hogwartsexpressed | MEME: 7 Minutes in Heaven

Pretending to be her younger self has been hard enough, but Hermione has been doing the best she can. They have more of a chance than just divorce to fix what the Weasleys did, but there's so much more now. They can fix more than her drug induced marriage, and Harry's life with the Weasleys.

They can fix it all.

So they've been working hard to make it better, to fix the things that led to so many dead and the Battle of Hogwarts. To fix the wizarding world.

What she's not supposed to be working on is fixing things with the boy she'd had a crush on since the day she met him.

Yet now they're here, in a small closet in Hogwarts, and everyone outside is cheering them on.

She knows she's blushing despite the kisses they shared before this happened. That was drunk and emotions and not this. Not a chance to start rebuilding everything that she had ever wanted.

"So..."

Granted, it had been several years since they were last at Hogwarts but Harry couldn't ever remember being invited or even being told of these parties in Gryffindor. Imagine his surprise when he and Hermione had been invited to a Slytherin and Ravenclaw (with a few Hufflepuffs) party and his even bigger surprise when they started playing 7 Minutes in Heaven!

So much had changed since they found out about their sham marriages and being thrown back in the past. They were finally settling back into their younger bodies (and into classes) and starting to fix all the things they had talked about - things they only imagined doing! And now, he was in a broom closet with the one girl he always wanted to be in a broom closet with. He could fully admit that now without the side effects of Molly Weasley's potions and magic.

He exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck, listening to the cheers outside of the closet.

"So," he said with a blush and a little lopsided smile. "Hermione - I... it's always been you." He was absolutely sure that likely made no sense - especially not when they were supposed to be kissing. But it was something he needed and wanted to say. He wanted her to know that he wanted to be with her.

Obviously Gryffindor was more separated from the rest of the school than Hermione had ever realized but now being in Ravenclaw, even still as the best friend of the boy that lived, it's really obvious how great the chasm is between the House of the Brave and the rest of the school.

Despite their drunken kisses that night before they found themselves starting Hogwarts all over again, Hermione finds herself so nervous. That night could be dismissed as nerves and anger and fire whiskey. This though, it's something else. It's knowing that others will be watching, considering what they do. More than that, it's Hermione knowing how much she wants this, has always wanted it since the time when she was first in this school. And now, now it's happening though she knows so much more now than she'd ever known then.

She can't help but smile when he says that.

"It's always been you for me too, Harry. Ever since I first had to fix your glasses," she admits, stepping in closer and carefully sliding said glasses from his face. "I've wanted to tell you that since I came to Grimmauld Place that night."

Harry wasn't sure if it had been because of how blinded he'd been the first time or if there was always this chasm and he'd blissfully ignored it but it rubbed him the wrong way. It did raise the question if Minerva McGonagall allowed this treatment to continue or if it was brought on and encouraged by Dumbledore. His bets were on Dumbledore but he couldn't be sure. One thing was for sure, he was really glad he wasn't looked down simply for having a friend in Ravenclaw (blood status or not).

He was as nervous as Hermione was because kisses as their adult selves (and fuck, how he missed his adult body) was one thing but kissing as an awkward eleven year old? Awkward. At least they had future experience to work in their favor - however that sorted out.

Harry exhaled a breath and smiled. He was really glad that she seemed to understand exactly what he'd meant. Though, he shouldn't be that surprise. She knew his mannerisms and knew him better than he knew himself at times. "Oh good. I had... I had hoped. It's been you since... honestly, I can't even remember when it started," he murmured. He brought a hand up and caressed her face, sliding his thumb over the curve of her cheek. "I definitely wanted to tell you that night you came to Grimmauld Place... after you gave me the potion and we'd had dinner."

He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. He would hope that it was not at all awkward and filled with uncertainty (mostly on the part of not knowing how to kiss) like his first kisses had been in the other timeline but this girl made all thought flee his mind sometimes.

It made him really happy to know that she felt the same way.

It's amazing how many changes they've seen in the short time they've been back in Hogwarts, the small changes they've made. Not that much at all, not really, but in the end what they're seeing is a world that is slanted against many and that those in charges aren't doing anything to change it.

Worse is the reality that it might be more than that. They might be content with the way the world is, and accepting it because it benefits them.

But they're benefiting themselves as well. By changing things now that they're back in this world and have a chance to do things better. Everyone wants a chance to know what they know now and go back and fix things then. It may take a lot but they're more than willing to do what they can and hopefully fix the better for the most.

"I had forgotten until then," she whispers, knowing she'll get teary if she talks about it too much. "But then I remembered and I knew it had been you and I think Ron and Molly knew," she whispers, leaning into that kiss. Her hands cling to his sweater, holding tight as if she could lose him at any moment.

It's not their first kiss, and yet it feels amazing, and new, and like they're restarting their future right here and now.

There had been a couple of changes that they hadn't even consciously decided to make but simply them being back and being aware of more than they should at eleven years old made all the difference. On the train to Hogwarts, they had put their heads together (after finding some way of leaving the redhead behind) and made a list of all the changes they wanted to make in the world. It had actually been Harry's idea, much to both of their shock he was sure. He really wanted the gratification of scratching out of each thing they were able to accomplish. No one else, as far as they were aware, had ever accomplished this before.

Harry was focused this time around and while he knew the subject matter (especially first year subject matter), it was his intention to use those lessons to further their wandless and silent spell casting. And, perhaps, find some way of obtaining advanced material for themselves.

The fact was, they had this chance and they could not blow it. They would make a difference in their world and change things to make the lives around them better. It was a common goal they were both working on and he was thrilled that they were given this chance.

He smiled softly. "They probably did," he whispered and watched her with a soft expression. He wouldn't put it past them, let's say that much. The fact that she wanted him as much as he wanted her made him happy. Harry tightened an arm around her and deepened the kiss just a little more. She felt like home here in his arms like this.

Finding themselves magically transported back to their childhood should have slowed the pair down, but that just wasn't who they were. They were strong and they were determined and they were going to make changes. They weren't letting this place stay as it had been, not when they have so many options of changing things.

Now they had a list, and plans, and then there was a party. She's not sure how they went from partying to ending up here in this bed but now they are, and they're going to make changes. Changes that no one else was willing to do. They though, they were willing to do it. They had been when they were here the first time. Now they have the mind and the means and they'll find the ability and make the changes happen.

Not like they had to work hard on their courses, after all. Parties though they'd never had before, not until now.

Smiling at Harry as she leans in close to him, kissing him once more, sinking into that kiss as if none of the things they needed to do mattered. For a moment, they didn't. All that mattered was one another, was this, and having everything they should have had all these years and now, finally, they have a chance to make that real. To have this, and fix their world.

Harry smiled and could feel his heartbeat quicken as she sunk into the kiss, bringing her in closer to him with an arm. He didn't know how much he needed or wanted this until that potion had been flushed from his system. Even if it had taken a teenager's game of seven minutes in heaven to make this happen, he was okay with that. His eleven year old body was thoroughly pleased.

There was a knock on the closet door. "Alright Granger, Potter - you can come out anytime now," a voice came from one of the third years from Ravenclaw.

Harry groaned low and pulled away from Hermione's lips and opened his eyes to watch her with a soft expression. "We'll have to continue this later," he murmured, though not wanting to leave just yet. He wanted to savor this feeling of being with her.

It should have been like this all along. They should have been together, sharing this, and it's perfect. Everything she's wanted since she was eleven years old the first time. Since the potion was negated in her system and she remembered how much she loved him.

Startling at the knock, she giggles, pressing her brow to his shoulder for a minute, just trying to make her heart stop racing.

"Definitely," she whispers, leaning back to look him in the eyes. "This whole thing is crazy, Harry. I don't know what to even think sometimes, but I'm glad we're here together."

Everything about this moment felt absolutely right. Something he hadn't truly felt in a very long time (if ever, honestly). He chuckled at her response and tightened his arm around her. His heart was beating rapidly and he tried his best to settle himself before they left this broom closet.

Harry smiled and lifted a hand to cup her cheek. "It's a bloody mad but agreed, I'm glad it's you I'm in this with," he said, leaning in to kiss her again quickly. "Come on, there's probably another young couple out there wanting an excuse to make out," he teased her. It was odd to think about them being physically the same age as their current peers and yet their minds... were much different.

Hermione hugs Harry tightly, kissing him once more. Quick and firm, just wanting to kiss him, to secure what they've both said with a kiss.

Stepping back, she takes a breath and exhales slowly. "Lead on then. They're likely to pick on us horribly. So remind me not to undo a button or two," she teases with a laugh. She might look like a teen but she is certainly an older woman in her head and she has some wicked thoughts it seems.

Her hugs. That was something that he remembered right away after the potion - how much he had loved her hugs. Hermione always seemed to hug with her entire person and as a touch starved child, that was something he was absolutely not used to. Harry hugged her tightly to him and smiled at her quick and yet firm kiss.

Harry reluctantly released her from his arms and chuckled. "If they didn't, I'd be more surprised." She wasn't the only one with wicked thoughts. He had more than a few of his own. "Ready," he asked with a raised eyebrow and heard another of their peers, walking up to the door to bang on it. "We'll be right out," he called to them and heard the laughter from the others.

"They're so impatient," he said, his tone playful.

This time around he felt somehow... freer. That was likely not a giant surprise since he knew now what he was dealing with and what was in store for them if they had continued along the Dumbledore-ordained path.

After so long in the closet, she suspects there's little that others won't think about them and what happened in that closet and so she makes no effort not to take his hand as she finally turns and reaches for the door.

She stops though, looking back at him as she gives his hand a squeeze. "They're probably jealous," she teases. "You are the boy that lived."

Winking at him as she draws her wand though, opening the door. "Okay, who was knocking?" She asks with a grin, wand at the ready.

Harry gives her hand a little squeeze back and laughed at her boy who lived comment. "As they should be; I am in the closet with the soon to be brightest witch of our age," he said and kisses her cheek.

"I did," Roger Davies said with a grin, glancing down at her pulled wand. "The rest of us want a chance of snogging in the closet."

Harry chuckled and gave the others a grin. "You know it wouldn't be too hard to find other closets around here. We are in a magical castle, afterall."

Smiling, still holding his hand as she arches a brow at Davies. "You are a brave man. Or very stupid," she teases, winking at him.

He smirks back. "You want back in the closet, Granger, and I'll take you," he teases back, smirking, knowing they're teasing and seeming amused by it. "Magic castle? Wait, we are?"

"It's safe to say that most guys are a mixture of brave and stupid," Harry admitted with a laugh.

Penelope stood with a grin. "Come on Roger, it's our turn," she said, grabbing his hand and dragging him into the closet the two had just vacated.

While Harry still felt pressure of some kind being back here as a first year, he also felt like he could properly enjoy himself and enjoy school, enjoy being with Hermione (especially now that they cleared the air). He felt... freer and happier than he did as an eleven year old the first go around. But, he figured, that was likely to be expected. They had a lot of work to do but for the moment, he could enjoy this time with her and the friends they were making.

Hermione smiles at that statement, knowing that he's right and she can't even pretend like he's wrong. Not in the least.

Taking Harry's hand, she led him away from the crowd. Staying close to him as she presses in to his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

"We're going to make it right this time," she whispers. "I believe in us."

Harry let Hermione lead him away from the group and turned so he could wrap both arms around her, bringing her in close. He smiled at her whispered words and rest his head against hers. "We will," he agreed. "I believe in us too. If anyone can do it, it's us."

He tightened his arms around her gently and pressed a soft kiss to her head. It wasn't something that he was sure two eleven year old's would find themselves doing in normal circumstances but he doubted the crowd gathered in the old classroom were going to say much.

"You know, we could start using the Room of Requirement to up our training," he mused, his voice still soft so the others couldn't overhear. Although the Room still brought back flashes of fiendfyre and saving Draco, he could admit that it was handy for something. That and it did hold a horcrux. They'd have to be careful and find something to keep it in. Perhaps the goblins had something they could hold an artifact like that. He'd have to add it to their list. "And I have another item to add to our never ending list."

It's nice to have this evening together. To spend time with others like they hadn't really done in school. Even from early on it had been hard for them with Harry being who he was, and them being in Gryffindor. She's seeing already how much that changed in their life, how much difference their house made.

But it's nice, even knowing how much they have in front of them. The difference though now is that they know. They know what's different and what needs to be changed and what they'll be facing. It's definitely stressful in an entirely different way, but not as horrible as it seemed before. Maybe it's overconfidence but she believes they can handle it.

They did it without knowing, hadn't they?

"You know, that list just grows and grows." But it's because they remember the things that had been wrong and that needed to be fixed. The things that would make life better for their generation. "Do you think Dumbledore will let us and not interfere with it."

Looking back on it, he knew it wasn't just being a Gryffindor. He honestly felt that a lot of the exclusion from his peers was because of Dumbledore and Ron. Now that they weren't friends with the youngest male Weasley and were sorted into different houses, he was seeing just how different their school years could be.

As far as Harry was concerned, it wasn't overconfidence. They did know how to handle Voldemort and this time, they could make sure the things that came to pass, the people who wrongly died could be saved and they didn't have as much destruction.

He chuckled and pressed another kiss to her forehead. "I have a feeling it will continue to grow over the next several years," he said. He considered that question and although he wasn't sure why he felt this way, he could say with 100% confidence that Dumbledore wouldn't find out. "Something tells me that he won't know about it," he said.

Going into this war with the knowledge they have is reassuring. They know what they're facing, and who will be there. They know who they can trust and who they need to avoid, and they know where to be wary and when they can be safe. It doesn't mean they're utterly safe, or that they can't not be cautious but they can make this. They can make this better for everyone involved.

Except Ron and Dumbledore, because screw them. Neither of them needed their shit.

"You know I've started a scroll to keep track of everything it is that we need to do because I don't want to let anything go from rewriting our future," she says softly, though for a moment she looks worried. "I... I keep feeling like I should feel bad about changing parts of our future, but I don't."

And by that she means losing their kids. Giving them up with the changes.

"Of course I know, we did start that scroll on the train - unless you're talking about a different list then we should really merge the two," Harry said with a soft smile, seeing the worried look in her eyes. "You know that we're going to change everything, set the old world on fire and piss on the ashes, yeah?"

He didn't care one iota about how that may sound to anyone else outside of Hermione. If he was going to be honest with someone, it was sure as hell going to be her.

Harry paused for a moment and nodded, bringing her in closer to him in a tight hug. "I know. I... don't either. I'm not sure how we got here but that's not our life anymore. We don't have to feel guilty about it." He should maybe feel more upset about that but... he didn't and he wasn't completely sure why that was.

She smiles, nodding. "Yes, that one. I just..." She starts stressing and wanting to do everything. Now. Not thinking about the fact that he had been there that entire time, right next to her. Helping her. "I do. I know," she says, nodding. "I just... I want things so much better. I want it fixed for everyone."

It's not just for them. So many young witches and wizards deserve the changes they're going to make. The future they're going to build.

She's silent a moment before looking up at him, smiling at that. "You're right. That isn't our life. This is all we have." And she is okay with that. That was never meant to be their life, after all.

"I know, I'm feeling impatient too," he admitted with a little smile. "But you know, we do have to sort of pretend we're only eleven." That last sentence was said in a whisper so no one could over hear them but he didn't need to worry because he could hear the others knocking on the closet door where Penelope and Roger were held up in.

"Let's meet in the Room tomorrow after classes and we can start planning out what we can get done sooner rather than later." They had only started classes not long ago but they could start plotting and planning on their first major move. Perhaps making nice with the goblins at Gringotts would be a helpful first step - especially now that relations weren't so tense after the war. They had never truly forgiven him for the break in/out, not that he could blame them, really. And, it would really stick it to Dumbledore if he could have them locate his parents actual Will and execute it.

"Fine. I mean, honestly, did I ever act eleven?" She smiles though at that, leaning in close to him. "Be honest. I am not sure they would notice the difference," she points out, though she hugs him quickly. "Promise. I'll be careful and we'll make this work."

They had no choice but to make sure it all turned out right.

She nods at that. "That works. We just need to ask the room to help us and not Dumbledore. Maybe if we word it just right, it will listen." She has to hope it would, that it would help them.

And talks of the goblin will mean another step. Getting a dragon freed.

Harry thought about that for a long moment and then laughed. "No, you didn't," he admitted with a grin, watching her. "I'm not sure they would either. Good, I don't want anything to happen to you." He gave her a tight hug and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Agreed," he said with a nod. "Like I said, something tells me we're not going to have a problem with that but we'll ask just to make sure." He wasn't sure why he was getting that strong feeling but it was something he'd look into for sure.

Not only the dragon but perhaps taking care of a horcrux that has been waiting in one of the vaults. He wasn't sure the goblins would be very thrilled to know that a dark object like that had made its way there.

"We both need to be careful but we'll get through it," she says, truly and wholly believing that. They're strong. They always have been. They can do this. So long as they're together.

"You know the room better than most," she says with a nod, not mentioning what else she considers in this. This castle answers to him as if he is the rightful owner. She's seen it before, and she believes it will be that way now.

"Speaking of these things, we need to start with Quirrel, and the basilisk. And how we're going to do it," she whispers softly. The castle was nice and fun, but they have so much before them.

"We do. Especially since we're not in the same house," he teased her with a little smile. But honestly, it had been one of the best choices they made on the train ride to Hogwarts that day. Besides, he trusted both of them to be careful and they hadn't survived the war by being completely irresponsible. Besides. They were strong and they had all the knowledge they'd had prior to coming back which meant that... they were a force to be reckoned with and that was putting it mildly.

He nodded and considered that. It was something he'd have to give some deeper consideration to. If there was a deeper connection to the castle than he'd ever imagined.

"Agreed. Wonder if there's any way to bring the basilisk over to our side or if she's completely insane already..."

There had been no hope for her in their first timeline but if she's asleep now... perhaps there was and if not, then they would do what they had to. Basilisk was a very valuable commodity. "I suppose we should get back over to the party," he said and pressed another quick kiss to her lips. Honestly, he'd rather go to the Room now and get started on some plans. They still had a couple of hours before curfew.

"It's better this way. For us, and to keep us away from the family," she points out. That is a huge part of it for them. They need to stay away from the Weasleys and not risk that any of the Weasleys slipped them anything in their food or drink. Being in different houses at least makes things a little bit tougher on Molly from trying to do something to them.

"There's only one way to find out. We'll have to face her." She's quiet for a moment, thinking about what to say but then she realized something. "Harry, you need to practice your parsletongue if you think you'll be able to talk this out with her. If we can turn her to our side, you'll have to be the one to speak with her."

Because she knows she won't be able to manage it. It's one thing she can't teach herself. Because she had tried once before.

She nods at that, leaning in and kissing him tenderly back, smiling. "We go back, let them see us around, and then let's get to a common room and do some studies? Ravenclaw common room almost always has someone up so it wouldn't be odd."

He nodded in agreement. "I know and I still stand by that decision. It is better for us this way. Thankfully they sort the same and are only barely tolerated in other houses." The twins weren't bad but neither of them had any desire to ever allow the matriarch even close to them again.

It was something he was already considering and found himself nodding in agreement. "Agreed," he said and paused. "You know... several months ago, (before they were tossed in the past) I came across some research out of Italy and Japan about how important parslemouths are to the healing arts," he admitted, watching her reaction. "They're not nearly looked down on and feared as they are in England and the United Kingdom. Knowing that... I'm less afraid of my abilities now as I was then. Especially if we can start hinting toward that over the upcoming years. Which means... I will definitely practice my parsletongue. I'd like to ultimately turn her to our side and not have to kill her if at all possible."

Harry smiled and returned the tender kiss, moving a hand up to her hair and sliding his fingers over the strands. "You know, I always liked your hair," he admitted with a smile. He nodded. "Agreed. I am nearly done with my Potions essay, I could use an extra pair of eyes on it though."

Being near a Weasley was taking a chance. Hermione likes to believe that things are safe with the twins, but if there's a chance that Molly could get to them through anyone, they have to be careful. Her own kids, even the twins, likely wouldn't second guess her or consider her behavior odd, so they have to be careful.

Hermione can't help but smirk though. "Do you ever think about how livid she is? Dumbledore promised us to her and we've changed all their plans. Thank Merlin the sorting hat can't be bought off or controlled." They had both asked, and it had listened. Just as it had listened to Harry the first time they had been here.

She perks at that, lighting up at the idea. "If it's out of the Japanese wizards, I would listen to it. They're marked by some many British witches as being too Slytherin, but we've learned what that means. Knowledgeable and not likely to be driven by others." For so long the wizarding community in the Isles has related Slytherin to Death Eater and Hermione realizes it's a self fulfilling prophecy for how they've cut them off from everyone else. Marked them as bad and dangerous. So they became that. Another thing to change.

"We will, and it coming from you will help. Especially if we can get the basilisk on our side. We need to do something else too, Harry. We need to get the diary from Ginny. Shut Tom down now and out of our way. Then we can move on."

She leans in to press her brow to his. "A basilisk first, then the dragon at Gringott's. Think we can get the squid on our side as well? Maybe the Willow?"

Hermione ducks her head, blushing as he says that. "It's a mess and I'm working on slowly containing it," she admits, glancing up at him. "Always? Really?"

Despite the fact that they weren't going to be at all close with the Weasley's, Harry was going to make certain that both twins lived in the upcoming war and Ginny is able to live her life the way she deserved to. They would have to be careful though.

Harry slowly smirked. "Oh I'm sure she is absolutely livid. It's a wonderful feeling," he admitted with a chuckle. He was glad that the hat had listened and even chided him a little on not listening to the hat in the first place. But either way, they were in the houses that were going to suit them the most in this timeline.

"I agree," he said. "I still remember a few of the key names that were mentioned. I'll probably reach out to them in the next few years and see if there's any possibility of mentorship." Because it didn't help to know everything he could about this gift he had been given for better or worse.

He thought about the diary and hummed. "I don't believe it's with Ginny yet. She didn't receive it until the summer of our second year. Right now, it's still with the Malfoy's... it's something I'd like to discuss with Draco at some point. Perhaps he can find a way of getting it and bringing it to us." There was no way he was going to allow that diary on the school grounds again if he could at all help it. "It's why we need to speak to the goblins. They're much older - perhaps they have a way of safely storing and destroying them that we didn't come across initially."

Harry smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Between the two of us and the castle? Absolutely," he said with a roguish grin.

"Always," Harry said, smiling at the blush and tugged gently on a curl. "But I like your hair both ways." Really. He liked her and that was all.

The things they have to do right this time around is daunting. Before it was merely living through the war and ensuring that Voldemort didn't win. Now, as well as ensuring that - which they can hope goes better knowing all they know but they can't be sure - they have so many other things.

Making sure that people lived to go on with their lives - like Teddy not becoming an orphan in a day. They had to get Ginny and the twins free from their mother and both alive. They had to make sure that Draco didn't become his father's son, and that the Death Eaters didn't have time to scatter to the ends of the Earth. Fighting Voldemort might be easier now, but it's not like it's the only task they have ahead of them. There's so much more.

It was interesting knowing that some things knew this wasn't right, that things had been reset. The Sorting Hat had known it. She suspected Nearly Headless Nick did as well. Some the portraits seemed confused. It was confusing but also meant parts of the castle were on their side. That was comforting in so many knew ways.

"Work with them, see what we can find out. We need all the allies we can have, and we need to see what we can learn to save as many as we can." She's not sure they can save everyone, but she wants to do everything they can do to keep as many of them alive as possible."

She nods, chuckling. "Life seems to run together, doesn't it? All the memories then with now. You think he might help us?" She smirks at him. "Or help you," she says, leaning in. "You know, I neer noticed it the first time around, and maybe it's because you weren't a Slytherin, but he has a tiny crush I think."

Her eyes light up teasing him, snuggling in close to him. "We could come out of his running Hogwarts," she whispers. "It's not a horrible idea." Not if they wanted to ensure a safe life for all children who became wizards and witches.

Laughing at him talking about her hair, looking up into his eyes. "I... I'm glad we're in this together."

Realizing that there were certain parts of the castle that knew something had changed, made Harry wonder if there were other... beings and creatures who knew. Such as Kreacher and Dobby. If they knew, then perhaps they could call them and have their assistance sooner rather than later.

He nodded in agreement. "Agreed. When we meet, we should probably determine the biggest things to tackle first... at least until Christmas. Goblins, the basilisk, making more friends with our classmates... getting rid of Tom before the end of the year..." the number of things they wanted to do were simply endless. But they still had to pretend to be mentally eleven/twelve years old. "Hopefully free Padfoot sooner rather than later..."

Harry considered the thought and hummed thoughtfully. "I think so. We've become friends. He said he'll join our... inter-house study group so long as I promised there weren't be any "annoying weasels" in attendance." He smirked in amusement at her teasing. "You think? Well, who could blame him?" His tone was completely teasing though as he said it and knowing that there was probably a time all those years ago that he had a tiny crush on the blonde. He was trying hard to not consider all of his classmates, outside of Hermione, as children when he himself was also a child all things considered.

"You think? I believe that should be our ultimate goal. Become Head Boy and Head Girl and then completely run Hogwarts. I believe Hogwarts would agree," he mused, his voice soft. He could feel a warmth come from those words and chuckled. "Yeah, I think she agrees."

Harry looked at her seriously and cupped her cheek gently. "There is absolutely no one else I would rather be in this with other than you, 'Mione."

Doing magic to cast them back into the past of their lives was easy. Making supernatural beings much more connected to the supernatural than the witches and wizards forget the reality around them is a lot harder.

"We need to make a timeline of what we have to stop and what we need to do so the war never happens. We'll need the others to help." She pauses and then adds. "We start with Luna. She will absolutely believe us. Ginny may need to be next," she says, thinking about how they can do this. "Then we figure out who else can help us. But first?" She knows he's right and she knows how to do it. "We get ourselves a rat and go to the Ministry. Because we start by using veritas serum and proving that Sirius is innocent that Voldemort is out there," she says, her voice a harsh whisper.

She laughs at that though, grinning at him. "Good, because I don't want them around either," she points out, knowing they're still working on dodging him but they know why. "Oh I can't blame him at all," she says with a smug look. "Shame for him that you're mine," she points out, then ducks her head, blushing. "I mean, we're dating," she says, though they haven't discussed it but it's how she feels. They're dating. In their time. In this one. Either way, they're together."

She nods. "If we want to make this place better, if we want to make life better for all children with magical abilities, then we need to run this place," she says. "Whether literally as headmaster and headmistress, or be in charge of who works here and who sees over this. Either way, we have to be in charge here to make the next generations better and get rid of all of this hatred and misinformation for all the children," she says.

Leaning in, she kisses him tenderly. "We'll fix it all, together."

As soon as the house elves came to mind, Harry considered whether the Goblins would know. He was sure that as soon as they visited the bank, they'd know. Harry was starting to consider just how many allies they'd have this time around. Probably more than they even realized.

He nodded. "Agreed," he said and smiled at the thought of Luna. "We should absolutely start with Luna," he paused before continuing, "the question becomes, do we wait until closer to next August before she comes to Hogwarts?" The same went with Ginny. Both girls were a year under them. His mouth quirked up slowly. "Oh I'm looking forward to that. I don't suppose that brilliant mind of yours remembers the password to the Gryffindor dorms, does it?" If they could expedite the process, that would save a ton of trouble for them.

"I am yours," he agreed with a smile, loving the blush that crossed Hermione's cheeks. "And you're mine." Harry had no trouble with that at all and it was exactly how he saw them as well - dating.

Harry nodded. "Agreed. This place and perhaps start when they're younger with some sort of primary school and a foundation or orphanage (though he hated that term) to help children before they enter school." He smiled and returned her kiss, bringing her in for a tight hug. "We will fix it all together," he agreed and kissed her head. "Come on, we need to return to the party or make our excuses to head to your Common Room."

If she couldn't screw with the mind of the supernatural beings, then they're safe. They'll have so many more on their side, others that will help them, and who will know that at very least something is wrong. They may even know exactly what is wrong. They're not in this alone, and they've got a chance to set things right and quickly.

Hermione is so used to having the others around, to them being part of their life and key players in how much things were changing as the war came that she hadn't even thought about that.

"Luna before," she says softly. "Ginny we likely won't be able to touch before then," he says softly. She gives him a look though. "I can get us into the dorms. Yeah. We'll need a cage with magic to keep that damn bastard in, or we'll lose him. He's wily. You also need to get the map from the twins," she points out. "If he realizes we're on to him, he'll run."

She clung to Harry, knowing they had so much to do but there's hope. They might actually win this if they're careful. She took his hand and headed for the party. "We're going to make it right. Let's make excuses and go start working on the spell for the cage and working things out."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Maybe we'll send her a letter and a present at Yule," he said, thinking of Luna and what she might enjoy getting from two... future friends. "It's likely best we don't try to get in touch with Ginny before she comes to Hogwarts." They'd find a way of making sure they could talk openly with the youngest Weasley. Knowing what he knows that she had been just as manipulated as they were, he was absolutely for making sure she had a better go of it this time around.

His mouth quirked up. "I think I can handle getting the map," he said, having a few ideas to get him started.

They could win this but only if they were careful and strategic with their planning. He walked with her to the party and gave the others a lopsided grin.

"Bout time you both came back to the party. Thought you might be gettin' bored of us," one of the third year Ravenclaw's teased them with a laugh.

"Luna would accept that and love it. She would just understand that we found her and sent her gifts and I think that would be perfect." Luna would positively love it she thinks. Her whimsical nature would utterly accept that they just wanted to be friends with her and then would listen when they told her the truth. She would listen and be there for them. Hermione is sure of that.

Taking his hand, wandering back to the party with Harry and she gives a laugh at that. "Not bored," she assures them. "Not ever. Just considering some studies I need to do," she says. When some others mock that, she gives them a look. "You're talking about me. You think that's a euphemism?"

Some others laughed at that, nodding and believing it was definitely studies.

"Doesn't mean they weren't making out out in the hall."

"Oh well, that we were doing," she says, smirking as she heads them for the door. "But now it's time for studies."

MEME: 7 Minutes in Heaven

Harry Potter (Hogwarts / Post Hogwarts - doesn't matter)

1/4; back to hogwarts, as they're starting to fix things in the past

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