermione leant over and gave Harry a quick kiss.
The champagne and lemonade arrived a few minutes later, the conversation going on between the small family was aimed at telling Hermione about her grandparents and her mothers childhood, Harry did not somehow feel a part of that history, so he busied himself opening the champagne, 'It always looked easy in them films' he thought as he struggled with the bottle.
Having poured out four glasses of the champagne Harry poured two glasses of lemonade, he had no intention of sipping the bubbly French wine while his wife sipped at lemonade, he handed the glasses out and earned himself another kiss from Hermione when she saw him drinking the same as she had.
Harry hoped their next visit went as well as this meeting had, he wondered for a moment how it was that a Bishop could be so unforgiving. He would find out soon enough.
Chapter thirty two
At three thirty that afternoon as Harry and Hermione arrived at the vicarage along with her parents and grand parents, Harry noticed someone watching their approach from one of the downstairs windows. Having waited a short while after knocking before the door was opened Harry informed the woman he assumed to be the house keeper that he was there to see the bishop.
"Sorry sir but the bishop refuses to see you," the woman said nervously from behind the door.
"He must have seen us arriving," Mr Granger said sounding just a little disappointed.
Together the small group turned to leave, once out of sight of the vicarage Harry stopped.
'Hermione love, you go on with the family, find somewhere for us to all get a meal, I have a visit to make to your other grandfather'Harry told her as he pulled his trusty invisibility cloak out of his pocket, this was not the first time he found it useful always having it with him. Forgetting that Mr and Mrs Puckle new nothing about him being a wizard, and before Hermione could say anything to him, Harry slipped the cloak over himself and instantly vanished.
"Ere! That's handy," Mr Puckle exclaimed as Harry vanished right before his eyes, "where the heck did he go?"
"It's ok granddad I'm still here, see you shortly bye," came Harry's disembodied voice from in front of them.
Grandmother Puckle turned to Hermione "So you're the one!" she whispered.
Totally surprised Hermione stared at her grandmother wondering if her grandmother had meant what she thought she meant. Grandmother Puckle then spoke to Hermione in a way she new that only a witch or someone who knew of their magical world would understand; the things she said would make no sense to a normal Muggle, she prayed that Hermione would really be the one she thought she was.
"My great grandma's was a unicorn hair core," Mrs Puckle whispered, she knew that if her suspicions about her granddaughter were correct then she would soon know the answer to her question.
"Dragon heartstring," Hermione answered getting an odd look from her granddad.
"And Harry?"
"Phoenix feather, you know then? About us, about our world?" Hermione asked her now slightly shocked but much happier grandmother.
"Not a lot dear, just the few things I remember my great grandma telling me about," Grandmother said pulling Hermione into a hug.
"The family thought she was the last one, but my grandmother said there would be a new branch on the tree and it would be the greatest ever, with one more powerful than any other, I never understood exactly what she meant till Harry did that neat little vanishing trick. Wanting your mum to marry a man with Harry's abilities was one of the foolish reasons I had for the stupid things I have done." Grandmother Puckle said whispering.
Hermione did not know what to say; as she returned the hug her grandmother gave her, she was beginning to understand her grandmother a little now.
'Harry, where are you?' Hermione asked.
'At this moment I'm waiting for your grandfather to open his study door' he answered.
'Grandma Puckle knows about us, about our world' Hermione told him.
'Can we talk about it later love I'm just about to tell your other family member that you are expecting a baby' Harry said chuckling a little.
Hermione suddenly realised that her granddad was still staring at the spot where Harry had been, not quite knowing how she was going to reveal everything to him without giving him a heart attack or something, she searched around in her head for an answer, unable to come up with a better Idea she decided to take a leaf out of Harry's book and just come right out with it. Hermione placed her arm around her granddad and whispered in his ear "Harry's gone granddad, right now he is giving granddad Granger a lecture on forgiveness or something."
"You, he, are, how? What happened?" her granddad spluttered pointing at the spot he had last seen Harry "he's with Granger now, how on earth?"
Marjorie Puckle joined Hermione in placing an arm around the confused man "I think we should find some place we can have a quiet talk Dave, there are a few things about our beautiful granddaughter that you should know, Harry won't have any problems finding us will he?" she finished asking Hermione.
Granddad Puckle stood absently nodding his head as the women began to gently push him forward, 'Harry just up and vanished, how the heck did he do that' he thought as he began walking with his wife and granddaughter.
Richard Granger walked a little slower than the rest of his family, he was really enjoying the way that things were turning out, his only regret was that his own father was, well he disliked his own father, he always had, he figured he always would. Richard let out a little sigh as he watched his family walking in front of him and he felt really proud. he was proud of his little girl, he was proud of the man she was married to, but he was more than proud of his own wife who had forgiven her parents so quickly and freely for all the hurt she had suffered for so many years. He remembered the tears on birthdays and at Christmas, his little princess was now a married mum to be, and she had never had so much as a single birthday card from any of her grandparents.
Richard chuckled as he watched the completely confused David Puckle walking between two women, the poor man looked totally and utterly dazed, and Richard found he enjoyed all the things that he was watching. Marjorie Puckle led the way into a local inn that advertised in bright colours
'Home made fresh food served daily between Ten am- six pm'.
Hermione enquired about a private room, the answer she received was that the inn did not have any private rooms, but that the lounge bar was empty, and usually remained so throughout the day. Asking for a menu Hermione led the small family into the lounge.
Harry had arrived back at the vicarage under the cover of his invisibility cloak and rang the door bell, after a short wait the house keeper had opened the door but not wide enough for Harry to slip past her. Waiting until she closed the door he rang the bell again, once again the door opened and the house keeper poked her head out only to see that once again there was nobody there, again she closed the door. Harry rang the bell again and as the house keeper opened the door with a look of annoyance on her face, he reached forward and rang the bell again, twice, the house keeper stared at the offending bell push as Harry once more rang the bell 'Come on woman for crying out loud' he thought as she remained in the door way with just her head sticking out. One more press of the button and the house keeper finally stepped out of the door way to take a look at the bell push.
Quickly stepping around her Harry walked into the hallway of the vicarage, "Who the dickens is ringing that confounded bell," a voice bellowed from a room a little further along the hallway.
"Sorry Bishop Sir, faulty connection I think," the house keeper called back, rolling her eyes and giving a distasteful look in the direction the voice had come from; she turned into a room just before she reached Harry who stood holding his breath.
Harry made his way to the room he thought the voice had come from, he knocked gently three times before stepping back a little, then he heard Hermione telling him that Mrs Puckle knew about them, that was when he remembered they were Muggles and knew nothing of the wizard world.
He was about to say something to Hermione when the door opened and the bishop walked out of the room.
"Mrs Landrey could I have a fresh pot of tea, the one in my study seems to have gone cold," the bishop asked as he opened the door to what Harry assumed was the kitchen.
As the bishop turned to walk back into the study Harry stepped silently into the room, a quick wave of his hand at the tea pot reheated the tea so that it was steaming when the house keeper followed the bishop into the room. Harry squeezed himself into a corner as she gave the bishop a peculiar look "This tea is scalding hot," she mumbled before leaving the room tray in hand and grumbling something about miserable bad tempered vicars and what should happen to them.
Harry stood behind the bishop and watched him as he worked his way through a rather thick pile of letters; reading over his grandfather in laws shoulder Harry could see that most of the letters were appeals for help of one kind or another. Each and every letter that the bishop picked up he stamped with a large 'rejected' printed in faint red ink. Harry also noticed that he hardly even glanced at any of them, then one that had just been stamped rejected caught Harry's eye; with out thinking he picked it up and began to read. The letter was from a boy of thirteen who had written to the bishop asking for his help, the letter might well have been written by Harry himself, the boy's uncle had been beating him with out reason, and as the uncle was a vicar he had written and begged the bishop to help him, and to put a stop to the beatings. Harry knew from the details in the letter that it was a real cry for help from a frightened young teenager.
Harry realised that the bishop was staring open mouthed at the letter that seemingly floated in mid air by his side. Harry still under his cloak placed a disillusionment charm on himself, then he reached out holding the letter in front of the bishops gaping eyes.
"You're not really very good at your job are you?" Harry said anger welling up in him "this boy has used all the courage he could find, risked further beatings to ask for your help and you never even read his letter, tell me bishop, what exactly does it take to get you to do the right thing?" Harry asked.
The bishop sat trembling with his eyes bulging wide, and Harry realised what was going on in the other mans mind. 'I'm going to enjoy this' he thought as he spoke again.
Wandering around the rather large and comfortable study, Harry spoke "If you think I'm the boss you are very wrong, though from my last conversation with him I don't suppose he is very happy about you," he said thinking of the day when the one who made it all happen had spoken to him.
Harry remembered every thing that had been told to him that day as clearly as though it was being said right there in that room. He fought with himself for a moment as he tried to turn off his anger at the man sitting frightened at the desk; he only managed to cool it a little, just enough so that he could control it.
"You should read this and help the young man," Harry said as he placed the letter on the desk doing a quick charm to remove the red ink.
"Tell me bishop, when did you begin working for the other side; was it before you rejected your son, and the wife that was chosen for him?" Harry asked as the bishop shakily picked up a little bell and rang it.
Harry waited until the house keeper entered the room before he spoke again, remembering what he had heard her mumble as she had left the room with the tea pot Harry smiled to him self before he said,
"Ah, Mrs Landrey my dear woman, you will not be required while your prayer is answered." He chuckled silently at the look of shock on her face when she heard his voice apparently coming from nowhere.
The bishop looked pleadingly at his house keeper as she stared around the study, "Yes sir, thank you sir," she said as she backed out of the room past Harry, he heard her mumble "about time he got what he deserves."
Harry continued playing his game with the bishop for a while before he tired of scaring the man, "I came to inform you that your grand daughter is expecting a child, it would be a rather nice surprise if she at least received a card from you."
"A grand daughter, my son's child, could you tell me what she is like?" The bishop suddenly asked speaking for the first time since Harry had begun to scare him.
"Sorry bishop Granger, if you wish to know about your grandchild and your soon to be great grandchild, then you will have to find out your self," Harry answered as he opened the door and walked out of the study, with a very quiet pop sound Harry left the vicarage and landed a few dozen yards away across the street.
In the lounge of the inn Hermione smiled at her grandfather as he sat still trying to work out just where Harry had gone and how. Her grandmother answered for him when Richard asked what they would like to drink.
"We haven't had a beer in a very long time, maybe its time we got back to our roots," she said as Richard smiled at his father in law.
"You really should put him out of his misery," he chuckled as he turned and went to fetch the drinks.
"Grandy, is it ok me calling you that, it sounds so formal to keep saying grand father?" Hermione asked before she carried on talking "you will know all about Merlin, I suppose."
David Puckle became aware that his grand daughter was talking to him when she mentioned Merlin, "Merlin, yes I know about Merlin, legendary wizard who helped Arthur become king," he answered wondering what Merlin had to do with things.
"Well you know that Merlin was a very powerful wizard," Hermione said hoping that her grandfather would be able to put it all together himself.
"Yes well he was just a myth, a legend fathers told their children about," David Puckle said finally beginning to see where things were headed.
"Well Grandy, my Harry is rather like Merlin, its just that my Harry is much more powerful than Merlin ever was," Hermione could see the light in her grandfathers eyes as he realised what she was telling him.
"So you're trying to tell me that Harry can do magic, like that guy on the TV," Mr Puckle said.
"No Grandy, Harry isn't a simple magician doing tricks, Harry is the most powerful man alive, he is a real wizard, just as I am a real witch," Hermione told him and watched as he finally knew what she meant.
"So you can just vanish like Harry did?" granddad was asking as Richard returned with the drinks.
"Takes some getting used too dad," Richard said as he placed the four beers and an orange juice on the table.
"Yes Grandy, I can just vanish but I wouldn't dare while I'm pregnant, Harry would be furious with me," she said chuckling.
"So you can do anything you want," asked the rather shocked man.
"No Grandy, we cant do just what we want, we have laws we have to obey just like everyone else," Hermione turned to her dad "dad would you just keep watch on the bar while I show Grandy a few things?" she asked smiling.
"Certainly sweetheart," Mr Granger said getting up and walking to the door. "All clear here," he called quietly.
Hermione waved her hand at the chair next to her granddad and turned it from a wooden straight back into a really comfortable looking armchair, she showed her grandfather several more things before she looked up, "Harry is on his way dad, he says to tell you he has quite a story to tell," she giggled as Harry said something she would not like her mother to hear.
Hermione gave Harry directions to the inn they were at, while her father went to buy another pint of beer. Harry joined them just as Mr Granger was placing his drink next to Hermione.
"So Harry my grandmother was right, Hermione will be the start of a new branch, and so much more powerful than the others," Marjorie Puckle said as he sat down next to her.
"Ok Harry what happened with my dad?" Richard asked and they all leant forward to hear about Harry's visit to the bishop.
Chapter thirty three
Harry had just finished telling the family about his time in the bishop's study and the bishop's reactions and they were all laughing, grandmother Puckle had tears of laughter streaming down her face as she pictured the pompous jack ass she had once hated. Granddad Puckle had fallen from his chair as he too pictured the bishop getting the fright of his life. Even Mr Granger was laughing at what Harry told them and the way he told the story. Hermione had been laughing along with the rest of the family when she noticed Harry was no longer laughing, he had fallen silent and had a slightly glazed look in his eyes, she knew by what her instincts told her that there was something happening to him, she stared at her husband and tried to hear his thoughts, as she heard the first words coming from him she knew they were not his words.
Everything stopped and fell silent around her as she stared at Harry, someone or something was talking to Harry, 'Hermione welcome child' the voice said as Hermione found herself standing with Harry in the middle of a beautiful meadow. Wonderful wild meadow flowers and grasses spread out as far as she could see; there was a clear summer sky with a shade of blue that reached down to the horizon where the blue was tainted with just a little pink.
Harry spoke as Hermione suddenly appeared standing next to him "So, who are you and what do they want with me this time?" he asked the old man standing in front of them, "and why all the melodramatics?" He waved his arm to indicate their surroundings.
"You think I went a little too far?" the old man asked as he looked around, "well Arthur always said I over did things, said the same thing when I built Camelot."
On hearing these words Hermione found her voice "Merlin, The Merlin?"
"In the flesh dear, well as near as I can get to real flesh given my current status," the old man chuckled at his own little joke.
"Harry its Merlin," Hermione exclaimed as though Harry had not heard a word.
"Yes but why is it Merlin? What have the fates in store for us now?" Harry asked looking at Merlin.
"Oh yes, Oh I begged for this one, I've never seen anything like the panic you caused, everyone running around trying to figure out what to do, I tell you it was hilarious," Merlin answered not really making anything clear to the young couple.
"Er, would you like to elaborate on that, and maybe even tell us what you are talking about?" Harry asked sounding a little frustrated.
"What? Oh yes that, your little thing with Bishop Granger, so funny I'll be laughing at that one for quite some time to come," Merlin chuckled as though he had answered the question.
"Oh for pity's sake Merlin please tell us what you are here for," Hermione asked rolling her eyes at the old wizard.
"Didn't I say, oh how remiss of me, well Harry my dear boy, nobody was prepared for it you see, you were not supposed to see the bishop, its not in the plans you see, so every one panicked, all running around like headless chickens, especially the Time Masters," Merlin told them, giving them some idea of what he was talking about.
Harry's eyes widened at the awful thought he had "Please don't tell me I have to go back and start again," he said looking as though he would explode at any moment.
"No, no, no, don't you see, now what was it you called him, oh yes 'the big guy in the sky' he's really pleased about it, he was saying something about you changing things back to the way they should have been, though I'm not exactly sure what he meant, I mean who could ever know what he is thinking," Merlin told them.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief "For a moment there you had me worried," he said taking hold of Hermione's hand.
"Nothing to worry about Harry, in fact I'm actually here to tell you that you two are not having 'A' baby," Merlin chuckled again as he took a look at the young couple.
Hermione looked as though she was about to cry when she heard what he said but Merlin just carried on talking regardless.
"No you see, what I am to tell you is, now what was it? oh yes I remember, I'm here to tell you that you are having twins, yes twins, and 'He' says that they will be very special twins, I fail to see why the healer never noticed, I mean you would think with two of them it would be easier to tell, Oh yes I'm also to tell you to leave that inn that you are sitting in, make a port key and leave immediately, yes that was the most important part, leave the inn," Merlin finished, and as he finished speaking Harry and Hermione found themselves back at the table with those around them still laughing.
Hermione without thinking and working on pure instinct as she was distracted by thoughts about twin babies, grabbed the nearest beer mat and made a portkey to the first place that popped into her head, Harry stood and raised his voice above the laughter and in a very authoritive voice ordered them all to touch the beer mat, everyone obeyed his command without a thought and a second later they were all whisked through time and space to arrive at the gates of Hogwarts.
Harry with years of experience with port keys stayed on his feet when they all landed with a thump, he reached out and supported Hermione making sure she was ok and did not fall over, before he helped his mother in law and then Mrs Puckle to their feet. Looking around Harry wondered why they had not gone home to Potter House, 'Why are we at Hogwarts love?' he asked confused as to why his wife had chosen the school.
Hermione was as confused as Harry for a moment then she remembered she had heard Merlins voice say Hogwarts just before she made the port key. Merlin had wanted them here for some reason. She watched absentmindedly as her parents looked at a pile of ruins, they were probably wondering why she had brought them here, granddad Puckle was looking the most confused of them all, just seconds ago he had been enjoying a beer now he found him self standing somewhere that looked like he was on top of a mountain with a huge pile of rubble in front of him.
'Merlin, Merlin has just told me I'm having twins' Hermione thought as her mind began to work through what having twins would mean, it was not long before Hermione was in a world of her own thoughts as she worked out all the implications, all the changes they would need to make to their plans and to their house.
Marjorie Puckle was staring open mouthed at the castle of Hogwarts, she could only just see it as it wavered and drifted slightly in and out of focus, it was all blurred but she remembered her great grandmothers description of the best school of magic in the world, Marjorie also knew she should not be able to see it, it was just seen as a pile of rubbish by all Muggle's.
"Hermione," she said very slowly and carefully as though everything would vanish if she said it faster "Hermione, I can see it, I can see Hogwarts, it's vague and out of focus but I can see it."
Just as Marjorie finished speaking they all heard the unseen gates open and Albus Dumbledore appeared in front of them, he was obviously surprised to see them as his eyes widened when he saw them, as he looked with recognition at Harry and Hermione and then at the small group of people, his eyes widened even more as he looked closely at the face of grandmother Puckle, then took a closer look at her.
"Daphne, Primrose, Raven!" Dumbledore's whispered gasp was heard as he stared at Hermione's grandmother.
All eyes turned to look at the old headmaster as he stared at Marjorie as though he had seen a ghost. The only one not looking at him was Hermione who was still seriously thinking about the revelation by Merlin that she was having not just a baby but she was actually having twins she was so engrossed she didn't even realise Dumbledore was there. It was Harry who recovered from the surprise appearance of Albus first, then looking from the headmaster to his grandmother in law Harry wondered what was happening why was Albus staring at her so intently?
"Daphne was my great grandmother," Marjorie told the deeply shocked Dumbledore "my name is Marjorie, Mrs Marjorie Puckle."
"Twins Harry, he said I'm having twins, do you realise what that means," Hermione suddenly said turning to look at Harry, Harry was staring open mouthed at Albus, Hermione looked to see what he was looking at then she blinked her eyes then blinked again wondering where Albus had come from.
"Twins, who said you were having twins," Mr Granger asked in a shocked voice as he looked from Albus to Hermione in one swift move.
Helen Granger rushed to her daughter's side and pulled Hermione close to her and hugged her tight, "Twins are you sure?" she asked.
"Yes mum twins, Merlin just told me and Harry," Hermione answered "when did Albus get here?"
David Puckle stood with his head turning and looking from one person to another, and for a moment he wished that someone would tell him where he was, and how he had got there, or even pinch him and wake him up, all these shocks and surprises were beginning to make him think he had gone quite mad.
Looking around he found a nice large flat comfortable looking stone so he sat down on it. He decided he would sit and would wait here until he woke up, which he had no doubt he would do soon. Looking around he watched amazed as what he thought was total madness went on around him. His wife Marjorie was staring into the distance and declaring she could see a pig with warts. His granddaughter Hermione was seeing someone that was obviously invisible, or not even there, who was telling her she was having twins. Harry was standing looking like he had just swallowed a huge fly, and was absently chewing it. Richard Granger was asking who was having twins. Helen was looking very happy about something but she was crying at the same time. And to top it all off, he David Puckle himself was seeing a very odd looking old man with a very crooked nose and the longest beard he had ever seen, he was seeing the old man who had just popped up out from know where and had called his wife Daphne, with a puzzled look on his face.
'I'm not here, I'm safe at home in bed and all this is just some crazy unrealistic dream and when I wake up everything will be normal again' he thought. Closing his eyes tight David Puckle tried hard to wake himself up, he opened one eye a fraction and found he was still stuck in his crazy dream, so he closed his eye and squeezed his eyes shut tight 'I have to wake up' he repeated over and over to himself. He was still repeating it two minutes later when Helen gave him a gentle shake, opening one eye he looked at his daughter.
"Its real isn't it, all these crazy things, they are actually happening aren't they?" he asked knowing the answer.
Albus Dumbledore stood and listened as Harry and Hermione told him and the family what had happened at the inn, and how they had arrived out side the school for witchcraft and wizardry, the Grangers and Mr Puckle looked at the large pile of rubble.
"You went to school here?" Mr Granger asked "but I thought you said it was a magnificent castle."
"It is Richard, like I said before I can see it, it's not clear but I can see it, I can see Hogwarts," Marjorie told them.
Hermione listened intently when Albus Dumbledore asked her grandmother to describe what she saw; her description was indeed a completely true picture of the castle. Hermione, Harry, and Albus were at a loss to explain why a Muggle like Marjorie could see the charmed castle, she might well be seeing it only vaguely but seeing it she was.
Dumbledore took the decision to allow the Muggles into the castle and he enabled the special charm that allowed for such occurrences as a visit from Royalty or more recently a visit from a politician. The gasps of surprise from Hermione's family were still being made when Albus Dumbledore head master of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry welcomed them to the school, then led them through the gates and up the long road to the castle its self.