Harry Potter and the Six Founders

Chapter 2 - Committement

Privet Drive, next afternoon

Harry was fidgeting around the house while waiting for Remus. The Dursleys had taken their son Dudley to a movie and left him alone with the usual list of things not to do. At least since Moody's threat they didn't persecute him like they used to and they had simply replaced nastiness by indifference.

He didn't care about them. However petty they might be, they had no real importance in his life. They were merely annoyances to avoid or to ignore.

Yesterday he had finally written a letter to Hermione. It had taken more time that he'd thought.

Dear Hermione,

How is your vacation going? Well I hope. For myself I'm mostly bored but I hope to see Remus soon. It will be nice to have a visitor for once. This place really feels like a prison.

I miss you, and Ron. I never really did thank you for support last year but it helped a lot. And especially your brilliant idea of the DA group. That was the best thing I had and it was because of you. So thank you.

I hope we'll have some time together before school starts. I swear to you I'm going to make an effort not to be grumpy like last year. Keep this letter. If I break my promise you'll just have to show it to me and I'll shut up.

A big hug to you and please give my regards to Viktor.

Forever your friend, Harry

He wondered how she was doing with Viktor. Better than he had with Cho certainly.

The bell rang. Remus! He rushed to open the door and found himself confronted with a rather elegant muggle couple reminiscent of bible tooting witnesses. After a moment of surprise, he recognized Tonks and Remus.

"Hello Harry. How are you?"

"Hi Tonks. Hi Remus, please come in."

He had expected Remus to come alone and raised an inquiring eyebrow.

"Tonks has guard duty this afternoon," said Remus.

"And I wanted to say hello to my comrade in arms," added the young witch with a cheerful smile. "Anybody else in the house?"

"No we're alone. The Dursleys should not be back before six." Comrade in arms, yes she can say that now. Harry felt a swelling of pride at being called that by a member of the elite Auror force. However Remus had said something else which was troubling him.

"What do you mean guard duty? You're not watching over me are you?"

"Of course I am. Didn't Dumbledore explain how you are protected here? This is a war you know and we need to have soldiers and guards."

"But I thought it was just spells and stuff like that. How many of you are out there?" Suddenly Harry was both glad to realize that he was not alone, and horrified at the idea that Tonks could be hurt because of him.

"There's just me but if there's any trouble I'll have time to sound the alarm and stop them from moving in too quickly. You'll be safe inside long enough for the rest of the team to arrive," she answered, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Harry couldn't believe it. She was doing this alone. He knew what Death Eaters could do. This is madness. Don't they ever learn?

"Tonks I don't want you to be killed because of me!" he cried.

Remus was surprised by his reaction and put his hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Harry this is not just about you. You're an important asset and it is normal to protect you."

Harry shook him off angrily and glared at them.

"It's not normal! She's alone and if there's really some danger it won't be enough. I can't stand it! How many more people are going to die protecting me?" All the frustrations build up from the past days seemed to overwhelm him.

"HARRY. STOP IT!" yelled Tonks in a sergeant master's voice. He froze and she continued in a stern tone. "Harry, I'm sorry but I must tell you that you are badly wrong about this." Her face showed anger and disappointment.

"If a bunch of Death Eaters attack there will be a fight and I or others may die. It will not be your fault but that of those monsters and of Voldemort."

Amazing how she doesn't hesitate in any way to say his name. Remus thought in admiration.

She pressed her point mercilessly. She was more incensed as they had ever seen her.

"Whatever might happen this is my duty and my honor and if it helps even in a little way to defeat these bastards then it will have been worth it," she continued proudly. "I will do it because you are important in that fight. I would also do it because of who you are, but it is not your responsibility in any case."

She showed a feral grin.

"And there's a good chance that I will take a number of them with me before I go down."

"What's more all the Aurors and all the members of the Order would do the same thing," she continued, "and you know Harry that you yourself would do the same. So what's the beef?"

He was astonished at being the target of such a violent outburst. And he couldn't find the words to argue with her. He tried to shake his head.

"There's no beef Harry! This is the way it must be, but if you keep on trying to prevent us fighting then you might as well help Voldemort win!" she added viciously.

The boy reeled as if he had been slapped. How can she say something like that! He took a step backward and collided with the lounge table. He didn't even notice the vase which was on it, fall and burst into pieces upon hitting the floor. He was mortified and his eyes filled with tears of shame.

In a softer voice Tonks added,

"Harry I know this not easy for you but it is important that you get over this fear for others. Your friends are not innocent bystanders to be protected. We are all fighters who care for each other but the most important thing is to win."

"Because if Voldemort succeeds then millions of innocent people will effectively suffer and die." As she said that she looked at him squarely then turned around, opened the door, and left him standing there.

Harry swallowed. He was so devastated by her assault that he couldn't utter a sound. It was all he could do not to burst out crying. He couldn't even bring himself to turn around to Remus for support.

She's right. I know it and what can I say? That it's too hard for me? That I want to give up? How can I say that to her, to anybody.

But don't they understand how painful it is for me to see my friends die?

He heard Remus do a Reparo spell on the broken vase. Remus was surprised at Tonks' reaction and had almost tried to stop her, but then he realized that she had really put her finger on a major spot: Harry's pathological attitude toward death.

Merlin knows that the kid's got good reasons for being sensitive but Tonks made a valid point. Did he understand it?

He turned to look at Harry who was still reeling from the impact of the outburst which had been directed at him.

I knew that Auror training was tough but I didn't follow all the implications. Tonks might look like a nice girl but she can certainly be brutal when she wants. I will have to remember never to annoy her.

He had come to appreciate the company of the young Auror, and he couldn't say that he was not attracted to her, but it was the first time he had witnessed that particular aspect of her personality. He replaced the vase on the table and hid a smile.

I can see that my job is to pick up the pieces now.

Gently he touched the boy's shoulder,

"Harry?"

Harry didn't answer but he seemed to relax a bit at the contact. Remus guided him to the sofa and they sat down.

"Harry, I'm terribly sorry. This is not exactly what I wanted us to talk about."

Harry exploded a laugh that was half a sob as he released the tension inside him. Yeah that was a good joke! He managed to crack a smile.

"Well it's not what I expected either." He sighed loudly, removed his glasses and wiped his eyes.

Well, the boy's resilient I'll say that.

"Harry?"

Harry sighed again.

"I know she's right Remus and I know I'm being stupid acting like that. I keep telling it to myself but whenever it becomes real I just can't stand it." He clenched his fists. "I can't stand the thought of people dying because they're near me, and not being able to do anything about it."

"You are doing things. You've done a lot already. You should know that." As Harry started to object, he raised his hand. "Don't say anything about Sirius. Dumbledore has repeatedly said that he was the one most to blame, and whatever the reason it's the kind of thing that was bound to happen."

Harry nodded. He didn't really know what to think about that anymore, and he didn't want to argue, certainly not with Remus.

For a moment Remus thought about Sirius, his friends for so many years, and made a decision. He looked at the boy in front of him.

"Harry, last year you were kept in the dark and I know that you resented it. I think even Dumbledore regrets it now but at the time most of us felt that it was the right choice."

"Most of us?"

Remus gave a wry smile,

"Well Sirius was adamantly against it, and very vocal he was, and I had misgivings myself but I kept my counsel," he paused, "I'm sorry that I did, I guess you could say that I chickened out."

Harry shook his head. Remus had the courage to face an awful werewolf transformation every month. He ran dangerous missions for the Order all the time. He was anything but a coward.

"It's not your fault but I do think it was a bad thing. I felt abandoned and then I acted on my own but I didn't have all the information..." He shrugged.

Remus acquiesced,

"The thing is, it's somewhat a bit awkward for a member of the Order to disagree with Dumbledore about you and to disobey him," he continued. "But I've got a proposal for you, actually two."

He paused and looked a little embarrassed while Harry wondered where this was going.

"The first one is that, if you accept, I would like to take custody of you." He raised his hand as Harry started to speak. "It's not that easy because of the special properties of your present home and the fact that I'm a werewolf, but I talked to Dumbledore some times ago and he said that Privet Drive wouldn't as important as it once was. He needs some time to prepare another place - it could be Headquarters I don't know - but he's working on it."

"I'm not kidding myself that I can replace Sirius but I really care for you and..."

Remus stopped because Harry was smiling and nodding furiously. Remus yes it would be almost as good as being with Sirius.

"I take it you're ok with this?" Remus asked hopeful.

Harry found his voice.

"Thank you Remus. I would like that very much," he said sincerely.

"This is good but you do realize that as your guardian I'll be responsible for your conduct and education," he continued seriously. Is this the ex Marauder who's talking? James would be laughing and rolling on the floor if he was there.

"But since these are not normal circumstances and because you're not a child anymore, then maybe we could have a special understanding." He paused and Harry's expression was interrogative.

"I will pledge never to keep anything from you, which is not saying much, if you promise that you'll do the same and that you won't do anything... hem foolish before at least talking it out with me." Harry grimaced but he couldn't really argue the point. "I will keep your secrets and I will teach you and your friends all I can and help you. Even in areas not recommended for young wizards."

He smiled ruefully as he said that. Responsible indeed!

Harry's smile turned mischievous.

"Won't that get you into trouble?" he asked.

"Well I don't think I could have a worse influence on you than Fred and George. Of course I'll have to come clean with Dumbledore so he doesn't tell me any secrets he doesn't want you to know."

Harry chuckled.

"Did you talk to him about this?"

"I, hum, described a hypothetical situation and I think he understood perfectly. He didn't tell me not to do it so I guess its ok."

His expression became serious again.

"Please think about it Harry. I'll always be on your side, we all are, but if you agree to this you'll have to share some private things, which is not easy for anyone and for you least of all. In exchange I won't judge you and I will be able to help you more."

Harry thought about it. He had always trusted Remus who had been his most supporting teacher and then a close friend, as he had been for his father. What would dad do in my place?

The answer to that was evident.

"Remus, does that mean I could call myself a Marauder then?"

"You're very welcome to the title Harry."

Krum's Manor,

It had been a very quiet day. Viktor had gone to a Quidditch practice with some friends while Hermione had stayed in her room thinking about several things. One of them being how to get back to England as fast as possible. Yesterday after exploring various possibilities she had written a long letter to Dumbledore explaining that she wanted to use the summer to do some research and help Harry (and Ron too) prepare for the next year.

She knew it was not very convincing but she felt he would understand what she was asking. Let me come to help and let me see Harry.

A letter from Harry has arrived this morning which had sent her heart fluttering. She read it quickly. Nothing new there and she knew he was anything but a prolific writer. But he was writing nice things about me! It was a good thing for Remus to visit him. If anybody could talk sense into Harry it would be the gentle and soft spoken werewolf.

By mid afternoon she was trying to read a book in the park, hardly able to concentrate on anything, when a flashing speck in the sky caught her eye. A beautiful red and golden bird was flying right at her. When it came closer she recognized it as a phoenix. Fawkes! This is Dumbledore's answer.

Her hands were trembling as she unrolled the message. A small paper-wrapped object fell at her feet.

Miss Granger,

I cannot help but appreciate your wanting to come back to Hogwarts after only your second week of vacation. Such devotion to the faculty is to be commended, alas the school is closed and even (or especially) our teachers need their rests.

However I do believe your presence could be of help to me in one of my current projects, and this should also fit with your plans. If you can manage to pack a minimum of your things before six o'clock today, the accompanying Portkey will take you to me.

Kind regards

Albus Dumbledore - Headmaster

She unwrapped carefully the object that had been included in the letter.

It was a white rabbit's foot.

Privet Drive

Harry and Remus had spent the rest of the afternoon together. Harry had made some tea and they had returned to his room. He was never very comfortable in the Dursleys' living room.

He came back to the subject of the previous day's correspondence.

"Yesterday you referred to the magic protecting me here. How does work exactly? Isn't it something I should know about?"

Remus took a sip of tea.

"Yes Harry it is." He took a moment to organize his thoughts. "You see all magic comes from the same source, which you can consider to be a kind of raw energy, but it has to be shaped by human, well actually wizard, minds."

"So when you cast a spell you use your mind to process this energy?"

Remus was happy to be back to teaching. It was really a shame he'd had to stop.

"Yes it's a channeling effect and the working of the wizard's mind is very important. The classical spells rely on mental processes common to all wizards. Everybody can learn them, although some people will cast more powerful spells than others because they can channel more energy. A similar phenomenon occurs when wizards seal an agreement with magic and it then becomes binding."

"But some wizards have special minds and thus can use the magical energy in unique ways."

"You mean people like Death Eaters and Voldemort?"

"Yes. Part of Voldemort's power is that he can do things no other wizard can, not even Dumbledore, because his mind is so warped. Specifically he can use the energy which comes from evil deeds such as killing and torturing peoples."

"But you need to understand that the opposite is true," he added, "in particular the Headmaster believes that you can do things that others cannot, by using positive emotions. That's what I was referring to in my letter and that's also how your mother was able to protect you."

Harry tried to digest this. The same excitement he had felt yesterday was coming back to him.

"Dumbledore said that at the Ministry, when Voldemort possessed me, he couldn't bear to stay in my mind." He closed his eyes and recounted what happened. "It was horrible, I was ready to die and thinking of at least rejoining Sirius and how much I loved him and then the pressure stopped and he went away."

"Exactly Harry. This magic is a weapon we can use against Voldemort and in fact it's probably the only one powerful enough to defeat him." Despite the theorical explanations of Dumbledore, Remus only realized their deep truth when he saw the positive reaction in Harry's face.

"There is more. Love or goodness or honor, whatever you call these feelings they are also things that hold us together, as Tonks has demonstrated," he winked at Harry who winced at the memory, "while the Death Eaters will only use selfish means such as fear, and thirst of power, and thus can never work as a team."

"Voldemort thinks that Love is inferior because it promotes weakness." Harry grimaced. That's what I've been doing. Weakening myself with emotions.

"Believing this Voldemort will always underestimate what we can do," replied Remus.

In a small voice Harry brought out his deepest fear.

"Remus how are we going to use this power? I love my friends but all I can imagine is how Voldemort can use this to get at them and hurt me. My mother protected me but she died for it. Is that the price to pay?"

So this is what he really fears. The man moved closer and spoke gently.

"No Harry there are other ways. Loving someone can make you stronger. It's possible to use the magic to reinforce each other and that's what you have to learn to do."

Harry gave him a hopeful but puzzled look.

"How?"

Remus was somewhat embarrassed.

"Well at that point I must confess that I don't know," Harry's face fell, "but Dumbledore is sure of that. He was very clear about it."

The forceful statement made Harry feel better. If the Headmaster believed it then there was hope, something could be done.

And I can play a part instead of waiting for the adults to do something.

Remus looked at him carefully. He was almost time to go and he wanted Harry to think about what they had discussed.

"We will talk again about this Harry. I have to go now but I'll return soon."

Harry was deep in thought. He nodded absently.

"When can you come back?"

Remus shrugged.

"Whenever you want. Are the Dursleys going to be away some other time?"

"Day after tomorrow they'll be eating outside, and I'll be alone for the evening. You can drop by around 8 o'clock. We could have diner together."

Remus smiled at him.

"We'll do that Harry. In the meanwhile please don't brood about what happened and do take hope. Things are going to get better. I'm sure of it."

Harry tried a brave smile and stood up to embrace his new guardian.

"You're always so optimistic about things Remus. I envy you." He sighed but the smile became more sincere. "I'm really glad that you came. Thank you."

Remus smiled back.

"I enjoyed speaking with you Harry. Take care and see you soon."

He Disapparated.

Harry sighed and stretched out on his bed. He thought back upon their discussion. Yes. It had been nice speaking with Remus. And if he's right we do have reasons to hope.

For a moment he allowed himself to fantasize that they could find a way to protect themselves from Voldemort, and to destroy him.

Somewhere in England,

After activating the portkey Hermione had expected to arrive at Hogwarts, presumably in Dumbledore's office, but instead the found herself in a house she didn't recognized.

She was also extremely nervous.

"Good afternoon Hermione," said Dumbledore.

"Good afternoon sir," she replied. He's calling me by my first name! She appreciated the honor. She knew that the school protocol reserved it for those students which the professors deemed worthy of special attention, and those were very few indeed. "Thank you very much sir for allowing me to come."

Dumbledore noticed the tension in her. He took her gently by the arm and led them to a pair of comfortable chairs.

"Please, your offer of help was most generous, and as I wrote, it is possible that you can help me with my current plans."

She sat down, intrigued. His plans! What could I possibly do that could play a part in them?

He sat in from of her and smiled kindly. On a little side table there was a selection of sweets and he offered her some, selecting a bright green marshmallow which he gobbled up with evident relish.

"I see that you are wondering what I am talking about. I will tell you of course, but first of all I want you to know that I have followed your work at Hogwarts with great interest. Professor McGonagall is most impressed by your talent and so am I." He paused. "I can testify that you are one of the most brilliant students to have attended this school in the many years I have been there."

Hermione squirmed at the compliment. She knew she was good but never would she have hoped for such praise, especially from the Headmaster whom everybody considered the most powerful wizard in the world.

"I say this in truth so that you do not think that what I will suggest is easy, or that I do not take you seriously." Hermione took this to mean that he was really going to give her a difficult assignment and her anxiety returned.

"Before we go into my project I must ask you a very personal question which you must answer truthfully. It is very important." Dumbledore paused again and Hermione now felt extremely uncomfortable. What did you get yourself into girl?

"You implied in your letter that you care deeply about Harry. I need you to tell me exactly what your feelings for him are," he asked in a very kind voice.

Oh my God! Why does he want to know about Harry! What can I say? She felt like at the doctor during an embarrassing examination.

I will just say the truth.

"I think I'm in love with him," she said in a little voice. She elaborated. "He's been my closest friend until now but now I feel that he is the most important person in my life and I would do anything for him and to be with him."

As she spoke Hermione sensed the absolute truth of her words. She had no doubts now. She loved Harry.

"And does he know what you feel for him?" continued Dumbledore gently.

"I didn't tell him, I don't know..." her voice broke. What would she do if he didn't love her back? Of if Dumbledore had reasons to keep them apart. No! Please dear God not that! Please I could accept Harry not wanting me, but if he did and we couldn't... I think I would just want to die.

"I was planning of speaking with him... If it was possible... I mean I wanted to ask you if I could..." her face pleaded to him. "Is there anything wrong with me loving Harry? Is something the matter?" Get a grip on yourself girl!

Dumbledore raise a hand and replied soothingly.

"Have no fear Hermione, you will see him soon and there is nothing that should keep you from each other if that's what you both want." She fell back in her chair, relieved but with her heart still beating fiercely.

"I am very sorry to have caused you such evident distress my dear. I sense your feelings, and although I cannot predict what Harry will do, I can tell you that I would approve your pairing without any reservation."

"Let me tell you why the question, and your answer, was so important." Dumbledore explained how Harry's mother had provided him with a vital protection against Voldemort, and how Privet Drive was necessary to him, and how he wanted to use a similar magic to enable Harry to be safe here.

More specifically he was trying to arranged things so that if Harry and someone declared their love for each other in this house, the power of committement would provide the same kind of protection.

Hermione was fascinated. Committement magic! What an extraordinary thing, I'll have to look into that later. But suddenly she realized something.

"But professor, Harry's mother died. Does that mean..."

Dumbledore reassured her.

"No Hermione, I do not believe that someone has to die for such a spell to be effective. If that was the case I would not even consider it."

"Harry knows about his mother's protection," he continued, "but I have not told him what I am planning."

"I have prepared this house so that it can become a new home for him but I will need your help to get a better understanding of this kind of magic... and to work the actual spells."

Hermione gasped.

"I would be honored sir, But I'm not sure I would know enough to be able to help you?" she exclaimed. "It must be something very complex."

"Complex no, but very difficult yes, I'm afraid," replied Dumbledore. "I have consulted the usual archives and I found very few records on this subject so it is more a question of pure research and theorical analysis than of knowledge of magic. And because of this few people would be more qualified than you. It might even be an advantage not to have the preconceptions which usually come with extended knowledge."

Dumbledore stopped and waited for her to think about it. She stayed silent, conscious of the implications of any decisions at that point, and forced herself to consider all the possible consequences.

What if Harry doesn't love me back? Would the magic still work?

She voiced her concern.

Dumbledore nodded gravely.

"You are correct to point this out. In truth I don't know but I am fairly certain that the spells can only be cast by someone who loves him deeply. If Harry returns the committement then the results should be very powerful. If not then there should at least be a significant effect."

"True love cannot be controlled or hastened. I could only be ready for it to happen but I have great hopes."

He paused.

"You see, Harry received several important things from his parents. James Potter was a very powerful and brilliant wizard while Lily possessed an enormous amount of life energy and love. Harry inherited all of that and it shows in his resilience to pain, his craving for affection and in the importance he attaches to his friends."

"Sirius's death was a terrible tragedy for him because of this. He loved him more than he loved Miss Chang, which was more an infatuation than anything else."

He looked at her with his kind face.

"I know that I am asking something very unusual of you Hermione. I realize that you will feel a great deal of emotional pain if this doesn't work right. I am not going to force you to do it and you should take your time to think it through."

"Harry certainly likes you a lot. Can it blossom into love? I don't know. I would not be surprised."

Hermione's mouth was dry. The stakes had suddenly gone much higher that what she expected.

But what this means is that there's even more of a reason for doing what I want. And even if it fails I won't be worse off.

She turned a calm face to him.

"I want to do this professor, I am ready."

"That is good Hermione," he said, smiling. He stood up. "Let me explain to you what I have prepared."

She followed him around the house and the layout of the rooms looked vaguely familiar. It reminds me of... But it can't be!

"Sir what is this place?" she asked him. "It almost looks like..."

Dumbledore's grin was that of a little boy who had managed to pull a particularly spectacular practical joke.

"Yes Hermione. This is 12 Grimauld Place. Headquarter of the Order of the Phoenix, formally owned by Sirius Black and now the property of Harry James Potter."

"But everything changed! It was awful before, all those nasty things on the wall."

"Sirius had made me the caretaker of this place," he explained. "In case... something happened to him."

Hermione saw a twinge of pain in the old wizard's eye. He stayed silent for a moment and she didn't interrupt him. Sirius' death had really been a tragedy for all of them.

He shrugged and continued.

"Anyway it gave me more direct control of the house. I enlisted the help of Dobby and professor Flitwick and we managed to... redecorate most of it."

Redecorate indeed. She could imagine how hard it must have been.

She had one more question.

"Where is Kreacher?" The wretched House Elf had betrayed them but he was as much a victim of his former masters as their enemy.

"He's not here, and we don't have to worry about him anymore."

She was horrified. "You didn't...?"

He shook his head.

"No, of course not. We didn't hurt him but he had to be neutralized. You see once Sirius was gone he would have been free to betray the secrets of our Headquarters to Bellatrix Lestrange and the Death Eaters."

"I couldn't bring myself to kill him and Elves have a lot of resistance to memory spells, but I managed to place him in a suspended state. A timeless prison if you will. When his knowledge will not be able to hurt us anymore then I will release him."

Hermione was very relieved to hear that. She was shown around the rest of the House, and greeted effusively by a very excited Dobby who made a point of describing every little change made in the house until Dumbledore gently shut him up.

That night in her room Hermione wrote a letter to Harry. She knew that she had to keep silent about was they were doing but she wanted to give him something to think about.

Dear Harry,

Thank you for your nice letter. I'm glad I was able to do something for you last year. I'll do even better this year. Just wait and see. And I will hold you to your promise.

I'm sorry that you're still stuck with your uncle and aunt but I'm sure it's not going to last too long and we'll be able to be with each other soon.

I'm as impatient as you for it. Until then take care.

You're very special to me too Harry. It breaks my heart to see you sad so please think happy thoughts. Imagine I'm giving you a big hug. Imagine playing Quidditch with Ron.

Thinking of you always.

Love, Hermione

P.S.

Just to set things straight about Viktor. I know you like to rib me a lot about him but as I said before he's really just a friend. He sends his regards by the way.

She reviewed it. There. I'm telling him the minimum without giving the game away. It should help to put him into a proper state of mind.

She felt a little guilty about Viktor but she reasoned it really was a case of the ends justifying the means. She didn't want Harry to think she was involved with someone else. He was so loyal that if he did he wouldn't want to even think about dating her.

She read the letter once again. Actually girl you're coming on a bit thick. No matter, but if it doesn't work then it's really hopeless.

She sealed it and gave it to the house owl. It should be delivered in the morning.

Meanwhile I'd better go to sleep. I've a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a busy day.

And it was. She and professor Dumbledore pored over countless descriptions of spells and pacts to try and extract the features that they would need. It was fascinating work for her even though she didn't think she was helping him all that much, but he assured her that she did.

"Discussing these things with you makes it much clearer in my mind, my dear, often the way you react suggests possibilities which I might have missed." He smiled at her. "We are doing very good work together, and the fact that we are doing it for Harry makes it even better."

She certainly agreed with that.

Privet Drive,

Harry read Hermione's letter with some surprise, but it gave him a warm feeling. The energy her friend always projected could be felt in every sentence she wrote. He couldn't help but smile at her exuberance.

She's really a great gal.

He did imagine her hugging him and it made him feel pretty good.

I better get a hold of myself before I start imagining things.

Still if he was thinking of dating girls, which he wasn't, he couldn't help but think that he would prefer a girl like Hermione to one like Cho.

He spent the rest of the day reading and thinking of what he would do when would be able to do magic. The discussion with Remus had given him back some energy and he had to spend it somewhere. He vowed to take up Occlumency training seriously and, besides reading and doing some of his regular homework, he practiced the meditation exercises Snape had given him.

Grimauld Place,

After two days of intense activity, Dumbledore and Hermione were in Harry's room ready to finish the protection spells. They had determined that it was the best place to work from. It was even situated in the center of the House.

Hermione had been driving herself tirelessly, and she put all of her concentration in the final incantations. When it was done she couldn't detect any effect, but Dumbledore told her that as far as he could sense it was working properly.

He surveyed the room and turned toward her.

"I think that we did everything we could my dear. Now all that is needed is to bring Harry here and for you to talk to him."

Hermione's heart began to beat faster. It's going to happen! I'm going to see Harry and ask him, Oh my God!

The Headmaster took out his complex watch and after a quick consultation he continued.

"In a little while, Remus has an appointment with him. If you are ready I'll go with him and we should be back in an hour's time."

Hermione couldn't trust herself to speak so she simply nodded. Dumbledore gave her an encouraging smile and left.

Privet Drive,

Harry went down to answer the door. This time again Remus was not alone.

"Professor Dumbledore, sir!" he cried.

"Good evening Harry."

Harry was quite unprepared for this encounter. He just looked at them, his mouth opened without saying anything.

"May we come in?" asked the old wizard pleasantly.

Harry realized with a start that he was blocking the way and keeping them out in the street.

"Uh. Sorry! Please do enter." He stumbled backwards to make room for them and then closed the door.

"Can I offer you something?" He remembered that the Headmaster had a taste for sweet things. "There's some chocolate cake in the fridge if you like." Dudley would be mad at him for giving away his rations but Harry didn't really care.

"With pleasure Harry," answered Dumbledore with a large smile.

Harry led them to the kitchen where he cut a piece for each of them, along with some fruit juice to wash it down. He had to smile at the gusto with which the Headmaster attacked his portion. Even Remus was trying hard not to laugh.

When he had finished Dumbledore turned toward the young man.

"Thank you very much for this little snack Harry. It was delicious," then changing the subject, "and how are you doing now?" he asked gently.

"I'm fine sir," replied Harry guardedly, "but it's not a lot of fun sitting here".

Dumbledore nodded absently. He glanced at Remus and then back at Harry.

"I understand that you have discussed the subject of guardianship with professor Lupin."

"Yes sir. And I agreed to his proposal." He grinned at Remus.

Dumbledore nodded again.

"That's very well. However there remains the problem of you having a place to live in. I'm afraid it is not possible for you to stay in professor Lupin's current home."

Harry's face fell. And even Remus looked alarmed. Had it been too good to be true?

"However," continued the Headmaster, "we have just finished transforming our headquarters at Grimauld Place into an acceptable place for both of you and for your friends."

Harry couldn't believe his ears. I'm going to be able to leave this awful place.

His heart filled with gratitude for the great wizard who had once again provided for him. Then he felt shame as he remembered the havoc he had caused in the Headmaster's office, and the harsh words he had said the last time they had meet, when he'd been sick with grief about Sirius. I wrecked his office and he's rebuild me a home.

He swallowed and looked up to him.

"Professor Dumbledore?"

"Yes Harry?"

"Thank you very much for this sir, I don't how to say how much I appreciate what you've done, and I wanted to tell you that I'm terribly sorry for what I did and said that last time. Please accept my apologies, I was a..."

Dumbledore raised his hand.

"No Harry. What happened then is the past and there is no need to come back to it. Your reaction was quite understandable."

He put his hand in his pocket and held out a rabbit's foot.

"This portkey will take us to your new home where we can continue our discussion. We'll just need to leave a note for your uncle and aunt, saying that you will not be coming back. What do you need to pack?"

The Burrow,

An owl burst in the Weasleys' living room.

"A message!" cried Ginny.

Arthur handled the bird with gentle hands and detached the note. He glanced at it then read it aloud.

You are all invited to diner at Headquarters tonight. Come ASAP. D.

"Dumbledore's calling us! What's happening?" asked Ron. "Was this expected?"

He turned to his father who smiled.

"I would not say expected exactly but let me say that maybe I'm not totally surprised," he surveyed his family, "and I think we'll hear some pleasant news."

Grimauld Place,

The portkey transported Harry, Remus and Dumbledore in the living room. Harry marveled at the way that the house was completely changed. He could hardly recognize it.

Gone were the dark paintings and heavy atmosphere. The ancient oppressive house of the Black family had become a luminous and comfortable dwelling.

"Harry Potter sir!"

Dobby! The house elf rushed to embrace Harry.

"Dobby! How are you?"

"Dobby is fine sir, Dobby is proud to be the first to welcome Harry Potter in his new home. Dobby and Harry's friends have been hard at work preparing it for him. Does Harry Potter like it?"

"It's magnificent Dobby," Harry turned around and Dobby was basking in his appreciation. "Thank you very much, this is an amazing job."

"Hi Harry."

He turned and framed in the doorway was Hermione, breathtakingly beautiful in a blue summer dress. Before he could say a word her arms were around his neck and his face was lost in her hair.

It felt wonderful.

"Hermione how did you get here?" he asked. "I thought you where in Bulgaria?"

"I was until a few days ago, and I came the same way you did," she turned to the Headmaster, "thanks to professor Dumbledore."

Harry turned toward the two adults. He could see they were positively beaming with pleasure. He realized that he was still holding on to Hermione and blushed and released her.

"Sir, Remus, this is fantastic. I don't know what to say."

"Harry, it is the least we could do, and I am glad to say that there is more to come," Harry's eyes opened even wider, "the Weasley family will be there shortly and we will have a pleasant evening together."

He turned to Hermione.

"My dear, may I suggest that you show Harry around while we organize ourselves?"

She took him by the hand and led him to the other rooms. He noticed with relief that the portrait of Sirius's mother had been removed from the hall.

"Dobby told me that it took Dumbledore and him more than two days to do that," said Hermione, "and they had to research very ancient spells to find the right formula."

The sleeping rooms were on the second floor. She showed Harry the one they had prepared for him. It was decorated with Quiddich posters, pictures of Hogwarts and of his friends. There was a desk, several chests and another bed. For Ron of course. Oh boy this is going to be great.

Harry was seeing all this as if in a dream. Then he realized he was standing very close to Hermione and that she was silently looking at him with a strange look in her eyes. He turned toward her. How lovely she was.

"Hermione, this is the most wonderful day of my life, and I'm really happy that you're here. You look...terrific." He swallowed and suddenly his stomach seemed to be doing strange things. What's happening? I don't think I've ever felt like that before.

And then it occurred to him that he had actually, once with another girl...

"Did you have a hand in this?" he managed to asked her.

"For this room yes. The Headmaster and Dobby took care of most of the rest of the house."

He looked around.

"I'm very impressed Hermione. Thanks a lot, you did a wonderful job." He hesitated and half extended his hand toward her, "I'm very happy to see you."

"And I'm very happy to see you too." She took a deep breath. This is it girl! This is your big move. God please don't let me mess up!

"Harry, I want to tell you something very important." She looked straight at him and she detected the stirring energy of her spells as they were activated. He seemed to feel something special too because he had a funny questioning look on his face.

She spoke what she thought were the most important words in her life.

"I love you Harry."

She saw the surprise on his face and felt the magical energy rise and flow around them.

The words rushed out of her.

"I didn't know it before but now I'm sure of it. I came back because of this. I want to stay with you and share everything with you. I love you."

Harry could hardly recognize the girl before him so intense she was. Hermione loves me! What do I say?

"I didn't just decorate this room Harry," she continued, "Dumbledore taught me the spells that were used to protect you in your aunt's house and I used them here." She paused to give him the time to understand, she saw that his eyes grew wider. "By telling you of my love I'm activating them." Please don't be angry with me. Please say that you love me too.

"I hope you'll love me back Harry. I wish it more than anything in the world, but even if you don't it will help a little." She couldn't go on. She'd done all that she could and now it was up to him. She just stood there looking at him with desperate passion.

Harry was overwhelmed by the gradual realization of what she had done. He'd always admired her, and he felt more than simple affection for her, but this was more than he'd ever imagined.

In his heart he realized he did love her but uppermost he wanted to protect her and that meant keeping her away from the danger he represented. Then he remembered what they had talked about with Remus. I want to love her back. Could that be the right thing to do? I want to do it. I want it so much.

Something clicked in his mind, and he felt the rightness of his decision. His heart was beating very fast and the only thing that existed was the girl in front of him. His girl.

"Hermione, I..." He couldn't speak but maybe there was no need for words.

He approached her slowly and gently took her face in his hands and kissed her on the lips. She moved against him and he felt her warm body touching his, her arms around him, her perfume in his head.

Time stopped.

When he released her, they looked at each other. Hermione's face was glowing with happiness and Harry's smile was pure tenderness.

It doesn't get any better than this, he thought.

Hermione was exhausted. The nervous tension of the past days had been high and now that she'd found Harry, and that they were finally together, the release was draining her. She staggered and he caught her.

"Hermione! Are you ok?"

She nodded.

"It's ok, I'm fine. In fact I've never been better, but it's been a strain, and I think I need to sit down."

She sat on the floor and closed her eyes.

"Can I get you something?" he asked anxiously. He kneeled down next to her and she let her head rest against his chest.

"Yes! I guess it's funny but I'm suddenly very hungry, and very tired." She looked at him "I knew you were a good kisser Harry. I didn't know you were that good."

"I don't think it was just me. And I thought that today was the happiest, I didn't imagine something could top it but I was wrong." He held her gently and she pressed her cheek against his hand. "Hermione...?" he savored the words, "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Now I understand some of the things you wrote me."

"I meant everything I wrote. I just couldn't say it directly."

He nodded.

"I feel a little stupid anyway," he continued, she shook her head, "it's like you said. I feel that I've loved you for a long time but I didn't know about it."

He looked around at the room, their room, which would forever be a special place. He looked back at her.

"You are the most wonderful girl in the world do you know that? What you did is simply amazing."

"I'm the happiest girl in the world too."

He bent down to kiss her again.

After a moment they remembered that the others would be waiting for them.

"We'll have time to talk later but perhaps we should come down. They must be wondering why we're taking so long." He stood up and extended his hand to help her up. "Shall we tell them?"

"I think the question is rather how we could we possibly hide it?"

"I don't want to hide it," answered Harry. "I think I want the entire world to know."

They left the room and, hand in hand, they started down the stairs. When they entered the living room, they found that the Weasley family had arrived.

Harry spotted Ron and felt a pang of guilt to be holding Hermione's hand. What was Ron going to think about this? Before it had been the three of them, as equals. Would he resent the new situation? No! I will not be embarrassed, and Ron will have to accept this. He caught his friend's eyes and pleaded silently.

No one said a word.

Ron was thunderstruck by the vision of his two friends together. He had never really fully examined his feelings for Hermione, and while she was with Viktor he wasn't going to intrude. And why do I think I'm good enough for her?

His first reaction was a pinch of jealousy. Why is it Harry again! But it was mollified by the realization that his friend had also gotten some very raw deals. And truly he approved of anything that made him happy.

They were both looking at him and their eyes were clearly asking for his approval. At least they're still interested in me. What can I say? We can still be together. Isn't that the most important thing?

Ron swallowed and walked toward them, his face grave.

"Harry, Hermione," then when he came closer his face suddenly broke into a bright smile, "good for you mates!" and he rushed to embrace them. They returned the gesture and the three of them held each other for a moment.

It was another moment of strong emotion. Harry didn't think he could stand any more. When they disengaged he turned to greet the others guests.

Ginny was looking at him with bright eyes. Thanks God she wasn't interested in me any more.

"Hi Ginny, good to see you."

"I'm so happy for you two." She kissed Harry and hugged Hermione.

Molly Weasley embraced Hermione. For a time she had been somewhat reserved about the young girl, alternating genuine affection with bouts of suspicion about her morals. Those stupid stories! Lately however she had come to appreciate the qualities on which the strong friendship she shared with Harry and Ron was built. Harry was almost like a son for her, and she was now unreservedly prepared to welcome Hermione as a daughter. Her parents are both muggles, so she's almost an orphan in our world.

"Hum..." Dumbledore cleared his throat. Everyone turned toward him.

"My dear friends," he began, "I have called you here tonight to welcome Harry in his new home, and to confirm the position of Remus as his guardian," he turned toward Hermione, "and it seems that we have another happy event to celebrate."

Everyone cheered and Harry, grinning widely walked toward Remus who placed a gentle arm around his shoulders. Harry returned the gesture awkwardly. Both were a little embarrassed but there was no mistaking the feelings between them.

They dined in the equally redecorated kitchen. Dobby had provided an abundance of food. Hermione was ravenous, she had hardly eaten anything in the last days, and what she had done had consumed a lot of her energies.

Afterwards Harry took Dumbledore aside. He was still a little light headed as he faced the old wizard

"Sir, please tell me. Did you plan all this?"

"Including Miss Granger?" he replied with a smile. Harry blushed a little but his eyes still questioned.

"No Harry," he continued, "I would never interfere in such private a matter. However I had prepared for such a thing to happen." As Harry's face became interrogative, he added. "You see Harry I had planned for you to live here but there remained the difficulty of providing the same protection that you received from Privet's Drive."

Harry nodded his understanding.

"When Hermione contacted me, and made plain her feelings for you, I knew that a bond between you two, declared in this house, would create a magical protection that, combined with other more conventional spells, would be very powerful," he paused and added, "and your friend Ron strengthened that magic by adding the seal of his friendship, when he accepted your pairing."

Dumbledore looked at Harry seriously.

"What the three of you did Harry, and which had to come from your hearts, has made this place an almost invulnerable haven for us all. No Death Eater and not even Voldemort can harm anyone you care about while they are in this house."

Harry was both immensely relieved, and deeply touched by this. I can love Hermione and keep my friends close, and it protects them. This is what I wanted all along.

"Hermione worked the spells but does Ron know about this?"

"Ron doesn't know yet but you can tell him. In fact you should as the three of you will play a very important role in the future."

"What about my link with Voldemort?" he asked. "I haven't felt much in a while."

"I believe it is highly weakened while you are here. It is also possible that, at the Ministry, the circumstances in which the last contact you had with him was broken may have altered it in some way." Dumbledore was pensive a moment, "I do not yet understand everything about these matters Harry," he looked at him, "but I ask you to let me, or Remus, know of any change, however trivial. Will you do it?" Harry nodded.

"We will talk about this and other things tomorrow and during the next days. Be assured it will be a most active summer."

Meanwhile Hermione was seated next to Ginny and Ron and recounting the past events from her perspective.

As she talked about Viktor, Ron snorted.

"I never saw why you went with that guy," he said.

"Ron!" protested Hermione. "You're unfair. He's very pleasant when you go beyond that cold attitude he shows. I tried very hard not to hurt him but I did and despite that he reacted very gallantly."

She turned to Ginny who was porting a mocking smile.

"Yes Ginny, I don't have your talent for switching between boyfriends, and I don't plan to need it."

Ron nodded vigorously. It was clear he had completely accepted his friends' decision.

When she told them of writing to Dumbledore, and having Fawkes bring back an answer with a portkey they were properly impressed.

"Fawkes! That's grand!" exclaimed Ron looking at her with admiration, "and what happened afterwards?"

She described her discussion with the Headmaster, without going into too many details, and the work they had done on the house.

When everything had been ready and Dumbledore had gone to Privet Drive with Remus, she had gone to talk with Dobby in the kitchen, and tried to calm her nerves.

And then Harry had arrived.

Ginny and Ron stayed silent for a long moment as they digested what had happened. By that time Harry had joined them and sat down behind Hermione. She snuggled up to him, her head against his shoulder, and closed her eyes as his arm enclosed her. Ron grimaced at the sight and Ginny glared at him, I'm bloody well going to have to get used to a lot of that I guess, he thought.

"Tired?" asked Harry, oblivious of the exchange between brother and sister.

"Exhausted," she replied, "I'm going to bed and sleep till noon tomorrow."

Harry turned toward Ron and Ginny.

"Will you all stay here for the night? And the next days?" he asked.

They accepted enthusiastically. Molly agreed to leave them there and she that she would come back tomorrow with things for them. In the meanwhile there were enough odds and ends of shirts and gowns in the house for one night.

Remus had his room of course. Ron would share Harry's and the girls would take Hermione's.

Hermione had fallen asleep, and Harry looked helplessly at her, not wanting to wake her, and clearly embarrassed at the idea of taking her in his arms. And I'm probably not strong enough so I'd look completely ridiculous if I try. Ron looked equally unsure of what to do until Ginny muttered something under her breath about stupid males who evidently had a lot to learn, and took out her wand,

"Wingardium Leviosa," she called, and Hermione's body raised itself in the air. "Now get out of the way Harry, and go to bed both of you."

"You used a spell!" exclaimed Harry in alarm. As underage wizards they were normally not allowed to do magic outside of school.

"I checked with Remus," she replied. "It's ok here because the house is actually outside the muggle world, like the Burrow. It also means that we'll be able to practice." Both boys looked at each other, clearly pleased at the idea.

They went up the stairs, with Hermione floating before them, and turned to their respective destinations. Harry paused a moment by the girls' room but Ginny firmly sent him on is way.

"No. You'll wake her up and she needs her sleep and so do you. You'll have time tomorrow. Good night." And with that she closed the door.

Harry and Ron exchanged a glance, Ron shrugged.

Ron whistled appreciatively at the arrangement of Harry's room. As they prepared for sleep he reflected upon the changes that the day had brought. Harry and Hermione together and a new house for all of us.

"Ron?" Harry was sitting on his bed.

"Ron, I want you to know that tonight... I'm very happy and proud that you're my best friend and that you're here with me... And with us." Ron turned his head, a little embarrassed but evidently pleased.

"Aw Harry. I'm very happy too."

In a quiet voice Harry told him what Dumbledore had said about the protection spells, and the importance of his approval.

"You mean I'm part of that too?" he asked, awe in his voice.

"Yes and it means a lot to me."

A smile of pride appeared on Ron's face. The two friends fixed each other for a moment, and then Ron exclaimed.

"Harry, mate you're really the best!"

"You're not so bad yourself, Ron."

They climbed into bed and turned off the lights. But Ron needed to talk some more.

"Harry? You know, about Hermione."

"Yes?"

"Once or twice I said to myself that maybe she would take up with one of us," he paused. "Last year at one time I almost asked her out. But I didn't have the guts... and she was with Viktor so..."

"Yeah."

"She's a great gal."

"Yes!"

"You don't mind taking about it?"

Harry considered it.

"No, I think I could talk about it all night. I expect it would bore you!"

Ron chuckled.

"Yeah right. All night, I guess it would annoy me."

"Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"I didn't know you'd been thinking about her. If I had... Well I don't know what I would have done."

"We could have played for her at wizard chess."

"No way! You'd have won too easily. It wouldn't be fair. Why not a duel with wands?"

"Not fair either. How about Exploding Snap?" Both laughed.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Had you been thinking about her... before?"

"Well not really. First there was Cho... How I made a proper fool of myself with her!"

"Harry! You deserved better. She was just a silly tease."

"No, not a tease. But you're right it wouldn't have worked....and it didn't. Well then afterward there wasn't time to think." Pause. And Sirius died. "But these last days I was feeling down under and you two were just about the only happy thoughts I had... And I was often thinking about her... But not really in that way. I guess it was kind of subconscious."

"What about me?"

"Well I didn't consider asking you out!" They laughed again.

"When she told me how she felt and what she had done," he continued, "I was well... I was not surprised, but it was like waking up and I knew I loved her... and I couldn't speak... so I kissed her."

"Whoa! That must have been something."

"Yeah!"

"I wish I'll have a moment like it someday."

"I'm sure you will Ron. I can't imagine it won't happen to you too." He paused. "And when it does Hermione and I will be around."

"Thanks."

"Good night Ron."

"Night Harry."

Committement Ch2 - 1