Day by Day

I know I was considering giving up sleep, but unfortunately, my attempts were dismal failures...I'd come to and find my nose on the keyboard with 236 pages filled with 'h's' or 'j's' ... ::sigh:: I also didn't want to sacrifice quality for the sake of updating.

Also, since the Friends influence has been there all the way with chapter titles, I decided I could do nothing less than end as it did - with a Part 1 and a Part 2! So, here it is and I want to take this chance to thank all you lovely people so much for your patience and your reviews and I hope very much that you all enjoy...

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DAY BY DAY

By Lady Jane

Chapter Seventeen: "The Last One - Part 1"

Waking Up On Wednesday

Ginny

Ginny tossed and turned most of the night, her dreams haunted by unwanted and unwelcome images. Draco Malfoy. Damn him to every hell imaginable! Damn her own chaotic thoughts and feelings! And curse her inability to fathom WHY she couldn't get him out of her head! As the first fingers of dawn light crept into her room, Ginny rolled onto her back and rubbed her tired eyes with the heels of her hands. She then put her arms along her sides and lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to think...

When all was said and done, she knew what she had to do: dismiss him, put him out of her mind completely, just as he was out of her life now. She knew she didn't love him - she didn't know what the hell it was she felt for him - and she did love Dean. And Dean didn't deserve anything less than her whole self. And that's what he'd get. She would erase Malfoy and all thoughts of him. She'd almost finished the article about Hermione's kidnapping and she wouldn't be doing another story that involved him so wouldn't to need to worry about coming across him in writing either.

She got out of bed, her new determination fuelling her good intentions both of which fed her buoyant mood. Enough. It was over. Done with. Finished. No more. It was the end and good riddance!

With a smile on her face, she got ready for work, making a mental note to Floo Dean in Scotland when she got to work and find out whether he'd be home in time for dinner that night.

Hermione & Harry

Harry opened his eyes slowly, gradually becoming aware of the various delicious aspects of the soft, warm body that was cuddled up to his. He was lying on his side, Hermione too, with her back against his chest. He had his arms around her, his face buried in her hair. They were both naked and he loved nothing more than the feel of her against him. 'I love you,' he whispered, even though she was asleep. Still, she stirred, her sleepy, languid movements and soft murmurings awakening other parts of Harry. She slowly stretched and turned so that she was now on her back and Harry found his arm come into contact with two of his top ten bits of Hermione as she smiled, then opened her eyes sleepily. 'Morning,' she said as she stretched so that her whole body was taut, her arms above her head, hands clasped. Harry was looking at her through half closed eyes, desire already making huge inroads into his morning languor.

'Hermione...' his voice was husky and rough with sleep and Hermione felt each syllable as a ripple of desire throughout her still not fully-awake body.

'Harry...' her own tone held a low, seductive note that struck a chord in Harry; he wondered if he would ever be able to take for granted having this incredible creature in his life, loving him, wanting him...he knew at that moment that what he'd discussed on his last visit with his old mentor, Dumbledore, was the right course. Nothing less would satisfy him. Tonight, they would be dining with Dumbledore.

At this point in time, however, he decided the only thing that really mattered was making love to Hermione. So he did.

Neville

Neville woke that morning feeling on top of the world. Priscilla. He couldn't wait to see her again. He also decided that it was actually possible to float without invoking the Wingardium Leviosa because that's precisely the manner in which he got to work he was sure. If his feet touched the ground at any point, he wasn't aware of it.

It was Wednesday. Only two more days until Friday. And Friday was dinner-with-Priscilla night. He'd already booked their table at the Dragon's Lair although Priscilla didn't know that's where they were going. He'd owled her and arranged to pick her up from her home so that he could meet her mother and hopefully put to rest any fears she might have of some dreadful man who wanted to ravish her daughter. Well, of course he wanted to ravish her, but like any true gentleman, he'd wait until she gave him permission. Then he'd ravish her. With relish... Hmmm...Friday. Seemed so far away. I wonder if she's free for lunch today? We could go to the Blue Duck - Harry said it was very nice...I could maybe just ask her...I'll get to work early ...

Ron

Ron woke up with a smile on his face. He was lying on his back, one arm behind his head, the other curled around Luna, still sleeping, lying on her side, her head nestled in that spot on his shoulder just made for her, her arm flung across his chest. He gently kissed the top of her head, loving the scent and the feel of her soft, fine hair. Luna began to stir and Ron waited patiently, watching her until she opened her eyes. She tipped her head back to look up at him and smiled at seeing him watching her.

'Morning my lovely Luna,' he murmured.

The hand resting on his chest slid down beneath the covers.

'Mmmmm...morning my randy Ron,' she replied, smiling at the expression on Ron's face as her hand wrapped around his hard length.

'I do have to go to work today,' he managed, most of his attention lost to the sensations being created by that small, warm hand doing wonderful things to him.

'Of course you do honey,' she replied softly. 'But not right this minute...'

Ron groaned, rolling over and propping himself up on his elbow, his hand gliding across her body, finding a delicious firm breast to play with. 'Definitely not right this minute,' he agreed as he dropped his head to kiss her.

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Work on Wednesday

Neville

The first thing Neville attended to that morning when he arrived at work - sorry, floated to work - was composing a memo which was quickly sent on it's way to Miss Priscilla Laycock, Assistant Researcher's Assistant, General Research into Everything Department, Level Seven. As soon as the memo zoomed out the door towards the lifts, Neville's stomach seized the opportunity to suddenly clench itself into a hideous ball of nervousness. Would she think he was being pushy? Or too forward? Maybe too eager? What if she said no? What if she didn't answer at all...?

Before he could contemplate further horrors, a memo flew gracefully into his office and spiralled to a neat landing on his desk in front of him. He stared at it. He knew it couldn't be a reply from Priscilla as she wouldn't have even received his invitation yet. But the timing was a little unnerving, nevertheless. He unfolded the memo and all thoughts of Priscilla were temporarily pushed aside. It was from the Head of his Department, Amelia Bones. She wanted to see him. Now.

An hour later, Neville walked back into his own office and flung himself into his chair, running his fingers through his hair, a frown creasing his forehead. Bloody great. Bloody Malfoys. Bloody hell.

Hermione

The old, wizened man looked up as Hermione and Harry stopped before his desk, a beaming smile splitting his face. 'Miss Granger and ... Mr Potter ...' his voice dropped an octave (a long way for a man of his years) as he spoke Harry's name. Harry, feeling a little abashed at the awe in the old man's eyes smiled and nodded self-consciously, holding out his hand. Mr Pince slowly put out his own hand and shook Harry's, his grip surprisingly firm. Hermione, in the meantime, noticed Mr Pince's grandson, Gaylord, sitting at his small desk beside the fireplace, his eyes the size of Hedwig's as he stared at Harry.

'Gaylord! Come here, I have someone who wants to meet you,' she called out to him.

Without taking his eyes off Harry, the young man rose nervously to his feet and walked slowly to stand beside his grandfather.

Holding his hand out to him, Harry said, 'Glad to meet you, Gaylord. Hermione's talked about you - all good things, I can assure you!'

Gaylord simply nodded, unable to speak, although he did manage a smile.

'You're related to our librarian at Hogwarts, I believe?' Harry asked him.

Once again, the young man could only nod, his grandfather answering for him. 'Irma's my sister,' he told them. 'She mentioned your last visit to see the Headmaster - she and I owl each other regularly.' He turned a wide smile to Hermione. 'She certainly remembers you Miss Granger!'

'For all the right reasons, I hope!' exclaimed Hermione, laughing.

'Mostly,' said Mr Pince with a wink.

Harry and Hermione exchanged a look, wondering how much they had in fact managed to get away with when it came to the Hogwarts librarian.

After a few more pleasantries, they said goodbye, the younger Pince getting out a rather strangled sounding 'Cheerio,' as they waved and left, making their way to Hermione's office through the waving, smiling sea of admirers although, to Harry's great relief, no one rushed him this time.

'Either they're getting used to me,' said Harry, watching Hermione walk across the room towards her desk as he closed the door behind him, cutting off all noise, 'or they're terrified of you!' She turned as she reached her desk, leaning back on her hands which she rested on the front edge of her desk, smiling at Harry.

'Oh, definitely terrified of me, wouldn't you say?' she laughed.

Harry stopped after taking only a few steps towards her. He'd assiduously avoided thinking about it but now he was here in her office, the thoughts came rushing in, out of control. It was the first time he'd been in Hermione's office since she'd been kidnapped and he stood, frozen, reliving mostly the horrendous feelings from that time - picturing her here, talking to those - vile excuses for wizards - before they -

'Harry?' Hermione's concerned voice broke into his waking nightmare as she walked back to him - he could feel her hand on his arm as he shook his head slightly, looking down at her, his expression grim. His voice was rough as he spoke, 'Sorry, it's the first time I've been here since - well, I was just thinking about -'

'Don't,' said Hermione softly. She put her arms around his neck, his arms automatically circling her waist and pulling her against him. 'It's over - finished. And I'm fine.' Harry pressed his lips tenderly to her forehead before speaking. 'I know, I know. I just have to remember that it is over, that you are safe.' He kissed her then, his thoughts wandering momentarily to their dinner appointment with Professor Dumbledore that evening. After tonight she'll be completely safe, he thought fiercely, and I'll be able to protect her every hour of every day for the rest of our lives! The strength of his feelings seemed to find an outlet in his passion for Hermione who responded immediately to the increasing intensity of Harry's kiss, her lips parting for him - she wanted the sensual, velvety touch of his tongue in her mouth, found herself instinctively pressing her hips against him. Harry's hand moved down to her lower back, pressing her even more firmly against him so that she could feel the hardness that was his response to her, causing her to moan softly into his mouth, her arms tightening around his neck. Harry lifted his head slightly, his breathing rapid and uneven. 'Holy Mother of Merlin Hermione - I want you so badly - right now - but -'

Hermione placed soft kisses on each corner of his mouth, then on his chin and along his jaw, speaking between kisses. 'But what? - I want - you, too - so just - come - over here-' and she was pulling him gently, walking backwards until she felt the edge of her desk against the back of her thighs. Harry started kissing her back, quickly leaving her mouth to trail hot, delicious kisses across her cheek to her ear then down the side of her neck, his fingers frantically undoing the top couple of buttons on her blouse so that he could push it aside enough to expose her shoulder and continue kissing her, then retracing his trail to find she'd thrown her head back, instinctively exposing her neck; he buried his face against the soft skin there, murmuring her name as he did so. Then somehow the last button was undone, her blouse pulled out of her skirt and flung to the floor, his hands hungrily running over the smooth, soft skin beneath, finding the clasp on the back of her bra, releasing it, tossing it to join the blouse, his voice deep in his chest as he groaned with the pleasure coursing through him at the sight and feel of her breasts, his desire feeding hers. Then she undid her skirt, letting it drop to the floor. 'Harry,' she said softly, bringing him to awareness of the world outside her body and his desire; he brought his head up to look at her, his glazed expression questioning her mutely. She brought her hands up to frame his face, the face she loved, then kissed him with every ounce of love and passion she felt for him, pulling back slowly and keeping her eyes on his as she manoeuvred herself to a sitting position on her desk, kicking off her shoes then lowering her body slowly until she was lying down, the contents of her desk surface pushed aside. She held his gaze as she slid her panties off, then propped herself up on her elbows and smiled seductively at him, her legs wrapping themselves around his hips. 'The ball's in your court,' she told him.

'You never cease to amaze me my love,' rasped Harry, smiling, undoing his jeans and pushing them down, along with his briefs, Hermione's eyes automatically drawn to the very prominent evidence of Harry's desire for her, a smug smile curving her lips. Leaning forward and wrapping his arms around her so that he could pull her against him, her legs still firmly wrapped around him he murmured against her ear, 'What's that smile for?'

'Because this is just for me!' she said as she kissed him, at the same time, with her arms around his neck, pulling herself forward and with Harry's help, raising herself enough to be able to slowly lower herself onto him, a soft, shuddering moan escaping her as his hard length filled her, her legs tightening around him. Harry could barely keep himself in check, trying to focus on looking at Hermione to keep from ending this too soon but the sight of not only her breasts with their taut nipples inches from his face but of Hermione with her head slightly back, her eyes closed, her lips parted and her hair cascading down her back saying his name in a soft, throaty voice, really was just too much, he was, after, still a man...

Hermione could sense Harry rushing towards his release and yet the thought of him losing control like that seemed to fuel her own race towards ecstasy and when she felt his mouth enfold one of her nipples the fire that raced through her sent her over the edge and she gave herself up to the waves of immeasurable pleasure that flowed through her.

Harry, his mouth deliciously full of Hermione, felt her reach her orgasm just as his own began; he crushed her against him crying out her name.

The unavoidable but rather pleasant post-sex weakness made Harry's knees tremble and Hermione slumped against him as he gently sat her back on the desk, leaning against it himself. When their breathing had slowed enough to enable them to speak, Harry did so first, resting his forehead on hers, their eyes meeting, Harry seeing them mirror the love and wonder he was feeling. 'You can't begin to imagine how much I love you,' he whispered.

'I think we've had this discussion before,' said Hermione with a small smile, 'and I think we agreed that I probably do - because I love you just as much as you love me.'

'Says you,' retorted Harry.

'Says me!' she threw back as she sat up and stretched, her arms above her head. 'Now, we should make ourselves respectable before -'

Knock, knock.

'Someone knocks on the door,' finished Harry, laughing.

Hermione slid off the edge of the desk but before she could bend to retrieve her clothes Harry waved his hand and she found herself fully clothed with her desk once more tidy and orderly. She smiled at Harry and blew him a kiss. Harry pulled up his jeans and did them up before running both his hands through his unruly black mop, grinning engagingly at Hermione as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. She stretched up and kissed him. 'I love you, Harry.'

'And I love you Hermione,' he replied, his hands framing her face as he dropped his head and kissed her quickly one more time.

Neville Again

Wayne Hasluck and his partner, David Sunningfield, better known to their fellow workers as Lucky and Sunny, were laughing at a joke they'd just been told by a pretty young witch who'd only started work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement the previous week. Undercover witches and wizards out in the field used various methods of sending in the information they gathered and it was her job to sort through the numerous parchments and messages and ensure they were sent to the correct person within the Department. Each message or parchment was magically marked to indicate either which person it was to go to or which case it concerned so that the Sorting Witch or Wizard needn't read the contents which would be a serious breach of security and would also make their job a rather dangerous one if they were privy to so much information. The previous wizard who had done this had been in training to become a field wizard and on completion of his course had immediately been put to work, his old desk job quickly filled - to the great delight of Sunny and Lucky - by this lovely, bright young witch.

Neville spotted his two underlings across the room, each perched on a corner of the large desk behind which their new Sorting Witch sat and couldn't help but smile. Good old Robson had been very efficient but certainly nowhere near as attractive as this new witch - what was her name? Oh yes! Lila Caplo. Pretty name for a pretty witch! He called out to them as he approached, asking them to accompany him to the dungeons. He waved in greeting at the lovely Sorting Witch who smiled prettily in return, watching the three wizards as they walked off to the lifts.

Wayne Hasluck was the shortest of the trio, Neville the tallest and David only slightly shorter than his boss.

They flanked Neville as they walked down the stone corridor on each side of which were thick, black iron doors with grills in them to enable the inmates to be spoken to without opening the doors.

Neville had filled them in on the current situation on their way down and the countenances of all three were now quite serious and concerned. They stopped before one of the iron doors on which hung a removable brass plaque with the number "13" on it. The Chief Guarding Wizard had accompanied them, but kept back as Neville spoke through the grill.

'You! Jugson! Come here, I want to talk to you.' Neville's voice echoed throughout the dungeon cell. A pale, rather wretched looking face appeared at the grill.

'What do you want?' growled the inmate.

'I want you to tell me what you know about Lucius Malfoy.'

There was a peculiar silence as Jugson stared unblinkingly at Neville through the grill.

'Well?' prompted Neville, becoming impatient.

'What about him?' ground out Jugson.

'Anything. Tell me anything you've heard - rumours - it doesn't matter.'

Why should I? There's nothing you can threaten me with!'

Neville closed his eyes briefly. He hated this part of his job.

'No?' he said harshly. 'What about a return visit to that ward in St Mungo's that your friend is still in?'

Jugson's only response was a widening of his eyes and a look of horror slowly filling them.

'You can't do that!' he whispered.

Neville simply stared at him.

'You can't do that!' Jugson repeated, shaking his head although his eyes never left Neville's.

Still Neville refrained from answering, continuing to stare.

Sunny and Lucky, out of sight of the distressed inmate and standing on each side of their boss, exchanged a look of mutual admiration for Neville.

'Look, I don't really know anything for sure,' said Jugson next in defeat, his voice coarse with fear. 'I've only heard rumours.'

'They'll do,' said Neville.

Jugson looked around as though there might be some unseen person that could overhear him. There wasn't, of course.

'Well, the word was out that he was going to be sprung - from Azkaban - after his filthy traitor of a son ratted on some of them. We heard he was completely furious with his son - that he wants to see him destroyed for what he did. They reckon he's even turned against his wife because she doesn't want her son hurt. Mind you, she's not denying what their son did, but she's a mother, you know...'

Sunny and Lucky looked quickly at their boss - they knew the pain he lived with every day because of what had been done to his parents, that he'd never really known his mother's love, not that he remembered at any rate. The thought that even Draco Malfoy had a mother who loved him and wanted to protect him...well, you sort of felt he didn't really deserve it.

'Well, that's all really - just that he was going to get out and he was going to get revenge.'

Neville looked hard at Jugson. 'Good. That's just the sort of thing we need to know.'

Jugson looked a little relieved but didn't take his eyes of Neville.

'As soon as Mulcher is released from St Mungo's you'll both be charged and tried.'

'How long?' whined Jugson, sounding as though he'd asked this question many, many times without a real answer which was the case.

Neville shrugged. 'Who cares?' he said, feeling inexplicably vicious for a moment. The memory of his parents' suffering could do that to him at times.

The three men returned to Neville's office, sitting down to discuss their next moves. There were a number of memos sitting on his desk but one jumped out at him as he sat down with Sunny and Lucky taking a seat on the other side of his desk, aware of his distraction with his mail and staying silent. It was a rolled parchment which bore a blue wax seal with the initials "PL" impressed into it. Funny, thought Neville, if she marries me, her initials won't change... He shook his head, grinning at his own foolish thoughts and with a slightly embarrassed glance at his companions broke the seal and opened the parchment. He couldn't help the small cry of triumph that escaped him as he realised that yes, she'd have lunch with him! Suddenly, Lucius Malfoy seemed strangely insignificant.

Hermione Again

As Priscilla entered her office, Hermione managed to look reasonably composed although having Harry's rather intense gaze fixed on her really wasn't helping. There was obviously atmosphere in the room and Priscilla looked curiously from Hermione to Harry but mentally shrugged and decided to stay out of it. Besides, she had her own atmosphere to deal with ... lunch with that wonderful, sweet, gorgeous, sexy Neville Longbottom...she smiled and Hermione couldn't help but giggle.

'What?' said Priscilla.

'What are you thinking about that's giving you such a - bemused expression?' queried Hermione.

Casting a quick sideways glance at Harry, who was standing bedside Hermione and still looking at her with a satisfied smile on his face, Priscilla decided it was safe to "tell".

'Well...' she began, 'I'm going to lunch with Neville today.'

Hermione couldn't help herself - she clapped her hands in delight.

'And we're having dinner on Friday night, too!' she added without thinking, feeling too happy to care if she sounded silly.

Hermione clapped again. She felt so happy for Neville - and Priscilla, too; they'd all picked up on the positive interaction between them on the day they'd all had lunch at the Dragon's Lair restaurant.

'Now there's an idea,' said Harry, 'we should go to lunch too.'

Hermione rolled her eyes at him, although she was smiling. 'Harry, I haven't done one bit of work yet today -' they didn't notice Priscilla's eyebrows disappearing into her fringe at that remark - 'and I really should.'

Harry shrugged. 'No harm in trying,' he said good-naturedly.

Hermione laughed and hooked her arm through his. 'Come on, my number one, favourite distraction, I'll see you out.'

As they started for the door, Harry looked at Priscilla and smiled. 'Say hi to Neville for me.' Priscilla nodded as she said, 'I will!' and watched them walk off. She shook her head in amazement. It seemed only a short time ago that Hermione had sat here in this office and denied point blank having any feelings for Harry whatsoever and now look at them! She laughed quietly to herself as she went to Hermione's desk to retrieve some books that needed to be returned to Mr Pince.

As she turned back towards the door, four large books in her arms, she gave a cry of surprise, nearly dropping her burden.

'Neville!'

Neville strode quickly over to her and relieved her of the books, smiling in apology. 'Sorry, Priscilla. I didn't mean to frighten you.'

Feeling rather flustered by this unexpected visit, Priscilla found she didn't know what to do with her hands after they were freed of their load, so she just clasped them together in front of her although they seemed to find it necessary to twist and turn about each other and she just knew her face was flushed.

'That's all right,' she said a little breathlessly, daring a look at him from under her dark lashes.

Neville thought she looked quite adorable and wished he had the nerve to tell her so.

'I, uh, had to come down - well, for something else - and I just thought I'd pop in and see you - and I thought maybe if you weren't too busy - I mean, if Hermione doesn't mind - would you be able to leave a little early for lunch and we could have some tea or coffee first?'

'Hermione doesn't mind one little bit,' said Hermione from the doorway.

This time it was Neville's turn to nearly drop the books as he looked up in surprise while Priscilla actually jumped a little.

Feeling inexplicably as though they'd been caught doing something they shouldn't, neither could find their tongues and Hermione walked towards them, laughing. She pulled the books out of Neville's hands and put them back on the desk before putting a hand on each of their backs and giving them a gentle shove forwards. 'Go!' she commanded. 'Take as long as you like. I'm feeling quite, um - generous - today!'

With mumbled thanks they left, leaving Hermione looking after them with a rather misty expression on her face.

Lunchtime at the Blue Duck

The waitress placed their meals before them, Priscilla and Neville both thanking her.

'Could we have some more tea, please?' asked Neville.

'Be right back,' she told them.

'Oy! Fancy meeting you two here!'

Neville and Priscilla looked up to see Ron striding towards them, Luna behind him, their hands tightly clasped. Harry and Hermione could've told them a thing or two about Ron's sometimes less than brilliant timing...

Coming to a halt beside them, Ron started looking around for some spare chairs but Luna had already caught Priscilla's eye and seen the slightly distressed look that flashed there.

'Ron, honey, I think I'd really rather have pizza today. I'm sure Neville and Priscilla can get along without us, can't you?' She smiled at them and tugged gently on Ron's arm. 'Why don't we head over to the Pizza Parlour for lunch?'

Ron turned to Luna, about to disagree with her, but on seeing her expression changed his mind.

'Oh, yeah, sure, of course! Pizza it is! You two enjoy your lunch!'

'We will! See you later!' Neville and Priscilla both smiled and waved at their friends then laughed in relief as they looked back at each other.

'That was close!' said Neville; neither of them wanted to share their first date with anyone.

'We can thank Luna for our escape,' said Priscilla. 'Although Ron seemed to catch on pretty quickly.'

'I think he actually listens to Luna, that's why!'

They chatted as they ate and as they neared the end of their meal, talk seemed to turn inevitably to work to which they would soon be returning.

Neville had been considering something all morning and decided he'd risk it.

'Listen, Priscilla, I want to tell you something, but it is confidential, extremely so...'

Priscilla reached across the small table and placed her hand on Neville's arm.

'You don't have to tell me anything, especially if it's -'

Neville shook his head as he interrupted her. 'No, it's all right. It's for two very good reasons: Hermione and Harry.' And probably Ginny and Dean and too, he thought to himself.

Dinner Time At Hogwarts

Professor Dumbledore held up his brandy balloon, watching the dark golden liquid swirling lazily inside the glass, reflecting the light from the fire before which he was sitting, along with Harry and Hermione who had declined the Headmaster's offer of brandy but had accepted a cup of coffee each.

'I have some rather disturbing news, I'm afraid,' said the old wizard regretfully.

They'd been discussing various goings on at the school and this turn in the conversation caught Harry and Hermione by surprise. They both looked attentively at their old Headmaster, waiting.

Taking a sip of his brandy and placing the glass on a small table beside him, Dumbledore placed his elbows on the arms of his chair, steepling his fingers on his chin which was buried beneath his long, grey beard.

'Apparently, some Death Eaters have engineered a break out of Azkaban.'

Harry was immediately alert, snapping to an upright position in his armchair.

'Who?' he asked tersely.

'Lucius.'

Harry sprang to his feet, looking rather wild. 'Is it done?' he asked Dumbledore.

Hermione frowned. What was Harry talking about?

Dumbledore seemed to understand perfectly. 'Yes,' he replied, although Hermione noticed a small frown form on his face as he looked at Harry - a frown she would have sworn implied disapproval.

Harry seemed to relax a little. 'Good,' was all he said, then he frowned as he asked, 'Why?'

Hermione was having trouble following this rather shorthand-like conversation.

'What are you talking about?' she interjected.

Harry said quickly, looking at Hermione, 'Why Lucius has been broken out -' he turned back to Dumbledore, 'because of Draco?'

Dumbledore nodded.

'Neville knows?'

'Oh yes. He and Amelia are trying to decide.'

'The hell with him,' said Harry.

The professor looked openly disapproving now.

'Now, Harry, that's no way to talk. He has helped despite his past.'

Harry sat down again, his hands on his knees. 'I know. I just feel it serves him right.'

Hermione was totally exasperated. 'Excuse me!' she said forcefully. 'Would someone mind explaining to me enough so that I have someidea what you're talking about?!'

The professor smiled apologetically at her, clasping his hands in front of him.

'So sorry, my dear. It's just that, as you know, Draco Malfoy has basically gone into hiding in order to avoid the retribution of the few Death Eaters still at large. You know too, of course, that he gave Law Enforcement some rather detailed information about most of those Death Eaters, knowledge passed on to him by his father whilst in Azkaban. Well, it seems that his father now feels it's his place to bring his own form of justice to his traitorous son - his words, apparently. The fact that he's escaped from Azkaban does not bode well for his son and Neville, along with Amelia Bones, have to decide how much protection they're prepared to bestow upon the younger Malfoy - whether or not they should, perhaps, bring him back to London to guard him even better. Harry feels he's undeserving of our help, perhaps understandably. But nevertheless, he did do the right thing that one time in passing on that information, whatever his reasons for doing so. I'll be owling Amelia in the morning with my views. She, too, feels uncharacteristically indecisive on this matter. The Malfoys have fostered hatred amongst many of their peers and I think she too is fighting her natural instinct to just let them destroy each other.'

Dumbledore sat back and closed his eyes as though contemplating his rather long explanation.

Hermione sat dumbfounded. Lucius Malfoy? Out of Azkaban? Hell bent on killing his own son?

She looked at Harry who was staring into the fire.

'Harry?' Harry turned to look at her.

'Do you really think Lucius Malfoy should be allowed to get away with killing his own son?'

Harry shook his head slowly. 'Not really, tempting though it is.' He gave her a lopsided smile.

'It was just good to be able, for a minute, to think about them cancelling each other out. I think Neville will end up seeing that too. Somehow they'll do their best to protect Malfoy and perhaps catch his father and put him back in Azkaban where he belongs.'

They looked over at the professor and Harry chuckled. 'I think he's fallen asleep,' he told Hermione. 'He used to do this a lot when I was working here and we had dinner together or a drink after dinner on some occasions. I think we should we go and leave him be.'

Hermione nodded in agreement and rose to her feet. As she walked past the professor she bent down and gently kissed the top of his head. She didn't see the smile that curved the corners of his mouth as they left.

TO BE CONTINUED....