Harry Potter and the Six Founders

Chapter 10 - Hogwarts

Hogsmeade station

The students cheered loudly as the train entered Hogsmeade station. Hagrid was waiting for them, a gigantic crossbow in his hand, surrounded by more Aurors.

They proceeded to the castle in the usual manner. The first years went by boat with Hagrid, escorted by Merpeoples to the fascination of the youngsters.

The other students took the carriages, and for the first time Neville could actually see the Thestrals pulling them. He turned toward Harry with a surprised face but when he recalled why they were visible, he stopped in embarrassment. Hermione realized that it was because he had witnessed Sirius's death, and she squeezed Harry's hand in automatic sympathy. Harry didn't understand everything at once and when he did he became a little sad. Will I ever get over it? How long will it take?

They arrived at the castle and walked through the big doors. Harry's spirits lifted as he took in once again the wonderful atmosphere of the old wizard school. On an impulse he threw his arms around Ron and Hermione's shoulders.

"I really love this place. It's such a kick to come back here every year with you two!" They exchanged grins recalling their first adventures together.

"Remember the Troll fight?" said Ron with a wink.

"How could I forget?" answered Hermione. It had been the start of their friendship, almost five years ago.

Out of the corner his eye Harry saw Draco plainly leading the Slytherins on. He nudged his friend and Ron whistled.

"Blimey. He certainly didn't lose any time taking over did he?" He shook his head. "He's really slick that one. I don't like this at all."

Ginny looked at him in exasperation.

"What do you think will happen? Why don't you trust him?"

"I don't know," grumbled Ron. "I just can't believe that he's changed that much. And I don't trust the Slytherins." Luna touched his shoulder and he turned to her. "I trust you and if you say he's sincere I won't make a fuss about it. But remember that he's slick."

Harry considered him for a moment.

"Okay Ron. I think he's sincere, but maybe it's not such a bad idea to have a doubting Thomas among us. You can keep your eyes and ears open, but," his expression was earnest, "I insist that we give him, and the Slytherins, a real chance."

He fixed Ron, who looked back defiantly.

"Are you okay with that?" Harry insisted.

Ron fidgeted. He didn't like to have a disagreement with Harry but he was clearly being offered an out. Actually more than that, he made it sound as an assignment.

"All right." He sighed and balanced his head from side to side. "I'll go with it Harry."

Harry gripped his shoulder. "Good show mate."

They grinned at each other and Ron punched his friend's shoulder.

"If you two machos have finished your foreplay maybe we can go and sit down now," said Hermione sarcastically.

"And if you let go of Luna then maybe she can join her own table," added Ginny.

Ron gave his sister a dirty look, and Luna a last passionate kiss, and they made for the Gryffindor table.

Dumbledore was seated at his usual place. Remus was between Tonks and Snape. As expected professor McGonagall and Hagrid's places were empty since they would be handling the first years.

The Sorting Hat was placed on its stool, and Harry wondered once again at what Draco had told them of his experience. What would it show me? Would I be able to talk to Godric Gryffindor? What would he say? He cast a look at Draco who, sure enough, was looking at the Hat with a dreamy expression.

When everyone was ready, the great doors opened and the procession of new children advanced toward the head table. They showed the usual mix of apprehension, amazement and determination.

The Sorting Hat gave its welcoming song, exhorting the traditional virtues of the Hogwarts founders.

One by one professor McGonagall called out the children's names, and had them sit under the big Hat who would hum and grimace and, after a moment, cry out the name of the assigned House.

Harry saw the girl with short black hair he had talked to on the train. Her name was Emily Parker and the Sorting Hat cried a definite "Gryffindor!' for her. Her face broke into a tremendous smile and she raced toward their table as they all cheered her.

"I told you I'd be in Gryffondor!" she said to Harry, breathless.

"And you're very welcome with us."

The next one was very determined young boy who got sorted into Slytherin. His name was Parker too and he looked a lot like Emily, he had the same black hair in particular. Harry turned toward her and he was going to ask her if they were from the same family, but she was beaming at the boy and she'd started to clap her hands along with the rest of the Slytherins. Murmurs from another first year confirmed that he was her brother and Harry was surprised. It was very rare for members of the same family to go into different houses. Emily kept on clapping joyfully until she realized with alarm that she was the only one doing so at her table. Without really thinking, and mostly to stop her from being isolated, Harry joined in. A couple of seconds later he heard Hermione and Ginny clapping hands as well.

The other Gryffondors looked at them in shock and some reprobation. In living memory no one in the two rival Houses had ever applauded the other's success.

There's got to be a first time for everything, thought Harry, nodding toward his friends and encouraging them to join in. A number obeyed, including all of the DA. Behind him, he heard the renewed clapping from Ravenclaw and guessed that Luna and others were following up. At the teacher's table, Dumbledore looked up and surveyed the roomful of students with some surprise.

Richard Parker smiled in innocent delight as he made his way toward the Slytherin table. Draco considered the boy thoughtfully and beckoned for him to sit next to him. When he'd sat down he asked some questions and followed his finger pointing toward the Gryffondor table where Emily was waving happily at her brother. The ceremony was continuing and the Hat shouted "Ravenclaw!" as another girl was sorted. Harry and Draco exchanged a quick glance and led their respective tables to applaud the choice. Dumbledore was holding his breath and his eyes were darting right and left to follow the action.

"Gryffindor!"

Several eyes looked anxiously at the Slytherin table when the Hat announced his latest decision. Draco locked eyes with Millicent as he started to clap loudly, immediately followed by Richard. The other prefect hesitated for the tiniest of instant and followed them. The other Slytherins were disoriented but in unfamiliar circumstances, following the leaders was the second nature to them.

"Hufflepuff!", "Ravenclaw!", "Slytherin!" The youngsters were being dispatched quickly and welcomed by their fellow students and all of the tables started to clap more and more loudly for each of them, building up a stable rhythm until the noise level became deafening. Toward the end every sorting was accompanied by clapping from the entire complement students and teachers alike.

When the last of the first years was finally sorted, professor Dumbledore stood up, his face radiant and his eyes twinkling even more than usual.

"My dear children this was the most moving Sorting ceremony I have witnessed in many years. I am even prouder of you for this, than for the remarkable showing you made on the train during that scandalous attack. You are showing the true spirit of this school and nothing could make me, and my fellow teachers more happy and proud."

Then he gave off the signal for the feast which was as magnificent as ever. For a time the students occupied themselves with eating and running excited conversations. When the last portion of dessert was finished Dumbledore stood up once again and resumed speaking.

"A new year is starting and it will be an important one and serious one, as events have unfortunately shown. I am of course extremely sorry for what happened. Luckily we had taken precautions, and thanks to the decisive actions of some of you, those were sufficient. I have send owls to your families explaining the events, and giving the appropriate reassurances."

He paused and took on a grave expression.

"I wish I could tell you that it was an isolated incident and that it will never happen again, or that you are perfectly safe here in Hogwarts. I will not lie to you."

"These are dangerous times since the Dark Lord returned, and not even Hogwarts can be said to be completely safe - no place can - but this school is actually very well protected from outside menaces, and I have called for the assistance of some of the more experienced Aurors to help us."

"Hogwarts has faced deadly challenges before, and it has always won over them. It will do so again I am convinced of it. You must know that you can count on us, the teachers and the rest of the faculty, to help you with our strength and experience, just as we know that we can count on you, the students, to help us with your energy and enthusiasm."

More cheering followed. Dumbledore followed up with the introduction of the new teachers and the usual recommendations about the forbidden forest and various dangerous places and practices.

After all this everyone was starting to feel pleasantly drowsy, and the students were invited to rejoin their Houses. The new prefects went on ferrying the first years, while the older students stayed around a bit. Harry saw Ron and Luna go aside for a last moment together and smiled.

I'll be hard for him with his girl in another house. He was glad that he and Hermione would be able see each other more easily. He reached out to take her hand and they made way toward the Gryffondor quarters.

As he entered the common room, he waved to a group of older students who had arranged themselves in front of the big chimney. Before he could rejoin them Ginny intercepted him.

"Harry can I talk to you for a moment?" she whispered.

"Sure."

She took him aside.

"Can I borrow your invisibility cloak tonight - and the Marauder's map?"

He whistled.

"Already got a date? You certainly aren't wasting any time."

"Life's short," she replied with a sweet smile.

He took on a fake severe fatherly expression.

"Is it anyone I know? Perhaps I should check with Ron?"

She sighed.

"Very funny Harry, I'm hysterical. Now will you help me or should I use my own devices, and maybe some of the tricks Fred and George taught me?"

Harry raised his hands in mock surrender.

"I give up. We're in enough danger as it is." He laughed. "I'm just kidding you Ginny. I'll go and get the stuff."

He came back with the silvery cloak, and the map which showed the movement of every person in the castle. An invaluable tool for those who needed to evade Filch's nightly patrols. The caretaker's main distraction was catching students in forbidden activities, and he was totally devoid of compassion or humor.

He gave her the package discreetly.

"You know I really thought that I would be doing this for Ron. Maybe I'm going to have to buy another one. You know how the map works of course?"

She nodded.

"Yes. Thanks Harry. I knew I could count on you, and I don't need to ask you not to tell Ron."

"I take it Draco is the lucky boy?"

"Yes." She looked at him seriously. "You're going to tell me to be careful. Don't worry, I won't mess up this one."

"Even if it means taking your time?" he asked pointedly. They both knew that patience was not her strong point. He continued.

"Ginny I'm not going to bore you with a lot of advice you won't follow, I'll leave that to Hermione, and you know I'll support you all the way, but please don't rush into things. Okay?"

She nodded hurriedly.

"I promise. Thanks again. Wish me luck."

"Break a leg."

She hugged him and went up to the girls' dormitory.

Harry rejoined the group of elder students next to the fire, and they started to talk about the coming year's organization. The seventh years were a little distant at first, especially the two prefects, Andrew Kirk and Rosaline Crown. They weren't very comfortable with Harry's growing importance, and Dean Thomas and his friends were plainly rooting for him to take charge. Ordinarily he would have ignored them but he understood that he could not, and he also remembered that the older students had never been particularly supportive.

Next to him Hermione was showing a determined expression and from the looks on their faces they seemed more afraid of her than of anyone else. Nobody had forgotten what had happened to Marietta.

"Good evening," said Harry politely.

They answered in kind and Dean made room for him to join them.

"We were just explaining what we had learned in the DA group," he said. He turned toward Andrew and drove the point home. "I can't imagine what would have happened if Harry hadn't been there."

"Not to mention the OWL scores," added Hermione.

"Exactly. We all got Es and Os, and it wasn't thanks to Umbridge."

Andrew grimaced and tried to put up a good face.

"I noticed that. Congratulation Harry."

"You can thank Hermione as well," answered Harry, "It was her idea originally, and Ron did a superb job at working out our tactics."

Ron murmured modestly but inwardly he was swelling with pride.

"And since we need to choose a new captain for the Quidditch team I suggest that he be considered for the job." Ron shot a glance at him and held his breath.

"Why not yourself Harry?" proposed Andrew. He would have liked the position himself but it was not easy to handle that and the preparations for the final exams. Moreover he was thinking that if Harry was captain then he might show less of an interest for the leadership of Gryffondor House.

Harry shook his head.

"I really believe that Ron is better qualified, and more passionate as well. I'll just stay on the team as Seeker."

Several students agreed and Andrew didn't press the point.

"All right them, I agree to that suggestion," he conceded.

"CAPTAIN RON!" yelled Colin. The rest of the team cheered and Ron found himself looking at them with a big stupid grin on his face. Ginny hugged him. He looked at Harry with bright eyes.

"Congratulation Mate," said Harry softly. "You deserve it."

Ron couldn't speak but his face showed more that he could ever say. He had just achieved his wildest dream and that didn't happen every day.

Rosaline smiled timidly at Harry.

"I would have thought that you'd want to be captain," she said. "After all you've been on the team for longer than anyone else."

"No, I really prefer it to be Ron, and I'll have other duties."

"What do you mean?" she stammered. "Excuse me but you're not even a prefect."

Hermione answered her.

"Harry may not be a prefect but his position is even more important. We want the DA to take a significant role in the defense of the school, and we also have an ambitious project concerning all the Houses."

"And we are all behind Harry," added Dean. Several murmurs backed him.

The seventh years felt acutely marginalized and they didn't like it at all, but Harry had a clear majority behind him. If they'd had more personality they would have tried to defend their influence but they were plainly overwhelmed by the situation. Harry saw the occasion to play his role as unifier. He winked at Dean and addressed the older students.

"And I would like you to be with us. The more numerous we are, the better. I assure you that it's important."

Andrew looked around and saw that he didn't have much of a choice. Harry would make things happen with or without them. Finally he and the others bowed to the inevitable and House Gryffondor was whole again. More cheers followed and someone broke out boxes of sweets which were passed around.

A real party spirit was developing when McGonagall entered the room. The noise level dropped dramatically but she made no remarks and only told Harry that the Headmaster wanted to speak with him.

"Nothing's wrong. He just wants a quick word with you."

He followed her and they walked toward Dumbledore's office.

He wasn't surprised to find that Remus and Snape were there too. Harry greeted the Headmaster and the potions master pleasantly and received a fleeting smile from Snape. Despite his formal attitude he could detect some warmth in the older man's eyes and he resisted an urge to move toward him. He understood Severus' cold attitude as something which would take time to disappear.

A magnificent looking Fawkes crooned at Harry and allowed itself to be caressed. He noticed the Sorting Hat on a ledge and thought once again about Draco's story.

"Good evening Harry," said the Hat.

"Good evening," he replied with a wishful expression.

The Hat cracked a large smile. Sensing the boy's thoughts he winked and whispered. "Someday Harry, someday. Right now you don't really need it." Harry grimaced and saw that the others were looking at him in amusement, even Snape who chuckled smugly.

Dumbledore conjured some comfortable chairs for them.

"Thank you all for coming. I apologize for calling you at this late hour, but I wanted to have a first hand account of the attack."

Harry described the events. Dumbledore nodded pensively but when Harry described Luna's role in their organization his eyes perked up.

"Do you mean than Miss Lovegood is able to read you mind?" he interrupted. He suddenly seemed more interested by that possibility than by the actions of Voldemort.

"It's a somewhat like Legimency sir, but she doesn't use any spell and it only works for thoughts and feelings she can relate to. She can also sense if someone is truthful." He hesitated then described the soothing link she had established with him during the attack.

Dumbledore turned toward McGonagall, his face thoughtful.

"What do you think Minerva? Could she be an Empath?"

"It certainly looks like it Albus. We will have to test her to be sure, if only to measure her power. She must have a significant talent if she can do such things without training."

"What's an Empath?" asked Harry.

"It's a very rare quality which enables a person to feel the emotions and thoughts of others who are close, and sometimes to influence them," answered Dumbledore. He stoked his beard for a moment. "This is a very interesting development but we will talk about it later."

Harry continued his story

"You were able to reinitiate contact and distract him?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes sir, but only for a moment. When he gained the upper hand I had to break off." He grimaced remembering the pain, and McGonagall winced in sympathy. Snape showed a disapproving grimace. They could almost hear him disparage the folly of Gryffondor bravery.

The boy is capable of taking the most reckless of decisions. It's a miracle he's still alive.

He sighed. Where it not for Harry's courage he would still be a Death Eater.

"Would you like to say something Severus," asked Dumbledore with an innocent voice.

Snape rolled his eyes.

"No sir, I have enough to do following Mister Potter's initiatives during the school year as it is." He shot a glance at Remus. "Protecting him is clearly a task above one man's strength."

Dumbledore nodded gravely, his lips twitching. Harry couldn't help grinning at the potion master.

"The Occlumency worked pretty well though," he continued. "Perhaps with more training?" he looked at Remus and Snape.

"We trained a lot this summer but I'm afraid that I can't push Harry any higher," said Remus. "He can take all that I can throw at him. Then again..."

He broke off and Dumbledore exchanged a look with Snape. They both understood that even though Remus was a superb teacher, he would never be able to bring down on Harry the kind of painful mental assaults which would be needed for him to progress beyond his present level.

Dumbledore raised an inquiring eyebrow but the potion master shook his head.

"I have checked Harry's progress, and I don't think I could teach him much more myself sir."

"Harry," said Dumbledore. "If you're not too tired I would like to try something. Of course we can do it tomorrow," he added gently.

"I'm fine sir."

"All right then. I will attempt to enter your mind and you will defend yourself and use the link I create to make me do something. Raise my right hand for example. I will oppose only a limited resistance at first and then move up. Are you ready?"

Harry straightened his position and took a deep breath. He could sense the others, even the Hat and the animated portraits, look at him intensely.

"I'm ready sir."

Dumbledore's placed his hands on his desk and his face took on a look of concentration. His eyes seemed to actually shine. Harry felt a tremendous pressure on his skull and the scar started to pulse, but thankfully it did not hurt. He resisted the flow and ebbs of the mental thrusts and tried to use it to control the old wizard.

It was fascinating. He had flashes of insights into the Headmaster's perception. He could see himself straining in his chair and when he did he willed to raise the right hand. He could double-see the hand twitch on the desk then Dumbledore increased the resistance and he lost the contact, and had to fall back on the defensive. He gritted his teeth and tried harder. He managed it once again but his strength was failing.

The pressure disappeared and Harry slumped in his chair, exhausted. The room was very silent until the Hat broke the silence.

"Remarkable," it said. "But do give the boy something, he's about to pass out."

McGonagall conjured a tall glass of some foamy pink liquid and gave it to Harry. He couldn't even hold it because his hands were trembling so much. She had to help him up and bring it to his lips. The drink was delicious and he felt his strength coming back. He wiped sweat from his brow and grinned sheepishly.

"Yes Harry," said Dumbledore. "That was very impressive. We'll work on this again and you should be much more prepared for the next encounter with the Dark Lord."

These words had a sobering affect on everyone as once again they realized the terrible weight which rested on the boy's shoulder.

Harry finished the drink and looked calmly at the old wizard.

"Thank you sir," he said simply.

"I think that will be all for tonight. The day has been busy enough. We can go to bed now. Good night."

They left the Headmaster's office. Snape made his way to the Slytherin quarters and spent some time discussing with the prefects, he had already notice the new balance of power. He confirmed it implicitly by addressing Draco directly for most practical questions. The Slytherin tradition was to delegate a maximum of responsibility, and power, to one senior prefect. It was quite clear that Draco was it.

When all subjects had been covered Snape took him aside in the private bedroom he now ranked and complimented him on his maneuvering.

"Thank you sir," he replied. "For the moment only Montague is in declared opposition, but he's only got a minority with him."

"There will be an issue with the students whose parents are declared Death Eaters," said Snape.

"Yes sir. I'll keep an eye on those." He sighed. "What do you think my father will do?"

Snape shrugged.

"He'll have to lay low for a while. At least until the Dark Lord can summon a real support among enough wizard families."

"Do you think that's likely sir?"

"I don't know. The first indication will be the reactions to today's events. Probably a public relation mistake on their part, I'd say."

He paused.

"I will arrange some surveillance for your house in any case," he added quietly.

"Thank you sir." I really wish Silena was old enough to be here.

Snape bid him goodnight and left. Draco saw that he had a little time before his date with Ginny. He stretched on his bed without undressing and tried to relax.

In the Gryffindor quarters, as the girls prepared for sleep, Hermione caught sight of Ginny in their bathroom.

"That's the strangest sleeping outfit I have ever seen," she remarked. Ginny was dressed in a tight leather uniform, which looked more adequate for hunting than for anything else. Her hair was made up in a fancy high bun with some stray locks trailing in front. She'd even applied some makeup and perfume.

"Hermione please," Ginny pleaded. She'd waited until all the girls were in bed before preparing herself.

Hermione raised her hand and smiled.

"Breathe easy. Harry's told me all about it. As a prefect I can't approve but I'll close my eyes for tonight." She frowned. "But I'm not promising anything if you abuse the privilege, or if things get out of hand with the other girls."

"You're a doll. How do I look?"

"You are what is called 'dressed to kill'. I can't imagine a sixteen year old boy holding his own more than twenty seconds."

"I'm planning of having to work on this one for at least a minute."

"Unless he gets you first. He is cute."

The two girls exchanged a look of complicity, then Ginny dabbed a few puffs of make up on her face, adjusted her lipstick and slipped under the invisibility cloak.

"Wait!" Hermione called out.

"What?"

Hermione took out her wand and muttered a few words.

"Odorous Furtivium. The cloak may protect you from prying eyes, but Filch's cat would smell your perfume a mile away.

"Oh!" Ginny had completely missed that.

"The spell will disappear in about ten minutes. Don't forget to renew it."

"Thanks. I'll owe you the next one. See you tomorrow."

"Bye. Have a nice date."

Ginny activated the Marauder's map and checked that the way was clear. Draco was still in Slytherin quarters. She quickly made her way up the Astronomy Tower staircase. The upper observation room was a favorite dating spot - very romantic in the moonlight - if only because it was discrete, and there was at least two escape routes.

She perched herself on a wall stone. Arranging herself so that when he entered, he would see her with the autumn half moon sky as a backdrop. The map showed him moving and her heart accelerated. She was too nervous to follow the marked dot of his position so she inactivated the device and tried to control her breathing.

Draco had his own techniques for moving around the school furtively. Nothing as precise as the Marauder's map but he had an invisibility cloak and a creature detector, which had the advantage to operate anywhere. He evaded Filch and his cat and made his way to the bottom of the tower. He could sense Ginny's presence higher and started to think about what could come out of this.

Ginny was plainly ready to be his girlfriend, but she would not agree to be just a pretty face at his side. She'd talked of partnership and that was something Draco took very seriously. Most Slytherin girls were either meant to become supportive housewives, decorative if possible like his mother, or they took part in the power games and either remained unmarried or married nobodies. Mated partnerships were rare but they were usually powerful. And because of this they were also feared and scrutinized.

Then she was a Gryffindor. Mating between Houses was unusual and typically involved Ravenclaws, sometimes Hufflepuffs. The last Slytherin - Gryffindor pairing he could recall was more than a century old. How did that turn out? I don't remember.

As he mounted the steps, he returned to the central question. What did he want? He wanted to play a big role in future events, and later perhaps in politics. Would she help him or would she hamper his career? There would be prejudices against this alliance but it would be offset by the support it would bring from the Weasleys and Harry's friends. If they succeed.

He corrected himself. He had clearly chosen his side.

If we succeed.

The choice was neatly balanced and the defining factor would be Ginny herself. He didn't really know her well and that's what he had to do tonight. What he would learn, and his own feelings, would decide the outcome. It was after all the best way to do it.

He stepped into the observation room, saw her sitting on the wall and stopped dead.

She was incredibly beautiful. So much so that it took him a moment to start his brain thinking again, and analyze the fact that she had prepared for this encounter, which was a message in itself.

He walk toward her trying to keep as much of his assurance as he could.

Ginny had the advantage of not having to move so even if his arrival set her heart beating wildly, she had some time to recover. His pale hair was silver in the moonlight and she took in his assured composure and the regular features of his face. He looks like a wild animal. Seductive but dangerous.

"Hello Draco."

"Good evening Ginny." He stopped a few steps before her.

She stood up and gave him a calm smile.

"Beautiful evening isn't it. Perfect for a date."

"You're very beautiful too. I feel that there should be some music and then we'd dance."

"Thank you. I would like to dance with you." She looked into his eyes, and her face became more serious. "But I'm thinking of more than one kind of dance."

"Oh." He affected surprise. "What other kind is there?" How good are you at that game little Ginny?

Her smile turned charming.

"Well for example the one you did with Millicent and Lyn this afternoon." She marked a pause. "You were very good when you snatched them from under Montague's clumsy feet."

He roared in laugher.

"You were listening in on us! Merlin you are a menace!" He took her wrist and pulled her roughly next to him. "And what would your dear friend Harry say to that."

"He would like it to know that Slytherin House is in good hands." she replied calmly.

He accepted that. So Harry approves.

"And why should I take a partner who plays the spy?"

She had an answer ready for that too.

"Don't confuse curiosity and initiative for disloyalty. I am loyal - utterly - but I will never accept being left in the dark. About anything," she added fiercely.

His body and part of his mind was very much aware of her physical presence. She was very desirable, and her lack of humility made her even more so. He pushed the thought aside. It shouldn't sway him. She was foremost a witch who would not accept a minor role, but who could clearly help his ambitions. She said she was loyal but what would happen in a crisis?

"Well and good Ginny but I have to know something. If we partner together and at one time my interest diverges from Harry's. What will you do?"

She narrowed her eyes and stayed silent for a moment.

"I don't know," she breathed. "I don't think you could ever make me act against Harry, or his friends." She raised her eyes defiantly.

"You should consider them all to be my close family. A sacred link will always bind to them and I will help them when they'll need me."

She placed her hand on his chest. He felt a shiver run through him.

"It would be the same between us if you accept me as your equal - and I won't go for anything less." Her look became intense.

"Only a terrible betrayal would change that and I don't know how I would react but it would be bad - and I would be merciless."

Draco considered the diminutive girl in front of him. He was impressed. In two days' time he had seen her as demure school girl, gallant fighter, seductive spy and passionate woman. She'd been honest about her loyalty, and he was intelligent enough to understand that anyone who would promise uncritical obedience would in truth be flawed.

She was good enough to be his equal and so, after that he could listen to his heart.

And his heart told him than he wanted her and no one else.

He nodded and spoke the words.

"All right Ginny. We can be partners. I'll pledge my love and loyalty to you, and accept you as my equal on these conditions. What do you say?"

She caught her breath. Looked into his eyes and replied.

"I pledge my love and loyalty to you, and I will help and support you in your goals, as your equal."

They looked at each other, conscious that the words they had uttered would be binding, as all pacts between wizards were.

She was the one who broke the silence as her hand moved up to his cheek.

"And now you can give me the kiss I've been waiting for all day."

He did and when he released her both of them had forgotten about politics, Dark wizards, family or friends. They knew in their innermost being that they had found their complement, and nothing else mattered anymore. Draco led her to a corner of the room and used his newfound knowledge of house magic to conjure a simple bedding, giving a quick thought of thanks to Snape.

They made love fiercely, and Ginny didn't give a thought to what Draco was doing to her delicate make up and dress. Neither of them were virgins but nothing in their past compared to what they were discovering together. They finally separated in the middle of the night and with a last kiss they rejoined their proper beds for a token sleep.

Passing by the common room Ginny saw that Hermione had been waiting for her, and had apparently fallen asleep on the big couch in front of the fireplace. She gently roused her friend and was rewarded by a sleepy, brown hair framed face.

"...inny... it go?" Hermione muttered, before she took in the total mess that was Ginny's clothing and face and she grinned.

"Not too bad," started Ginny. Then she couldn't hold it and her face broke into a radiant smile.

Hermione chuckled and embraced the younger girl. They went up to their rooms while Ginny described her date in passionate whispers. Hermione was very happy and relieved and tousled Ginny's hair affectionately.

"So now we have three couples. That should make things interesting. Will it be official tomorrow?"

"You can expect me to have breakfast at the Slytherin table," said Ginny. She chuckled "I can't wait to see Ron's face."

"We better hope that Luna goes down before you do," sighed Hermione.

The morning breakfast was as memorable as predicted. Luna was down with Ron at first light, then Harry and Hermione joined them and they started talking pleasantly. The Daily Prophet's front page was of course dedicated to the train attack and the Azkaban escape. Fudge promised 'a most serious inquiry' and the naming of a special commission. Several voices called for his demission.

Ron was going on about the stupid restrictions which had kept him away from Luna after curfew, and he was consoling himself with a large portion of porridge when his mouth exploded, showering Harry and Hermione with the stuff.

"Yuck! Ron for Merlin's sake. You're gross!" yelled Hermione.

"Yeah mate. If you can't keep it in, don't take any," added Harry, trying to wipe his glasses clean.

Ron was oblivious. His eyes were growing out of his head as he viewed Ginny, who had walked up to the Slytherin table and kissed Draco squarely on the lips.

The rest of the Slytherins were just as surprised. Crabbe and Goyle had their cake filled mouth gaping open, a very unsavory sight. Only Millicent and Lyn seemed unfazed. Draco had taken them aside to give them advance warning and explain the situation to them. He'd done it to keep the peace, but it had also been a token of respect which had reinforced his standing with them.

Completely unabashed, Ginny poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice and greeted the rest of the table. After a glance to Draco, who was frowning ever so slightly, most of then answered mechanically. The most blatant exception being Montague, his closest associates, and Pansy.

Draco continued his breakfast normally and passed some rolls to Ginny. Crabbe and Goyle resumed eating. Probably reflex action, thought Ginny.

At the Gryffindor table, Ron was muttering incoherently. Hermione used a spell to clean Harry and herself. She took advantage of a pause in Ron's ranting to try and talk sense to him.

"Ron will you please stop making a scene. Ginny's not a baby and there's no rule against sharing breakfast between Houses. The school etiquette only restricts it at lunch and dinner."

Ron looked at her incredulously.

"Hermione you're going mental rambling about etiquette. She's sharing much more than breakfast with him. That was a bloody kiss!"

"So what?" said Harry. "She's had boyfriends before, and I rather like it that it's Draco now."

Ron turned a burning stare at him.

"You told me to keep a look on him and this is what I see. He's seduced her. He's going to use her against us. He's going..."

He was stopped by Luna's hand over his mouth while she nuzzled her head against his.

"Shush Love. Will you let me be the judge of their attitude? If Draco is insincere then I will know it. But if they really like each other, then will you agree to let them be?"

Ron looked up at her then at his friends.

"Harry..." he began.

"Ron, I swear that I won't anything bad happen to Ginny," Harry reassured him. "And I won't let her do anything stupid. But if they really care for each other then I think that we should leave them alone. Will you trust us in this?"

Ron took a moment then sighed and nodded. Whatever else he trusted Harry - and Luna.

"Yeah... but Luna, you'll go check on them and tell me it's ok." He rustled his hair with his hands. His voice was plaintive. "I swear I'm going mental with all that's going on around here. Couldn't we have a little rest?"

Ginny and Draco had followed the excitation at the Gryffindor table, trying hard not to laugh at Ron's outburst.

"I think the worst is over now and that I should go and say hello," whispered Ginny.

Draco nodded, and followed her with his eyes as she stood up and went to Gryffindor table. It's going well, he thought. Now all that's needed is for her to get on good terms with Millicent, and for me to make up with Pansy.

Ron was finally mollified by Ginny's evident enthusiasm, and later by Draco's explanation of the pledge between them. It impressed him greatly. Pledges between wizards were not trivial things, especially between pure blood families, and he really began to look at the Slytherin boy in a different way.

The school year was begining.

Hogwarts ch10-15