Four Weddings & A Funeral

'Lulled...' Harry murmured, frowning at his now empty plate.

'Hmmm?' Hermione was engrossed in reading Ginny's article in Witch Weekly that Harry had just pointed out to her. It was about the Quidditch World Cup which they'd all attended a week earlier.

'Do you know, I think Ginny's going to end up the Sports Editor before she's thirty,' Hermione said almost to herself, still preoccupied with reading, as usual.

He and Hermione were sitting at the kitchen table having their usual leisurely Sunday breakfast when Harry suddenly stood up, struck by a feeling of restlessness, and started collecting their used dishes. Hermione looked up, surprised.

'Harry?'

Walking to the sink and putting the plates down, Harry turned, leaning against the sink as he crossed his arms, a frown creasing his forehead as he looked at Hermione.

'I feel as though we've been lulled into a false sense of security - and that it's been too quiet. It's beginning to worry me. I think it's time we had a serious talk with Neville and Dumbledore.'

Propping her elbow on the table, Hermione dropped her chin into her hand and looked back at Harry, a small smile in place. I wonder if he knows how positively delicious he looks? she mused, taking in the old, dark grey, slightly loose track pants that hung enticingly low on his hips; he hadn't bothered to put a t-shirt on as the heating spell he'd recently put in place ensured that inside their flat was always warm and springlike, whatever the weather outside.

'Hermione!'

The exasperation in his tone brought Hermione out of her dreamy contemplation of the delicious view she had of Harry and she sat back, giving him a "come hither" smile. Harry rolled his eyes.

'Harry, it's Sunday!' she complained, hoping to head off whatever "serious talk" he was planning on ruining their Sunday morning with. Monday, she thought, her eyes once more moving appreciatively over him, is a far better day for serious talks.

Harry sighed, his eyes closing as he dropped his head, his features creased with concern. Before he could open them again, Hermione had walked around the bench, deftly hoisting herself up to sit beside him, the short, blue, silky barely-there negligee only just covering her. Harry looked around as he felt her brush against him, then turned so that he was standing in front of her, leaning slightly forward with his hands on the bench either side of her, the appreciative look in his eyes contrasting with his serious expression. As Hermione stretched her legs out and playfully locked her ankles behind his back, drawing him closer, Harry felt his resolve weaken - "serious talk" could perhaps wait, after all ... especially as Hermione was now lacing her fingers behind his neck and leaning forward to kiss him.

'Mmmm, yum...you taste like crumpets and honey...' she murmured softly against his mouth.

Despite still feeling mild exasperation at Hermione's screamingly obvious attempt to distract him, Harry nevertheless knew he was helpless and could do nothing but respond - as he always did to the woman he loved. The little resolve he'd been clinging to evaporated as he brought his hands up to her hips and pulled her forward to the edge of the bench so that she was able to wrap her legs around him completely before he began kissing her in earnest. He was very aware of her hands as one slid up to entangle itself in his hair, the other travelling across to his shoulder then down onto his chest, her fingernails scraping across his skin as they began their tantalising journey down over his stomach...

Still kissing her deeply, Harry's hands left Hermione's hips and travelled up each softly curving side to sit on her waist as his hips moved back a little to make room for that hand of hers that was still slowly, teasingly, travelling "south" - he wanted nothing more than for it to reach it's destination - in fact he rather desperately craved it's arrival...

At this more or less pivotal point, Hermione leaned gently back away from their kiss, bringing both her hands to rest on his chest, although they didn't remain stationary; instead they seemed to emulate crazy-paving as they meandered here and there, every nerve ending Harry possessed in that area sending signals directly to what was fast becoming a seriously hard matter that really needed to be dealt with....

'Hermione,' Harry could manage only a groan, 'you're driving me crazy...' He leaned forward again in an attempt to recapture her lips.

'Oh, and you don't drive me crazy, I suppose?' she asked archly, although she couldn't help but smile.

'Do I?'

Those two words - spoken in such a deeply intense and husky tone while his incredible green eyes burned into hers - took her breath away. Before she could speak, he curled one arm around her waist, the other moving into her hair and finding the nape of her neck so that she couldn't escape as he began to kiss her once more.

As their lips slowly and reluctantly parted, Hermione let her head drop back and Harry immediately took advantage of the easy access to the tender skin of her neck, leaving a trail of softly burning kisses behind. Hermione moaned as Harry's hands moved up to cup her breasts through the thin, silky material, his thumbs moving lazily backwards and forwards over her now hard nipples. Instinctively she tightened her legs around him and since this brought the head of Harry's painfully erect penis into contact with the warm softness that was Hermione, Harry's hands immediately dropped to grasp her bottom in an attempt to pull her even more tightly against him, although that hardly seemed possible.

Hermione reached down for the hem of her negligee and wiggling a little to free it, pulled it over her head and dropped it, not caring where it landed. She then leant back on her elbows, tossing her head to send her loose hair back over her shoulders, keeping her legs in place around Harry.

Even though Harry had known she had nothing on under her negligee, he still experienced a delighted jolt at the sight of a totally naked Hermione reclining in front of him, wearing nothing but an extremely suggestive smile. Bringing his hands up to her breasts, he gave each nipple an almost-gentle pinch, drawing a soft groan from Hermione, before running his hands down over her taut, flat stomach and along the sensitive inner skin of her thighs. At the instant she realised his intention, Hermione became aware of the wonderful sensations coursing through her as Harry's fingers reached their goal. He was well versed in what could bring her to the brink of ecstasy and she cried out, trying to protest and beg all at once - she really, really wanted him inside her! She needed him inside her!

'Harry! Please! You're torturing me!' And although she whispered - or was that whimpered? - he still heard her and smiled as his fingers trailed back up, across her stomach, reaching then circling her belly button before he dragging them slowly down once more, oh-so-slowly, until finally he could feel the beginning of her warm, soft crevice - and the hard, swollen little nub nestled there.

Hermione was unable to stop herself from crying out once more, before saying pleadingly,

'Harry?'

'Mmmm?'

'Bed?'

'Mmmmmm....'

'Now! Please!'

'Mmmmmm...'

'Harry...'

Crack!

'Thank Merlin! Much better...'

'Mmmmmm...' Harry's lips began a slow, agonising journey over her stomach towards her breasts and as she watched through half-closed eyes, Hermione noticed something.

'Harry, where did your pants go?'

'Into the great Apparation void.'

'Good place for them.'

'I thought so too.'

'Would you look at that!'

'I hope you plan to do more than look.'

'Oh, yes, indeed, Mr Potter, yes indeed!'

This assurance was followed by the feel of warm, soft, lips ... a wet, velvety tongue ... on his face, his neck, his chest...Harry groaned.

The warm, soft velvet of Hermione's kisses was replaced with a cold void as she lifted her head to ask, 'What's wrong?'

Harry groaned again. 'Nothing! Don't stop!'

'What? This?' Velvety, wet warmth once more...

'Yes, that!'

A second later, the cold void returned...

'Harry, kindly keep quiet and stop interrupting me.'

'By Merlin's holy beard Hermione - please!'

'Well, since you asked so nicely...'

And there was no more talk, but there were a lot of pleasurable sighs and moans. Not surprising at all, really, considering what was going on...

Harry was helpless in preventing a long, deep groan from escaping him, nor could he stop his hands tangling themselves tightly in Hermione's soft, brown tresses which were trailing across his chest. It wasn't long before he felt himself approaching his climax and he quickly reached out, pulling at Hermione as he made incoherent noises, grasping her tightly around the waist as they both manoeuvred themselves so that Harry was able to sink deeply into her, hard and fast, enjoying the sight of her on top of him through eyes half closed and delirious with passion.

Hermione could feel her orgasm gathering force as Harry plunged into her again and again. It overtook her just after Harry stiffened, his whole body locked in exquisite ecstasy. As the waves of ecstasy receded, Hermione, feeling deliciously exhausted, crumpled gracefully forward to lay her head on Harry's chest, both of them breathing heavily, both wearing very satisfied little smiles.

'Hermione?'

'Hmmm?' Sleepily.

'That was much more fun than a serious talk.'

'I know.' Smugly.

'But we still have to face -'

'I know.' Sigh.

'Tomorrow.'

'Absolutely.' Resignedly.

'Hermione?'

'Hmmm?'

'You taste a lot better than crumpets and honey.'

'So do you.'

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione hummed as she made her way to her office the next morning, oblivious to the knowing looks thrown her way by those she passed.

'I'd be humming too if I lived with Harry Potter,' one girl was heard to murmur to another, eliciting a vigorous nod of agreement and knowing smirk from her friend.

Priscilla was in Hermione's office as she entered and looked around as Hermione's glowing countenance appeared in the doorway.

'Good morning, Priscilla!' called Hermione airily as she made her way to her desk.

'Well, well, I can see someone got out of the right side of the bed this morning!'

'I surely did!' As she sank into her chair, Hermione laughed, thinking about what had gone on in the middle of the bed that morning; after that, any side of the bed was the right side of the bed...

Priscilla perched on the corner of Hermione's desk, parchment and quill in her hands, just about to run through the list of "things to do" for that day when she realised she did not have Hermione's attention - not at all, really. Putting down the parchment and quill, Priscilla crossed her arms and cleared her throat, drawing Hermione's dreamy gaze, watching as her eyes slowly focused. Hermione laughed when Priscilla commented that it was nice to see Hermione's brain had finally arrived at the office to join the rest of her.

'Sorry, Priscilla! I'm just a little distracted this morning,' apologised Hermione, whilst not looking apologetic at all. More like Crookshanks after a bowl of double cream.

'It's only barely noticeable,' grinned Priscilla as she once more picked up the parchment and quill. 'Now, back to work!' she said briskly. 'I have a lot of owls to go through with you this morning and as you probably know, you and Harry are having lunch with Neville today - Harry's already owled him - and I think they're hoping Professor Dumbledore can come too. I've booked you all a table at the Dragon's Lair for noon. Then this afternoon at three thirty, David Sunningfield - you remember him, don't you? From Neville's office?' On receiving a nod from Hermione, Priscilla continued, 'He's coming to see you about the trial of those two Death Eaters who kidnapped you. Their trial is before the Wizengamot in a fortnight's time.'

As she looked up, Priscilla saw Hermione's smile had disappeared. 'What's wrong?' she asked.

Hermione shrugged as though to rid herself of some unwelcome burden. 'I'd almost forgotten about those two.' Hermione sighed. 'And I really hope Harry's wrong about all of us being lulled into a false sense of security as far as Lucius Malfoy goes. He believes he's up to something and is just biding his time.'

'Hermione, it's not like you to want to push such things aside.'

'I know, Priscilla, I know. I think I'm just rather weary of it all at the moment. It's been so nice having an almost normal life lately - I guess I'm just reluctant to let it go.'

Priscilla nodded sympathetically. 'I don't blame you, really. But if Lucius Malfoy can be caught and put back where he belongs, then you'll truly have nothing to worry about! And there's no doubt that those two Death Eaters will end up in Azkaban either. Then you can get on with your normal life!'

'I live for the day,' said Hermione with feeling, giving Priscilla a reassuring smile. At that moment, Gaylord Pince knocked on the open door to get their attention, a shy smile on his face as he entered at Hermione's nod.

'Memo for you Miss Granger - urgent.'

'Thanks, Gaylord,' smiled Hermione as she took the pale violet memo.

'That's strange,' said Hermione, frowning as she read the memo.

Priscilla, half way to the door, stopped and turned, her long, black hair swinging out. 'What's strange?'

Hermione looked up, a slight frown still creasing her forehead. 'Neville wants to meet me at ten thirty in that small park down the road from here. He says I shouldn't tell anyone, but he doesn't say why.'

Priscilla also frowned, feeling puzzled. 'Should I send a memo back and ask him what's going on?'

Hermione looked thoughtful for a second then shook her head. 'No, no need. Neville wouldn't ask me without good reason.'

'You should tell Harry.' Priscilla said hesitantly.

'What?'

'Remember, Neville said we shouldn't go anywhere alone or without telling someone.'

Hermione smiled as she said, 'Well, since it's Neville I'm meeting and you know about it, I don't think I need to worry Harry about this.'

Priscilla looked away, a little embarrassed. 'True, I suppose. I guess I just hear it from Neville so often I'm getting just as paranoid as he is.'

'Don't worry about it, really!' said Hermione. 'How about you get those owls and we'll go through as many as we can in - how long do we have?' Hermione glanced at her watch, '- an hour.'

A minute later Priscilla returned with an armful of parchments which Hermione proceeded to read, replying where necessary and before she knew it, the hour was up and she found herself one of the many people walking along in the cool, autumn sunshine outside. As she approached the small park which was ten minutes walk from the Ministry, she could see Neville sitting on one of the old wooden benches, watching for her. As he rose to greet her, Hermione stretched up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. 'From Priscilla,' she told him, smiling.

At that precise moment, unbeknownst to her, Harry was sitting at their kitchen table at home, the Daily Prophet spread on the table before him, reading it while enjoying a cup of tea. Then he felt it for the second time: his whole body was suffused with warmth and there seemed to be a bright light behind his eyes. He reacted instantly, pulling his wand from his jeans even as he Disapparated, not knowing where he was going, only knowing that Hermione was in danger.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Earlier that same morning, Neville had groaned softly as he rolled over to turn off the alarm clock on his bedside table. A gift from Priscilla, the clock's alarm was a croak. Priscilla thought it was "cute" while to Trevor, his toad, it had become the love of his life. Neville mostly wanted to pulverise it.

'The things we do for love,' he told a mournful Trevor who was sitting on the floor beside his bed looking longingly at the glowing LCD readout of the charmed alarm clock which now said "08:01AM". Trevor croaked mournfully in reply, whilst not taking his eyes off the clock. Then an infuriatingly mellifluous voice drifted from the clock: 'It's eight oh one, Neville, I hope you're up and getting ready to meet the day! Morning, Trevor!' Trevor croaked lovingly.

Scowling at the clock and muttering unintelligible insults at all things temporal, Neville headed groggily for the bathroom

Priscilla would only stay with him on Friday and Saturday nights so as not to upset her mum who, she told him, was still a little "old fashioned" and while she could accept Priscilla's euphemisms, "sleeping in the spare room" for one night and "staying with a girlfriend" on the other night, she didn't believe she would be able to come to terms with her little girl living with a man, even when that man was her fiancé, not to mention plain wonderful!

After stripping off his boxers, pulling open the shower screen door and turning the taps on, waiting to step in until the water was an agreeable temperature, Neville grinned manfully at his morning erection. 'My woman is never around when you need her, is she?' He laughed at his own joke and then rolled his eyes as he heard Trevor begin his futile serenade of the bedside clock.

Silly old bugger! he thought affectionately as he scrubbed away vigorously, at least my lady loves me back! Maybe I should get him a girl toad...

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

As he walked into his office just over an hour later, Neville found one of his officers, Wayne Hasluck, sitting in an armchair in front of his desk, intently reading a parchment he was holding open; he had another sitting in his lap, still rolled up.

'Lucky?'

Neville walked in around his desk, throwing his cape across the back of his chair as he looked inquiringly at Hasluck.

'Morning, boss,' said Lucky amiably as he got to his feet, rolling up the parchment he'd been reading. 'Just going over the Jugson and Mulciber files again. I'll take them to Sunny if that's okay - he's going to see Miss Granger this afternoon about their trial.'

'Of course - but we have copies?' asked Neville as he dropped into his chair.

Lucky nodded as he leaned over Neville's desk, holding out his free hand - the other holding the two parchments - 'I'll hang your cape up.' Neville never bothered hanging it on the hook provided behind his office door and consequently it often ended up creased or even torn sometimes when it got caught underfoot or underchair. Lucky and Sunny had fallen into the habit of hanging it up for him.

Neville reached behind him and handed over his cape, commenting on the nice weather that Maintenance had given them today.

'One of 'em must've gotten out of the right side of bed this morning,' chuckled Lucky, putting Neville's cape on the hook and brushing it to straighten it after picking off some bits of fluff and stuff. Neville smiled to himself; Lucky and Sunny had become rather proprietary about their boss and his belongings.

Neville got out his wand and conjured two cups of hot black coffee. He and Lucky drank it the same way, with two sugars.

'Thanks, boss,' said Lucky as he sat once more, picking up the coffee. 'Sunny can wait a few more minutes.'

They chatted amiably for a while as they drank. Then Neville leaned forward to rest his forearms on his desk. 'I actually have an ulterior motive for giving you coffee,' smiled Neville. 'I've noticed you stopping by Miss Caplo's desk a lot lately - without Sunny. I've been wondering which one of you she'd end up choosing. So, you won, did you?'

Lucky laughed. 'I guess you could say it like that! The best man won!' He winked at Neville.

'How's Sunny taking it?'

'Well, he's not really too upset, boss. Lila and I sort of hit it off just a little more - I reckon she appreciates my sense of humour.' Neville rolled his eyes, an amused smile on his face as Lucky continued, 'Besides, Sunny's had a couple of dates lately with a girl from Transportation - Gillian, um - Wordsley? No... Wordsmith? Yeah, Wordsmith. Nice girl.'

'So everybody's happy, eh?'

'For the moment, boss, for the moment.'

A memo flew in the door at the moment, dropping to land on Neville's desk in front of him.

Lucky stood up to leave, once again saying thanks for the coffee.

'Strange,' commented Neville quietly.

'What is?' asked Lucky, stopping in the doorway and turning.

'The Head's asking me to go and see Dumbledore this morning. Apparently he's been in touch with her and wants to see me - something to do with the Malfoys. Wants me there at ten thirty.' Neville glanced at his watch. 'It's nearly ten - I'll have to leave soon. I'll be able to go straight to lunch with Dumbledore from Hogwarts - we're meeting Harry and Hermione there.'

Lucky nodded. 'Will you be back after lunch?'

'Not sure - but we'll be at the Dragon's Lair in case you need to contact me.'

'No worries, boss. Catch you later.'

After Lucky left, Neville frowned as he reread the memo from Amelia Bones, wondering what on earth had happened with the Malfoys now. I'll know soon enough, he thought, getting up and retrieving his cloak before heading off to Floo to Hogsmeade from where he'd make his way to Hogwarts.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

'Mr Longbottom, so good to see you again,' Dumbledore greeted him from behind his desk, waving graciously with his hand to indicate Neville should join him in sitting down.

'Thanks, Professor - good to see you again, too.'

Dumbledore waved his hand again, causing two blue mugs, both with three feet and two handles, to appear on his desk, announcing jovially, 'Hot chocolate!'

One of the mugs walked towards the edge of the desk closest to Neville then stopped and hunkered down. Amused, Neville thanked the Headmaster and picked up his hot chocolate.

The Professor did likewise, taking a sip before looking over the rim of his mug at Neville and inquiring politely, 'What it is you wanted to tell me about the Malfoys?'

A frown creased Neville's brow as he said, 'Pardon, sir?' feeling a little confused.

'Mrs Bones told me you wanted to see me urgently - that you had something you needed to tell me about the Malfoys - whether just one or all of them she didn't say.'

Neville put his mug down. 'Sir, I'm a little confused. I received a memo from the Head this morning informing me you had contacted her and that you asked to see me - something about the Malfoys.'

In an instant, the famous twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes became steely as he simultaneously placed his mug back on his desk and stood up. 'Mr Longbottom, we will leave immediately for the Ministry. I fear something is amiss.'

Dumbledore Apparated both of them to the door of the Level 2 office of Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Dumbledore quickly lifted his hand and knocked briskly.

'Come in!'

Neville followed the Professor into his Head's office which had a no-nonsense air about it, somewhat like its occupant.

'Albus! A pleasant surprise,' said Mrs Bones as she rose to walk from behind her desk to greet them, 'and Neville, good morning. How can I help you, gentlemen?'

'Always a pleasure to see you, Amelia,' replied Dumbledore graciously.

'Morning, Head,' said Neville calmly despite the churning sensation of fear and confusion in his stomach.

'I think we may have a problem, Amelia. Let's all sit down and have a little talk.'

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione jumped and squealed with fright as she heard a loud crack! right beside her. Neville grasped her arm and pulled her to him in a protective gesture although as she realised who had appeared she moved away from Neville, a look of amazement on her face.

'Harry?'

Harry was standing, his whole body tense, his wand poised as though to strike.

'Hermione! Are you all right?' Harry was looking everywhere, his head turning quickly.

'Yes, of course I am! What on earth are you doing here?'

'The Charm was activated - you're in danger!'

'But I'm not! I was just meeting Neville - I just arrived.'

'Harry, there must be something faulty in the Charm. Hermione's not in danger,' said Neville, looking around nonetheless.

Harry relaxed a little but didn't drop his wand arm.

'Not obvious or visible danger perhaps, but if the Charm was activated, there is - or was - danger,' Harry replied tersely. 'Why are you here, anyway?' he asked, looking at Hermione, waving his arm to indicate the surrounding park.

Hermione shrugged lightly, turning to look up at Neville. 'I received a memo from Neville this morning to meet him here. He didn't say why and since I just got here we haven't done anymore than say hello.'

'Neville?' asked Harry, his eyes leaving Hermione and moving to rest on Neville.

Neville shrugged, confusion on his face as he looked between the two of them. 'I received a memo from Hermione this morning asking me to meet her here - she didn't say why.'

'Shit.'

'Harry!' protested Hermione, although she was beginning to feel a little afraid.

'Let's get back to the Ministry - now!' ordered Harry, sounding as tense as he looked, reluctantly putting his wand away to facilitate their journey.

'Don't you dare Apparate into -' began Neville, but it was too late, Harry had stepped forward and grasped one of Neville's arms, taking Hermione's hand at the same time and disregarding any Muggles that might be watching, which luckily there weren't, Disapparated the three of them to Hermione's office.

'Sweet Mother of Merlin, Harry!' shouted Neville as soon as they arrived.

'Sorry, Neville - but we couldn't risk staying there. You were both sent on a wild goose chase for heaven knows what reason - but it was obviously to get you away from the protection of the Ministry.'

'Well, I'm going to my office to sort out the bloody mess the Protector Charms will be in once again. Damn it, Harry - you can't keep doing that!' Neville turned on his heel and left, Harry and Hermione staring after him as he walked out of her office.

'Not like Neville,' said Hermione, frowning slightly.

Harry shrugged. 'Maybe I shouldn't Apparate into the Ministry but I've only done it when -' he reached out for Hermione, pulling her close and holding her more tightly than usual. 'Well, for emergencies - I'm afraid I don't really stop to think at those times.'

Hermione knew he was thinking about her abduction months before as she laid her head on his chest, very aware of the sound of his heartbeat which was much faster than normal.

Priscilla appeared in the open doorway looking very confused and a little hurt.

'Harry? Why are you here? What's going on?' she asked. 'Neville just walked right past me - what happened in the park?'

Harry and Hermione parted although Harry kept an arm around Hermione's shoulders as they walked towards Priscilla on their way out of the office.

'Come with us, Priscilla,' he told her. 'I think we should go and see Neville. I'm not sure what's going on, but it's not good and we need to get to the bottom of it.'

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Within half an hour of Harry, Hermione and Priscilla being ushered into Amelia Bones' office, and each one there relating their part of the story, it became clear what had happened. Dumbledore, standing by the fireplace which was to the left of the Head's large, wooden desk, looked gravely at Neville.

'Whoever orchestrated this made sure the real Neville came to see me, presumably to avoid any chance of my detecting an impostor, while it was the impostor that you met with in the park Miss Granger and who was, no doubt, also the source of the Charm being activated.'

'Why?' asked Harry, the instant Dumbledore finished speaking.

Dumbledore's gaze moved to Harry. 'They were testing the Charm, Harry. It's the only logical explanation.'

'But how would they know about the Charm?' demanded Harry.

'Who knows about the Charm?' inquired Mrs Bones.

'The Weasley family, including Dean and Luna...' began Harry.

'...and everyone in this room,' continued Hermione.

'...and I've told only two of my officers, Lucky and Sunny,' finished Neville.

Dumbledore looked from Neville to Amelia Bones. 'Then one of those people just mentioned is not who they seem. I believe they must be using polyjuice potion and the reason they wanted the real Neville out of his office this morning was because he would've notice something amiss here, in his Department.'

'So whoever it was that turned themselves into Neville this morning must be someone here in the Department,' stated the Head, 'or appears to be someone from this Department,' she added quickly.

Dumbledore nodded and as he did so, everyone present looked around at each other, confusion and horror on their faces as they realised that perhaps one of their number was the impostor - that one of them wasn't truly confused or horrified at all, but silently rejoicing.

'We can only hope, Harry,' said Dumbledore softly, 'that your quick response to the Charm will give this impostor food for thought should they have been considering getting at you by using Miss Granger. I don't know of any sane witch or wizard, good or bad, who would be prepared to come up against you.'

'They wouldn't want to try,' said Harry, his gaze fixed on Hermione, his voice low and menacing, promising death for anyone foolish enough to do so.