Chapter 19, An Accord of Sorts
Harry stepped out into the night that had fallen on Hogsmeade. Students hurried everywhere and over the chaos of voices all carrying on separate conversations they could hear Hagrid's booming call to the First Years. Somehow it wouldn't feel like returning to Hogwarts without it. Not having Hagrid on the platform last year was just weird. He waited for Hermione to join him before sending Hedwig into the air letting her wing her way to Hogwarts on her own. "All set then?"
Hermione nodded while trying to hold on to Crookshanks. The oversized orange fur ball was doing what it could to wiggle free from her grip before he just gave up and let her carry him. He really didn't look happy about it which made Harry smirk. "Yes, Dobby said we have mail waiting for us and he didn't mind taking the saddle bag and hiding it until we settle in."
"Nice one. Did he say how much mail?" Harry asked while they started making for the carriage Neville was holding for them. Harry was really thankful for the little guy. He was definitely making up for trying to maim him all of his second year.
"His exact words when I asked was, 'A small mountain Mistress. I used a shove to keep them in the closet!' Is there any way we can get him to not call me that?"
Harry chuckled. "Good luck. I still haven't got him to call me anything but 'Master Harry Potter Sir'. Besides, you didn't want him to call you 'Harry Potter Sir's Hermy' anymore."
"And unless you would rather we not continue what got interrupted on the train later tonight, you will never mention that again Harry."
Harry's eyes widened at the threat. "Mention what again?"
"Exactly."
It took them a few moments, and more than a few jostles, before they were finally able to climb into the carriage with Susan and Neville. Hermione sighed when she saw the Thestrals but didn't comment on them. Harry kept his back to them and didn't bother looking. Unlike their companions neither Harry nor Hermione had dressed in school robes since they had yet been able to get new school clothes this year. Susan commented on the dragonfly hair clip in Hermione's hair which she explained was something they had picked up during their time abroad. This led the conversation to be dominated by the two witches as they discussed a wide variety of topics that had both boys slouching in their seats most of the way to the castle. When they finally arrived at the castle Hermione allowed Crookshanks to run free. As the teens climbed down he waited until he had both Harry's and Hermione's attention before flicking his bottle brush tail at them and walking off in a huff.
Harry smiled and shook his head at the cat's antics. Hermione rolled her eyes at him before taking Harry's arm. They'd gotten a short few steps into the great castle when they heard the oily voice of the one professor both disliked almost as much as Dumbledore.
"Well Well Well… What have we here? Term only minutes old and two Gryffindors already being docked points and gaining detentions. Surely a record of some sort. It would seem the two of you have decided the school dress code was beneath you…"
Harry reached down and pulled his pocket watch opening it to check the time. "I wonder what's for eating tonight." Harry wondered aloud while Hermione smiled at his antics. Harry's comment instantly stole the attention of everyone around them.
Professor Snape's eyes narrowed at the obvious dismissal. "I see your arrogance has reached even greater heights than it usually sores. I think that will be twenty-five points from each of you for being out of uniform and three detentions for your cheek Potter. Tell me, do you think you are above the rules and all reproach?"
Harry stopped for a moment and tilted his head as if he was thinking about the question. "Actually, yes. Yes I am. You can give me detentions, but I'll not serve them. You can take house points, but we can earn them back in spades from the other teachers. That's something Gryffindors have gotten pretty good at over the years anyways. And you can't expel me or Hermione. So…"
In the awkward moment that passed Harry heard Hermione hiss at the same time he felt something slam into his mind. It didn't do any more than alert them that someone had tried to gain entry. Harry gave Snape his most chilling smile knowing exactly what that attack was having been the subject of it for months last year. The moment however was completely broken before it could build to lethal levels by a sudden bright flash from someone in the crowd.
Snape tore his furious eyes from Harry to look at the offender. Harry got an image of Tonks still in disguise holding what looked like Collins camera. He kept his eyes on Snape as Snape snarled at the disguised Metamorph. "And what was that?"
"A before picture Professor. Auror Moody asked me to take them when someone picked a fight with Harry." Tonks lightly replied.
With a growl of anger at the giggling students Professor Snape turned and stormed into the Great hall completely ignoring Tonks next question. "Hey, Professor! Wait, aren't you going to fight Harry? I still need the after picture!"
Harry expelled the breath he was holding and tried to purge his system of adrenalin. Casually as if the confrontation had never happened he draped his arm around Hermione's shoulders and together they walked into the Great Hall. Finding seats wasn't difficult to do as Neville was saving them space toward the back. Both of them kept their backs to the wall and sat so that they could keep lines of sight open to as much of the hall as they could. "That was exciting."
Hermione shook her head while rubbing his thigh. "By the time Dumbledore makes his speech it's going to be all over the school."
Harry scanned the benches and house table. He caught a lot of covert glances and some whispering. "Yeah, it's going around now. Good. I'm not taking his shite this year. If he's the Potions professor I won't have to worry about having him this year but if he's the Defense Teacher things can get interesting.
"Why do you say that Harry?" Neville asked.
"Neville, every Defense teacher in the last five years has tried to kill me. Even Professor Lupin, though that really wasn't his fault. We barely tolerate each other now and given the chance to shoot spells at each other disguised as a 'classroom exercise', interesting is putting it mildly."
"Yeah, I see your point. We'll see. Dumbledore should be announcing whoever it is soon. Look at the staff table there, Snape has to be the new teacher because if that guy is our Defense Teacher we are buggered." Harry took that moment to wave back at Hagrid who almost knocked over Professor Flitwick trying to get his attention. Neville continued. "I heard from a few people that he's Professor Slughorn and on the train he invited a few people to his cabin for meet and greet. He sent invites for us but I didn't think you wanted to go. I know I didn't. He just wants to know what happened at the Ministry."
At this time Nearly Headless Nick chose that moment to ghost through a third year they didn't recognize and sit with them. "He is not the only one. You Mr. Potter have been the subject of talk even amongst our resident ghost community. I am considered something of a Potter Authority since it is fairly well known we are friendly. Rest assured however that I have informed them that I shall not pester you for any details. As I have told them, 'Harry Potter knows he can confide in me with complete confidence and that I shall not reveal his secrets.'"
Harry smiled at their house ghost. He knew Nick got the short stick most of the time for his condition and had to have been loving the attention. "Cheers Nick."
Through the doors to the Great Hall McGonagall walked through carrying the sorting hat and a stool, a gaggle of firsties following behind her. As the conversations died down and people respectfully gave the Sorting their attention Harry took that moment to look down the table for two people that had not greeted them since they arrived back. It wasn't hard to find Ron and Ginny Weasley at the opposite end of the table. Neither looked in their direction but appeared to be having a heated disagreement over something. Harry frowned. He felt confusion that matched his own before he felt a sudden white hot spike of anger. He turned quickly to Hermione who was looking not at Ron or Ginny but some dark haired Fourth Year between them and the Weasleys.
"Stupid bint… you're not going to be so brave when I rip out…" He heard Hermione muttering to herself.
Harry immediately pushed his feelings for her through their bond to calm her down. He'd never seen her so enraged before. "Calm down love. It's just a fourth year…"
Hermione turned to look at him. He could tell from their bond she was responding but her eyes were still chips of ice. "As if there was any doubt after we did a runner we were together she sits over here winking at you and playing with her hair..."
Harry leaned in to whisper in her ear letting his breath tickle her ear and further calm her down. "… and she is not the one who's breasts I was nibbling earlier. Nor is she the one who was riding me like a bucking broom on the train. She only wants what you have Hermione and you know my heart is yours alone. I've seen at least five blokes checking you out since we got back but I haven't maimed anyone yet."
Hermione nodded finally calming down. "Your right, of course. We had this conversation before we came back to England. Still, I don't like this Harry. If she so much as touches you…"
Harry leaned in to gently kiss her neck. "You can rip her to shreds on your worst day Hermione. She knows it. Everyone knows it. Let them dream of what they can't have. We got bigger things to worry about than some teenage hormones and bad choices."
Hermione nodded in acceptance before she cuddled into his side very possessively while they finished watching the sorting. Harry just smirked when he caught several blokes avert their eyes looking pissed. She didn't move from her position until Dumbledore summoned the feast and even then her hip seemed fused to his while they set about their dinner.
"Weird about Ron not sitting with us. He didn't even join us on the train."
Hermione shrugged. "He's still Prefect so he would have been stationed at the front of the train. Maybe rounds kept him away…"
Harry nodded at the possibility but knew there was something more to this. "Hermione, is there something about Ron I don't know?"
She sighed sadly. "I suppose so. Ron came to talk to me just before you did when I was in Hospital. He sort of asked me to be his Girlfriend."
Harry raised an eyebrow but didn't make any comments. He could feel Hermione's directing her love to him. He wasn't jealous, he was just surprised. "That could not have gone well."
Hermione frowned at the memory. Harry watched through her eyes as Ron came in and awkwardly asked her. When told no that she was already seeing someone, he stormed out in a fit of rage. He blinked a few times as he pulled himself out of the memory. "No, no that did not end well. He's arguing with Ginny about something. I wonder if this has something to do with it."
"Maybe. I had hoped with the summer to cool off he might have come round."
Harry looked down the table and thought long and hard while he slowly chewed his food. Ron had been his best mate since he entered Hogwarts and he didn't really want to lose him as a friend. However Harry had a bad feeling this was going to end up happening sooner or later. There was only one Hermione and she had chosen Harry. Just like if she had chosen to love Ron instead he would have had to respect it and gotten over it to keep his friends. If Ron wouldn't, or couldn't, well that was just the way of things. "I knew it would come to this sooner or later love. Let's see how things play out. We have enough to be going on with."
"Look, at least Luna is happy to see us." Harry looked over to the Ravenclaw table and waved at Luna getting a bright smile and a wave back.
"We need to catch up with her tomorrow after we figure out what our class schedule is like."
Hermione nodded but smiled wryly at him. "You just want ask her how to entice Nargles."
Harry giggled evilly while rubbing his hands together. Hermione rolled her eyes at him while they went back to finishing up their dinner and desserts. As always Hogwarts boasted some of the best food they had eaten and it was an overall enjoyable time spent hanging out with Neville. Harry chuckled several times as Neville had yet been able to look Hermione in the eye after the incident on the train. He did notice Neville would stare dreamily at Susan sitting at the Hufflepuff table off and on.
They listened when Dumbledore rose for the post meal speech. Nodding along to points they already knew from five prior years of attending. The big surprise for them was hearing about the complete ban on the Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. The ban didn't surprise them, but the fact they had obviously done very well this summer to warrant a ban did.
"They got a shop in Diagon Alley you know. It's the best. Gran let me get a few things when we were there getting my school supplies." Neville informed them.
"We have got to go there tomorrow love. I knew they got a premise but they must have done really well to get a blanket ban."
"Be nice to see them again too. If they're not acting like Ron and Ginny anyways. With all the security I bet they are doing loads of business replacing confiscated materials."
Harry nodded to Hermione. "Maybe we can do something to help with that. Anything that makes Dumbledore's job harder gets in my good books."
They returned their attention back to the post meal speech. The jovial looking plump professor Neville said was called Professor Slughorn was introduced as the new Potions Professor while it was finally confirmed that Snape had gotten his heart's desire and was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Reactions mostly consisted of stunned disbelief and the applause for his new place came only from the Slytherin table.
"Well," Harry stated, "that is that. Here's hoping the Nargle's like the taste of greasy gits ears."
Dumbledore cautioned everyone about the new restricting rules and how everyone needed to abide by them all for the common safety of all. Both of them frowned when he looked directly at the pair of them seemingly to single them out. It seemed they were the only ones to really catch the import of Dumbledore's words as most of the hall had worked themselves up into a buzz over Snape's new status. Harry could hear a bit of the confrontation earlier going around at the same time. Things quieted down to silence when Dumbledore cleared his throat. Again he cautioned about the new rules and assured everyone the castle was stronger than ever. Finally he dismissed the hall and Harry heard Ron calling for the midgets.
Hermione frowned but otherwise didn't react. They no more than rose from their seats when they spotted McGonagall walking toward them from the staff table. Hermione nodded to Harry. Both had expected something like this. They bid Neville good night while they waited for their head of house to reach them.
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. I am glad to see you returned and looking as healthy as Alastor said you were. Might I take a moment of your time?"
"Good to see you too Professor, of course." Hermione greeted her.
"Ms. Granger there has not been time yet for us to speak on the matter of your status as Prefect. I would like to return your badge to you now. Mr. Potter I am sad to say I was unable to convince Headmaster Dumbledore to once again reconsider you for this year's Male Prefect however."
Hermione looked longingly at the badge being held out to her but shook her head. "I can't Professor. I gave it up and it wouldn't be right to accept it now."
"Ms. Granger if this is about…"
Again Hermione shook her head. "No Professor. I just don't agree with Ron being Prefect over Harry. And that is not because Harry is my boyfriend. I have loads of reasons why but it just boils down to the fact Harry deserves it more. Ron does not take his responsibilities seriously enough choosing which rules to enforce instead of enforcing them all as he should. I'm sorry Professor but I just can't do that again this year. Too much has changed."
"Yes, I can see that. I suppose then I shall speak with Ms. Patil or Ms. Brown. I would have truly preferred for you to remain as Prefect however. You did a marvelous job of it last year."
Hermione smiled in gratitude at the words from her Head of House. "If you are willing to take a suggestion I would chose Lavender. You would be surprised how effective she could be as Prefect if given the chance."
"I am curious why you would make that recommendation Ms. Granger."
"As self-appointed head of the Hogwarts Gossip Network, people would be terrified of being caught by her doing anything they shouldn't. Lavender would love the power that comes with the status of Prefect and it gives her the chance to get juicy news on just about anyone. Besides, with Ron as Prefect I think they would balance each other out nicely. Both are irresponsible but Lavender can get him in line where I couldn't. She's not as bossy as I am and more likely to talk him into his duties. I like Parvati but she just doesn't care as much about catching people out of bounds as Lavender does. Not to mention there would be friction between her and Ron. I'm not sure but I think Padma is still smarting over Ron's actions during the Yule Ball."
"Very insightful Ms. Granger. I knew a young woman during my days as a student very much like Ms. Brown. I have reminisced before how she would have done a superior job over our Prefect of the day for similar reasons. I shall talk to Ms. Brown about this shortly to see if she is willing. Now two more things. Headmaster Dumbledore would like to speak with you Mr. Potter, and I would like to speak with you both before you turn in for the night in regards to a few matters."
"No disrespect Professor, but I'll not sit with the Headmaster alone. Our recent history being what it is."
McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "I would not suggest you do so. I of course will be attending as well, if that pleases you. As your Head of House I am responsible for your welfare and shall not be shirking my duties any longer where our Headmaster is concerned."
"That would be greatly appreciated Professor." Harry stated relieved.
"He was a great man once and still is in matters that do not concern you Mr. Potter. I fear however his motives where they do concern you. He has not been very forthcoming to me about the reasons for his actions but maybe he will open up to you and explain." Professor McGonagall stated while leading the pair of them toward the Headmasters Suite. They followed their Head of House to the stone gargoyle and eventually up to Dumbledore's study. As they walked into his room Harry took note he seemed genuinely surprised that McGonagall and Hermione were with him. Either that or it was the fact none of them bothered to knock.
"Ah, good evening Harry. Please sit down. Minerva is there something I can help you with?" Dumbledore asked smiling. Harry gave the old man credit, he recovered fast.
Professor McGonagall stood to the side while Harry and Hermione took seats before the Headmasters desk. "That remains to be seen Albus. I do hope I am not needed but decided to attend in case I would be."
Her remark did not affect the smile on his face. "Just a small matter between Mr. Potter and myself. I am sure there are issues better deserving of you attention at the moment?"
"They can wait."
"I truly must insist. This matter is better kept just between Mr. Potter and myself."
Harry leaned forward looking the aging man in the eyes. "This has to do with the Prophecy then?"
The headmaster nodded gravely finally allowing his gentle smile to fade. "Indeed Harry. Indeed. This is why I must ask Professor McGonagall and Ms. Granger to leave so that we may discuss these matters."
"Hermione stays, but I will ask now that Professor McGonagall checks us for oblivations and other charms when this meeting is done if she is to leave."
"Harry now, have we fallen so far that such things are necessary?"
"Constant Vigilance Professor." Harry stated firmly.
The old man sighed deeply. "Yes, I understand. I have no intention of enchanting you or Ms. Granger Harry. I dearly wish for us to work together to resolve this issue."
"We shall see Professor. What trust we had was broken when you tried to take Hermione from me for my 'Greater Good.' Earning it back is possible but it will mean answers to our questions. Truthful answers Headmaster."
"That is actually what this meeting and others we will have will be about Harry. However, receiving answers and understanding them are two different things and I aim for you to have both. Is it possible for us to reach an accord?"
"Hermione stays. Nonnegotiable."
Dumbledore nodded easily as if he expected that. "I would ask then what I show you remain solely with us. She may stay but not participate in our discussions. Of the things I show you, you will not be permitted to disclose to anyone."
Harry slowly nodded understanding what his plan was. Hermione would be allowed to have the gist but not the details. He felt her acceptance directed to him. "I will swear that I will never speak of these revelations to anyone who does not already know about them."
Dumbledore smiled at Harry with that madding twinkle in his eye. "Then we have an accord. I am greatly encouraged by our progress Harry."
He saw an image of Professor McGonagall looking at him from Hermione. He nodded while directing his words to her but never took his eyes off the old man in front of him. "We shall come to you once we have finished here Professor. If we don't then it is safe to assume we have been charmed."
"I understand Mr. Potter. I will expect to see you both in the Transfiguration Classroom when you are finished. If not I will find you and we will see about reversing anything that may have been done."
Harry nodded satisfied with the safeguard. It wasn't fool proof but the fact was Dumbledore needed him a lot more than he needed Dumbledore. The last thing the Headmaster would want to do would be to send Harry on another run. Harry knew that the hidden message that that would be the exact case to arise should anything happen to him or Hermione was well received by the Headmaster.
He kept his eyes focused only on Dumbledore while their Head of House left. Once clear Dumbledore addressed Harry once again. "It is good to see back at Hogwarts Harry. Though I must say I was very surprised with the fact that Ms. Granger and yourself had already managed to get docked points as well as receive detentions."
Harry shrugged. "I'll not be serving the detentions so I am not fussed by it. As for the docked points, that happened because we have not had any time to collect our post to find out what our booklists are. We haven't even been to Diagon Ally yet for our school clothes or supplies."
"Ah Harry. I cannot condone you skipping your detentions…"
"You assume I give a damn. That's cute Professor. We will serve any just detentions given by any teacher who is not abusing their position. Let's be honest here, you need me a lot more than we need you. I've taken Snape's abuse for the last five years, I draw the line here. We have enough to be going on with."
"It's Professor Snape Harry. And he has my full confidence and trust. I truly wish you would set aside your animosity for each other so that we may all work together."
"I am willing. I have no intention of starting anything with him but, by Merlin I will finish it. As I said, I'm done. I am not my father. Whatever problems he had with him should have died when he did. I'll not be his punching bag just because he won't grow up and let go of a school yard grudge with a man I have no memory of and who's been dust for the last fifteen years."
Dumbledore sadly shook his head. "Very well. As much as it saddens me I see we will have to agree to disagree on this point. Let us instead move to more productive endeavors shall we? It is time for us to discuss what prompted Lord Voldemort to try and kill you fifteen years ago."
Harry nodded giving Dumbledore his full attention. "The partial Prophecy he heard."
"Indeed. However, though we know the reasons why this happened I think it would behoove us to move from the realm of known fact and into those murky waters where guesswork holds sway. My guesses are usually fairly accurate but in this mire we travel, my guesses could be as misguided as poor Igor Thatcher whom believed the time was ripe for butterflies to replace post owls."
Dumbledore rose from his chair to retrieve his Pensive. As he placed it on the desk Hermione spoke for the first time since entering the office. "Professor, wouldn't it be more prudent for you to send the portraits away for this?"
"I assure you Ms. Granger they are bound to silence and service to the current Headmaster."
"Yes I am aware. It's in 'Hogwarts a History'. However, you are the Headmaster today, but if something should happen to you anyone can be Headmaster and the portraits would be bound to them. The contents of this discussion, if it is in need of such secrecy as you claim, would be better served if we took every precaution."
Dumbledore looked at the young teen while Harry poured through Hermione's emotions and the few memories she sent him explaining what she was about. "Hmmm. indeed Ms. Granger. It would be a prudent course of action. Very well." The Headmaster looked above and with a silent command and a lot of grumbling the host of portraits around them left through their frames. He returned his gaze to Harry while pouring the contents of the crystal vial into the Pensive. "As they say, you know the drill Mr. Potter. After you."
Harry nodded and without a backward glance bent his face into the pensive disappearing into the quicksilver substance of the bowl. Hermione watched as Professor Dumbledore followed leaving her alone in the office. A quick look around showed no paintings watching but to be sure she raised her wand silently casting a thick fog into the high pitched ceiling to block their view and muffle any sounds from below. Once done Hermione quickly moved around Dumbledore's desk removing the dragonfly clip from her hair.
Neither of them trusted Dumbledore as far as they could throw him. The plans they made after Professor Moody left them in the Galapagos reflected this line of thought. Harry was very worried that no matter what Dumbledore told him it would never be the whole truth. Only just enough to convince them he was being honest while never enough to understand the situation completely. They had agreed that this lack of information could get one or both of them killed so they made arrangements to get around this little issue. After a stop quick stop in Peru, and one of the market places there Harry remembered the Twins talking about once, they shipped themselves to her parents' house. As Hermione gave the clip a slight twist with her thumb revealing the little hidden key there, she silently thanked the Twins for being so incorrigible. Hermione thought she might even buy them something nice later.
Maybe a whoopee cushion or something.
Originally the plan had been to use the old elf tunnels to break into the office to do what she was about to. This however was a far better situation and not too dissimilar to when they raided the Mayor's office in Barok. Raze had sent them to discover what the man was up to as he was convinced the Mayor was thinning his profit margins from the towns exports. Their 'quest' was to get evidence on it if he was. The main difference was Harry was distracting the clerk outside the room while she did this then. Hermione looked to the fluid in the Pensive noticing the ghostly images before moving the key to the lock on the desk drawer. The little spark that shot out warned her that her magical skeleton key was not going to work to open the drawer through whatever enchantments Dumbledore used.
She checked the pensive again while putting her clip back into her hair. Quickly because she didn't know how much time she had left she put her hand over the lock. Using the techniques that were successful in Barok she concentrated on agitating the molecules that hung around the lock. Her breathing grew harsh from the effort and she could feel sweat beads bloom on her forehead. A few moments passed while she concentrated with all her might before she was finally rewarded for her efforts. The drawer shook a few times before she heard the click that let her know it had unlatched. Smiling at her success she opened the drawer and started rifling through its contents.
Parchment, quills and all manner of odds and ends greeted her inspection. Hermione quickly hiked up her leg and unfastened the little charm anklet that was hidden there. The only charm on it looked like an open book. Information was power, the merchant they bought the trinket from told them. The enchantments on the charm would allow them to copy any written text she touched. He told them it was used by agents of Information Brokers all over the continent but had the drawback of being incredibly well known so was not as useful as it once was in that area. Hermione used a similar enchantment herself to copy the Mayor's records for Raze. However she was absolutely sure Dumbledore would know if his things were copied by such common magic. Keeping the charm clenched in her left fist she started touching all the parchments in the drawer ignoring the little flashes from the charm as it copied what was written into its pages. Hermione was just thankful that Dumbledore either did not know or had not applied the counter to their little trinket. She quickly moved through his desk drawers copying everything not knowing what would be relevant later. It wasn't until she opened the last drawer that she found something that gave her pause.
She easily recognized it from one of Harry's memories but could not understand what the Headmaster was doing with it. Hermione spared one more glance at the Pensive noticing the images had stopped moving except for a ghostly impression of Harry and Dumbledore. She reached down to pick up the stabbed diary of Tom Riddle when her breath was stolen the instant she touched it making her release it almost as fast. It had the same exact feel as the Darkness that was in Harry. She knew that feeling well having had to battle against it when the Shaman had bound them together. It was nowhere as strong as the Darkness that was in Harry; feeling more like a distant echo of it but she knew that feeling. She knew there was a connection there but she suddenly felt a warning spike from Harry and knew her time was over.
Hermione quickly closed all the drawers tapping the lock with her wand to reseal it. As she moved backward around the desk and back to her seat she waved her wand canceling the fog above her as well as removing any trace of her presence on the other side of the desk. Hermione felt fairly confident that if Professor Moody couldn't pick up their signatures in Ireland then Dumbledore wouldn't here. She quickly shoved the anklet into her jeans pocket while retaking her seat sending a silent thank you to Sirius for getting Harry those Defense books that taught them that little bit of magic.
She had no sooner settled herself into the chair when Harry appeared. Dumbledore followed not a moment later. She remained quiet as his eyes darted about the room searching for a moment. Hermione had to control herself not to breath in relief when he smiled at Harry in satisfaction. "I do believe I have given you enough to think about for now Harry. We will continue this discussion soon."
Harry appeared thoughtful and nodded absently. "Very well sir. And you are sure this," Harry waved at the Pensive, "is relevant then? It was interesting I suppose but I don't understand how this helps me any."
"You will understand soon enough Harry. However the night grows older and you still have to meet with Professor McGonagall so she will be reassured I have not broken my word. Until next time Harry, pip pip."
"Yes sir." Harry stated while offering Hermione his hand. She gratefully took it and snuggled into his side as they walked through the door and out into the castle. It was some time before either spoke.
"Did you get everything?" Harry asked her quietly after sharing his memories of the Pensive visit and his discussion with Dumbledore afterward.
"No, I got distracted by something in the last drawer." Hermione answered him while sharing her memory and feelings over it. Harry's pace slowed while he relived the event.
"That... that is fairly disturbing that is…" Harry blandly stated after he finished. Hermione didn't answer him. She just held on tighter to him needing to be reassured he was alright. "Do you think any of the things you managed to get will clue us in to what this means?"
"I don't know Harry. It's going to take some time to sift through it all. I didn't know how much time I had so I copied everything. There's no telling what is relevant to our situation right now and what is not."
Harry nodded to her points. "Right then. We'll get it sorted love, we'll get it sorted. Hopefully next time he summons us it will be for more than a trip down Memory lane. I don't understand why it's so relevant to know about Voldemort's parents but he seems to think it's important. We'll go through what you have and maybe it will give us some clues as to what this all means. If not, maybe next time you'll find something while I watch his home movies. We played a vague game of Questions and Answers in the Pensive but I don't know any more than I did going in."
"We knew it was going to be like this. Like you said Harry, next time. Let's go see what McGonagall wants so we can get to bed. I for one am more than ready to call this day done."
Harry nodded while tightened his grip on his lover as they walked. It had been a long evening.
Chapter 20, A New Routine
Harry woke slowly to the sounds of movement just outside of the beds drapes. He felt Hermione in his arms. Still half dazed from sleep he took a deep breath letting her scent, and the smell of the heather she was so fond of, fill him. Slowly letting it out he tried to tune in to what had woken him. He could hear movement and two female voices talking quietly. Not quietly enough to not be heard, but quietly for them. He almost groaned in frustration. He had forgotten how loud her dorm mates were in the morning.
"You wake her up. I'm not opening those curtains."
He distinctly picked out Parvati's comment. Harry tightened his grip on Hermione. He had really gotten used to snuggling with her in the mornings. "You scared Parvati?" Lavender… Harry thought.
"Of Hermione? Too right. Besides, what I don't see, I can't be responsible for. If Harry's in there, I don't want to know about it. It's her business."
Harry slowly opened his eyes at the mention of his name. He guessed they were not as clever as he thought they were if they thought he was in here. He lazed in the bed listening to the argument continue.
"Come on, take a peek. It's nothing we haven't seen before if it's just Granger. If Harry is in there, that's a bonus." He heard Lavender egg on her dorm mate. Harry rolled his eyes.
"You want to know so bad you look. It took me all summer to get control of my blemishes and I'll not risk three months hard work for your curiosity. I am not so curious to know if the rumors of Harry's bits are true."
"That's not what you said two weeks ago."
Harry felt his eyes open wide. There was no way they were sitting there discussing him like that.
"That was then, and this is now. You didn't see the way she was looking at Romilda Vane last night. I did, and I want no part of it. You have eyes Lavender, you look. Better yet, look at her bedside table. That is a contraceptive vial from Madam Midnights. She's claimed him, and he's obviously claimed her if she's taking birth control. She's been setting that vial out there since last year. I don't understand why you care so much anyways. You don't even like Harry that way."
"I just want to know if little Ms. Goody Goody is actually shagging the Boy Who Lived."
Harry felt Hermione turn in his arms putting her mouth next to his ear. "I should get that on a T-shirt. What do you think Harry? A nice, tight t-shirt with 'She-Who-Shagged-The-Boy-Who-Lived" right across my chest?"
Harry choked at the thought which silenced the two girls who were talking a moment ago. "What was that?"
"It was just Hermione getting up most likely. Are we going to breakfast or not?"
"Fine!" They heard Lavender huff. "We'll go to breakfast. But I am not going to believe she's shagging him until I see Harry sneaking into or out of her bed curtains. There is just no way that Hermione freaking Granger is having sex before we are."
Hermione smiled knowingly giving Harry a very soft slow kiss that lasted until they heard the door close. Hermione sighed. "I suppose we should be getting about."
Harry nodded while looking at the bed curtain as if he could see through it. "I wonder what time it is."
His lover stretched deliciously against him reaching through the curtain to fumble for a moment. She brought her wrist watch back from where it rested on the table checking the time. "Ugh. It's already seven."
"I can't believe we slept in so late. I can't remember the last time we slept until seven."
"What time did Professor McGonagall say she wanted to meet with us so we could go to Diagon Alley?"
Harry back to the short meeting they had with her the previous night. "Eight, I think. She mentioned that she had to hand out course schedules first and talk to a few of our classmates about their classes this year. I vaguely remember she said a few didn't make the O.W.L.s for what they wanted."
"I wonder what our O.W.L.s were… I don't suppose Dobby could get them from the Closet of Doom could he?"
Harry shrugged. "I can ask him after I sneak out of here. It might be easier to get them from Professor McGonagall. I don't know what you are worried about; you know you got twelve O.W.L.s."
"Maybe. It's been awhile since we took them. I'm not really sure how well I did. Let's get after it then. We've been lazy enough when Lavender and Parvati beat us to breakfast."
Harry chuckled while opening up the bed curtains. Their clothes from last night were missing. Harry assumed the house elves had already grabbed them. He reached under Hermione's bed pulling the saddle bag out.
"She's going to be a nightmare now that she is Prefect love. We're going to have to rethink our sleeping arrangements. Are you still confident she is the right one for the job now?" he asked while searching for the fresh set of road wear they usually kept in it. He opened the flap, pulling out a handful of Hermione's clothes and tossing them to her before pulling out his own.
"I don't have to like her to think she will do a good job Harry. We can always sleep in our flat. That way, we'd know if anyone was about before you left. It'd be loads easier for a lot of things other than our sleeping in the same bed. We still need to go over what I found in Dumbledore's desk and that is something I don't want just lying about anyhow." He nodded while dressing quickly. Once finished he gave Hermione a long kiss. "It sound good, but you're looking through the peephole when it's time for me to nip into the elf tunnels. I'll meet you in the great hall after your shower love."
Despite the longer route through the elf tunnels he managed to beat Hermione to the Great Hall by at least fifteen minutes. He decided to wait for her outside of the hall. When she finally did round the corner and make her way to him he could tell she was agitated by something.
He fell into step beside her as she crossed the threshold. "You okay?"
"I'm fine Harry. Ron just proved why I didn't want to be Prefect this year."
"Uh-huh. What he do now?"
"He was just Ron. I was just walking out the Portrait hole when I heard him confiscate a Fanged Frisbee from some fourth year. He didn't do it because it was against the rules; he did it because he always wanted one. It just irritated me is all."
"Was Lavender about when it happened?"
"O yes, giggling."
Harry laughed at her comment. "You expected less? You said it yourself: they're both irresponsible. Besides, I think she fancies him. I heard Parvati talking to Padma a few moments ago about it. If she does fancy him, I hope his table manners have improved. I'm sure he will disgust her as soon as she sees him eating otherwise."
"Ugh. Don't remind me."
Both teens sat at the table and began sorting out their breakfast. It didn't take long for McGonagall to finish speaking to Neville when McGonagall came their way.
"Good morning Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. Now, I am going to assume you have not gotten your O.W.L.s yet. Is this correct?"
"Pretty much Professor." Harry answered.
"Very well, let's see here…" They waited while she went through the records in her hands. "Ah yes, Mr. Potter. Charms, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration all seem to be in order with passing marks well enough to continue. I was most pleased with your Transfiguration O.W.L. Mr. Potter. Very Pleased. With Professor Slughorn now teaching Potions you do have the option of continuing on with it. As you are aware Professor Snape would take no one with an Exceeds but as he has moved on to the post of Defense the way is open for you. Is it still your ambition to be an Auror Mr. Potter?"
"Possibly. It's still something I am interested in but I don't know if it will be something I will go with once out of school."
"Well, you might as well attempt N.E.W.T.s in the mean time until you decide one way or the other then Mr. Potter. There are many fine vocations that require most if not all of the same N.E.W.T.s should you seek a change at a later date. Ms. Granger you are cleared for all subjects. Which were you interested in taking?"
"Arithmancy, Runes, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Charms, Potions, and Transfiguration Professor." Hermione promptly stated.
"Very well." McGonagall tapped her wand on each of their parchments, setting their schedules. "Wait here for me to finish with our house, and we shall depart to Diagon Ally for your supplies."
Hermione waited until their Professor left before turning back to Harry. "You know you could easily get an exemption to get into Arithmancy and Runes if you wanted to Harry."
Harry smiled at her but shook his head. "Sorry love. They are interesting in their own way, but Spell Crafting is your interest, not mine."
"Oh very well, I still think you would do well if you gave it a go. Look how far you've come learning the basics for Ward reading."
"I can always continue self-studying for that Hermione," Harry stated while comparing their schedules. "We still have five classes together. I honestly have no idea how you are going to keep up with seven N.E.W.T. class loads."
"I'll manage Harry. When is our first class due to start?"
Harry took a few moments comparing their schedules. "Looks like we have Defense just before lunch. We should be well back for that joy. Not sure how I feel about greasy gits before meal time."
"Maybe it won't be so bad."
Harry snorted in response but continued. "I've still got my money on Nargles attacking him. They will too if I have anything to say about it." Hermione snorted at him but didn't comment. "Alright, So then lunch. After that you have Arithmancy while I have a free period then on to Potions. After Defense do you think you can set up the trunk somewhere so I can sift through our 'notes'?"
"You should take that time to do your homework for Defense Harry. You know he's going to assign some and N.E.W.T. work is really advanced. The bar does not so much curve as completely bend ninety degrees."
"It would be nice to have you copy from me for once." Harry joked to her earning an eye roll in the process.
When Professor McGonagall finished with all their housemates they took a trip to her Transfiguration Classroom and stepped through the Floo taking them to Diagon Alley. Harry greeted Tom the old barkeep warmly when they passed him moving into the Alley proper. Neither of the teens was prepared for how dead it was on the other side of the brick wall.
"Good lord Professor. It wasn't like this when we stayed here at the start of holidays." Harry stated as he looked from one closed up shop to another.
"Yes I am afraid with the current knowledge of You Know Who's return some people have decided to seek new horizons for their businesses."
The people they did see stayed in tight, huddled packs. Eyes shifting to anything that moved, heads bowed and shoulders slumped as if it would help them remain unnoticed by the unseen forces about them. No one talked, there was no joking, no haggling, and nothing remained of the feel of the place they had known these last few years. Fear seemed to steam from every surface of the place and choke what little life tried to flourish.
Hermione's next comment summed up his thoughts on the matter. "This is depressing."
McGonagall didn't reply, but strode purposefully with her head held high to the Apothecary for their first stopping stop. Harry did note several people they passed seemed to straighten up after observing her seemingly walking about her day completely unconcerned.
After getting a new cauldron each and a far more varied and extensive selection than they actually needed in potion ingredients they proceeded to Flourish and Blotts to acquire their course books. Harry chuckled when Hermione picked up a few extras. Professor McGonagall either did not see her add or had purposefully ignored Hermione's natural tendency to acquire every book she didn't own. Then it was off to Madam Malkins for their school clothes. The same theme greeted them with each business they entered. Few patrons, grateful shopkeepers who seemed relieved to see paying customers, and a nervousness and paranoia that seemed almost infectious. It was making the hair stand on the back of his neck. He could feel from his lover she was not unaffected by it and even McGonagall had started to dart her eyes about her with more frequency. Hermione had just talked Professor McGonagall into allowing them to pick up a few things at the Magical Menagerie on the basis that Hedwig would be upset if they didn't get her fresh owl treats when the three of them were stopped cold by the garish and incredibly eye catching building that sat almost across from Gringotts.
It was orange. That was the first impression that registered in his mind. Orange. What followed was the color purple. He felt his eyes water a bit as he stood there trying to take in the display case in the window full of shrieking, bubbling, and exploding items. As it all sunk in he couldn't help but start laughing. His laughter startled several people in a tight knot who had also stopped to look at the shop but Harry didn't pay them any mind. This was exactly the sort of building the Twins would own. It didn't so much as grab your attention as pick you up and slap you silly.
"Oh my…" He heard from their eloquent Head of House. Her comment finally brought Hermione from her daze at the sight before them getting her to laugh with him.
"We have to go in there. Please Professor?" Harry asked still trying to control his mirth.
Professor McGonagall seemed to think about it for a moment before she replied. "Well, as a Hogwarts Professor it would be unseemly to be seen in a store with such obvious rule breaking merchandise… but I suppose we can just have a quick gander so I can update the ban list…"
Both teens smiled widely while all three walked forward and entered the shop. Harry and Hermione's smile was not diminished on seeing the interior. If anything it was even more eye catching with all the various shelves of strange and familiar items everywhere. Professor McGonagall looked about before deciding which isle to start with.
"Welcome to Weasley Wizard Wheezes!" Both of them turned to the sight of one of the twins walking toward them from the counter.
"Harry!" Fred greeted him once he recognized him. "Unless George has finally found a way to send me over the deep, isn't this is a school day? I'm so proud you're skiving off school and to come to our shop too." Fred mimed wiping away a tear before he turned to Hermione. "And the lovely Ms. Granger as well. You know, you two have been all the talk amongst the Order this summer. You two are a bit of a tough act to follow you know."
Harry laughed at his antics. "You were bored anyway and you know it. We heard at the feast last night you got a blanket ban on all your stuff. Neat trick that."
"We're quite proud of that actually. Even Zonkos merchandise is allowed at Hogwarts, mostly. Course, as we all know well, if you want something to go the rounds at Hogwarts, ban it. So, we do a pretty steady business that way."
Hermione looked around taking in the few customers that were about. "I hope your mail order service is doing better. It looks like even your store is suffering from the wretchedness that seems to be hanging over the Alley."
"Have no fear my Lady, business is exceptionally well at the moment, but yes, most of it is through our Mail Order service. We've cautioned everyone that we can't guarantee delivery at Hogwarts, but we've managed to get quite a bit through. If you could have seen the crowds we had before term started you would have worries."
"You know what the deal is with the Alley? It was completely normal earlier this summer."
Fred nodded sadly. "Yeah, there have been a few disappearances and a couple of attacks in Muggle areas. You remember Igor Karkaroff? Found him dead in a shack somewhere not long ago with the Dark Mark hanging over it. There was a big attack against Minister Bones before she became Minister. Rumor has it that You Know Who was there himself. We think it's the lull that's eating at people. He's not done anything since that attack and people are running themselves ragged worried he is building to something big. Course that means Either Azkaban, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, the Ministry, or here. There are only so many big targets. Talk amongst most in the alley is that he'll hit here. We know Hogwarts was fitted with some wicked wards and even has Auror patrols now so you can wager Dumbledore thinks he'll go for Hogwarts. Dad says people at the Ministry think he'll hit there so you sort of get the idea."
"Blind panic. I read he did the same thing last time." Hermione stated getting a resigned nod from Fred.
"Yeah not very original, our resident Dark Lord. He is effective though."
Suddenly, Harry found his hand being energetically shook by George, who just rounded the corner of one of the shelves. "Good to see you Harry. Had the tour yet?"
Harry shook his head which prompted George to lead the way showing them a wide variety of Wonder Witch products ranging from pimple vanisher, hair gels, love potions and their own Patient Day Dreams. Joke cauldrons, edible dark marks, an entire wall dedicated to various Skiving Snack Box items, and even Muggle Magic Tricks.
"The big earners though don't come from the front of the shop but from back here." Fred stated while holding open a black curtain. Inside was a more subdued room full of various items. They listened while Fred explained them all.
"Funny how we got into this. We had just finished putting up our shield hats…"
"Thought it was a laugh you know. Get your mates to jinx you and laugh when the spell bounces back." George cut in.
"…when this little ministry witch starts asking us all these questions. Right after Minister Bones got elected we got these massive orders. They bought over five hundred for their support staff and more is pouring in every day."
"It was stunning to realize there were so many wizards and witches who can't even do a decent shield charm. But, they didn't have you teaching them Harry."
Fred nodded to his brother's point. "It won't stop an Unforgiveable mind, but it will block at least one or two low to moderate jinxes and curses. So we came up with this whole line of defense products for your common man. Just on an off chance they might be interested we sent an updated list to the Ministers office and we've been crushed under the demand."
"Had to hire three people just to help with production. Those are Decoy Detonators. Handy when you need a distraction. We also have a whole range of shield items now. Hats, gloves, cloaks ect. Madam Malkin helps with those making those. Extendable Ears, Peruvian Darkness Powder, had to import that. Just about everything you can think of for making a quick escape, protecting yourself or doing something you shouldn't."
Harry looked around at all the items. He recognized quite a few of them from the market they stopped in when they hit the market in Peru. "No wonder you guys got a ban."
"Indeed."
Fred and George jumped at the completely unexpected arrival of their ex-Head of House. Both sported looks reminiscent of small children with their hands caught in the cookie jar.
"Professor! How… unexpected!" Fred stated when he recovered.
"I would imagine so Mr. Weasley." The stern Transfiguration Professor stated. She held them in the same disapproving glare she had when they had been caught in mischief before a slight smirk appeared on her face. "I am exceedingly happy to see you both are doing very well for yourselves. I must say it is good to finally see you two apply yourselves to something more productive than writing lines in my classroom."
While the twins gaped like goldfish out of water she turned her attention to her charges. "It is getting late. We should return."
Harry and Hermione nodded. "Can I have just a moment more? I wanted to ask them something before we head back." Harry pushed an apology to Hermione. "Privately if I could."
"Very well Mr. Potter. I shall be right outside when you have finished. Come along Ms. Granger."
He felt puzzlement from Hermione and sent reassurance. She nodded saying her goodbyes to the twins. Once Hermione and Professor McGonagall had left Harry turned to the Weasleys. "Two things, actually. One, do you know what the deal is with Ron and Ginny?"
The twins looked at each other for a few moments before they turned back to Harry. "Well, Mum and Dad had a row about you and Hermione running off. We weren't there but Ginny told us about it."
Fred nodded. "Honestly Harry, we don't know much but if it has anything to do with you and Hermione we want you to know it won't change our friendship."
George nodded while Harry sighed. "Thanks guys. Last thing before Professor McGonagall comes back in here, do you know of any way out of the castle that is not on the map? Maybe a way that the teachers even don't know?"
Fred gave Harry a shrewd look. "Can we ask why?"
"Nothing against you Harry but it's sort of the only way we have to get past the screens. Our business would suffer if it gets found."
Harry smiled reassuringly. "I've been trying to find a way for Hermione to see her parents on the weekends but I've not had any luck doing it magically. When we came through all the extra security it ruined all the plans I had made up to that point."
"Ah, trying to get in their good books then?"
"More like trying to get them to at the very least tolerate me. I don't think there is anything I can ever do to get in their good books after our last talk. If it helps, this would mean a lot to Hermione too. The run was hard on her; she's very close to her parents."
Again both twins looked to each other before answering. "Alright Harry. Talk to Abe."
"Who?"
"Crazy escaped mental patient looking bloke with a goat fetish that runs the Hogs Head, you remember him don't you? Saw him last year when you first started the D.A. There's a way to get to his bar through the Room of Requirement. Better yet, talk to Colin. Tell him you have a 'Peeves worthy idea'. He'll show you how to get into the tunnel."
"Creevy?"
Fred laughed at Harry's confusion. "Yeah, believe it or not, he's our man at Hogwarts. We give him a share of the profits for every order he mails us and he and his brother deliver them through the tunnel. It's a very good arrangement all said and both have proven to be able to keep it all on the quiet. We tested them on a few things last year before we did our own runner."
"Why not just send all your stuff that way?"
"If we did that they would know we got past the screens. This way they don't know better. It keeps the staff on their toes. Be a shame to let their wit falter without us there to keep them sharp."
"Alright then. So what does Abe get out of this?" Harry asked.
George smiled widely. "He gets to annoy Dumbledore."
XxXDaRXxX
Freshly changed into their school robes with their new books Harry and Hermione walked together to their first class of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry filled in on his plan on how she would get out of the castle during the week in by sharing his memories of the talk he had with the twins. In turn she shared with him several emotions and thoughts on how she was going to pay him back. The result was Harry was practically drooling by the time he realized he was taking his seat in the classroom itself. As he snapped out of his own thoughts about her planned thank you he noticed the naughty smirk on her face while she settled herself into the seat next to him.
All happy thoughts however died a sudden and violent death when Snape spoke. "When I want you to open your books I will tell you to do so."
Harry hadn't even bothered to take his book out yet having been caught up in Hermione's inventive imagination. He was one of few who hadn't. Snape waited drawing the moment out until every student had their eyes on him and every book that was out was closed. Harry listened to his start of class speech. Snape slowly and in low tones almost forcing people to concentrate harder on each word he spoke. Harry ignored his comments on prior teachers, as aside from Professor Lupin or Professor Moody his own opinion mirrored them. Snape walked around the classroom pointing to various disturbing paintings or pictures to illustrate his points on the multitude of Dark Arts that existed. Harry found himself nodding along to Snapes point that a person's defenses needed to be equally varied. The man was a self-centered pillock, but Harry could find no fault in anything he had said thus far. It was an eye opener for most in the class.
"I don't expect a tenth of you to achieve a N.E.W.T. in this class. There is a certain amount of concentration and mind-power needed to perform silent spell casting. Few can bring themselves to the task of mastering this art." Harry had to fight the smirk when he looked directly at him.
"Disarming jinxes and Shield Charms. We will now divide into pairs. Half will attempt to disarm your opponent. The other half will attempt to defend. This will happen in complete silence. Carry on."
Harry rose along with everyone else and moved into position while Snape paired them off. Ron was opposite him. His face was practically purple within a few moments and Harry could tell he had clenched his jaw. What he couldn't figure was if it was to stop himself from speaking or if he was as angry as Harry thought he was. Minutes passed with nothing coming from him but he kept himself ready hoping Ron would do it.
Hermione had ended up paired with Neville, but unlike Ron, he couldn't stop himself from muttering the incantation under his breath. Hermione looked bored while she effortlessly reflected each one with the standard Protego. He could hear her giving him advice off and on while he waited on Ron to cast something. Most of the class was struggling with doing it silently. Whether intentional or not, a great amount of cheating was happening. He allowed himself to be distracted wondering since Snape wasn't correcting anyone or offering any advice on how to do it properly if he should.
"Pathetic Weasley. This is the correct method." Harry snapped his attention back to his own project noticing Snape standing to the side of him. His draw was so fast Harry reacted on pure instinct.
Snape's jinx flew at him faster than his draw. He felt a spike of anger from Hermione at the attack, but he ignored it. Harry wandlessly summoned a dueler's shield charm on his left arm giving the jinx a backhanded swing. The result was a flash of spellfire as he batted it away while he simultaneously set his own wand on Snape. He felt Hermione's wince when the jinx rebounded with even greater speed directly into Ron felling him as if someone had clubbed him across the face. Harry couldn't spare any thought for Ron's fate, keeping his own wand rock steady on Snape and holding himself back from counter attacking as every instinct within him was screaming for him to do so.
Snape for his part only raised an eyebrow at the incident. "Lower your wand Potter. I do believe I told you to defend only."
Harry didn't move his arm an inch but kept assessing Snape looking for any evidence from his body posture that would signal a second attack. The entire class watched as he kept his wand on their Professor until he felt reassurance from Hermione that she was with him. Only then did he slowly and reluctantly lower his wand.
"My instructions were to use the Shield Charm Mr. Potter. Was there something in that statement you did not understand?"
Harry kept his eyes steady on Snape. "The Duelers Shield worked better in that situation…sir."
"Yes. As evidenced by the fact Mr. Weasley is unconscious on my floor."
Harry took a calming breath to keep himself from retaliating. He could feel Hermione fueling him with her love which helped him a great deal. It was everything she could give him to prevent him from aggravating this situation any further. In a combat situation his ally wouldn't be standing there bare arsed in the breeze so there was absolutely nothing wrong with his defense. At least, he would hope his ally wouldn't be doing that or it would be a short fight. Despite what he wanted to say or do at this moment he silently nodded once to the hated man before him grudgingly accepting the rebuke.
"Now, that Mr. Potter has finished with yet another example of his poor choices, let us resume our activities…"
The rest of the class passed quickly after Snape enervated Ron and changed up the line. By the end of class only Harry or Hermione could cast either spell silently. Any decent professor would have awarded points, but instead they all received extensive and complicated homework on the fundamental breakdowns of both spells and how silent spell casting affected them. Except for Harry, who received an extra essay on the pros and cons of different defenses when there were innocent bystanders present.
As they sat down to lunch Harry tried to purge his anger over the situation. Hermione helped by rubbing his back with on hand. "I love you Harry but you had to have known something like this was going to happen after our stunt yesterday."
"I know. This does not help with Ron though."
He was surprised when Hermione chuckled.
He turned to look at his lover in surprise. "Oh come on, Harry. He's been ignoring us since we came back. However I doubt he was able to ignore that jinx to his face. Maybe next time he'll be a better friend, or dodge at least. I'm sorry he got hurt but it feels like justice to me."