Connections

Chapter 13: It's Off to School We Go!

The last week before the school term began passed quickly. The Advanced Care of Magical Creatures preparation courses ended over the weekend just three days before the first of September, because Charlie's and Bethany's roommates had gone early to Hogwarts to give some of the other dragon handlers a few days off before the start of term. Bethany and Charlie stayed behind with plans to travel on the Hogwarts Express with the students. The Quidditch and flying practices continued each day. Hermione had improved quite a bit, but Mona still had a ways to go. She no longer required a training spell but was still a far from confident flyer. What she lacked in skill she made up for in determination and Charlie was now working with her in two hour sessions two or three times a day.

George and Fred had secluded themselves in their room working on a production timetables for their new company. Ron and Mona were still avoiding eye contact, but with Bethany's, Charlie's and Bill's assistance they could now sit in the same room without fear of falling into trances. Hermione had already read the first three chapters in all of her courses and was trying to encourage the others to do the same.

Ginny and Harry were a different story. As the other students were enjoying their last week of summer holiday and trying to squeeze every last measure of fun out of their short time left, they had become quiet and sullen even when they spent time with the others. They had also begun to spend more time alone, Ginny in her room and Harry in Ron's or off running on a path in the woods. No one else seemed to notice and neither of them were complaining.

On 31, August the house was unusually quiet considering the number of people now living in it. Bethany and Charlie were in Charlie's old room, Bill reluctantly moved into Percy's room, and Ginny's room had to be magically expanded to accommodate the cot brought in for Mona.

On his last morning, Harry ran with the others as he had done each morning, but as the Burrow came into view he said, "I think I'll go a little further. I'll catch you up later." He didn't wait for any acknowledgment from the others as he increased his pace and continued back into the woods.

Ginny said nothing as she headed into the Burrow and up to her room. Ron was about to follow when Charlie held him back. "What's wrong with Harry?" Charlie asked.

Ron just shrugged and smirked, "Not sure. The last time I saw him like this was at the end of last term..." Ron's voice faded as he answered the question he thought he had no answers to.

"I'm going after him," Charlie said, but Bethany held him back.

"Let him be. We know what's upsetting him. You can talk to him when he returns," Bethany said, "Right now I need some help in our room," she said as she laughed, slapped Charlie on the bum and ran inside.

Charlie toggled his eyebrows in Ron's direction, grinned and followed his wife into the Burrow. Ron shook his head and laughed. He turned toward the direction Harry had run. He could just see his white shorts as he ran deeper into the woods. He sighed and went to look for Hermione. "She'll know what to do," he thought.

* * * * *

Harry finished his run and was stretching afterwards on the back steps of the Burrow. There was a window open and Harry could hear Mrs. Weasley cleaning in the kitchen. He also thought he heard a slight sob but couldn't be sure. He was about to enter when he heard her summon her husband through the floo using the burner of the cook top. He didn't want to eavesdrop but he didn't want to interrupt either, so he sat on the steps and waited for her to finish her conversation.

"She did the same thing last year, Molly, and the year before that," Arthur Weasley's head said from the front burner of the cooker in the kitchen.

"I know, but I thought with everyone here she wouldn't do the same. I'm worried about her," Molly told her husband as tears threatened her eyes.

"I'll stop by the Apothecary on my way home and purchase a sleeping draught for her. At least she'll have a quiet night tonight," Arthur said.

"Get a dreamless draught. The nightmares have been getting so bad. I suppose I should send and owl to Minerva McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey so they know to keep an eye out for her," Molly said.

"Nightmares?" Harry thought, "was Ginny having nightmares?" He tried to remember if she had said anything to him. As he searched his mind for the information he realized that he and Ginny had not been spending as much time together. "I'll have to remember her," Harry thought, "and stopthinking so much about myself." Harry frowned at himself. He had started having dreams again, nightmares really, and he hadn't had much sleep himself in the last week. None of the dreams were new. It was the same few images over and over again every time he closed his eyes. Cedric, Wormtail, and Voldemort had visited him nightly over the last week.

"And Harry is getting worse. Ron's worried. Says he hasn't been sleeping either. I'm worried he may try something like he did before," Molly said. Harry had been brought out of his thoughts when he heard his own name. He hadn't realized that Ron knew about his insomnia. He assumed Ron was always asleep.

"I'll get enough of the draught for him as well and I'll contact Sirius before I leave work. He needs to know what is going on. When you owl Minerva and Poppy, tell them about Harry as well. Don't worry Molly, this year the kids will have family there. With Charlie and Bethany at the school they'll have someone looking after them. And, you know as well as I do that part of the reason Remus agreed to return to Hogwarts was to keep an eye on Harry," Arthur said, "Now then, I need to get back to work. I shouldn't be too late this evening. I love you, Molly." Molly didn't answer she just nodded and smiled at her husband before his head disappeared from the cook top and she placed the kettle where his head once rested.

Harry waited a few more minutes and attempted to put a cheerful expression on his face before entering the home. He avoided eye contact as he asked; "Do you know if the shower is open yet?"

Molly wiped her reddened eyes and said, "I believe so, dear. I have breakfast holding for you when you're done."

Harry just nodded and gave her a half grin as he bounded up the stairs.

* * * * *

Ron found Hermione sitting in the back garden. As he expected she was reading but as he plopped on the grass next to her he had to laugh out loud. Hermione was reading Practical Jokes That Can Get you Expelled by Nash T. Imp, it was one of the books he had picked out for the twins the day they won everything in Diagon Alley. Ron read the title before Hermione was aware of his presence and immediately started to laugh.

"What are you on about?" Hermione asked as she moved the book in attempt to hide the title from Ron.

"Practical Jokes That Can Get You Expelled? Really Hermione, I would have thought better of a new prefect. I guess Harry and I will have to keep an eye on you," Ron said as he laughed again.

"I just thought it was interesting. George has read it five times already and he and Fred are actually developing a new sweet based on one of the jokes," Hermione said defensively, "And, George asked for some help on one part that they can't seem to figure out. I didn't understand what he was trying to explain so I just asked to read the book."

"Believe what you want, Hermione," Ron said smugly, "I think it's just my brother's become a good example for you."

"Oh really, Ron. You do have the oddest delusions. It's not like I'm going to do any of these practical jokes," Hermione answered.

"No," Ron answered, "but I will be more worried with the new tricks my brothers come up with if you are helping out." Hermione just grinned.

"Hermione, have you spoken to Harry lately?" Ron asked. His facial expression morphed to one of concern as he remembered why he had set out to talk with Hermione in the first place.

"No, not really," she answered as she closed the book and put it aside. Her face mirrored Ron's in expression as she said, "He has been quiet lately and hasn't been spending much time with Ginny either. Do you think they've had a fight?"

Ron shook his head, "Ginny did this the last two years. She starts having nightmares right before she goes back to school. Once she's there they get worse before they start getting better. A few months into term the schoolwork gets heavy enough that they just seem to stop and she gets back to her old self."

"I knew she was having nightmares, but did she push Harry away or something?" Hermione said.

"I think he's having nightmares too," Ron said, "he hasn't been sleeping much. I told Mum about it this morning, but I'm worried about him."

Hermione gave a half smile to Ron and said, "I think the best thing is to keep supporting him and keep him busy. I don't think we should let him run off on his own so much."

George came bounding out of the house. Ron smirked when he plopped beside Hermione and kissed her on the cheek. "So did you find anything out?" George asked pointing at the book Hermione had been reading.

"I think I might have. I need to look at it again," Hermione has said. She was still distracted by what she and Ron had been discussing.

"What's the matter, Mio?" George asked assessing her fretful expression.

"Mio?" Ron snickered, "You call her Mio? I think I might become ill."

George smirked at Ron, "Would you rather I called her Bobbeta?"

Hermione frowned, "No!"

Ron rolled his eyes at George as he asked again, "What's wrong?"

"We're worried about Harry. Ron says he hasn't been sleeping much," Hermione said.

George nodded, "Ginny's at it again, too. Mum said she'd have dad purchase a dreamless draught from the apothecary today. At least she'll get some sleep before school."

"I was saying that we ought not let Harry isolate like he has been doing and I don't think Ginny needs to be alone either. They need to know that we are there for them," Hermione said.

"Angelina is coming for dinner. Fred's waiting for her to arrive right now. Let's play a game of Quidditch. I'm sure Charlie and Bill will join in. Nothing like a frenzied flying match to take away your troubles," George said.

Ron agreed excitedly, "That will be good. Harry always feels better after he flies. And Ginny needs the distraction too."

With plans made they set out to locate the others to plan a match.

* * * * *

Just the mention of the game seemed to brighten Harry's mood. He did enjoy flying. There was a freedom and release in the act of flying and it never failed to improve his mood.

They had two teams of five players each and even a few spectators for this match. Mr. Weasley had arrived home early and agreed to act as referee. Penelope, who had been staying in Diagon Alley, joined Mona, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley in the make shift stands Bill created for them. They decided to play without Seekers. The idea was to have the game last and everyone knew an early appearance of the Snitch would end the fun too soon if either Charlie or Harry were playing as Seeker. Ron and Bill were made captains of the two teams as each played Keeper. Bill's team called themselves the HeeBeeGeeBee's and consisted of George as Beater and Harry, Ginny, and Bethany as Chasers. Ron's team was dubbed the Flying C.A.R.P.s and was rounded out with Fred as Beater and Charlie, Angelina, and Percy as Chasers.

The two teams huddled on opposite sides of the field to discuss strategy. Harry looked over at the opposing team and asked, "So how good is Percy? I never knew he played."

Bill answered, "He wouldn't have survived this family if he couldn't fly. He really isn't half-bad though. Quidditch just never seemed to interest him much. I didn't play at Hogwarts and that didn't mean I couldn't. If you were hoping to have him as a weak link, you are out of luck."

Harry looked over at Bethany, but was embarrassed to ask the question on his mind. She laughed, "Don't worry Harry. I'm sure a little has rubbed off from Charlie."

"Besides," Ginny said speaking for the first time that afternoon, "we don't have a chores bet today. Just playing for fun and bragging rights. I say we go give those Carps the Heebeegeebees."

Harry grinned in Ginny's direction. "That Spirit is going to be a good addition to the Gryffindor team," he thought as a whistle sounded and they all rose into the air.

The game started off slowly. The teams were adjusting to one another and although they were having fun it took almost and hour before any points were scored. The first ten points was awarded to the Carps when Charlie stole the Quaffle from Bethany. When he shot Bill had been distracted by a well timed bludger knocked in his direction by Fred.

"Oh, so that's how we are going to play?" Bethany shouted as she motioned for Harry and Ginny to fly in her direction. Once huddled Harry offered several plays for them to try.

From that point on the game became more fast paced and rowdy. Mr. Weasley was calling fouls on both sides.

"Hmm," Penelope said, "If they keep this up they'll perform all seven hundred fouls before dinner."

"How long will they play?" Mona asked.

Penelope and Hermione turned to look at her. "This is the Weasley's we are talking about here. If this keeps up we'll miss the first day of school."

"Now, Hermione, we wouldn't allow that," Mrs. Weasley said, "besides, have you ever known any of my boys to pass up a meal? We may eat late but the game won't go on too much longer."

Hermione laughed. "Well then I guess we shouldn't be too worried."

Back in the game Charlie was about to pass to Angelina, when Ginny swooped around and intercepted the Quaffle Fred was close on hand as he batted the Bludger in his little sisters direction. Without even looking Ginny tossed the Quaffle behind her to Harry who caught it easily. Harry aimed for the goal post but was blocked by Ron. The Quaffle went back into play with Percy in possession. This time it was Harry who intercepted. He was hit with a well aimed Bludger just as he tossed the Quaffle in Bethany's direction. Harry recovered quickly but the ball was flying just short of its intended target. Charlie was rushing towards it as Bethany swung her self sideways off her broom holding on by just her left leg. She was hanging upside down when she caught the Quaffle spun around and threw the ball past Ron and through a goal hoop.

"Score is tied forty all," Mr. Weasley called.

"Bethany," Charlie yelled, "You'll get yourself killed and since it's more than just you on that broom I'd thank you not to risk the life of my child."

Bethany laughed mockingly and flew higher. "I'm not going to get hurt. As a matter of fact I'm being no more reckless than you've been in this game."

"It isn't the same," Charlie said as the Quaffle flew past him and into the hands of Harry.

Harry flew hard to the left swooped below Angelina and tossed the ball behind him to Ginny. Ginny caught the ball and threw it hard and fast toward a goal at the same time that George aimed the Bludger at Ron. This time the distraction allowed the large red ball to get past Ron.

"Fifty-Forty Heebeegeebee's," Mr. Weasley shouted.

Molly Weasley motioned from the stands and her husband whistled and signaled the players to the ground.

"Time for dinner," Molly said, "You can take up the game after you've eaten and packed."

A collective grown sounded from the players. None of the younger players had packed their school things. As a matter of fact most of their things were strung from room to room throughout the Burrow.

As they all rushed inside racing for a shower, Fred said, "Next game I'm on Harry's team. I'm tired of losing." He motioned with his head toward Charlie, "Used to be a good thing to get on his team. You go and get married Charlie and lose all your luck."

Charlie shook his head but it was Bethany who answered, "I don't know I think he's pretty lucky."

"Bethany," Bill said in a way that made you think he didn't approve of her comment.

"Bill," she mocked him, "My mind isn't in the gutter. I was referring to my own good fortune, but since you brought that up..."

"Will you two quit bickering?" Charlie asked.

Bethany and Bill looked at each other, grinned and said in unison, "No."

Harry, Ginny and Ron were walking behind them. Charlie stopped and turned to them, "You did pretty good up there Harry. Usually Seekers have trouble switching over to Chaser. You know solo position and team position. It will help you as captain to know the other positions." Harry blushed and nodded.

"I think Harry just has his dad's Quidditch gene. You know your dad played professionally for a season?" Bethany said.

Harry stopped. He was stunned. No one had ever mentioned a profession of his father. He assumed he was probably an Auror but no one had ever bothered to mention him as being a professional Quidditch player. "No one ever told me. I knew he was a Chaser but never knew he played beyond the Gryffindor team."

"He did. James was an Arrow. He only played the one season though. Said the life just wasn't for him. Too much travel and your mum didn't go with him. She had work of her own not to mention getting pregnant just out of school. I can't believe no one ever told you. Of course, I'm sure those journals of his talk about his trials. He had to petition to miss school to make them during his seventh year," Bethany said.

"I, urm, haven't read them yet," Harry said.

Bethany just nodded and grinned. "Ron I didn't think we'd get anything past you. If it wasn't for that Bludger we'd be tied." Bethany, Charlie and Bill went inside arguing about who would get to shower first.

Ron grinned broadly as the older Weasleys went inside. Then he turned to his sister and Harry and said, "What I don't understand is how the two of you connected with one another each time. I thought for sure we'd gain control of the Quaffle because you'd have the ball and no reasonable place to toss it. And then you'd throw it over head and the other would be right there to catch. Do you two have some sort of secret or something because if you do you need to share with the rest of the team."

Harry and Ginny looked at one another and shrugged. Neither had realized that they had done anything special until Ron had pointed it out.

"There's no secret. I just knew where he'd be," Ginny said. Harry agreed. He just knew where Ginny was or would be and threw the ball there. He hadn't even realized it was something he shouldn't be able to do.

Ron shrugged back not considering the full implication of what he just pointed out. "I'm going to see if can get in line for a shower. Bill said something about adding an extra one. Maybe he'll add an extra two or three."

Harry and Ginny both hesitated outside the door. They were alone and both looked nervous as they shuffled back and forth. It was Harry who finally spoke, "Ginny, I urm, overheard your mum and dad talking this morning."

Ginny raised her eyebrow and looked at Harry, "It's not polite to eavesdrop, Harry."

"I really couldn't help it," Harry said as an apology, "but I, urm, heard you were having nightmares."

Ginny sighed as her expression saddened. She sat on the back step of the Burrow and moved to one side indicating to Harry to do the same. Harry sat beside her and took her hand. She smiled briefly when he did and sighed again before saying, "I've had the nightmares since my first year."

Harry understood immediately. He had had more than a few nightmares himself after his trip down to the Chamber of Secrets to rescue Ginny and destroy the Basilisk. He couldn't imagine the extent of Ginny's trauma. After all, it was she who while possessed by the memory of the young Tom Riddle released the dangerous creature that terrorized the staff and students of Hogwarts. Harry had come face to face with Voldemort more times than he'd liked to have and each time was worse than the one before. His own nightmares had become somewhat common place to him, but this past week they had occurred more frequently and with greater more vivid detail.

"I think it's the thought of going back to school," Harry said. Ginny nodded as she looked down watching a solitary ant travel across the path. "I've been having them too." She looked up at him with surprise. "What? You think none of this has affected me?" Harry asked.

"It isn't that. You just always seemed to deal with it all. I know last year was bad and you weren't doing well when you got here but you seemed to do well after that. I guess I just thought you had, well, adjusted," Ginny said.

"I guess I have just become used to it. It seems inevitable that I will face him again. I just wish I didn't have to think about it, or worry about what he might do to...," Harry paused and Ginny moved closer to him.

"Do you have the nightmares often?" Ginny asked.

Harry nodded. "This summer they were really bad for a while. The extra work at the Dursley's didn't even make them go away. The worst are the ones about Voldemort and what he is doing now. Those make my scar hurt," Harry said as he rubbed his scar before continuing, "I don't have those often. Usually I have dreams from when he killed my mum and dad. The only thing I really remember about then is what I see when Dementors are around," when Harry mentioned the Dementors Ginny shuddered and he squeezed her hand tightly.

"Each time I've been around them I see Tom," she blushed and looked away when she said his name, "as he rose from the diary. So you can remember his attack when you were a baby?"

Harry nodded, "I hear my parents being killed." Ginny moved closer to Harry and rested her head on his shoulder.

"We really are a sad pair aren't we?" Ginny said with a light laugh.

Harry released Ginny's hand and put his arm around her, "I don't know. It's hard to be too sad when I'm with you." Ginny snuggled next to Harry for a few moments.

"This is the first year since Hagrid told me I was a wizard that I don't want summer to end. I don't want to have to battle Voldemort again," Harry said.

"Harry, just because you are going back to Hogwarts doesn't mean you'll have to face him," Ginny said. Harry pulled back to look her in the eye. He raised his right eyebrow and tucked his head as he smirked at her. "Yeah right, well, maybe you won't have to."

Harry laughed as he pulled Ginny back towards him and rubbed his hand along her arm, "That's it. Just keep telling me and maybe I'll believe it."

"I've missed this," Ginny said after a few minutes of silence.

"Me too, I'm sorry, Gin," Harry said.

"What are you apologizing for?" she asked.

"For not being around as much lately. I've been focusing on myself a lot. I, urm, actually thought about telling you we should maybe break up," Harry said.

"You what? Harry, why? What did I do?" Ginny asked worriedly.

Harry pulled Ginny tighter and kissed her head, "Nothing Ginny. I was just worried about putting you in more danger. There's no way our relationship will remain secret even if we wanted it to and I just don't want anything to happen..."

"So am I to assume that you aren't planning on that because I really would hate to see you killed by my brothers," Ginny said.

Harry jokingly pushed Ginny away and sat up straight and pretending to be interviewed said, "Yes, well it is a different relationship, mine and Miss Weasleys. See she keeps me with her by threatening me... Oh yes, of course, many things are more threatening than You-Know-Who. To start off is her six overprotective older brothers and well worse even than that is the young Miss Weasley herself. Those Death Eaters are nothing in comparison. Frankly she just terrifies me." Ginny punched Harry in the shoulder. "See she's violent. Beats me with rubber hoses so it leaves no marks," Harry said laughing.

"Better watch what you say," Ginny said, "I may not follow through but you never know what the next headlines the Prophet will have. That Rita Skeeter woman always seems to have information she shouldn't."

Harry laughed, "I don't think we have to worry about her much. Hermione didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Ginny asked.

"Rita Skeeter is an illegal animagus. She becomes a type of beetle so she can blend in with her surroundings to get her stories. Hermione figured it out last year and left Hogwarts with her in a jar," Harry explained.

"You aren't serious," Ginny said incredulously, "She trapped her in her animagus form. What did she do with her?"

Harry laughed, "I forgot to ask."

* * * * *

They had all gathered out doors in the garden for dinner. Charlie and Bethany had released Fairies in the shrubbery to provided a festive atmosphere. Everyone joked and teased during the meal. Molly Weasley just grinned enjoying having all the extra people. She spent a great deal of time talking to Angelina. She told Bethany in a whisper that it was so she could get to know the girl who may become her third daughter-in-law. The twins provided entertainment throughout the meal and after desert treated everyone to one of the largest displays of Filibusters Fireworks that any had ever seen.

"Are you all packed?" Mrs. Weasley asked everyone. She scanned the faces of her children and their friends and realized that Fred and Angelina were missing.

"Where is Fred?" she asked.

Bethany had watched Fred and Angelina sneak off during the fireworks and decided to give them a few moments of privacy. She knew Angelina was due to return home in a few minutes and suspected they had slipped off for a proper good night kiss. "Oh there around somewhere," she said as she put her arm around Molly and steered her inside, "Let's go look at that catalog of nursery items you have. It's never too early to pick out a few things."

Charlie and Bill banished the dishes through the kitchen window and began holding a mock joust with the tables and chairs as they sent them back into the house as well.

"You'd think you two would know better by now," Arthur said, shaking his head at his oldest sons, "You just make sure to repair anything you break." He winked before ducking beneath a chair to beat it through the doorway into the Burrow.

"I guess I should go pack," George said as he reached for a biscuit and shoved it into his mouth.

"Oh, George, you haven't packed yet?" Hermione said.

"No, Miyo," he said with his mouth full then swallowed and added, "not everything."

"Milo?" Ron said, "Yesterday you were calling her Mio now you call her Milo. How many pet names do you two have?" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I said Mio. My mouth was full, but I like Milo. Has a nice ring," George said as he nudged Hermione, "you like Milo, Milo?"

Hermione giggled, "Well I can safely say no one else has ever called me that before and I doubt they ever will."

"I have most everything packed," Mona said as she looked to the ground.

"So do I," said Ron, "All that extra time I've spent in my room and all."

"I still need to add a few things to my trunk," Harry said as a strange barn owl flew straight to him. Harry removed the parchment from the owl and it quickly flew away.

He instantly recognized his godfather's handwriting on the short note.

Harry,

I received a message from Arthur. Use the pensieve.

Good luck on your first day tomorrow as a Gryffindor prefect and Quidditch captain.

I am very proud of you and your dad and mum would be too.

Sirius

"I can't believe I didn't think about that," Harry thought as he folded the note and tucked it in to his trouser pocket.

"Who was it from?" Ron asked.

"Sirius," Harry said, "He was just wishing me good luck for the start of school."

"You better get busy," Hermione said, "We don't want your mum upset. I can help you finish, George, I'm all done."

Fred and Angelina appeared from around the side of the house. "Oh Hermione will you pack for me too?" Fred asked.

Angelina shoved Fred, "Don't even answer him Hermione. He'll be up to pack for himself after I leave. I'll see you all tomorrow on the train." She and Fred went inside to allow Angelina to access the floo home.

"I better go in and pack. I haven't even started," Ginny said.

"I can help," Mona said as she trailed Ginny through the door. The others followed them inside and up the stairs to pack or check their trunks.

* * * * *

The Burrow was buzzing. Everyone was running from floor to floor and room to room in search of the odd item or two that had not been packed the night before. Mrs. Weasley was visiting each room carrying an armful of freshly laundered socks. She stopped in Ginny's room and placed a few pairs of socks on the top of each girls' trunk.

"Really, Mrs. Weasley, thanks," Mona said, "but I'm sure I have plenty of socks." Mona held out the three pairs of wool socks to give back to Mrs. Weasley.

"Nonsense, dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she turned to leave the room, "you can never have too many socks. Besides it's damp in the dungeons. You'll be happy for these later." Mrs. Weasley pushed Mona's hand away and left to make more deliveries.

"She's not lying. It isn't bad everywhere, but in the potions class you'll be glad to have those," Hermione said.

"I like socks," Ginny said as she grinned mischievously.

"Yes," Hermione said, "just not your own. Come on, Mona, grab an end and we can carry your trunk down then come back for mine." Mona took up the side nearest to her and they headed out the door.

"You better hurry Ginny," Hermione said as they went down the stairs.

"Here let me help with that," Bill said as he waved his hand toward the trunk causing it to levitate about a half meter off the floor. "Hermione, is yours ready too?" Bill asked. She nodded and led him into Ginny's room for him to cast the same spell on her trunk.

Before long seven trunks were resting on the front lawn of the Burrow awaiting the ministry vehicles that would drive them and their owners to King's Cross Station. The living room held two cats in baskets and Hedwig in a new cage that Bethany purchased for Harry when he realized that he had left his at the Dursleys.

"Are you sure you have everything you need?" Mrs. Weasley asked for the twelfth time.

"Mum, if we've forgotten anything you can just send it on later with Amadeus," Fred said, "he's getting lazy now that you haven't been owling the tent three or four times a day." Fred laughed at his own joke as he ran back up to his room for another item he had failed to pack.

"Yeah, Neville always gets a package on the first day of classes filled with all the things he's forgotten," Ron said, then ran up the stairs to his room.

"How many cars is the ministry sending?" Charlie asked as he placed a small duffel bag of his and Bethany's things on the floor beside Olivia's basket. Charlie and Bethany had sent most of their things ahead with their tent mates.

"Two Charlie," Molly answered before yelling after her youngest sons, "I don't want to have to send you anything later and if I do it will be accompanied by a Howler the likes of which you've never heard."

"I have everything," George said as he added his Beater bat to his trunk and took off running up the stairs after something else he'd forgotten.

Bethany nearly tripped as she tried to avoid George's ascent. She laughed , "This place is chaos. Has it always been this way on traveling day?"

Charlie nodded, "Could be worse. Dad and Percy are at work, but it wouldn't be a proper Weasley send off without a little disorganization."

"A little?" Bethany said, "men can never judge size."

Ginny, Hermione, and Mona broke out in a fit of giggles. Ginny was the first to stop as she slapped her hand on her head and ran back up the stairs.

Ron ran back down the stairs and followed Hermione and Mona outside. Harry was sitting on the lawn beside his trunk checking to make sure everything was where it should be. "What are you giggling about?" Harry asked as they all plopped down beside him.

Mona and Hermione looked at each other and started giggling again. "Oh nothing, Bethany just said something about Charlie not being a good judge of size," Mona answered when they had calmed a little.

"Where's Ginny?" Harry asked, but didn't need an answer as she joined them outside as well. She put her muggle poetry book into her trunk and closed it again.

"If you would have made a list like I suggested..."Hermione began.

Ron interrupted, "We can't all be as perfect as..." Ron stopped as he remembered yet another item he'd forgotten and ran inside after his satchel of books.

"Hey, Hermione," Mona said with a bored expression on her face as she rested her chin on her hand to watch the continued commotion.

"Hmm," Hermione answered. She had buried her face in a book again.

"Remind me never to go on a vacation with this bunch. This is insane," Mona said shaking her head.

"Oh, you get used to it," Hermione said as she closed her book, "They wouldn't be the Weasleys if it all ran smoothly. Besides, holidays with the Weasleys is always fun."

George sat beside Hermione. "Are you studying again, Milo?" He asked as he pointed to the book in her lap.

"I thought I should make good use of my time," George reached for the book but she moved it from his reach. "Besides, the O.W.L.s are later this year and it's never too early to start preparing." George continued to try to get Hermione's book from her.

"Hermione," Fred said as he joined the others, "You've studied for O.W.L.s since your first year."

George was finally successful in commandeering Hermione's book. He began to laugh. Hermione turned red and pleaded with her eyes for him not to say anything. He leaned toward her and whispered, "this has nothing to do with the O.W.L.s, Milo. Somehow I don't think Mr. Nash T. Imp's work will be on the O.W.L.s or the N.E.W.T.s this year." He handed her back the book and kissed her on the cheek.

Molly walked outside with nine more pairs of socks, "Fred if you and George had spent a little more time studying and less time goofing off, I'd imagine you two would have outscored Bill on his O.W.L.s. And I'm sure Hermione will do better than the two of your scores together."

Molly went back inside followed by several of her children. The Weasley's continued to run back and forth collecting other forgotten items. Mona moved her head to the volley of the action traveling in and out of the door.

"Do you have all your things?" Bethany asked as she placed Hedwig's cage on the ground beside her and sat on Ron's trunk.

"Yes," Mona answered as she continued to move her head as though she were watching several redheaded tennis balls bounce in and out the door.

"What's the score?" Bethany asked grinning.

A smile crept across Hermione's face as she realized what Bethany was talking about, "Thirty love."

Harry smirked, "It's official, Hermione, you've been hanging around George too much."

The two large black automobiles arrived just as all the Weasleys had returned to the front lawn.

George and Ron walked out each holding a basket. George handed Hermione Crookshanks and said, "you forgot someone."

Ron laughed, "Yeah, Herm, forget to write, 'bring cat to school' on your list?"

"I didn't forget him. I just didn't want to bring him out in the sun too early," Hermione said as she took the basket from George.

Ron reached inside Olivia's basket to pet the blue-grey and silver cat and was greeted with a hiss and the slash of sharp claws. Mona hurried to the basket as she attempted to avoid eye contact.

"Olivia," she scolded, "Sorry, Ron. If it helps any, I did forget about her in there." She bent down and cooed into the basket a quiet apology to her cat, "I'm sorry Miss Twist, I won't ever forget you again." She smiled slightly and tried to take the basket from Ron.

He held tight and said, "I'll carry her."

"I've got the trunks, mum," Charlie said as he pulled out his wand and levitated them toward the waiting Ministry vehicles.

"Boys, you go into the first car with Charlie and the girls can take the second car with Bethany," Molly instructed as she hugged each of her children and their friends.

She stood in front of the twins, "You two behave. This is your last year. Try not to blow up the school."

"Aww, mum, you spoil all the fun," Fred said.

"Fred Weasley," Molly began to chastise her son.

"But mum," Fred said, "I'm George. That's Fred." He pointed toward his twin who was standing beside Hermione.

"Nice try, Fred," she said as she reached up on tiptoe to ruffle her sons hair. He was embarrassed at his mother's action, but didn't argue. Fred knew his mother would be missing the house filled with her children.

"Gee, mum," George said, "It only you took you seventeen years to tell us apart." He hugged his mother and went toward the first car.

Next Molly stopped in front of Harry and Ron. "I know you don't always have a choice in the matter, but try not to go looking for trouble. Remember as prefects you are role models." They both hugged her before entering the car with the twins.

She approached the girls and hugged Mona first, "You'll do fine, dear, don't worry."

"Thanks for letting me stay here. It's been great," Mona said.

"Now, Hermione, I know I don't need to remind you about your role as prefect, but do make sure that those two don't forget," she said as she pointed to Harry and Ron.

Hermione shook her head, "I will, but I do think they'll be just fine. Just don't tell them that I said so."

Mrs. Weasley hugged Hermione and added, "Don't let George talk you into too much mischief either."

Hermione blushed and began walking toward the car. She stopped and pulled a jar out of her bag and said, "Mrs. Weasley will you please see that Mr. Weasley takes care of this properly. The note explains everything. Just don't open it, now." Mrs. Weasley took the jar and made a disgusted look as she examined the water beetle in the jar. Bill took the jar from her that she was holding with only two fingers as though the beetle may touch her.

She turned to Ginny and sighed, "I wanted to speak to you sooner, about you and Harry," Molly started.

"Mum," Ginny said exasperatedly, "we aren't going to do anything you wouldn't want us to."

"Well," she said, "I'm happy to hear that, but I was talking about your nightmares and sleeplessness. I want you to promise that you will go see Madam Pomfrey this evening and make sure Harry goes as well."

Ginny blushed when she realized that she had misunderstood what her mother was saying, "I will, but I can't guarantee that Harry will do the same. He can be very stubborn sometimes."

Charlie laughed, "Well if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black." He ruffled Ginny's hair. She smirked and dove into the car.

Charlie hugged his mother and said, "Don't worry mum. We'll keep an eye on them and Remus said he'd talk to Harry. I really am glad we were able to stay the summer here."

His mother kissed him on the cheek and smiled, "I am too."

Bill walked over and reached his hand out to shake Charlie's. The grasped hands then pulled each other into a hug. "I'll see you in November at Perce's wedding. But if you don't call me when the baby comes, I'll be forced to use some ancient curse on you," Bill told his brother.

"It's been a great summer big brother," Charlie said, "watch out for mummies." Charlie headed toward the first car.

Bill watched him walk away and rubbed his hand across his eyes and thought, "He tells me to worry about mummies and he's off to Hogwarts with dragons, a pregnant wife and our siblings." Bill shook his head and turned to Bethany. "You," he said, "had better write and send me pictures of your belly. I still can't believe you're pregnant."

Bethany hugged him tightly and kissed him on the cheek. "Neither can I sometimes," she said, "take care of yourself and make sure you write back."

Molly stepped over to Bethany and said, "Don't work too hard. You're pregnant and you shouldn't be stressing yourself." Molly began to cry as she hugged Bethany.

"Don't worry, Molly, I'll let Charlie do all the really hard stuff," Bethany said as she entered the car.

"Mum," Bill said, "Bethany knows she's pregnant. I'm sure she will be well taken care of. She has more people looking after her than I think she even likes to think about."

As the cars drove away, Bill pulled his mother into his arms and hugged her. He held her in this manner for a few moments as she sobbed. Before pulling away she said, "You really should do something about your hair, Bill. I'm sure if you had a nice respectable cut you'd meet a nice girl like Charlie did." Bill laughed and led his mother back into the Burrow.

* * * * *

They arrived at King's Cross Station in much less time than if it had been the Weasleys driving from Ottery St. Catchpole. Harry supposed the Ministry wasn't opposed to bending a few laws for their own convenience and enchanting a few vehicles was probably the least of the offenses. Fred and George bolted from the first car to secure enough carts for all the luggage. Charlie, Harry and Ron started unloading the trunks as the carts were delivered. As soon as they were out of the large black sedans the drivers left. The large cars seemed to just squeeze through the traffic.

Mona looked around and laughed, "So we catch a wizarding train here, at a Muggle train station? We do stand out a lot, don't you think?"

Bethany laughed and answered, "We do stand out don't we? I wouldn't worry about it though. Muggles don't notice even the most obvious things if it goes against their belief in reality."

"I'll hold Hedwig's cage," Ginny said as she took the snowy owl's cage from Harry. Harry put his and Ginny's trunks on a large cart and Ginny added the bird cage to the top.

George helped Hermione with her things. He even paused long enough to treat Crookshanks to a quick belly rub. The cat purred its appreciation loudly.

Ron had Olivia's basket on his trunk, but Charlie was pushing the cart with Mona's trunk.

"Mona, when we get to the wall between platforms nine and ten watch the others. You basically walk through it," Bethany instructed as they head toward their destination.

"It's best if you do it as a run the first time," Hermione suggested.

When they arrived at the entry to Platform 9 ¾ Fred leaned casually against the wall pulling his trunk laden cart with him as he disappeared into the wall. Hermione and George backed their carts up and took the wall at a rapid pace.

Mona was amazed that none of the Muggles seemed to notice this. Ron walked over and said, "Don't worry Mona. I can help you. Ginny can push my cart."

Ginny smirked but took Ron's cart and went through the wall followed closely by Harry who seemed to hesitate slightly before hurrying after her.

"Okay, let's go," Mona said as she and Ron started at a brisk pace toward the wall.

Right before the cart made contact Mona heard Ron say, "Open your eyes." Mona complied and witness the red brick wall change to a ghost like grey and was soon treated to the magnificent site of the brilliant crimson steam engine of the Hogwarts Express.

"It's beautiful," Mona said, "They really use a steam engine?"

"This is one of those things that looks Muggle but isn't," Bethany explained as she walked up behind her cousin. "It doesn't even use a track for most of the route. I've told you that the Muggle and wizard worlds do not mix much in Europe, this is about as close as some come to Muggles ever."

"Why don't they just use Port keys?" Mona asked as she looked around at all the other Hogwarts students arriving for the train ride. Fred and George had found Lee Jordan and were talking excitedly to him as Katie ran up and jumped on Lee's back.

"I wondered that myself the first time I rode the train. When I asked I was told that it would be faster and easier to use port keys but not nearly as much fun," Bethany said.

Harry laughed, "That had to be Dumbledore who said that." Bethany smiled and nodded. Harry looked around. His stomach felt like it had flipped around inside his abdomen. His recent laughter was ringing eerily in his ears. He thought that he shouldn't be happy as he watched a young Asian girl dressed in blue board near the front of the train.

"Professor McGonagall said that the train ride allows us to get into and out of the school mode," Hermione answered as she craned her neck to see where George had gone.

Ginny bit her lip and asked, "I suppose you three are going to the prefects car?"

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at one another then at Ginny and Mona. Both of the younger girls looked like they were hoping the answer was no.

Harry was the first to answer, "I for one know I can use a little more Malfoy free time." Ginny's posture relaxed with relief and Harry grinned at her.

Ron smirked, "Me too. Let's see if we can find an empty compartment back here."

"We can always go see the prefects car later on the trip," Hermione added, "besides, George said he was sitting with his friends. Seems I should sit with mine."

They started walking toward the rear of the train, but Mona paused, "Bethany, where will you be sitting?"

"That is Professor Donnalaith from now until you pass back through that wall again. Professor Weasley and I will be joining Professor Lupin in the faculty car at the front of the train. Ron Weasley what are you laughing at?" Bethany said.

Ron had began to giggle loudly and was attracting more than a little attention. He collected himself said, "Professor Weasley? That is going to be tough to get used to saying not to mention hearing."

"Well, little brother," Charlie said as he joined them, "start working on it." He lowered his voice and more seriously said, "And for the time being don't mention Professor Donnalaith's and my relationship or her present condition."

Everyone wore serious expressions as they nodded their understanding. Bethany said, "If you want you can all visit at the tent tomorrow after your first classes. We will be able to chat more freely there." She and Charlie waved and headed toward the front of the train.

As soon as the professors left a familiar drawl was heard from behind, "Oh no, there's another one. Weasley don't your parents know where babies come from." Loud, deep guffaws echoed through the train station from Malfoy's usual bulky shadows, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. "You would think they'd invest in a little prophylaxis potion, but I suppose they ran out of funds for that after the third child."

Ron's face reddened as he looked angrily at Draco Malfoy. The tall, thin blonde had irked Ron since before the first year. Harry and Hermione both automatically place a restraining arm on opposite shoulders of their angry friend. Harry's other hand grabbed Ginny's

"And another girl, well maybe your father can find her a rich husband that will take her off his hands looks like the older one hit the jackpot," Malfoy said as his long thin finger pointed at Harry.

Mona turned her fiery hair whipping around as she did. She greeted Malfoy with an aloof glance and made a face as though a pile of elephant droppings were resting on the platform before her.

Draco's eyes widened and his expression appeared confused momentarily. This girl had the hair color of the Weasleys but was definitely not one and not a first year like he had originally thought either. He raised his eyebrows and grinned with obvious approval as he took in her expensive clothes and attractive face. He offered his hand, "You must be new. I'm a Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."

"Malfoy?" Mona said, "Is that supposed to mean something to me?" She turned to Hermione as she asked the last question. Hermione just glared.

Draco grinned, "You're American? How quaint. You're ignorance of my family can be overlooked but you really should find better company."

"Yes, well, I think I was perfectly fine until you joined my company," she said as she spun around so quickly that her hair struck Draco in the face.

Draco grabbed her arm and spun her around, "I think you're confused. I don't know who you think you are..."

Harry still held Ron back, but Ginny's grasp on Harry altered to prevent him from attacking as well.

"I know exactly who I am. I am Mona Delachesay. And if the Brits had a decent standard of admission to their schools I wouldn't have to worry about having neuvo riche garbage such as yourself obstruct my path to the train," she said as she removed his hand from her arm.

"Delachesay?" Draco said impressed, "from New Orleans." Mona nodded as though she was annoyed. "I read about you in my father's Mizer's Unlimited the special fortune five hundred issue."

Mona laughed haughtily, "Don't believe everything you read in that rag. They have no real financial sense. They even under-quoted my actual worth by millions. Now if you and your goons can get out of the way..."

"Look, I'm only trying to help. Someone of your background and family shouldn't be with the likes of," Draco pointed his hand at the Gryffindors, "the Weasels, the mudblood and the orphan."

Mona dropped her jaw in surprise. She knew Ron was about to attack without looking at him. When she turned to stop him she was surprised again to see that Hermione was the one with the wand at ready.

"Tell me, have the curse marks healed from June?" Hermione asked maliciously.

Someone cleared his throat behind them. "And I think it's now time for you all to get on the train," Professor Lupin said as he rested his hand on Hermione's shoulder.

He paused for a moment daring Draco to comment again. When he felt the tension had passed he winked at Mona and headed toward the faculty car.

The Gryffindors and Mona took their things and headed toward the back of the train. Crabbe and Goyle boarded along the middle and Draco called back to Harry, Ron and Hermione, "Yes do run along to the back of the train. I'll be in the prefect's car. Nice to know I won't have to share it with the likes of you."

They let him walk off a distance before Harry shouted, "Hey Malfoy!"

Hermione giggled quietly as she, Ron and Harry waited for Draco to turn around. "What Potter?" he said angrily as he turned to face them.

The trio smiled and held up their matching prefect's badges. Draco Malfoy had not been notified of the protocol change and had no idea any of them were named prefects not to mention all three of them holding the position. He stared slack jawed as the three friends turned laughing to catch up with Mona and Ginny.

They found an empty compartment toward the rear of the train and entered laughing loudly.

"Did you see his face?" Ron said.

"That insensitive ass," Mona said.

"Language Mona," Hermione said, "but you do have him pegged correctly."

"Sorry, but I can't believe him. Did you know his dad had contacted my family for money, the nerve. Bethany says that Lucius Malfoy was with Voldemort when they killed Uncle Adam. Like we'd give him money," Mona said. Ron flinched at the mention of Voldemort's name. The others all looked sympathetically at her as she continued. "My own parents were killed when I was little. Daddy was an Auror working for the American Federation of Wizards. Mom was just in the wrong place. I couldn't believe it when Aunt Lelia told me that that man had owled asking for her to invest in some scheme he had. It was only about four months ago." Mona turned and stared out the window as the train started down the track.

"Do you think he was asking money because he didn't have any?" Ginny asked.

Mona shook her head, "No, but I bet that little Malfoy has no idea about what his daddy was up to."

Harry grinned, "I say we put him in his place today."

Hermione nodded, "That was nice wasn't it?"

Ron smiled, "That was priceless."

* * * * *

"Remy," Bethany said as she stood to hug her brother. Charlie followed suit.

"I was worried. You're late," Bethany said.

Remus looked around. The car was empty except for Charlie and Bethany. All the other professors were traveling alternate routes to school or had already arrived. Remus never cared for floo travel and although he could Apparate short distances the idea of traveling in that manner from his home in Southern England to Northern Scotland left much to be desired. "I was on time. I was delayed when I had to intervene in a discussion Mona was having with Draco Malfoy. Seems we might want to talk to Hermione later, too. Cursing a fellow prefect in the train station isn't the best way to start the year," he said as he casually took his seat. He smiled at Charlie's curious expression and explained, "Draco Malfoy was being his typical pleasant Slytherin self, but was in way over his head with that bunch. I don't think he even realized it."

"I was wondering how long it would take for Mona to butt heads with Malfoy," Bethany said.

"I'm surprised to hear it was Hermione who was about to curse him. That boy is Ron's least favorite person. I think Ron would rather spend the night with an Acromantula than the day with Draco Malfoy," Charlie added.

"Ginny and Harry were holding Ron back or he would have attacked. When I walked up Mona was giving him a piece of her mind and I have no idea what Hermione was about to give him. It looked like the least of his worries was going to be Harry and Ron. The boys may have gone after his blood but those girls were going for his ego," Remus said.

"Poor Draco," Bethany said, "He's in for one hell of a year."

Remus smiled then touched Bethany's belly. "So how is the mother and..." He stopped mid-sentence and cocked his head to one side. Bethany saw his ears twitch as he moved his head closer to her abdomen.

"What's wrong?" Charlie asked. The expression of concern wrinkled across his face.

"Have you been to see a midwife yet?" Remus asked as he attempted to stifle a grin.

"No, not yet. Poppy is going to follow the pregnancy when we are at Hogwarts," Bethany answered.

"Remus, is something the matter?" Charlie asked again. Remus' back was facing Charlie he could not see his brother-in-laws expression.

"It's just," Remus paused as he stood upright, turned to face them both, and grinned broadly, "I think you're having twins."

Charlie just stared. Bethany closed her eyes, sighed and sat down on the train seat behind her. "When it rains it pours," she said finally.

"You're not serious," Charlie said with a silly but excited grin.

"No, I'm not," Remus said, "he's taller and has darker hair and eyes." He chuckled at his own joke then said, "I can hear three distinct heart beats. Bethany's and two others going much more rapidly."

Charlie kissed Bethany on the cheek, "Hey two for one. What a bargain?"

"Let's just ask your mum if she feels the same about Fred and George," Bethany said.

"You can handle dragons, Beth, I'm sure two little babies won't be any problem," Charlie said.

"Plus you'll have plenty of hormone driven teenagers to wrangle for a few months before the babies come that will give you plenty of experience," Remus said.

"Well, I guess I'll go see Poppy this evening," Bethany turned and looked at Charlie and warned, "before you owl your mum." Charlie just grinned again his dimples showing largely in his freckled cheeks. "You are very happy about this aren't you?" Bethany said.

Charlie just brightened his smile in reply.

Bethany began to rummage through her satchel. "Remy, I have something for you if I can find it."

"Bethany, you know what I have told you about taking gifts..." he began to chuckle as he looked at what Bethany held up before him. "Are those leather faculty robes?"

"You like? We all have some," Bethany giggled, "I thought they'd look nice for the opening feast."

* * * * *

Harry awoke with a start. He was disoriented at first but quickly realized that he must have fallen asleep on the train. The dream must have startled him awake. It wasn't as bad as they had been lately. He assumed it was the residual effect of the potion or he thought as he looked at the top of Ginny's head, "Having Ginny near." He and Ginny had sat beside each other and as they had talked with the others Ginny had laid her head in Harry's lap. Harry smiled at how nice it was to run his fingers through her long red hair. He must have fallen asleep as well. Ginny was still asleep. She was not restless but he could see her eyes moving rapidly behind their lids. He looked around the car. They were alone except for Ron who was sleeping on the seat opposite them. His head leaning against the train window. Olivia, Mona's small pet, was curled in his lap purring loudly. Harry laughed to himself, "Never thought of him as a cat person after how much he seemed to hate Crookshanks." Ron was never fond of Crookshanks, Hermione's cat. It had been after his pet rat, of course, when it turned out the rat wasn't a rat but Peter Pettigrew, the man responsible for Sirius' incarceration and Harry's parents deaths, his feelings about the large ginger cat had changed a bit. It still surprised Harry to see the cat sleeping in his lap. Hermione and Mona were nowhere to be seen. Harry reckoned that Hermione had taken Mona around. "Already acting as a prefect," he thought. Harry realized that he could no longer feel his toes in his trainers. They had fallen asleep before he had. He needed to move around or he wouldn't be able to walk off the train when they arrived at the Hogsmeade Station. He bent down and kissed Ginny on the forehead. She stirred, stretched and sat up.

"I'm sorry I must have dozed off," Ginny said as she ran her hand over her hair and clothes in attempt to straighten them out.

Now that she was off of his lap, Harry stretched and moved his stiff muscles. He realized that he hadn't gone running that morning. "It's okay. I did too," he pointed to Ron and Olivia, "so did they. Hermione must be introducing Mona around."

Ron mumbled in his sleep and stretched upsetting Olivia who gave Ron an indignant look than stretched and curled up in her basket an promptly fell asleep again.

"I reckon we should have all gone to sleep when mum said to," Ron said as he looked around, "Where's Mona and Hermione?"

"They probably got bored watching us all sleep," Ginny said as she stood and walked over to the door of the small compartment. She was about to look out when George burst through the door.

"Where's Hermione?" George asked.

"Not sure," Harry said becoming concerned for his friends. Loud laughter could be heard and the two girls in question soon ran into the compartment.

"Mona, you are going to get me into trouble," Hermione said. She smiled and said, "Hi George and sleepy heads."

"Have a nice nap?" Mona asked as she plopped on the floor to check on her pet.

"So are you going to tell us how Mona was going to get you into trouble or not?" Ron asked.

"I took Mona around to meet everyone," Hermione said.

"And we were just having a little fun," Mona said, "and paying back a debt."

Ginny's eyes widened, "What did you do?"

"Did you know that Draco Malfoy looks pretty good green," Mona said.

"He's Slytherin. He almost always wears green," Harry said.

"I never said that he looked good in green," Mona said grinning mischievously.

George looked over at Mona then began searching his pockets. "Hermione, did you take the Fantastics out of my pocket?"

She grinned and nodded, "Yes, when I bumped into you in the passageway."

"Brilliant," George said, "and you got him to eat one." Mona nodded. "And Hermione, you had a hand in this?" he asked proudly. Hermione grinned and he winked at her.

"I always knew you could be a bad influence George, but I never thought it would be that bad," Ron said.

"So who all did you get to meet?" Ginny asked.

"I think we found all the fourth and fifth year Gryffindors," Hermione said.

"And, I insisted that she introduce me to some people in other houses. I talked to a really nice sixth year Ravenclaw. She said she played on the Quidditch team. Oh, I can't remember her name," Mona said.

"Cho," Harry said quietly. Ginny turned to look at him. Harry had a crush on this girl for most of his fourth year and everyone in the car, except Mona, knew all about it. Harry had just begun to accept her liking another boy, Cedric Diggory, when Voldemort killed the boy during the final task of the Triwizard tournament. Harry noticed Ginny's concern, "Cho is the only female sixth year on the Ravenclaw team."

"She seemed down. Is she always like that?" Mona asked Hermione and Ginny quietly.

They both shushed her and Hermione said, "I'll explain later."

Ron and George had attempted to distract Harry but he had overheard. He frowned. He felt bad enough he didn't need his friends walking on eggshells around him. "I can hear you know," Harry said angrily. Mona was taken aback by the tone in Harry's voice. She didn't know anything about what had happened. "Cho's boyfriend died last year at school. It was my fault," Harry said as he looked at Mona, "I asked Cho to the Ball last year but she was already going with Cedric so some people think I arranged for his death on purpose."

"Harry Potter," Hermione said chastisingly, "no one here thinks you did anything to Cedric other than to share your victory."

Ginny reached over to place a comforting hand on his, but Harry brushed it away. "No, but plenty of people outside this room do. What do you think I'm too fragile to handle it that you can't tell her about it in front of me?" he said.

"Harry," Ron said, "I think they just wanted to save you from having to hear the explanation again. We all know about the nightmares and..."

"I'll thank you to just leave me and my sleeping patterns alone," Harry said.

George was at the door. He took Hermione's hand and motioned for Mona and Ron to follow him. "Come on we need to go tell Fred about Green Draco," George said. They followed him out of the room leaving Ginny and Harry alone.

"Why don't you go too? No sense you staying here trying to mop up my fragile ego," Harry said.

"No," Ginny said, "I'll stay here and I'll have you know I had no intentions of cleaning up your ego. I am here because I care about you and because I want to be here."

"Ginny, I don't know if this is going to work," Harry said, "I mean, I just don't want to go back to school and fight any more." Ginny sat down on the seat opposite him to listen to Harry. "I didn't mean to snap. I'm just tired. Tired of everything being so weird. This summer was great, almost normal." Ginny nodded as he spoke but never broke eye contact with him. "I spend the first decade of my life fighting to be liked by the only family I know then this giant shows up and tells me I'm a wizard and that there's this whole other life I can live. I couldn't believe it and I don't think I'd ever been happier. I think that was truly the first time I'd ever been happy. Then I come to school and everything goes okay until Voldemort comes back again. Then they send me back to the Dursley's. Then the next year, the basilisk and that diary," he paused when he noticed Ginny cringe at the thought of the damage she'd caused by writing in that journal. "Then in third year a murderer is after me who turns out to be okay and my godfather, but I still have to go back to the Dursley's. And then last year. It just keeps getting worse. I don't want anyone I care about to be hurt because they were with me. Ginny maybe it would be best if we did break up..."

Ginny simply and calmly said, "No."

"What do you mean, no?" Harry asked.

"It's a negative answer, the opposite of yes. I simply don't agree with you," Ginny answered. Harry was confused. "I realize that there are always going to be bad people after you. Probably long after you defeat Voldemort..."

"You say that with confidence," Harry said.

"Harry if you don't believe that we may as well pack up and go hide in a cave and wait for the end of the world. Yes, I am confident that he will be defeated and that you will have a hand in his defeat. I don't think it will be tomorrow, but it will happen. Harry, you are the one who wants the normal life but you insist on shutting everyone out," Ginny's voice rose as she continued, "You said yourself you spent your whole life fighting for love you never got, well, you have it now and what do you do about it? You shove it away. I thought you decided this earlier. You weren't going to live your life by Voldemort's rules. Has something changed?"

Harry had said those words. Everything she said was true, but he just didn't know what to do. "I, I don't know," Harry stammered.

Ginny stood up and took her things out of the overhead compartment. "When you figure it out, let me know." She walked out of the door and down the hall leaving Harry alone in the compartment.

Harry looked up at the ceiling and blew forcefully out his mouth. He was trying not to cry. He would not cry. He was the one that suggested they break up and Ginny didn't say she was never going to talk to him. "What do I want?" Harry thought. He kicked his foot against the base of the chair and Olivia and Crookshanks both hissed in his direction. "Great," he thought, "now you two are mad at me, too."

He sat back on the seat and positioned his face away from the door. It didn't take long before he heard voices of Hermione and Ron arguing outside. The door opened. Harry didn't turn. He could hear the crackling noise of cellophane and the jostling of boxes.

"I told you not to get so much," Ron said.

"Well, I couldn't make up my mind and it isn't as though the food goes bad. It's wizard sweets after all," Hermione said as she carried a variety of the sweets they purchased from the snack witch to the seat Harry was on.

"Here, Harry, have a snack," Hermione said. She held up a chocolate frog, "If it can drive away the sadness a Dementor leaves you with surely the chocolate will help after you've had a row with your girl friend."

Harry just stared at Hermione. "Wonderful," he thought, "the whole bloody train probably knows we've had a row."

"And no, Harry, the whole train doesn't know," Hermione said correctly reading Harry's expression, "we ran into Ginny crying in another compartment. Mona, Fred and Angelina or talking with her now."

"Did you talk to her?" Harry asked.

"She told us what was bothering her," Ron answered as he sat on the seat beside Harry. He opened the chocolate frog and let it hop toward Harry. He smirked when he read the card, "Merlin. I already have seven of those." He placed the card in his pocket anyway and continued, "She told us you suggested you break up and she didn't agree with your reasoning. She's upset but she's worried about you."

Harry's posture relaxed. He was relieved to hear that Ginny was just giving him some space but he was still confused, "She sounded angry."

Ron laughed, "You have never seen her really mad. This was nothing."

"Harry," Hermione asked, "What's the matter? You snapped at us earlier. This isn't like you. Has your scar been hurting?"

Harry shook his head as he shrugged his shoulders. "It isn't my scar. I haven't been sleeping and I don't know. I guess it's just going back to Hogwarts. This summer has been great. Even though all my other summers have been well, less than fun, I knew that the worse I had to deal with was the Dursleys. I love school and being with my friends but I guess I'm starting to dread what will happen next," Harry answered.

Ron smiled, "Keep those thoughts."

"Ron Weasley, what a horrible thing to say," Hermione scolded.

"No, not for that. I was thinking it would be good to use in Divination class. I'm running out of ways to be killed," Ron said. Harry laughed despite his previous mood.

"You two should have dropped that class long ago," Hermione suggested.

"Do you really want to break up with my sister? I mean this is what I tried..."Ron began but Harry held up a hand to interrupt.

"No, I don't. I just don't want her hurt and I don't know what to expect," Harry said.

"You should expect to attend the sorting ceremony, eat a good meal and have Dumbledore say a few words. Then you can expect to lead the new first years to the Gryffindor Tower. I'm sure you can also anticipate a party of some kind courtesy of George and Fred. Tomorrow you can look forward to schoolwork and lovely potion classes with our favorite professor and..." Hermione said this rapidly.

"I get the point," Harry said. "I guess it's that so much happened and after that summer going back to Hogwarts just doesn't seem the same."

"Well that solves it," Ron said, "Next summer you stay at the Dursleys then you don't feel bad when you go back to school even if you know that You-Know-Who is waiting outside the gaits for you."

Hermione shook her head, "The logic is twisted but it does make sense. You'll see Harry it won't be so bad. You've got Quidditch and the Advanced Care of Magical Creatures course. And, you're a prefect now. You won't have time to worry about evil dark wizards."

"Oh, that makes me feel much better," Harry said but his smile betrayed his emotions. "Where's Ginny now?" Harry asked.

"She's fine. She is helping Angelina keep Fred in line. He's trying to scare Mona about the sorting hat. It isn't working but it's worth a good laugh," George said as he sat beside his brother. "Might be a good idea to let her blow off a little more steam. We're almost to Hogsmeade anyway. You'll see her at the feast."

* * * * *

"You'll have to come up with something more original than that, Fred," Mona said, "Ginny and Hermione said you told Ron the same thing."

"Don't listen to anything this fool tells you," Angelina said.

"I'm crushed. If I can't depend on the support of my own girl who can I depend on," Fred teased.

"Somehow I believe you'll manage just fine in that department, Fred. Besides, when it counts you know I'm there," Angelina said.

Fred grinned then kissed Angelina. Ginny sighed loudly.

"Don't worry, Ginny," Mona said.

"Yes, Harry's had a rough year. He'll come around," Angelina said.

"And if he doesn't," Fred said, "Quidditch practice will start soon and George and I will knock him off his broom with a bludger." Fred smiled proudly at his idea.

All three of the girls said, "Fred!"

"I wouldn't hurt him permanently. We could never replace him as seeker," Fred said.

Ginny frowned at her brother.

Angelina pushed Fred sideways knocking him off the seat they shared. "I don't have to tell you not to listen to him do I, Ginny?" Angelina said.

"No, I know he's being Fred. I just don't know what to do about Harry," Ginny said.

"Just let him see that it isn't as bad as he thinks it will be. I think he's spent the summer worrying about what might come. Once he gets there and sees it's just Hogwarts he'll settle down," Fred said, "he'll be so busy soon he won't have time to worry about any of that."

"I hate to admit it but Fred's right. What with being Quidditch Captain, Prefect and just being in the fifth year he'll have so much work he won't have time to think of much but getting school completed," Angelina said.

"Sounds like he'll be happy to have you as a diversion," Mona said.

"Oh that's comforting, Mona, I don't know if I want to be Harry's diversion," Ginny said.

"I know I don't want you being Harry's diversion. On second thought, Ginny, I think Harry's right. You two should break up," Fred said.

"That isn't what I meant," Mona said, "I just meant that he'll want you around as a friend someone who he can talk to and who will remind him why he has to do all those things. Harry just doesn't know how to feel about these things. He didn't actually grow up with anyone teaching him."

Ginny nodded in agreement then turned to Mona with a puzzled expression, "Don't get me wrong, I agree with you, but how do you know that. I don't think any magazine has ever talked about Harry's childhood."

Mona shook her head, "Ron knows." It took a few moments before Ginny and Fred realized what Mona was talking about.

"I'm confused," Angelina said, "what's going on?"

"You remember I told you about the strange trance that Ron and Mona were slipping into," Fred said. Angelina nodded. "Apparently, each time it happens they exchange information. Mona here knows me as well as Ron does," he explained.

"Well that could be interesting," Angelina said.

"It's not exactly like he explained. The information isn't easily available. Sometimes I just know things that I couldn't without the connection," Mona explained.

"I don't know if I'd want to be inside your head Fred or have you inside mine," Angelina said. Fred whispered something in her ear and they both giggled.

"I really didn't like it at first," Mona explained, "It isn't as bad as it was, but it is a little odd. There were a few people that Hermione introduced me to and I knew who they were before she told me their names."

"I wish I knew what Harry was thinking about right now," Ginny said.

"I can tell you that," Mona said. Ginny looked confused at her friend. "Yes, right about now he's thinking that he's been a royal jerk."

Ginny laughed, "I hope you're right."

* * * * *

The train pulled into the station. Ron had taken Olivia with him and was busy looking for Mona to bring her to her.

"She may be with the first years," Hermione said.

"Do you think they'd make her ride over on the boats?" Fred asked.

"Who knows? Oh there they are," Hermione pointed to Ginny, Mona, Fred and Angelina. They were standing beside Lee Jordan and Katie Bell.

Harry looked over at Ginny. She looked worried. He wanted to run up and hug her and tell her he was sorry. He didn't. Because getting off the train near her was Cho Chang. The memory of Cedric's dead body and her face at the closing ceremony last year came flooding back.

Ron noticed his hesitation and said, "Hermione, you and George can get us a coach. I'm going to bring Olivia to Mona and I'll catch you up." He motioned his head to Harry before he walked off.

Hermione nodded and said, "Come on, Harry. Let's get that coach over there."

* * * * *

"First years over here and no lolly gagging," screamed Argus Filch. Argus Filch had always reminded Harry of a Halloween mask he had seen once when he was living with the Dursleys on Privet Drive. His face was gaunt and sunken and his hair hung in stringy bunches past his shoulders. Filch was a squib, a non-magical person born into a wizarding family. Argus Filch had held the caretakers job at Hogwarts for years. He had always had a reputation of strict discipline and it was rumored that the he requested to use the manacles that hung in his office, but was always denied permission. He had a nasty disposition and his only friend was his cat Mrs. Norris who had a way of communicating with her master to let him know of students who were out of line.

"You," he said as he pointed his long, bony finger at Mona, "over here."

"But sir," Ginny said, "She isn't really a first year. Couldn't she just ride over in the carriages with us then join the first years before the feast?"

Argus Filch had always been leery of the Weasley's and Ginny worried him the most. She was too quiet. The only Weasley he never had any problem with was Percy. Fred walked over to Mona and this seemed to make up Argus Filch's mind for good. "It's her first year," he said angrily, "she rides the boats."

Bethany hurried over smiling. "Argus, how have you been," she asked as she hugged him. Ginny noticed the rapid change in the caretakers expression. It frightened her until she realized that he must be smiling.

"As I live and breathe. If it isn't Bethany Donnalaith. The headmaster told me that you were coming but I expected your arrival to be a bit showier. Are you slipping in your old age?" the caretaker asked.

Bethany leaned over and whispered, "I haven't arrived quite yet. Wait until the opening feast." The care taker shook his head and Bethany asked, "Why don't you let Mona ride over on the carriages? I'm sure Miss Weasley will make sure to get her to the ante room before the feast." He looked over at the new girl. "Argus, it is her first year at Hogwarts but not her first year in school. She's new to the country. It would be awkward for her to arrive with the students so much younger than she is," Bethany pleaded.

"I will allow it, but Miss Weasley," he said as he turned to Ginny, "if she is not in place on time, I will hold you responsible."

Ginny nodded, "yes sir." Ginny grabbed Mona and they ran off to catch the carriage that Fred and Angelina had held for them.

Bethany thanked the caretaker and headed off toward Charlie. Since they could not Apparate onto Hogwarts grounds, they would be walking to their encampment near the back of the school grounds. It was closer to walk from Hogsmeade than to ride up to the school in a carriage and then walk.

Ginny and Mona sat facing the front of the carriage. Angelina and Fred faced the rear. As they rounded the curve in the road the castle of Hogwarts came into view.

Mona's mouth opened in awe. "Everyone described it but, it's beautiful," Mona said, "Much more than I ever imagined."

"Be it ever so humble," Fred said.

"That's for your home, silly," Angelina corrected.

"For the last six years that's what it has been. I've spent more time here than anywhere else," Fred said.

One carriage behind, the mood was more somber. Harry seemed to become more gloomy the closer they came to the castle. Ron, Hermione and George tried their best to lighten the mood, but Harry wasn't taking the bait.

"Well at least we're arriving more peacefully than our second year," Ron said.

"I wonder if anyone has seen the old Ford Anglia lately," George asked.

"Bethany said that they'd be looking for it this year," Hermione said.

Harry just stared forward. The others eventually figured that they weren't making any difference.

George reached over and touched the prefects badge on Hermione's chest. When she looked down to see what he was doing he flicked her nose playfully. When she looked up to scold him he disarmed her anger with a smile and a wink.

* * * * *

Bethany and Charlie arrived at the camp. The dragon enclosure was alongside the Forbidden Forest, south of the Whomping Willow. Bethany's and Charlie's large tent was set up between the enclosure and the lake. Two other smaller tents flanked the large one. They housed the other five members of their team.

T.J. waved when he saw them and ran to greet his friends, "Why don't you take a little more time?"

Charlie winked at his wife and turned her toward the lake, "Sounds like a good idea. Come on Beth, let's skive off the opening feast. We can be introduced at breakfast." He pulled her into a passionate kiss.

Bethany accepted the kiss but broke it saying, "down boy."

"Something about being back here brings back some rather, erm, happy memories," Charlie said kissing her on the neck.

"More like randy memories, Charles Logan Weasley, settle down," Bethany said, "We need to go to the feast. It's very difficult for us to be introduced if we aren't there."

"Spoil sport," Charlie teased.

"If you two are finished," T.J. called, "We have your robes waiting. The others have already left for the feast."

"I was hoping to see everyone first," Bethany said with a pout.

"Sorry love," Merrick said as he held the door open for them to enter, "We have the kids secured so we can all attend the feast."

"How are Perce and Berta?" Bethany asked as they entered the kitchen.

"They are great," Carlo said as he hugged Bethany and took the duffel from Charlie, "Now change quickly or we'll be late."

Charlie and Bethany ran up the stairs to their room and changed into leather trousers. Charlie added a Gryffindor red t-shirt. Bethany wore a peach silk blouse. Both added their new dragon hide leather robes to their attire. Bethany smiled mischievously.

As they returned to the kitchen, Bethany smiled at the others who were all similarly dressed. "We do make a nice sight, don't we, Annie," Merrick said.

"Where's a camera when we need one?" T.J. asked as he fixed the collar on his shirt.

Carlo fastened his robes over his black silk shirt and said, "I do believe the others will be jealous."

Charlie laughed, "We'd better hurry or we'll be late."

They all headed out the tent toward the castle at a rapid pace.

* * * * *

Harry walked slowly behind Hermione and George. He kept looking around searching the rest of the crowd. Fred and Angelina bounded up and were quickly joined by Lee Jordan and Katie Bell.

Harry frowned. He had hoped to speak to Ginny before going into the great hall. Angelina smiled at him and quietly said, "She's taking Mona to the sorting."

"We should go in and get a good seat," Katie said.

"As seventh years we can just tell the others to move," Lee said.

George reached for Hermione's hand, "Come on Milo let's go in."

"I'm going to see if I can find Ginny," Ron said, "Save us seats."

Fred laughed, "Translation. He's going to see if he can find Mona." Ron rolled his eyes at his brother then walked toward the ante room where all the first years would collect to wait for the sorting.

"Harry," Hermione said, "Come inside."

Harry paused then said, "I'll catch you up." He watched Professor McGonagall walking quickly in the same direction Ron had went and he called her name as he followed her.

The deputy headmistress stopped and turned. "Potter, I'm glad to see you made your way here without a spectacle this year."

Harry nodded, "Professor I need to speak with you." Harry wasn't sure how to continue. He wasn't really sure what he'd like to discuss with his head of house but he felt compelled to speak with her.

"What is it?" she said impatiently. The sounds of the new students disembarking from their small boats drifted up the hall way.

"It's just that I, urm," Harry said. He still really wasn't sure what he wanted to say.

"I don't have the time now, Mr. Potter. I'll meet with you in my office after the feast. I'm sure Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley will be more than capable of helping with the new Gryffindors," answered the stern transfiguration instructor.

Harry just sighed and returned to entrance hall. The doors were held open and the tables beneath the hundreds of suspended candles were becoming filled by the returning students. He watched Hermione at the far table directing the younger students reminding Harry of Percy in his second year. His eyes moved across the table next to the Gryffindor table. It was draped in yellow for the Hufflepuffs that occupied it. Harry's heart fell when he noticed that several of them still wore the black arm bands in memory of Cedric Diggory. He sighed and looked down at the crest on his robes. His prefect badge was beside it. He touched it absentmindedly as he let his eyes travel to the Ravenclaw table. Cho Chang sat near the front and although she talked to others at her table, her expression remained downcast. He hadn't realized he was tugging at his prefect badge until he looked at the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy was proudly displaying his and bossing the younger students around. Harry looked away and removed the badge from his robe and tucked it into his pocket. Ron had not returned, and since Hermione and the others had saved enough places for them all at the table he decided to wait for him in the Entrance Hall.

Ron found his sister and Mona just outside the ante room that lead to the Great Hall. Mona smiled and looked over at Ron. They made eye contact and slipped into the trance of the connection. It didn't take long for Ginny to bring them around. They had worked on this several hours in the week after their talk with his parents. Mona and Ron both blushed, but neither made the effort to run away.

Ron said, "I had just come to make sure you made it here okay."

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Thank you, Ron. Is this a new prefect duty? I would hope I could find this room after three years at the school."

"Thanks, Ron," Mona said understanding full well why Ron and made his appearance.

"Hermione and the twins are saving everyone a seat," Ron said.

Ginny looked at her bother, sighed, and said, "I think I'll go to the hall."

"He's probably waiting outside," Ron said. Ginny stopped and looked at her brother questioningly. "He wanted to speak with Professor McGonagall and he wouldn't have wanted to go in alone." Ginny grinned and headed toward the Entrance Hall.

They watched Ginny walk away. Mona sighed. "Don't worry," Ron said, "It isn't bad. My brothers told me I was going to have to wrestle a troll."

Mona nodded, "I can't believe that you actually trusted anything they'd tell you."

"I wonder that myself sometimes," Ron said. He was distracted by a noise coming down the hall. "Here come the first years," Ron said as several frightened students entered the room. I suppose I should go." Mona just nodded.

True to Ron's word, Ginny found Harry standing in the Entrance Hall looking in. She watched him remove his prefect badge and place it in his pocket before she spoke alerting him of her presence.

"Harry," Ginny said quietly.

Harry startled and turned. He smiled apprehensively at Ginny. She smiled back at him. "I'm sor.." he began.

Ginny held up her hand and stopped him, "Let's go inside. We can talk later."

Harry took her hand, brought it to his face and kissed it before leading her into the Great Hall.

Ron followed not far behind. They all took their seats at the table.

"Took you long enough," Fred said.

"I waited with her until the first years arrived," Ron said.

"You too, but I was talking about Harry," Fred said.

Although one of the last into the hall Ginny was the first to notice the curious absence of her brother, his wife and their friends from the head table. When she mentioned it they all began to speculate on the possible explanation for their late arrival.

"It could be a problem with the dragons," Ron said.

"Or maybe they just decided to leave and go back to Romania," George said.

"Or maybe they just found something else to do with the time. You know, Charlie and Bethany are newlyweds," Fred said.

"It's Professors Weasley and Donnalaith now, and they probably have just been delayed," Hermione said. Harry figured her explanation was probably the most plausible. He made eye contact with Professor Lupin and pointed to the empty seats at the High table. Remus Lupin looked at the open places and shrugged his shoulders.

The door to the ante room opened and Professor McGonagall could be heard giving last minute instructions. The stern faced professor led the procession of nervous first years into the hall. They walked in two lines behind the billowing tails of her viridian robes. The quiet chatter in the Great Hall died as the students entered between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. The stool was already in it's place with ancient Sorting hat resting on it.

Professor McGonagall removed a roll of parchment from her robes. She looked toward the Headmaster then at the empty seats and raised her eyebrow and smirked. The headmaster just smiled. He made a slight motion toward the main door mere seconds before it flew open.

"Beat you Annie," Merrick said as he burst through the doors. T.J. and Carlo entered behind him. They all blushed as they realized their intrusion. An excited whisper spread through the Great Hall. Bethany and Charlie entered last. Charlie walked around the to the front of the group and led them along the side of the Great Hall nearest the Slytherin table to the head table.

Professor Lupin was chuckling. He had chosen not to wear his new dragon hide robes that Bethany had given him. Minerva McGonagall's eyes widened as she gazed at the attire of the new professors. Professor Snape smirked and shook his head as they walked to the table. Tiny Professor Flitwick jumped from his seat to greet his former student, Bethany, who had to bend over to give him a hug. Remus pulled out the chair beside his own and motioned for Bethany to sit.

Professor McGonagall leaned across the table and mumbled to the headmaster, "Late and dressed improperly."

Bethany looked down at her robes that had come unfastened in their haste to arrive on time. She shrugged an apology and fastened her robes obscuring the view of her silk blouse and leather trousers. Charlie sat next to Bethany. His face was red, partially from trying to hold in his own laughter and partially from the embarrassment of causing the scene on their arrival. Carlo and T.J. sat next. Charlie envied their quiet calmness in the situation. Neither had been students at Hogwarts and did not have that odd feeling of intimidation that he had around his former professors. Merrick sat last beside a platinum blonde witch who he kissed on the cheek as he took his own seat.

The Headmaster cleared his throat to bring attention back to the ratty Sorting Hat sitting on the stool before him. "Professor," he said as he motioned for Professor McGonagall to continue.

She picked up the parchment scroll bearing the names of the newest Hogwarts students. As she did this the hat began to jump and tremble. A large mouth-like tear opened just above the brim of the hat and it began to sing.

"I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat.

I am very clever and very old at that.

Sit down and place me on your head

And the name of your house will be said.

The student who is loyal

Hardworking and always true

In the house of Helga Hufflepuff

I will place you.

The student who is brave

With courage in their heart

Will reside in Godric Gryffindor's house

Right from the start.

The student who is ambitious

Sly, in thought, word and deed

Into the house of Salazar Slytherin

Will be placed without heed.

The student who is wise

And cunning beyond belief

Will in the house of Rowena Ravenclaw

Logically find comfort and relief.

The founders of this great school

A very long time ago

Placed a little of themselves in me

So their wishes I would know.

So sit right down upon the stool

And don me without delay

I'll look inside your heart and mind

And the name of your house I will say."

The hat finished its song to a round of applause from the staff and students in the Great Hall. The hat seemed to bow gratefully then straightened itself to await the first student.

"Anderson, Frances," Professor McGonagall called. A timid looking girl with mousy brown hair stepped forward and took her place on the stool. The hat slipped over her eyes and a few seconds later screamed, "Hufflepuff!"

Mona fidgeted back and forth behind all the first years becoming more and more anxious as each name was called. She jumped each time the name of a house was called because the respective table would erupt in applause and cheers. A few students sat on the stool longer than others before the hat shouted out their names. Still others, mostly Slytherins, barely had the hat rest on their heads before it shouted out the name of their new house. Soon the last student standing before Mona was called forward to sit on the stool.

"Zonko, Zachary," Professor McGonagall said and a small boy with dark black hair smiled and bounded up to the stool. The hat was placed on his head and immediately shouted, "Gryffindor!" The table at the far right of the room roared with cheers. Fred and George were standing on their seats as the young boy made his way to their table.

Professor Dumbledore raised his hands to quiet the hall, "The next student to be sorted is a transfer. She will be placed in the fourth year." He nodded toward the Deputy Headmistress to prompt her to continue.

"Delachesay, Mona," she called.

Mona took a deep breath and walked toward the stool. She glanced over to her new friends at the Gryffindor table. They were smiling and Ginny offered a thumbs up sign just as the hat slipped over her eyes.

"Hmmm, you are much older than the others," the hat seemed to speak in her head.

"I'm a transfer student," Mona said quietly, "a fourth year."

"Ah, yes a Delachesay. An old family. I've had one before," the hat said again.

"My cousin," Mona thought, "she's a professor here now."

"You are clever and loyal to those you love. Not very hardworking unless you are trying to get your way," Mona blushed as the hat said these things. "Bravery and courageousness also reside in your heart. But ambition, yes much ambition," the hat said.

"Not Slytherin," she thought, "anywhere but Slytherin."

"You're not giving them a chance. You are used to wealth and power. You would fit in well in Slytherin," the hat chided her.

"Not Slytherin," she concentrated.

"You are a difficult one. Are you sure you don't want Slytherin?" the hat asked one last time.

Mona shook her head with dread. "Well," the hat said, "then the only logical place for you is... Ravenclaw!"

That hat was slipped from her head and as Mona's eyes adjusted to the light, she realized that it was the table draped in blue and bronze that was cheering as she walked thoughtlessly in that direction.

Before taking her seat, Mona looked up at the high table. Bethany was smiling brightly in her direction. She sat at the table beside Cho Chang who began introducing her to other students in their year. She smiled and greeted her new house mates and chanced a glance at the Gryffindor table. Ginny, Harry and Hermione were smiling sympathetically at her. Ron looked upset. Fred ruffled his hair and his face reddened. Mona smiled back before turning her attentions back toward the brunette wearing the prefect badge beside her.

Dumbledore stood. The students quieted as he spoke, "I normally say a few words before the meal but since we had a bit of a delay." He paused and looked to his right. Bethany blushed and he continued, "So we will dispense with them this year. Please tuck in and enjoy your meal. The headmaster sat. The food appeared on golden trays and soon the hall was filled with noisy chatter once again.

Bethany leaned across her brother to speak to Professor McGonagall, "I'm sorry about all the commotion earlier. We knew we were running late but didn't think we were quite as late as we were."

"Miss Donnalaith, you need to remember that as a member of the faculty you are a role model to the students. Your tardiness and drama do not demonstrate the role you should be modeling," Professor McGonagall replied.

"Minerva, I'm sure that Professor Donnalaith meant no ill will and will be more conscientious about her duties as a role model in the future," Albus Dumbledore said then turning to his granddaughter added, "Bethany, I would like to see you and Professor Weasley in my office after the meal."

"Yes, sir, but if it's okay, I was planning on visiting Madam Pomfrey first," Bethany said as Charlie nudged her under the table. He was embarrassed by the chastisement delivered by his former Head of House and now they were ordered to the Headmaster's office and she was dictating the conditions of the meeting.

The headmaster nodded and smiled, "Remus mentioned your need to visit Poppy. I will see you both after that."

* * * * *

"Cheer up Ron," Hermione said, "she's just in Ravenclaw."

"At least it isn't Slytherin," Harry added.

"You know little brother," George said, "It's not like three of our older brothers didn't manage to carry on relationships with girls from Ravenclaw."

"I don't see why you are down anyway," Fred said, "you've only known this girl for two weeks. Who's to say you'd want her in the same house in a month anyway. OW!"

Angelina grinned after swatting Fred on the back of his head, "Oh is that what you think?"

Fred blushed, turned to his girlfriend and said, "It's not what I think about you, Lina."

"Aww, isn't that sweet?" George said.

Ron laughed with the others and added food to his plate. He looked over to Mona. She made a silly face and smiled. "Maybe it will be okay," he thought.

The plates emptied and the students and faculty were talking quietly. Dumbledore stood and called for attention. "As those of you who have been here before have already noticed, we are missing a few faces and have gained many more. Madam Hooch has retired and Hagrid is on a leave of absence," Dumbledore said as the students whispered speculations of where he may be.

He raised his hands for silence, "I am pleased to announce the return of Professor Remus Lupin as our Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor." All but the Slytherins applauded his return to Hogwarts. The Headmaster smiled at Remus Lupin. Remus had doubted that the students would accept his return knowing that he was a werewolf. After a brief pause Albus Dumbledore continued his introductions, "Those of you in fourth year and above are aware that a new Advanced Care of Magical Creatures course will be offered this year. Since dragons are the featured area of study we now have two dragons housed on the grounds. These dragons require handlers." Dumbledore motioned to his far right, "Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney." A brown haired wizard in his late forties and a mocha skinned witch with dark coarse hair both smiled and nodded.

"Mr. Sampson Braun," Dumbledore said.

"Hey that's," Harry stopped and looked closely at the man. This was the wizard that Sirius polyjuiced himself as to attend his party earlier this summer. He had long black hair and a dark tan. "It can't be Sirius," he thought.

"Miss Blythe Loftin," the Headmaster said, introducing a pleasant looking young witch with light brown hair. "Miss Simone Collier," the platinum blonde beside Merrick nodded.

"Associate Professors Merrick Edwards, T.J. Marsh, and Carlo Fazzio," he said as they each nodded and waved as their names were said. "They will be assisting in the Care of Magical Creatures lessons and will be regarded with the same respect you give all your professors." He looked warningly out at the student body before continuing, "I am also pleased to announce the return of two of Hogwarts alumni. Professor Charles Weasley will be the new flying instructor, Quidditch coach and co-instructor of the Advanced Care of Magical Creatures course. His wife," Bethany took in a shallow breath. She hadn't expected to be introduced as Charlie's wife. After a slight pause the Headmaster continued his introduction, "Professor Bethany Donnalaith will take on the role as the instructor for the Care of Magical Creatures courses as well as the CO-instructor of the Advanced course." Everyone applauded. Even the Slytherins showed half appreciation for their presence.

"Now for a few announcements. Those students in their fourth year and above should be prepared to take the Advanced Care of Magical Creatures Exam at the end of this week. Those students in third year and above should have their Hogsmeade permission slips to their Heads of House by the end of next week. And as always, the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden. Now go along to your dorms."

Hermione stood, "First year Gryffindors follow us." She looked over to Harry and Ron as a signal for them to join her.

"I have to go see Professor McGonagall," Harry said, "Ginny, I'll see you up in the common room." Harry waved as he left out of the Great Hall to meet his Head of House.

"Ron," Hermione called. He had been watching Mona as she left the Great Hall with the other Ravenclaws.

"Oh, right, come on all you first years follow us," Ron said as he and Hermione began to lead the new Gryffindors to the common room.

George stayed behind with Ginny. He put his arm around his little sister's shoulder. "Kinda makes you proud," he said as he faked a tearful sniffle.

Ginny laughed, "You know, George, you never cease to amaze me. I would have never guessed. You and Hermione"

He shrugged, "We're just friends, Gin."

"Yes and Ron and Malfoy will be announcing their engagement next week," she replied sarcastically. They both shuddered at the thought.

* * * * *

Bethany and Charlie were standing near the high table talking with the other handlers. They had not seen five of them in three months and had a great deal to catch up on. Charlie walked with them to the front hall as he was finding out about Berta's and Percival's conditions.

Severus Snape glided over to where Bethany stood. They were alone on their side of the large room. Only a few other students remained in the Great Hall.

"Bethany," he said, "I see you haven't lost your love of mischief and drama."

"Severus," Bethany said matching his cold tone, "I see you haven't lost your hatred of shampoo."

He smirked at the insult, "I see you finally decided to become an honest woman. Really I would have thought you would have bored slumming with Weasley before now."

"Do you have anything important to say?" Bethany asked with her arms folded across her chest.

"So tell me, Bethany," he grinned, "how long before he has you barefoot and pregnant? You know those Weasleys tend to have the breeding habits of rabbits." Bethany's face was turning red. She could feel her heart beating in her ears. Snape continued, "Or is young Charles not man enough for you? You always lead he and his brother around."

"Snape," she said harshly, "this isn't the time."

He laughed, "Did I hit a mark? Will we be seeing the elder Weasley here anytime soon? Are you still servicing them both?" As he spoke Bethany's hands dropped to her side. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her fingers turned white. The potions professor hadn't noticed her change in stance as he continued, "I always knew you lead Charlie around on a chain but to marry the man and still keep his brother around, how convenient for you?"

He had no sooner finished his last word when Bethany's fist swung upward and struck him squarely in the jaw sending him reeling backwards just as Charlie returned to the room.

"Bethany, what happened?" he said as he ran to her side.

"Your wife," Snape spat, "and I were just having a chat." He rubbed his jaw gently as her stood and straightened his robes. "Apparently, she disagreed with me."

"Sod off, you slimy, greasy headed git," Bethany said angrily.

"Very classy language, Lady Donnalaith," Snape said as he spun around and left hurriedly.

"Beth, this has probably not been the best way to start out here," Charlie said grinning to show her his dimples, "but that was one hell of a left hook."

"Why does he do this? He has always had to push my buttons. When is he ever going to grow up? I know he's always had a problem with Remy but, bloody hell, that was over fifteen years ago," Bethany said.

"Come on you need to see Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore is expecting us as well," Charlie said as he took her hand. As they walked to the infirmary hand in hand he asked, "Did you know he was going to do that?"

"Snape? How could I have known?" she said.

"No, not him. I would have expected him to say something rude and obnoxious. He always had. I was talking about your grandfather introducing us as husband and wife," Charlie explained.

"That is probably what he wants to discuss with us," Bethany said as Charlie held open the infirmary door.

"You took your time getting here didn't you," Madam Pomfrey said as she handed Bethany a bag of ice.

"Nice to see you too, Poppy. What's this for?" Bethany asked holding the ice pack.

"Your hand. I assumed after having to reset Professor Snape's jaw that your hand would be bruised," she answered.

Remus burst into the room. "Did you really punch Snape?" Bethany nodded to him. He shook his head, "Oh, and I missed it. He should know by now not to get your ire up."

"Poppy, why not just give me a little nonhematomus potion?" Bethany asked noticing for the first time the purple color spreading across the knuckles of her left hand.

"Because maybe if you suffer some of the pain you'll not be so quick to repeat the action," the nurse told her. Then turning to the men said, "You two can wait outside while assess Bethany's condition."

"But I want to be here," Charlie said.

"I will call you inside before I inform Bethany of anything. Now scoot," she told them as Charlie and Remus moved to the hallway.

"So you really think that it's twins?" Charlie asked.

"Afraid so, Charlie, you and Bethany will hear multiple pitter patters come March," Remus said as he laughed at Charlie's expression, "The problem you're going to have is when your wife and kids team up against you."

"Quit, please, I know I'm in trouble," Charlie joked, "You do know I'm thrilled. I'm going to be someone's dad."

"You may come in," Madam Pomfrey said as she opened the door and went into her workroom at the rear of the infirmary.

"I'll wait out here," Remus said.

Charlie was holding Bethany's hand when the nurse returned holding a goblet containing a steaming potion. "You wife is doing well. I see no complications. I know there are twins in your family Charlie. What about yours Bethany?" she asked.

"Well, yes on both sides. No immediates though, just cousins," Bethany answered, "so I reckon that Remus was correct. It's twins?"

"No dear it isn't," Poppy said as she made a hand motion to Bethany that Charlie missed.

"Remus!" Bethany shouted, "get in here please."

"What is it?" Charlie asked.

"Just thought you'd like to know that you were wrong. It isn't twins," Bethany said. Remus looked confused. He would have sworn that he heard more than one heart beat earlier.

"No, Remus, thank you very much but it isn't twins it's triplets," Bethany said. Charlie looked at his wife then at the nurse who nodded her validation.

"Excuse me, Beth dear, but I had nothing to do with the number of progeny you have gestating within your belly. So I suggest you turn that look to that redheaded brood stud over there," he said as he pointed to Charlie laughing. He walked over and hugged his sister and shook the pale-from-shock Charlie's hand, "Congrats. I better run off and write my shopping list, in triplicate." He chuckled as he left.

Madam Pomfrey handed the goblet of potion to Bethany who stared down at the rising steam and asked, "What is this?"

"Nonhematomus potion. With what you have coming you need all the breaks you can get," Madam Pomfrey said. As she walked away leaving them alone she continued to mumble, "And thought those Weasley twins were bad. Weasley triplets with her as the mother, Merlin prepare!"

"I guess we'll need to look for a larger tent," Bethany said.

"We aren't living in a tent with our children, Beth," Charlie answered.

"That sounds strange. I was just getting used to thinking child and now I have to use the plural," Bethany said.

Charlie kissed her, "We're together, B, we can handle it."

She smiled back at him, "I'm glad you feel that way. Keep reminding me."

He kissed her again, then once again more passionately. "Ahem," Madam Pomfrey cleared her throat from the doorway, "Normally, I'd let you continue, after all when will you have time soon, but the headmaster just sent word asking if there were any problems."

"Thanks, Poppy," Bethany said as she and Charlie hurried to her grandfather's office.

* * * * *

"Come in, Potter," Professor McGonagall said from behind the door after he knocked.

He entered slowly and took a seat as she motioned with her arm for him to do so, "What is it that you needed to discuss?"

Harry was fumbling with the prefect's badge he had in his pocket. "I wanted to give this to you," Harry said as he held the badge out to his head of house.

"Mr. Potter, that is your prefect's badge. You are supposed to wear it," She said as she looked down at the shiny badge resting in his hand.

"I don't think I can do it. Be a prefect I mean," Harry said.

"Have you thought about this?" she asked, "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley contacted me and told me you haven't been sleeping well, perhaps it is just your lack of rest..."

"No," Harry said quickly, "I just don't think I should. I was honored, but I just don't think I can make the proper commitment to the position."

She nodded slowly as she reached for the badge, "Should you reconsider, you may come to me and I'll see what can be done."

"I really think this will be for the best. What with being Quidditch captain and well you know," Harry said as he looked down at the floor.

"I understand, Mr. Potter, you do tend to be a magnet for trouble. About the not sleeping, Madam Pomfrey has been instructed to prepare a potion for you and Miss Weasley. I trust that prefect or no you will inform her that she is to retrieve a dose of the potion from the infirmary this evening," Professor McGonagall said as she stood indicating the end of their discussion.

"Will you tell Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked as he walked toward the door.

"The headmaster will be informed as well as the other faculty. This will be handled discreetly," she told him. Harry left her office and she shook her head, "What a brave boy," she thought to herself.

* * * * *

When they reached the statue of the gargoyle, Bethany said, "Fizzing Whizbees."

"Is it always a sweet?" Charlie asked as the passage opened revealing the revolving spiral staircase.

Bethany shrugged, "It has been every time I've been here."

They entered the office and Albus Dumbledore stood and walked around the desk as he said, "I was beginning to become concerned."

Charlie smiled as he watched the headmaster hug his wife and was surprised when he did the same to him.

"Poppy told me that you were healthy but said that you would tell me the rest of the news," He said as he lead them to the sitting area near the hearth.

"Well," Bethany said, "I'm not having a baby."

"What? Poppy assured me that everything was fine," Dumbledore said the usual happy twinkling fading from his eyes.

Bethany laughed. "No, everything is just fine. I'm not having a baby I'm having three," she said as she held up three fingers.

Dumbledore snorted as he laughed, "I didn't think, of course, with twins on both sides of your family and Charlie's brothers. And, I suppose I should have warned you that every third generation in my family has had multiple births."

"I completely forgot about you," Bethany said, "How is the old goat?"

"My brother, Aberforth, is fine," he said with a grin, "now, I originally called you to my office to explain my introduction and to discuss a few of my concerns."

"We were wondering why you did that," Charlie said.

"With Bethany's pregnancy I felt it would be better to announce your relationship more casually so as not to bring further attention. There is no doubt in my mind that these children will bring some unwanted attention as it is," he said.

"I assumed that that may have been your intention, but I have to admit that it did surprise me. I had told the kids not to say anything about our relationship," Bethany told her grandfather.

"The other thing I wished to discuss with you was your tardiness and attire," Bethany started to interrupt but he held up his hand to silence her, "I realize that you and your friends are younger than most of the faculty, but you must set an example for the students and I expect that example to be a positive one. I like the robes and they do fit the job appropriately but I suggest that unless you are working with the beasts that you choose alternate robes and something other than leather trousers underneath them." Bethany nodded and Charlie blushed and looked down at his feet.

"Something I hadn't intended to discuss tonight," he said looking sternly at Bethany, "was brought to my attention by a visit from the potions master. You fractured the man's jaw, Bethany."

"He started it. He waited until I was alone and insulted me and the Weasleys and then proceeded to make further insinuations about my virtue," Bethany said in her defense.

"He had admitted as much to me, but you must learn to control your temper. What if it had been a student?" he asked.

"I know I don't have the best temper, but be assured that I would never strike a student. This was Snape. He needed it," Bethany said. Dumbledore raised his eyebrow in doubt. "Well just don't ask me to apologize. He started it," Bethany said knowing that she would be expected to apologize to the potions professor.

"Actually, I suggested that he apologize to you and I consider it a good sign that he readily informed me of his wrong doing in this matter," Dumbledore informed her.

"He was only trying to minimize his wrong doing and make me look like some out of control pregnant woman," Bethany said.

"Severus does not know about your pregnancy and only just found out about your and Charlie's marriage this evening," Albus Dumbledore told her. Bethany just frowned. She and Severus Snape never got along well and when he returned to Hogwarts as a professor before she had finished school matters were only made worse.

After a few moments he continued, "Also, Poppy expressed some concern about your ability to carry out your job in your current condition."

"We've already considered that sir," Charlie said, "Merrick, T.J., And Carlo all hold teaching credentials and will take on the practical instructions as the physical effects of her pregnancy begin to show."

Bethany rolled her eyes. She knew about this. They had already discussed this, but it still annoyed her. "Believe me. They won't let me do anything out of the ordinary. They barely let me do anything in the ordinary now," she said.

"I am also arranging quarters in the castle for you and Charlie. It will take a week or so before all the arrangements will be completed," he said.

"The tent will be fine," Bethany replied.

"Bethany, I don't need to tell you of the dangers. Voldemort is on the rise again and you are pregnant. Living in a tent on the edge of the forest is not a good idea. Poppy has already insisted that you relocate by the first snow anyway," her grandfather argued.

Bethany looked to Charlie for support but he only nodded his agreement with the headmaster. "Well," she said, "I can't fight the both of you."

"Very well," Albus said as he stood, signaling the end of their discussion, "Three, I can hardly believe."

* * * * *

After a detour to the infirmary, Harry walked slowly to his common room. Madam Pomfrey had given him a weeks supply of a new potion for both himself and Ginny that would minimize the nightmares but not interfere with their normal dreams. She explained that the Dreamless Draught could only be taken for a short time before it began to cause psychotic side effects due to lack of dreaming. Harry smiled to himself as he thought of how surprised the nurse had seemed to see Harry in such good spirits when he arrived at the infirmary.

When he had gone to Professor McGonagall's office he still hadn't been sure if he would go through with it. Now that he had resigned his prefect's position he felt as though a large weight was lifted from his shoulders. It was one less responsibility he had to carry and it he was happy to be free of it. He knew his task was not over. He still needed to tell his friends and Ginny. He smirked. Ginny had been so proud of his appointment. He hoped she wouldn't be too upset with him. Hermione would see the logic in it, but Ron would be upset, if only because now they couldn't rub it into Malfoy's face any longer.

He reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and said, "Copernicus."

"You're out late," the Fat Lady said as the portrait swung aside revealing the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. He climbed through the portrait hole and looked around the common room for his friends. Ginny was waving from a table in the back of the room. Hermione, George, Ginny and Ron were studying.

"Okay, what did you do to the real George and Ron," Harry said to Hermione as he slipped into the empty seat beside Ginny. Ginny smiled and kissed his cheek as he put the potion bottles on the table.

"Very funny," Ron said, "Hermione said we need to set a good example now that we are prefects."

"Actually," George said, "We made a deal. Study a little now and she'll forget that she is a prefect when we have a welcome back party later."

"Harry," Hermione said as she looked up at him, "where is your badge? You know that you are required to wear it at all times?"

Harry swallowed. He wasn't sure how to tell them. Ginny squeezed his hand and shocked the older students when she said, "He isn't a prefect any longer."

"What?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded. "I resigned after dinner. Don't look so surprised. I think it's for the best and I really can't be happier about the decision."

"I for one am glad to see you back on the side of the good, Harry," George said. Hermione playfully swatted at him. "Well, Gin," he said, "as long as you are spilling the news around here you might as well tell them what we saw."

"You don't want to wait for Fred?" she asked.

"Nah, he and Angelina left to go snog somewhere. There's no telling how long it will take for them to get back. It will be his loss," George said.

Hermione closed her book, "So what is it that you two know? I could tell you've been bursting with something since you got here after the opening feast."

Ginny was about to tell them when they were interrupted by the first years running through the common room looking like a rainbow as each was now a new bright shade of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Zachary Zonko who's great grandfather was the founder of the Zonko's Joke Shop, was actually teal. He had eaten both a blue and a green Fantastic.

"George," Hermione scolded.

"Don't look at me," George said, "Although they do look great don't they. Fred must have given them to them. Don't worry it will wear off before lights out."

"You were about to tell us something, Ginny," Ron said, bringing their attention back to the table and off of the multicolored new Gryffindors.

"After everyone left," Ginny began, "George wanted to stay behind and talk to the house elves about some party food."

"It's okay, Hermione," George said knowing that Hermione was more upset about him asking the House Elves to do unnecessary work than the fact that he was having a party, "They were paid in tea towels. Fred and I charmed them all the colors for them."

This seemed to satisfy Hermione. "If I can continue," Ginny said, "Charlie and the other handlers had walked out to the Entrance Hall and Bethany was still at the head table. Snape walked over and started saying all sorts of horrible things about her and our family."

"That slimy git," Ron said, "I ought to get him."

"Wait," George said.

Ginny grinned broadly, "She punched him. Right in the jaw."

"A brilliant left hook," George added.

"She hit him and you two have kept quiet about this that long?" Ron asked incredulously.

"We wanted to wait and share the news with everyone," Ginny said.

"You should have seen it," George said, "he went flying backwards. I wouldn't be surprised if she broke his jaw."

"Will you keep it down," Hermione said, "That behavior is outrageous. Does Bethany realize what she did. That isn't setting an appropriate example and..."

"Shut it, Hermione," Ron said, "she punched Snape. It's not like he didn't deserve it. If you tell me you never wanted to punch that git I'll curse you so that your nose grows every time you lie."

"But," she said, "she could get sacked for doing that."

"I see what you mean, Hermione," Harry said, "but I wish I had seen it."

"Yes, we need to go tell Neville," Ron said, "it will make his year." Hermione nodded and she, George and Ron went to go find Neville Longbottom. Severus Snape had made every potions class misery for the fifth year Gryffindor. Potions was never his best class but everyone knew that he would do better if his instructor was less abusive.

Harry smiled, "That was really a good idea. Neville will love to hear about that."

"I'm sure he will," Ginny said as she started to close up her books.

"Gin," Harry said, "how'd you know about what I did?"

Ginny shrugged, "I saw you remove your badge and figured that was what you were planning. When you said you had to go see McGonagall after dinner and then came in here looking, I don't know, lighter. I assumed that you had done it."

"I do feel lighter," Harry said, "I think it was too much."

"I'm glad you made the decision. You know they said Charlie turned his down for a similar reason. He was also the Quidditch captain in his fifth year," Ginny said. They had collected everyone's books into a neat pile.

"I suppose I should tell him in the morning during our run," Harry said.

"What's in the flasks, Harry?" Ginny asked as she held one up to the light of a nearby candle. It sparkled as the blue liquid swirled around inside the glass bottle.

"It's a new potion, the Sweet Dreams Potion. Madam Pomfrey had it made for us. It's supposed to help us have normal sleep without nightmares but still allowing us to have dreams. She said we'd get psychotic if we continued to take the Dreamless Draught," Harry explained.

"And, we wouldn't want that. I hope it tastes as good as it looks," Ginny said.

"It is pretty, but somehow I doubt that will be the case even with a name like it has," Harry said as he stood, "Come on let's go sit by the fire."

To Be Continued