Connections

Chapter 14: This is Only a Test

Harry opened his eyes after stretching and reached for his glasses from the night table beside his bed. He touched a small glass bottle and he smiled as he realized that he hadn´t slept that well in a long time. He put his glasses on and his room came into focus, allowing him to see the source of the snores and snorts made by his four roommates. He stretched his arms up over his head once more before running his fingers through his hair smiling again as he remembered his dreams from the night before. He knew if he needed a Patronus he´d have no problem focusing on the happy thoughts this morning. As he put on a tee-shirt, shorts, and his trainers he glanced at the flask of sparkling blue liquid on his night table. That small bottle seemed to do the trick and he hoped Ginny had slept as peacefully as he had. He put the bottle in the drawer for safe keeping and crossed the room to Ron´s bed.

"Ron," Harry called softly as he nudged Ron´s shoulder, "Wake up. Let´s go for a run."

Ron stretched and turned. His eyes were still shut tight as he sighed and snuggled back into the bedding.

"Ro-on," Harry called a little more loudly. Ron pulled the covers over his head. Harry laughed and then turned his head as though speaking to someone behind him, "Sorry sir, I guess he doesn´t want those box seat tickets for the Chuddley Cannons."

Ron sat up his eyes still shut as he rubbed his face and head with his hands in an attempt to wipe the sleep away. He finally opened his left eye; just a slit to look at Harry and to discover to whom his friend was talking. When he realized that Harry was alone. He allowed himself to fall back into his bed but this time opened both eyes. "Harry it´s still dark outside," Ron said.

"Just barely," Harry answered, "Get dressed and let´s go for a run."

Ron rolled his head around and sighed before getting out of his bed. "What´s got into you?"

Harry just shrugged his reply, "I´ll meet you down in the common room."

Harry was humming as he left the dormitory. Ron shook his head and muttered, "Sulks around for a week and now he´s acting as though someone hit him with a cheering charm."

Harry heard someone singing softly in the common room and smiled as he recognized the voice. "Ginny, I take it that you slept as well as I did," Harry said as he crept up behind her.

She startled and blushed when she realized Harry had overheard her singing. "What took you so long? I almost left without you. Is Ron coming?"

"He´s on his way down," Harry said as he pulled Ginny into a hug. He held her tightly for a moment.

Ginny pulled back and smiled at Harry, "I´m not sure what was in that potion but Madam Pomfrey better had made lots because if word gets out everyone will want some."

"I agree. We´ll have to ask what was in it," Harry said before kissing Ginny.

"Ahem," Ron hurried down the stairs. "That will be quite enough of that. You´ve got me up, Harry, let´s go running."

They left the Gryffindor common room and headed towards the front hall. They made their way quietly, but not as quietly as they would had they been sneaking out after hours, and were startled when their way was blocked by a very angry potions professor.

"And where do you think you are heading at this hour?" Professor Snape asked, his arms folded tightly across his chest as he scowled at them.

"We were just going out to meet Professors Weasley and Donnalaith," Ron offered.

He rolled his eyes slowly. "I do hope you don´t feel that you will fool anyone with that excuse, Mr. Weasley. Just because you have family on the faculty you will not get away with this mischief."

"But, sir, we were just..." Ron attempted to explain but was silenced with a simple gesture of the professor´s hand. Ron huffed in response to his dismissal.

"Follow me," Snape said, "We will see what Professor McGonagall has to say about your early morning wandering."

Harry, Ginny and Ron each exchanged glances and resigned themselves to follow the angry professor, just as a noise was heard from the Great Hall. Snape hurried towards the sound, anxious to catch another student. The Gryffindors hesitated, unsure of whether or not they should follow the professor. It was Harry who decided for them as he toggled his eyebrows, smiled and motioned his head and hurried after him. Ginny laughed quietly before following after Harry. Ron stood momentarily on his spot shaking his head. "What has got into those two?" he wondered to himself.

"And just what," Snape began angrily but was interrupted.

"Sorry about the noise," Charlie said as he struggled with something in his arms, "It was Peeves. He threw a Bludger at me."

Snape smirked and looked around. He was about to argue the point when Peeves swooped down upon them tossing a Quaffle in their direction. "I´ll have you exorcised, Peeves," Snape bellowed after the poltergeist. Peeves swooped by once more and answered him with a volley of rude noises and choice words that made even Charlie blush.

"What do you have there?" Ginny asked as she scooped the Quaffle into her arms.

"The Bludger," Charlie answered. "I´m glad it was me and not a first year. This Bludger could have killed someone."

"Perhaps if you secured the Quidditch equipment more efficiently," Snape said.

"This isn´t one of mine or the school´s," Charlie said as he continued to wrestle with the ball fighting to be released.

Ginny turned her attention to the Quaffle. "Sir," she said as she walked toward Professor Snape, "This Quaffle says, `Property of D. Malfoy.´"

He snatched the Quaffle from her hands and said, "I will have a word with Mr. Malfoy, but this does not excuse you being out of your dormitory at this hour."

"They were on their way to meet Bethany and me for a run before breakfast," Charlie answered for them. "Is there a problem?"

Snape smirked again, but didn´t answer.

"I´ll secure the Bludger in the Quidditch supply room. Tell Malfoy that he may collect it from me after classes this afternoon. And I will make sure that these three do not get into any more trouble." Charlie walked toward the door and turned wearing a frustrated expression.

"Oh," Harry said as he smiled and hurried to open the heavy door, "I´ve got the door."

Ginny and Ron hurried out the door and followed Charlie toward the Quidditch pitch.

"I´m sure glad you came along when you did?" Ron said.

"Bethany thought you were on the way, but I wanted to make sure you woke up," Charlie answered, "You head toward the tent. I´ll be along." Charlie left them outside of the equipment room.

"Come on Harry," Ron said, "Maybe we can see the dragons."

Harry held back, "I´m going to wait for Charlie."

Ron started to protest but Ginny pulled him forward as she cast a smile in Harry´s direction. Harry smiled back before they ran toward the camp. He could hear Ginny´s laughter even as she disappeared toward the dragon enclosure.

"Oh Harry, sorry," Charlie said after running into him.

"I wanted to tell you," Harry hesitated. Charlie didn´t press but waited quietly for Harry to have his say. "I turned in my prefect´s badge."

Charlie nodded understandingly, "Is that what you wanted?" The two started walking slowly toward the encampment.

"Yes," Harry answered, "After I did, I felt so much better. I just didn´t think I could do it."

Charlie stopped walking; "You would have made a fine prefect, Harry."

"Thanks," Harry said, "But it was just too much. I thought with Quidditch, O.W.L.s and well, everything else that I wouldn´t do the job as well."

"I´m not trying to change your mind, Harry. I do understand. How did everyone else take it?" Charlie asked.

"Ron was a little upset. I guess he liked the idea of us all being together. Ginny knew before I even told anyone," Harry said, smiling as he talked about Ginny. Charlie smiled, knowing what it was like to have an understanding girlfriend, but smirked when he realized that Harry´s understanding girl was his little sister, Ginny. Harry continued, "Hermione seemed to understand too, but I feel like she was disappointed as well. George was thrilled of course."

Charlie laughed, "Figures he would be. You know if the twins would apply themselves to school work half as much as they do to their pranks one of them would be Head Boy this year. Is there something else worrying you?"

"I just wasn´t sure if it was the right thing. Dumbledore once told me that sometimes we had to choose what is right over what is easy," Harry said.

"What do you think, Harry?" Charlie asked.

"I know that not being a prefect takes some burden away," Harry answered, "So it makes things easier."

"But," Charlie prompted.

"But, it wasn´t an easy decision," Harry added.

"If you would have remained a prefect, what would have happened?" Charlie asked.

"I guess when Quidditch season started, I would let Hermione and Ron carry bigger loads," Harry shook his head at his own answer, "and I wouldn´t do the job like it should be done."

"So what would have been easier, staying a prefect and not doing the work or turning in your badge?" Charlie said.

"Staying a prefect," Harry answered. "Charlie, you said that you turned it down when you were a fifth year. I wonder why they didn´t they ask me first?"

"I received a letter just like yours, but I replied back asking that I be released from the position. It was an honor and the hardest thing I ever did was turn it down, but I knew that with everything else that year that I wouldn´t do the job justice," Charlie explained.

"That´s how I felt. I wish I had thought of it before though. I guess I feel bad that they went through all that trouble to change the protocol and all. I guess Snape will be happy," Harry said.

"Harry, it wasn´t Snape who went against the idea. We told you that," Charlie said and took a deep breath, "It was Bethany and, erm, me."

"What? Why?" Harry asked.

"Do you really need to ask? You and Ron came out as equals in the decision for the male Gryffindor prefect. Mum will kill me, but I didn´t want either of you in that position. It draws unneeded attention, and you attract enough just being you. Hermione was a given and I´m sure she is destined to be Head Girl, but you, well, I was worried that it would just be another distraction," Charlie said.

"You don´t think I could do it?" Harry asked his brow wrinkled from the troubled expression.

"No. I just told you that you would have made a good prefect. I still think you would, but I feel like you are already carrying too much. Harry you´re only fifteen and have taken on the burden of safety for the entire wizarding world. And, you know as well as I do, that last year was only a beginning. I felt you didn´t need to feel responsible for the study habits and curfew of a bunch of first years," Charlie explained.

Harry just nodded in deep thought. "I´m really proud of you, Harry. That was a tough decision and you did it. Of course, that proves that I was probably wrong in thinking that it may be too much for you. Somehow I think you would have managed to pull off the whole thing and save the world to boot," Charlie said. He ruffled Harry´s hair.

"Hey cut it out, you´ll mess up my hair. It takes a long time to get it just so," Harry said.

"Okay, Lockhart," Charlie teased.

"Oh, that was cruel," Harry said laughing.

"I was beginning to wonder if you two had fallen in the lake," Bethany called as they approached.

"No, just having a little chat," Charlie said, "What did you do with Ginny and Ron?"

"Fed them to the dragons," Bethany answered, "What do you think? They are warming up and trying not to wake the babies as we speak. We are probably going to have a lot of company this year. At least until the whole of Hogwarts has become used to Berta and Percival's presence on school grounds."

"You´re probably right. We can arrange some visiting hours so that they can all get a look if they´d like," Charlie said, "Let´s catch up or we´ll be late for breakfast."

**********

They finished their run and circled back towards the dragon encampment. "You better hurry and get cleaned up if you want to eat before classes this morning," Charlie said as he and Bethany headed into the tent. The students waved as they ran back towards the school.

"Smells good, Carlo," Bethany said as they entered the kitchen.

"You know they serve breakfast at the school," Charlie said as he moved closer to inspect the meal, "You didn´t need to cook anything."

"I know. I just thought that since this was your first day of school, we´d make sure you started off right," Carlo said as he started to dish up the plates.

"And dad will take a picture of you in your spiffy new uniform by the front door," T.J. added as he placed a large box on the floor. Carlo popped him with a towel and laughed.

Merrick entered with another box and placed it beside the other. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and brought it to his nose and pretended to sob, "They grow up so quickly."

"Charlie, remind me why I shouldn´t curse them into next year," Bethany said, as she shook her head. A grin broke through her angry façade.

"Well, I guess since they are our friends," Charlie offered. Bethany shook her head. "And, because they will be helping us teach our classes?"

Bethany pointed to her husband, "That´s the reason." She looked questioningly at the boxes on the floor. "I´m almost afraid to ask, but what are the boxes for?"

The men all exchanged nervous glances, but no one answered. Bethany looked up from her plate at them. "Is this some big secret or what?"

"We discussed this last night, Beth," Charlie said.

"We discussed boxes? All I remember discussing was the fact that we were having triplets," Bethany said.

"Hey, you didn´t tell us that," T.J. said, "Triplets!"

"Oh, Charlie, what a stud you are," Merrick answered as he clapped him on the back.

Charlie blushed and rolled his eyes, "I suppose I´ll hear that a lot. You do realize I had a little help in the matter."

"Yes, and your little helper is still waiting for an explanation," Bethany said with one eyebrow raised in expectation of an answer.

"Well," Carlo sat down beside her, "when two people love each other very much and..." He wasn´t able to finish his explanation because Bethany shoved him to the floor. "Ow!"

"I´m still waiting," Bethany said as she tapped her foot. Charlie was about to answer when someone knocked on the door and a tall, burley, man they all knew entered.

"Hi Samson, what brings you here so early?" Bethany asked smiling brightly at him. She wasn´t angry with him, just her roommates and Charlie.

"The girls said you were moving this morning and that I should help," Samson answered as he took a strip of bacon from the platter on the table.

"The girls said we were moving? That´s very interesting, Charlie, I don´t recall agreeing to move," Bethany said.

"I think this is our cue to go into the other room," T.J. said as he grabbed Merrick´s collar to pull him out of the room. Merrick mouthed, "Good Luck," before being forcibly removed from the kitchen. Carlo and Samson followed.

"Beth, don´t be angry. You know as well as I do that it´s for the best and you know we would have moved into the castle soon anyway. I don´t want you getting hurt and in your condition..." Charlie wore an expression of concern as he explained his reasons to his wife. He knew she wasn´t happy but he also knew that she would agree in the long run.

"Charles Logan Weasley, if I had known you would react like this, I never would have stopped taking the potion. I want to stay here. We are on Hogwarts´ grounds, what harm can come here?" Bethany challenged.

"Beth, most of the time you win. I know that you are used to getting your way, but this time you won´t. We are going to move up to the castle, today. I´m not going to argue with you about this," Charlie explained as he moved the dishes from the table to the sink.

Bethany cocked her head to the side and opened her mouth as she stared at her husband disbelievingly. Charlie cocked his eyebrow and simply stared back. It only took a matter of seconds for the connection to form between them. Bethany used it to search Charlie´s mind and heart. They no longer used the bond frequently; they had come to realize they didn´t often need it. Bethany knew that Charlie loved her and Charlie knew the same from her. It was Bethany who pulled out of the trance first.

"Okay," she said simply, "I´m going to shower." She turned and started for the door.

Charlie smiled and said, "I love you, Bethany Alice´ Donnalaith... Weasley."

She stopped but didn´t turn around. "I know," she answered as she left the room.

"Triplets?" Samson said as he re-entered the kitchen followed closely by the others.

Charlie grinned broadly and nodded his head. "We can bring these things this morning and after she goes to her class we can get the rest."

"Don´t you have a class too?" Carlo asked.

"Not till after lunch. I have first year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs," he answered.

**********

After cleaning up, Harry, Ginny and Ron grabbed their books and hurried to meet the others in the Great Hall for breakfast. They found Hermione sitting with George, Fred and the other seventh years. There were no empty seats near them so they took the last few seats available at the opposite end of the table. Hermione smirked at them as she looked at her wristwatch.

"I suppose we need to run earlier or figure a way to get to breakfast sooner," Ginny said.

"We could bring our books with us and clean up in the Quidditch changing rooms," Ron suggested.

"That would work for you and me, but..." Harry motioned to Ginny. Each house had separate changing rooms for males and females but only one set of showers. The Gryffindors had always allowed the girls to shower first after each match.

"I guess I´ll just have to rush things and head back to the common room," Ginny said.

"Or maybe you can change in the tent," Ron suggested, "I´m sure Charlie and Bethany would let you."

"Speaking of the new professors, where are they?" Harry said as he looked up at the head table.

"Maybe they are still cleaning up. What do you think, Ron? Ron?" Ginny said as she nudged her brother.

Ron hadn´t heard the question. He was straining his neck to try to see Mona. Ginny shook her head and nudged her brother harder. "What?" Ron said as his attention was brought back to the table.

"Charlie and Bethany aren´t here. We were wondering where they could be," Ginny explained.

Ron didn´t get a chance to answer as a flurry of fluttering wings interrupted. It was time for the morning post owls to make their deliveries. Harry smiled when he saw Hedwig fly through the upper window and land on the table in front of him. He gave her a piece of bacon from his plate before untying the letter attached to her leg.

Harry,

Just wanted to wish you good luck on your first day. I hear they made you, Ron, and Hermione prefects this year. I knew you would be. I had to leave Fang behind with Filch looking after him. I´m sure he´s feeding him, but I don´t think he´ll rub his belly like I asked and Fang so loves a good belly rub. Maybe you could stop by and check on him from time to time. He´d love the company.

Your Friend,

Hagrid

PS. Tell Bethany and Charlie I sent my greetings. I couldn´t have picked a better replacement. I hear they´re bringing Norbert back. Tell him his daddy says hi too.

Harry folded the letter as he nodded farewell to the other students who were sitting beside him. They stood and left emptying the area around Harry, Ron and Ginny. Harry waved the letter and said, "After class this afternoon we need to go by Hagrid´s hut."

"Whatever for? He isn´t there," Ron asked as he shoved another piece of bread in his mouth.

He altered his voice so that he spoke like he was speaking to a baby. "Hagrid wants us to go rub Fang´s belly," Harry said with a big grin. Ron raised his eyebrow and shook his head at his friend. "I don´t know if I like him better gloomy or goofy," Ron thought.

"You have to go what?" Fred asked as he slid into the chair beside Harry. Hermione and George sat in the vacant seat beside Ron. Angelina stood behind Fred and Katie and Lee stood behind Ron.

"Hagrid wrote and would like us to look after Fang. He says he didn´t think Filch has been rubbing Fang´s belly like he asked. He also sends his congratulations Hermione and Ron," Harry explained.

Hermione blushed and was about to explain that they should get permission before visiting Hagrid´s hut if he wasn´t there, when another flock of owls came in to the Great Hall. Everyone in the hall stopped to watch a group of six owls carrying a long thin box between them. The owls dropped the box in front of Hermione. All but four of the owls flew off as soon as the package was delivered. Ginny and Hermione shrugged at one another.

"What do you suppose it could be?" Hermione asked.

"I reckon we could find out if you were to open it," George said as he nudged her.

Ginny giggled with excitement then looked at Harry as if to ask if he had anything to do with this. "I don´t know what that package is, but you guys should probably feed your owls," Harry answered.

"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.

"Well, I had a little extra this year since we won all of our school things. I bought these when Hermione and I purchased Amadeus for your mum and dad," Harry said. They all looked at Harry not quite believing him. Hermione had known and handed a piece of bacon to the owl closest to her. "There is one for Hermione, Ginny, Ron, and then the fourth is for you," Harry added as he motioned to George and Fred.

Ginny leaned over and kissed Harry. "You shouldn´t have, but thanks."

"I think it is great that Harry was so generous and I don´t know about the rest of you, but I sure would like to know what´s in the box," Katie said.

Hermione tore into the package. She closed the box quickly and looked around for a letter attached, and her brow knitted into a puzzled expression. George, however, had seen what was inside and couldn´t resist a closer look.

"Cor, Hermione it´s one of the new Firebolts," George said as he pulled the broom from the package.

Ginny pulled a letter off of her in of the box and read, "It says congratulations on winning the drawing sponsored by Quality Quidditch Supplies and Firebolt, International."

Harry looked surprised he had forgotten about the raffle at the Quidditch store. "I entered that contest," Harry told the group, "I put in my name, Ron's, Ginny's, Fred´s and George´s, but I didn´t enter yours Hermione."

"Oh, this must have been when I purchased your birthday present. I just put my name on all the slips. Here Ron," Hermione said as she slid the broom toward her shocked friend, "I certainly don´t have a use for this."

"What?" Ron looked down at the box and opened it. His eyes actually teared up as he reached in to remove the broom from the box. It said, `Keeper´s Katch´ along its side in the flame like striping.

"We are going to be unbeatable this year," Fred said.

Harry looked over at the twins; "And I have my Firebolt."

"And, we both have Nimbus 2001's. Those are good brooms," Fred said as George nodded his head in excited agreement.

"And Bethany just gave me her Nimbus 2000," Ginny added, "And Ron has one too. Right, Ron? Ron?" Ron was staring trance-like at the broom. Ginny laughed, "I guess we should have Charlie and Bethany research this amazing connection between Ron and his new broom."

"Professors Weasley and Donnalaith, Ginny," Hermione scolded in hushed tones.

A crowd had gathered around them. Members from each house, including Slytherin, were all vying for a position to best view the new broom. Excited whispers echoed through the great hall. Draco Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherin team were the only ones avoiding the spectacle.

"Cor, Weasley, that is awesome. Any chance of letting any of us have a go?" asked Ernie Macmillan a fifth year Hufflepuff prefect.

"Oh, Ron, maybe you could take me for a ride?" Padma Patil asked. Padma was a Ravenclaw. Her twin sister, Parvati, rolled her eyes at her sister and whispered something to Lavender Brown that caused them both to giggle.

"Ahem," the Deputy Headmistress cleared her throat as she came upon the crowd, "you will all be late for your first class if you do not disperse." All the students with the exception of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Hermione, Ron and Ginny, jumped and quickly scattered at the sound of Professor McGonnagall´s voice.

"What is the spectacle here, Mr. Potter?" she asked sternly before she noticed the presence of the new broom.

It was Katie who answered for Harry, "Isn´t it great, professor? Ron won a new broom, one of those specialized Firebolts. We´ll be unbeatable."

"Actually, Hermione won the broom," George corrected. Hermione blushed when George mentioned her name.

The stern Transfigurations professor fought to suppress the smile that threatened to spread across her face. "Well, it remains to be seen if the young Mr. Weasley will be a member of the team, but I do say that this development certainly looks favorable for the Gryffindors. Now then, Mr.´s Weasley and Weasley," she said as she turned to face the twins, "I trust that you will take care that this broom is safely put away in Gryffindor Tower. I will send a note with Miss Johnson to explain your tardiness to Professor Sprout. Do not dawdle." The twins nodded and took the broom from their brother and hurried off to Gryffindor Tower. Professor McGonnagal quickly scribbled a note on a piece of parchment and hurried toward her class muttering about first year Slytherins and the need for strength.

"I'd better hurry," Ginny said. "I have potions this morning, a double class. At least we aren´t with the Slytherins like your year," Ginny told Harry as he handed her books to her from the floor.

"We should head to class as well," Harry said, "Professor Lupin probably wouldn´t take points if we explained, but I don´t really want to miss any of his class."

"Tell Mona I said, `Hi,´" Hermione said to Ginny, "Aren´t you with Ravenclaws this morning?" Ginny nodded and hurried out of the Great Hall with a broad smile across her face.

Ron stopped to look around for Mona. He hadn´t seen her at all this morning and was wondering if she had skipped breakfast or just eaten early. He considered trying to trigger the connection but thought better of it. He really wasn´t sure how or if it would work and he really didn´t have the time for experimenting right now. He would ask Ginny about her later if he didn´t see Mona by lunchtime.

"Come on, Ron," Harry called from the door. Ron shook his head to shake free of his thoughts and ran after Harry and Hermione.

**********

Professor Lupin was sitting casually on his desk talking to Neville when the others entered. He looked up, stood, and said, "Welcome to class. Please take your seats and we will begin by clarifying a few misconceptions that you were taught last year."

They all took their seats and the professor began to pace around as he spoke, "As you all know, your Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor was not who everyone was lead to believe he was." He paused momentarily as the fifth year Gryffindors all exchanged nervous glances in Harry´s direction. There weren´t many secrets at Hogwarts and one that big had spread more rapidly than others had in the past. He cleared his throat to regain the attention of the class and began again, "I understand that he spent a great deal of time discussing the Unforgivable curses; that is not the usual fourth year curriculum for this course here and we will not continue with that line of teaching."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief and glanced over to Neville who seemed to relax more than he had upon hearing the news. Harry knew that it was really Bartimus Crouch, Jr. who had taught the class last year disguised as the former Auror Alastor Moody, but he couldn´t help but think of him as Professor Moody. He noticed that Lupin never said his name as he continued talking about all the things that they would cover this year in attempt to prepare them properly for their O.W.L.s. Harry started to develop an uncomfortable feeling when he realized that some of what the fake Moody taught him was helpful. Harry hadn´t even realized that he had tuned out most of the lecture until he heard Hermione.

"How long do you want the essay, Professor?" she asked as she took notes on the assignment to be sure to get everything correct.

"As long as it needs to be, Hermione. No shorter and no longer. That´s it, and if there are no more questions, you may go early." The young professor went to the back of his desk and marked something on a parchment book.

Harry held back. He knew he could get the assignment from Hermione or Ron, but felt guilty about not paying attention during the class. "Urm, Professor Lupin, may I speak with you?"

Ron shrugged at Hermione and called back to Harry, "We´ll see you at lunch." Harry nodded.

After everyone had gone, Remus said, "What is it, Harry?"

"I´m sorry. I don´t think I caught much of your lecture," Harry said looking down at his feet.

"I think you know most of what I discussed and what you don´t, I´m sure Hermione can inform you. She took down everything I said," Remus finished with a smile.

Harry didn´t answer and he made no attempt to leave. "Is there something else Harry? You do know that you can speak to me any time you like."

Harry looked up, this time taking in the offer. He bit his lip and said so hurriedly that all words seemed to become one, "I turned in my prefects badge."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall said as much at breakfast this morning. Do you feel you made the wrong decision?" Remus asked as he sat on the desk opposite Harry´s.

Harry thought for a moment before answering, "No, I think I did what I needed to do, but I feel like I´m letting others down. Sirius sent me a letter saying how proud my mum and dad would have been of me and now..." Harry´s voice trailed off.

Remus looked at Harry with a melancholy sort of smile. Then he said, "Harry, James and Lily would have been proud of you if you were a squib. Yes, they were both prefects and Head Boy and Girl, but it wasn´t who they were it was something they did. You aren´t your father, Harry. He was a good person and my best friend, but you and he are two different people. He wouldn´t expect you to be just like he was and neither would your mother. All they would care about is that you were kind and thoughtful and that you did the best that you could do."

Harry was looking at his feet once more so Remus just continued, "Have you started reading James´ journals?" Harry looked up and shook his head as he tried to come up with some excuse for not doing it, but his professor stopped him. "I tell you what, why don´t you ignore the assignment I gave the rest of the class and start reading through some of the journals. Your new assignment will be due the end of next week. I want you to tell me something you learned about your father and in turn what that means for you."

Harry made a face, he wasn´t sure he was up to all of that. There were seven journals to be read and he knew that they wouldn´t all be easy to get through. Remus correctly read his expression and said, "You don´t have to read them all, just pick one or skip around randomly through them all if you´d like. This isn´t a punishment."

Harry nodded, "I reckon I should write to Sirius and let him know."

"He´d like that," Remus said then chuckled, "he is trying to be the father figure but I´m afraid he has less experience for that role than most. He was excited for you to be a prefect, but was also a little worried about that."

"Charlie, I mean Professor Weasley," Harry corrected himself, "said that it was him and Be- urm Professor Donnalaith that objected to the appointment."

Remus nodded, "They told me. Sirius knew too. I´m not sure if you´ve noticed but he and my sister don´t always get along the best. It´s a long story that either of them can pass on, but suffice it to say that when he found out she had objected he set his mind to convincing others that you should be a prefect." Harry´s face creased with worry and his professor laughed again. "Don´t worry, Harry, when you were named prefect he confided in me that Bethany may have been right and wondered whether or not he should speak with you about giving up the position. Don´t ever let her know that though."

Harry laughed. "What did you tell him?" Harry asked.

"I told him to let you decide. That you would make the right decision no matter what it would be. And, by the looks of you at breakfast this morning I think you did just that," Remus answered as he walked Harry to the door, "You better hurry, Ron and Hermione will be concerned about you."

Harry nodded again and said his thanks and left to find his friends who should have been in the Great Hall waiting for lunch. His first class wasn´t so bad. He felt elated actually, despite the concern he had earlier. "Odd," Harry thought, "I reckon I´ve not been sleeping well for a long time if one good nights rest can make me feel this good."

**********

Ron and Hermione were sitting at the Gryffindor table when Harry entered the Great Hall. The other fifth years were there but the room was otherwise empty. Professor Lupin had let them out of class much earlier than Harry had realized.

They waved him over and he joined them at the table. "Harry, what took you so long?" Hermione asked as she moved her satchel from the seat so that Harry could sit there.

"I was talking to Professor Lupin about his assignment," Harry answered.

"What for? There isn´t much to understand about list five things you´ve learned in the class in the past four years and tell how you will use the information in the future," Ron said.

"There is when you don´t hear the assignment," Harry said with a shrug.

"I know Lupin is nice and all, but I would have told you the assignment and you knew Hermione would have all the notes. She´s like a Quick Quotes Quill," Ron said baiting Hermione.

Hermione just glared at Ron. Surprisingly she chose to go after Harry´s inappropriate behavior instead of Ron´s comment. "Oh, Harry, really. You need to pay more attention in class. It´s only the first day and we have O.W.L.s this year," Hermione began.

"Yes, I know. I just got distracted. He gave me a different assignment anyway," Harry said as he looked around to see if Ginny was among the students now entering the Great Hall.

"What do you have to do?" Ron asked wondering if it was easier than his own assignment.

"Read my dad´s journals and report back what I learned and what it means to me," Harry said.

"Humph," Ron said, "You would have been better off just leaving. Now you have to read and write a report."

"Ron!" Hermione said, "That is an interesting assignment." Hermione was about to ask more questions when the seventh year Gryffindors entered the Great Hall.

"I just can´t believe it," Fred yelled angrily as he walked over to the Gryffindor table.

"I´m surprised too. I would never have expected it," Katie said, "She seemed so nice at Harry´s party."

"Wish you could have seen your face though," Lee said laughing.

"Lee, he´s upset enough, don´t tease," Katie scolded.

"I know they said not to try to get anything past her," George said, "but I thought she´d be more understanding."

"Hey and it´s a first," Angelina said, "George didn´t get one, too."

Fred looked perturbed at his girl friend as he took a seat next to Ron. "I can´t believe she gave me a detention. The first day and my bloody sister-in-law gives me a detention."

"What?" Ron said.

George winked at Hermione as he sat beside her. "What did you do, Fred? It´s only the first day."

"Nothing," he answered, "I think maybe she was just mad."

"Fred," Angelina corrected, "it wasn´t nothing. You set off fireworks when she was talking about us learning about the mating habits of the various creatures."

"And," Katie added, "the fireworks formed a rather lewd picture."

Harry and Ron both started laughing and were joined by the others with the exception of Hermione who was too shocked and Fred who was still too angry to laugh.

"This isn´t funny," Hermione said, "Fred, what were you thinking?"

He smirked at Hermione, "I was thinking it would be funny. I thought Bethany would laugh. It didn´t hurt anyone, and from some of the stories we´ve heard about her..."

"What´s going on?" Ginny asked as she joined the others.

"Bethany gave Fred a detention," Harry answered still chuckling at the story.

"Professor Donnalaith," Hermione corrected, "And he deserved it."

"Aww come on, Milo, it was pretty funny. I think Fred is right when he said he thought that it was just because she was mad."

"I could have seen her deducting a few points, but a Saturday detention?" Fred said.

Harry had filled Ginny in on the reason for the detention and she, too, found it funny, "You can´t say you weren´t warned. Charlie and Bill both said that we wouldn´t get away with much in her class."

"You´re right," George added, "But I thought they meant that she´d know that it was us or that she´d know what we were up to. I didn´t think she´d be that harsh."

"George!" Hermione gasped, "You weren´t doing that too?" George looked away sheepishly.

"Boy, Hermione have you got a lot to learn about my brothers," Ginny answered.

"Oh George," Hermione said disappointedly.

"Milo, it wasn´t that bad. I helped make the fireworks, but before you start to get too holier than thou, you should know that, urm, technically you were in on this one too," George answered.

Ron spit his pumpkin juice out across the table as he snorted with laughter, "That´s rich, Hermione, tell me what was your part in this prank?"

"I didn´t do anything," Hermione said then thought for a moment and brought her hand up to her mouth as she opened it in surprise and then embarrassment when she realized just what her part was.

"What?" Harry said laughing, "George, how did you possibly get Hermione involved in this?"

"I almost forgot about that. Miss Head Girl in waiting here, was the one who came up with the animating charm for the fireworks," Fred said.

George nudged Fred for the comment about Hermione, but smiled proudly in Hermione´s direction. "But she didn´t have anything to do with what the animation was or when the fireworks were set off," George added in Hermione´s defense.

"Can you believe this, Ron?" Harry said, turning to Ron and laughing. Ron was not paying attention, he had finally seen Mona sitting alone at the Ravenclaw table.

"Gin, how was potions?" Harry asked knowing that she and Mona had double potions together that morning.

"Not so bad for potions. Snape is making everyone pair up with someone from a different house. He says it´s to reduce cheating. Mona and I are lab partners. She´s really good at potions," Ginny answered.

"Lucky you, if he´s doing that in every class than we get to pair up with Slytherins," Harry said.

"Did she say why she missed breakfast?" Ron asked.

"Who are you talking about? Oh, Mona," Ginny answered her own question when she followed Ron´s gaze to the red head at the Ravenclaw table. "She´s not having the best time with the Ravenclaws."

"Are they being mean to her or something?" Ron asked. He was listening but hadn´t altered his tract of vision.

"No, she said they weren´t treating her badly, just that they weren´t being the friendliest. She´s just used to different things and they aren´t used to her," Ginny said, "and her getting everything right in potions didn´t help matters. Snape actually gave Ravenclaw points and they seemed upset about it. I suppose the academic hierarchy of the Ravenclaw house is in for a change."

"Maybe I should go talk to her?" Ron asked as he looked at his sister breaking his gaze from Mona for the first time since he had spied her.

"Whatever you decide, you had better hurry, it looks as though she´s leaving," Harry said as he motioned in Mona´s direction. She was standing to leave.

"Go, Ron," Ginny said shaking her head. Ron didn´t answer but hurried out of the Great Hall after Mona. "I don´t think he knows if he´s coming or going with that one," she added.

"Sometimes I think that I liked him better when they had to avoid each other," Harry said with a grin, "At least then he could hold a conversation." Ginny mumbled a reply. "What was that?" Harry asked, "I couldn´t understand you."

Ginny blushed and leaned closer to Harry, "I said at least he isn´t putting his elbow in the butter dish."

Harry laughed so loudly that everyone around him turned to look. At first they looked with nervous surprise because they had never heard Harry laugh that way before. But then, as he continued in obvious good humor, their expressions changed to one that waited to be included in the joke. Harry´s laughter died down and he noticed that many eyes were trained on him, "Oh." Ginny´s face was scarlet and she pleaded with her eyes for him not to say anything. "I was just thinking about a joke I heard the other day." That didn´t satisfy many but it did cause them to focus on new things.

He smiled at Ginny as though he struggled to hold back a comment. "What?" she asked sternly.

"I was just wondering if Ron wrote poetry too?" Harry said snickering and sputtering to hold back the maniacal laughter that threatened to escape.

Ginny scrunched up her face but the laughter soon erupted from her as well. This time the attention of those still at the staff table was raised. Madam Pomfrey excused herself and headed straight towards the Gryffindor table. "Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley, you will both come with me," she said. Harry and Ginny, still giggling uncontrollably, looked at one another and burst into louder laughter. "Now!" she said again before turning away.

Harry and Ginny shrugged, stood and followed the school nurse from the Great Hall. "I don´t know what´s with the two of them today," Hermione said, "They´ve been so silly. George, you didn´t..."

"Harry woke up this morning a little too happy," Ron added, "I´ve been wondering all day about him and Ginny too. I admit, it´s nice not to see them so gloomy, but it has been unusual."

As Bethany entered the Great Hall and took a seat at the head table beside Professor Flitwick for lunch, the conversation at the Gryffindor table moved back to Fred´s detention. Lee and George teased Fred, and Fred cursed Bethany in hushed whispers. Katie, Hermione and Angelina laughed as they attempted to scold the boys.

**********

Ron caught sight of Mona´s dark red hair as she hurriedly turned the corner heading toward Ravenclaw Tower.

"Mona," Ron called attracting the attention of the few other students in the hallway. Ron blushed and shrugged as the others turned to look his way. Mona did not turn toward his voice, but she did stop and wait as the other students passed her and Ron caught up.

"Erm, hi," Ron said bashfully, "How is school going?"

Mona took a deep breath sighed and turned. There were no tears but her eyes were red and Ron was sure the tears weren´t far away. "That good, huh?" Ron offered her a smile.

She rolled her eyes and grinned back. "I hate it here," she said simply.

"Really, Mona, tell me what you really think of the school," Ron teased. She smirked in response and walked toward an empty corridor taking a seat on a bench that Ron had never seen before.

"Apparently, everything I do is wrong," Mona said. Ron offered a half smile but had no idea what to say so he just kept his mouth shut and waited for her to continue.

"I´m really rotten at transfigurations, a family thing I suppose. Not even Bethany had it easy in that course. Anyway, I lost points today for a `less than perfect´ transfiguration and the whole house seems to hold it against me," Mona said.

"McGonagall took points for not doing a proper transfiguration? She´s strict and all but even Neville hasn´t lost points for some of his transfigurations," Ron asked.

"Well, I think it had something to do with the result. I transfigured an inkwell into a crow and it flew around the room, like it was supposed to. Then it changed back all of a sudden right before it slammed into the wall and covered the professor with bright blue ink," Mona said.

Ron tried not to but the laugh escaped. At first Mona was offended but not for long. She soon laughed along with him. "It was funny I suppose," she said.

"I would have liked to have seen that. I suppose that is why she wasn´t at lunch today," Ron said.

Mona nodded. "Well, after Transfigurations, my day couldn´t get any worse, right?"

Ron shrugged and nodded his head as Mona continued. "Next was potions. I figured I´d be okay. Ginny would be there and I´m not bad at potions."

"Ginny said you and she are lab partners. She told me you earned points, too" Ron said, impressed. He had always thought Professor Snape only awarded points to members of his own house, Slytherin.

"I actually earned more points than I lost earlier, but you´d have thought I lost more with the way they reacted. They were all saying I was sucking up and that if I was earning points from Snape then I should have been in Slytherin and saved them the trouble of having me in Ravenclaw," by the time Mona finished the tears that had threatened earlier now fell freely from her eyes.

Ron shrugged and shook his head. He put one hand on her back a bit awkwardly in an attempt to comfort her as he rummaged through his pockets searching for a handkerchief to offer to Mona.

Mona took the cloth and wiped her face. "I´ve never met anyone under fifty who actually carried one of these." She smiled briefly and put the handkerchief in her own pocket.

Ron blushed and shrugged again, "Mum has always made us. They do come in handy every now and then."

Voices of Ravenclaws heading to their common room filtered down the narrow hallway. Nothing specifically could be heard but they did hear Mona´s name along with the words pretentious, snobby, and Yank. All were accompanied by conspiratorial laughter.

"Maybe I should be in Slytherin," Mona said, frowning.

"Don´t say that, Mona," Ron said, "Slytherin is no place for you. The hat put you in Ravenclaw because you are clever and think before you act. They´re just jealous. Don´t let it get to you. You´ve got loads of friends here at Hogwarts." Mona just sighed again.

"Ginny, Harry, Hermione, Fred and George are all your friends. And, erm, um, so am I," Ron said smiling. He almost reached for Mona´s hand, but stopped. His skin turned from a normal pink hue to one of bright red, rivaling his hair.

Mona grinned back, "Thanks, Ron."

"I suppose we should head to our classes. I´ve got Divination this afternoon. Do you have any good ideas on how I could die?" Ron asked. They both laughed as he told Mona about Professor Trelawney.

**********

Harry and Ginny followed Madam Pomfrey to the infirmary. Their attempts to end their laughter only managed to cause greater outbursts. By the time they entered the infirmary through the door held open by the school´s nurse, they were both red faced and still laughing loudly and uncontrollably, but their facial expressions no longer matched the sounds they emitted. Ginny and Harry both exchanged worried looks as Madam Pomfrey instructed them to have a seat.

Through laughter, Ginny asked, "Harry, what´s wrong? I can´t stop laughing."

"I know, I can´t either," Harry laughed back at Ginny, "and I´m beginning to get a head ache." Ginny just nodded as she continued to giggle.

The door flew open and Professor Snape entered the room followed closely by Professors Lupin and McGonagall. Snape sneered in the direction of the giggling Gyrffindors as he muttered, "Can´t even follow simple potion administration instructions." He shook his head and let himself into Madam Pomfrey´s office.

"What have you got yourselves into now?" Professor McGonagall asked, but Harry and Ginny couldn´t answer they just shrugged as the laughter seemed to intensify.

"Like I told Severus, I hardly think they did this on purpose," Remus told the angry head of Gryffindor house. Then turning to Harry and Ginny, "Do try to think of something depressing before you both pass out from laughing."

"Perhaps we should stun them," Minerva McGonagall suggested, "At least they would quiet down long enough for us to think."

Professor Snape returned followed by a chastised looking Madam Pomfrey who carried a tray with two goblets of steaming potions. The smell coming from the tray was horrendous. "I need to know how much of the Sweet Dreams potion you consumed," Snape asked. Ginny just doubled over with laughter and pointed toward Harry.

Harry watched her fall to the floor and tried to prevent himself from doing the same. "Like told," he managed through the giggles and snorts, "one tablespoon."

"And how much water did you mix this with?" Snape asked with his arms crossed and eyebrows raised. Harry just shook his head.

"Well," the potions master said, drawing out his explanation slowly. "It seems that they have overdosed themselves. They were supposed to take five milliliters of the elixir and mix it with half a liter of water then take fifteen milliliters of that solution. With what they each took they will quit laughing on their own sometime shortly after the dawn of the new millennium."

Harry and Ginny both stopped laughing for a split second before bursting into more laughter. Snape just stared waiting for them to settle back to a soft giggle as they had before, "You are fortunate that you will not have to remain in this state for the next five years."

The potions professor pulled three vials from his robe and added measured amounts of each into the two goblets causing the steaming smoke to change from white to orange to purple to a brilliant chartreuse. He thrust the goblets toward Harry and Ginny and Harry saw that the corner of one side of his mouth curved upward for a split second.

"You may want to change clothes and get into a bed before you drink this," Snape said as though it were an after thought, "since you will lose almost all muscular control instantly."

"And how long will my sister be in that state?" Charlie asked angrily, as he hurried into the room.

"It´s okay, Charlie," Remus reassured him. Charlie raised his eyebrow in Snape´s direction.

"Wasn´t it his potion that got them into this condition?" Charlie said accusingly.

Severus turned and raised an eyebrow in Charlie´s direction, "No it was Mr. Potter´s inability to follow instructions. As could be expected he didn´t pay proper attention to the instructions given. He and your sister are lucky to be merely giddy; the potion is derived from billywhigs, the main ingredient in Fizzing Whizbees, the next stage would be floating, and Merlin only knows when we´d have been able to get them down." He turned his attention to Harry and added, "Yes they are very lucky, indeed. There are many potions that if taken in the same dosage would have left them in their beds forever."

Professor McGonnagall nodded in Harry´s and Ginny´s direction telling them to follow Professor Snape´s instructions. Madam Pomfrey took the goblets and showed Ginny and Harry to two screened areas for them to change.

Remus pulled Charlie, who was about to protest further, out the door and into the hallway, "Charlie, Ginny will be fine. It was a mistake. I don´t think it was totally Harry´s fault. The instructions should have been written or at least verified that they were understood, but they will be okay."

"They´ve only been back at school one day. Mum will send me a Howler over this. She expects me to be looking after the kids," Charlie explained.

"I know this will sound strange, but trust him. Severus spent a few weeks researching and developing that potion for Harry and Ginny. He did this on his own, not because Dumbledore or anyone else asked," Remus said.

Charlie looked at him incredulously, "I didn´t know." He sighed and ruffled his own hair then asked, "Have you spoken to Bethany yet today?"

"She was just coming into the Great Hall as I left to come here. Is something wrong?" Remus asked.

"She´s a little upset. We are moving into the castle. As a matter of fact she hasn´t even asked about where our new quarters will be," Charlie said.

It was Remus´ turn to look disbelievingly, "How on Earth did you convince her to move?"

"That would be why she´s so upset. I really didn´t give her a choice. She´s used to getting her way and she´s always been stubborn, but I think she knows it´s for the best," Charlie said.

Remus laughed, "And she´s pregnant, and she´s teaching a bunch of adolescents. I don´t suppose you´ve spoken to your younger brothers since lunch today."

"No," Charlie said worriedly, "I heard about Ginny and Harry being brought here from McGonnagall. What happened?"

"Seems Fred, and I´m sure George was involved too, thought it would be funny to set off fireworks while Bethany discussed the mating habits of whatever beast she is discussing. And of course being the twins, you know that it wasn´t just any fireworks," Remus said grinning.

"I´m afraid to ask," Charlie said.

"They were animated and weren´t really appropriate for mixed company," Remus said, "Bethany apparently did not appreciate their ingenuity and creativity and gave Fred a Saturday detention."

"They told you about this?" Charlie asked.

"No, Fred was cursing and complaining so much I think most of the school now knows not to push things in her class," Remus said. "Let´s go see if those two have stopped giggling yet."

They re-entered the infirmary to find Harry and Ginny both sleeping motionlessly. Madam Pomfrey adjusted their position as she checked on their condition.

"They should sleep a few hours and when they awaken, they should have full control but they will be drowsy. They should refrain from taking another dose of the Sweet Dreams potion for the next two nights, but if taken properly after that, it should cause no further problems. Now then, if you will excuse me I have a few things to do before my next class." Snape said before turning abruptly and retreating from the room.

**********

Bethany lingered over her barely touched lunch plate. If eyes could shoot out fire she knew that she would have been incinerated by the Gryffindors. "Seems good news travels swiftly," she thought, as she looked around the room and frowned. Many thoughts swam through her head causing the frown she now wore. Her brother had hurried out of the room as she entered, but she knew it had nothing to do with her. He had no reason to be angry with her. Charlie on the other hand had failed to show up for the meal. Either he was upset with her for assigning Fred´s prank a detention, or he was reluctant to speak to her yet after their row that morning. Whichever it was, it only seemed to add fuel to her anger, and listening to Fred´s less than silent curses spat in her direction didn´t improve matters. She knew it would be best to avoid further confrontations with the younger Weasleys so she remained at the head table long after what little appetite she had when she entered the Great Hall had left her waiting for the students to filter out of the room. Her afternoon was free. There was nothing hurrying her out of the room.

She sighed after overhearing the nervous whispers of a few third year Hufflepuffs. "Wonderful," she thought, "I have them in class tomorrow morning and they´re so frightened they won´t learn a thing." The last of the students filtered out of the Great Hall so she assumed it was safe to head out of the room.

She wasn´t sure where she planned to go. Charlie and her friends had moved her belongings from the tent to somewhere in the castle. She shook her head as she realized that she had no idea where her rooms were located. "I know who will know though," she thought as she headed toward the Headmaster´s office.

The statue even seemed to frown at her as she said, "Pepper Imps." She shook her head and the gloomy thoughts out of head before she stepped onto the revolving staircase to travel up to her grandfather´s office. She entered the room and instead of being greeted by the headmaster as she expected, Fawkes chirped calling her attention toward him.

"Well, hello there," Bethany said to the bird. It had seen better days. Instead of its usual vibrant red plumage it wore tattered, darkened feathers. "Looks like burning day is coming soon," she said as she scratched the bird on the back of its head. "So Fawkes, where is my grandfather?"

"Your what?" said the voice behind her. Bethany´s eyes widened as she turned to see Severus Snape glaring in her direction.

"What are you doing here?" Bethany asked nervously, realizing that she had just let her secret slip.

"I have an appointment. I don´t have the advantage of having a family member in this office so when I wish to speak to the headmaster, I make an appointment," Severus said smirking and raising an eyebrow at Bethany.

"This day couldn´t possibly get worse," Bethany said as she plopped down onto the sofa and put her head down in her hands. Snape didn´t comment, but took a seat in a chair near the sofa Bethany occupied.

"You wouldn´t know where I live would you?" Bethany asked without raising her head.

He tried not to laugh but couldn´t help the snort that escaped in response. "You don´t know?" Severus asked.

She raised her head and smirked, "I know you are loving the fact that I am having troubles but you are not helping."

"I don´t recall ever offering to help," he answered.

"And, I wouldn´t expect you to. I haven´t had the best day and would like to go lay down but do not know where my bed is," Bethany said.

"The headmaster should be along shortly. I believe he went to check on your sister-in-law. She and Potter overdosed on a sleeping potion that left them a bit giddy." He paused when he noticed her look of concern; "They are fine. Sleeping off the remedy at the moment and should not have similar problems unless they are even denser than I thought."

"If you don´t mind, I´ll wait. It won´t take long for him to tell me which wing our rooms are in," Bethany said ignoring the insults to her family and friend.

"I don´t mind. Why are you no longer living the life of a gypsy in that tent of yours out back?" he asked.

"Seems I´ve been outvoted if you must know. Everyone feels that it is for the best in my condition and although, individually, I could fight Charlie, or Remus, or even my grandfather," she paused to allow him to acknowledge that she had verified the fact again, "but when they all agree, I don´t have much of stand. So I begrudgingly allowed them to move us to the castle."

"Condition?" Severus asked.

"I must be tired. In only five minutes I´ve managed to reveal that Albus Dumbledore is my grandfather and that I´m pregnant," Bethany answered.

"No wonder the punch was so powerful. I hit pretty close to the mark last night," Severus answered, somewhat pleased with himself.

"And how is your nose?" Bethany asked sarcastically.

"Just fine, thank you. If you break it a few more times it just may straighten out," he answered.

"Don´t tempt me. I could use a punching bag," Bethany said as she stood and began pacing around the office.

"I find that deducting points from Gryffindors and the issuance of an occasional detention works well for me, but you´ve discovered that thrill haven´t you?" Severus said, one corner of his mouth teasing a smile.

"That one. I´m expecting a howler from my mother-in-law. Though I wouldn´t take it back. That detention may have saved me months of troubles in my classroom. If the whispers and the frightened Hufflepuffs are any measure, I don´t have much to worry about," Bethany answered.

"Don´t be too sure of yourself. That cocky attitude of yours has always brought you trouble. Besides, the Hufflepuffs aren´t much of a measure for the rest of the school," he told her. Then he added, "Do sit down all this pacing is very annoying."

Bethany smirked and continued pacing. She looked around the office at the odd collections of things Albus Dumbledore kept in his office. After five more minutes of silence, a noise at the entrance signaled the arrival of the headmaster to his office.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Severus. I hope you weren´t too..." he stopped when he saw Bethany. His eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint as he greeted her, "Professor Donnalaith, I didn´t know you were here."

"Like hell you didn´t," Bethany mumbled.

"What was that, Bethany, I don´t believe I heard you correctly," Dumbledore said raising his eyebrow to show his mild disapproval.

"I believe your granddaughter was just expressing her doubts," Severus.

Dumbledore looked from Severus to Bethany to determine how their time alone had gone. He had hoped for an apology or at least a truce between them. Apparently, they had come to some sort of agreement but he wasn´t quite sure what.

"Professor Donnalaith had a question about where it is she´d be sleeping tonight," Severus added with a smirk.

Bethany rolled her eyes and added, "I´m tired. I´d like to lay down, but do not know where you and Charlie have moved me."

"Charlie thought you´d enjoy the south wing. You have a view of the lake and are nearest your class room. There is an exit that leads directly to the dragon enclosure as well. Just look for the tapestry with all the animals. The one you liked so much as a girl. I put it over the entrance. Charlie said you would know the password," Dumbledore said.

Bethany nodded at her grandfather, "Thank you." She turned to leave, stopped and gave a brief nod in the potion master´s direction. He reciprocated the action and she left.

**********

"Hermione?" Ron said when he saw her standing beneath the trap door leading to the Divination Classroom. "What are you doing here? Don´t you have Arithmancy?"

"I wanted to let you know about Harry and Ginny before you went to her class," Hermione said, rolling her eyes as she said the word her. Hermione had never held back on her feelings about Divination or the Divination Professor.

Ron was instantly concerned, "What happened? Are they all right? Did... did..."

"They´re fine now, Ron. I´m sorry I scared you. I didn´t mean too. You know how they were so giddy and giggling this morning?" She paused to allow Ron to acknowledge her with a nod. "Well it turns out that they were like that because of that potion to help them sleep."

"Snape! I knew it. He tried to poison my sister and Harry. I´ll kill him," Ron said angrily as he reached for his wand.

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Ro-on," she scolded, "He did no such thing. Harry apparently misunderstood the directions and he and Ginny took too much potion last night. They overdosed and that is why they were bouncing off the walls this morning." Ron´s brow was still furrowed. "They´re both fine, like I said. They are in the infirmary right now. Professor Snape gave them an antidote and they are sleeping it off right now. Professor McGonnagal wanted me to let you know before class so that you wouldn´t be worried. She says that they should be fine by the time we are out of class. You are to give this note to Professor Trelawney to excuse Harry from class." She handed Ron a rumpled piece of parchment.

"But they´re okay?" Ron asked.

"Fine," Hermione said and smiled, "and should be more normal the next time we see them. It was nice to hear them laughing but it was a bit queer."

"You're not kidding. I´m glad it´s okay. I guess I should go and predict my eminent demise," Ron said as he motioned to the ladder leading up to the classroom.

Hermione rolled her eyes again. "I don´t see why you two waste your time in that class. You should have chosen more carefully."

"Hermione, don´t you need to get to Arithmancy?" Ron said, as he shook his head at her and started climbing the ladder. He had had this argument with her many times before and wasn´t going to take the bait this time.

**********

The halls were empty. Classes were in session. Bethany´s footsteps echoed as she walked toward the South tower. She had already looked on the ground floor, assuming incorrectly, that their rooms would be there since they had an exit to the out of doors. She had thought she´d locate the rooms and rest, maybe even have a bath, but at this rate she wouldn´t be able to do much but look around. "Look for a tapestry, he tells me," Bethany mumbled to herself, "but did he bother to tell me what floor? I´m sure this is his idea at humor."

She had just finished the search of the second floor, and was heading toward the stairs to the third floor when she heard footsteps coming down toward her. She smiled at Professor Sprout. The woman always made her smile. It was something about the Herbology professor´s demeanor that was relaxing and disarming. Bethany wasn´t sure if it was the fact that she was just always happy and smiling herself or if it was the fact that she dressed and acted like the opinions of others mattered not at all to her.

"Oh hello, Bethany. I was just on my way to your office to leave you a little note," Professor Sprout held up a dirty piece of parchment, "about the plants. You and Charlie chose a lovely place to live. I have to admit, I´m a bit envious. And that Charlie, he certainly does care about you. Wanted everything just so, wouldn´t even wait until after classes were finished. I had planned to leave the note inside and walked out with it. The doors closed and I couldn´t get back inside." She seemed to go on and on with out taking a break to inhale.

Bethany took the parchment from her and barely had a chance to offer her thanks when Professor Sprout started up again, "I´ve got to run now. The second years will be waiting outside the green houses. Gryffindors and Slytherins, no telling what mischief they´ll get themselves into." She hurried off. Bethany just smiled after her.

"So, at least I know it will be right up here," she said to herself as she climbed the stairs. Bethany wondered what Charlie had done. She had planned on being angry with him a little longer but apparently he wasn´t going to cooperate by doing something so typically Charlie-like that she knew she never should have planned to stay angry. Charlie always had a way of doing little things that meant so much to her. It was frustrating at times, but she loved him all the more for it.

She turned down a corridor that seemed to be just a little cleaner than the others and saw what she had been searching for, The Animal Tapestry. It was enchanted, of course, as most decorations were at Hogwarts, but this one was always special to her. She had first found it right after her arrival to Hogwarts before she was a student. She would roam the unused hallways avoiding the students in the active portions of the castle. It was so dusty that she had almost missed it that first time, but the shiny horn of a unicorn prancing in the center of the cloth captured her attention. She brushed it gently with her hand and watched it well past darkness. Her grandfather had found her staring at the cloth. He had it cleaned for her, but had left it where it hung so that she could visit in the quiet of the room. As a student she would visit the room when she needed to be alone, but every time she tried to show Charlie or Bill she never could find the room. The castle was funny that way.

She looked at it now and inhaled deeply as she took it in again. It had been a long time since she had seen it last. The unicorn still pranced happily in the center of the fabric. The colors were just as bright and vibrant. She smiled as a Norwegian Ridgeback blew a puff of smoke in her direction, "I don´t remember seeing you ever before," she said to it before she realized that she now needed to come up with the password to enter her new home.

She backed up and began thinking out loud. "It wouldn´t be anything too obvious. So our names wouldn´t be the password. And Charlie would have chosen something he would have thought I would choose. Ugh, I feel like I´m on that American Muggle game show where the couples have to guess what their spouses would say to the most inane questions."

She turned as she thought and noticed for the first time that a portrait hung behind her. This one she had seen before. It used to hang in the infirmary. As a matter of fact it had hung there just last night. "What is this doing here?" Bethany said out loud.

The nurse in the picture turned away from the patient in the bed and addressed Bethany; "Surely it isn´t your time yet dear. Is there some other emergency?"

Bethany smiled. "No everything is fine thank you." Charlie or her grandfather had thought of everything. They were on the opposite side of the castle from the infirmary, but this portrait probably hid a passage directly to it.

Her smile broadened. She knew the password. "Family."

The tapestry rolled upward and revealed the wall, which opened to her new quarters. She took a deep breath and entered. "So much for being angry," she thought. It was so simple that Bethany had doubted that anyone else would be able to discover it. It was the thing Charlie found most important in his life, and these rooms were his first step in protecting his new family.

The rooms were perfect. Charlie had chosen well. She went strait across the room to the glass doors that opened to a balcony. She could see the lake and the dragon enclosure. The balcony was large and equipped with enough seats for all of her friends. "I guess the mountain will come to Mohammed," she said as she turned to search through the rest of their quarters. It was much larger than any of the faculty quarters she had seen before, but she hadn´t seen many. She had only been in those of unmarried teachers, so she wasn´t sure it was that special. There was a small sitting room to one side with a small fireplace and cozy chairs. She found the bedroom next. It wasn´t too large, but was certainly comfortable. The bathroom was a welcome surprise as well. There was a large tub, much like the one in the prefects bathroom only a little smaller, and also a shower. Plants filled in the nooks and crannies just like the spa at Donnalaith Castle. She went back to the main living area and smiled. He had chosen colors they both liked. Lots of earth tones with her signature peach and his blue mixed in just enough to brighten things up but not be tacky. "He had to have help with that," Bethany said as she walked over to the mantle. On either side of the main fireplace, which was large enough to floo through, was a panel representing each of their houses. She frowned at these. They had never used Gryffindor´s or Ravenclaw´s crests as main features for decorating. Even when they lived alone, Charlie had shied away from emblazoning his rooms with the Gryffindor lion. She looked more closely and noticed that there was a raised area on each of the representing animals. She touched the wing of the Ravenclaw Eagle and jumped as the panel opened to reveal a passage. She repeated the action without the startled jump touching one of the paws of the Gryffindor lion and a similar passage was revealed. She began to laugh. "Wouldn´t it had been a riot if Mona had been sorted to Slytherin," she said out loud as the passageways closed. She had correctly assumed that these passages lead near the common rooms of her cousin and Charlie´s siblings.

She yawned and headed back to the bedroom. She would skip the bath but would take a nap.

**********

Harry and Ginny hurried out of the infirmary as soon as Madam Pomfrey had finished making them repeat the instructions for taking the potion five times each.

"You know, Ginny, I really didn´t mean for any of this to happen," Harry said as they rushed to the common room.

"Really, Harry, I thought you planned the whole thing so we´d both behave like idiots for the day," Ginny teased.

Harry was concerned for a moment. He wasn´t sure if Ginny really meant what she had said. Did she really think he was that cold? Then she smiled at him.

"Harry," she said as she shoved him just so that he missed a step, "I was teasing. I never thought you had anything to do with our condition today.´

"I´m not sure what happened though. I don´t know if they told me but I didn´t pay attention or if they never told me the proper instructions," Harry said.

Ginny stopped walking and turned to face Harry. "Don´t feel guilty about this. It happened. We weren´t hurt and I don´t know about you but I had fun today. Probably for the first time in a long time," Ginny said.

Harry looked Ginny in the face for a while. He really was happy to have her as a friend. "Well more than a friend," Harry said broadening his smile as he looked at her. He blushed when Ginny smiled back at him.

"What, Harry?" she asked.

"Thanks," Harry answered. "I reckon we should head back to the common room. The others should be expecting us."

They walked quietly to the common room and when they came to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Harry said the password that caused it to open and helped Ginny through following right after her. He had only lowered one foot when several hands grabbed him and pulled him onto one of the sofas. Harry´s glasses were knocked off in the tussle and all he could see was a blur of red hair and freckles. Harry could hear Ginny and Hermione pleading for them to stop, but the Weasley boys continued to wrestle Harry to the sofa.

"Try to poison my sister," Ron said.

"Not the way we expect her to be treated," George said as he plopped on top of Harry.

"Bad show, Harry," Fred said as he tousled his hair, "but I do have to admit it was pretty funny. Can you loan us some, I know a few people who could use it?"

Harry was shaking beneath them. "Get off of him. You´re hurting him. Harry are you okay?" Ginny asked as she tugged at her brothers.

"Ron," Hermione scolded, "I told you it was nothing like that. And as for you." She stopped to pull George off of Harry; "You were with me when Professor Lupin and Professor McGonnagal told us about it. You know Harry had nothing to do with that."

"Of course I do, Milo," George said, "but I couldn´t resist. It was the perfect opportunity to get him. I have to make sure he stays on his toes when dealing with my little sister."

Harry was still shaking. "Are you okay, Harry?" Ginny asked.

Harry sat up, laughing. He looked around the room. There weren´t many students in the common room but the few sets of eyes there were all trained on him. The world was still a blur so he couldn´t make out who was watching him. He felt around for his glasses.

Ron handed Harry his glasses; "Here you go mate. Glad to see that your back to your normal self."

"Thanks for the concern," Harry said, "Good to know you will always look after Ginny so well."

"Well, just don´t forget it," Fred added.

"Do you have the instructions right this time?" George asked.

Ginny and Hermione both slapped George. "Yes, we have the directions right," Ginny said.

"And we´d have a hard time getting them wrong. Madam Pomfrey mixed up a diluted batch for us. We go back weekly for more. She didn´t want to take any chances and she also did want to risk any more undiluted potion getting into the wrong hands," Harry directed the last of his statement to Fred, who pulled a face in response.

Katie and Angelina came down from the girl´s dorms. "If you lot are finished, we need to get to the Care of Magical Creatures class room. They are giving the schedule for the placement test for the advanced course in about fifteen minutes. And only those in attendance can take the test," Katie said.

That said, the group sobered and began to scramble toward the exit. Almost every Gryffindor in the fourth through seventh years was going. They all wanted their chance to learn about dragons and other dangerous creatures. On their way out, George had joked that they would get a chance to learn about class four creatures that were legally there and probably with less risk of death than when taking the regular course with Hagrid.

"Yes," George said, "this class ought to be a cake walk compared to Hagrid´s classes."

**********

There was less than an hour until the students were scheduled to arrive for instructions for the placement test, and Charlie had not seen Bethany all day. He had missed lunch seeing about Ginny and Harry and had been in class all afternoon. Remus had told him all about his younger brother´s detention earlier but he had heard about it repeatedly in each class he taught. He laughed to himself as he thought about all the convolutions the story had taken. According to the second year Gryffindors he had in his flying class, Bethany had given the detention for no reason what so ever. He reckoned that those students were either very gullible or they didn´t know the twins well. The first year Ravenclaws, on the other hand had taken the house loyalty route and were stating that Fred and the other Gryffindors had physically attacked Bethany. Of course this story was being validated by the Slytherin first years, so he didn´t put much stock in that either. He had tried to speak to his brother´s earlier but he never could catch them alone and he hadn´t wanted to make a big deal of the situation by calling them to his office. He knew they would be at the testing meeting this afternoon. He would ask them to stay afterwards.

Charlie had left Merrick and T.J. in the class room to begin signing up any early arrivals while he went in search of his wife. She couldn´t still be upset about the move. He had taken every effort he could to make the rooms more than Bethany would expect. He even promised to help make repairs to Greenhouse Three for Professor Sprout´s assistance with the plants in the room and the small garden on the balcony. Professor Flitwick had helped by magically enlarging the rooms and by completing the passageways to the infirmary and to the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw areas. Blythe Loftin, one of the handlers from the other crew had helped with the decorating. She included things for both Charlie and Bethany and brought it all together in an appealing way. Samson had teased her, telling her that when the dragons got to be too much she could always go into interior design, but Merrick was quick to point out that dealing with a bunch of women decorating their homes could be more difficult than working with the dragons. This of course had earned him a well deserved slap from Blythe that she claimed was for all of woman kind.

The headmaster had told him she had asked about the location of the rooms. She didn´t have any afternoon classes today so he assumed that was where he´d find her. He paused in front of the tapestry before saying the password.

When he entered he saw her satchel on the floor beside the table. She was here. He called her name softly. He didn´t want to startle her if she was awake but he also didn´t want to wake her abruptly if she was sleeping.

He found her sleeping in the bedroom, but not in the bed. She was curled on the small sofa near the fireplace. He smiled and knelt down beside her. "Hey, sleepyhead, are you planning on sleeping the entire day away or will you be joining me for our first class together?"

She sat upright, "Oh, Charlie, what time is it?" He told her. "Why didn´t you wake me sooner? I must look a mess. I´ve been so tired and I have to admit today hasn´t been the..." He stopped her with a kiss. "Well, I guess it is getting a little better."

"Only a little?" Charlie teased.

"I like our new home," Bethany said.

"If that is an apology, I didn´t require one. I knew you´d be upset. I just had our children´s safety in mind," Charlie said.

Bethany sighed, "It has been a rough day. Have you spoken to Fred yet today?"

"No, I haven´t, but if you are wondering if I know that you gave him a detention, I do. I´ve heard quite a few stories today. I´m leaning toward the first one I heard from Remus because I really do not think you are `more evil than You-know-who´ and I hardly believe that Fred attacked you either," Charlie said as he offered Bethany a hand to help her stand.

"So, you know what happened?" Charlie just nodded. "Are you upset? I suppose I could have just taken points and let you talk to him, but my temper was not in the best control this morning. I will admit that I was probably harsher on him than I would have been on someone who didn´t look so much like the husband I was so angry with at the time," Bethany said.

Charlie looked confused, "What? You were angry with someone this morning? How many husbands do you have, woman?"

Bethany arched her eyebrows and smirked at Charlie, "You know good and well who I am talking about."

"Beth, if it helps any, I would have given him a detention too. Although George would probably have served it along with him. I´ve always found that if one is in trouble the other should be too," Charlie said.

"Thanks," Bethany said as she went into the bathroom to straighten her hair and robes. "I´m just waiting for the Howler from your mum for giving one of her boys a detention."

"I thought you got to know her this summer," Charlie said, "for mum to find out about the detention, either Fred or one of the others would have had to have owled. And in owling, they would have had to admit to at least some wrong doing, in which case, she would have agreed whole-heartedly with the punishment. Although, I think she would have thought it a little lenient."

"Speaking of which, we do need to tell her and your father about the triplets," Bethany said.

"We could wait," Charlie said, "but probably shouldn´t wait too long." Bethany nodded. "I´ll owl her this evening."

"Owl her?" Bethany asked, "you´re going to owl your mother to tell her that you are going to be the father of three? Don´ t you think we should floo her?"

"You´re probably correct," Charlie said, "We can catch her and dad after class." Bethany frowned at his mention of class. "Now what is it?"

"The Hufflepuffs are frightened of me," Bethany said. Charlie laughed.

"They´ll behave better. At least Remus seems to think you´ve set a precedent that you will not tolerate misbehavior even from a family member. I tend to agree and have to thank you. I was able to reap the benefits by my marriage to the evil one," Charlie said.

"Gee thanks," Bethany said, "so, no mention of the Snape incident?"

"Surprisingly, no," Charlie answered as he grabbed her satchel and opened the door for her to leave. "I don´t think any students witnessed it and if they did, they aren´t talking about it."

"I should be thankful for small favors, I guess," Bethany said, "He knows, by the way, that I´m pregnant and that I´m related to the headmaster."

"How did he find that out? Did Dumbledore?" Charlie asked concerned.

"No, I let it slip in the headmaster´s office. I went to find out where we lived so I could take a nap and he was there. Long story short, I was so tired I wasn´t thinking," she explained. "He didn´t even have many snide comments. And, he even offered his face as a punching bag."

Charlie looked at her in disbelief, "Are we discussing the same Severus Snape? Somehow I don´t think he said, `Bethany why don´t you punch me in the face.´"

"In a round about way he did. Of course, he didn´t say it just like you said. He´s never called me by my first name, not while we were both students and especially not when he returned in our sixth year as the Potions professor," Bethany said.

Charlie shook his head. "Just promise me one thing," Charlie paused to get Bethany´s attention, "don´t go taking him up on the offer any time soon."

Bethany laughed and took off at a run to race Charlie to their classroom.

**********

Harry looked around the classroom. It was larger than it could be naturally. He assumed someone had magically expanded it for this class. There were four tables and instead of sorting the students according to house, they were sorted by year. He smiled at Ginny as she turned to go to the fourth year table with Colin Creavy and the rest of the Gryffindors from their year.

He and Ron took a seat at the end of the table, saving a spot for Hermione. His gaze traveled from table to table as he made a mental list of who the rest of the would be Advanced Care of Magical Creatures students were.

He smirked when he saw Draco Malfoy enter, flanked as usual by his two ape-like shadows, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. They took a seat next to Pansy Parkinson, the only other Slytherin present from their year.

Ron nudged Harry laughing under his breath, "They don´t look too happy to be here. You think Malfoy´s father will try and buy his way into the class." Harry just smiled and continued to look around.

Hermione was talking to Justin Finch-Fletchy, a Hufflepuff in their year. He seemed to be asking her a question and was pointing to a copy of Charlie´s book. She looked in her element as she explained something to him and the other Hufflepuffs around them. There was a good showing of Hufflepuffs, more than Harry had expected. When she finished her explanation, Hermione took a seat near Harry and Ron.

He was about to comment on the complete absence of the Ravenclaws, when they entered en masse. Most of the Ravenclaws seemed standoffish to Harry. They tended to give the impression that they were better than others because they were smarter. Harry realized he was making generalizations. He hadn´t had any classes with Ravenclaws and really didn´t know any of them that well. In fact, after four years at Hogwarts, the Ravenclaw he knew best is the one he´s only known for a few weeks. He was about to ask Ron if he had seen Mona yet when he noticed a goofy grin on his best friends face as he stared in Mona´s direction. The Ravenclaw showing was impressive. There were as many of them as there were Gryffindors.

"Did you see that?" Hermione asked concerned.

Harry wasn´t sure what she meant, but reckoned it had something to do with Mona since Ron had stood and looked as though he wanted to go to her. Then Harry saw what Hermione was so concerned about. The fourth year Ravenclaws had closed ranks, excluding Mona from where they sat. He saw Ginny motion for her to sit with her and the other Gryffindors.

Hermione pulled Ron back down to his seat, "She´s fine. See. Ginny made a place for her. And she really doesn´t seem too upset."

Ron frowned a bit then smiled again as Mona and Ginny glanced toward them. "Have you spoken to her? She isn´t having the best of time with them and now I can see why. When she told me about it earlier I thought she might be exaggerating a bit."

Harry was about to comment that he thought Mona would be okay when the room went silent. Charlie and Bethany had entered the classroom followed by the other dragon handlers.

Bethany turned to Charlie and smiled weakly. Charlie knew she was nervous and the fact that the entire room of more than one hundred going deadly silent when she entered didn´t help matters. Charlie looked around the room. By having the students sort by year, they had thought that the students would mix houses, but with a few exceptions here and there, they had not done as expected. The students had segregated themselves so neatly it almost appeared to be by design.

"I´m pleased to see that we have so much interest in this course," Bethany began, "Professor Weasley has devised a series of tests to determine your ability to work with some of the large magical beasts." There was a general groan when the word test was mentioned, but the Ravenclaws and Hermione all set up straighter as if announcing their preparation and challenging the professors to produce a rigorous test of their intelligence.

Charlie stepped forward and continued to complain, "As you know only twenty will be permitted into the course so a good number of you will not be here next week. There are five separate components to the test. First is general knowledge, you will be given both written and verbal tests on theory and practical knowledge of dragons and other dangerous beasts. Next is endurance and strength, for this you will be put to your paces physically. The third is logic and problem solving, you will be put into a variety of situations in which you will need to use your brains and those of your team to work out a solution. Flight ability is the fourth component, you will be tested on the basics and asked to demonstrate a few of the more complex flight maneuvers as well. And finally, team work, you will be placed on teams for the duration of the test period and will be given a score that relates to the rest of your team and how you all interacted. At the end of the week the twenty students with the highest composite scores will be the first Advanced Care of Magical Creature Students."

There was a hushed murmur traveling across each of the tables. The students were speculating on just who the final twenty would be. "Now if there is anyone who feels that they are not up to the test you may leave now. No on will think ill of you," Charlie paused a moment. Neville Longbottom moved to stand but Hermione stayed him and whispered a word of encouragement to him. Charlie nodded his head and smiled. "Remember that placement is based on your composite score. So if you do well in a few of the areas and not as good in others you still have a chance of making the list."

"We will also notify the next ten students after the top twenty of their status as alternates. This is a serious course that can lead to physical harm if you do not follow the rules of safety or if you do not work as a team. Any students who choose not to follow the rules will be dismissed from the class. There is no room for second chances," Bethany added. As she finished her statement all eyes turned to Fred Weasley who was scowling back at her.

"That said, we can begin. Professors Edwards, Fazzio, and Marsh are circulating among you now with your team assignments and instructions for your first task. The teams have been chosen based on your past school records and input from other Hogwarts Professors. If you have any questions you may speak to your assigned advisor who will be one of the five of us. Good luck to you all," Bethany ended her speech and walked to the large desk at the front of the room where Charlie was now sitting.

Charlie pushed a chair out and motioned for Bethany to sit beside him. "That went better than I thought. I thought we´d lose a few when we mentioned the physical trials," he said as she sat.

"We will lose them. Just tomorrow evening when you and Merrick get finished running them to death," Bethany said, "That will probably decrease the number in this room by half if not more."

"Don´t be so optimistic, love," Charlie replied with a large grin.

"Speaking of optimism, which of your siblings do I have in my group," Bethany said, "My Trelawney senses are saying, `Fred´ but I could be mistaken."

"Your Divinatory senses are about as accurate as hers," Charlie teased, "Actually, you have Ron. You did have Fred, but Mona was in his group and Merrick thought it best that you not have Mona so you and he switched groups. Carlo gets George and T.J. will have Ginny in his group. I have Harry´s group, safest way that no one can accuse me of personal favoritism for one of my siblings."

Hermione was waving her hand in the air. "Yes, Hermione," Bethany called when she noticed her.

"I was just concerned about the testing schedule. It is fairly intense and does not leave much time to complete assignments in other classes," Hermione said.

"She would worry about that," Ron retorted.

"That is a good question. With the exception of Potions and Transfigurations all of the other professors have agreed to lighten your load this week, but I would plan for double work next week," Bethany explained.

"Figures, Snape will probably lay on more work for us this week. Ginny said they have a three foot essay due at the end of the week," Ron said with a smirk on his face.

"I don´t doubt that," Harry added, "but even McGonnagal didn´t give us a break."

"Did you expect otherwise, Harry, honestly, after four years with her as a professor you´d think you would learn to expect her not to lighten up on us. She never has shown any favoritism in the past," Hermione said.

"She does have a point there, Harry," Ron agreed.

Harry just looked at both of his friends and shook his head before smiling. "Do you two realize that you just agreed on something?"

Neither Ron nor Hermione had time to retort because at that moment T.J. had arrived to deliver their team assignments.

"None of you are on my team," Harry said first, "The only Weasley on my team is the advisor, Charlie."

"Professor Weasley," Hermione corrected.

"Bloody hell, I got Malfoy on my team," Ron said with disgust, "And Bethany is my advisor. I sure hope she doesn´t take her anger with the twins out on me."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Watch your language and it is Professor Donnalaith. And, don´t be ridiculous. What Fred did really was inappropriate."

Harry hadn´t failed to notice the blush on Hermione´s face and he leaned over to read her list. He smiled and said, "And why are you so happy? Care to share with the rest of us?"

Hermione pulled the list closer to her, but Ron wasn´t going to let her get away that easily. He grabbed her list and began to scan the list. Hermione´s blush rose.

"Could it be that she does have a Weasley on her list?" Ron teased.

Hermione made a useless attempt to recover the parchment from Ron who continued to tease using his best, which wasn´t that good, Italian accent, "Or does it have to do with the fact that her advisor is Carlo?"

Hermione was now bright red and Harry was laughing along with Ron. "Ron, give it back right now, or else."

"Or else what?" Ron said.

"Or else, I´ll beat you into next week," George said as he took the parchment from Ron and handed it to Hermione.

Lavender Brown and Pavarti Patil were both giggling and making cooing noises. "How sweet. Ron, you could learn a thing or two from your brother," Padma Patil said as she walked over to speak to her twin sister from where she had sat with the other fifth year Ravenclaws. Padma had obviously not forgotten how Ron had treated her at last years Yule Ball. Ron had spent most of the evening following around Hermione and Victor Krum.

Charlie whistled to get the attention of the class once more. "If each group will locate their advisor they will be given a few more instructions."

Charlie walked to the center of the room. Bethany and the others had each positioned themselves in one of the four corners of the room. All the students milled about noisily for a bit before separating into five groups of about twenty to thirty students each.

Harry hurried to speak to Ginny. "Who do you have?" he asked.

"Professor Marsh," Ginny said then added, "T.J." when Harry looked at her confused.

"It will take some getting used to calling them by their real names," Harry added then he turned to Mona, "What about you?"

"Merrick, Professor Edwards," she corrected herself, "is my advisor. Fred and I are in the same group though. I was worried I´d be all by myself. At least I know someone."

Mona tried to look happy but Harry could see the disappointment and assumed she had hoped to be in Ginny´s or probably Ron´s group.

"Ron got stuck with Malfoy in his group," Harry said as he motioned toward Ron who was walking to Bethany´s corner with Katie Bell and Seamus Finnegan. "And Hermione and George ended up in the same group." George was carrying Hermione´s satchel as she walked beside him, her face even brighter red.

"I didn´t know she could blush that much," Ginny said. "I better get going, I´ll talk to you later." She smiled brightly at Harry before turning to go to her group. Harry smiled after her and blushed brightly when Charlie called his name to join their group a short distance away.

**********

The next day went quickly for all the students. Everyone was anxious to get started. They had received notice the previous day to meet on the Quidditch Pitch and to wear comfortable clothing and shoes they could run in. A few of the students arrived in their Hogwarts robes and uniforms bearing parchment notes announcing their withdrawal from the selection process, but when Charlie blew a whistle to gain everyone´s attention there were at least seventy-five students present.

"You all need to start doing some warm up exercises and stretches," Charlie began, "Those who know can begin explaining and we will be circling among you to make sure you are doing things correctly."

Bethany joined them on the pitch levitating five boxes to the field. She joined Charlie and the others and distributed the boxes to each of them. As they began to walk among the students who were stretching and warming up, they distributed the contents to the appropriate students. Each student was given a T-shirt and robe in a different color that represented their group. Bethany was greeted with questioning looks as she passed out orange robes to her group. Only Ron was appreciative and Draco Malfoy appeared scared to touch them. Charlie, T.J. and Carlo didn´t receive any odd or questioning looks as they passed out their respective brown, white, and black robes, but Merrick was gifted with even more bizarre looks than Bethany as he passed out lilac robes to the students in his group.

"This portion of the test doesn´t take much in the way of intelligence. You only need to complete the course. Professor Edwards and I will lead you to where you need to go. Professors Donnalaith, Fazzio, and Marsh will be stationed along the route. If at any time you feel you can no longer continue, report to one of them. They will record your distance and time to score you. If you choose to drop out please notify them at that time as well. As you are all aware, you now have a color to signify your team. It is from this point forward that you will be receiving scores for teamwork. You will arrive dressed in your teams colors for each segment of the test," Charlie paused for a moment a few hands among the crowd of students went up, "Are there any questions other than if you can have a different color if you don´t like lilac or orange?" The hands went down. "Okay, put on your T-shirts and continue your warm ups. We will begin in five minutes."

There were a few comments here and there but the students were mostly quiet as they continued to prepare. Charlie and Merrick had been hopping around as they spoke. Harry reckoned they had already warmed up and he realized he was very happy to have been running as much as he had that summer.

A whistle blew again and without a word Charlie started at a slow jog. He completed four circuits of the Quidditch Pitch before heading out around the grounds of the school. They had set up a variety of obstacles for the students to traverse. They were easy at first, nothing more than things to avoid. There were no easier routes. The obstacles were charmed so that each student received the same no matter where they ran. After about a half hour, ten of the students reported in that they had done what they could and turned in their robes and shirts and slunked back slowly to their common rooms. At the end of an hour another fifteen students asked to remove their names from the list. Madam Pomfrey had to be called to help Vincent Crabbe, who panted as he turned in his name and then passed out at Carlo´s feet.

The Gryffindor Quidditch team was doing the best by far. They were used to hard workouts when Oliver Wood had been their captain. Ron, Ginny, and Mona were also keeping up, but Hermione had fallen behind. Her face set with determination to complete the course. Neville Longbottom brought up the rear of the pack traveling much slower than the others but he maintained a steady pace and had yet to become overly winded.

At the end of two hours Charlie led the pack of fifty students back to the pitch. He and Merrick were sweaty but not breathing hard as he made a few announcements. "Don´t collapse on the ground. You need to walk a bit to keep from having your muscles tighten up too quickly. Congratulations! You lot will go on to the next segment of testing. You have completed what we all consider to be the toughest section by far. Tomorrow you are to report to the Care of Magical Creatures classroom for the next portion. Now go get a hot shower and get some rest. We promise not to do this to you again," Charlie laughed a little as he watched the relieved expressions move across the faces of the students.

**********

Another day passed uneventfully except for the assignment of a four foot essay for the fifth years from Professor Snape. They were surprised that they were given until next week to complete it and that it really wasn't a difficult essay. They had to compare and contrast Monkshood, Spleenwort, and Shrivelfig all of which had plenty of information so that a long essay could easily be written even without having to increase the size of their handwritings, which Hermione pointed out, never worked on Professor Snape. Ron had reckoned that it was so that the Slytherins in the class would have adequate time for the essay since a few were still in the running for the Advanced Care of Magical Creatures Course.

Many of the students limped into the Care of Magical Creatures classroom that afternoon. A few had sought relief from Madam Pomfrey, but most were toughing out the muscle aches they were experiencing from the overuse the night before.

"Today we are testing your general knowledge. All satchels or bags can be placed in the rear of the classroom. You will sit with your group for testing please take your seats accordingly," Bethany said as the students filtered into the classroom.

They had not lost any more students after the previous evening. The five teams now each held between nine and eleven students. Bethany had remarked earlier that each group was fairly equally matched, but that she knew after this evening the top thirty would be fairly easily identifiable by their scores on the test they would be given in a few moments. She knew many had studied but she doubted as many were prepared for what was about to occur.

As the students took their seats she noticed Ron and Draco Malfoy arguing about something. She had started to go sort out the problem when Neville Longbottom stepped between them and said, "We are supposed to be working together as a team. If you two can't do something as simple as sit down without arguing, what are we going to do when we really have to solve a problem together?"

Ron and Draco both smirked in Neville's direction and Bethany laughed to herself as she thought, "Neville has just accomplished the impossible. Both Ron and Draco agree that they wish they were on someone else's team even if they still had to be teammates." But they did pay attention to Neville and took their seats more quietly.

"Now that wasn't too bad. You have just completed another portion of you test," Bethany smiled as she took in the shocked expression on many of the Ravenclaw's faces. She remembered all too well the test pressure that her fellow house-mates inflicted on each other and the thought of being tested when they didn't know they were tested was a Ravenclaw nightmare. She didn't fail to note that Hermione wore the same expression.

"If you look in your desks you will find a self inking quill and parchment. When I say begin, the test will appear on the parchment. You will have three hours to complete the test. You must not leave any blank so if you do not know an answer, guess. You will be given scores for creativity even if the answer is wrong," Bethany explained.

There was a hushed murmur and the words, 'crazy,' 'insane,' and 'nuts,' could definitely be heard clearly among the whispers. Bethany laughed as she whispered to Carlo, "They are all taking this too seriously. Are they in for a shock." Carlo smiled and nodded his head.

Bethany removed a pocket watch and tapped it three times to set an alarm. She set it down on the table and looked up at the students. "You may begin," she said. The room was quiet except for the occasional shuffle of a paper.

After about fifteen minutes Merrick and T.J. entered the room carrying a few boxes and making a great deal of noise. Several of the students looked up at them annoyed and frustrated. "Don't mind us," Merrick said, "just keep working. You know this test is timed." He turned away from the students and smiled deviously.

Carlo went to help his friends set up the boxes they had brought in while Bethany and Charlie observed the class. "Are you sure those are going to work?" Charlie asked.

"T.J. says he checked them earlier today in this room. He and Merrick decided to move them out so they could move them back in again during the test," Bethany said.

When the dragon handlers had completed setting up the boxes all around the room they returned to the front of the room where Charlie and Bethany sat. "Anytime your ready, Bethany," T.J. said, "they aren't exactly like Muggle equipment but they are based on it. Bill helped with the recordings. These are magical recordings so you can't just use whatever you have, but I think in time we can get a wider variety. At least some that are better than you can get on WWN."

"Go ahead. Something calm at first," Bethany said.

T.J. bit his lip. "You didn't tell me you wanted something calm. Merrick, did she tell you she wanted something calm?" T.J. asked. Merrick just laughed and shook his head.

"I thought you wanted to test their ability to deal with stress," Merrick said, "I thought of asking Charlie's mum to send the class a howler, but well..." Charlie shoved Merrick out of his seat. Several of the students closer to front looked up and shushed the professors as Merrick stood.

"This is going to be fun," Merrick said. Let's get on with it," Merrick said.

Bethany rolled her eyes and waved them on to continue as planned. T.J. and Merrick were grinning like cats who'd just consumed the family canary as they set off to start the spells on the boxes around the room. About two minutes later the students all jumped as music began to blare from the boxes around the room. Bethany laughed, "I take it you picked this out, T.J."

"How could you guess?" he answered grinning. The Beastie Boys had been a favorite of T.J's since the early eighties and he always loved 'Fight for the Right to Party,' which was now playing loudly in the classroom.

"Did you remember the silencing charm on the room? I don't want the other professors to come running from their offices," Charlie asked.

"Done. You should have heard the test run earlier," Merrick said.

"One question," Carlo said, "do you have any real music or are we just going to blast them with more of this noise?"

Bethany raised her voice, "Put your hands down unless you have a question about the test. The music will continue and you should continue as well. Your time is ticking away as you gape at me, so I suggest you get back to work."

The music continued at the same volume, occasionally it was lowered for a song or two lulling the students into a false sense of security before it would be raised again at the onset of a new song causing many of them to jump and look around frustratedly at the instructors. Charlie and the others each made note of the reaction of the students in their groups. A few continued on with little difficulty and without flinching when the music changed.

It was when Merrick grabbed Bethany and started dancing to 'The Stray Cat Strut,' that some of the more steadfast students began to get distracted. George and Fred both looked up and laughed at their sister-in-law, but quickly returned to their work. Mona rolled her eyes and blushed, but also was able to return her focus to the test in front of her. Ron laughed and would pause to watch from time to time but continued on with his test. Ginny seemed to take it in stride as well. Hermione was restless but other than the frown she wore and an occasional expression of exasperation she continued to plod through the test.

Draco Malfoy was muttering to himself and Harry wondered if he was trying to do a silencing charm of some type. Then he got an idea. He had been practicing wandless magic, but hadn't tried a silencing charm. "It couldn't hurt," he thought to himself as he whispered the incantation. The noise of the room left him and he went back to the test. He would look up after each question to make sure he was not out of time, but he was no longer distracted by the noise. "I'll have to try that in the common room the next time I'm studying down there," Harry thought smugly to himself.

He reached the end of his test a while later and removed the silencing charm. He jumped as the noise rushed in after being so accustomed to the silence. Hermione was finished, as was George, and they were chatting quietly with one another. He looked around his group and noticed that Angelina Johnson had moved to sit beside Cho Chang, whom she was chatting with. Everyone else around him was still working. He raised his hand and waited as Charlie walked over.

"What is it Harry?" Charlie asked.

"Is it okay for me to move around and go sit with the others?" Harry asked as he motioned with his head to Angelina and Cho.

"Harry, weren't you listening?" Charlie asked, "You were just told ten minutes ago that once you were finished you could talk quietly with others in your group, but that you must remain with your group until the time was up."

"Oh," Harry said, "I guess I was concentrating on the test so hard I missed that."

"Could be," Charlie said with a grin, "that or the silencing charm you cast an hour ago."

Harry looked up at Charlie with wide eyes. "You didn't think it went unnoticed did you? You never jumped once even when everyone else did. We just did a magic search and found you were surrounded by a silencing charm. Nice work, by the way, I never saw you pull out your wand and good creativity, but remember in the future that easy solutions could lead to trouble."

"Thanks," Harry said as he handed his test to Charlie. He didn't want to explain about the wandless magic in front of the other students.

Harry moved to sit with Angelina and Cho Chang. He still didn't know how to talk to her. He was responsible for the death of her boyfriend and he had had a crush on her last year. It didn't take long for the talk to include that fact. Thankfully it had stayed out of the Daily Prophet, the wizarding newspaper that tended toward the scandalous. Harry half expected that was because one of the Prophets main reporters had spent the summer locked in a jar in her illegal animagus form of a beetle.

"Hi Harry," Angelina said cheerfully, "the test wasn't too bad, but that music." She just shook her head.

"I have cousins that love that Muggle stuff," Cho said, "In Asia, it is somewhat a novelty to listen to the Western Muggle music."

"I think I did okay. I was able to sneak and cast a silencing spell around my desk," Harry said.

"Oh, you," Angelina said, "I wish I had thought of that. I would have been done much sooner if I hadn't had to listen to 'Come on Eileen' three times in a row."

Ernie Mcmillan, a fifth year Hufflepuff, joined them a few minutes later. They greeted him and went over their complaints about the music again. Harry saw that Ginny was finished and was talking to Tailor Moon, a sixth year Hufflepuff, and Terry Boot, a fifth year Ravenclaw. She and the two boys were the only ones finished in her group. Harry didn't like the way they were looking at her, but he smiled when she smiled back in his direction. The two boys followed her line of site and waved at Harry and moved a few inches away from Ginny.

"The intimidation power of Harry Potter," Angelina said, "Sure am glad we are on the same team. Erg, not this song again." Come on Eileen was playing again.

Harry blushed and rolled his eyes at Angelina. He pointed to Fred who was dancing with Merrick Edwards, Dean Thomas and Mona Delachesay. Merrick was trying to teach them the dance he and Bethany had done earlier. Justin Fitch-Fletchy, a fifth year Hufflepuff in Fred's group, laughed as he looked on. Conner Warrington, a seventh year Slytherin also wearing purple, scowled in disgust as they danced around. Harry saw him mouth the words, 'Filthy Mudblood music.'

"They look like they're having a nice time," Geoffrey Summers, a seventh year Hufflepuff said as he took a seat beside Harry.

"What else would you expect from Fred?" Angelina said. Angelina and Geoffrey knew each other well from having had years of classes together, but Harry had never met him.

Katie Bell had convinced Ron to stand while she danced but she didn't get him to dance. She had better luck with Seamus Finnigan who, Harry noticed, was staring at Katie's chest and not her feet as she attempted to teach them the dance that Fred was doing. When she turned to Draco Malfoy, she was greeted with harshest look of contempt that Harry had ever seen.

Angelina turned to Harry, "Come on, I don't want to be the only one sitting like a slug."

"I don't dance," Harry said, "Not even a little bit."

"You danced at your birthday party," Angelina corrected.

"Well, that was different," Harry said as he began to blush, "it was a slow song and it was with Ginny."

"So if they play a slow song you'll dance with me?" Angelina teased. Harry's blush just deepened.

"Come on Harry, what can you lose," Cho said as she stood up with Angelina. Harry felt a wave of guilt as he stood to join the girls. He made a half attempt at moving to the song currently playing, 'She's a Beauty.'

"See that wasn't so bad," Angelina said. Her movements were twice as complicated and Harry looked like he was standing still next to her. He smiled weakly and gazed over in Ginny's direction. She was smiling brightly at him when Lee Jordan finished his test and was apparently asking her to dance. Ginny shrugged as she looked at Harry and was soon standing beside Lee who danced as though someone had dropped a hive of bees into his pants.

Harry noticed that Hermione was doubled over with laughter as she stood beside George who was trying to match Lee's wild moves to the song, 'What I Like About You.' They were the only two in their group dancing. Roger Davies, a seventh year Ravenclaw, and Blaise Zabini, a fifth year Slytherin just stood and watched with their arms across their chests. The others in their group were still struggling to get through the test.

When the song ended laughter was ringing through the room from most of the students and all of the observing professors. Bethany looked down at the watch sitting on the desk. "Almost time," she said. The Professors sobered to make note of who was still working on their tests. They also noted who had joined in on the fun and who had not.

As Everybody Have Fun Tonight ended, Bethany stood on a chair and called out, "Time!" The quills in the hands of the students furiously trying to complete the last few questions flew out and to the desk in front of her. Merrick cut off the music. Carlo and T.J. collected the papers from those who still had them and Charlie began sorting the pile of tests on the desks in front of him.

"That's it for this section. Tomorrow you meet on the Quidditch Pitch again. If you have your own broom, you should bring it. If you do not, the school brooms will be available for you to use. If you do not have any questions, you may leave," Bethany said.

**********

Bethany yawned as they walked out to the field. "Why don't you go back?" Charlie asked, "You stayed up late marking the papers. We can handle this. You aren't flying anyway."

"But you need me out here," Bethany said, "Remy is bringing me some Pepper-Up Potion. I can watch them fly with my ears smoking." Charlie rolled his eyes. He knew when to give up with Bethany. She could be stubborn and he knew this was one of those times.

Only one student, Gregory Goyle of Slytherin, had quit after last night's test. It wasn't a hard decision and Merrick hadn't tried to convince him otherwise when he turned in his lilac robes. The boy was as thick as a Bludger and likely not as intelligent. Charlie noted the students with their own brooms. Most were decent Quidditch brooms. He didn't fail to notice the absence of the Gryffindor team, but he didn't miss their arrival even when he turned his back to the crowd of students. There were comments of appreciation, disbelief and jealousy as Ron entered with his new specialized Quidditch broom. Angelina had Ron´s old Nimbus and Katie carried the same. She had bought her broom used from Quidditch Quarters that summer. With the twins Nimbus 2001's, Ginny using Bethany's old broom, and Harry´s original Firebolt, their Quidditch team would be well equipped this year. Charlie looked over at Mona who looked as though she would be sick. She had Ginny's old Clean Sweep, which had been Percy's before that and his before that. It was a good broom and he had removed the training charm last week. If she'd just keep up her confidence she'd do okay. He crossed his fingers in Bethany's direction when he noticed that she was probably thinking the same thing.

Because there were forty-nine students to be tested and the Quidditch Pitch's safety charms only extended ten feet outside of the actual pitch they would not have enough room to test them all at once. So they drew lots and took up one group at a time. First, for a preliminary flight, and after each had completed those, they went again for more advanced moves.

Bethany's group went up first. Ron, he knew could fly and his new broom had him soaring around like he'd been born up there. Morag McDougal, a sixth year Ravenclaw Chaser, Katie Bell and Draco Malfoy also easily completed the assigned tasks. Seamus Finnigan had surprised Charlie with his skill. He noticed that he was using a school broom but still managed to make them do things that Charlie knew from experience was very difficult to achieve. He'd have to make sure that Harry was watching too. Padma Patil had also surprised him. She didn't have exceptional skill but with a little training would definitely be an asset to the Ravenclaw squad. He had to shake his head to remember that he wasn't looking for Quidditch players and when Bethany's thoughts of the same thing buzzed briefly through his head he saluted in her direction. It took a bit longer for Hannah Abbot and Mandy Brocklehurst, both fifth years in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw respectively, to complete the tasks. Charlie coached them through the maneuvers slowly and cautiously. He even brought them down closer to the ground should they fall. Neville Longbottom started off somewhat unsteadily but with a little encouragement he, too, completed the task with a decent score. Ron ran up to him and slapped him on the back as he landed.

His own group was up next. Harry, Angelina, and Cho Chang breezed through the trials and he actually felt as though he was wasting time even sending some of these flyers through the basics. Ernie McMillan also made an impressive showing. When Geoffrey Summers landed several of the Hufflepuff Quidditch players were asking why he'd never tried out for the team. He had just shrugged and said that he never much cared for the game. Millicent Bulstrode, a Slytherin who was currently repeating her fourth year, was another case completely. She could barely get the broom off the ground; much less complete any of the skills required to make it into the course.

T.J.'s white team went next. Ginny easily went through Charlie's paces. Colin Creevy made a good showing as well. He was another Harry should keep an eye on for the Quidditch team. Lee was able to complete the course, but Charlie knew at once why his brothers' friend had always announced Quidditch and never joined the team. Pansy Parkinson was a fiasco. The girl actually fell from her broom as she mounted it. Charlie shook his head and offered her another go, but she just threw down the broom and stormed away. Terry Boot was on the Ravenclaw team and Tailor Moon on the Hufflepuff team. Both completed the routine in good time. Lisa Turpin, the fifth year Ravenclaw, did fair. She didn't require a lot of instruction and was very confident, but was a bit sloppy. Eloise Midgen, a seventh year Hufflepuff asked Charlie to demonstrate four times before she flew through the course very slowly.

Merrick walked up with the lilac team and Charlie took a deep breath. He smiled as he noticed that they all seemed to be encouraging Mona. Even the Slytherin, Conner Warrington, was offering his suggestions. He supposed as the only girl left on their team, she had endeared herself to them. She did have that habit. Derek Dore, a sixth year Ravenclaw who was their Keeper this year, was making complicated hand gestures with Fred. Mona and Dean Thomas were the only two members not currently on their house teams. Dean flew first. He wasn't exactly horrible, but he wasn't really great either, but he did get through the tasks. Justin Fitch-Fletchy and Derek Dore went next followed by Conner Warrington. All performed as expected considering their positions on their house Quidditch teams. Fred motioned Mona on to go before him. All the boys stayed near to watch her. She was nervous.

"Just breath, Mona," Charlie said, "I know what you can do. You can get through this better than many of them. Shoot you made it into the air without falling off your broom."

Mona laughed as she remembered Pansy's pathetic attempt at her flight. She could definitely do better than that. As Mona relaxed, Charlie began putting her through the paces and before she realized it she had finished to the cheers of the boys wearing lilac.

Fred shouted his congratulations and whipped into the air and completed his flight in record time.

The final team took to the air and waited their turn to fly. Lavender and Parvati were giggling and mooning after Carlo. Charlie half expected Parvati to do a decent showing like her sister, but obviously they only looked alike. Lavender landed saying that Professor Trelawney had predicted her to have a poor trial today. Charlie snorted and suspected that the prediction had actually caused the poor showing.

And he laughed when Hermione countered with, "And I'm sure she predicted Harry and Ron would plummet to their deaths but you don't see either of them dead."

Lavender had just turned and said, "But the course is not over yet," to which Hermione just rolled her eyes and moved forward to complete the task. She had a very measured and steady flight with little or no extra flair but she had made it the distance and done better than quite a few. Susan Bones, a fifth year Hufflepuff, flew next. She did fair but Charlie heard her asking if they really would have to fly much in the class. When told yes she turned in her robes and left. Sally Ann Perks, a fourth year Ravenclaw, flew next. She was doing well until she looked down to smirk in Mona's direction and fell from her broom. Carlo caught her with a levitation charm and lowered her gently to the ground. Roger Davies and Blaise Zabini both easily completed the course. George whipped up and completed it with the fastest and most accurate time of all.

Charlie congratulated them and then demonstrated their next task. For this they would each need to partner with another flyer. He told them that unless they could not work it out, they could choose for themselves. He half expected the twins to fly together but George had chosen to fly with Hermione to help her if she needed it. He didn't have to guess Ginny's partner. She and Harry would do well in this task if they flew like they did in the pick up Quidditch game their family had played at the Burrow. Fred and Ron were both discussing with Mona who should partner with her. Fred was worried the connection they had would click in and leave them both heading for the ground, but in the end Ron's stubbornness won out and he and Mona stood together. Angelina and Katie were flying together so Fred flew with Lee. The rest all found partners easily enough. Some were with friends, others were vying for strong flyers as partners to help them through the tasks. Ten students had left between the initial flight and this one leaving twenty pairs waiting in turn to complete their task.

As expected, Harry and Ginny flew as if they shared a brain. They made the task look so easy that Charlie almost made them fly it again. The others all took their turns. The intricate moves required precision and team work. It did not require extreme skill but the maneuvers were complex enough that they were not easily completed. Charlie knew that even a marginal flyer could complete them if their partner worked with them and not against them.

Neville flew with Parvati Patil. Neither were good flyers but Charlie noted that Neville had more than once made corrections to allow Parvati to succeed in the task. He was really flying more poorly than he could have as a result and Charlie was impressed that he never heard a discouraging word come from Neville during the entire flight.

George's and Hermione's flight went well. He could see that George was straining to hold himself back to keep at Hermione's steady pace. He knew his brother would have loved to have completed the task at the break neck speeds that Harry and Ginny had used.

Ron and Mona flew midway through the group. And Charlie was impressed with Mona's confidence. The buzz in his head was distracting so he looked down at his wife to get her to stop. She raised her eyebrows to point out that they were using the connection to make the flight. Charlie made a slight alteration in the flight maneuvers to allow them to break the connection before landing. "I'll talk to you two later," Charlie told them as they landed.

The rest of the students completed the final flight task without incident. All who flew this task would more than likely be present for their final segment on Saturday.

"Good show," Charlie said, "I saw some very impressive team work out there tonight. I especially would like to commend the lilac team for their showing in the earlier task. It is that sort of thing we are looking for. I suggest that the rest of you remember that for Saturday."

There was a brief applause from all the students before Charlie continued, "Speaking of Saturday's task. You will report to the Great Hall at ten in the morning. Each team will be given a separate task to complete. I suggest you come prepared for anything. You may want to spend a little time discussing what each of you should bring. Get a good nights sleep on Friday. No celebrating the evening off."

**********

"Hermione, I don't think we'll need Hogwarts: A History," George said as they ate their breakfast, "Besides, you have it practically memorized."

"And you really think we'll need that pocketful of Fantastics?" Hermione questioned, "And I've shrunk the book. It takes up no more room that a single Filibuster Firework. I do not have it memorized and it has proven helpful in the past."

"And if worse come to worse, you could always bore someone to death with it," Ron interjected.

"Stay out of this," Hermione and George said together and both began laughing.

Ron just shook his head. "I hope you've thought about food."

"It's not surprising that you have," Ginny added, "that is all you ever think about."

"Did someone declare this pick on Ron Weasley day and fail to inform me?" Ron asked.

"You didn't read the Prophet this morning?" Harry asked, "It was all over the front page, 'Ministry Bored with Fight Against You-Know-Who Declares Pick on Ron Day.'" Ron smirked at Harry who was grinning at him.

"Oh no, and I've already missed eight hours of it," Fred said as he sat across from his brother, "I knew I should have renewed my subscription to that paper."

Fred and George began humming the Itsy Bitsy Spider. Ron started to turn red. "If you don't stop I will curse you all into next week."

Getting a rise out of him only succeeded in setting the twins further into the task of his torment. They each began to transfigure their utensils into shiny, silver spiders.

"I'm leaving," Ron said as he shuddered as George's spoon spider knocked into Fred's fork spider, "I'm going to sit with the Slytherins. At least there I know I only need to watch for the knives aiming at my back."

"Aw, ikkle Ronnikens is upset with us," George said as he cast the counter spell and his spoon spider lost its legs and turned back into a spoon. But George was busy changing his napkin into a large floppy white spider.

"Quit teasing him," Angelina said, "or you may be sorry later."

"Oh," Fred said, "who's teasing?" He quickly transfigured his utensils and napkin back once again and brought them nearer to him.

All of the students who were still in the running for the Advanced Care of Magical Creatures course remained in the Great Hall after breakfast. Most had brought everything down with them to avoid the trip back to their common rooms. And as the time moved closer the students gradually regrouped from their house table into their assigned color teams. Occasionally, a student would run out after something the team had thought they may need.

The instructors entered and were very impressed with the results. Forty students sat in five small groups. The at first aloof Ravenclaws were hunched down and planning things as excitedly as the Gryffindors. The Slytherins were interacting and offering more than sarcasm to the conversations. The Hufflepuffs were making their voices and opinions heard where they once would have just gone along with the more assertive houses.

Charlie stood and the students silenced themselves to await their instructions. "Each team must first choose one player from their team," he told them.

Hermione's hand went up along with several Ravenclaws. "Yes, Hermione?" Charlie prompted knowing what the question would be.

"Choose them for what, Professor Weasley?" she asked and all of the other hands in the room went down. Hermione had asked the question they all wanted answered.

Charlie smiled. "You don't know, and I won't tell you. You must choose one player from your team."

"But," Hermione asked again, "how can we choose if we don't know what we are choosing them for?"

"You just have to," Charlie said, "now, get on with it. You are wasting precious time."

The teams all started to throw back and forth their ideas of who the player would be. Some were assuming that they had too many on each team and it was their way of eliminating one player. Others thought it was for a captain position and still other suspected something more ominous.

In the end Neville Longbottom was chosen for the orange team, Cho Chang for the brown, Lee Jordon for the white, Dean Thomas for the lilac, and Roger Davies for the black team.

Bethany nodded at each selection. Some teams had chosen their stronger members and others the weaker, but none had put their best or their worst in the chosen spot. That was good planning. She now had to decide what to do with the members they chose. The original intent was to put them in a position that would most cripple the teams. She decided quickly that the best course of action was to remove them from play but to allow them to have input and make comment on their team. They would have no contact with their team but would be tested based on their reaction to the decisions their teams made. She directed the five to the ante room and instructed them to await further instructions.

The other teams were then each given separate assignments that would take them in and around the Hogwarts grounds. And depending on their decisions may even take them off grounds and into Hogsmeade or even into the Forbidden Forest.

The students were unaware that several of the faculty members as well as others outside of the faculty had been recruited in assistance for this task. The answers would need to be provided by five that evening.

With their tasks in hand the teams set out in opposite directions. Hermione wanted to go to the library for their task but she was overruled and they set out to the green house to ask Professor Sprout a few questions about medicinal plants.

With Neville gone, Ron and Draco began to bicker more. Katie and Padma would just roll their eyes and ignore them. It was Seamus who suggested that they seek out the other dragon handlers to help answer their first question about animal development.

Although Cho Chang had been a good member of their team, the brown team did not feel the loss that the orange had. They received their task and Harry suggested the kitchens and asking the house elves for their input about the question of innate magic.

After a short discussion, Ginny's team went straight to the Charms corridor. They were to find a spell to control a dragon and prevent burns. They had all assumed the Professor Flitwick would be the best source for the information.

The final team debated for a short time before Mona suggested they go to the potions lab to ask Professor Snape about the various potions that contain dragon parts. The other doubted his cooperation, but Mona suggested that Conner be their spokesman.

As each of the teams left, Charlie joined the five students in the ante room. He informed them that they would be kept apprised of their teams advancements and would be asked to comment from time to time. Neville was worried about the bickering between his team mates. Cho seemed supportive and was encouraged by her teams decision, Lee wondered why his team hadn't gone to ask one of the handlers about the spell, but reckoned that Professor Flitwick wasn't a bad alternative. Dean Thomas was doubtful that they would be successful with Professor Snape, but admired the team work and decision making.

Roger Davies sat down and shook his head. "This is going to be a long day. If they had listened to Hermione they would have come by the answer more quickly. Now they are going all the way to the green houses in hopes that Professor Sprout will be there and will give them an answer," Davies said.

"That is true," Neville agreed, "aren't some of these questions a little easy? If any of their sources cooperate they'll have the answers soon enough."

Bethany smiled, "Yes, if they cooperate. Neville, you and Roger here have a portion of the answer. To be honest, I'm surprised no one took the easy route."

"Which is?" Cho asked.

"Not a single student out there is carrying the dragon primer," Bethany said. The five students reached for their satchels and soon five copies of the book that held all the answers to the questions they needed rested on the table in front of them. The teams had all unknowingly eliminated the team member carrying the answers.

"But they all have them," Lee said.

"No, they don't," Bethany explained, "Once we entered the room all of the other copies were brought to us with a little help. The only copies that the teams had were in your satchels and no one in the room thought to keep your share of items before you left. So that is one portion of the test that everyone failed."

To Be Continued