At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Chapter edited 8/7/06. This chapter is going to be one of my longest. JKR owns it all! Thanks again to all of you who have reviewed….you’re the best!

How Far Will They Go

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Walking into the Leaky Cauldron, Harry greeted Tom, the owner, and ordered a Butterbeer while he waited for Susan. “Hey Tom! It sure is slow in here tonight.”

Casually looking around Tom said, “It gets that way from time to time. How’ve ya been lately? Haven’t seen ya here in almost two years. Heard about wha’ happened a few weeks ‘go at the Ministry. Real sorry for ya loss. Never thought him guilty to begin with, not with the way he loved you and your folks. Ya don’t spend as many years behind a bar as I have and not be able to pick out the good from the bad, ya know.”

Looking around again to make sure the few patrons he had were minding their own business, he cast a quick notice-me-not charm and continued, “’Arry, I’ve been learnin’ some things in the last year or so that ya should be knowin’ about. From what I’ve heard, ya seem pretty close to Dumbledore, but ya should know that all is not as it appears. I’m not meanin’ to bad mouth, but if I were you, I would be havin’ a nice little chat with some Goblins….amazingly informed creatures, they are! Also, You-Know-Who may appear to be bein’ quite and all, but that’s not what I hear thru the cracks. He’s been hurt, but he is still plannin’….and it’s gunna be major. Watch who ya be trustin’, too. Dumbledore may like his bats, but the face he’s showin’ isn’t the true one….if ya know what I mean. Ya need to be watchin’ your back closely these days. Just be careful Harry! Ya a good kid and I wouldn’t want any bad to be happenin’ to ya!”

“Tom, thanks for the help. I’ll definitely look into what you said and I may be taking care of the bats in Hogwarts quicker than you think….maybe I could stop in from time to time for a chat?” said Harry.

Tom winked and said, “Ya do that ‘Arry!”

Harry thought, ‘It’s amazingly what Tom knows….although it shouldn’t be surprising. No shock with the Dumbledore situations and he just reconfirmed my views about Snape…A Death Eater to the end! The part about ‘Ol Tommy Boy was definitely new, but not unexpected. Glad to hear he isn’t feeling to good….maybe he’ll stop possessing people. HA! Not likely. Figured something had to be going on with him lately, my scar hasn’t hurt since the D.O.M..’

Suddenly, as if remembering why he was in the Leaky Cauldron, he glanced down at his watch and noticed that it was 7:03pm. Looking around the pub to make sure he hadn’t miss Susan’s entrance, he let out a breath he was holding, relieved that she wasn’t there yet. ‘I would’ve felt like an ass if I hadn’t noticing her.’ As the last thought made its way across his mind, the Floo lit up and out walked his date for the evening. If he thought she was beautiful last night, she looked like a goddess now.

Standing up from his seat at the bar, he made his way over, admiring her the whole way. All he could think was ‘GOD BLESS LEATHER.’ Susan had on a dark brown leather skirt that went down to her mid calf, a slit going all the way up to her upper thigh and fitting her like a glove. Strappy three inch heals and a dark red halter style top that was obviously silk hugged her body like her skirt hugged her curvy hips.

Noticing his appreciative looks, Susan did a spin to give him a 360 degree view. Loving that she had pulled her hair up as it gave a great view of her bare back, which the top left exposed, he reached for her hands and looking her in the eyes said, “Breathtaking…..absolutely Breathtaking!” then leaned in and gave her a small, yet sensual kiss that promised more later.

Smiling at his wonderful welcome, Susan looked him over and said, “Your not looking to bad yourself. Love those pants….Hey! Where are your glasses?”

“I got contacts today,” seeing she had no clue what he was talking about explained, “They’re mini lenses that fit directly on the eye.” While she leaned in to get a better look at his eyes, he took the opportunity to pull her closer, and gave her an even deeper kiss than the one before. Breaking the kiss, without letting go, he whispered in her ear, “You taste like cinnamon and smell like vanilla….I could just stay here all night holding and kissing you!”

“You do say the nicest things, don’t you! If this is any indication of how the rest of the evening is going to go, it should be interesting. So, what did you have in mind to eat?” Susan said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Both laughed at the blatant, underlying meaning in that question, and Harry said, “I thought we would go to this Italian Restaurant down on the Thames. It’s supposed to be really good. I made reservations for 7:30, so we better go if we don’t want to be late.” Reluctantly, he released her from his embrace and took her arm in his, and as they walked out of the pub, Tom gave the couple a knowing smile and waved them on there way.

“Oliver Wood told me about this new club here in muggle London that caters to the under 21 crowd. Maybe after dinner we could check it out? I don‘t really want to hang out in Diagon Alley and have a repeat of last night….no doubt Dumbledore will be staking it out!” said Harry.

Giving him a questioning look, Susan said, “Sounds good to me. I don’t want to pry, but why was Snape chasing you last night, and you just said that Dumbledore is looking for you too? Your not in any trouble are you?”

Harry explained, “That depends on who you ask. No, I am not in any legal trouble or anything. It’s just that I didn’t do what Dumbledore told me to do this summer, so him and a few of his cronies are trying to re-hook the leash that I snapped. Actually, if any one’s in trouble, it‘s those two. I can‘t really say to much right now, just know that this summer is going to prove eventful for a whole lot of people. I‘ll tell you this, your Aunt Amelia is helping me out with everything. I’ve never met a more thorough person in my life….but I think I made some brownie points with her this morning, while at the DMLE giving my statement about last night, I asked for her permission to take you out tonight. I think she liked that I did that.”

“Yeah, you made quite the impression on her. I could tell she really likes you as normally she would give me an hour long speech before going out, but tonight she just told me to be safe and have fun….I almost fell over with a heart attack!” They both started laughing at this and before they knew it, the taxi was pulling up to the restaurant.

Once they were seated, they began perusing the menu when Susan said, “This is great! Not many restaurants carry Pollo Saltimbocca, they usually only serve it in veal. I absolutely love this dish. What are you thinking of ordering?”

“Well, I really like the sound of the Zuppa De Pecci, but since I want to kiss you later I better skip the seafood, so I’m leaning toward the Pollo Alfredo with broccoli.”

“Smart man! I’ve had that Alfredo dish before, mind you not here, but it should be good…and you can definitely kiss after that one!” Susan said, giving a teasing smile.

Chuckling at the playful banter between them, Harry asked, “Don’t take this wrong or anything, but from what I’ve been lead to believe about Hufflepuff’s, you don’t seem to fit the mold. Your very straight forward and bold, not that I mind, but it’s just that I thought Hufflepuff’s were supposed to be more shy and demure.”

“That’s one of the biggest misconceptions about Hufflepuff House. Were actually very similar to Gryffindor House, but we just aren’t as brash or boisterous about our opinions. Maybe that’s why most people think were shy.” explained Susan.

“That actually makes a lot of sense. Most of the Gryffindor's are even to Gryffindor for me sometimes, but it really is a fun house to be in. The Marauder’s, the twin’s, Seamus Finnegan, Colin Creevey, well the list can go on and on with both the good and the bad entertainment my house can produce. It definitely keeps it interesting.” said Harry.

“Yeah, I can see that. We’ve had our share of funny and/or strange people, but none quite so well known. I, for one, don’t know how you put up with that Creevey kid….I would have smashed his camera by now.” Susan said.

“Trust me when I say we’ve tried that, but magic is a blessing and a curse, as he just keeps repairing the damn thing. If we hide it, he just “Accio’s” it…..it’s frustrating as hell!” Laughed Harry, shaking his head at the memories of his crazed fan.

The easy conversation carried on in much the same fashion throughout dinner, both learning a lot about the other, so after Harry paid the bill, they decided to take a short walk by the river before heading to the club. So far, both were extremely pleased with the way the date was going. While Harry and Susan were enjoying their time in muggle London, the Headmaster was having a furious time getting any cooperation from Cornelius Fudge and his Ministry.

“Cornelius, you know that Severus is vital to the war effort as our only man inside Voldemort’s inner circle and while you have him locked up on charges, that I am sure Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger are going to drop, we are losing out on important information that he could be gathering. I must insist that you release him. You know of my influence in the Wizengamot and if I must, I will call an emergency session to deal with these matters. Do not force my hand!” said a stern Dumbledore.

With eyebrows raised, Cornelius hotly responded, “Albus, your gall knows no limit! I am not now, and have never been, convinced that Snape is on our side, and he will stay where he is. By all means call the Wizengamot to session….I’m sure they would be thrilled at having not only their evening disrupted, but their weekend for such a trivial matter as minor assault charges. You may be the Supreme Mugwump, but I am the Minister of Magic, so don’t you dare threaten me! Unless you can prove the charges false, the Wizengamot will side with me and you know it. Now get OUT of my office!”

Anger boiling up inside, Dumbledore put on a calm exterior, and said, “Cornelius, I apologize, it was not my intention to diminish your position, but you must understand my frustration. I am just trying to expedite what I know will be the final outcome of such meaningless charges and get Severus back working on important matters. Once we work together to located Mr. Potter and curbed his rebellious streak by returning him to his relatives, you will see that all will turn out as I have predicted.”

Knowing full well that Dumbledore had no idea what was to come in the very near future, Cornelius said, “If you are not careful Albus, you could be joining your spy on the charges of Coercion and Miss Use of Power! As far as I know, Mr. Potter has made is living arrangements for the summer and they are perfectly legal. If you attempt to force him to go back to his muggle relations, I guarantee you will be sharing a holding cell next to Snape and also facing Kidnapping charges as well. Now as I said before, this meeting is finished, so get out or I will have you forcibly removed!”

“This is not finished Cornelius!” and with that Albus shot his most disappointed look at the Minister and left to go speak with his spy.

As Cornelius took a seat behind his desk, only one thought was going through his head, ‘How far will that man go to get what he wants. We will have to be careful….this situation could become very dangerous, very quickly.’ With that, he floo called Tony and Amelia to let them know what had just transpired.

After walking for about 20 minutes, Harry and Susan decided that they were ready to do some clubbing and haled another taxi. Stepping out of the cab in front of a place called ‘Idol’s Pit’, they made their way inside. The place was filled to the brim with people and the dance floor was hopping. Finding a table close to the floor, they ordered drinks and soaked in the atmosphere.

A couple of songs later, the beat slowed down and Harry took the opportunity to pull Susan on the dance floor for a slow sensual dance. Like many couples around them, their hands started exploring each others body. Amazed at how smooth and silky Susan’s skin was, as he caressed her back, he took her chin in his hand and raised her face to his. Looking in each others eyes, he lowered his lips to hers. This kiss was like none other they had shared to date. It was slow, sensual, and passionate all at the same time. So lost in the electricity of the kiss, they had stopped dancing and were just standing in the middle of the floor consumed by each other.

Coming up for air, they resumed their dancing and Susan whispered in his ear, “I could get used to being kissed like that. That was amazing!”

“That’s good to hear, because I have every intention of kissing you like that often,” Harry responded, and with that he kissed her again.

When the slow song moved into a faster one, the two stayed out on the floor. With bodies still close, Harry turned her around to have her back to his chest and put his hands on her hips and ever so slightly, pushed his hips into hers and started them moving together. Receiving nips and kisses on her neck and behind her ear, she reached over and held his head in place and continued the grinding that their lower bodies were enjoying.

They continued on like this for several more songs and after a while, decided to take a break and went to get drinks. Not wanting to go back to their table yet, they walked around the club for a bit. They were heading down a hall on one side of the club where many couples had taken refuge, and thinking it looked like a brilliant idea, Harry leaned Susan against the wall and began his exploration of her mouth and body.

Responding in kind, Susan was completely surprised at how muscular Harry’s body was. She couldn’t help but agree with his comment from the night before, and she, too, cursed the Hogwarts uniforms. Susan was by no means the saintly Hufflepuff most people assumed, but she had never experience the complete sexuality that was Harry Potter. She thought, ‘WHO KNEW! Merlin, he can kiss! If this keeps up, I don’t know if I will be able to stop us!’

While she was lost in thought, Harry was experiencing similar thoughts and said, “Susan, we had better slow down….not that I’m complaining, but if we keep this up, I’m not going to be able to stop. I really don’t want to go that far out in the open and on our first date, but I will say that you leave me wanting more….SOOOO much more!”

“I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe we should head back out for another dance and leave this dark hallway. If we do ever move on from here, I want it to mean more than a quick, lust driven moment in a hallway.” said Susan, agreeing with Harry.

“I couldn’t agree more….Let’s go!” With that they spent the rest of the evening sharing kisses and loving the feeling of being in each other’s arms. At 11:30, they headed back to the Leaky Cauldron, where Susan could floo home. She had to be in by Midnight and keeping his promise to her Aunt, made sure she was actually going to be a little early. He would need Amelia Bones on his side in the coming weeks and months and was not about to get on her bad side by keeping Susan out past her curfew.

Smiling at his date, Harry said, “Susan, this has been one amazing night! I would like to see you again, if that’s okay?”

“I would love to go out with you again. If your free tomorrow afternoon, at 1pm, a small group of my friends and I are going shopping out in London and here in Diagon Alley. Your welcome to join us….as a matter of fact, why don’t you ask Neville and Hermione join as well?” suggested Susan.

“That sounds like a plan. I’ll ask Nev and ‘Mione to come, they’ve been nagging me to get some new clothes anyway, so all of you could help me out with that as well. I’ll see you at 1pm.” said Harry.

Beaming that he had agreed to join her, Susan gave him one more thoroughly electrifying kiss and flooed home. Standing, staring at where Susan had just disappeared, a small, sly smile started making its way across his face as he thought, ‘I could get use to this feeling! Damn she’s sexy!’ Deciding to call it a night he flooed back to Longbottom Manor to get some sleep.

The next morning, after summarizing to Neville and Hermione how his date went and asking if they would like to join the shopping trip that afternoon, which they agreed sounded like fun, Harry went back up to his room to write a couple of letters, one of which he’d been avoiding this far. After having Mrs. Longbottom place a charm on the parchment that would prevent the reader from sharing anything, he began:

Dear Madame Pompfrey,

I realize that your only used to conversing with me while I am convalescing, but I have recently received some information that has me confused. After reading over a copy of my parents will, they listed Sirius Black as my godfather, which was no surprise, but listed you as my godmother. To say that I was completely taken by this news is an understatement. I am not really sure why you never told me this, but I will admit to being hurt by this information.

I am hoping that there is a legitimate reason for your silence on this matter as I have always held you in the highest regard. I will attempt not to jump to any conclusions until I have heard back from you. I thank you for all the care you have shown me in the past and hope that in the future we will be able to resolve any issues between us.

Hoping all is well,
Harry Potter

Rereading to make sure that he didn’t sound to harsh, he sealed the letter and tied it to Hedwig’s leg. Asking her to wait for one more letter, she hooted in confirmation and quickly wrote a note to Dobby, asking him to come to Neville’s house that evening at 8pm. Finished writing, he sent Hedwig on her way, getting lost in thought again.

Harry hoped the situation with Poppy was similar to Amelia Bones and that she just didn’t know about being made his godmother and possible guardian. Amelia was angered to learn that James and Lily’s wishes had not been followed. She had also been surprised, but pleased to learn of their trust in her, going so far as to list her as a possible guardian. Keeping to his promise to not jump to conclusions, he pulled himself out of his current musing and settled on waiting for Poppy’s reply.


Getting up, he headed out looking for his two friends, and being that it was almost noon, they headed out early to the Leaky Cauldron, deciding to eat lunch while waiting for Susan and her friends. Once everyone had joined up, Hermione led them all to the largest shopping mall any of them had ever seen.

Hermione and Susan decided that everyone’s opinion would be needed in the ‘Harry Potter Makeover’ as they came to call it. Taking into account the last two outfits she had seen Harry in, Hermione suggested going to ‘Armani’ which was a well known, upscale men’s clothing store that specialized in a more conservative yet updated look in their clothing line.

Upon entering the store, Harry was pushed into one of the most luxurious dressing rooms he had ever seen to await the storm of clothing that was to come. Hermione, Susan, Neville, Hannah Abbot, Ernie McMillan, and a handful of store attendants got to work It took the better part of 3 hours to get him outfitted, and though he was exhausted, he was pleased by the choices.

Harry ended up getting 3 more pairs of the linen pants liked he had worn on his date with Susan, but got these in black, navy and dark brown. Along with these, he also picked up 6 pairs of Docker style pants and shorts, colors ranging in 1-navy, 2-black, 2-tan and 1-dark gray; 7pairs of blue jeans, 4 straight cut and 3 in relaxed fit; 6 silk t-shirts and 6 long sleeve oxford shirts in dark green, dark red, navy, black, white and cream; 3 mock neck short sleeve shirts in dark green, black and cream, and 4 form fitting light weight sweaters in black, dark red, dark green and navy.

When the casual wear was complete, he was measured for 2 suits, 2 sport coats and 3 pair of dress slacks to be custom made. After picking out the necessary dress shirts and dress socks need to finish his more formal wear, he let each of his friends pick out one silk tie each to go with his collection.

What happened next would go down as one of life’s most embarrassing moments, or at least to Harry. UNDERWEAR and GIRLS don’t mix! They had way to much fun picking out all 16 pairs of boxers he was getting. Hannah tried convincing him to buy a pair that had huge smiley faces on it and one that had big kissing lips. Looking at her like she had spun her head around, Harry thought, ‘WHAT IS WITH THEM? THE HORROR!’

After getting all the necessary socks and belts, Harry finally convinced the girls that he had enough for now. Harry, Neville and Ernie all agreed that girls could be real scary when let loose to shop! What scared Harry even more….they weren’t done! They still had to get shoes!

“Well, you only live once, Harry, and you should look good doing it!” Hermione said, while being dragged away from more clothing displays to go to the check out counter. When all was said and done, the bill totaled over 20,000 pounds. Harry shakily reached into his wallet and pulled out his Gringotts Platinum Card and handed it over. Never in his life had he spent so much money! It just reaffirmed that GIRLS shopping are SCARY!

Once out of the store Hermione asked, “Harry, where did you get the credit card?”

“Oh, that is no ordinary credit card, it’s a Gringotts card. Hordak put it in my file with an explanation of how to use it at the meeting the other day. All the money I spend is taken directly from my vaults so I am not actually charging anything….but the muggles don’t need to know that. They made it look like any other platinum card out there. They also gave me an I.D. that is charmed to always update the picture to match my current look. Magic is so cool!” he said with a big smile.

Chuckling, Hermione said, “Well, Mr. Big Spender…..SHOES!”

About an hour later, with 2 more pairs of Dock Martins, 2 pairs of dress Bostonians, a pair of Bass sandals, and 2 pair of Nike trainers, they were done with the ‘Harry Potter Makeover’ and just browsed around the rest of the mall.

Each member of the group purchased a few odds and ends and at about 5:30, the all went out to eat at ‘Outback Steakhouse’ that sat just outside the mall. Around 7:30 they parted and Harry, Neville and Hermione headed back to Longbottom Manor. Of course Harry didn’t leave without saying a proper goodbye to Susan. When they parted from the heated kiss, their friends were fanning themselves and making a big show of it! Mock glaring at their friends, they laughed, then said good night.

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I made it through the date!!!!! Keep on reviewing! Thanks again!
Haymak