Harry Potter & The Fall of a Dark Lord

by Kalen Darkmoon

Summary: Harry returns from a disastrous fifth year and, in his hurt and anger, lashes out at the wizarding world in a letter to the Prophet. Can love really be the 'power he knows not'? Independent!Harry, Powerful!Harry, Manipulative!Dumbledore, H/Hr ship.

Warning: This story is rated Mature for violence, adult language and situations. If you are not of age or easily offended by such material, then please do not read this. There will be steamy romance scenes later. You have been warned.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. JKR and her publishers do. Enough said.

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Chapter 2 – A Real Family

An initially pale but rapidly growing red-faced, angry Headmaster Dumbledore slams the newspaper down on his desk and storms over to the floo. Throwing some powder into the fire, he shouts “Kingsley Shacklebot!” while quickly stifling his boiling rage.

A moment later he saw Kingsley's face and asked, “Have you seen today's Prophet?”

“Not yet sir. I was just about to sit down for breakfast when I usually read it, why?”

“Quickly go over to Privet Drive, pick up young Harry and bring him to my office. Tonks should already be there on guard duty.”

“Yes sir,” Kingsley replied and rushed off.

Stopping by the table to grab some toast and kiss his wife good-bye, Kingsley's eye catches the headline of the newspaper sitting by his plate...

“Boy-Who-Lived Denounces Ministry, Hogwarts

Headmaster and Entire Wizarding World as

Responsible for Life of Abuse and Hardship”

There on the front page beneath the headline was a very long letter to the editor of the Prophet from Harry. With a gasp , he paled and apparated away.

------

An utterly shocked and speechless Draco Malfoy drops the Daily Prophet into his breakfast as his mother is entering the dining room. “What is it, Drake, dear?” his mother asked with a frown as she sat down across from him and started into the breakfast that instantly appeared before her.

After a couple of minutes of no response, she picks up the paper from his plate and gasps at the headline before eagerly reading the Potter boy's letter. Upon finishing she set it down, unsure of her own reaction to what it contained. She certainly had to admire the not-so-subtle Slytherin quality to the letter for the boy had in one fell swoop utterly destroyed the credibilities of Dumbledore, Fudge and the Ministry and even Voldemort himself. Yet loyalty to family for her husband, warred with feelings of anger and no small amount of motherly instinctual compassion for what happened to the poor boy at the hands of those filthy muggles and Dumbledore. Potter may be a rival of her own son and their families may not have agreed on the pure-blood issue, but no magical child should be subject to such cruelties at the hands of such filthy muggles. As such, she couldn't garner any joy from his misfortune. She had to admit that despite the Potter boy being a half-blood, at least his parentage is better than that of her husband's “master.”

Muggle-loving tendencies aside, the Potters were an ancient and noble family - one of the greats alongside the Malfoys and Blacks. But then, even her great family, the Blacks, had some who also loved or cared about muggleborns; most recently her sister Andromeda and cousin Sirius. She had also never forgotten how she was related (however distantly) by marriage of her great aunt Dorea with a Potter.

“At least both of the Potter boy's parents were magical, even if his mother was a 'mud-blood' whereas Voldemort's father was purely muggle. Oh the irony that the scion of House Malfoy would bow before a half-blood bastard who couldn't kill a defenseless baby or an untrained group of children.” she thought quietly to herself.

It was well known that Voldemort was a Slytherin heir, but she also now knew without a doubt that the Potter boy was an heir of Gryffindor. It had been long rumored that a Gryffindor daughter had secretly married into the Potter family and it is well known lore that only those of Gryffindor blood could wield his sword in battle. It would also explain how such a great family had been so decimated in the last century by the current and prior dark lords. They feared the blood and courage of Gryffindor - something Narcissa could respect in the Potter boy as much as his slightly Slytherin qualties shown by his letter. Further she had to consider, as evidenced by his Parseltongue ability, he could also be an heir of Slytherin or perhaps Merlin himself for it is well known that it could only be spoken by those two lines. Though in truth it is a rare gift carried by only a recorded few dating back as far as the great healer Hippocrates from ancient Greece.

In any case, it was quite clear after the recent capture of her husband along with most of the dark lord's inner circle, that the Potter boy has some advantage over the dark lord to have survived so many confrontations with him. Pausing for a moment, she remembered what her own Divination professor had taught when she had attended Hogwarts: 'Even the darkest and most powerful of forces are but dust in the winds of Destiny and Fate.' It was becoming quite clear who Destiny and Fate favored in that prophecy given Voldemort's continuing inability to kill the child. And now with Potter's letter, Lucius was certain to face the 'kiss'. After a further moment of thought, she decided that perhaps it was past time to reevaluate her family's priorities... and loyalties. She glanced at her son who had just left the table and sincerely hoped that he wasn't foolish enough to follow in his father's footsteps.

She didn't need to reevaluate what she had thought of Headmaster Dumbledore. She had always suspected there was more to the affable old-man image that he put forth. She long knew of his machinations behind the scenes at Hogwarts and the Ministry for decades.

------

Mrs. Weasley was cooking breakfast when suddenly she was startled by two loud cracks behind her. Whipping around with her wand readied, she sighed in relief at the sight of her twins. However, her worry quickly returned as she noted their determined look while Fred wordlessly handed her what appeared to be this morning's edition of the Prophet.

“You may want to sit down before you read that, mum” said George with a surprising lilt of anger.

“We'll take care of it,” added Fred equally serious.

With a glance towards each other, the twins disapparated, just missing her shocked gasp as she took in the headline. Several minutes later the house nearly shook at the seemingly 'Sonorous' enhanced shriek of outrage to come from the kitchen.

Molly Weasley always did have a strong set of lungs. A fact that was soon to be much to the displeasure of one already reeling Albus Dumbledore whose floo suddenly flared to life.

------

During the ride to Surrey, Hermione carefully thought through Harry's letter. The learning of the prophecy turned everything upside down for her as she too had wondered at the seemingly endless stream of coincidences that put Harry's life into jeopardy each and every year. Granted there was some admitted speculation on Harry's part and a large number of leading questions like those used against him in the Prophet this past year but it certainly made a lot of sense. A lot more sense than everything being mere coincidences. Enough coincidences can eventually add up to a certainty. The question is, what is certain and what is not? In light of the prophecy Hermione found that she believed in Harry more than she did in her headmaster. She found that what Harry had written made a lot of sense and found herself questioning everything she ever believed about their 'beloved' headmaster – she certainly agreed about the ignorance, apathy and bigotry of the Ministry and wizarding world at large. Until now, she had thought the headmaster to be warm, kind and caring, yet to find out he intentionally left a baby boy in an abusive environment and later when that boy came to Hogwarts, ignored his pleas for help. Or that he could allow an innocent man to be imprisoned for life without a trial when he was in a position to help. Harry's good-cop / bad-cop analogy was glaringly obvious now in the headmaster and Snape's interactions with Harry.

If only she had known the extent of Harry's mistreatment before, she could have maybe been there for him more but unfortunately he had always kept his problems to himself, unwilling to be a burden upon others because of an ingrained belief by the Dursleys that he wasn't worth the trouble of others. What kind of human being would treat another so callously? How very Slytherin of the headmaster to present a front of such kindness and innocence while forcing a child to remain in such hateful living conditions. Come to think of it, the house that Dumbledore was supposedly in has been a secret wondered by students for decades. Until now she had thought he was a Gryffindor - not that it really mattered since Peter Pettigrew was a Gryffindor as well. Not to mention her disappointment in her own mentor, Professor McGonagall.

“Honestly! What was that woman thinking!?” Hermione harrumphed quietly to herself.

One thing she was certain of though was that Harry wouldn't truly abandon everyone to Voldemort as he said he would in the letter. She knew that was his pain and anger speaking, not his heart. His courage, kindness and compassion for others were the traits she admired most about him.

Less than an hour later, the Grangers arrived at 4 Privet Drive to an unusual sight - Harry holding off a wizard and witch at wand point from the open doorway of the Dursley house. With an adrenaline spike, Hermione immediately jumped out of the car while drawing her wand on the two and preparing to cast a stunner. Recognizing Tonks as one of them, her pink hair being hard to miss in the morning sun, she relaxed slightly.

“Harry? What's going on?” a perplexed Hermione wondered.

Glancing to her briefly, he snarled “They're here to take me to the old man. It seems his knickers are in a twist with today's paper.”

“I wonder why...” Hermione snorted under her breath with a bit of humor. “Hey Harry?”

“Yeah, Hermione?”

“How would you like to come with me instead? Your letter made me realize some things and I would really like the chance to talk.”

“I don't need your pity! Besides, I thought you were supposed to just ignore me again this summer!” he snarled in response.

Hermione flinched as if struck and a tear escaped, “No Harry, not my pity... and I don't care what the headmaster wants anymore! What you said in your letter makes sense and answers some of the questions I've often wondered about. What he did was wrong and I want my best friend to trust me and give me a chance. Please Harry? Its important to me.” and much more softly, “You're important to me.”

Harry blinked in surprise and found himself at a momentary loss for words. Seizing the initiative, Dan stepped between Harry and the two adult wizards.

“I suggest you step out of the way Mr. Granger. This doesn't concern you, nor you Miss Granger.” said an angry Tonks turning to Hermione, “You realize you can be arrested for threatening an auror.”

“So are you here as an aurors from the ministry or lackeys of Dumbledore? Which is it Tonks? Kingsley?” Harry ground out through clenched teeth.

“Harry, just come with us. Its for your own good.” Kingsley sighed in exasperation.

“My own good!?” Harry screamed in anger and frustration. “Didn't you even read my bloody letter!? I want nothing to do with Dumbledore! I was dumped here in the first place 'for my own bloody good'! If this is Dumbledore's and your idea of 'for my own good', I suppose I should be grateful I'm not your enemy! The lot of you would put Voldemort to shame!”

The two aurors flinched and Dan glared hard at the tall dark auror. “Indeed, who are you and what authority do you have to decide that? Clearly you are not his guardians nor acting in your official capacity. If I am to believe what I've just read an hour ago he's been left with,” gesturing disgustedly back towards the house behind him, “these people by your headmaster. Unless he is under arrest, what authority do you have to take him against his will?”

“You are officers in your law enforcement and yet you are trying to forcefully kidnap this young man? I'm certain that would go over well with your superiors.” said Emma as she joined her husband, garnering another flinch from the now outnumbered aurors. Granted, aside from Hermione, the Grangers were of little potential threat, but the two aurors and members of the Order didn't dare attack them.

Everyone was startled as two loud cracks saw the arrival of yet another pair of wizards. A familiar and welcome pair of red-heads who, after seeing wands pointed at their partner and friend, quickly draw their wands on Tonks and Kingsley.

“Oy, Harrykins! Lovely company you have here, mate.” called an ever jovial Fred with a hint of steel in his voice towards the two aurors as George gave a sly wink to Hermione. “Lovely company indeed dear brother. Perhaps we should...”

“Yes, yes” continued Fred.

“Leave these two young love birds alone.” the twins finished in unison.

Hermione found herself blushing along with Harry who suddenly found himself being caught between his anger and rising embarrassment. The twins always seemed to have that effect on him, able to easily shock or amuse him out of whatever had him down or angry. Fred and George then turned a hard glare on the two aurors.

“It seems to us”

“that you are unwelcome here.” added a now steely voiced George.

“So go back to the old man and tell him to sod off!” chorused the twins.

“Nobody hurts our family”

“or business partner” agreed Fred.

“and gets away with it.” they chorused with malice.

In a huff, Tonks turned on her heel and with a “let's go Shack” she apparated away. Kingsly shook his head and followed, certain that today was going to be a rough one at the office.

After Kingsley had departed, Hermione ran and tackled Harry into a hug while letting out her emotions now that the immediate threat had passed. Fred and George grin at each other and approach the two elder Grangers in an attempt to give Harry and Hermione a moment alone.

----

“Oh Harry, please don't ever think that nobody cares for you,” sobbed Hermione softly as she tightly clutched his chest. Not caring anymore about hiding her feelings she plowed on tearfully, “I love you Harry. I love you and have been falling in love with you ever since you saved me our first year. Please don't shut me out. Please don't leave me, Harry. Please.”

“But..” he stammered in confusion, “I thought you and Ron...”

Giving a very unladylike snort, “What about Ron and I? Oh please!” she sniffled, “Yes, I think I started to fancy him a little bit fourth year but while he was busy drooling over Fleur I really thought hard about it and realized that he is just too lazy and would only ever take me for granted. Even worse, he is as bigoted as Malfoy against anyone who doesn't see the world from his own little view. Remember, my first real memory about him was his calling me a nightmare shortly before you rescued me from that troll in our first year and you heard how much he ridiculed S.P.E.W.”

Seeing Harry about to interrupt her in obvious defense of their friend, she gently placed a finger over his lips. “Shh, let me finish...Yes, he is a friend and I do love him in a way, but how could I really fall in love with someone like that? I know that you also may not have agreed with me regarding S.P.E.W. but you at least remained supportive throughout because you knew how important it was to me. He's berated and ridiculed nearly everything about me and what I consider important. Yes, you've either ignored or stood up to me when you disagreed with me but you never ridiculed me behind my back, Harry. Does that make sense?”

“But... I... why me?” he stammered as he looked away from the young witch. “I'm just Dumbledore's little weapon to aim at Voldemort when he's ready. Even the Weasley's believed in him more than they care for me. They certainly haven't done much to help stop my returns here despite knowing at least something of my living conditions. No, I'm merely a weapon to be locked away, hated and reviled until needed. Nothing else seems to matter to much of anyone.”

Hermione stiffened and she ground out in a soft yet fierce tone, “Harry James Potter! I never want to hear you say that again! You are special to me. You're the kindest, gentlest, bravest and most loyal person I have ever known! You are also the man I've grown to love...”

Taking a calming breath, she continued, “This past year I've come to realize just how comfortable we really are around each other – how we can be ourselves so freely without fear of the other passing judgment. It's called trust Harry. I trust you more than anybody else in the world and that is the most important thing in any relationship. You've been the only one to ever treat me with respect as an equal, a partner. Thats what I want in a relationship. A partnership based upon mutual respect and trust. Not to be relegated to the role of someone's verbal punching bag and object of ridicule, nor as just someone who helps you with your homework. I've just been so afraid that you wouldn't return my feelings, that I've tried to keep my distance. But I can't anymore. I just can't! You need me Harry and I need you!”

Harry sighed softly as tears leaked forth and he brought his arms around the beautiful young witch. “You're right... I... I've loved you too Hermione. I think deep down I've known that since the basilisk petrified you in our second year... I spent every moment I could with you... I... I was so afraid then that I'd lost you...” he trailed off.

With a deep breath, he continued “I never wanted to risk our friendship so I avoided ever considering any possible feelings for you. You've been the only one who's always and truly been there for me every year without fail. Your happiness is far more important to me and I couldn't bear to ask you for more so I never let myself even think about it. You deserve better.”

“No Harry,” she interrupted “That is where you are wrong. You are everything that is good and noble in a man. There are none better so I don't want to hear you put yourself down like that. You deserve happiness and love as much as I do, as any of us do. Perhaps more so since its been denied you all of your life.”

Pressing on he continued, “But, after the Department of Mysteries, you hardly ever spoke to me and never wrote or called these past couple of weeks to let me know if you were really ok. You could have easily called on the phone or written the muggle way to get around Dumbledore's interception of my owl mail so I was afraid that you were angry with me and that I had lost your trust... that you didn't care anymore... that you too thought that my safety from Voldemort was more important than my sanity or well-being.”

“Oh Harry, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me,” she sobbed, fully understanding how he could reach such a conclusion.

“Of course 'Mione,” he whispered softly. “If you could only forgive me too for not listening to you as much as I should. Maybe if I had...” he trailed off again unable to finish.

She looked up into his deep, tear-stained, emerald gaze and he received her answer. Slowly closing her eyes, she closed the distance and they gently kissed. It was soft and sweet, full of hope. As they parted, a small bit of happiness along with a mischievous glint came back to his eyes as he felt the sudden need to lighten the mood.

“Why is it that girls always cry when they kiss me?” he asked with an exaggerated sigh.

Hermione choked into a giggle and squeezed him tightly. “Just part of your charm, I guess.”

“Oy, Harry. We should get going, if you're leaving, mate. There'll probably be more coming after you,” warned George.

“And I suspect the old man hasn't given up yet either.” agreed Fred.

While Fred and George held the Dursleys at wand point in the living room, Harry and Hermione quickly packed his things in his trunk and loaded it into the boot of the Granger's car. He released Hedwig, asking her to meet them at Hermione's and after an affectionate nip on Harry's ear she took off, circled once and flew away. With a vicious glare the twins obliviated and left the Dursleys in the living room, planting a few pranks on their way out of the house while plotting their own brand of revenge against these disgusting muggles for after they got Harry safely away.

After watching the Grangers drive away, the twins apparate back to their shop just moments before five loud cracks signaling the arrival of aurors from the ministry echo across the street. With a nod, they storm the house with orders direct from the minister to arrest Harry Potter for treason.

------

Welcoming Harry to their home, Mr. Granger led the way into the house carrying Harry's trunk while Harry carried Hedwig's cage and perch. Leaving the trunk in the guest bedroom across the hall from Hermione's room, Hermione received a small smile and nod from her parents as they left the room to give her a moment alone with Harry.

“Hermione, I...”

“Harry, I...” they both began at once. Harry offered for her to go first but with a shake of her head she insisted that he go ahead first.

“I... I just want to thank you for coming today.” Harry said softly, looking anywhere but at her while adding “And for what you said earlier. Did... did you really mean it? You didn't just say that because...” he trailed off afraid to even finish the question.

“Oh Harry!” Hermione stepped closer and gently turned his face towards her. Gazing into his handsome green eyes that seemed to be so full of pain but yet held the faintest glimmer of hope, she answered “Of course I meant it. Please believe me.”

Blushing lightly as he looked down at the floor, “ Its just... Aside from Sirius...”

She saw the pain worsen a bit at the mention of Sirius.

“You... you're the only person that I can remember to ever tell me that I was loved. I mean... I know everyone says that my parents loved me but its just not the same unless you hear it yourself. Thank you, Hermione.”

Gasping in shock and no small amount of horror, she stepped closer, wrapping her arms tightly around him in a gentle hug as she fought her tears at how hurt and vulnerable he looked. “I'll say it again then - I love you Harry.”

Harry hesitantly wrapped his arms around her and when he did she squeezed him a little tighter. After a moment of quiet she was about to say more when she felt a small warm drop of water land on her shoulder. Glancing upward she saw a few tears making their way down his face while he was squeezing his eyes tightly shut trying to stop them from coming.

“Its ok Harry. I'm here for you now. I'll always be here for you for as long as you need or want me to. You don't have to be alone anymore.” she said softly.

Opening his eyes, he met her gaze and saw the love and concern she truly had and tightened his hug as she left a small kiss on his lips.

“Believe me Harry.”

She watched in growing joy as some of the pain left his eyes and his gaze upon her softened. It was then a surge of adrenalin spiked through Harry as a part of him screamed that he was putting her in more danger if they were to become closer, but an even larger and more desperate part wanted to hold on and never let go of her. He needed someone, anyone to love him for who he truly was - not the hero they believe and want him to be. With Sirius now gone, Hermione was the only one who seemed to truly care and be there for him. (Although with their arrival this morning, Harry was grateful and happy to find that at least the Weasley twins appeared to as well.)

Despite how much he cared for her and her safety, rather than trying to immediately push her away “for her own good,” Harry knew that the decision was hers to make for herself rather than he make it for her like Dumbledore had so often done to him. So it was with a bit of trepidation that he warned her, “You realize that this is going to put you and your parents in more danger? He'll know, Hermione. He'll know.”

She nodded, “I know Harry and while I am afraid, I care for you too much to let you face this alone.”

“But he's taken everyone who's ever loved me away,” he added softly, trying to convince her that she would be safer without him. “I... I don't think I could stand losing you too.”

“Nor I, you Harry.” she responded just as softly. “Please, don't push me away.”

She saw the relief and gratitude flood his emerald gaze as he again pulled her tight to him.

“Never... for as long as you'll have me, Hermione. Thank you. Thank you so very much.” he whispered gently in her ear.

It was at that moment and to Harry's total embarrassment that his stomach growled quite noisily. Hermione giggled softly and, taking him by the hand, led him to the kitchen where she asked her mother to cook him up a large breakfast. After all, he hadn't eaten in the past two days.

While eating, Harry felt the need to reiterate his warning to Hermione's parents that he was a danger to have in their home because of Voldemort. He was both surprised and grateful when not only they insisted that he was welcome in their home and to stay as long as he wanted but that they now considered him to be a part of their family if he would have them. He shyly looked away as a few tears escaped and Hermione folded him into a hug while she smiled brightly at her parents.

They barely heard his soft, choked “Thank you.”

------

Having eventually tracked Harry to Hermione's home, the next morning four ministry aurors led by Amelia Bones arrived shortly after breakfast. It was a tense meeting where Madame Bones informed Harry that the minister had attempted to arrest him yesterday for treason but was unable to find him before he was removed as minister and he, himself, was arrested. Harry was asked to accompany them to the ministry for the sole purpose of providing testimony. They assured him that he was not in any trouble but that they needed his cooperation to see that justice was properly served and Madame Bones swore a binding Witch's Oath that she would do everything in her power to see that it would be.

Hermione and her parents accompanied Harry as he went to the ministry where he spent the entire day answering questions under Veritaserum and provided several hours worth of pensieve memories. He was intensely grateful for the Granger's support as he was forced to relive his worst memories.

He wasn't overly surprised when Amelia informed him afterwards that a pair of aurors would guard the Granger residence for the immediate future. His rising anger was averted however when Madame Bones assured him personally that they were not to interfere in his or the Granger's daily activities and would follow at a discrete distance should they leave the home. They had no intention of making him a prisoner in the Granger's home. They were only there to watch over their safety since they were indeed a high-profile target for Voldemort.

------

The day following his trip to the ministry, Hermione and her mother (who took the afternoon off from the Granger's surgery) took Harry out to purchase an entire new and trendy muggle wardrobe. Harry had quite vehemently tried to insist that he pay for it himself, but he lost to the combined iron will of the two women who had determined that this would be a first step in showing him that he is indeed worth something.

From the years of letters home from school, Emma knew how important the boy was to her daughter and, from a private conversation with a psychiatrist friend this morning, they now had an idea of where to start rebuilding his low self-esteem. Something as simple as purchasing the young man new clothes can have a significant impact upon his sense of self worth - not only in the value of the gift itself but also the feeling from dressing in something he can take pride in wearing.

Harry was already nervous when they started in the men's underwear section, first picking up several packages of white athletic socks. However he was totally mortified when a moment later Hermione walked up to him holding a pair of black boxers and held them at his waist, with a look of concentration while biting her lower lip. “Hmming” she smiled and added them to the cart along with a dozen pair more in red, black, blue and green. Mrs. Granger tried very hard to stifle her laughter at Harry's expression, particularly when Hermione returned holding a pair of shimmering green silk boxers that, after holding them to his waist a moment, she nodded and added to the growing pile. The poor boy was glowing such a bright red that he was certain to be close to a nuclear meltdown and Hermione's complete obliviousness to the whole situation eventually forced Emma to excuse herself with a coughing fit as she fled to the ladies room where she was able to let loose her laughter.

She returned several minutes later to find they had moved on to the exercise wear section where Hermione joined Harry in trying on a few different items. Neither woman missed the widening of his eyes as his gaze locked first on her chest and then roamed from head to toe when she exited the change-room in the first outfit she tried - a sea-blue with black trim spandex sports bra and spandex shorts. Hermione very happily noted his appraising gaze and grin at each of the several spandex outfits she tried. Emma had to smile at the happy look on her daughter's face from the young man's obvious attention. Though Harry adamantly refused anything spandex for himself, she did find him some nice muscle tees and tank tops to go along with a few pairs of running shorts and sweats. Each now having several different outfits, they moved on to the swim-wear.

After first choosing a pair of normal red swimming trunks which Hermione added to the cart, Emma quickly found that she had to again retreat to the ladies room when Hermione went back and brought a pair of trim black 'Speedos' racing trunks that she again held to his waist while this time giving a wink to her mother. Shocked, Harry sputtered an attempted refusal but Hermione just grinned at him and added them to the cart.

While Harry continued to splutter his denial of ever wearing such a thing, Hermione took a moment to look through the bikinis. With a brief glance back at Harry to make sure he wasn't watching because she wanted it to be a surprise, she picked out two thin, sleek two-piece 'Wicked Weasel' bikinis with t-back bottoms – one satin emerald green and one white cotton-lycra that she was certain would become quite transparent when wet. With a self-satisfied smirk she covertly added them to the cart, hiding them beneath her exercise stuff.

She would be seventeen in a couple of months and she knew that she had filled out quite nicely this past year. If it were not for clothes altering charms she would have had to replace her bras twice this past year alone. She was quite proud to now be a 32C-cup believing it to be just right for her frame and body-size. (Something Harry would whole-heartedly agree with after just seeing her in spandex.) It also helped that it hadn't escaped her notice last night that Harry had been covertly staring at her when she had to walk through the living room wrapped only in a towel after she had forgotten to retrieve her freshly washed clothes from the laundry. Combined with his attention and obvious approval in the exercise clothing section a few moments ago he had sent her own self-esteem soaring and gave her the confidence to wear something like this. To be truthful, she had never really thought herself as all that attractive before, but Harry's wide eyes and appraising looks were more than enough to begin to alter that perception. Hermione was quite glad she had grown up in a family that wasn't body-conscious, having very open attitudes regarding nudity and sex. Although she hadn't gone publicly nude yet herself, she had accompanied her parents to clothing optional beaches along the French Riviera during their summer vacations and was now more likely to avail herself of that luxury someday soon.

Continuing on, Hermione first picked out a black pair of designer jeans and a designer label t-shirt and shoo'ed Harry into the change room to try them on. Harry, now operating almost on auto-pilot while eying the abomination that were 'Speedos' sitting atop the cart nodded and entered, changing into them without comment. When he exited and stepped before a mirror she again “hmmed” to herself.

“He really does have a cute bum,” she thought to herself as she circled a couple of times while focusing on the fit at the legs, waist and seat. He was forced to stifle a blush when she inserted two fingers and tugged at the waist while checking the fit and again when she stopped closely in front of him and minutely adjusted how his shirt sat upon his shoulders before standing back and looking him up and down - the innocent acts somehow seeming quite intimate in his mind. Satisfied with the fit, and with some discussion with her mum, she chose a dozen pairs of jeans (five blue, seven black) and an equal number of various shirts that she had settled upon after seemingly holding every shirt on every rack up to him while she and her mother decided upon each.

After almost a countless number of trips to the change-room, Harry was quickly coming to understand the joys of clothes shopping with women. Although to be fair, Harry really did enjoy (quite immensely, in fact) their efforts on his behalf and considered it to be worth any effort on his part. Besides, he thought anything was worth seeing Hermione in spandex. He almost couldn't believe the incredible figure that had been hidden beneath her robes and loose fitting clothes she usually wore. He would so greatly enjoy exercising with her this summer.

-----

After paying a total of well over a thousand pounds, Mrs. Granger gave them the address to deliver their purchases to their home. Before leaving the store, Hermione pulled out the green silk boxers, a black pair of jeans, a designer t-shirt, a new pair of socks and one of the two new pairs of trainers and handed them to Harry shooing him into a change-room. After changing into his new clothes and trainers, Hermione instructed the saleswoman to throw the old clothes and trainers away while silently vowing he would never again wear the Dursley's over-sized, worn cast-offs. He deserved so much better than that.

Skipping past the hair stylist shop since Hermione liked the windswept messy look to Harry's raven locks, they set out for an optometrist's shop. With a little coaxing on Hermione's part because “it was a shame to hide such beautiful eyes behind glasses” she got Harry to agree to contacts. (It didn't really take much effort since he had long hated his glasses and knew them to be a liability in a fight anyway. His resistance was token at best.) Since his prescription had long since changed, he was also fitted with a new pair of glasses also wire-rimmed but of a slightly different style for back-up when he couldn't or didn't want to wear his contacts. Though he vowed that if possible he would never wear glasses again.

While Harry was being taught how to insert the contacts, Hermione sat down for a moment in thought. She wondered if there was a wizarding fix for poor eye-sight that didn't require corrective lenses. There was the muggle option of surgery but that often had mixed results. Besides, she wasn't keen on anything cutting into those gorgeous green orbs. A possible wizarding option was definitely something she would look into when she next had the chance.

Harry returned five minutes later and Hermione found her heart beating a little faster when she saw him emerge from the back room. He looked positively gorgeous with how his eyes sparkled with the contacts and in his new clothes. It absolutely amazed her how much of an improvement it made. Emma hid a smile at the look in her daughter's eyes while looking Harry up and down. She had to agree that he looked great.

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Since they had been delivered by the time they got home, Hermione helped Harry unpack his new clothes. She happily noted the faint smile upon his face while hanging his shirts in the closet and putting his jeans and underwear in bureau drawers. Yes, the day had been a success.

Having also discussed this earlier with her mother, as they finished she turned to him “Now lets go outside and burn your old clothes. I never want to see them again and neither do you.”

He knew what she was trying to do was to get rid of anything that was a reminder of the Dursleys' treatment of him and he was very grateful for how much she cared. His expression became bemused as he realized that he would really enjoy doing just that. So with a grin, the two teens gathered up all of his old clothing and went outside to the barrel the Grangers used for burning garden waste.

Dan and Emma were already there waiting and, after they dumped the clothes into the barrel, Dan doused them with a bit of barbecue lighter fluid and handed a box of matches to Harry for the 'honors'. Harry wasted no time torching the disgusting things and after he stepped back, Hermione wrapped her arms around him and they quietly watched the flames closing an awful chapter in Harry's life.

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Hermione and her parents spent the next few days doing everything they could to make Harry feel comfortable and assure him that he was welcome in their home and lives. Although slowly, they were bringing him out of his shell - showing him that there were those who did care for him and that he was indeed worthy of love and affection; that they valued his presence in their home and family. It wasn't an easy battle but to Hermione there was no longer one more worthwhile.

It was also during this time that the Grangers discussed the possibility of counseling for his neglect/abuse, grief and anger and asked Harry if it was alright for them to arrange a visit with a doctor friend of theirs. Although wary at first, Hermione eventually talked him into at least giving it a chance. That it might help to get an unbiased perspective and to talk about what was wrong in his life.

Unwilling to be a further burden Harry had adamantly demanded that were he to do this, he would pay for any costs himself. Remembering the poor clothes he always used to wear, Dan and Emma were about to argue that they would cover any necessary costs but a look from Hermione stopped them. Her parents gently pulled Hermione aside privately where to their surprise they learned, that while Hermione was unsure as to the extent, Harry is actually pretty well off. His poor appearance was purely a result of the Dursley's treatment of Harry and not a factor of his or their lack of wealth. It was just another of their ways of reinforcing his lack of worth to them. Dan and Emma both had to take a moment to control their outrage at the Dursleys before returning to the discussion with Harry.

Ultimately the news of his wealth mattered little to them, but they were willing to accede for the sake of his pride. They relented, but with the admonishment that they would be more than happy to help with the expense if it became too much and again reminded him that he was now a part of their family. Although something that both Harry and Hermione doubted the necessity of, Harry certainly appreciated the gesture. For, while consciously unbeknown to him, it did add a little more to his slow but steadily growing sense of self-worth.

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This chapter has been revised. 4-17-2007

Authors Notes:

First, a little more on the supposed blood-protections... If all that mattered was that Harry resided where they shared the same blood, then the fact that Voldie now also has that blood should mean that Voldie's presence should also sustain and replenish the protections. So the mere presence of the blood is obviously not the source of the blood protection's power. JKR has made it very clear that emotions feed the effect of various magics. After all, it takes great hatred to even be able to successfully cast the Avada-Kedavra and Cruciatus curses. So what is it then that sustains and feeds the protections on Harry?

Everything mentioned about the blood protections are purely upon the word of one man - Albus Dumbledore. As leader of the Light and Order of the Phoenix (and being the only one with knowledge of the full prophecy), he had a vested interest in seeing that Harry fulfilled the prophecy.

So, was it by intent or by negligence on Dumbledore's part that Harry grew up neglected, abused and unloved?

It is of little stretch of the imagination for anyone to be suspicious of his intentions towards Harry. Especially since he made no effort in ensuring Harry's well-being. He only concerned himself with Harry's being alive and nothing else appeared to matter to the old man. Why? Because he saw that Harry was too crucial to the future of the wizarding world for anything other than his physical safety from Voldemort to be important. It was very apparent by Dumbledore ignoring Harry's plight that he wasn't concerned with something as important as Harry's mental/emotional well-being. If Dumbledore had, he would at the very least had words with the Dursleys about Harry's treatment.

It must be reiterated that Harry made Dumbledore and others aware that things were difficult for him at the Dursleys, yet Dumbledore made no effort at improving Harry's living conditions. None! Dumbledore shares every bit as much blame as the Dursleys for Harry's horrible childhood. Here is a direct quote from Half-Blood Prince that shows that Dumbledore did indeed know of Harry's abuse and was only concerned about his physical safety from Voldemort:

“He has known nothing but neglect and often cruelty at your hands. The best that can be said is that he has at least escaped the appalling damage you have inflicted upon the unfortunate boy sitting between you." ...

"The magic I evoked fifteen years ago means that Harry has powerful protection while he can still call this house 'home.' However miserable he has been here, however unwelcome, however badly treated, you have at least, grudgingly, allowed him houseroom. This magic will cease to operate the moment that Harry turns seventeen; in other words, at the moment he becomes a man. I ask only this: that you allow Harry to return, once more, to this house, before his seventeenth birthday, which will ensure that the protection continues until that time." (HBP3)

That sealed Dumbledore's image as little better than a villain in my mind. By his own admission, Dumbledore knowingly subjected an innocent and defenseless child to neglect and cruelty. All because he needed his weapon alive to defeat Voldemort and no more. There will always be those who defend Dumbledore despite his crimes because he had “good intentions.” Yes, and the road to Hell is paved with what? Unfortunately in this case, it was an innocent child that was dropped off at the end of that road.

Now to answer the inevitable criticisms or questions of why I prefer to ship H/Hr instead of following canon H/G. It is rather simple. Ginny Weasley fell in love with the 'Boy-Who-Lived' not Harry Potter. Harry hates everything about his fame as the 'Boy-Who-Lived' and deserves the love interests of someone who loves him for him, not his fame/glory/money. Ginny Weasley is a fan-girl. No more, no less. JKR poisoned any hope of me supporting such a ship by her canon representation of Ginny Weasley falling for the 'Boy-Who-Lived' legend, not Harry Potter when she vowed that she would one day marry him before she ever met him..

Besides, I know I'm not the only person to have noticed that Harry suddenly out of nowhere developed feelings for Ginny during a school term where they were taught to brew love potions. Curious indeed.

So in short, I support any Harry ship that doesn't pair Harry with somebody whose feelings for him are so shallow as to be based upon his being the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. He deserves better. Enough said.