Disclaimer: Ownership rights of the Harry Potter series belong to J.K. Rowling. We're very jealous of that fact.
Chapter 10 - Accusations, Reformations and a Horcrux -- OH MY!
As Draco lifted himself off of the common room floor, Ron's voice could be heard resounding throughout the room.
"What the bloody hell are you doing flooing into Mione's room at this time of night? Better yet, what reason would you have to floo here at all?" Ron roared, as he cast a very suspicious look in Hermione's direction. "I knew it. There's something going on between you and this prat, isn't there? Don't you have any self-respect!"
"Ronald," Hermione began in a low and lethal voice, " I do not appreciate what you are insinuating. I assure you that I have no idea as to why Draco is here. Maybe, for once, you should be patient instead of rushing to assumptions and accusations."
Harry felt the need to intervene before his friends killed each other.
"Malfoy, Ron does have a point, what exactly are you doing here?" Harry asked.
Draco responded without taking his gaze off of Hermione. "Well, Potter, the charming abode I was left in is worse than a tomb. I refuse to stay there indefinitely when I should be here. That bloody wench in the painting screams and howls at me day and night for being a blood traitor. I can't take it anymore. Besides, Crookshanks and I missed having Granger to talk to. Letters just aren't the same."
Ron's face flushed a deep shade of purple at the obvious direction of Malfoy's gaze.
Harry asked, "Alright, I can understand not wanting to be at headquarters, but why floo to Mione's?"
Draco met Harry's eyes before answering. "I knew if I went to McGonagall, she would tell me that I had to stay for my own safety. Snape would do the same. If I flooed to you, odds are that you and Weasley would have hexed the daylights out of me. Coming to Mione was my best option. Though I didn't count on being flung out of her room like that." he said with a grin.
Draco continued, "I figured if I was already here, it would be harder for them to send me back. They will have to realize that I'll just find another way to get back here. I'm a part of this now and I will not be left to rot in that moldy, old house while everyone else does their part. So, Mione, if you'll be kind enough to loan me your couch for the night, I'll go see McGonagall in the morning."
"There is no way that you are spending the night in here!" Ron yelled.
Harry sighed. "Malfoy, you can come to our dorm until morning, then see McGonagall. I think we can all use some sleep after today. Goodnight ladies. We'll meet up with you in the morning"
Ron, looking somewhat mollified by this, agreed and headed for the door. After kissing Ginny goodnight, Harry followed. The two waited outside as Draco gave the girls a deep, sweeping bow, and kissed each of their hands in turn.
"Can you believe the nerve of that git? He's really laying it on thick, isn't he? What is it with these Slytherins?" Ron asked.
Harry suppressed a grin and said, "From what I've seen with Snape, the Slytherins were all raised to be very formal and old-fashioned."
"I hate to say it", replied Ron with a grimace, "but it seems to be working for them".
Draco met the boys in the hall and inquired, "And where is the Head Boy dorm? I do not want to spend any additional time with you two, but for tonight, it's necessary."
Ron exploded, "Don't want to spend time with us? You're bloody lucky you're even here at all. For all we know, this is all some trap and you're still on Voldemort's side!"
Harry looked at Draco questioningly. "Ron actually has a good point Malfoy. Why is it we should trust you anyway? You've tormented me, Ron and Mione for years.
Draco looked at the two with hard eyes. "If we're going to discuss this, it will be in the privacy of your dorm, not in the middle of some hallway."
As the three entered the dorm, Harry again addressed Draco. "So, tell us Malfoy, what brought about this total change in you?"
Draco was silent a moment before he answered. "You know, I could lie and say that it was my father and his friends torturing me for days on end, but it wasn't. That wasn't the first time that I suffered at my father's hand. It actually began on the night Dumbledore died. The whole year, I wasn't sure if I could go through with killing him, but I needed to if I wanted to survive. I tried a few half-hearted attempts, but I was holding back. Then, that night, on the tower, Dumbledore talked to me. He knew that I couldn't kill him, that I didn't have it in me. He looked beyond my name and my father and tried to reach me, the real me. For the first time in my life, I felt like someone cared and saw that there was something good inside of me."
Harry noticed that there was a pause before Draco resumed his story. "The next few weeks were hell. My father and the Dark Lord were furious that I had failed. They would spend hours trying to see who could make me scream the loudest. I spent that time retreating into my mind to escape the pain. I began questioning everything that I had ever been taught. When Snape rescued me and brought me to headquarters, I wasn't even aware of what was going on. I felt drained and lifeless. In the meeting, when Snape told everyone about what had happened to me, I could feel myself retreating back into my mind. The memories were too much for me. Until all of a sudden, I felt warm. That warmth was Granger. She looked beyond my past and reached out to me. At that moment I cried for everything that had happened. When I looked into her eyes, I didn't see pity….. I saw hope and compassion. That's what changed me. Snape saved my body, but Hermione's the one who saved me."
Harry and Ron were speechless. Neither could believe that this was Draco Malfoy in front of them. This was a person with actual depth.
Draco met their gazes and said, "Of course, this doesn't mean I'm going to become your best mate, but I will put up with you two for her sake."
Ron muttered, "And there's the Malfoy we all love to loathe."
Harry looked reprovingly at Ron and addressed Malfoy again. "But that doesn't explain why you want to fight on our side, when you could safely wait for the war to be over."
"Potter", Draco began, "I'm not doing this to become a follower of the boy-who-would-not-die and his gangly red-headed sidekick. I'm doing this for Hermione, and all of the people like her. I'm not the hero type, but I won't let her be hurt by the Dark Lord or his followers. Don't you see? She's the one they'll target. She's the one who disproves everything the Dark Lord and old, pure-bloods, like my father, teach. Mione is probably the most brilliant witch of our age, yet she's muggle-born. Many of the Death Eaters will make it their main objective to eliminate anything that opposes their Lord. Including her. If I can protect her, I will."
Again, Harry and Ron were left silent. Ron merely raised his hand and gestured in the direction of the bedroom.
Harry called, "Malfoy, if you're going to fight on the side of the light, here's your first lesson. Don't give him the respect of being called the Dark Lord. He's a man, like any other. His name is Voldemort, or if you really want to tick him off, call him Tom. Fearing the name, makes you fear the man."
Draco nodded and left the common room, Ron and Harry faced each other and saw mirroring looks of incredulity.
Ron said, "Never thought I'd see the day that Malfoy cared more about a muggle-born than his own arse."
Harry nodded in agreement before adding, "I reckon Ginny was right Ron. You do have some competition ahead of you."
The boys soundlessly turned and went to Harry's room, where Harry transfigured Ron a bed for the night. They both laid there replaying the events of the evening in their minds, before succumbing to the quiet of sleep.
Harry woke with a start the next morning when he noticed Ron in his room. The events of the previous evening flooded through his mind and he let out a groan.
"Ron, get up. We need to wake up Malfoy and go see McGonagall." Harry said.
"Harry, it's too early to hear that prat's name. Please just 5 more minutes." Ron replied.
Harry smirked down at Ron and said, "Sure mate, if that's what you want. But by then, Malfoy will probably have gone and gotten Mione to keep him company."
"I'm up, let's go get the ferret." Ron answered immediately jumping from his bed.
As the boys entered the other bedroom, they saw that Malfoy had already left.
"Bloody hell! It's 8 o'clock in the morning! Where is the prat?" Ron wondered.
Harry grabbed Ron and the two headed for the Great Hall. As they entered they saw Mione and Malfoy sitting at the Gryffindor table eating breakfast.
"Oi, Malfoy! I thought you wanted to see McGonagall this morning?" Ron asked.
"Thanks for the concern Weasel. Don't worry yourself about it. Mione and I spoke to her this morning while the rest of you were sleeping in." Draco answered sarcastically.
"Good morning boys," Hermione said.
"Good Morning", replied Harry, giving Malfoy a nod. "Where's Gin?"
"She's in the library", Hermione replied. "She needed to finish her Charms assignment from over the summer".
At Harry's nod, Hermione continued. "Draco is now fully reinstated as a seventh year student. Isn't that wonderful news?"
"Why don't you take your reinstated arse to the Slytherin table then?" Ron questioned.
At Ron's question, Harry glanced over at the table in question and saw vicious and menacing looks being thrown at Draco from many of it's members.
"RONALD!" Mione yelled. "You will NEVER learn. Draco is welcome to eat with me anytime he wants to, whether or not you approve. I AM allowed to make my own decisions on who I can and cannot be friends with."
Draco gave Ron a superior smirk, then turned to address Hermione. "Mione, would you care to join me in the library for some early morning research?"
"Of course Draco. It's so nice to find someone who has an appreciation for knowledge." Hermione replied, throwing down her fork especially hard. "Good day, boys."
The two left the Great Hall arm in arm. Harry looked at his best friend and cringed at his obvious seething anger. "Ron, you have got to learn to control your mouth around Mione. Bite your tongue next time, if you have to. This constant arguing is making me bloody insane!"
Ron glanced at Harry before putting his head in his hands. "I know mate. It's just I see Malfoy around her and I can't think straight. C'mon let's go to the library and find them."
"Good idea Ron. We can find out how the meeting went with McGonagall." Harry said.
Harry and Ron entered the library, when they saw Hermione, Ginny and Malfoy seated near the entrance. As they approached the trio, they heard Mione say in a low voice, "Draco, I don't know if I like the idea of you going back to the Slytherin dorms. You're not going to be everyone's favorite person. There are several students whose parents are known Death Eaters. Aren't you afraid of what they might do to you?"
Draco looked in her eyes and said, "Of course I am, Mione. But it could help us. Not everyone in Slytherin is evil. Blaise has been a friend of mine since practically infancy. Most of his family has always claimed neutrality. I need to see if there are people there that want to fight for the light side. I promise that I'll be careful, but you have to understand. Having Slytherins on our side could help. We can be quite cunning when we need to be."
Harry approached them followed closely by Ron.
"Mione, he's right. It's a good idea. It's unexpected and could help us." Harry added.
"Alright everyone, enough discussion for now. Classes are starting soon. Let's get moving. Don't forget to set the galleon for the D.A. meeting tonight at 7, for the remaining, original members. I have to see Professor McGonagall before going to class," Hermione informed them, before rushing out of the library.
Harry pulled out his D.A. Galleon from his pocket and tapped it with the information.
"C'mon Ron", Harry said. "We'd better book it if we want to make it to Potions on time".
Ginny laughed. "Better hurry, Harry. You wouldn't want Uncle Sevie docking points", she giggled as she ran off, blowing Harry a kiss.
Harry sighed at his girlfriend's quirky sense of humor, before saying, "C'mon Malfoy, are you coming to Potions or not?"
Draco, trying very hard to stifle his laughter, said, "Sure, Potter. But can I call him Uncle Sevie too?"
The three boys headed down to the dungeons and found their respective seats. Harry and Ron saved a seat for Hermione, while Draco sat up front with Blaise Zabini.
The foreboding sound of swishing robes, announced the presence of their Potions Master.
"Seeing as how last year, you were all exposed to the disastrous methodologies of Professor Slughorn, I am sure that you will need extensive remedial sessions to get up to date. He may have had his favorites, but I, as you all know, have no such weakness. There are very few of you that actually belong in this class. Those exceptional few, will have to endure the hardships of being surrounded by incompetent, mindless fools!" Professor Snape said, as he sent a withering glance to the Gryffindor side of the room.
The door of the classroom creaked open and Hermione entered.
"Miss. Granger, thank you for giving us the incomparable joy of gracing us with your presence. 10 points from Gryffindor, find your seat." Snape said.
"Yes, sir," Hermione replied.
Professor Snape continued, "Now, where was I? Oh yes. The complete inadequacy of many of you. This year will be exceptionally difficult. I would recommend, if you wish to pass this course that you all…" the students sent questioning looks at each other as Snape's words faded and were replaced by a look of adoration.
Harry groaned as Aunt Nia entered the room.
Professor Evans lightly stated, "Severus, I'm so sorry to interrupt your class, I just need to retrieve some ingredients from the storeroom for my fourth years. I'll be out of your way in a moment."
The class groaned in unison as Snape replied softly, "Seeing you, my dear Nia, is never a bother or interruption."
Professor Evans left the room as if floating on air, while Professor Snape gazed longingly at her retreating figure.
Hermione, wanting to put an end to the situation as quickly as possible said, "What was that you were saying Professor, about how to go about passing this semester?"
Professor Snape's head snapped up, realizing the spectacle that he was making of himself and snarled, "I highly doubt that more than one or two of you are capable of passing this class. Until then, I will receive the greatest pleasure in pointing out the moronic mistakes that many of you have the audacity of handing in and calling potions. Now, let us begin!", he barked.
The class gave a unanimous jump, and the clinking of vials was all that was heard for the rest of the class.
'I actually prefer this masochistic Snape to that lovesick bat attitude he puts on in front of Aunt Nia', Harry thought to himself.
The day went by quickly. Before anyone realized, it was time to head to the Room of Requirement.
Harry made his way through the halls to meet with the original D.A. members. When he arrived, he noticed that every single one of them had come.
He addressed the group as they quietly entered the room. "Alright, everyone. I'm glad that you all decided to come. Tonight isn't a real meeting, but, I need to talk to you about something that Professor McGonagall brought up to me. She wants us to restart the D.A. and open membership to everyone fourth year and above who wants to join, regardless of their houses. Yes, before you ask, that does include Slytherin. What I want to know is, if all of you are willing to rejoin and help us get everything off the ground again? McGonagall wants signs posted as soon as possible and frequent meetings."
Harry was surrounded by a resounding chorus of "Yes!"
Dean Thomas stood and spoke to the group. "These are hard times and they are only going to get worse. This group is one of the best things that I have ever been a part of. I think we should give others the chance to be a part of something so important."
The others murmured in agreement and the decision was made. All of them would begin posting signs right after the meeting and the first official meeting would be the following evening.
The next morning, Harry noticed that the signs posted regarding the D.A. were garnering a large amount of attention from all of the houses. He was pleased at the genuine amount of interest he saw, but wary as he noticed one of the signs in the hands of Theodore Nott. The Slytherin looked extraordinarily pleased with himself.
'Not a good sign,' Harry thought.
The anticipation Harry felt made the day feel exceptionally long. The only thing that got him through were the reproving looks Hermione kept sending in his direction. He spent most of Charms in deep thought, planning out activities for the meeting that evening.
Finally, at quarter to seven, it was time to head to the meeting. As Harry and Ron exited their room they ran into Ginny and Hermione, who were waiting for them.
As the group greeted each other, Ginny asked, "Harry, is there going to be a Professor there?"
"No, Gin. Not tonight, at least." Harry replied. "McGonagall wants the first official meeting to be comprised of just students. She thinks that some of our classmates will be more open to coming if they know that there won't be formal supervision. After tonight, Abe is going to chaperone and practice physical defenses with us."
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked down the third floor corridor and came to an abrupt stop. The hall was filled to maximum capacity with students from every house. Neville and Draco were trying to keep the group in order, but the sheer amount of people made that difficult. Luna could be seen off to the side, humming 'Weasley Is Our King', while seemingly in search of invisible foes within the surrounding portraits.
"Harry," Neville called, "thank Merlin you're here. We've had quite an interest in joining the D.A.. Do you think you can help us get everyone inside?"
"Sure," Harry answered. He paced back and forth, seemingly deep in thought, until a door appeared before him. He opened the door and let everyone enter the room.
"Now that everyone is here, sit down for a minute. Harry has something to say." Ginny yelled above the noise of the crowd.
Harry strode confidently to the middle of the room. "I'm glad so many of you have decided to turn up for tonight's meeting. Before we begin, you'll notice Hermione passing around a parchment. If you will all sign your name to it we can begin."
Seamus piped up, "What are we agreeing to by signing?"
Harry smirked. "Good question. In fifth year we had a small problem with privacy. I'm sure you all remember Marietta Edgecombe. I hear that they're still trying to undo Mione's marvelous hex work. I assure you, if you break this agreement, your fate will be much worse than a bit of acne. By signing, you are agreeing to not divulge anything that is said during these meetings, to protect Hogwarts at all costs, and to not use anything you learn here for the benefit of Voldemort. We are living in a time of war. Voldemort wants to destroy everything that the light side stands for. If you are with us, you are against him. Make your choice."
Much to Harry's surprise, only a handful of students left, including Crabbe, Goyle and Theodore Nott, who all cast fearful glances at Hermione and loathing ones at Draco. When the parchment had been signed and returned to Hermione for safe-keeping, Harry began with the demonstration.
He started the meeting reviewing the basic disarming spell 'Expelliarmus', dueling techniques and the leg-lock curse. After a half an hour, Harry decided that everyone was doing well enough to move onto something more difficult.
"The spell that I'm going to show you is one that Hermione showed several of us. It's old, very powerful and a great defensive spell. It literally throws your opponent away from you. The incantation is 'Pulsus' and the wand movement is done like this," he said as he showed the proper wand movement.
Harry then paired off with Ron to demonstrate the spell. As he yelled 'Pulsus,' Ron was thrown several steps backward and was left in a sitting position on the floor.
'Strange', Harry thought to himself. 'I remember that spell being much more effective the last time I used it'.
Harry then announced, "Everyone pair up and practice this spell. I'll come around if anyone needs help."
As he circled the room he was pleased with the enthusiasm and determination of the group. He watched with pride as Neville easily mastered the spell against Draco. Neville looked extremely satisfied with his accomplishment. Harry hoped that confidence would continue to help Neville throughout the war. Harry also noticed Ron's look of disappointment as his partner had barely stumbled before falling.
"Harry", Ron whispered, as he pulled him aside. "How is it possible that I was able to knock down Hermione's door without a problem using this, but that little midget fourth year barely fely a thing?"
"It didn't work as well for me, either", replied a confused Harry. "We'll have to talk to Hermione about it after the meeting".
It was then that Harry looked at his watch, and noticed that they had overrun their time.
"That's all for tonight. On your way out, Mione will give each of you a galleon. Do not spend it. When the next meeting is set, the date and time will appear on your coin. I'll see you all next time."
"Hermione," Draco began, "Blaise and I are going to head down to the Slytherin common room. I'm willing to bet that tonight is a main topic of conversation. I'll fill you in on any interesting developments in the morning. Good night."
As the room cleared, Harry's 'inner circle' remained. He looked around at his most trust-worthy friends. He was surrounded by Ron, Mione, Ginny, Neville and Luna.
Mione addressed the group first. "We really need to discuss the horcrux situation. While we are still researching how to destroy the locket, we still have no idea about the other horcruxes."
Harry responded, "That's not exactly right, Mione. For one thing, we know that Voldemort hides them in places that have significance for him and secondly, Dumbledore was pretty sure that he would've used objects that were connected to the founders. We know that he had Hufflepuff's cup, so that leaves Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Gryffindor's sword and the sorting hat are in McGonagall's office. That means we should probably concentrate on any articles that had a connection to Ravenclaw."
Luna looked surprised and said, "Well that's simple enough. We can owl my father in the morning."
Hermione sighed and said, "Luna, I know that you're trying to help, but I don't know how reliable information from the Quibbler will be in this particular endeavor."
Luna replied, "This has nothing to do with the paper. My father and I are the last living descendents of Rowena Ravenclaw. We can just have my dad check the vault and see if there is anything missing."
Hermione was slack-jawed, while Ron said, "You're related to Ravenclaw?"
Luna said, "Yes, Ronald. Almost all of the Ravenclaw artifacts have been passed down our line."
Harry took this information in before asking, "Luna, I really need you to think right now. Do any of these artifacts have a connection to Salazar Slytherin? That's something that would appeal to Voldemort."
Luna got quiet for a minute before answering, "None of our artifacts have any relationship to Slytherin, but there is a story that my mum used to tell me when I was a little girl that might be relevant."
Excited by this potential information, Harry asked Luna to tell them what she remembered.
"I remember that my mother used to tell me about the beginnings of Hogwarts. Of how close the founders were. This story is about Rowena and Slytherin. Ravenclaw was well known for her brilliant, deductive mind. Slytherin and her loved to engage in weekly chess matches against each other. It pitted her sense of logic against his cunning. Throughout the years, Slytherin was never able to beat her. One day, after a particularly long match, Slytherin accomplished what he never believed possible: he had beaten Rowena by eliminating her queen, then taking her king. Rowena was astounded by her loss, but was truly happy that Slytherin had finally won. In remembrance of the occasion, it is said that she gave him the queen from her chess set. It was one of his most prized possessions. No one knows what happened to it after the founders had their falling out, but I can tell you that it was never returned to her. We have the rest of the set at home, but without the queen, it's essentially valueless."
"I believe that we've just gotten our first lead." Ginny said. "It would be just like Voldemort to use the queen as a horcrux. After all, behind every strong man, is an ever more powerful female, making him who he is." she added slyly.
"This is all well and good, but we also need to figure out where Voldemort could have hidden the horcruxes. I have a theory that I've been working on about Hufflepuff's cup." Hermione put forth.
"Speak up Mione. You are the brains of this little group. You're hunches haven't led me down the wrong path before." Harry told her.
"Well," Hermione began slowly, "I've been thinking about how Voldemort has hidden the horcruxes in places that have a particular significance to him. I can think of two places that fit this description. The first would be Godric's Hollow. That was the place where he killed your parents and met his downfall in you, Harry. But that has no real tie to Hufflepuff. The second place, which seems more likely, is the cemetery that you were brought to during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It was there that he came back to power and it was there that Cedric was murdered. Cedric was the best example of Hufflepuff house's qualities. It seems morbidly appropriate that he would leave Hufflepuff's cup in the place where one of its best was killed on his orders."
"Mione," Harry began as he engulfed her in a bone-crushing hug, "you are the most brilliant woman I've ever met. Let's go to McGonagall and arrange a field trip."
The six students bolted out of the Room of Requirement and headed for Professor McGonagall's Office at top speed. As they turned the corridor, toward the main staircase, they came to an abrupt stop as they heard a voice shouting from one of the levels below.
"Someone fetch Madame Pomfrey", the voice cried.
Without a word, the group changed directions and headed toward the voice, only to find Blaise Zabini levitating a battered, unconscious Draco.
"Some of the others didn't take too kindly to Malfoy's choice of company lately", he said sullenly.
As the group hurried alongside Draco, with Luna and Hermione taking turns attempting to Ennervate him, Ron could be heard muttering, "Blimey. I never thought I'd feel bad for someone getting a taste of their own medicine."
duj: Thank you for your numerous reviews and constructive criticism. We didn't even realize that Dumbledore's portrait had already been there. We read so much fan fiction that sometimes we get confused between that and canon. Thank you for setting the record straight. At least Hermione figured out the Mundungus connection before anyone else, even though she'll probably figure it out much quicker in Book 7. I guess we drew it out a little too long. The Sorting Hat will play a major role in uncovering a missing horcrux, but we're not going to make it one of them. We appreciate the time you took to review and look forward to future input.
mthukral: Thank you for reviewing. We appreciate constructive criticism. We're pretty sure that the conductor scene was Fudge's only part in this story, and we value your opinion.
pegasusbabi: Phew, that's a relief. We weren't sure if we were pushing it with Snape and Nia. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Radszilla: We're really hoping that Abe turns out to be a nut in Book 7. We've been dying to find out what he's really like since Book 5. We're so happy that you like our interpretation of him. We plan on finishing this story until the end, don't worry. But, hmmmm…. Chapter 9 and they're on their second day of school. It will most likely be a bazillion chapters. Hope you stick around for the rest of it. Thank you so much for reviewing.
Pink Luvin Goddess: We feel a little bad for scarring everyone for life. We'll make sure to keep Snape's 'stretching' out of future chapters. Thanks for the review.
Bribbie: Okay, okay….. No more teacher relations. And, yes, Draco is a little delusional if he thinks he has a shot with Hermione. But, delusional can be fun. Thanks for always reviewing. We appreciate and enjoy it.
Monai: We thought it was a fun night, too. We didn't really think that so many people would be so grossed out by Snape doing the nasty. Harry just really needed a little more surrogate parent embarrassment, in our eyes. We think that should do it…… for the time being. Thank you for reviewing.
Erin10: Yeah, Book 6 was a little disturbing. We're glad someone appreciated our Fudge. As for Snape…. Well, we guess he can go either way in canon, but for us, he was redeemed for the fun of it all with Petunia and with dear old Dudley…………. (-here, we take a break to laugh maniacally, because no one knows what we have planned for the poor little piggy-). Thanks for reviewing.
Spacehog26: OH CRUD! You're absolutely right. Fortunately, they haven't had a Transfiguration Class yet, so you've given us the opportunity to work out a teaching situation and an explanation of why no other new teachers were introduced at the start of term. It would've been so easy to make Petunia Transfiguration teacher, in retrospect. Oh well, we have some ideas now. Thanks for the review and for the heads up!
Monks and Salim 271:Thanks for the review and for adding us to your C2 Community. We appreciate it.
mrslovett: So, we take it you're not an Alan Rickman fan. J. would certainly like to see him stretching (Although A. is screaming that she agrees with you about never wanting to see that in Book 7.… or a movie of any kind). We were so disheartened by your review. We hate when people who seemed to like the story start to veer away. We really just wanted to have a little fun. We didn't even know our writing style had changed. Hopefully, this chapter brought us back on track. Let us know. Thanks for reviewing.
Potter and the Weasley: How did Ginny use magic? With her wand, silly. No, but really, we were wondering if anyone would ever notice that. We learned in Book 6 that a magic spell is traced by the Ministry, not the person who performed the spell. So, three spells were cast by Hermione, Ginny and Tonks, while Ron and Harry sat there dumbfounded at Vernon's attempt at violence. Since Ron, Tonks and Hermione are all of age, there were 3 spells shot off: one for each witch or wizard who is legally allowed to perform magic outside of Hogwarts. As Ron didn't perform one, Ginny was covered. Thanks for reviewing and for being so in depth with your reading.