Paris

*Hotel Relais Saint Jacques

http://www.discoverfrance.com/HotelsParis/hotels/relais.html

A stone’s throw from the Luxembourg Gardens, the Sorbonne, the Pantheon, and the Rue Mouffetard, on a quiet little square, this pure Haussmann style hotel once frequented by the famous Austrian writer Rifke, harmoniously combines luxury, comfort, refinement and spirituality. 23 rooms.

*The Eurostar

http://www.europebytrain.com/eurostar.html

The Eurostar trains link the center of London with the centers of Paris and Brussels in about three hours. The trains make swift, smooth journeys through the Channel Tunnel at speeds of up to 100 mph and up to 186 mph in Europe.

~ Paris-Chapter Two ~

" Surprises, Good and Bad"

As they left the train, Harry looked around him, truly amazed by what he saw. This might not be the wizarding world, but some of the people were dressed differently enough that they would for sure be offensive to Uncle Vernon.Then he thought of the look on Professor McGonagal's face if she could have seen the man who'd just walked by. The man's hair had been at least four shades of blue and green. There were around six earrings in each of his ears, and a few in his nose. Ouch, that had to be painful!

"Er, Hermione, we should take lots of pictures on this trip- I don't think Ron will believe some of these people. It must seem pretty tame to you, coming back to Hogwarts after a summer holiday"

Hermione gave a sarcastic laugh and said, "Oh yes, so tame. Last year we returned to find a contest that.everyone knew could cause deaths, the year before, there's an escaped murdered suspected to be invading,the year before, the year before......."

" Okay, okay, I get it, Hermione. And it's mostly been because of me... at least our second and third years." Harry broke in before Hermione could really get started. But she wasn't looking at him as if she was going to deliver one of her lectures on not looking for trouble.

Harry couldn't help noticing, though, instead she was looking at him with a mixture of tenderness and dread. He had a strange feeling he couldn't identify. It wasn't the lurching stomach he'd once gotten when he'd had the crush on Cho (what an aeon ago that now seemed) and it wasn't the rubber legs feeling he got when he and Hermione kissed. No, this was a feeling that he'd like to close the doors on the rest of the world, leaving only the two of them in a safe place, where the dread he saw on Hermione's face would never appear again.

His own face must have given away his thoughts, because Hermione's face suddenly broke into a smile, and Harry felt his heart lift when he saw it." Why are we so gloomy, Harry? We're going to have fun, we've survived so far, and we'll learn even more this year."

She took both of his hands and he was pleased but amazed when, right there with her parents getting their bags and suitcases, she kissed him on both cheeks. quickly, then her arm slid around his waist. "We're in France now, you'll have to get used to being kissed in the French way."

"And that would be?" Harry asked, his eyes twinkling. "I think you could define that several ways, and I'm all set to practice getting used to all of them. Mmmmm, visit some famous sights, a little practice, a little visit to a museum, a lot more practicing.....sound good? We could be real experts on the subject of kissing by the time we get back to school." He squeezed her a little closer and whispered, " You always want to be the expert, right?"

Hermione went very pink, and though she didn't pull away, she took a long drink of the water she had brought from the train." Um, bit hot today, isn't it? " she said, brightly. "We'd better catch up with Mom and Dad."

Harry grinned as he steered Hermione over to a line of travelers, all in various states of emotion. Some werre babbling happily, others were looking angry, and one woman, who reminded him of Aunt Marge, was banging on the counter with a large fist, her face purple with anger.

Suddenly he heard the woman bellow, "Find my Ripper! I can take care of you with one blow if you don't find my precious Ripper!" and she banged again, shaking the counter all the way down to where the Grangers were standing.

"Amazing how some people can't control their tempers, isn't it? " Ivy said in a low voice. Harry turned to look at her, and noticed Ivy's eyes had a sparkle that made him glad his name wasn't Marge Dursley! He had opened his mouth to ask what the plan was for Aunt Marge, but heard Chris whisper urgently but a bit nervously, " Ivy, remember, we aren't in England now. And I haven't even started learning magic." Harry saw Ivy reach up and kiss Hermione's dad reassuringly, then apparently feeling his eyes upon them, she grinned at him, sheepishly but with mischief in her eyes. "All in good time, my love, all in good time!"

Harry laughed aloud, and looked back to where Marge had one of the men behind the counter by the ear. His eyes widened when he saw four uniformed policemen come up and not so gently disengage Marge from the station attendant's ear. An argument was in full swing when Ivy suddenly moved away from Chris, Harry and Hermione and went to stand beside Aunt Marge.

She spoke in a low voice to the men in uniforms, then to Aunt Marge. Some sort of an agreement must have been reached, because Harry saw Marge and Ivy walking toward them. This would be the end of the nice holiday, he thought glumly. Aunt Marge would soon be raving about St. Brutus for the Incurably Criminal.

Suddenly Ivy stopped Aunt Marge, and handed her a bun, wrapped in a napkin."You must be starving, after going through that ordeal!" he heard Ivy saying, and his mood quickly lifted. By the time the women reached the line he and Hermione and Chris were in, Marge's mood had obviously begun to change.

When she saw him , her eyes widened, but just as she seemed ready to begin bawling about his criminal tendencies, her face took on a totally different look."Harry Potter! Imagine finding you so far from home. And you're with this lovely family?"

"We brought Harry over as a part of his birthday celebration - he'll be fifteen this week, and since Harry's been such a good employee this summer, we wanted to reward him. This is my husband Chris, and our daughter Hermione."

"Yes, another birthday for Harry! And I've been meaning to send your present for a month!" Aunt Marge said in a voice that resembled Ludo Bagman's when he was commentating for the Quidditch World Cup.

'This ought to be interesting', thought Harry.The only gift Marge had ever given him had been to call Ripper off at midnight once so he could climb out of the tree he'd been chased up.

In fact, it did turn out to be not only interesting, but quite gratifying. Marge opened her huge handbag and pulled out an envelope stuffed with strange money, which she handed to Harry. "I won't be needing as much of this without Ripper," she said, sadly. "I had booked a larger room, and of course Ripper eats like a horse. But I'm sure I'll never see the poor little thing again."

"Uh, thanks but I don't......" Harry began, but Ivy interruped him, so smoothly, Marge didn't notice.

"Isn't that lovely, and you're so kind!" she told Marge and then continued comfortingly, "I have a feeling though, you'll see Ripper soon, and you'll notice some very nice changes. He'll more than likely be fine in a smaller room, and Harry can use some of this birthday gift to help a few of the homeless animals in Paris. I'm so sure Ripper will be back, I'm going to give you this package of dog treats. Give him lots of them when you get him back."

Harry and Hermione were fighting a massive attack of giggles by now, but Marge Durseley was so overcome by the idea of Ripper returning to her that she seemed to think Harry and Hermione were only being very friendly and cheerful.

"Let us drop you at your hotel," said Chris, who seemed to be struggling with a laugh too. "We have a car waiting for us, and we'd like to see you safely settled."

Marge agreed, and soon they were leaving her at an establishment with a sign outside proclaiming it to be a hotel that accepted pets. Her luggage was unloaded, and soon the Grangers, and Harry were off to their own hotel.

"Where are we staying?" Harry asked Hermione. " I know I won't have heard of it, but I'd like to know, anyway." He was a little uncomfortable, now it had become clear all three Grangers spoke very fluent French. Hermione made him feel better about this immediately though.

"We'll be at the Hotel Relais Saint Jacques. It's wonderfully comfortable,and the staff is trained to be sure they can help anyone, whether they speak French or not. It's not that way in some of the hotels,Harry. In a few hotels we visited only French was spoken. They would look at you as if you were a worm if you couldn't understand or make yourself understood. And the Hotel Relais has a cozy feel, in spite of being a bit grand."

"Not much like Aunt Marge's hotel? But what about Crookshanks and Hedwig?" Harry asked worriedly. He knew Hermione would be miserable without Crookshanks , and Hedwig would ignore him for a month if she wasn't allowed out.

Hearing this, Ivy turned around and said reassuringly, "They'll be fine, Harry. I have an old friend here who has friends in the muggle world. She was able to...smooth the way for us." She laughed and turned to Hermione." Marielle has children close to your age. Perhaps you and Harry would like to spend some time with them. You played with them when you were very young,Hermine, though you may not remember."

"Oh, but I do! " Hermione answered, her eyes shining. "I would love to visit them. They lived in a house that seemed magic to me, even then. Sort of like the Burrow, just not as crowded and, um, not used quite so hard. You don't think, Mom, that the children might be Beauxbatons students?"

"It's a good possibilty," Ivy told them. "I hadn't thought of it before, and Marielle has never mentioned her children's abilities. I haven't mentioned yours either though, Hermione. We will just have to wait and see."

Harry thought more than ever Ivy was a very unusual mother. He'd grown up watching and hearing Petunia and Vernon go on and on about Dudley's (nonexistent) remarkable qualities. And here was Ivy, with a daughter who was remarkable, never showing anything, except to Hermione herself.

He wondered what these French teenagers would be like, and had to admit to himself he wasn't crazy about the idea of sharing the time he was to have with Hermione with strangers. And would they have heard of him and ask all kinds of questions he couldn't answer in French?

They arrived at the hotel then, and in the flurrry of taking out baggage, and finding rooms, Hermione pulled Harry aside. "I don't know if you want to meet these people, but .... Harry I was thinking Ron could come over for a day or two, if one of Marielle's daughters turns out to be someone he might like. Even if it's just a quick trip, Ron needs to have a break too. I know Mom and Dad would agree to have him come."

Harry looked at Hermione and he couldn't help pulling her into one of the small alcoves along the hallway. It was so like Hermione to think about Ron, even in the midst of their own excitement at sharing a holiday! She looked at him with a question in her eyes, but then her eyes closed as he pulled her close and kissed her very thoroughly. When they stepped apart slightly, he could tell Hermione had that so familiar 'no bones in the legs feeling' and he held her by her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"W.. what was that for, Harry? " she asked shakily, staring into his eyes with a wondering look. "Kind of, um, sudden, not that I'm complaining."

"That was partly because you just look so very kissable all of the time." Harry said in a voice that was at least as shaky as hers. " And partly because you are always and forever the best friend Ron and I could have, and you keep showing us that will never change. Ah, Hermione, I...."

"So, there you are! Come along and see your rooms," said Chris. "We were able to get the suite we hoped for, and it even has a refrigerator with ice!" Chris peered at them closely, especially Hermione. "And I see you have some scheme in mind, I've seen that look so often on your mother's face!"

Hermione laughed and said,"Right, dad, you caught me! Just scheming away!" As they walked away she and Harry exchanged raised eyebrowed looks, and Harry silently mouthed to her "To be continued." and ran a finger down her spine, making Hermione give an involuntary shiver.

_________________________

When they arrived in the suite, Harry could see why the Grangers had hoped to get this particular suite of rooms. There were huge windows that overlooked a river. A long couch filled the center of the room,with pillows lining it. Comfortable armchairs were positioned around the couch and there was a beautiful shining wooden table with chairs pulled up to it, A large basket of fruit and other foods rested in the center. Flowers filled the other tables, and the room was flooded with a very unusual light.

"Oh, this is lovely, " Harry heard Ivy exclaim, from another room. "Hermione, Harry, look at your rooms to see whether you have everything you need."

Harry looked over at Hermione who was peering out the window, and felt he had everything he needed, as long as she was there. She left the window and pulled him along to check their rooms though First, they went into a very girlish room that had blue printed material on the bed,walls and curtains, and light colored furniture. He'd never seen so many pillows on one bed and told her so.

"This hotel prides itself on its comfort. I guess they think if you want to lie in bed, reading and eating Chocolate Frogs, you should have the pillows to do it on. I think we'll be a bit too busy for that though.Let's check your room."

Harry had no objection to this, and when they went into the room he'd be sleeping in, it was just as comfortable. It also looked as if it had been furnished with someone from Gryffindor in mind, since almost everything there was scarlet and gold, and the bed had a red coverlet folded at the end. Harry picked it up, and under it found a thick red robe, also trimmed in gold.

"Look, Harry, I think someone's just given you an early birthday gift!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly. "Look at the pocket and the center of the quilt!"

Harry shook out the coverlet and the robe, and sure enough, there were gold Gryffindor lions on both, and the word "Seeker" was embroidered on the pocket of the robe, and on the coverlet in several spots. He checked the pocket, and was relieved to find a note.

Dear Harry:

In case I can't be in Paris for your birthday celebration, use these during your stay in Paris and when you return to Hogwarts. They are identical to the ones your father always used, at school and after. James and Lily would be very proud of you, Harry, and so pleased to see you with Ivy and her family. Ivy seems to have some things planned that you'll enjoy. Enjoy your holiday! It's been a long time in coming.

I'll be with you in spirit, if nothing else, on the 31st!

~ Sirius~


"Cool!" said Harry."I was wondering how I'd feel in that old robe of Dudley's- pretty out of place. And that quilt! Bet even Malfoy doesn't have that, the Slytherin version I mean. Maybe I should put the robe in the bathroom. We haven't checked that out yet. Maybe this is it." He went over and opened one of the doors, but found only a closet. Opening the next door, Hermione and Harry both gasped.

"Wow, Hermione, that looks almost like the one I told you about - that prefects bathroom. The tub isn't quite as large, but this is really nice!"

" I hope I have one like this! I'm going to check!" and she ran from the room,leaving Harry to check out the rest.

Nice warm towels, all kinds of small bottles and jars of liquids he couldn't identify. Sniffing a few, he was relieved to find that they weren't all flowery smelling, and thankfully nothing smelled in the least like the stuff Hagrid had used the year before.

As Harry was screwing the top back on a bottle of some blue liquid, he heard Ivy calling for him and Hermione to come out into the lounge.

After asking whether everything was in order in their rooms, she began giving them some ideas about ways the rest of the day could be spent.

"Chris and I would like the four of us to stay together today. Tomorrow you two can begin exploring on your own."

"Are we going back to check on Aunt Marge?" Harry asked. He wasn't especially eager to see Marge again, yet, he thought he could be pretty funny, seeing Ripper become meek and mild.

"Maybe we'll do that while the women shop, Harry. Unless you want to sit around and wait?" Chris answered.

Harry was surprised at this, since he'd never seen Hermione spend very much time shopping. She seemed to quickly find what she wanted, and be ready to move on. Still, this was Paris, this was a different Hermione, and he sure didn't want to rush her. The clothes he'd seen her in recently were.......

Harry came back to the present with a start, when he heard Chris saying,"Hermione, there's been a mail delivery for you and Harry," and obviously trying to act as if strange birds beating against the windows, demanding to be let in was nothing unusual to him.

"Oh!" said Hermione, in a worried tone. "Who'd be sending separate owls to us? Our friends know we're in the same place, they'd just send one owl with messages for both."

Harry had to agree with her worried tone. "Dunno. These look official, and in my summer experience, that isn't good." He felt his heart begin to sink as he saw the seal from the Ministry of Magic Why were they contacting him? He'd known this was too good to last.

Hermione had already torn open her envelope and he heard her gasp. Harry quickly opened his, eyes scanning the thick piece of parchment, stamped with the Ministry of Magic seal:

Dear Mr. Potter:

As you are aware, underage wizards are not permitted to perform spells outside school
(see Decree for Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, 1875,
Paragraph C )
However, due to the events of the past year (I.E. the Triwizard Tournament)
we are waiving this decree in your case. Please note, we expect Spellwork and Charms to be used when necessary,and that you will avoid any activity that risks detection by the non-magical (muggle) community. Again this waiver is for safety and NOT amusement.

Enjoy your Paris holiday!

Yours sincerely,

Mafalda Hopkirk

Improper Use of Magic Office

Ministry of Magic


"Wow, Hermione!" Harry said, feeling less than happy."I don't know what yours says, but this is pretty amazing. I'm not sure it's good or bad though"

"Bad, I'd say. They wouldn't have sent these to us, if they weren't halfway expecting some trouble." Harry nodded wordlessly, he and Hermione exchanged parchment, and Harry saw that her letter was similar to his, though a bit more flattering.

Dear Miss Granger:

Due to your friendship and close association with Mr. Harry Potter, and your continued standing as head of your class at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, we are granting you special permission to practice Spellwork and Charms outside of school. This is for your safety and that of Mr. Potter.

We trust we may count on your sensible attitude to prevent unnecessary (just for fun) Charms or Spellwork. Naturally, we expect you to practice descretion to avoid detection by the non-magical (muggle) community.

Enjoy your holiday, and give my best to your mother!

Yours sincerely,

Mafalda Hopkirk

Improper Use of Magic Office

Ministry of Magic


"She makes me sound like a total bore!" exclaimed Hermione angrily."Count on my sensible attitude, will they? Maybe I need to show them a......"

"So, you'd rather be treated the way they do me? As if I didn't have the brains to know the difference, almost. Just because I've stepped outside the line a couple of times. Besides Hermione, if they knew...."

Before he could continue, he felt Hermione's foot come down hard on his, and she looked meaningfully toward her parents. Fortunately, Chris and Ivy were now studying the letters from the Ministry. Harry silently mouthed to Hermione "you're not that innocent" and nearly choked with laughter when Hermione mouthed back at him "oh, baby, baby, I'm not that innocent"

They grinned at each other, and Hermione quickly put on a serious look saying" Well, Mom, this should at least make you feel better about us doing our own exploring. You won't have to be with us every moment. Luckily, I packed my wand. How about you, Harry?"

"Yeah, I've kept my wand close by since the Triwzard Tournament," Harry patted his pocket smugly and went on."Even if I'd been expelled for using it, I felt a bit safer with it in my pocket."

"These letters seem to be authentic. I didn't realize Mafalda was now with the Ministry. And in that office, of all the ones she could have wound up in!! Mafalda was never such a stickler for rules when she was at school. I'll certainly give her some teasing soon!"

Harry and Hermione looked delightedly at each other, and Harry thought 'If only I'd known that a couple of years ago!'

" Now, is everyone ready to go out and have some food. I'd like to check a few of the shops nearby." Harry could tell by the looks on Ivy's and Hermione's faces, they were more than ready to to hit the shops.

"Harry, you'll be wanting to give us a few ideas for birthday gifts , in case anyone who hasn't shopped asks what you'd like." Ivy remarked.

"I, er, haven't really thought much about what I'd like. Not too many people have been nearby on my birthdays in the past. Hermione, Ron and Hagrid , you know, sent things by owl post."

Harry hated it when he had to say these things, the last thing he wanted to sound was self - pitying. "Those packages were great though," he continued enthusiastically. "Ater eleven years of getting things Dudley had gotten for his birthday, and gotten tired of or broken."

'Oops,' he thought. 'I'm making it worse!' as he saw Ivy's face change into a look he felt didn't bode well for the happiness and comfort of the Dursleys.

To Be continued.......