Harry Potter and the Six Founders

Chapter 4 - Rest and Recuperation

Grimauld Place

Remus woke up first. He sensed the warm presence of Tonks against him and closed his eyes, he felt more peaceful than he could remember being. Why did I wait so long?

He knew that he had refrained from looking for love for many years. One major reason had been his werewolf condition but there had been another deeper one, linked to James and Lily Potter's death. I was disgusted with life, and with living.

And now he had another chance, although to be honest Tonks had not hinted at any long term commitment. I'll have to be careful of that. Accepting the present and not hoping for anything beyond.

At one time he would have proudly rejected such an arrangement. When I was young, foolish, and stupid. Even now it smacked of desertion toward Harry to think about himself when... When Harry probably has his own girl in his arms. He's not a child who needs a parent anymore. He's becoming a man who needs friends and partners.

I'll be more help to Harry with Tonks at my side than alone. No moral dilemma at all. What more could I ask?

He felt her shifting in the bed next to him. A smiling face suddenly appeared under a green shock of hair.

"Hmm, that was good," she winked at him. "Wouldn't you say that it was exactly what was needed?"

"You will get no arguments from me woman," he replied grinning. He kissed her and she came into his arms.

They held each other silently for a moment. Gradually their thoughts returned to the outside world.

"I missed some action yesterday," she asked. "You'll have to tell me what happened."

"It was a big moment. Dumbledore's plan worked faster than we could hope. He only took me into the confidence at the last minute, but the bet with Hermione paid off big."

She nodded, aware of some details he hadn't known. The plan to reconstitute the protections around Harry in Grimauld Place had been discussed within the Order in her presence. It had remained theorical because the key ingredient, Harry's potential partner, had been unknown at the time.

"What happened was more powerful that anybody expected, except Dumbledore probably," explained Remus. "Everybody else seems to underestimate these kids. He told me that this place is now better protected from Voldemort than Hogwarts."

Tonks whistled in admiration. Then she had a side thought.

"It'll nice to have a fall back position if things go real bad, or an escape route if one of us is captured."

"I'm amazed to hear you speak of falling back," he teased her. "I thought you Gung Ho Aurors never retreated."

She shot him back a cool look.

"Would you like a demonstration of my Auror offensive powers?" she menaced.

"Please no, I'm still recovering from the last assault. It's lucky that a werewolf can regenerate," he replied laughing.

She hit him with her pillow and jumped on him. He fell back on the bed and they rolled together in a mock fight.

"Did you notice how the others grouped around Harry?" he said, going back to what happened this morning.

"They've been through fire and hell together," she acquiesced. "It builds a bond that never goes away." Her voice expressed awe and longing. They'll be a unit now.

Remus looked at her and wondered.

"You sound as if you yearn for some of that yourself?"

She nodded.

"Yes, you can call it warrior's mystic but it's very strong. Sometimes when a combat unit suffers a terrible battle, some of the survivors will stay together, and become a powerful fighting force. They will defend better, destroy more enemies and rally others around them." She turned to him.

"Dumbledore knew what he was doing, and he can probably control them, but basically they belong to themselves now."

"And they will look up to Harry," he added.

"I think that we are expected to help train Harry as a leader," she said. "This is only the first step."

"Yes. Dumbledore's Army and then something more," acquiesced Remus.

They reflected for a moment on the alternative training group, which the three students had initiated last year to replace their failing Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher. It had shown an unexpected appeal to students from several houses, a rare instance of cooperation, and for Harry it had been a good occasion to develop leadership skills and win direct respect from his peers.

The group had also been Hermione's idea.

She smiled.

"I saw them going up together."

Remus frowned.

"Surely you don't think..."

"No," she reassured him. "They will come to it slowly. That's normal for sensitive kids." She grinned "Not like us, my lecherous wolf."

He reacted in mock indignation.

"What do you mean lecherous! I was shamelessly seduced, that's what happened."

"And you loved it."

"And I love it."

The Burrow

The Weasley family arrived at their home in a subdued atmosphere.

They hadn't talked much, each one of them digesting the morning's events in their own way. For the first time, Ron and Ginny felt much closer to each other than to their parents. Arthur and Molly sensed this, and it bothered them, especially Molly who had always been very emotionally involved in her children.

"Before you go and get your things, would you care to talk for a moment?" asked Arthur. He glanced at his wife who took the hint and went upstairs. Ron and Ginny looked at each other and nodded.

Their father led them into the living room, and he made a point of looking at the clock which showed the location of every member of the Weasley family. It showed the four of them At Home and the others At Work. He noted that, as they followed his gaze, their expressions softened a little. Yes you're part of a family, kids. We're not your enemy. Remember this no matter what else you may think.

In addition to being a senior member of the Order, Arthur was also one the most trusted confident of Dumbledore, and privy to many of his plans. And plans within plans. As they had often discussed Harry, he had been less surprised that the others by the morning's events.

But he had not anticipated the violence.

He decided that truth was now the better approach with his children.

"Dumbledore had warned me, more or less, but nothing he said could have made me understand Harry the way you do now," he admitted.

After a moment they acknowledged this, but they still held themselves distant.

"I'm sorry about the way it happened, and however things turn out, I want you to know that I'm very proud of you, and that I will respect your decision." He paused. "And of course, I still love you."

As Ron's face twisted awkwardly, he knew that his words had achieved the desired effect.

"Dad, please, we don't really blame you for... what happened," he said. "We understand the situation a little better now. But one thing that was said still stands. You can't treat us as children anymore," Ginny nodded in confirmation.

"We'll make our own decisions, and live by them," she added, ready to argue with all of her considerable stubbornness.

Arthur sighted. Well, let's call it peace but not surrender. I expected as much, and to be truthful, I feared worse.

"And we love you and Mom. We just need to get away a little."

Ginny went up to her father and hugged him. Then they went and made up with Molly, which was a much more emotional scene, but in the end the Weasley family was whole again.

Except for Percy.

Grimauld Place

Harry and Hermione woke up in each other's arms, and they savored it as another little step of their new life. They felt deliciously relaxed and at peace with the world. They looked forward to many such pleasant and exciting discoveries in the coming days, and they were determined to make the most of it.

"Hello love," he said softly.

"Hello my love," she replied, smiling.

Hermione's hand caressed Harry's face and brushed a lock of hair away. She traced his scar gently.

"Does it still hurt you?" she asked.

"No. I had some of the usual twinges these past days. Nothing since I'm here."

"So the house does protect you?" Fascinating.

"Dumbledore implied that it could. That would really be nice, also..." his voice trailed, and then he chuckled.

"What is it?"

"I had this crazy thought. You know that the scar hurts most when Voldemort is angry or feels a strong emotion." She nodded uneasily. "Well maybe there could be a reverse effect." He looked at her. "Maybe when I'm kissing you in ecstasy, I can make him feel a terrible pain."

She barely smiled at that. It was funny, but she couldn't yet make herself laugh at their arch-enemy.

Full of energy, he got up and walked around the room.

"You know I haven't had a chance to really explore this place." He went to look at the desk. My desk, in my room, in my house.

Someone had thoughtfully arranged it. On the side was a picture frame with a moving display of his parents waving at him. He took it and looked at them pensively. Mom, Dad. How I wish you could be here with me now.

He replaced the frame. There was a box of quills, ink pots, a blotter and a very old looking book. On the book was a letter marked For Harry. He recognized Sirius's writing.

He opened it.

Harry,

I found this while cleaning up the attic, and I think that it will interest you. Read it and we'll talk about it with Dumbledore.

Sirius

Hermione got up and went next to him. He showed her the letter and examined the book. One last gift from Sirius.

The title was written on the first page: The Sword and the Snake - The Gryffindor-Slytherin Legacy.

It seemed to be a book about the lives of Gothic Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, placed around the time Hogwarts was built.

"You will want to look at this too," he said to Hermione. "It should make an interesting addition to your favorite book."

Hermione examined the volume and agreed. She gave him back Sirius's letter with a sober face. "Are you all right?" she asked, concerned about his possible reaction.

"Well I'm a little sad, but I'm done breaking up whenever I think about Sirius," he replied. "I guess I've finished mourning him."

He looked up decisively.

"We haven't had a real discussion about our plans, you and I. Why don't we make a cup of tea, sit down somewhere and talk?"

"I'd like that."

They went to the kitchen to assemble a nice snack, and they transported it to a spot on the grass, near the pool. Hermione looked around and reflected that the house was very quiet.

"I guess we weren't the only ones taking a nap," Harry said looking at her with a toothy grin. "I really think this is going to be a great summer." I wonder if she's going to blush.

"Don't let your imagination run out of hand Mister Potter," she replied coolly. "We were supposed to talk seriously."

"Yes Hermione." He managed to keep a straight face for about four seconds.

They burst out laughing.

This is really going to be a great summer.

Harry wanted to get one particular item out the way as quickly as possible.

"Let's talk about Dobby first," he proposed.

"Right," she replied. "What's your position on the subject?"

My position is that I wish I'd never heard of House Elves.

"Dobby is a free Elf and currently employed by Hogwarts," Harry stated carefully. "I don't know how he came to be working here." But I can guess.

"He is my friend," he continued. After all I'm the one who freed him. "I want him to be happy, and that means being free to do want he wants, within reasonable limits. If he wants to be paid for his services I am quite ready to participate."

"He's paid a pittance by Dumbledore!" protested Hermione.

Harry opened his mouth then closed it. Dobby is simply a case in point. I have to come to an understanding with her about Elves in general, and then we'll apply that to him.

"Can we consider the situation of House Elves in general?" he asked her. She nodded.

He reviewed his thoughts, took a deep breath and launched himself.

"First of all, I agree that holding intelligent creatures in bondage is immoral, and when mistreatment is added it becomes despicable." Hermione nodded vigorously.

"Second. I was practically in that situation with the Dursleys, so maybe I have some rights to a moral stand on this too." That was a good argument. He paused and looked at Hermione who nodded again after a moment.

"Third. I commend your commitment to improve the situation of House Elves. I know that you do it for highly ethical reasons, and I love you for that, as well as for other things." They both smiled but Hermione's was guarded.

"Fourth. I think you should ask yourself several questions and I'm not sure that you have. Namely:"

"Why doesn't Winky, or the other Hogwarts House Elves, adhere to your plan?" Hermione lost her smile and frowned.

"What is your goal exactly? Do you want them to be happy or do you want to impose an objectively fair social organization, whatever the actual consequences to those concerned?" I'm going to get burned on this but I have to say it.

Effectively Hermione's eyes flared and her mouth tightened into a thin line, but she said nothing. For now. Harry swallowed and continued.

"What is the best strategy to attain your goal? It may not be the most direct." Hermione stayed put.

"Did you consider creatures other than House Elves, such as Centaurs and Werewolves?" She nodded.

"Fifth. If you can convince me that you have a goal with a reasonable chance of doing some good, I am willing to fund SPEW more than reasonably." Her face became kinder.

"Sixth. Until this thing with Voldemort is done with, I think you should enlist the help of someone to handle the day to day operation of SPEW." The frown came back immediately.

"Seventh. I suggest that we talk to Dumbledore about this. He once expressed to me some sentiments similar to yours. We should also talk to Hagrid, Remus and of course to Dobby."

Harry stopped talking and proceeded to pour himself a cup of tea and drink it quickly. Now I'll know if I've ruined the day by starting a major fight with her.

Hermione reviewed Harry's arguments silently. At least he's not indifferent to the subject, she thought.

I'm ok with most of his points, and I have to at least think about the others.

Harry was still waiting for her response. She was taking her time, and he was beginning to get nervous.

"Thank you Harry," she finally said. She couldn't help smiling as he let out the breath he'd been holding.

Well maybe we're not going to have that fight after all. Harry thought, keeping his expression guarded.

"I accept some of your arguments, but I have some counter points for you," she pursued.

"First. The attitudes of Kreacher, Winky and even Dobby, are proof that the current system alienates House Elves, and that it does something to them which is akin to brainwashing. The fact that magic enters into it makes it even worse."

"Second. The history of slave liberation, in the muggle world, supports the need for a moral stand to push for reforms. Simple common sense is not enough. SPEW will provide that moral stand."

"Third. I agree that the most important thing is to define a more precise goal for SPEW," she continued. "So I will think about it and stop badgering you with this for now." He wants to use logic to debate with me, fine. I just need to refine one or two things, and then I'll corner him like a rat.

Her smile was unsettling. It was the kind she showed when she was playing chess, two of three moves before calling out a checkmate.

"Fourth. I'll take your position as being supportive of mine, as soon as I find a working strategy for improving the situation of House Elves and the other magical minorities."

Harry's expression was both relieved and wary.

Well I think I won the first round, barely, but I'm not very confident for the second, he thought. Better move on to lighter matters.

He closed the subject in the best manner he could think of. He bent his face toward hers and kissed her lips.

"So, aside from that project, what do you plan to do after graduation?" he asked her, pouring another cup of tea for both of them.

"I haven't decided on a specific career," she answered. "Although I would want to be a very powerful and respected witch."

"Someone like Dumbledore?"

"Well I don't expect to be as powerful as him," she said. Like hell you don't, "But I would like to be someone to whom people would turn to for help in difficult situations."

He pondered this.

"To be really efficient, you would need to anticipate those needs, and not simply wait for people to come to you," he said after some consideration.

The same thought occurred to both of them. And from that the next step is to start influencing people. And since you're very powerful you can do it you will do it more and more and end up manipulating them, unless you restrain yourself.

Hermione realized that the problem was a bit more complex that she'd thought, and she said so.

"I understand Dumbledore's attitude a little better now," Harry agreed. "And I realize we don't know much about his strategy."

"He manipulates us all. At least a little, but maybe not as much as he could have," she said. Does it bother me?

"Yes, do you resent it?" Harry's expression made it plain he didn't. Harry seemed to have total confidence in the Headmaster.

"No, like you, I trust that his intentions are good. For now". We should still expect other surprises.

"And it didn't turn out too badly."

He extended his hand to her. She took it and smiled.

"No. It didn't."

They looked at each other for a moment.

"And what about you?" she asked him. "What will you do after graduation?"

"Marry you!"

"Harry!" Do you really mean it? "It's too soon to talk about that!"

He laughed.

"No. Of course you're right. I probably should date other girls. To make sure, you know."

"Harry! You're exasperating!"

"I love it when you react like that." He kissed her and continued in a serious voice. "To answer your question, well I had planned on becoming an Auror, but I don't think that's all that I want."

"What about Quidditch, as a professional player?"

It was his turn to show a malicious smile.

"Like Viktor you mean?"

She refused to be baited.

"Yes Mister Harry Potter, like Viktor Krum, who is a very good friend of mine and nothing more."

Harry roared with laugher.

"Touché!" he said, and sobered. "Ok, professional Quidditch might interest me, but I doubt it. I'll probably just play as a serious amateur."

"Why do you want to be an Auror?"

He thought about it for a moment.

"Actually it's a bit like you. Being powerful and defending others. I suppose the fact that Dad was one also makes it a natural choice." He gave an embarrassed smile. "And like you there's also the glamour of it."

They stayed silent a moment once more.

"Presented like that our plans do look a bit childish," said Hermione. "I think we'll have to find better goals."

"It's lucky that we have two more years to go, and Voldemort to defeat, before having to make any decision," he said and chuckled.

She was astonished. Voldemort! He's making jokes about Voldemort when most people can't bear to hear that name, let alone speak it. Now I know he's really all right. But maybe he's overdoing it a little.

She told him so and he agreed.

"You're right. Call it over compensation to my previous attitude." He smiled at her. "And euphoria because of you. But there is also a sense of having passed a stage where he's not going to frighten me any more." He became serious. "He may yet hurt or kill me, or others, and I really hate him, but I don't fear him anymore."

Hermione was uplifted by his determination, but she wasn't as confident for herself. I however, still feel fear, for me, for him, and for others.

She hadn't really faced danger like he had. During the last battle they had fought as a group, caught up in the immediacy and heat of the action. She knew she had enough basic courage to do well in such circumstances, but what would happen if she had to face up, alone, to the kind of evil they were against? How would she react to terrible pain, against her or her friends? Would she be able to go beyond her fear and act decisively? I don't know. All I know is that I'm not as strong as he is.

The doubts and fear showed in her face, and she didn't want Harry to see them. She didn't want him to be ashamed of her. She hid into his arms, partly for comfort, but also to hide her weakness. But she couldn't prevent the trembling.

"Hermione?" He was concerned.

She spoke in a little voice, quite unlike her usual forceful manner.

"I'm afraid - Harry I don't know. I'm so frightened of what might happen." Her imagination replayed some of the horrors which had already happened. It conjured variants of those things happening to her, or to her parents. "Harry - I'm sorry but I don't think I'm as brave as you. I'm sorry. I'll try but..."

"Love. I'm not brave just by myself. It's something all of you are giving to me. Even if I were alone you'd be in my heart and that would help. I will give you the same thing."

She tried to reason herself, but a terrible thought came into her mind. I will only be able to overcome my fear after facing, and surviving the same kind of ordeal as he faced. She was terrified at the idea of physical pain or injury, but she knew that it was something she couldn't hope escaping. I have to steel myself for this. When it comes I must be ready. Harry had done it, but he hadn't had to think about it beforehand. She would also have to fight against the fear of anticipation.

Harry realized some of what she must be thinking. He remembered the terror of looking at Voldemort in the graveyard. He took her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him.

"Hermione. Look at me." She met his gaze, desperately trying to control herself.

"Hermione!" She nodded.

He spoke with as much conviction as he could muster.

"Whatever happens, you must never give up." She looked at him and tried to extract strength from his eyes.

"Remember this. I will never abandon you Hermione. I will always find a way to help you. Never lose hope. Promise me that," he said earnestly.

She would cling to that. To the knowledge that he would be there for her. She nodded and tried to smile. He took her in his arms and caressed her hair, speaking soft soothing words while she clung to him.

More time passed in silence and then he spotted Remus and Tonks coming out of the house.

"We're going to have company. Our guardians are back." Hermione followed his gaze and they waved at the adults to join them.

"Wipe your eyes," he teased her, "or they'll think we're already having arguments."

"By the way, I think Tonks is looking radiant," he whispered maliciously in her ear while his hand caressed her lower back. She laughed and wrestled him to the ground.

"Harry! Don't you think about anything else?" she accused half seriously. He didn't resist and looked at her confidently without saying anything.

She found it annoying, until she spotted a trace of seriousness on his face.

"I think mostly of you," he answered softly, "and I will only fight against the things I don't want."

He's telling me that he accepts things now and that I should do the same. She realized he was both talking about her fears and her attitude to other things.

I'm not hung up about sex! Well ok, maybe a little. But it's not something trivial! Am I unconformable about physical things? Like pain and pleasure? She was sitting on top of Harry. She didn't mind touching him, she liked it but she wanted to control the pace. But I won't always be able to do it. Is that what I really fear? Being overwhelmed by something physical that I can't control?

The old reflexes came back. When she had questions about something, she wanted answers, and if she couldn't find them out by herself then she consulted books, or other people.

"Are we interrupting anything?" asked Tonks pleasantly. She was still holding Remus' hand.

Hermione turned her head. It's true that she looks lovely, and I'm very happy for Remus. She remembered their morning conversation and smiled at the couple.

"No, actually we were talking about the future," she replied.

Remus' right eyebrow moved up.

"And what about it?"

She turned to look at Harry again.

"I don't know about everyone, but I will need some help and training - in several subjects."

"That's what we're here for," answered Remus, smiling.

"We'll make the most of it. Would you like some tea?"

A little later, Ron and Ginny arrived back from the Burrow. Ginny had a thought to share with them.

"I was thinking that it might be a good thing to invite the entire DA group to a party here for your birthday Harry."

Yes," added Ron, "It would be fun and we could also discuss about how we're going to run it next year."

Everyone agreed. Owls would be sent as soon as possible. It was decided that the best meeting place would in front of the Fred and Georges' shop in Diagon Alley.

"And from there we'll all jump here, using the portkey Dumbledore gave us."

A number of practical details about the organization of the house were discussed. Eventually this led to what Remus and Tonks would need to teach and train them in during the summer.

"What subjects were you considering?" asked Remus returning to the previous conversation with Hermione.

"Well." She had been taking notes. "The main thing we need is combat and defense but that was expected, and you two will review what we did during the DA classes."

"Yes. Tonks and I have started a list."

"I also think that some physical training would be useful," Hermione continued and Harry nodded emphatically. He felt particularly weak after two weeks at the Dursleys.

"Dumbledore also mentioned Apparition. How long will that take?"

"I'm confident that you will learn that in little more than a week, if you're as motivated as I imagine," answered Remus.

He considered the youngsters' earnest faces. They nodded eagerly.

"Harry, and maybe some of us, will need to practice some Occlumency and Legimency." Hermione checked off another item in her list.

Remus and Tonks exchanged a look. Legimency was normally reserved for adult wizards, and even then it's use was rather restricted.

But they could certainly use it.

"I'm okay for it," replied Remus guardedly, "but this is something I will have to check with Dumbledore."

Harry nodded then he thought about something else.

"Will I have to work with Snape again?" he asked anxiously.

"No. You'll have enough of him during the year," answered Tonks.

"But your relations with Snape," said Remus with a grimace, "and mine as well, are something that we'll have to resolve sometime. Especially if I'm going to be around as a teacher this year, which I hope. We'll have to think about that."

"And in addition we need to define a better strategy concerning the Slytherins and on handling the provocations from the likes of Malfoy," added Hermione.

"What do you mean?" asked Harry.

"You remember that every year the Sorting Hat goes on that the four Houses should work together."

"Fat chance of that!" exclaimed Ron.

"But it must be important or it wouldn't say it every time," insisted Hermione. "I wouldn't be surprised if Hogwarts was somehow weaker, in some magical sense, when the Houses are disunited." She turned to Tonks and Remus. "Does that make sense to you?"

Remus thought about it and nodded. "Yes it would. Of course the best person to ask about this is the Headmaster." He looked at her with curiosity. "Are you thinking about something specific?"

"Well," she answered, "I was wondering that Hogwarts has been strangely passive in the fight against Voldemort, and yet it is involved, and not just because of us."

"But I'm missing some information," she went on. "I'm muggle born and there are too many things that I don't really understand about the Wizard world, and especially about the current social organization."

They were all looking at her with serious faces.

"There's a ministry, there are several important and ancient wizard families," she continued, "there are schools, not just Hogwarts, and Hogwarts itself is divided into four Houses, to which some families seem to be closely associated."

"And then we have Dark wizards, who also tend to run in specific families."

"I'm wondering if there are not deeper links with all this. Links that we should perhaps take into account."

She looked at the four pure-bloods.

"Am I talking about things that are obvious to you? It's certainly not among the subjects covered in History of Magic classes - unless I missed something."

Ron, Ginny and Harry exchanged grins. History of Magic was taught by the most boring teacher of the school, a true ghost even, and it only dealt with ancient Goblin rebellions. Nobody paid much attention during classes except for a few fanatics like Hermione.

"You're talking about power structures," said Remus.

"Well, yes. I guess that what I mean."

"All right. In the muggle world, as I understand it, power depends a lot on economic resources and on the size of communities. Money, land, people."

Remus was going into lecture mode.

"In the wizard world there are too few of us for things to be like that."

"Money counts a little but not that much." Ron and Ginny looked embarrassed, as they did whenever that subject came up - the Weasley were not rich. "It is mainly used to pay directly for things and services. The only financial organization is the Gringotts bank - one bank for the entire wizard world."

"What we have is magic, and that's the basic of our power structure. It's not only a matter of individual wizards being more or less powerful, but also of alliances and rituals which go back to the first wizard communities."

"These rituals and alliances are an important source of magical power. A lot of them are jealously guarded secrets. Some depend on particular locations or artifacts."

"Schools like Hogwarts, and organizations like the ministry of magic, are fairly recent developments. Actually Hogwarts is the oldest school and its four Houses system is unique. The other schools are both more homogenous and smaller."

"Concerning the ministry of magic, it has an official organizational chart which represents a superficial repartition of responsibilities which only really applies to mundane day to day business. Underneath that there are a number of interest groups which normally cooperate but only up to where their special interests begin."

"And these interest groups are basically alliances of old families. I am not familiar with the subject but it is possible that the original Hogwarts Houses were an attempt to re-organize these communities."

"As regards the dark wizards, it is a fact that some families are much more likely than others to produce them. The official line is of course that there are no connections, and these occurrences are only separate cases of individual deviations,"

Remus paused.

"I would not be surprised if there was something more, some intrinsic vulnerability, but even if it could be proven, there's probably no way that a family could renounce its heritage without destroying itself."

"In that respect, one reason for the fuss about pure bloods and muggle born is not so much the magical ability of individual wizards, as the fact that pure blood wizards will usually be integrated with the family rituals and both empowered by, and engaged to, the associated heritage."

"Draco!" cried Harry.

"Yes, there's a good chance that the Malfoy family uses dark magic rituals and that Draco is, or will be introduced to them."

"But Voldemort is not a pure blood," remarked Ginny, "and yet he allies with them."

"Well, we know that Tom Riddle is the heir of Slytherin so he can claim that inheritance," answered Hermione. "I think it would be interesting to research some specifics about Dark Wizards and some family lines."

"And we know who the right person to do it is," said Ron grinning at her.

"Yes," she replied. "But I think it would go faster if I could delegate some books reading and note taking to others." She gave him a charming smile. "Thank you for volunteering Ron."

He grimaced as they all laughed at him.

Harry explained that he wanted to start by reading Sirius' book, and therefore he would not be able to assist them immediately. That got him a disgusted look from Ron who nevertheless agreed to help Hermione. Ginny would go with them to the Hogwarts library tomorrow and until then they would make a survey of what books were already at Grimauld Place.

The three of them got up and went into the house.

Harry started reading his book. Tonks announced that she was going home to bring back her things. Remus installed himself comfortably, and he started to take notes to prepare for the Defense and Apparition training.

After a while Hermione, Ginny and Ron came back with a mass of books, quills and notes and organized themselves on the terrace table. For a while the only sound that could be heard was that of pages being turned, and the scribing of notes.

Remus was feeling extremely content. A lot had changed in the last two days and he could look forward to a prolonged period of teaching and special assistance to his friends, and a new love. He reflected that Harry must be in the same disposition.

He looked at the boy, who was engrossed in the life history of ancient wizards. Sirius had talked a little about the book but Remus had not had the occasion to read it yet, beyond skimming a few pages. One thing that Sirius had mentioned was the similarity between the present situation and the time just before the establishment of Hogwarts. It would be interesting to look into the details of that.

Harry looked up to see his guardian looking at him. They smiled at each other in shared complicity before returning to their tasks.

Time passed in quiet activity. After an hour or so Tonks returned, and the sound of trunks and various equipments could be heard inside the house, including some swearing and the sound of something fragile hitting the floor.

"Damm it! Reparo!"

After finishing the third chapter Harry took a break and reflected about what he had read. This is fascinating stuff. I'll have to discuss it with the others.

He got up and approached the table where his friends were studiously going though an impressive pile of volumes taken from the former Black family library. He noticed that Ron was doing a very serious and methodical job of jotting down references. To Harry who had memories of him loathing this sort of 'homework' and usually rushing it sloppily, this was nothing short of amazing.

Ginny was as serious as Hermione but that was less of a surprise. Seeing them work like this Harry was filled with a sense a pride and camaraderie. It was the same feeling he'd had during the DA defense classes. These were his friends, and together they were working as a group, and with him, toward an important goal.

He stood behind Ron and Ginny and placed his hands on their shoulders. They looked up toward him. He was ready to tease Ron about his unusual studiousness, but somehow he knew that it wouldn't be the right thing to say. They would banter about it later, but now he showed his appreciation by squeezing his friend's shoulder lightly and nodding in encouragement.

He caught Hermione's eyes.

"You've been working for more than two hours. Why don't we take a break and try out the pool?"

"Yes!" agreed Ron. "And then it should be time for dinner." Hermione threw him a disgusted look.

"I mean, so we'll be in good shape to continue this during the evening," he hurriedly added in a sheepish voice.

Hermione frowned at him, but her mouth was twitching. Suddenly she couldn't help bursting into laughter. She marked her page, closed her book carefully, and stood up.

"All right Ron, we'll do that and afterwards we can just synthesize quickly what we've got. I won't put you through doing too much homework on our first day."

"That's really nice of you Professor Granger," smirked Ron.

"Especially since you can't borrow her notes like you usually do," mocked Ginny. She ran into the house before her brother could hit her.

Harry followed her in. Ron turned to Hermione.

"You know it's funny but I don't mind doing that kind of work. It certainly feels more useful than the assignments we usually have at school."

Hermione hadn't missed the unusual application of her friend.

"Well actually it's exactly the same thing, except that now we're doing this for ourselves," she replied.

"And for Harry."

She looked at him carefully.

"We haven't had a chance to be alone and talk about this. Everything happened so fast. I hope that you're... all right with Harry and I being together?"

Ron swallowed and didn't look at her directly. Should I tell her what I'd hoped for? What would be the reason for it?

"Ron?" She reached out and took his hand. "You and Harry have been my two closest friends, and you still mean the world to me." She marked a pause. "We've never lied to each other."

He turned to her and then to her hand. She's never held my hand before. Actually no girl had ever held his hand. A fact that was bothering him a little now.

"Well we don't always tell each other everything either," he replied in a low voice, not looking her in the face.

Hermione was what to him? Friend for sure. Older sister? Confidante? He knew he could bare his heart to her about other people. But what about the half hearted feelings he'd had about her?

Hermione sensed some of Ron' trouble. And she could understand how delicate this was. She didn't want to pry, but she really wanted to be sure that nothing would be lurking inside him. Things which could turn into resentment later.

"Ron. There's something I want to say," she spoke softly and he turned his face back to hers.

"The three of us. We grew up together all these years. We discovered the world together. When you're young your feelings are not always clear cut. Friendship, affection, admiration... desire and love."

"I didn't know I was in love with Harry until a few days ago, but I think I've always had special feelings about both of you, even if I didn't understand them."

She placed her other hand over Ron's.

"And I know that there was some of this with Harry... and maybe with you?"

He swallowed, looked away and then back to her. Come on man. She said it. Can't you admit the same?

"Er, maybe. Kind of." He felt very uncomfortable, but he also realized it was a rare chance to come clean with her.

"I think I could have loved you too," he added in a rush, looking at her defiantly.

She looked back with a gentle smile.

"I'm sorry," she said. "And now I know that you hurt a little, and I'm sorry for that too."

He shrugged.

"It's all right. Well it's not exactly pleasant, but you don't have worry about me." He squirmed in his chair. "Childish really," he continued, regaining some of his usual bluster.

She wasn't fooled.

"I'm not worried about you. I care about you."

"I'm really happy for you and Harry," he said feelingly. It's true, I really am. Saying it even made him feel better. He knew it came from his heart.

She saw the truth in his words and was relieved.

"So I owe you one now."

"Meaning what?"

"I'd like you to have a girl of your own. When the right one comes along I'll be there to help you."

"Because I need help?"

He feigned indignation but in truth he welcomed the idea and he couldn't stop a shy expression coming to his face.

She smiled back.

"Yes you do! You have the biggest heart in the world and you're adorable, but you'll need me in this unless you are prepared to waste a lot of time in trial and error. Remember Harry and Cho? Not that I'm an expert but at least I'll be neutral." She grinned. "Unless you'd rather enlist Ginny's assistance?"

He twisted his face in a grimace.

"No, I'll take your help." He was sure that he'd rather spend the rest of his life in celibacy rather than submit to the humiliation of asking his own sister about dating.

"Then it's settled. Shall we go swimming now?"

"Too right!"

They got up, and impulsively, Hermione put her hands around his neck and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. He was surprised and embarrassed. Actually it was the first time she'd kissed him. It certainly felt pretty good. Lucky Harry.

"Too bad you don't have a twin sister." He meant it as a joke and it almost was one.

She was flattered.

"Sorry. I have a cousin somewhere but I can't recommend her."

"Why?"

"She's a muggle, married, even has a first kid."

Ron made a face then grinned at her.

"Let's go swimming before anybody sees us and gets the wrong idea."

After swimming Owls were sent to the DA's members then they dined. Everyone discovered Dobby's gifts under their napkins and the House Elf was warmly congratulated and thanked, which pleased him no end.

The rest of the evening passed quickly in games and light discussion. They had a very good time and finished the evening listening to some of Tonks' old records. Hermione and Ginny even taught Harry and Ron some basic dancing lessons.

The summer was truly beginning.

Rest and Recuperation Ch4 - 17